George "Achenkunju" Mathew's Obituary
Our beloved dad, George Mathew, lovingly known to us as Achenkunju, was the heart of our family: a deeply loved husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and proud companion to his beloved fur baby, Shilpi. After a courageous six-year battle with illness, he peacefully entered his heavenly home on May 21, 2026, at the age of 73, surrounded by the family who loved him so dearly at his home in Hutto, Texas. Our hearts are shattered by this loss, but we find comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace and free from pain.
He was born on December 3, 1952, in Kumplampoika, Kerala, India, to the late K. T. George and Aleyamma George. From humble beginnings, he built a life marked by discipline, sacrifice, and an unshakable love for his family. He attended Kumplampoika CMS High School and later studied at Catholicate College in Pathanamthitta. He proudly served in the Indian Air Force for 15 years, beginning in 1972 and retiring in 1987. He then worked for the Central Bank of India for the next 10 years, until 1997. To us, he was never defined simply by his accomplishments, but by his quiet strength, his integrity, and the steady love he gave so freely.
He married his beloved wife, Mariamma Mathew, in 1981, and together they built a life grounded in faith, love, and devotion to family. In November 1997, he moved with his family to Houston, Texas, carrying with him the dream of giving us a better life and greater opportunities. He worked in a physically demanding role at Southwest Oilfield in Houston, TX, from 1997 until his retirement in 2015, making countless sacrifices and working tirelessly to provide for all of us. He loved reading just about anything he could get his hands on, enjoyed math, and found joy in wrestling during his free time. His life was a beautiful example of perseverance, selflessness, and unwavering love.
In 2020, he was diagnosed with renal adenocarcinoma, which later spread to his lungs, bones, and spine. Over the next six difficult years, he endured multiple surgeries, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. Through every trial, he showed us what true courage, grace, and faith really look like. Even amidst the pain, he carried himself with quiet strength and a smile that brought comfort to those around him. Watching him face each day with such dignity and resilience is something we will carry with us forever.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Rosamma; his daughters, Swapna Varghese and Shobha David; his sons-in-law, Prince Varghese and Denis David; and his three joyful and energetic grandchildren, Hannah Varghese, Aaron Varghese, and Judah David, who brought him so much pride and happiness. He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings, K. G. Thomas (India), Gracy Vattakunnel, and Saly Jacob. We deeply feel the emptiness his absence leaves behind, but we hold on to the comforting thought that he is now reunited in heaven with his parents, his younger brother George Varughese, and his precious dog, Shilpi.
To us, he was far more than words could ever fully express. He was our strength, our comfort, our protector, and the steady presence who filled our lives with love and security. The emptiness he leaves behind is immeasurable, and we will miss him deeply every single day. Yet the memories he gave us and the love he poured into our lives will remain with us forever.
Thank you, Pappa, for everything. Thank you for your sacrifices, your strength, your prayers, and the unconditional love you gave us each day. You taught us how to stand strong through hardship, how to rise after every fall, and how to keep moving forward with faith and courage. We love you more than words can ever say, and we will carry your love, your lessons, and your memory in our hearts always. Rest peacefully until we meet again and please say hello to Shilpi for us.
A service in his honor will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Mar Thoma Church, located at 5810 Almeda Genoa Rd, Houston, TX. A burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at South Park Funeral Home, located at 1310 N. Main Street, Pearland, Texas.
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