William “Bill” Reed Avent
William “Bill” Reed Avent, passed away at the age of 84 on November 1, 2019. He was born to Mary and Benjamin Avent on September 25, 1935 in Houston, Texas where he remained a life-long resident.
Bill served his country in the Texas Air National Guard. He graduated from Rice University in 1957. He was employed in the aerospace industry for 40 years and retired from United Space Alliance. During his career he received many recognitions for his dedicated service to human space flight. He was recognized for his work on the success of the Apollo 11 mission, the Skylab Program, and the Space Shuttle “Columbia”. He received the ALT award for his contribution to the success of the Space Shuttle orbiter “Enterprise” and worked on developing the software for the Space Shuttle Simulator. He was honored by NASA with an award recognizing his dedication, commitment to excellence and achievements in support of the space program.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Benjamin Gordon Avent.
Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Maria Michel Avent; daughters: Diana Avent Muscanere, husband Sam and Jeannette Mercedes Avent and Jan Fry; grandchildren: Michael Scott Liska and David James Avent; sister, Rosemary Avent Brown.
There will be a memorial service on Friday, November 8, 2019 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Crowder Funeral Home in Pearland, Texas.
I only met Mr. Avent once, and that was when his daughter and my dear friend Jeannette Avent had people over to help her clean up her post-flooded house after Tropical Storm Allison. From what Jeannette tells me, this was her dad (and mom) to a T: supportive, always there for her, loving and kind. They say children are a message we send to a time we will not live to see. Mr. Avent, you are no doubt so proud of the message you have sent with Jeannette. She is one of the finest people I’ve ever met. And as for you, in the words of the great Stevie Ray Vaughan, “Death isn’t when people stop; it’s just when people change.” Perhaps you have merged with the infinite, now keeping company with the stars that kept you company in life. All my love to Jeannette, Diana, Jan Fry, David Avent and of course, Mrs. Avent.
Bill was a wonderful man who dedicated is life to family and NASA. I’ve known him and his daughters have been my true friends since kindergarten. We’ve shared many wonderful memories. He always had a smile and would give the shirt off his back to all in need. He will be truly missed. A great spirit!! Rest with our Heavenly Father Bill!!!!
We send our heart felt condolences to his family.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I was privileged to work with Bill. He was such a smart and kind human. I imagine everyone he encountered learned something from him. I know I did. He was highly regarded at work as an expert in avionics. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your loved one! Bill will be greatly missed.
Our condolences to the Avent family. Mr. Avent was a great person. I knew him through my beautiful friend, Diana, in college when he and Mrs. Avent would go visit. He was always smiling. I could tell he was a proud father. He did a great job raising his girls. I admired his role, especially as a husband. Only a great husband can make his wife smile like Mrs. Avent always did. Quiero expresar mi más sentido pésame por su pérdida, Sra. Avent. Los tendre en mis oraciónes.
I am so sorry for your loss. Grief can be such a sad lonely road, but remember you have many friends who love and support you. All the best during this hard time
Roxy Blackburn
Thank you to everyone’s kind and comforting words. There is not a day that goes by that we don’t miss Dad. God bless you all.