Raja Saadeh went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 17, 2021, at the age of 84. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his beloved wife and children.

Raja was born on January 15, 1937, in Ebel El Saqi, a small town in southern Lebanon. At the age of 19, he bravely took a solo journey to America, immigrating through Ellis Island in December of 1956. He came to further his education, attending Northrop Institute of Technology in Inglewood, California, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Raja was extremely proud when he became an American Citizen in 1965 and later earned a Masters degree in Computer Science at The University of Houston.

As a young man, Raja began building his legacy by working multiple jobs to put himself through college. He became friends with his co-worker, Sol Tarud, who introduced his sister, Hilda, to Raja. They were married in December 1960 and moved to Texas. He began his long career as a systems engineer with Philco Ford working as a NASA contractor at the Johnson Space Center. Raja was a key contributor for the Apollo program and was instrumental in developing the simulator for the Space Shuttle program. Former colleagues have said that Raja was a solid influence on those he touched. He retired from NASA in June 1995.

It was a gift when Raja smiled approvingly at you with his sparkling blue eyes. He enjoyed musical soundtracks, a good game of cards with family and watching his favorite Western and Classic movies with his grandchildren. Lovingly known as “Jiddi,” Raja was most proud of the educational achievements of his treasured grandsons. He was one of their biggest fans, attending many of their soccer, baseball, football, and hockey tournaments.

Raja lived life with a gracious and kind heart and referred to himself as a simple man. He believed life was about who you were and what you stood for rather than the things you had accumulated. Raja was analytical and had a passion for investing. He happily imparted financial wisdom to family members and anyone who sought his advice. Raja spoke of securing one’s financial future with his favorite analogy of the “seed corn” – Do you want to be a consumer or an investor: eat your corn or grow your corn?

The extended family in Lebanon is deeply saddened for the loss of this humble man of God. Raja took great joy in making others happy and was a highly regarded Son of Lebanon. His sister, Jamile, said “Everything that represents Lebanon is Raja.”

Raja is survived by Hilda, his wife of 60 years, and their four children: Douglas and Jaime’ Saadeh, Paula and Don Lagrone, Launa Saadeh and Mary Saadeh. He is further survived by his four precious grandsons: Duggie and Hunter Lagrone and Michael and Ethan Saadeh, and by his siblings: Najla, Samira, Jamile, Samir and Lore, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Raja is predeceased by his parents, Kamel and Soumaya, and his brothers, Jamil and Sami.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Oncology – Deke Slayton Cancer Center for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Raja and the family.

Raja’s family will receive guests on Sunday, May 23, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home, Webster, TX. A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, May 24, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. George Orthodox Christian Church, 5311 Mercer Street, Houston, TX 77005. The interment will follow at Mt Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Dickinson, TX. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Lebanese Red Cross.