Glen Pearson Stromme

Glen Pearson Stromme, 72, went to be with our Lord and Savior on November 13, 2024, in Houston, TX. He was born on May 19, 1952, in Washington, D.C. to Glendoris (Pearson) Stromme and John Stromme. Glen is survived by his wife, Karen Stromme, daughter Kaitlyn McCann, son Pearson Stromme, sister Debbie Rector, nephew Andy Rector and his wife Alaina, niece Heather Rector and her husband Erik and their two children Soren and Gunnar, sister-in-laws Carol Fortney and her daughter Drew, Christy Cook and husband Ellis and their children and grandchildren, brother-in-laws Mike Centers and his wife Kathryn and their children and grandchildren, Rick Centers and his son, and wife Vicky, and numerous dear friends that we call family.

After graduating high school in College Park, MD he briefly attended the University of Maryland and then joined the United States Navy where he received training in nuclear power. He served in the submarine service entering at the end of the Vietnam War and served during the Cold War. He received the following commendations: The Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Bronze Star Medal.

In 1978 he was honorably discharged from the navy and in 1979 he began his career at Ford Aerospace. From 1979-1998 he was a Space Shuttle Flight Controller with Ford Aerospace, Allied Signal, and Rockwell Shuttle Operations in Houston, TX. In 1994, he was named Manager of the Year for Rockwell Space Operations Company. From 1990-2011 he was a Project Director with United Space Alliance (Boeing/Lockheed LLC) in Houston and in Washington, D.C. During his career  he monitored and implemented hardware and software systems in the Mission Control Center of NASA for space shuttle payload operations, was Project Lead for the development of a technical study to man-rate the Arlane 5 launch vehicle for the European Space Agency (ESA), was the Lead technical liaison in the Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation and worked on United Space Alliance’s contract for the Space Shuttle Common Carrier in support of NASA space shuttle upgrades. In 2015 he took a “retirement job” where he was an Ops Agent at Southwest Airlines until present.

Glen had many passions and hobbies including sailing, woodworking, remodeling homes, watching University of Houston football, Astros baseball, horse racing, cooking, listening to music, beach time in Inlet Beach, FL, time spent in Round Top, TX, our lab Samantha Kait and springer spaniel Murphy, and watching old movies. He was the Head Elf every Christmas making every Christmas perfect and memorable. He was on the P.I.G. chili cookoff team at NASA, later an assistant cub scout leader for 5 years, and in the last two years he was involved with the Knights of Momus in Galveston, TX. What Glen especially cherished was time spent with his beloved family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 20th from 6-7 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Crowder Funeral home 111 W. Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX 77598. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, November 21st at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 3131 El Dorado Blvd, Houston, TX 77059 where the family are members. The burial will be at a later date at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, TX where Karen’s parents are also laid to rest.

12 comments

  1. We are reading this and feel compelled to be the best versions of ourselves possible, like Glen. What a treasure he was to mankind, and especially his people.
    Much Much Love as you honor Glen this week and every day forward.

    Wynde, Jim and Ben Stinson

    Wynde Stinson
  2. Glen it was a pleasure knowing you and my only wish is that we could have spent more time together. Thanks for Inlet Beach and the happy winter times I spent there. Besides your great accomplishments, you were always a good man. I think that’s number 1.

    Uncle Fred
  3. Glen and I worked together at Rockwell for at least seven years where he was always full of positive energy and that carried into his personal life he was always an excellent toast, barman and barbecue chef. I will remember when we raced his sailboat in Galveston Bay, which he passionately loved. Glen was very supportive and inclusive. I will miss my dear friend. May he rest in peace.

    Jeff Andrews
  4. My condolences to Glen’s family. I know Glen from our days at the MSC/JSC Mission Control Center. Glen always had a smile on his face with a big “hello”. May Glen Rest in Peace in Jesus’ name.

    Pete Braccio
  5. I was fortunate to work closely with Glen at United Space Alliance. His knowledge, dedication, and positive attitude combined to make him a valued member of our team. We developed a lasting friendship, enjoying several woodworking projects, sailing, working on a boat we owned together, having an occasional beer, dining on oysters at ‘Tommy’s’ and watching horse racing.
    He was a loyal friend, he loved his family and was very proud of Karen, Kaitlyn, and Pearson. Glen was a fine man in every respect and he will be missed.

    Howard DeCastro
  6. Karen, so very sorry for your loss! Your family is in my thoughts & prayers.

    Ginger Gibson
  7. Karen,
    We are so very sorry for your loss. Words fall short in expressing how deeply sad we are about losing Glen. We were blessed to have known him. Sending our love to you, Pearson, Kaitlyn and his extended family.

    Elizabeth Oliver
  8. Lost a 35+ friend this week. Had a beer or two at the Outpost or Tommy’s over the years. Did a horse race or two over the years together. GREAT to see him at the Outpost reunion. Truly one of the good guys! Will say a prayer for you and your family.

    judge richard cope, jr
  9. What a wonderful journey your life was centered around! So many accomplishments that even the most accomplished would be jealous of. Prayers to all his family and friends. It’s easy to see that you made a huge impression on many people’s lives. RIP sir and thank you for your service!

    Jeff Mason
  10. Karen, Kaitlyn and Pearson
    Debbie, Andy, Alaina, Heather, Erik and Family,

    I am so sorry for your loss.
    I have known Glen for the last 43 years that Debbie and I have been friends,
    what a great guy, friendly, kind and a lot of fun to be around.
    Words are never enough, but know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Jackie Kinnamon
  11. Glen was our neighbor for more than 15 years. He was very kind, caring, and generous. Glen and Pearson were always willing to help around the yard when we traveled. Glen often offered to assist with fixing the fence and cutting down trees after hurricanes. He kept his yard clean and beautiful, working quickly and neatly. We learned so much from him in that regard. Binh especially enjoyed having conversations with him about various topics.

    Glen was an excellent co-den leader for Cub Scouts. He was very active and productive. We admired him, not only for his work style but also for his dedication to spending time with his son on Boy Scout activities. We often saw him teaching Pearson how to mow the yard, garden, and handle chores. Glen also reminded us of the importance of teaching those activities to our own son.

    Glen had a warm and fun-loving nature, especially when it came to kids. When Pearson and my son carpooled to scout meetings, Glen would often stop by the snack shop so the kids could pick out their favorite treats.

    Glen, Thank you so much for all you brought to our lives as a wonderful neighbor. May you rest in peace. You will be deeply missed.

    Karen, Kaitlyn and Pearson, our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

    Helen and Binh
  12. Karen, Kaitlyn and Pearson,

    Sally, Will and I are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Glen. Even though I only knew Glen while co-leading cub scouts with him I feel like I knew him so much longer. I was always very impressed with Glen’s energy and desire to do the right thing when it came to the kids in scouts. His knowledge and efforts set such a terrific example for everyone including myself and I highly admired him for that. He and I greatly enjoyed our time in scouts and I couldn’t have done it without Glen’s help, encouragement, ideas and energy. Glen’s level of knowledge about so many different things always impressed me – he just seemed to know something about almost everything. Knowing his history in the Navy, on submarines, and supporting NASA certainly I can see how that empowered him with a wealth of knowledge. We will all miss Glen’s strong handshake and welcoming smile as he greeted us – we are so sorry for your loss, and please let us know if there is anything my family can do for yours.

    Tim Bond

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