J.B. Rao, born John Batiest Rao, Sr., 92, a lifelong resident of Houston and a proud Texan, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family members in Nassau Bay on November 21, 2020.

J.B. met the love of his life, Doris, in 1964.  They were married the same year and spent 48 years raising a family and sharing the fruits of their labor.  God blessed them with the most loving and caring grandchildren that anyone could asked for.

Doris, after a long illness, passed away in 2012.  J.B. never got over the passing of his beloved wife, but still lived life with a gleam in his eye and was always smiling.  Even though J.B. was an eternally happy man, he always made it clear that he looked forward to reuniting with his beloved Doris in heaven.

J.B. was born on February 26, 1928 to William and Francis Rao, who proceeded him in death.  He was the last of his immediate family.  He was so proud of and looked up to his older brother, Frank Rao.  He loved his little sister, Mary Anne (Rao) Scalise, immensely and enjoyed talking about the Houston Astros with her, also preceded him in death.

J.B. was born into a strong Roman Catholic Family.  He was a member of St. Mary of the Expectation Catholic Church in League City, Texas.  J.B. was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 9310.

J.B., following in his older brother Frank’s footsteps, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country during War World II.  J.B. loved to tell the story about how he was in San Diego waiting to be sent overseas at the same time his Marine brother Frank was returning from deployment.  J.B. was amazed how Frank found him amid all the servicemen coming and going, and they had a photograph taken together in their uniforms.  J.B. kept that photo by his bedside for 75 years!

On the morning of November 20, 2020, J.B. received the Sacrament of Last Rites.  Shortly thereafter, he looked up from his bed, and declared that he saw “three Angels and two Apostles.”  J.B. then, with great excitement, declared that he saw his beloved wife Doris and his parents, William and Francis.  J.B. soon slipped off to eternal sleep and ended his earthly journey at approximately 6:00 p.m. on November 21, 2020.  J.B.’s wish to reunite with his loving wife was now complete.

J.B. was also preceded in death by his son, Christopher Rao, stepdaughter Linda Flannagan, and stepson, Donnie Sheffield.

J.B. leaves behind his sons: John Rao, Jr. wife Heidi, Michael Rao, wife Meghan, stepson, Vernon Sheffield, and his beloved stepdaughter, Sheila Bailey.

J.B. also leaves behind grandchildren: Scott Harrelson, Kasey Scott, Nikki Pesek, Cody Clendenin, Austin Rao, Malloy Rao, Sage Rao, Dominic Rao, Matthew Rao, Layla Rao, JohnJohn Rao, Tanner Rao, and Luke Rao.

J.B. leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives he’s touched so deeply.

Lastly, J.B. leaves behind his most faithful companion, his beloved dog Cindi Lou who will now reside with his grandsons Dominic, Matthew, JohnJohn, and Luke.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Crowder Funeral Home in League City, TX.

Mass will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at St. Mary of the Expectation Catholic Church in in League City. Followed by a burial at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston, TX.

Pallbearers will be, John Rao, Jr., Michael Rao, B.J. Scalise, Dominic Rao, Matthew Rao, JohnJohn Rao, Luke Rao, and Tanner Rao; Honarary Pallbearer, Charles “Pancho” Miller.

In lieu of flowers, J.B. would like to have donations made to the Knights of Columbus, Council 9310 at St. Mary of the Expectation Catholic Church in League City.  He was forever touched by their outpouring of support when his beloved wife, Doris, passed away and the good things they do for the community.