More detail on this person: Born June 27, 1949, and raised in Port Arthur, Texas, he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1967. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was commissioned a Chief Warrant Officer and received his Army Aviator Badge (pilot wings) in 1969. He proudly served as an aircraft commander in the Vietnam War for the 174th Assault Helicopter Company, where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for exceptionally valorous actions under fire, while escorting a medical evacuation mission in Laos. Additional honors include the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with V Device, and the Army Commendation Medal. After he completed his tour of duty, Jarvis returned to Texas, briefly working with the Department of Public Safety, then flying helicopters for the Harris County Sheriff's Office. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston in 1980, and would continue his lifetime of service with Hedwig Village Police Department, eventually retiring from Spring Branch ISD. Jarvis is survived by his wife of 18 years, Carolyn Sikora of Katy, daughter Dawn Gambrell of Houston, and granddaughter Madison Gambrell of Houston, as well as his brother James Gambrell of Houston and sister Katrina (Kathy) Gambrell of Meadows Place . He is preceded in death by his parents, Giles and Josefa Gambrell, and his brothers Butch Gambrell, Kenneth Gambrell, and Don (Chuts) Gambrell. Married to Carolyn on July 17, 1999, they were active members of the Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church community in Katy, serving in several ministries. Hobbies included dancing, travel, historical/military reading, and weaponry. Jarvis embodied the Army's values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage, before, during and after his military service. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and will continue to be cherished and emulated by those who love him. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jarvis' name to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org), American Heart Association (www.heart.org), or any military veterans' organization of your choice.
Burial information: Houston National Cemetery, Houston, TX
This information was last updated 11/24/2018
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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