Henry Lee Rouse

Henry Lee Rouse, 86, of Gulfport, died Saturday, April 26, 2008 in Gulfport. He was born December 17, 1921 in Success, MS the second child of the Leslie Rouse and Fannie Quave Rouse. As a child Henry was raised as a Methodist and then later in life he converted to Catholism. While attending high school in Success he worked part time for four years fighting fires with the U.S. Forest Service. He worked with the Gulfport Fire Department for 20 years where he retired as District Chief. While working with the fire department, Henry helped to invent a device to help reduce the time and effort required to coil fire hoses after they dry. Henry also worked for Gulfport's Park and Recreation Department for 16 years. Henry was an honorary life member in Bishop Gunn Council of the Knights of Columbus. While being a member of the Knights of Columbus, Henry held many posts including, Past Grand Knight, Past Faithful Navigator, Home Board President and others. Henry and his wife, Mrs. Verby helped to prepare many meals at the KC Hall. Henry had many hobbies and played basketball until he was about 35 yeard old. He loved fishing and riding his tractor while cutting grass at his farm. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years, Verby Lizana Rouse; two children, Doris M. Rouse and Charles Lee Rouse, Sr; and three brothers, Eugene Rouse, Charles Rouse and William Lawrence Rouse. He is survived by a daughter, Frances Louise Rouse-Parker; a daughter-in-law, Kristina Winstead Rouse, an adopted great- grandchild, Brianne Rouse; a sister, Lorette Rouse Compton; two brothers, Joe B. Rouse and Jerry Rouse; five grandchildren, Laura Ann Parker, Charles L. Rouse, Jr.,Stephen Christopher Parker, Alan Matthew Parker, Angela Marie Lee; and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 29, 2008 from 6 until 9 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport with a recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Gulfport where friends may visit one hour before the service. Interment will be in Wolf River Cemetery. An honor guard will be provided by the Knights of Columbus and Gulfport Fire Department for the visitations The family prefers memorials to St. Vincent de Paul Society, C/O St. John Catholic Church, P.O. Box 970, Gulfport, MS 39502. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com