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John Teas
1934-2009
JOHN FREDERICK TEAS made his appearance in
Bellaire, TX on October 10, 1934. He passed
away August 24, 2009. His parents were Frederick
Augustus Teas and Blanche Bryant Teas. John
was born upstairs in the 1916 house on Teas
Nursery property.
John grew up being around his father, grandfather,
and uncles. Surrounded by these expert nurserymen,
he soon learned about the nursery business
and developed his lifelong love of flowers
shrubs, and trees - anything that grows in
the ground. He is a fourth generation nurseryman.
The family business started in Henry County,
Indiana in 1843 and came to Bellaire, TX in
1910 — and continues to help new and
longtime gardeners.
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His four years at Teas A&M
University helped to further his understanding
of plants. He then joined the family business
and remained working at Teas Nursery until
his passing. He celebrated 50 years at Teas
in 2007.
For a number of years he taught plant identification
at the University of Houston and the Houston
Community College. He enjoyed these classes
because he took the students to different
garden centers, arboretums, and gardens every
week.
His interest in helping disadvantaged children
led him to join the Salesmanship Club of Houston
that helped children to have the opportunity
to go to summer camp. He served as president
of this organization for many years until
it merged with the YMCA and became "Camp
Pine Tree."
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John served as president of
Garden Centers of America, Houston Landscape
and Nurserymen Association, and Texas Society
of Landscape Architects. He served as governor
of Region II of the Texas Nursery and Landscape
Association. He enjoyed serving as chairman
of the beautification committee of the Bellaire
Chamber of Commerce. John also served on
the Scholarship committee of the Rotary
Club of Houston to award Rodeo scholarships.
His involvement on the committee in his
Rotary Club led him to provide Christmas
trees for the Burnet Bayland Home for Children.
The Houston Jaycees honored
him by giving the "Faith in God"
award to him for his love of church and
his participation in its many activities.
John is a charter member of the First Church
of Christ, Scientist-Bellaire and has served
it in many capacities.
The YMCA also honored John with a plaque
for his participation with the disadvantaged
children and placed the plaque in one of
their summer camps.
John gave a number of garden club talks
every year and participated in the Houston
Rose Society and Camellia Society. He often
gave talks at the Houston Rose Society.
His many customers have enjoyed the wealth
of his knowledge of plants and gardening.
He provided information for several publications
about plants. John was on TV and radio programs
talking about plants and in the Teas Nursery
TV commercials.
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As a young man, John personally helped to plant trees
along Fannin Street in Houston. Bob Hope (the entertainer)
always stayed at the Warwick Hotel, which was between
Fannin Street and Main Street, when he came to Houston.
When asked what hotel he most enjoyed staying at during
his many travels, he always said it was the "Warwick
Hotel" because of the beautiful view of the trees
and landscaping from his hotel window. This always pleased
John because he considered those trees "his"
trees.
In 1967, John married Patsy Ann Tutt and they enjoyed
traveling and visiting beautiful gardens and garden centers.
Many long-lasting friendships were formed during these
travels.
John is survived by his beloved wife Patsy; his brothers,
Thomas S. Teas and wife Diann, Charles B. Teas from Corpus
Christi and wife Karen; many nieces, nephews, cousins,
and numerous friends.
Special thanks to all the doctors and nurses at St. Luke's
Episcopal Hospital and the caregivers at the Houston Hospice.
Donations in loving remembrance of John may be made to:
First Church of Christ, Scientist, 4527 Bellaire Blvd.,
Bellaire, TX 77401; or Camp Pine Tree-YMCA, 709 Riley
Fuzzel Road, Houston, TX 77373.
Honorary pallbearers were employees of Teas Nursery Company.
A memorial service was held at 2PM Friday Aug. 28 at
Bellaire United Methodist Church, 4417 Bellaire Blvd.
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Est.
1843 
