H. LaVearne Backhus

Henry LaVearne Backhus, 81, of Anderson, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation with family and friends will be held Sunday, June 7, 2026, beginning at 3:00 pm at Nobles Funeral Chapel in Navasota. A parish rosary will follow at 5:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Anderson with Monsignor Adam McCloskey serving as the celebrant. Rite of committal will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel.

LaVearne was born on December 9, 1944, in Navasota, Texas, to his parents, Henry Antone and Veta Lucille Turner Backhus. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1963 and attended Blinn College for three years.

In the years that followed, he built a family he was deeply proud of. In August 1966, he married Virginia Brewton, and together they had Jeffery LaVearne Backhus and Gregory Philip Backhus. Then, in May 1987, he married Sharon Cunningham Swank, and they had Swank Turner Backhus.

LaVearne then married the love of his life, Geralyn Kimich, on September 11, 2004, after ten years of adventures together. Through their marriage, his family grew even more, and he lovingly embraced his stepsons, Jason, Kevin, and Patrick Busa as his own.

A businessman and mechanic at heart, LaVearne pursued his entrepreneurial spirit throughout his life. Before opening L&S One Stop Grocery in 1990, where he became a familiar and friendly presence in the community, he worked at Gulf States Utilities, Schult Mobile Homes, Navatex Construction, and Navatex Ford. Later, in 1993, he opened LaVearne’s Auto Service, continuing to serve others with dedication and hard work. After closing his shop in 2007, LaVearne worked for Grimes County Road and Bridge as a Motor Grader Operator until his retirement in late 2019

LaVearne was also a devoted member of his community. He served on the Navasota city council in 1983, became Mayor Pro Tem in 1984, and proudly served as Mayor of Navasota from 1985 to 1987. His commitment to helping others extended beyond public office-he was a founding member of the Grimes County Poor Boys, a group dedicated to supporting Grimes County youth. Until 2019, when LaVearne had his major stroke, he was Tommy Szymczak’s number one helper at all the auction events in Grimes County.

He is now reunited with those who preceded him in death: his parents, Henry and Veta Backhus; his brother, James Backhus; his sister-in-law, Lois; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Felix and Rose Kimich; his brother-in-law, Randy Cleere; and his stepson, Patrick Busa.

LaVearne leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to family. He is survived by his wife, Geralyn Backhus; his sons and daughter-in -laws; Jeff Backhus (Kim), Greg Backhus (Kristin), Swank Backhus (Karina), Jason Busa (Vicki), and Kevin Busa (Pam Lemieux); his grandchildren, Ann-Marie Backhus, Kyleigh Backhus, Kaitlyn Backhus, Aiden Backhus, Eli Backhus, Beckett Backhus, Kirstie Busa (Alex Burdick), Valerie Busa (Zach Grimes), Audrie Busa, and Chase Busa. He is also survived by his sister Cathy Cleere, brother and sister-in-law Burk Backhus (Trish), brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ricky and Debby Kimich, Paul and Cynthia Coronado, along with many nephews and nieces. Some very special loved ones, including Aaron Lemieux (Amy), Allie Lemieux, Kameron Garcia, Jayden Garcia, and Winter Ross.

LaVearne will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his dedication to his community, and, above all, his love for his family. His life touched many, and his memory will be carried forward by all who knew and loved him.

Pallbearers to include Rodney Backhus, Brian Backhus, Jason Cleere, Travis Cleere, Heath Backhus, Colton Backhus, Jordan Coronado, and Alex Burdick.

Honorary Pallbearers: Aiden Backhus, Eli Backhus, Beckett Backhus, Chase Busa, Kameron Garcia, Jayden Garcia, Winter Ross, Gavin Smith, Kyle Backhus, George Wells, Wayne Fread, Eddie Eppler, Daryl Alford, Don Sowell, Tommy Szymczak, Leon Coke, and The Coffee Shop Group.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Patrick Busa Memorial Scholarship Fund at the First National Bank of Anderson.