Obituary
Guest Book
Joseph Thomas Ainsworth, MD, loving husband and father, and physician dedicated to the care of his patients, passed away peacefully on the 31st of August 2010 in Houston, Texas, at the age of 93.
He is survived by his two sons, John (and his wife Sandra of Sonora, Texas and their two sons Cody and wife Mandi and Joseph), and Michael (and his wife Karen and daughter Lindsay of Manvel, Texas), and two nephews Bill Anderson of Nashville, Tennessee and Van Anderson of Jackson, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Gene, and sister Ruth Anderson of Jackson, Mississippi.
He was a member of the St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church for the past 50 years.
"Doctor Joe", as he was called by friends and patients alike, was born and raised in Mississippi, attending high school in Raymond and Millsaps College in Jackson, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1938. He attended Tulane University School of Medicine from 1938-1942, where he earned his medical degree. After serving an internship at Charity Hospital, New Orleans in 1943, he joined the Army Air Force where he served as a Flight Surgeon and retired in 1946 with the rank of Major. He continued his education at Lafayette Louisiana General Hospital, where he completed a residency in surgery and medicine. It was here that he
met his wife, Kathryn Gene Fields. They were married in 1948 and moved to Houston in 1949, where he began a career in Family Practice for nearly 30 years.
He served in leadership positions in the Harris County Medical Society, the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, Texas Medical Association, and American Medical Association, and received the Distinguished Service award from the TMA and Benjamin Rush Community Service award
from the AMA. In 1977 he joined the staff of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, advancing to the position of Vice-President for Patient Care until his retirement in 1989. He was active in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for over 40 years, serving as a volunteer, as well as in leadership positions including Chairman of the Palomino Horse Committee and Health Committee, and Vice-President of the Show. He later proudly served as
President and Chairman of the Board of the organization. At the time of his death, he was a Lifetime Member of the Executive Committee.
Friends are cordially invited to gather with the family and share remembrances from six o'clock until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 3rd of September, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where a brief service of remembrance will commence at seven o'clock.
At a later date, the family is to gather for a private interment service.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that donations be directed to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX, 77210-4486, or the Educational Fund of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, P.O. Box 20070, Houston, TX, 77225.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 3, 2010
Cindi Stover
To the Ainsworth Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayer in this time of loss. May fond memories ease your pain. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo won't be the same without Dr. Joe around.
September 3, 2010
Wally Bircher
He was our family doctor and a friend. He delivered 4 of our children. He was of great help when we came to Houston in 1955. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
September 3, 2010
Lorena Collier
September 3, 2010
Judy Johnson Cloud
To all the Ainsworth Family, I want to express my deepest sympathy on the passing of such a wonderful man who was deeply admired and respected. I had the honor of knowing him through his remarkable contribution and leadership at the Houston Livestock Show. May God bless your family.
Judy Johnson Cloud, Fulshear, Texas
September 2, 2010
Billie Wimberly
To all the Ainsworth Family,
I want to give to all of you my deepest sympathy on the passing of such a remarkable man who was dearly loved. I worked with him at the Houston Livestock Show, May God be with all of you and know that he is with you always.
Billie Wimberly Director, HLSR.
September 2, 2010
Loretta Moore
Dr Ainsworth was a great and compassionate doctor. He was my doctor many years ago. They don't make many like him anymore. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
September 2, 2010
Henry (HairDesigns By Henry) Garcia
My deepest condolences to the Ainsworth family. I use to cut Dr. Joe and son Michael's hair many years ago. Dr. Joe was a very good man. May he rest in Peace.
September 2, 2010
Sandy and Andy Currie, VMD
Dear Family and Friends,
Dr. Joe was the kindest man with the most gentle and compassionate manner. He was brilliant but showed so much humility. He made the world a better place for all of us. I will always remember his kind and considerate manners of a true southern gentleman. His handshake was soft with the firmness of geniune respect for his fellow man. Dr. Joe was a mentor to many and should be the pattern for all to strive for in life. God Speed Joe and May God Bless Your Family and Friends.
September 2, 2010
He was a fine Man. He was our family Doctor when I was a little kid. His office was on lawndale or close. I'm 60 now & often thought of Him.
Ken Willis- Montgomery, Texas
September 2, 2010
Linda Mundy
I adored Dr. Joe. I had the privilege to work with him @MDACC in his role as VP for Patient Care & learned so much from him. He was truly a caring person,highly respected and one of the last "true gentlemen" I have known. Please know my thoughts & prayers are with Dr. Ainsworth's family but he is with his beautiful bride Gene and looking down on his wonderful family.
Linda
September 2, 2010
Joe Cox
May the Lord give him peace. He was also a Ham radio operator .
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Funeral services provided by:
Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more