March 31, 1935-February 26, 2026

Rene Trevino, aged 90, of Friendswood, Texas passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2026.  He was a loving father, adored grandfather and great grandfather and was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donella McClellan Trevino.  Together they built a life centered around family, strength, and dedication to one another.

Rene was born in Santa Barbara, Chihuahua, Mexico on March 31^st, 1935, to Maudo Trevino and Margarita Romo Trevino.  Upon his mother’s death as a toddler, Rene was raised by his father and two aunts – Hortensia and Laurencia.  Santa Barbara, being a 14^th century mining town located high in the Occidental Sierra Nevada mountains, shaped Rene’s life, instilling hard work, resourcefulness and a love of the outdoors.

At age 12, Rene boarded a bus with his older brothers and traveled to Laredo, Texas where he enrolled into the Holding Institute and graduated high school in 1952.  He attended Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, Indiana from 1952-1953 majoring in chemistry and mathematics.  Rene then attended McMurry College in Abilene, Texas from 1954-1956 and then went on to attend and graduate from Oregon University from 1956-1958.

Rene met the love of his life – Donella while working at a hospital in Amarillo, Texas.  They married on July 4^th, 1958, and soon moved to Houston, Texas so that he could pursue an opportunity to work in the chemical industry while Donella continued her nursing career at Hermann Hospital.

Rene first worked for Retzloff Chemical.  He was adept at formulating new agricultural, oilfield, and mining chemicals.  He quickly rose in responsibilities due to his leadership skills and developed life-long relationships with clientele all over the world.  His work took him all over the globe.  Retzloff sold to a large chemical company based in New York.  Being a part of the executive team, he was asked to relocate to New York City.  Keeping his family in mind first, he declined the offer and started his own chemical company – Arjay Chemical and built a chemical plant near Dayton, Texas.  Rene later sold Arjay to Baker Hughes’ chemical division and retired years later.

Rene was at ease in boardrooms across the world as he was sitting around a campfire with close friends.  He loved to fish and play golf.  He taught himself to play the piano and in his younger days he would earn extra money playing for churches on Sunday mornings.  Although Rene had many passions, caring and providing for his family remained his true calling.  His work travel took him to far and sometimes dangerous places but coming home gave him the most pleasure.  Rene always took time to teach and care for his children whom he is survived by – Rene Trevino, Loy Trevino and wife Desiree Trevino, Katheryn Steury and husband Craig Steury.

While Rene held many titles in his lifetime, the one title that gave him the most joy and fulfillment was being called Pa Pa.  He found great delight in his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Sunday evenings were spent around the dinner table and playing sports in his backyard.  The first words out of his mouth were always “How are the kids doing”.  He was so very proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. 

He is survived by grandson Tyler Trevino and wife Kirby Trevino, granddaughter Emma Izquierdo and husband Xavi Izquierdo, grandson Cullen Trevino and wife Courtney Trevino and grandson Joel Trevino.

Rene is also survived by his two great grandchildren – Rue Izquierdo and Walker Trevino.  Being a great grandfather left him in wonder.  He would often tell us how he couldn’t believe he was a great grandfather.

Rene’s legacy is marked by his generosity, his intellect, his humility, and his deep love for his family.

Rene is preceded in death by his loving wife, brothers Maudo, Eloy, and Servando and is survived by his brother Edgar Trevino and Diana Clement.

Family and friends are cordially invited to celebrate his life at the Friendswood Friends Church, 502 S Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546 on Saturday May 2^nd, 2026, at 11:00 AM.