Obituary of Ivison Read

August 22, 1933 - January 29, 2026

U.S. Veteran

Ivison Clarence Read, 92, of Warren, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Houston Methodist Baytown in Baytown, Texas.

Ivison was born August 22, 1933, in Warren, Texas, to William Neal Read and Inez Glenn Read. A lifelong resident of Warren, he graduated from Warren High School in 1951, where he excelled in multiple sports and played on the only male basketball team to make it to the state playoffs. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged, then attended Lamar State College of Technology. He retired after 37 years as an operator at Texaco Refinery.

After retirement, Ivison filled his days digging ponds with his brother Billy Dale, cattle ranching, gardening, enjoying sports, attending church, and serving as an administrator at Melody Grove Singing School. A gifted story weaver, he had a special way of entertaining others while quietly and consistently living out his faith through example. He was a loving husband and a devoted father to his five children. Ivison served for many years as Chairman of the Board of Directors and caretaker for Fellowship Cemetery and was an active member of Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon since 1967 and remained devoted to daily scripture study.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Ann Read; his parents, Neal and Inez Read; his brothers, J.D. Read and Billy Dale Read; and his daughter-in-law, Michele Read.

He is survived by his children, Mark Read and wife Christine of Winnie, Rosanne Sontag and husband Perry of Fulshear, Scott Read and husband Dan Garza of Houston, Paula Read of Houston, and Todd Read of Katy; his sisters, Faye McAlpin of Warren and Florine Wacasey of Friendswood; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Woodville, with the funeral service to follow. The graveside service will immediately follow at Fellowship Cemetery in Warren, Texas. Officiating will be Brother Jimbo Swinney, Brother Walter McAlpin, and Brother Mike Durden. Pallbearers will be Scott Read, Todd Read, Lane Simon, Chase Simon, Will Chessher, and Ronnie Read.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Melody Grove Singing School or Fellowship Church in Warren. Services are under the direction of Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Woodville, Texas.