Reverend Deacon Thazhethil Samuel Varghese was born on May 3, 1942 to Thazhethil Samuel and Marykutty of Omalloor, Pathanamthitta. On May 22, 1972, he married his beautiful wife Gracy (Annamma) Varghese from Pullad, Thiruvulla. He was blessed with three daughters Viji, Silvi (Viju) and Sybil whom he lovingly called his three angels.
Valliya Chemmachen served as a Sergeant in the Indian Air Force for almost 20 years. During his service, he earned several medals for active duty in several wars of that time. After his migration to Houston in 1977, he was employed by TXT until it was acquired by Halliburton and then served as a consultant in Portland, Maine prior to his retirement.
Valliya Chemmachen was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend, and deacon throughout his life. His belief in Christ was amazing and inspirational. He dedicated his life to the Syrian Orthodox faith as a clergy member (deacon), active church member, and held various committee office positions. He was recognized as a founding member of St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church in Houston, Texas. He first became a deacon by Metropolitan Mor Athanasius Yeshue Samuel and elevated to full deacon (mshamshono) by His Grace Mor Militos Yuhanon. Valliya Chemmachen was integral to the building of the original church on West Orem Drive. His contributions to the humanitarian, cultural, and spiritual areas of Houston were limitless.
Valliya Chemmachen was undoubtedly a people person and had the ability to make friends with everyone with his charisma and his kindness. He will always be remembered for his beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and zest for life. He always sacrificed to help everyone. His goal always was to make everyone else happy and gave all that he could to make that happen. Many clergy loved him and he has accompanied many bishops and clergy, including Catholicos Baselios Thomas I, Metropolitan Mor Athanasius Yeshue Samuel, and Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I, during their stay in Houston. Both Valliya Chemmachen and Gracy had a passion for helping the elderly. They were actually working on the completion of an old age home on his ancestral land in his hometown of Cheekanal. His humanitarian efforts were always done silently, without ever seeking recognition. Valliya Chemmachen’s philosophy was always “God knows and that is all that matters”.
Our beloved Rev Dn T S Varghese went to his eternal home on June 8, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gracy, and his daughters, Viji, “Kochumol”, and “Baby”. He is also survived by his younger siblings: former Indian Parliament Security Chief Commander T S Samuel (Delhi), A T Samuel CPA (Houston), Aleyamma Varghese (Ernakulam) and Kunjamma Baby (Adoor). He was preceded in death by his parents, Thazhethil and Marykutty Samuel. Valliya Chemmachen is definitely in heaven with God and making friends with all the angels. His closing phrase in all his speeches & letters & conversations was “God bless you all”.
