Hector Medellin Lastra

Hector Medellin Lastra, 90, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his family.

Born July 3, 1936, in Mexico City, Hector was the eldest child of Hector Medellin Ostos and Margarita Lastra Herrera. From an early age, his exceptional intelligence and curiosity were evident. He studied medicine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), graduating with Honorable Mention in 1960. His early medical career combined clinical medicine, teaching and research at Mexico’s National Institute of Cardiology and included published cardiovascular research.

Hector later came to the United States for advanced medical training, completing his radiology residency at Jefferson Medical College Hospital in Philadelphia. In January 1968, he moved to Houston to join The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, where he served as a teaching physician in radiology. In 1977, he began the defining chapter of his professional career at Memorial City Hospital, where he established a private radiology practice and remained until 2003.

Hector then semi-retired to the Lake Almanor area of Northern California, where he continued practicing radiology and provided coverage for several smaller hospitals. He later returned to Houston to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

Hector will be remembered for his boundless curiosity, adventurous spirit and unmistakable sense of humor. He had a lifelong love of travel, fine dining, literature and movies, along with an ever-changing array of interests and outdoor pursuits. Whether motorcycling through the Alps, golfing at Pebble Beach or diving in Grand Cayman, Hector embraced the opportunity to experience the world and often brought his family along for the adventure. He remained deeply connected to Mexico throughout his life and treasured the large family he had there.

Throughout his years in Houston, Hector was actively involved in numerous professional, social and community organizations. Hector loved his family and was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren.

Hector is survived by his five children, Patty Medellin-Dorbecker, Hector A. Medellin, Andres Medellin, Maggie Medellin McKinney and Alex Medellin; his eight grandchildren, Mara Medellin Demetriades, Julian Salazar, Kyalan Medellin, Sarah Medellin Bayliss, Diego Salazar, Olivia McKinney, Alejandra Medellin and Sophia McKinney; his former wife, Deborah Lindsay Medellin; and his sister, Lourdes Medellin Ordoñez. His brothers, Jorge “Totito” Medellin Lastra and Javier Medellin Lastra, preceded him in death.

Hector’s life spanned two countries, a distinguished medical career, countless adventures and generations of family. He will be remembered for the life he lived, the experiences he shared and the family he loved.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Westheimer, Chapel, 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, on September 11, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

A Memorial Service will be held at Forest Park Westheimer, Chapel, 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, on September 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.