There will be an empty place at our table this Christmas. Michael Paul McNamara, 60 years old, eldest son of Frank and Juliette McNamara, died on Sept. 23 at Houston Hospice.

He bravely took on the challenge of a deadly cancer called Chondrosarcoma. According to his wishes, his body was cremated and the ashes were spread on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Michael is survived by his parents, his brother Patrick, Shu Li and Daniel McNamara, his niece Brittany McNamara, his sister Bridget Hartzell, Matt and Michael David Hartzell.

If you would like to have a memorial for Michael, your donation can be sent and used wisely at Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030-4123. Arrangements handled by Carnes Funeral Home.