Chiyyarath Velayudhan Surendran of Lubbock, Texas passed away unexpectedly on April 18, 2021 at the age of 80.  Lovingly called “C.V.,” he inspired everyone who knew him through his joyful and kind spirit. A loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, loyal friend, and brother, he will be greatly missed.

Mr. Surendran was born in Thrissur, Kerala, India on March 16, 1941, the son of Mrs. Mangattil Devaky and Mr. Chiyyarath R. Velayudhan.  He graduated from the Government Engineering College at Thrissur with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1963.  In 1966 he moved to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.

Mr. Surendran married his life partner, Shyamala, in 1969 in Kannur, Kerala, India.  They celebrated 50 happy years together in 2019.

An avid supporter of the arts, Mr. Surendran cofounded the India Association of West Texas and the Fine Arts Academy of India, and also served on the board of the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for The Arts.  He was honored to be named Engineer of the Year by the South Plains Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers in 2015.

He is preceded in death by his older brother, Chandrahasan, and younger sister, Devasena.  He is survived by his wife, Shyamala, his daughter, Sharmila, son, Sandheep, grandchildren, Adesh and Ash, and many siblings and relatives in the United States and India.

In lieu of flowers, our family would appreciate donations made to The Hope House, an organization that Mr. Surendran was a passionate supporter of.  Based in Vellore, India, the Hope House is dedicated to providing care and protection to the needy children by giving access to education, enabling participation, and empowering them with information about their rights and responsibilities.