Emmanuel Gbehi was born June 15, 1958, and passed away on August 6, 2017. He was a loving, affable family man with tremendous business acumen and unsurpassed negotiation skills. He was easily amused and will be fondly remembered for his joy of life, quick wit, patience, and acceptance of others.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; their two sons, Carl, Emmanuel II, and daughter Akou; Emmanuel’s parents, Jeanette and Jean, precede him in death. He is survived by his sister, Theresa; brothers, Samuel, Eric, Jungle and step-brother Simplice Mao; uncle, Emile Bombet, Keith and Solange Beauvais; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless extended family, friends, business acquaintances and the Ivoirian community.

Emmanuel grew up in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; he attended Xavier University and was a graduate of the American College with two Masters degrees in Management and in Financial Services. He was also a graduate of the School of Advanced Petroleum Measurement at the University of Texas. He was a member of The Society of Financial Service Professionals, The American Arbitration Association, The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers, Houston World Affairs Council, and Houston Producers Forum.

Emmanuel was the President and CEO of Petroci USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Petroci Holdings. He was previously a managing partner of EG Financial Services, Inc., as president and CEO. He also served as Managing Partner of Murphy Ventures Partners, LP, and Vice President of Sofina Resources Corporation.
Emmanuel served as a special assistant to former Lt. Gov. Clifford Jones, then Chairman of the West Africa Investment Trust. He also served as a senior adviser to the investment group Huffco, and as an adviser to the Ministers of Energy and Mining of Côte d'Ivoire since 1992. He also co-authored the City of Houston’s Partners in Trade Bill, and served as Co-Chairman of the Trade Committee, promoting oil and gas development for Houston and Abidjan.

Emmanuel established the Office of Honorary Consul General of Cote d'Ivoire in Houston, and served as Co-Chair of the Cities of Houston-Abidjan Partners in Trade. He also served as a consultant to KHOU-TV News, Halliburton, and New Field Exploration.

Emmanuel continued his life-long interest in soccer by coaching at the YMCA as a parent volunteer and traveling with his family to professional matches.
The Memorial Service will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church on August 15, 2017 at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Emmanuel Gbehi Memorial Fund, 550 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 340, Houston, TX 77027. Please make checks payable to Betty Gbehi.