In Memoriam
1930s
Frances "Frankie" James Avery Stahl, '38, of Memphis, TN, died Aug. 20 at age 99. She was an avid traveler and twice received the "Mississippi's Best Actress" award. She studied at Clark College, Baylor and Case Western. Frankie and John (Buck) Avery, Jr., BA '38, married in 1940. They lived in Alamo, TN, until John's death in 1971. Frankie taught in Tennessee and Texas and married Dr. William H. (Bill) Stahl in 1978. She supported Memphis Baylor Alumni and other groups. Among her survivors are three daughters including Fran Avery Arnold, BA '64, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Baylor University.
1940s
Joyce Smith Johnston, '40, of Dallas died Sept. 10 at age 97. At Baylor, she met her husband, James H. "Jimmie" Johnston Jr., BBA '41. They lived in Grand Prairie, TX, later moving to Dallas' Oak Cliff neighborhood. Mrs. Johnston spent her career as a secretary for Mobil Oil and was a member of Cliff Temple Baptist Church. Doris Rogers Walters, BBA '41, of Henderson, TX, died Aug. 6 at age 94. At 16, she enrolled at Baylor, where she met her husband, J.W. "Dub" Walters, BA '46. She was a teacher at Garrison, Spring Hill, Tyler, Beckville and Longview, TX. Walters was a member of First Baptist Church of Tatum, TX. Survivors include her brother Glen W. Rogers, BBA '49; sons Jerry David Walters, BBA '72, and Dana Edwin Walters, BS '75; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Dr. Tad LeMarre Patton, BS '46, of Baytown, TX, died Aug. 14 at age 91. He became an Eagle Scout and earned organic chemistry degrees from Notre Dame and the University of Texas at Austin. Patton did cancer research at the MD Anderson Cancer Center during the 1950s and continued his career as a research chemist including 35 years with ExxonMobil. He served in the leadership of Kiwanis Club and on the boards of the Humana Baytown Hospital, Baytown Symphony and the MD Anderson Safety Committee. He served as an Elder at Faith Presbyterian Church. Among his survivors are two children, including Ray Patton, BBA '80, MIM '82, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Howard E. Butt Jr., BA '47, of Kerrville, TX, died Sept. 11 at age 89. The former president of The H. E. Butt Foundation and H-E-B board vice chair was 89. Butt is perhaps best remembered for convening groups from all walks of life for intellectual discussion and inspired reflection, often hosting them at his Laity Lodge Retreat Center in the Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio, as well as his nationally broadcast radio program, The High Calling of our Daily Work. Butt pioneered terms and concepts--such as work/life balance and small groups--that became hallmarks of mainstream Christianity, and he was an early adapter of the servant leadership movement. Butt served as an associate evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and addressed one of the first National Prayer Breakfasts, hosted by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. Graham credited Butt with pioneering workplace ministry. Butt was a founding board member of Christianity Today magazine. He organized the North American Congress of the Laity, for which President Gerald R. Ford served as honorary chair. Butt is credited as a leader of the youth revival movement of the 1940s and '50s that spread across college campuses throughout the country. Butt’s parents, Howard E. Butt Sr., and Mary Elizabeth Butt, greatly expanded the family food business. Today, H-E-B is one of the largest grocery retailers and privately held companies in the U.S. While working in the family business, Butt created with Billy Graham the Layman's Leadership Institute, which hosted national faith-based programs for business professionals. Butt was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to the first Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity. In the late '60s, Butt transitioned to a board role as vice chair at his family's business and dedicated his life full-time to ministry. After Butt took on leadership of the H. E. Butt Foundation, he expanded his parents' vision, serving almost 1 million at the family's camping facilities in the Hill Country. He established the Laity Lodge Retreat Center, which brought together internationally renowned speakers. It was here that the "small group" model was birthed, transforming churches across the nation. As president of The H.E. Butt Foundation, Butt expanded its charitable endeavors and role in integrating business and faith. Butt wrote numerous books on faith and leadership, beginning with The Velvet-Covered Brick: Christian Leadership in an Age of Rebellion, which introduced the concept of "the Servant King" (now known as servant leadership) to mainstream business leaders. Among his survivors are his wife, Barbara Dan Gerber Butt, BA '49; siblings, Eleanor Butt Crook, BA '52, and Charles Butt; children, Howard III, Stephen and Deborah Dan Rogers, BSEd '82; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Alma Hazel Rohm, BSEd '47, died Oct. 17 in Nigeria. She was 90. Affectionately known as Chief Mama Dr. Alma Hazel Rohm in Nigeria, she served 54 years as a Baptist missionary. She graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She began ministering to the people of Nigeria in 1950, serving as a teacher at a men's teacher training college, now Bowen University, the first and largest Baptist university in Africa, and at primary and secondary schools in the towns of Iwo and Oluponna. She was designated "Chief" by King S.O. Abimola II, and she also received an honorary doctorate of divinity from the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary. The magazine Organ and Music described Rohm as a "woman of many virtues, a music icon in Nigeria especially in the Nigerian Baptist Convention, an epitome of a faithful missionary...an author, teacher and educationist, philanthropist, playwright, administrator, visionary, versatile musician, to mention a few." Several ministries in Nigeria bear her name, including Alma Rohm Baptist School, which also has a statue of the missionary in front of its library, and Alma Rohm Baptist Church. Rohm retired in 2004 and returned to the United States after serving the fourth-longest tenure among missionaries with the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board. She returned to Nigeria in 2008 and used her Social Security checks to start and support a kindergarten in Iwo. In 2009, Baylor University honored Rohm as a distinguished alumna. That same time, the Baylor University Libraries honored six graduates, including Rohm, who served as international missionaries with the special exhibit "So Great a Cloud of Witnesses." Rohm published a book, 306 Hymn-Writers, in 2001. Among her survivors is nephew Gary McNamee, BS '68.
Shirley S. Stampes, '48, of San Antonio died Sept. 16 at age 93. She was married to Bennett H. Stampes for more than 61 years and was a member of Shearer Hills Baptist Church. Shirley worked as a secretary at Douglas Bomber Plant to save money to attend Baylor. She then worked at USAA Insurance Company and moved to San Antonio. Shirley later graduated from Trinity University with a degree in industrial psychology. She became an interviewer and counselor for USAA until her retirement in 1986. They enjoyed house and pet sitting all over the world and considered this an opportunity to explore new locations and make new friends. They visited Europe, Asia, Canada and at least 30 states, including Hawai`i. The couple served as members of Baylor's Endowed Scholarship Society.
Betty Lou Schroeder, BS '48, MS '61, of Waco died Oct. 4 at age 88. She was married to Dutch Schroeder, BS '49, who played and later coached baseball for Baylor. Betty taught in Waco ISD for 35 years and retired in 1990. The majority of family time was spent cheering on Coach Dutch and Baylor Bears baseball. Betty was an excellent seamstress. She teamed with Alice Sessions, wife of then FBI Director Bill Sessions, to sew and dress prominent Washington wives, including the wife of Gen. Colin Powell. Betty attended all Baylor athletic events in green and gold from head to toe. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Emily Ann Whelpley, BA '72. Among her survivors are husband Dutch, daughter Becky Sue Hodges, BA '72, son Tim Schroeder, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Baylor "B" Association.
Alton E. "Art" Daniell, BS '49, of Houston died May 7 at age 91. He served in World War II, graduated from Baylor in three years and attended graduate school at the University of Colorado. In Texas, he worked as a research chemist for several major companies including Natural Gas Pipeline, United Carbon, Ashland Chemical and the J.M. Huber Corporation. Daniell was awarded numerous patents in organic and carbon black chemistry as well as International Testing Procedures & Standards by the ISO. He married Mary Frances Calhoun in 1944. They were married for 48 years until her death in 1992. He served as a deacon and was president of Sanford-Fritch ISD Board of Trustees, the International Bureau of Testing Standards, and numerous governmental and civic organizations. After Frances's death, Daniell married his wife of 23 years, Norma Lawrence Holland, who survives him, along with sons Craig and Eric and their families.
Samuel F. Longbottom Jr., BA '49, MA '52, of Magnolia, TX, died Oct. 19 at age 89. He married Marian L. Cross of Waco in 1950. He received two degrees from Southwestern Theological Seminary. The Longbottoms were appointed in 1954 as missionaries with the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Their first assignment was to the Territory of Hawai`i. In 1961, they moved to Vietnam, then to Taiwan in 1976. The couple officially they retired from the International Mission Board (IMB) in 1990, but many years of ministry followed. Sam worked at Baylor, then as minister of missions at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, in missions sponsored by First Baptist Church Conroe and as a workplace chaplain with Marketplace Ministries. Among his survivors are his wife of 66 years, Marian, BA '51; six children including Lynda Kunkle, BSEd '79, Tom Longbottom, BA '87, and Terry Longbottom, BA '92; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and a sister.
1950s
George Clark Anson Jr., JD '50, of Dallas died Oct. 29 at age 98. He served during World War II as a radio operator and waist gunner on B-24 bombers based in Italy. He was awarded the Purple Heart twice, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters and others. He cofounded a firm that became Jenkens, Anson, Spradley and Gilchrist. In 1969 he became the first General Counsel of First National Bank in Dallas and then the first General Counsel of First International Bancshares, which became the largest bank holding company in the South and Southwest. After retiring in 1983, he continued private practice until his late 80s. Anson served on Baylor's Board of Trustees for 18 years, beginning in 1967. He was a Regent Emeritus from 1992 until his death. He also served on the Boards of Trustees of Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, the Baylor Health Care System and the Baylor Specialty Health Centers for nearly 40 years. Anson received the W.R. White Meritorious Service Award and the Herbert H. Reynolds Award. In 1997, Baylor Health Care System established The George C. Anson/Baylor Health Care System endowed scholarship fund to provide assistance for Baylor University students pursuing degrees in healthcare related disciplines. He was a life deacon of Park Cities Baptist Church. He was a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Dallas and American Bar Associations, The Texas Bar Foundation, the Dallas Bar Foundation and others. He is survived by his wife Joyce Rushing Anson, three children and two grandsons. Memorials may be made to The George and Joyce Anson Endowed Scholarship Fund at Baylor's Truett Seminary.
Gibson Gayle Jr., JD '50, of Houston died Sept. 16 at age 89. He was valedictorian of his class at Waco High and served during World War II before entering Baylor. Gayle made the highest grade ever scored at that time on the Texas State Bar Exam. He was hired by the law firm of Fulbright, Crooker, Freeman and Bates, where he became managing partner and chairman of the executive committee. During his tenure, Gibson spearheaded what, at the time, was the largest and most successful U.S. law firm merger in history. The firm he helped build became known as Fulbright & Jaworski and is now Norton Rose Fulbright, one of the largest law firms in the world with more than 3,800 lawyers. With a legal career spanning more than 60 years, Gayle was secretary of the American Bar Association; president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association; president and director of the American Bar Endowment; director, president and vice president of the State Bar of Texas; chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Texas Bar Foundation; and Inductee into the Texas Legal Legend Hall of Fame by the State Bar of Texas, among others. He was active with numerous organizations, including M.D. Anderson Foundation, Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Medical Center, Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Chamber of Commerce. The Republic of Germany awarded him the Order of Merit in honor of his work with the M.D. Anderson Foundation, and the Republic of France named him a Knight of the Legion of Honor for his work at the University of Texas at Austin on international law. He also received the Houston Bar Association Auxiliary's Leon Jaworski Award, Baylor's Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Outstanding Young Lawyer in Texas Award, the Baylor Lawyer of the Year Award and others. Among his survivors are his wife of 68 years, Martha, BA '48; five children, Sally Smith, Alice Gayle, Gibson Gayle III, Jane Frey and Philip Gayle; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Jane Julian Snider, '50, of Little Rock, AR, died Sept. 5 at age 88. She attended Arkansas Tech and Baylor. Snider was active in PEO and enjoyed traveling. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ted Lowell Snider, BA '49, MA '50. From Baylor, they received the Huckins Medallion. Other survivors are daughter Cathron Brewton, BA '75, and her husband Bob, BBA '74; son Ted Snider Jr. "Dub"; sister Ann Clark; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
JoAnn Hodge, BA '50, of Broken Arrow, OK, died Nov. 12, 2015, at age 86. She was a retired teacher, administrator and principal with Dallas ISD, where she worked for 37 years.
Ralph W. Pulley Jr., JD '50, of Dallas died Oct. 25 at age 89. He practiced law for over 66 years. Pulley was co-captain of Baylor basketball's 1948 team that made the Final Four. While at Baylor he served as president of the sophomore class and the Baylor Chamber. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church. Pulley was a trustee of SWBTS for 22 years. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Southern Baptist Convention Foundation, served on the Board of Directors of the Southern Baptist of Texas Foundation and was a member of the administrative committee of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Pulley served as a trustee of Criswell College and the W. A. Criswell Foundation. He was president of the Dallas Baylor Club. He spent 13 years in the J.A.G. section of the 36th National Guard. Pulley started in 1950 with the law firm of Phinney-Hallman and after 30 years opened his private practice. He was authorized to practice before the Supreme Court. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Rubye Drumwright, BA '50; daughter, Claudia, BA '73; son, Tom, BBA '83, two grandsons and a brother, among others. He was preceded in death by his son, Ralph, '77.
Lora Frances (Nancy) Hills Tarbox, BA '51, of Highlands, NC, died March 28 at age 85. Nancy and E.J. Tarbox settled in Terre Haute, IN, where Nancy supported the academic community at Indiana State University. She was a founder of Leadership Terre Haute, president of Housewives Effort for Local Progress, a member of the board of directors of Indiana Planned Parenthood, a delegate to the National Organization for Women and a committee member of the campaign to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in Indiana. In 1997, E.J. and Nancy retired to Highlands, where she was a member of the Highlands Institute for Religious and Philosophical Thought, director of their Women's Dialogue program and a member of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation of Highlands. Bread for the World recognized Nancy's extraordinary generosity in the National Associate of Leadership Circles in 2016. Survivors include her husband of 59 years Everett J. Tarbox, four children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Horace Samuel "Sonny" Wallace Jr., '52, of Austin died Aug. 6 at age 86. Wallace worked in construction and for the Office of Economic Opportunity's Job Corps in Washington, D.C., and Austin. He became president of Wallace Engraving and was a member of Rotary International, Southwest Photoplatemakers Association and numerous boards of directors. He raised cattle, horses and goats. He supported many causes and organizations, including Baylor. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Virginia Wallace, four children, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a sister.
Rose Allen Gresham, BM '53, of Galena, MO, died April 26 at age 84. She was a choir member and soloist in Texas and Missouri. She was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Gresham, BBA '51. Among her survivors are three children including Dr. John L. Gresham, PhD '91, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Ralph "Pete" Erben, BS '54, of San Antonio died Sept. 15 at age 85. He was a Baylor football captain and a member of the 1952 Orange Bowl team. He became CEO and chairman of the board for Luby's Cafeterias, where he worked for 37 years. Erben was a member of Baylor's Council of 150. Among his survivors are his wife of 20 years Andie Erben, children Monty Erben, BBA '79, Mark Erben, and Molly Wilkes, BA '86, and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Judith Montgomery Erben and his siblings.
Curtis W. "Bill" Fenley Jr., BA '55, JD '56, of Lufkin, TX, died Aug. 7 at age 82. He was attending the University of Virginia School of Law when he was called and served three years as a 1st Lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General Department of the U.S. Air Force. Bill joined his father in the practice of Fenley & Fenley Law Firm, later Fenley & Bate. He was recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Trust & Estates Counsel, Texas Bar Foundation and American Bar Association. He served as president of the East Texas Bar Association and the Angelina County Bar Association. He was a director of the State Bar of Texas, Texas Young Lawyers Association and the Baylor Alumni Association. He retired in 2000. He was a deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Lufkin and served on the board of directors for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Lufkin Federal Savings & Loan and Lufkin National Bank/First City National Bank. Fenley served as president of the Lufkin-Angelina Chamber of Commerce and the Lufkin Rotary Club. Among his survivors are his wife of 61 years, Jerry Chastain Fenley, BM '55, children Curt Fenley, BA '80, JD '83, Leslie Hicks, BS '83, Carol Gilbert, BFA '85, MDiv '05, nine grandchildren and a great grandson.
Joe C. Miles Sr., BS '54, of Austin died Sept. 2 at age 85. He became a sergeant in the Marine Reserves. Miles worked several jobs before becoming a coach at Johnston (TX) HS and Crockett (TX) HS. He retired from Austin ISD after teaching and coaching for 26 years. Miles directed the music in a number of churches in Austin, including Windsor Park, Kinney Avenue, South First and Congress Avenue. He and his wife were members of Hyde Park Baptist for 30 years, and had recently become members of Austin Baptist Church. Miles was a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He was predeceased by his son, Joe Miles Jr. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara, two children and their families.
Colonel James E. "Jim" Williamson, BS '54, of Richmond, TX, died Oct. 13 at age 86. He became a jet fighter pilot with a combat tour in Korea and two in Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force as a Colonel in 1979. Williamson flew over 600 fighter combat missions, receiving three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars w/valor, 25 Air Medals and numerous other medals and ribbons. He earned additional degrees from South Texas Law School and the University of Oklahoma. Among his survivors are his wife of 55 years, Ann Howard Williamson, four children including Linda Kay Kirby, BA '83, and Robbie Pape, BBA '86, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Jean Felice Baumann, BA '56, of Fort Worth died Sept. 24 at age 83. She and Ludwig G. Baumann were married in 1955. Her husband died in Vietnam in 1969. She became a travel agent for American Express and traveled to all seven continents. Baumann was a watercolor artist and avid gardener. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Symphony League of Fort Worth and University Baptist Church. Her survivors include daughters Brenda Rea, BSN '80, Debbie Wilcox, BBA '80, and Melinda Seale, BSEd '84, seven grandchildren and a great-grandson.
Joe P. Ross, BBA '58, of Fort Worth died Oct. 15 at age 80. He came to Baylor on a football scholarship. Ross married Sandra Fowler in 1960 and they moved to Cleburne, TX, where they were both teachers. In 1969, Ross became a history teacher at William James Middle School in Fort Worth ISD. He obtained his master's degree from Abilene Christian University and became special assistant to the superintendent in 1973 and assistant superintendent in 1980. Ross retired in 1980 but was interim superintendent of Fort Worth ISD in 2004-05. He returned to the family farm in Hill County but would come back to Fort Worth every week for Sunday School and church services at Arborlawn.
Xanthia Milam Foulks, BA '59, of Waco died Oct. 25 at age 78. She was a school teacher for 25 years at Waco High School, Richfield High in Waco, and Trinity High School in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford (TX) school district. Among her survivors are her husband of 56 years, James E. Foulks, BBA '62, two daughters and three grandchildren. The Foulks served as members of Baylor's Endowed Scholarship Society and received the Huckins Medallion.
1960s
Dr. Yoshihiko "Joe" Mukoyama, MA '60, PhD '76, of Tokyo died Sept. 17, 2015. He was 92. He graduated from Keio University in Tokyo in 1948 while working at the General Headquarters of the Allied Forces as a translator. Mukoyama came to Baylor through the Fulbright Program and was soon joined by his fiancé, Atsuko "Jodie" Suzuki, MA '69. They married in the Armstrong Browning Library in 1962. He taught Baylor's first Japanese class in 1961. He returned to Japan in 1977 and became a professor at Baiko Gakuin University in Shimonoseki, Japan. There, he and his wife started an exchange program that sent more than 1,000 Japanese students to study in the U.S., 100 of whom attended Baylor. He continued to teach English literature at Baiko along with his wife for four decades before he finally retired at age 89. He wrote a novel in his final years based on his life in the post-world war period and his delayed college years at Baylor. Survivors include his wife, Atsuko "Jodie" Mukoyama, MA '69, and their children, Teddy and Dorothy, and two grandchildren.
Carey Ann Smith, BSN, '64, MSEd '67, formerly of Dallas, died Aug. 13 in Waco. She was 74. Smith worked at the Baylor School of Nursing for over 40 years. She retired after a 38-year stint as assistant dean for student services, during which she truly felt her calling was to work with the students. Smith was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas. Survivors include her brother Wayne, BBA '68, and sister-in-law Norma Smith, BA '64, of Hewitt, TX. Nieces and nephews are Kathy Smith, BSEd '96, Mark, BBA '92, MBA '93, and Angela Smith, ABC, and others. Memorials may be made to Baylor's Louise Herrington School of Nursing.
Carol Ann Bright Parker, ’60, of Horseshoe Bay, TX, died Oct. 30, 2016, at age 78. After attending Baylor, she graduated from North Texas and took a job teaching school in Odessa, TX. She married Jamie Parker, BBA’57, in 1963. The Parkers moved to Sonora, TX, and Carol spent the next few years raising children on the ranch they operated for 40 years. She returned to teaching in 1971 at both Sonora Junior High and Sonora High School. She eventually retired from teaching and opened a retail boutique, Carol’s, which she operated for 20 years in Sonora. Carol and Jamie retired to Lake LBJ in 2000. They traveled throughout the world and to every Baylor sporting event they could. Jamie died in 2013. The Parkers were members of Baylor’s Endowed Scholarship Society and received Baylor’s Huckins Medallion. Among her survivors are her children: Mark Parker, BBA ’85, JD ’85, Craig Parker, Gregg Parker, Kathryn Parker Howie, BA ’88, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Baylor University President’s Scholarship Fund.
Roy "Dean" Kruckenberg, BMEd '67, of Alice, TX, died Dec. 29, 2015, at age 71. He served as a captain in the Air Force and earned a master's degree at Texas Tech. Kruckenberg served as choir director at schools in New Braunfels and Alice, TX, while also coaching and mentoring many vocal students. He was music director for First Presbyterian Church of Alice for 40 years. Among his survivors are his wife of 48 years, Marsha Cox Kruckenberg, BMEd '67, three children, five grandchildren and two siblings, including Sue Carruthers, BS '69.
Ron Joshua Stacey, BA '68, of Bear, DE, died Oct. 28 at age 70. He attended Crozer Theological Seminary, St. Bernard's Seminary and the Colgate Rochester Divinity School Consortium. A former member of Holy Rosary Parish, he currently attended St. Thomas More Oratory, Sycamore Hill Church (formerly Hockessin Baptist), and Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA. Stacey was a longtime teacher at St. Mark's High School. Throughout his 17-year tenure, he taught Social Justice, Old and New Testament, Sacraments and World Religions. He retired in 2013. Memorials may be made to Baylor University.
1970s
Lonnie Edward Longmire, BBA '70, of Kerrville, TX, died Sept. 23 at age 72. He served in the U.S. Air Force before Baylor, where he was in student government and invited to attend the Leakey Leadership Lab. He married Jane Morris, '72, in 1969. After two years as a salesman at Word Records, Lonnie and Jane started their business, Windy Distributor Co., which became the largest independent Christian record distributing company in America. They sold the company in 1984 and moved to Kerrville. The Longmires then founded Shepherd Publishing Co., which published directories for chambers of commerce and welcome/relocation guides. Lonnie had reunited with his Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity brothers each year since 1989. He owned a small ranch outside of Kerrville. Lonnie and Jane were married for 39 years. Among his survivors are his daughter Wendy Mema, BS '93, four grandchildren, mother Juanita Heinze, and Peg Sundberg.
Connie Shockley Garrison, BSEd '76, of Corpus Christi, TX, died Aug. 3 at age 62. She was employed by Flour Bluff ISD from 1976 to 2008 and Edward Jones since 2009. Garrison enjoyed participation in Coastal Cotillion, Rotary Inner Wheel and First Baptist Sunday School. Among her survivors are her mother, Mary Shockley; spouse of 39 years, Michael D. Garrison; daughter, Shannon, '02; and others.
Cherry Martin Luna, BSEd '78, of Longview, TX, died Sept. 14 at age 61. She began a career in employee benefits in Dallas. In 1986, Cherry married Larry Luna. In 1996, the family moved to Longview, where Cherry developed an award-winning business providing employee benefits to companies throughout east Texas. Luna was a top performer for Colonial Life and Accident for several years. She was a member of Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview. Among her survivors are her son, Ryan Luna, BBA '11, JD '16, his wife Genesis, BA '11; three grandchildren; parents Paul, BBA '55, LLB '56, and Betty Lou Martin, BM '56; and siblings Paul Alexander Martin and MaryLou Brieger, BBA '82.
Timothy Wayne Foster, BBA '79, of Dallas died May 2 at age 58. At Baylor, he was president of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Foster began his professional career with the CPA firm Lawhon, Thomas, and Holmes, and in 1981 he earned his CPA license. In 1989, Foster switched his auditing focus to the federal government and worked with the Department of Interior, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Treasury. With 22 years of federal service, Foster retired in the spring of 2016 from the Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau. Survivors include husband Denny Day and brother Gerry Foster.
1980s
Ford Loos Bond, BBA '88, of San Antonio died July 4 at age 50. At Baylor, he pledged ATO fraternity. Throughout his professional career, he had an entrepreneurial spirit. He developed a number of companies, became a Realtor and was well versed in investing. Bond also was an outstanding golfer. Survivors include his mother and three siblings.
1990s
Shannon Scott Hearne, BA '90, of Austin died Feb. 1 at age 50. He lived in Southern California and eventually moved to Texas, first in Houston and then eventually settling in Austin. Among his survivors are former wife Bridgette Hearne, BA '89; son Ryan Hearne; father Shannon Craig Hearne, BA '66; siblings Stephen Hearne, MBA '08, and Lindsay Hearne and others.
2000s
Michael Anderson Wood, '01, of Waco died Sept. 23 at age 37. He married Karmen Kaye Godfrey in 2008. He was senior loan officer at 1st University Credit Union and was elected treasurer of the 2018 Class of Credit Union National Association Management School. Wood was an avid golfer and loved Baylor football. He is survived by his wife Karmen Godfrey Wood, '03, parents Edna and Randy Wood, BA '70, PhD, '78, and sister Lindsey Wood, BA '99, MSEd '00, among others. Memorials may be made to the Baylor School of Education, SOE in Italy or Costa Rica Service Trip.
Christine Kimberly Corby, BA '09, deaf education, of The Woodlands, TX, died Sept. 7 in Austin. She was 30. Corby cared for the deaf community as a deaf education teacher at McNeil High School and as a Sunday School teacher at the Austin Stone Community Church. In 2014, she spent a year in the United Arab Emirates through the 100 People Network, sharing God's love among the immigrant community. She continually encouraged her friends and family in their faith and call to missions. Her survivors include her parents, Myra and Joe Corby.
Jessica Hollis Van Soestberg, BFA '09, of Kingwood, TX, died Aug. 24 at age 28. She worked at Kosmin Media Group and was involved in choir and theatre. Soestberg received statewide recognition for her artwork. She attended Belmont University before transferring to Baylor. She married Mark Van Soestberg in 2013. They lived in Houston. She was part of Antioch Community Church, where she helped with infant childcare and leading worship. She is survived by her husband Mark, parents Steve and Leslie Hollis, and brothers Austin Hollis, Grayson Hollis, David Denning, among others.
2010s
Martha Ann Painter Sheeder, BSN '13, of Dallas died Oct. 20 at age 57. Among her survivors are daughters Allison, Meredith, Lindsay and Maury Sheeder; and siblings Joseph Painter, Sally Bock and Elizabeth Volmert. Memorials may be made to a scholarship fund in Martha's honor at Baylor's Louise Herrington School of Nursing.
David Grotberg, a sophomore University Scholar from Fergus Falls, MN, died Oct. 12. He was 19. Grotberg was a member of the Honors Residential College community and participated in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, the Honors Program and the University Scholars Program. He played trumpet as a member of the Baylor Golden Wave Marching Band. He also served as president of the Ballroom Dance Society and was involved in Alliance Bible Church in Waco. Survivors include his parents, Clark and Diane Grotberg, and five siblings.
Phadalia Lucille Benge, of Waco died Oct. 18 at age 84. She and Bobby Benge, BBA '54, celebrated their 65th anniversary Aug. 25. In 1951, the Benges came to Waco where Phadalia worked at the Bill Daniel Student Union Building and Bobby played baseball and football for Baylor. From 1956 to 1975, Phadalia supported Bobby as he became an Officer in the U.S. Air Force. She served as president of the Officers' Wives Club and held many leadership positions. The Benges lived in Austin and Houston before returning to Waco in 1995. They are members of First United Methodist Church and Baylor's 1845 Society. Among her survivors are her husband Bobby, daughters Devlin Ready, BSEd '77, and Katherine King, BSEd '80, MSEd '81, and five grandchildren.
Walter Lewis Boyd, of Waco died Aug. 13 at age 90. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was wounded in action. Boyd received the Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge. He worked for DeWitt Clark Lumber Co. and Clark Transit Mix. Later, he became co-owner of Clark Concrete Inc. In 1986, the corporation sold. The Boyds were Baylor supporters. They traveled to all 50 states and to Europe four times. Boyd was a member of the Northwest Waco Rotary Club and Western Heights Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Brownilee, in 1999. Among his survivors are sons Parker Boyd, BBA '70, MBA '72, Mark, BBA '75, Brett Boyd, BBA '80, and their families.
Gary Lynn Fair, of Hewitt, TX, died Sept. 13 at age 67. An alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin, he became an auditor with the State of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and lived in Garland, Dallas and Duncanville TX. In 1976, Fair became the manager of the Waco office of the State of Texas Comptroller. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Woodway (TX) and president of the Midway Little League for years. He supported Baylor in a number of ways. Among his survivors are his wife of 47 years, Linda Tubbs Fair; his two sons, Jeff, BBA '95, MTax '95, and Joseph; and five grandchildren.
Dr. William "Bill" Jensen, died Oct. 10 at age 74. Jensen received his BA and MA degrees from the University of Iowa and his PhD from the University of Michigan. He received a Fulbright grant to conduct his dissertation research on a group of Roman tomb sculptures (tomb of the Haterii) housed in the Vatican Museum. Jensen taught at The Ohio State University before coming to Baylor in 1976. He loved teaching and interacting with students. He retired in 2011 and subsequently was honored as a Professor Emeritus. Jensen's work as the first director of the Martin Museum of Art included an exhibit of the Gutenberg Bible. His primary research interest was Michelangelo's art. He was active on numerous departmental and university committees, including Faculty Senate and as chair of the Beall-Russell Lectures in the Humanities Committee. He was a member of the Archaeological Institute of America, the Midwest Art History Society and the College Art Association of America. In recognition of his research interest in Michelangelo, Jensen was invited to give a lecture as part of the inaugural presentation of Michelangelo's drawings at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. He ascended the scaffolding during the cleaning of the Sistine Chapel frescoes, and he also viewed frescoes in the Pope's private chapel in the Vatican. Among his survivors are his wife of 52 years, Linda, daughters Tara, '98, Eden '91, and Elizabeth, BA '96, MBA '15, three grandchildren and others. Memorials may be made to the Baylor University Art Department Scholarship Fund.
Keith Charles Kent, of Richardson, TX, died Oct. 9 at age 95. He graduated from Southwestern Louisiana Institute in 1942 and served in the Army Air Force during World War II, rising to the rank of staff sergeant. He flew 25 missions as a waist gunner on a B-17 bomber. Married in 1944, Keith and Louise made De Quincy, LA, their home. Kent earned a master's degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. The Kents lived for 25 years in Shreveport, LA, before moving to Waco in 1977. He practiced public accountancy for 35 years and moved Dallas in the early 1990s. He was a deacon in his churches in Shreveport, Waco and Dallas (Gaston Oaks Baptist). He was president of Certified Public Accountants chapters in Shreveport and Waco. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Louise Goode, BM '42, earlier in 2016. He is survived by his five sons Stephen, Craig, David, BA '75, JD '78, Paul, BSEd '77, and Creighton, BBA '78, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Murray E. Morton, of Fort Worth died Aug. 30 at age 94. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Morton was a life insurance agent for Cal-Western Life and American General Life. He was a chartered life underwriter, a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and a chartered financial consultant. Morton was a long-time member of University Baptist Church, Polytechnic Masonic Lodge, Moslah Shrine, Rotary Club and Petroleum Club. He was an avid fan of Baylor football. He was preceded in death by his son Kyle, BSEd '82. Survivors include his wife, Mary Scott "Scottie" Neal, and daughter Marla, BS '78.
John A. Olson, PhD, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, died Aug. 16 at age 69. He did his graduate work at the University of Florida, where he was a member of the Quantum Theory Project studying electron transfer reactions. He also was a post-doctoral fellow of Penn State. During his 30 years at Baylor, Olson taught undergraduate courses in general chemistry and physical chemistry as well as graduate courses in quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Olson authored the textbook, Chemical Reactions--Stoichiometry and Beyond. He is survived by his wife, Judy Carol Olson; and four siblings. Memorials may be made to Baylor University.
Bill Menefee of Waco died Dec. 8, 2016, at the age of 95. Menefee, a Baylor Hall of Famer, was a part of the Baylor family for nearly 70 years, and he served as head men's basketball coach and athletic director in separate 12-year stints. A native of Grandfalls, TX, Menefee was a star basketball player at North Texas State University (now UNT) before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1941. He received a Purple Heart for his service in Okinawa, Japan, where he faced sustained combat for 88 straight days and lost 40 pounds in less than three months. He came to Baylor in 1947 as an assistant basketball coach and physical education teacher. In 1961, he was named head men's basketball coach and accumulated a record of 149-144 in 12 seasons. He was named the Southwest Conference Coach of the Year three times before his retirement in 1973. Seven years later, Menefee began serving Baylor in a new role, as athletic director. Baylor football's Southwest Conference Championship run in 1980 kicked off his tenure as AD, and the Bears would go on to appear in five more bowl games during his time in office. Men's basketball also made two postseason appearances during his term. Remaining close to Baylor after his retirement, Menefee was a generous benefactor to the university and the athletic department. In 1997, he was named to the Baylor Athletic Hall of Fame. He and Dorothy Winford Menefee, were married for 69 years, until her death in 2012. The couple had two children, Pete Menefee, BBA '67, JD '68, and the late Carol Menefee Spear, BA '72, and three grandchildren.
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