1980s
Troy Robert Long, ’82, age 57, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019 in Austin, Texas.
He was born on a U.S. Air Force base in Turkey to Robert Francis Long and Betty Elaine (Slifer) Long on September 4, 1961. He was the youngest of three boys. Troy attended William B. Travis High School and was a captain of the football team. He was active in Boy Scouts attaining the highest honor of Eagle Scout. He worked as a ranch hand in Wyoming the summer prior to enrolling at Baylor University where he walked on to the Baylor football team. Troy finished his academic career at Southwest Texas State University, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice, after which he was employed with the Austin Police Department. In 1989, he moved to Wyoming in order to work for the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigators. Troy returned to Austin in 1992 where he would have an illustrious and highly decorated career with APD. During his career, he advanced to the rank of Sergeant and oversaw the Street Response Unit, working closely with the DEA. After retiring in 2014, he joined his middle son at the Burke Center for Youth helping troubled boys where he became a father figure for children and staff alike. Troy was a remarkable man who always sought to help others and to do things the right way. He loved the mountains, fishing, and football. Troy is survived by three sons: Michael, Luke, and Isaac; and two brothers, Jeffry and Derek. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Burke Center for Youth.
Jack Randall Crews, JD ’83, of Temple, TX, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on June 8, 2019, joining his father, Paul, and sister, Rosemary. He was 62. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 11 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 12 at 2:00pm at Immanuel Baptist Church in Temple. Born in Corpus Christi on February 12, 1957, to Paul and Mozelle Crews, Jack lived a life full of faith and service to his family and community. He grew up in Houston where he met the love of his life, Diane, when he was 17 years old. They married on September 1, 1979, and went on to have five children: Andrew, Courtney, Amanda, Rebecca, and Clay. While beginning his career as an attorney, Jack coached his children in tee-ball, soccer, and basketball. He never missed a game, recital, or presentation. He was always there, a steady and reliable presence, through it all. He was a wonderful father and will be remembered for his generosity, compassion, and wise counsel. Jack studied law at Baylor University, and joined the firm Baird, Crews, Schiller & Whitaker, P.C. more than 35 years ago. During that time, he served his church and community in many capacities. More than anything, Jack was a man of faith who entrusted his life, family, and career to the God he served so devotedly. In 2017, he traveled to Uganda to share his legal expertise and Christian faith with young law students and attorneys who were striving to create a more just and honest society. However, he loved nothing more than to spend time with his family, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren. Jack is survived by his mother, Mozelle; his brother, Paul; his wife, Diane; his children, Andrew, Courtney, Amanda (and Brett, his son-in-law), Rebecca, and Clay; and his grandchildren, Madden and Miles. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations are made in memory of Jack to any of the following organizations: buildOn, Hope Pregnancy Center, National Immigrant Justice Center, Ralph Wilson Youth Club.
Carleton Wayne “Charlie” Walker, BBA ’83, of Houston, loving husband, father of three children, and grandfather to five, passed away July 7 at the age of 63. Charlie was born on March 20, 1956 in Killeen, TX to J.C. and Gloria Walker. He received his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in Waco in 1983, and he practiced accounting for 33 years in Houston. On June 2, 1979, he married Karen Jean. They raised two sons, John and Wes, and one daughter, Donna Jean. Charlie was a quiet, reserved man who loved his family and loved spending time with them at our family getaway spot on Lake Buchannan. He was a True Texan, an eight generation Son of the Republic of Texas, a descendant of Stephen F. Austin’s original land grant holders. He was also the undisputed #1 Astros fan. He and Karen loved nothing more than to go to Astros games together, both in Houston and anywhere else the Astros played. He is survived by his wife Karen, his father J.C., his mother Gloria, his three children John, Wes and D.J., his sister Toby, his brother Jay, his five grandchildren, Tyler, J.C., Clara, Fiona, and Allena, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Saturday July 13th, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Killeen, TX at two o’clock. A viewing will also be held beginning at one o’clock. Flowers may be sent to 1615 S Fort Hood St, Killeen, TX 76542. Due to Charlie’s incredible Astro’s fandom, we ask that you send arrangements in Astros orange, yellow and navy blue.
Scott Williams, BA ’84, of Waco passed away on June 7, 2019 in Waco, Texas. He was 57. Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 18, at the Crossroads Fellowship Church in Woodway, Texas, with The Rev. Steve Abby officiating under the direction of Foss Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Scott was born on February 16, 1962, in Texas City, Texas, to John "Waco" Williams and Peggy (Lawson) Williams. He graduated from Texas City High School and then attended Baylor University where he obtained his degree in Radio and Television. Scott worked in both radio and television, sold life and health insurance, was sales manager for National mobile home manufacturer, and especially loved his work with the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame. He was an active member of Legacy Outfitters. Scott grew up fishing and hunting and he excelled at both. He loved sports and music. Scott was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about music and band from his youth to the present. More than anything, Scott loved to laugh and make others laugh as well. No one who me Scott will forget his laughter or his quick wit. He was a friends to all. He especially loved his friends at Crossroads Fellowship Church. Preceded in death by his father, John "Waco" Williams; grandmother, Mabel Lawson; and nephew, Cody Williams. Survived by his daughter, Morgan Beth Dietrick and husband, Ethan; mother, Peggy Lawson Williams; brothers, Terry Gene Williams and wife, Sheri, and Dale Douglas Williams and wife, Laura; sister, Kelly Haltiner and husband, Chris; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Please join us in remembering Scott by signing our guest book at www.fossfuneralhome.com.
Duncan Palmer Brooks, BA ’88, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ early on the morning of June 12, 2019. He died of natural causes. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, at Crossroads Fellowship Church in Woodway, Texas, followed by a reception at the church. His family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday evening, June 18, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco. Duncan was born on October 9, 1961, to Samuel Palmer and Louise Lenoir Brooks in Big Spring, Texas. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from First Baptist Academy where he excelled at football and track and field. After high school Duncan attended Baylor University where he established many life-long friends as a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Duncan received a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Geology. He was very proud of his Baylor heritage, including his great-grandfather, Dr. Samuel Palmer Brooks, former president of Baylor University. Following graduation, Duncan remained in Waco where he built his business and became the first certified arborist in Central Texas. He was known for his honesty and integrity as he helped his customers fight oak wilt and preserve their majestic trees. Duncan had a love of scripture throughout his entire life, which developed as a young boy spending each morning studying and memorizing the Proverbs with his mother. Duncan loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. This passion also began at a young age when he spent his summers exploring the Red River while visiting his grandparents, and he passed that enthusiasm on to his children and nieces and nephews. Duncan was also a gun enthusiast and he never met one he didn't like. But perhaps what was most important to him was his family. He had four gorgeous children and a very close extended family, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with them hunting, fishing and playing at the beach. Visiting with family and friends was also one of his favorite pastimes and he was a natural storyteller. Duncan was outgoing and never without a smile on his face. He was always ready for the next adventure and was usually the life of the party. He was always first to lead the way in exploring the next bend in the river. Duncan was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his brother, Robert Sims Brooks of Liberty Hill; sister, Susan Brooks Hanson and husband, Gary, of Sherman; daughter, Leah Jeannette Brooks-Hall and husband, Britain, of Denton; son, Duncan Palmer Brooks, Jr.; son, Gray Blackbourne Brooks; daughter, Claire Lenoir Brooks, all of Waco; and his especially close cousin, Max Emerson Cogswell, Jr. and wife, Sheryl, of Sherman. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews with whom he had close relationships. Serving as honorary pallbearers are nephews: Brooks Hanson, Walker Hanson, Samuel Hanson, Palmer Brooks, Trey Cogswell, and Robert Cogswell.
John Michael Norris, BBA ’89, of Dallas died at Baylor Hospital in Dallas on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. His untimely and tragic death was due to a brain aneurysm at his Dallas residence on Monday, May 27, 2019. He was 52. Memorial Service: 3 p.m. Monday at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 N. Davis, Arlington, 76012. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations in John's memory be made to your favorite charity. John was born in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, Colorado on December 4, 1966. He grew up in Arlington, Texas and graduated with honors from Lamar High School and Baylor University in Waco. After completing requirements for his accounting degree and C.P.A. certification, John began his professional life with the multinational public accounting firm, Ernest and Young. His interests and talents later lead him to a successful career focused primarily on corporate real estate investment. His employers in this endeavor included Trammell Crow, Sarofim Realty Advisors, and for the last 13 years he served as Senior Vice President for Clarion Partners, one of the world's largest real estate investment managers. John loved people and was always there for anyone who needed help. His most cherished moments were being around friends and loved ones, especially family celebrations, birthdays, and holidays. He also enjoyed road trips to other cities and more remote locations with his dear friends, Jim, Ande, and Donna. His love of family, sense of humor, and desire to do for others are what will be remembered most. John will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Survivors: parents, Wanda and Ronald Norris; sister, Rebecca Hayslip and husband, Danny; beloved niece and nephew, Alyssa and Garrett Hayslip; as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.
William Tims “Tim” Tarkington, MBA ’89, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2019, in Grapevine, TX, after a lifelong battle with insomnia. He was 56. Despite his challenge, he was an exceptional father, loving husband, talented IT sales executive, avid outdoorsman, and practical joker. Tim was born in Memphis, Tennessee to Bill and Dale Tarkington. He was an accomplished scholar and he earned his Eagle Scout badge, in Troop 140, under the leadership of Scoutmaster, Dr. Kenneth Stewart. He further was a graduate of Denton High School, University of North Texas, and held an MBA from Baylor University. The joy of his life was his two sons, sharing with them his passion for hunting and love of classic movies and rock-n-roll. Tim was a widely read history buff and enjoyed exercising and playing tennis. Tim was generous, clever and funny. As a man of faith, he contributed to the growth of the youth ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Wilmer, Texas and was a member of First Baptist Colleyville. His final act of kindness was donating his kidneys and liver so that two individuals could live fuller, healthier lives. Visitation will be held Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 10:00 am at Richland Hills Baptist Church, 6852 Baker Blvd., Richland Hills, TX 76118, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Longtime friend, Pastor Joel Engle from ChangePoint Church, Anchorage, Alaska will officiate. Tim will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his colleagues from over the years. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill G. Tarkington and is survived by his wife of 26 years, Regena Tarkington; sons, Tyler and Cory Tarkington; mother, Helen Dale Tarkington and cousin, Delia Whitmore.