In Memoriam
1940s
Mary Josephine E. Bentley, BA ’44, June 8 in Dallas.
Virginia B. Hughes, BA ’45, MA ’47, April 12 in West Orange, NJ.
Clairene Herold, BBA ’47, June 17 in Chicago.
Fred Herold, BBA ’47, May 21 in Chicago.
Kathryn E. Loewer, BA ’47, June 16 in Goodwin, AR.
James B. Adams, JD ’49, BA ’50, April 25 in Kerrville, TX.
Diana C. Braswell, BBA ’49, May 25 in Waco.
Bettie K. Webb, BA ’49, March 23 in Austin.
1950s
Betty L. Armstrong, BA ’50, MSEd ’55, May 3 in Waco.
Bessie Dunkle Baxter, BBA ‘50, of Waco passed away May 10. Bessie was married to Joe E. Baxter Sr. of Waco on August 6, 1949. She worked part-time for 40 years for the Center of Business and Economic Resources at Baylor Hankamer School of Business, compiling the food price index. Both she and her husband, graduates of Baylor University, were avid supporters of academics and sports, attending many activities at Baylor. She and her husband enjoyed many years of traveling around the world. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Joe E. Baxter Sr.; and grandson Christopher Connally. She is survived by daughter Vickie Connally and husband David of Rockwall, TX; son Jody Baxter and wife Cynthia of Santa Cruz, CA; grandson Shawn Connally of Galveston, TX; granddaughters Atea Baxter and Danu Schoeck and husband Jordan of Santa Cruz; and three great-grandchildren Johnathan, Austin and Jayda. Memorials may be made to Joe E. Baxter Sr. and Bessie D. Baxter Endowed Scholarship Fund of Hankamer School of Business, George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University, or Joe E. Baxter Sr. and Bessie Dunkle Baxter Fund at Waco Foundation.
Janet West Miller, BM '50, MM '53, of San Antonio died April 28, 2020, at age 91. She was a member of the Golden Wave Band and Symphony Orchestra, and served as Baylor’s first percussion graduate assistant. She was first hired as an assistant band director of her high school alma mater, Harlandale, in San Antonio, becoming the first full-time female director of a large band program in Texas. Janet was among the first female members of the Texas Bandmasters Association and started two school band programs in the 1950s and 60s. In 2012 Janet was inducted into the Harlandale ISD Hall of Fame. Janet was a charter member of Baylor’s chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, a sorority for college and university band members for which she went on to serve as National President and Trustee. Janet was also an honorary member of the national band fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi. She was one of the founding officers of the Golden Wave Alumni Band in 1986. Janet was a member of several churches including Harlandale Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church, where she played in the orchestra, Northeast Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of San Antonio. Janet is survived by her husband of 57 years, DeWayne, children Karon Miller Hammond, BS '87, and Trey, and three grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Golden Wave Band Scholarship Fund at Baylor.
Billie Marie J. Morris, BA ’50, of Santa Fe, NM, July 4.
Cleatis LeRoy Roach, BA ’50, of Spring, TX, April 12.
Glenn W. Tally, BBA ’50, April 24 in Tyler, TX.
Anna B. Whorton, BM ’50, MSEd ’70, June 13 in Corsicana, TX.
Beverly Hudson Eberts, BA ‘51, of Houston died May 12. She was married to James Franklin Eberts in 1950 and they graduated together from Baylor University in 1951. Beverly and Jim then moved to Houston and were happily married for almost 50 years. After raising their daughter, Donna, Beverly taught third grade at A.B. Freeman Elementary in Pasadena ISD for 20 years. She earned a master’s degree in Reading Development from the University of Houston Clear Lake City in 1982. Jim and Beverly supported Baylor University their whole lives. They created an endowed scholarship at Baylor to support students in the speech pathology department, and later added to it to support the business school. Beverly loved attending events in Waco where she was able to meet students who received her scholarship grants, especially during the years when she had grandchildren at Baylor. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim, and her brother Donald. She is survived by her only daughter Donna McCown, husband Steve, grandchildren Adam (Bryanne) McCown, and Claire (Chris) Schinnerer, great-grandchildren Allison and Brooke McCown, and Will and Luke Schinnerer, several dear cousins and many friends. Memorial contributions may be made to The Jim and Beverly Eberts Endowed Scholarship.
Hue Leita Zachry Fry Harvey, BSHE ’51, May 17 in Fort Worth.
Lodge J. Lucas, BBA ’51, May 3 in Houston.
Vannye W. Besancon, MSEd ’52, April 27 in Elgin, IL.
W. B. Pearce, BA ’52, June 29 in Mansfield, TX.
Johanna Shirey, BA ’52, June 20 in Greenville, TX.
Brant L. Smith, BA ’52, MA ’52, May 11 in Waco.
Gwendolyn G. Thornton, BA ’52, April 20 in Mount Pleasant, MI.
James Ballard Gibbs, BBA ‘53, of Lufkin, TX, died May 5. He attended Baylor University in Waco, where he not only earned his degree in 1953, but also met the love of his life, Mary Pinkston. They married in 1955 and were blessed to spend the next 59 years together. James returned to Lufkin to manage and own Gibbs Insurance Agency, which his father founded in 1959. He took great pride in taking care of the families in his community for over 46 years until he retired. Serving the community through the years, he held several organizational positions, including Lions Club President from 1968 to 1969 and Chairman of the Board of The Chamber of Commerce in 1991. He was an active and long-time member of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, where he served as Senior Warden. James is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Greg and Karen Gibbs of Lufkin, TX; grandsons William Gibbs and Thomas Gibbs, all of Lufkin; and great-grandchildren Collin, Carson and Mackenzie Gibbs. Mr. Gibbs was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary Pinkston Gibbs, in 2014.
Hugh E. McGee Jr., LLB ’53, May 20 in Houston.
Annelle R. Burton, BA ’54, May 8 in Dallas.
James H. Garmon, JD ’54, May 26 in Tyler, TX.
James R. Killion, BBA ’54, April 21 in Waco.
Bill D. Ogg, BA ’54, May 29 in Simsbury, CT.
Joanne C. Peterson, BA ’54, June 22 in Windsor, ME.
Sarah L. Fike, BA ’55, of Little Rock, AR, April 25.
Col. Roger Frederick Fleshman, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), BBA ’55, Austin, April 28.
Jack Haney, BBA ’55, April 2 in Napa, CA.
Virginia Ann L. McEathron, BA ’56, April 19 in Houston.
Wayne H. Morgan, BBA ’56, March 1 in Bryan, TX.
Sammie P. Morris, BBA ’56, April 24 in Seymour, TX.
William Steele Sessions, BA ‘56, of San Antonio died peacefully June 12. William S. Sessions, an American lawyer who served as a United States District Judge and Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, found it a "…privilege and honor to serve under five American presidents." Balancing military service and a growing family,
Mr. Sessions renewed his academic studies, enrolling in night classes at Baylor University. In 1956, he was awarded a degree in economics. Sessions would later give credit to former Dean of Baylor Law School and beloved tenth president of Baylor University, Abner V. McCall, for sensing Sessions’ talent for leadership and logic and encouraging his application to Baylor Law School. It was yet another defining moment in Sessions’ life. Sessions received his degree from Baylor Law School in 1958 and began his legal career as a sole practitioner. Within three years, Sessions became a named partner in the Waco law firm of Haley, Fulbright, Winniford, Sessions and Bice, known for its trial expertise. Fellow lawyers elected him as president of the local bar association, and he served as director in the Junior Bar of Texas, which later became the Texas Young Lawyers Association. In the turbulent 1960s, Bill Sessions became a lay leader and served as a Sunday school teacher for married adults and teens at Trinity Methodist Church in Waco. He also joined the Jaycees and served in leadership positions. He and his wife were also avid supporters of the Waco YMCA, participating in weekly events with family and friends. William S. Sessions was married to Alice Lewis Sessions for 66 years. He was preceded in death by son Jonathan Avent Sessions in 1964 and wife Alice in 2019. He is survived by sons Lewis Sessions (Renee) of Dallas; Pete Sessions (Karen) of Waco; Mark Sessions (Lorian) of San Antonio; daughter Sara Sessions Naughton (James) of Weston, CT; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Those wishing to honor him by means other than flowers may send a gift to Baylor University Baylor Law School.
Walter T. “Tom” Boothe passed away on June 5 in his Galveston home. His devoted wife, Marianne Boothe at his side. They recently and lovingly celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on May 28 with an oyster dinner and champagne. Born in Austin on Aug. 2, 1935, the son of Walter and Gladys Boothe. He and his family moved to Houston when he was five years old. He and Marianne attended and graduated from Baylor University in 1957 where received a BBA and Marianne graduated with a BSHE. Until just a few years ago they held season tickets to all of the Baylor Bear home football games. They were both avid sports fans – whether it be Baylor football, baseball, softball, men and women's basketball. Tom began his career in insurance but soon found that he enjoyed medical sales. He won a number of prestigious sales awards throughout his career including the president's award on more than one occasion. As a member of the South Main Street Baptist Church in Houston since he was a child and later becoming an associate member of Moody Methodist Church in Galveston, his faith in God was always an important part of his life. It was proven with his serving as a devoted volunteer for Meals on Wheels in Houston for more than 15 years. Tom's Meals on Wheels clients soon joined his circle of friends. He also volunteered for many years with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For 25 years, Tom served on the board of directors at West Beach Grand Condominium council of co-owners, Inc. and held the position as president for 20 years. He led the way after hurricanes and tropical storms, always making sure the needs of his fellow owners were met and that the building was restored. When Tom retired, he and Marianne had more time to devote to their love of travel by visiting countries and continents all over the world. Both interested in history, they loved learning about the various cultures during their over 100 cruises and excursions. Tom will be remembered for always being so inviting – both in his smile and his generous demeanor to everyone who was fortunate enough to be a part of his life. Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Marianne Boothe and his nephew, Brian McGeever.
Nancy P. Cotharn, BSN ’57, May 18 in Fort Worth.
George W. Eichler, BA ’57, May 4 in Sun City, AZ.
Martha S. Farrar, BA ’57, May 22 in Corpus Christi, TX.
Thomas R. Leidich, BA ’57, June 9 in Waco.
Catherine Hammerich Legate, BA ’57, of Houston, Jan. 27.
James H. Thigpen, BA ’57, of San Angelo, TX, May 14.
Alastair C. Walker, MA ’57, May 4 in Spartanburg, SC.
Bill E. Foster, BBA ’58, July 10 in Austin.
Reynaldo H. Chapa, MSPE ’59, June 3 in Mission, TX.
Alan N. Cook, BBA ‘59, beloved father and inspiring professor, passed away June 29 at home surrounded by family in McGregor, TX. Alan received his MA and PhD in Economics from the University of Arkansas. Alan leaves a legacy in the family and friends who loved him, as well as the students he inspired. He changed many lives for the better as a professor of International Economics and Finance at Baylor University for over 34 years. Prior to Baylor, he taught at Hendrix College and Lamar University. His vision of academia was to ignite a passion in his students, teach them critical thinking skills, and then to connect them to people and companies that would allow them to use that passion to improve the world around them. He was preceded in death by his father Robert E. Cook, his mother Edna Cook and his sister Bette Cook. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Elizabeth Cook, his children Cynthia, Stephen and Robert Cook, as well as his grandchildren Kyle Cook, Ryan and Reagan Cook and Scott and Stephanie Cook. In addition, he is survived by his niece and nephew Maribeth Kramer and Farrington Kramer. In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Alan to the Hankamer Business School excellence fund.
Leslie E. Glenn, BS ’59, May 30 in Northport, AL.
1960s
Billy C. Hall, BS ’60, June 7 in Tyler, TX.
Don T. Huey, BS ’60, May 20 in Houston.
Anna Lake Waters Niederer, BBA ’60, May 31 in Mooresville, IN.
William Robert “Bill” Pakis, LLB ‘60, passed away April 23 in Waco at the age of 86. Bill attended the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1955 with a BS in Accounting. During their college years, Bill started dating Margaret Phillips, who he had known since they were in the first grade. Bill and Margaret married November 5, 1955, in Hot Springs, AR. Bill entered Baylor Law School in December 1957, was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1960, and started his career as an attorney in Waco. Bill formed a law firm in 1963 that exists in Waco today as Pakis, Giotes, Page & Burleson. He shared his legal expertise and his business wisdom with many clients, friends and family over the years, and was a mentor to many young lawyers, including his sons-in-law Dean Tetirick and Boyd Naylor. Bill was an entrepreneur at heart, and in addition to practicing law, he had investments in businesses ranging from custom T-shirts, construction equipment rentals, oil and gas, pawn shops and a nightclub. Bill and Margaret made lifelong friends in Waco and were active members of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. They raised their four children, Mary Katherine, Laura, Alison and David, in a home full of love, fun and inspiration. Family was of utmost importance to Bill, a concept he spoke of often throughout his life. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife Margaret; brother Jack Pakis; and sister Mary Frances Stonecipher. His survivors include daughters Mary Katherine Tetirick and husband Dean, and Laura O’Brien and husband Michael; son David Pakis and wife Kovianca, all of Fort Worth; and daughter Ali Naylor and husband Boyd of San Antonio; grandchildren Jessica Tetirick, Samantha McSween (Rett), Stephen Tetirick (Kendall), Mike O’Brien, Shannon Loftis (Reed), Kyle O’Brien, Brooks Naylor, Jared Naylor, Reagan Naylor, Nicholas Pakis, William Pakis, Zachary Pakis, and Anna Margaret Pakis; brother Dr. George Pakis Jr. of Jackson, TN; and best friend Nancy Callan.
Jefferson D. Collier, BS ’61, April 22 in Flower Mound, TX.
William E. Wilson, BA ’61, July 6 in Billings, MO.
Fred Harris Boyd, BM ’62, of Garland, TX, Aug. 3, 2019.
Bobby R. Hamlin, BS ’62, April 22 in Fort Worth.
Carl L. Harris, BA ’62, June 2 in Arlington, TX.
Jim G. Lewis, BA ’62, MA ’64, June 12 in Signal Mountain, TN.
Paul Lyle , 79, of Plainview was born August 12, 1940 to Ramer R. Lyle and Vonie Mae Echols Lyle in Magnolia, Arkansas. He went home to be with the Lord on November 22, 2019 following a brief bout with pneumonia. After growing up in Atlanta, Texas, Paul attended Baylor University where he obtained a B.A. in 1962 and went on to earn a law degree from Baylor University Law School in 1964. He met the love of his life, Linda Kay Rogers during his time at Baylor and they were married from 1962 until her death in 2003. Paul and Linda moved to Plainview where they reared their children, and he practiced law for over 40 years until his retirement. Paul served as a Director on the State Bar of Texas, and a trustee of the Mayer Foundation. He published the Lyle Digest and Superintendent’s Manual—Commissioner’s Decisions for many years and represented over 60 school districts across the state of Texas. He was recognized by the State Bar of Texas as a distinguished expert in school law and was a featured speaker annually at School Law legal conferences at the University of Texas Law School and also at many national legal conferences. He was a member of and chaired the School Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. Paul was a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Plainview and a noted mentor to many through the years. He lived a life of service in his community and influenced countless people through his wise counsel, generosity and encouragement. Paul is survived by his daughter, Leah Kay Lyle Gabriel of Westlake, Texas and her husband Brent Gabriel; their children, Garrett Gabriel and Olivia Gabriel; his grandchildren, Dallas Lyle and London Lyle of Colorado Springs; his brother-in-law Jerry Rogers and sister-in-law Karolyn Rogers of Midland and cousins in Atlanta, Texas. In addition to his loving wife, Linda, and his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brother, Van Lyle in 1977, and his son, John Paul Lyle, in 2018.
Gayland M. Moulder, BBA ’62, July 4 in Huntsville, TX.
Randolph “Randy” Eugene Teague, BA ’62, March 21 in Waco.
Byrn Williamson, BA ’62, March 26 in Vero Beach, FL.
Mary E. Davis, BS ’63, July 10 in Jasper, GA.
Diane W. Gatewood, BMEd ’63, May 2 in Columbus, MS.
James F. Lunsford, BBA ’63, March 8 in Austin.
John D. West, BS ’63, May 30 in Houston.
Barbara Ann Hine, BA ’64, April 6 in Bakersfield, CA.
Paul G. Jones, BA ’64, April 10 in Jackson, MS.
Suzanne S. Stewart, BA ’64, May 26 in Mansfield, TX.
Claire J. Draper, BA ’65, of Houston, May 24.
Howard G. Chapman, BSPE ’66, May 29 in Wichita Falls, TX.
Jack M. Ewing, BBA ’66, of Bossier City, LA, June 30.
Ronnie F. Brunson, BBA ’67, June 26 in Elm Mott, TX.
Michael L. Tilly, BA ’67, July 4 in New Braunfels, TX.
William H. Andrews, MS ’68, April 29 in Atlanta.
Ronald R. Bowden, BS ’68, April 21 in Austin.
H. J. “Jan” Bower, BS ’68, of Dillon, CO, June 12.
Joan D. Gregory, BA ’68, May 15 in Elm Mott, TX.
Donald H. Tilson, MHA ’68, June 8 in Vancouver, WA.
1970s
Jackson D. Hicks, BA ’70, April 25 in Houston.
Teryl R. Miller, MHA ’70, May 15 in Oakbrook Terrace, IL.
Joanna H. Nelson, BM ’70, May 24 in Austin.
Kent Taylor Starr, BS ’70, peacefully went to Heaven on April 24 in Waco. "Dingdaddy" will be greatly missed by everyone. After graduating from Richfield High School, Kent attended Baylor University on a football scholarship. Kent and Suzanne Martin, the love of his life, married on December 18, 1969 and just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Kent graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1974 and opened his dental practice in Waco. Kent was a member of First Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school for many years and was an active deacon. The two most important things in his life were his faith and his family. Kent poured his life into Suzanne and their four children: Allison, Katie, Taylor and Martin. Kent was a leader in so many different organizations. He served as Deacon Chairman at First Baptist Church, President of the Baylor Bear Foundation, President of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, President of the Western Regional Examining Board, and President of Ridgewood Country Club. He lived a simple yet deep life following his favorite motto: "What does it cost you to do the right thing?" Kent was loved by everyone who knew him. One of his golfing buddies summed up this love perfectly with this quote, "Give me great clubs, fresh air, and Kent for a partner and you can keep the clubs and fresh air. Our partner forever!" Kent is preceded in death by his daughter, Allison Starr Pendergras; his parents, Conrad Starr and Betty and Clarence Cobb; his father-in-law, Ed Martin. He is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne SoRelle Martin Starr; his daughter, Katie O’Connor and husband Sean and their children, Anders, SoRelle, Colman, Larkin, Meyer and McCall; his son, Taylor Starr and wife Sarah and their children, Carter and Henry; and his son, Martin Starr and wife Libby and their children, Townlin, Cappy, Sadler and Mabel; his mother-in-law, Nita Ray Martin; his sister, Joy Endsley.
Cynthia Bem, BA ’71, in Carrollton, TX. Loving Wife to: Al C Bem and Loving Mother to: John Scott Perry and Susan Jean Perry
John B. Bible, BS ’71, May 22 in Portland, TX.
Kathy J. Hurt, BA ’71, June 27 in Austin.
Susan P. Miller, BA ’71, June 9 in McAllen, TX.
Paul H. Schofield, JD ’71, May 13 in Las Vegas.
Elaine Xylpha Adams, BBA ’72, of Waco, March 6.
Barbara H. Browder, BA ’72, May 25 in Waco.
Alan C. Wienandt, BA ’73, MIJ ’78, June 16 in Fort Worth.
Martha C. Heitkamp, BSN ’74, June 2 in Arlington, TX.
Dennis R. Ring, BS ’74, May 5 in College Station, TX.
Frederick Adolpheus Trombley Jr. , BA ’75, MBA ’76, passed away Friday, February 21, 2020, in Houston, Texas. He was 66. Fred was born in San Antonio but grew up in various places around the world, including Germany, Turkey, and a few different cities around the US, having been born the son of an Army colonel. Upon retirement, Colonel Trombley brought his family back to Waco, which was Mildred's hometown. Fred attended Reicher High School and Baylor University. When Fred was five, he told his mother that when he grew up, he wanted to "get in one place and stay there." So, after he graduated from Baylor, he didn't stray far. He moved to Dallas, where he got a job as an accountant at Sedco Drilling Company, where he met the love of his life and worked until the company was bought out by Schlumberger. His talent and abilities were greatly appreciated, but he didn't want to have to move his family every couple of years, so he asked to be laid off. After a few months of fun then fear, Fred was offered a position with Ensco (now known as Valaris), which required a move to Houston in 2011. He was planning to retire on Friday, February 28, and move with his wife to Waco, where they were restoring their dream home. Fred was preceded in death by this parents, Col. Frederick A. and Mildred A. Trombley, of Waco. Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Sandy Trombley of Houston; his daughters, Gabby Trombley of Kenmore, Washington, and Dannie Grego of Richardson, Texas, along with Dannie's husband, John, and, arriving later this summer, Fred's and Sandy's long awaited first grandbaby. Fred already had great plans for spoiling this tiny and much-loved miracle. He is also survived by his sister, Irene Hofstetter and her husband, Mark, of Evans, Georgia, as well as their children, Cora of Baltimore, Maryland, Ben of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Jake of Boston, Massachusetts. Fred was a man of rare form. Almost everyone who knew him expressed that he was the most genuinely nice person they had ever met. He was a terrible liar, not to say that he was a habitual liar; he was just really bad at it! He told the most stereotypical Dad jokes and never minded if he was the butt of someone else's jokes. He could certainly take as well as he gave. His love for his family knew absolutely no bounds. Our world has become darker with his passing. Every day tell your special someone that you love him or her. Fred did.
Robert E. Weygandt, BA ’75, DDS ’81, April 30 in Plano, TX.
Miles Roland Warnock was called Home to be with the LORD on April 11, 2020. Born in Biloxi to Dr. Frank and Kathleen Warnock, Miles was a friend to all. He spent his early childhood years in Greenville until the family moved to Laurel a few years later. Upon graduating from R.H. Watkins High School, he attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, earning a bachelor’s degree in English in 1976. After graduating college, Miles went to work for the Dallas Independent School District as an English teacher at D.A. Hulcy Middle School, where he taught for 35 years, being awarded Oak Cliff Teacher of the Year in 2011. He retired in 2011, but returned to teaching as a substitute for Sunset High school in Dallas, up until the time of his death. In 1994, he married Venessa Denise Ford of Topeka, Kansas and they were blessed with two children, Maya and Hunter. The family resided in Dallas. He was an active leader in Troop 5 of the Boy Scouts of America and supported both children in their scouting achievements. He was always kind and polite to everyone, no matter the circumstance, and was known for his gentle spirit and sense of humor. He loved life and nature, whether it was his beloved Texas desert of the Big Bend, the ski slopes of Colorado and New Mexico, or the Piney Woods of Jones County. An avid outdoorsman, he was most at home out at the Warnock family ranch near Fort Stockton, Texas, where he hunted, camped, rode horseback and searched for arrowheads and fossils. He also enjoyed many years fishing, hunting, birdwatching and camping on the Collins’ Ranch in the Texas Hill Country near Burnet. Miles is survived by his wife of 26 years Venessa; his daughter Maya; son Hunter; and his brother Kirby. Surviving family also includes nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws from Texas to Mississippi. Miles was loved dearly for his positive outlook, zest for life, sense of humor, knowledge of literature and history, and an enduring love for his family. He was a faithful servant to his LORD and Savior and a constant helper to his fellow man; he now enjoys his heavenly rest.
Greta G. Brown, BA ’79, June 20 in Waco.
1980s-2010s
Laurie L. Blair, BSN ’82, May 10 in Odessa, TX.
Ann E. Abshire, BBA ’84, May 31 in Plano, TX.
Lisa Jansma Angel Barrett, BSN ’84, June 21 in McGregor, TX.
Sylvia D. Brown, MS ’84, June 8 in Robinson, TX.
David W. Davis, BBA ’87, July 5 in China Spring, TX.
Bonnie A. Lesley, EdD ’89, July 5 in Waco.
Vincent G. Bryce, BM ’99, MM ’02, June 27 in Waco.
Paul O. Begnoche, MHA ’02, April 23 in Bulverde, TX.
David R. Scott, BSEd ’03, May 4 in Celina, TX.
Jerod M. Payne, BSEd ’05, April 30 in Dallas.
Kaia C. Cobb, BBA ’07, May 4 in Los Angeles.
Keith F. Gustine, BA ’08, June 6 in Conroe, TX.
Friends and Family
Dr. Jeffrey A. Borbely passed away on March 26, 2020, after a brief battle with cancer. He was the husband of Sandra Chambers, B.A. ’58. Jeffrey and Sandra were married for 57 years and have three grown children. Sandra remains at their home at 205 E. Marie Drive, Stillwater, OK, 74075.
Sylvia D. Brown, June 8 in Robinson, TX.
Carolyn W. Bruner died June 3 in Stephenville, TX. She graduated from Texas Women’s University with a degree in music education. She taught elementary music and private piano lessons for many years. She married Dwain Bruner on December 27, 1956 in Marshall, TX. Carolyn was a member of the First Baptist Church of Stephenville since 1969, where she served in all areas of the music ministry for 50 years. She loved and served Jesus with her music throughout her entire life. She was an amazing mother, wife, active member of her church, and leader in her community. She was her husband’s greatest supporter and encourager. Carolyn was loved and respected by everyone who knew her. She was a 50-year member and served in many leadership positions of the Stephenville Study Club. The women in this club were very special to her and she served them well. Carolyn is survived by her husband Dwain Bruner; daughter Gwyn Elise (Bruner) Schneck and husband Jeff of Dublin, TX, son Greg Dwain Bruner and wife Lynda of Stephenville, TX; grandchildren, Megan (Schneck) Beiswenger and husband Jared of Fredericksburg, VA, Courtney (Bruner) Eads and husband Jeremy of Prosper, TX, Amanda Schneck of Dallas, and Kyle Bruner and wife Sarah of Richardson, TX; great-grandchildren Gianna and Felicity Beiswenger, Jett and Karis Eads; sister-in-law Lynda Bruner of Hillsboro, TX; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Dr. Kenneth Walter Busch, professor emeritus, of Waco, May 24.
Douglas L. Dodson, July 3 in Waco.
Lois Alleene Fountain, April 19 in Austin.
Brent Froberg, June 8 in Waco.
Michael P. Herbst, May 29 in Central Point, OR.
William Littleton McCorkle, July 10 in Waco.
Dr. Patrick L. Odell, professor emeritus, May 23, Waco.
Donald Curtis Parks, May 9 in Mission, TX.
Donald Truett Phillips, May 13 in Denton, TX.
William Kenneth Powell, April 7 in Waco.
Marvin Rex Ramsower
Marvin Rex Ramsower, passed away April 18 at his home in Plainview, TX. He attended Morton Valley School and Cisco High School, where he played football among other sports and graduated in 1943. After high school Rex volunteered for the Army and was in the service with the Parachute Training Command as an instructor until the war ended. After the war he attended Texas Tech, Wayland College, the University of New Mexico, and Baylor, where he met the love of his life, Ethel Lee Ramsower, and they married on September 2, 1950. Together they had four children. Rex was a renaissance man and charismatic storyteller: a successful entrepreneur who started five businesses, a consummate salesman, a real estate developer, a builder, an artist, an art collector, a coin collector, a fisherman, a water and snow skiing instructor, a scout leader of the first coed Explorer group, a Sunday school teacher, and a golfer. He could fix nearly anything, often by making the part he needed. Rex lived life fully and loved his family fiercely. He steered his children on a moral path of love and life. He gave them the best life could offer. A supporter of higher education, he encouraged many young people both financially and otherwise to continue their education. Rex is preceded in death by his parents; wife Ethel Lee; brother Vernon Ramsower; and sisters Veda Garrett and Fern Siefert. Rex is survived by his children Reagan Ramsower and wife Glenda of Woodway, TX, Kelly Alison and husband Preston of Plainview, TX, William Matthew Ramsower and Joseph Martin Ramsower of Abilene State Living Support Center; grandchildren Jason Ramsower and wife Jill of Lubbock, TX, Ryan Ramsower and wife Arnisa of Woodway, TX, Jacob Alison of Houston and Madeline Alison of Plainview, TX; great-grandchildren Tyler Ramsower, Kamryn Ramsower and Landon Ramsower of Lubbock, TX, and Mackenzie Ramsower and Emily Ramsower of Woodway, TX.
Shirley Ann Oliver Smith, May 3 in Tyler, TX.
June Spencer passed away peacefully in hospice on May 8 in West Lake Hills, TX. Her quick wit, gracious heart, generous soul will be missed along with the best yellow cake with chocolate icing on the planet. She was a 6-time cancer survivor and had knee surgeries on both knees; she was a fighter. She met her husband of 59 years, Jack Spencer, in junior high and the two were wed after college. Although they did have an argument or two, they loved each other deeply for all the years they were together. Her favorite song was “Look For Me” by The Goodman Revival. In the song, the writer asks their loved ones to "look for me when you get to heaven." She is survived by her husband of 59 years Jack Spencer. Two children Andy and Charlotte, their spouses Kathy and Randy. Four grandchildren Zac Stacy, Ashley Stacy, Deanna Spencer and Andrea Spencer.
Jean Eleanor Weathers, June 9 in Woodway, TX.
Sara Martin Wolfe put on the imperishable and beheld the glory of the One and Only on January 31, 2020. She was born December 21, 1935 in Bruni, Texas to Dr. John Alfred Martin and Ollie J. Wooten Martin and grew up in Batesville, Jonesboro and Cabot, Arkansas. Sara had the rare combination of physical beauty that was eclipsed by inner loveliness. She was quintessentially kind and friendly, regardless of circumstance or length of acquaintance, understanding those she encountered were, like her, fearfully and wonderfully made. Her smile was her trademark accessory, and she was an instigator of fun and laughter, often at her own expense. Love was Sara’s theme, her goal for each day she lived. She fed on God’s Word – the Book of Love – and did what it said do. She was intentional about caring for others, praying persistently for their needs and sharing her affection through encouraging notes, birthday phone calls and extending Southern hospitality with deliberate thoughtfulness. She spoke up for those who cannot speak for themselves, the unborn, while holding out hope to the young women she counseled in crisis situations. Sara was courageous in the face of sorrow and challenge. Strength and dignity were her clothing, she opened her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction was on her tongue. The fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – was perpetually in season in her. Today, Sara is reunited with her precious son, Graham Martin Wolfe, and is survived by those she loved more than life, her daughters, Lesley Wolfe of Beoue, Ivory Coast and Sara Liz Patterson (Mike) of Frisco, Texas; her “Sunshine Boys” Graham, Clay, Cy and Ben Patterson of Frisco, Texas and her sister, Jane Martin Odum of Mountain View, Arkansas.