In Memoriam: 1940s
1940s
Dr. Mary Louise Gehring Baker, AB ’43, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020. She was born in Oakdale, LA on March 21, 1922 to the Rev. Francis and Voss Gehring. Mary Louise graduated Baylor University in 1943, received her Master of Arts from Louisiana State University in 1949, and then her Ph.D also from Louisiana State University in 1952. She served in the United States Coast Guard from 1944 to 1947, as an Education Specialist while stationed in Japan. After her return from service, she began her career in academia, where she excelled and enhanced the education of many lives for 30 years. She worked at Auburn University, the University of Southern Mississippi, State University of Iowa, Stetson University, the University of Wisconsin, Westhampton College of the University of Richmond, and at Baylor University where she led various roles from Instructor to Dean. She was a trailblazer for women in education, even speaking on expanded roles at the Southern Baptist Convention in 1979. She retired after marrying the love of her life. She was married to Dr. Robert N. Baker on March 10, 1979. They had met 34 years earlier through a wartime courtship, and as they once stated “fate looked after us 34 years before.” They lived together in Kings Mountain, NC, and the years they had together were the highlights of their lives. From boating adventures to ski trips to world travels, they truly lived life to the fullest and they brought out the best in each other. Mary Louise was an active member of Lake Shore Baptist Church while she lived in Waco, TX and St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church while residing in Kings Mountain, NC. She was an avid reader, and always had a love for learning. She had a love for music, was a pianist, and lifelong choir member wherever she worshiped. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends, working on educational committees, the community theatre, travelling, and watching sporting events (especially when the Baylor Bears were playing). She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert N. Baker. Mary Louise has many nieces, nephews, and friends who are left to cherish her memories. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Park Springs in Stone Mountain, GA for all of the care, support, and comradery she received while she lived there. Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2020, 11:00 AM, Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC. GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM. Arrangements Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC.
Glenn P. Pierce, ’43, age 99, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on January 30, 1921 in Waco, Texas to Drury F. and Lollie Padgett Pierce. After graduating from Waco High School, Glenn attended Baylor University prior to entering the United States Air Force during World War II. Glenn retired from Civil Service at Kelly AFB, Texas and retired from the Air Force Reserve with the 433 TCW attaining the rank of Colonel. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 73 years, Marjorie Holzmann Pierce and brothers, Marius and Warren Pierce. Glenn is survived by his son, Dennis W. (Geraldine) Pierce; daughter, Cheryl A. (Allen) Snyder; grandchildren, Melanie (Russ) Seay, Mark Snyder, Brianne (Brandon) Jekel, and Lisa (Jack) Curtis; great-grandchildren, Payton, Olivia, Ava, Emma, J.T., Callie, and Tristan; nephew, Larry Pierce; and niece, Patti Sullinger. A special thanks to Esplanade Gardens and New Century Hospice. Extra special thanks to Norma Ramon, his caregiver. Love you Dad! The family will receive guests at 12:00PM on Friday, March 6, 2020 at Porter Loring Mortuary North, with the Funeral Service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Annette Tucker Sanders, BA ’44, age 96, from Arlington, TX, left this earthly home Jan. 28, 2020. Annette and her identical twin Jannette (Jan Duncan) were born in Hatchel, April 22, 1923 to Mord Short and Lovie Texas Bales Tucker. Annette and Jannette grew up in Winters and sang their way across the state and beyond as the Texas Lion’s Club Sweethearts. They received a scholarship to attend Baylor University to participate in the study of twins. They graduated in 1944. While at Baylor, they continued to entertain, with Ann on the mandolin, and Jan on the guitar. Ann married Gilmore L Sanders, of Winters, in 1945 and they enjoyed 37 years together. The Air Force moved the family around the country, but they retired in Winters and then Arlington. Ann is survived by her precious identical twin sister, Jan Duncan of Arlington, who is “eight lousy minutes older”; Susan Wroten and husband Bobby of Fort Worth; Robin Long and husband Gary of Grapevine; Holly Rehwinkel and her husband Mark of Wichita, Kansas; her son-in-law Hap Lutton of Arlington; and her six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, cherished nieces and a nephew were all dearly loved. Ann was predeceased by her parents, her husband Gil Sanders (USAF Lt. Col. ret), a brother Mord S. Tucker Jr. of Orlando, Florida and her daughter, Priscilla Lutton of Arlington. Ann will be buried with Gil at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in a private ceremony. The family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at The Stayton in Fort Worth for taking such good care of our mother.
Dr. Helen Nixon, BA ’45, of San Angelo, TX, peacefully stepped through the doorway of eternity to see her Lord, Jesus Christ face to face on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at the age of 96 in San Angelo, Texas. Helen was born on November 16, 1923 in Powderly, Texas to James Bunyan "Bun" and Beulah Dena Nixon. She was the seventh of eight children, 5 girls and 3 boys. Early years were spent in the Snyder, Texas area and in 1937, the family moved to Whiteface, Texas where Helen finished her high school years. She was a basketball, softball and volleyball standout, and graduated as Valedictorian of her class in the Spring of 1941. At the age of 12, Helen surrendered her life to Jesus Christ, and over the next few years, began to feel a calling to become an overseas missionary. She enrolled at Baylor University in the fall of 1941, majoring in Bible and attended on scholarship all four years there, obtaining her Bachelors' degree in the Spring of 1945. Her first and continued love throughout her life was in teaching Bible. She made history by being the first female enrolled at Golden Gate Seminary in Mill Valley, California in the fall of 1945, graduating with a Masters' of Religious Education in the Spring of 1949. Her education would later continue through Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where she obtained her Doctorate in Religious Education in July of 1967. Helen entered the mission field in 1949 after graduating Golden Gate Seminary and was commissioned by the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. She would spend the next 32 years of her life ministering to the Spanish-speaking people in several different regions of Argentina. She took a brief sabbatical to earn her doctorate at SWBTS. She was honored by Golden Gate Seminary as Alumna of the Year in 1983 and after serving her final years as a home missionary in Oklahoma, would fully retire in 1988. Helen never married, spending her life dedicated to her Lord and in the spreading of His gospel. She was a feisty and tenacious personality, as most of her friends and family can attest to! She was outspoken and direct, and she was very competitive when it came to games. She loved playing Scrabble (she even created a Solitaire version!) and 42 with her friends. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, as well as all her siblings. She is survived by nephews Dwayne Overman (Kathy) of Eastland, Texas, Marlin Overman (Linda) of Cisco, Texas, Fred Overman (Tina) of Cooper, Texas, Dennis Nixon (Maxine) of China Springs, Texas, Niece Brenda Nixon Lewis of Mason, Texas as well as numerous other great nieces and nephews and many, many friends and colleagues. Services for Helen will be on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Harris Avenue Baptist Church (1026 East Harris Avenue) at 11:00am, with a family meal at the church afterward. A special thanks to Park Plaza Nursing Home (especially Sherrie Scott and Laura Coffey) for their special care of Helen, along with all the nurses from West Texas Rehab's Hospice of San Angelo for their loving care of her in her final days. Helen's favorite expression was "it's the gospel that works, not us (our job is to communicate the gospel and let it play itself out in people's hearts)" and her favorite scripture comes from Romans 8:28…"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." Thank you for your lifelong obedience to the Lord's calling to the foreign mission field my friend….and in Helen's famous last words each time she parted your company….."the Lord bless". Family and friends can share online condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.
Marian Penrod Farmer, BA ’46, was born in Wichita Falls, TX on November 5, 1925. She passed away from this earth to Heaven on March 10, 2020 at the age of 94 years. She was at her home surrounded by loving family members. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Abilene with Dr. Phil Christopher, Senior Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elliott Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 US Hwy 277 S. Visitation will held from 5-7 PM on Monday, March 16, 2020 at Elliott Hamil Funeral Home. Pallbearers for her service will be Von Faulkner, Cory Pittman, Spence Pittman, Neal Farmer, Randy Spence and Rory Farmer. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Senter, Gilbert Korman, Allen Wright and Byron Penrod. Marian was a graduate of Abilene High School. She received her undergraduate degree from Baylor University, and later earned a master's degree from Abilene Christian University in Counseling. Marian taught English at Madison Junior High for many years. She was a very active member of First Baptist Church in Abilene. She served on numerous committees within the church and was a devoted volunteer. Through the years, Marian enjoyed membership in the Abilene Woman's Club. She was a past president of the Board of First Baptist Church Counseling and Enrichment Center. She loved volunteering with the City Light Community Ministries. Marian served on the Board of the YWCA and was also an active volunteer at Hendrick Medical Center for many years. Marian loved helping other people. Her core values came from giving back to her church and community. She was also a very devoted wife and mother. Marian was preceded in death by her father, James Clyde Penrod, and her mother, Florence Wiles Penrod. Also preceding her in death were her sister, Roberta Wiles Flanagan, and nephew, James Patrick Flanagan. Marian is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 46 years, Dorman N. Farmer, Sr. She is survived by her brother, Clyde Byron Penrod, and his wife, Louella Penrod. Marian is survived by five children: Randy Spence (Vicki), Penny Spence Pittman (Cory), Neal Farmer, Dorsi Farmer Faulkner (Von), and D'Anne Farmer. Grandchildren are Whitney Spence Aguirre (Eddie), Erin Spence, Spence Pittman (Erika), Michael Faulkner Catanese (Nick), Dylan Faulkner, Taylor Pittman, Caitlin Farmer, and Rory Farmer. Great grandchildren are Brennon Aguirre, Madelyn Aguirre, Caden Catanese, Charlee Catanese, and Liam Cervera Pittman. Survivors also include niece, Kelly Flanagan, and nephew, Tom Flanagan. Marian and Dorman were parents who adored their children. They also had a huge number of beloved friends, with whom they enjoyed many fun activities. Another passion was travel. With their friends, Marian and Dorman traveled the world together for many years and loved sharing stories of their adventures. Marian's family would like to acknowledge and thank Touching Hearts at Home and Kindred Hospice for the care and comfort they provided.
Dorothy “Dot” Swift Newson, ’46, of Dallas died March 26. Dot was born to Dee and Dicie Swift on December 2, 1924, in Osage, Texas. After graduating from Waco High School she attended Baylor University as a music major where she met Asa A. Newsom, Jr. On a three day pass from the Army they were married in 1944. After Asa completed medical school and was ready to embark on his career as an OB/GYN, they settled in Dallas, Texas, where they enjoyed a marvelous 72 year marriage until Asa's death in 2016. Dot is survived by her three children: David (Jane), Kirk (Lynn) and Kent (Vicki); grandchildren Laura Rooney (Chris), Colin (Sean), Chris (Kayla), Juli Miele (Rocco), Douglas and three great grandchildren: Desmond, Avery and Ellis. She was named a "Woman of Distinction" by the Baylor University Women's Council. Dot was a longtime active member of Wilshire Baptist Church. Her family and friends will dearly miss her grace, wit, hospitality and the lost art of writing countless notes. Even until the date of her death at 95 years of age, she retained the remarkable ability to remember names, faces and events. She was a voracious reader who enjoyed discussing history with anyone who wished. There will be a private graveside service. Due to current events, a time of celebration will be scheduled later. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice or Baylor University, One Bear Place #97026, Waco, Texas 76798-7026.
Julia “Judy” Wiebusch, BA ’46, age 95, passed away from natural causes on Monday, February 17, 2020 at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. She is survived by her two sons and their spouses, Art and Cindy Wiebusch and Roger and Cheetah Wiebusch, as well as by her three grandsons and their spouses, Eric and Michael Krikorian, Spencer and Rachel Wiebusch, and Landon and Jennifer Wiebusch, and her four great-grandsons, Zane, Sawyer, Lucas, and Logan. Judy was preceded in death by her father William Thompson, mother Flavia Thompson, husband, Arthur Wiebusch, as well as by her older brother and younger sister, William Thompson and Rosemary Hayes. Judy was born in Magnolia, Arkansas on April 13, 1924 to William and Flavia Thompson. Judy's life was spent pursuing her passion for education, receiving a Bachelor's in English from Baylor University, a Master's in Education from Texas Tech University, and serving as an educator in the Lubbock, Waco, and Houston Independent School Districts for more than thirty years. It was at Baylor that Judy met the love of her life, Arthur Wiebusch, a returning World War II veteran, whom she married on June 16, 1947. Judy served as Arthur's faithful and devoted wife for sixty-three years until Arthur passed away on New Year's Day of 2010. Judy was an active member in the First United Methodist Church of Lubbock, where she attended Rafters Sunday School Class for more than thirty years, and was a frequent contributor to the Philanthropic Educational Organization of Lubbock. May Judy be remembered for her dedication to enriching the young minds of her students, as well as for the love and dedication she showed her family and friends. In keeping with Judy's wishes, no formal service will be held so that donations in her memory can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Lubbock.
Wanda Van Goor, BA ’47, of Chevy Chase, MD, died on January 4, 2019. She was the daughter of Lee Myers and Charles Jackson, sister of Jessie Norman, and wife of Robert Van Goor, each preceded her in death. She is survived by her son, Scott (Merilie), and daughters, Holly and Nancy, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Van Goor was born in Russellville, KY and raised in Greenville, TX. She graduated from Baylor University and moved north to Philadelphia, PA where she attended the University of Pennsylvania and obtained her master's degree and began to pursue her doctoral degree. Over the years, she also lived in New Haven, CT and Chicago, IL, finally settling in Chevy Chase, MD with her husband and children in 1961. She was devoted to her family and she was an enthusiastic and active member of her neighborhood and her community everywhere she lived. She was a dedicated member of the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda, MD and a passionate supporter of many local theater and musical groups, including Arena Stage, the Round House Theater, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the National Philharmonic Orchestra. Mrs. Van Goor loved teaching. She was a tenured professor in the English Department at Prince George's Community College for 40 years. She also helped to create and teach a 5th grade Bible class at her church. She loved learning and was a life-long student at heart, attending all manner of educational programs well into her 80s. Mrs. Van Goor's final teaching moment and contribution came in death with the donation of her body to the State Anatomy Board of Maryland. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make gifts of time or treasures to charities of your choice.
Marian Frances Greenwood Austin, BA ’48, MS ’73, of Edna, Texas, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2020, at the age of 93. She was born in Harlingen, Texas, on February 2, 1927, to the late Paul Grady Greenwood and Marion Greenleaf Paul. Marian was a graduate of Baylor University with a bachelor and master degrees. She loved working with children as a speech and language pathologist in Belton I.S.D. for 20 years. She loved people. Marian was a member of the First Baptist Church of Edna. Marian is survived by her daughter, Susan Harrison and her husband Bill Harrison; grandchildren: Paul, Rachel, Dan, and Anna Beth Harrison; and son-in-law, Steven G. Long. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Ted L. Austin, and her daughter Sharon Austin Long. Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-271-0596. www.oaklawnfhednatx.com
Dr. Thomas Bailey King Jr., BA ’48, DDS ’51, of Bryan, Texas, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at the age of 93. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Norma Newton, and his wife of 49 years, Evelyn King. He is survived by son Charles and his wife Kathy and their children Joshua, Brandon, and Kyle; his son David and his wife Jessica and their children Javier, Josh, and Jacqueline; his niece Dianne Brockette and husband Marion; his nephew Richard Newton and wife Diane; and other relatives and friends. Dr. Tom B. King was born to Thomas Bailey King, Sr., and Fay Wilcher King, in Lancaster, Texas, on May 22, 1926. He grew up and attended school in Waxahachie, Texas, where he graduated in 1943. Following graduation, Tom joined the United States Navy and served in the medical corps from 1944 to 1945 during WWII. He graduated from Baylor University in 1948 and Baylor Dental School in 1951. Tom practiced general dentistry with Dr. H.W. Ritchey in Bryan from 1951–1957. He left Bryan to specialize in orthodontics in Saint Louis, MO and returned to Bryan in 1959 where he practiced his specialty until he retired in 1993. Dr. King was active in his profession and his community. He taught at the University of Texas Orthodontic School in Houston for 29 years. Dr. King was also a member of the Texas Tweed Foundation since its inception, and the American Association of Orthodontics. He served on the Bryan School Board, Bryan Library Board, Bryan Rotary Club, St. Joseph Hospital Board, MSC OPAS Founding Board, Young Life, Bryan North Little League, the Historic Landmark Commission, Brazos Valley Shriner’s Club, Mason’s Club, Rotary Club, and volunteered at the George Bush Library. Dr. King was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bryan for 69 years where he was a deacon, taught a youth Sunday school class, and attended the Business Men’s Bible Class. He was also a member of the Baptist Medical-Dental Fellowship, where he served on many foreign mission trips. In 2019, he was awarded the Jefferson Award at the George Bush Library for his many years of community service. Tom greatly loved the Lord, his family, his work, his church, his community, and his many friends. He was a true gentleman and a Godly man of great integrity and character. Tom was joyful, kind, and a loyal friend. He was a person that made every situation that he encountered better than when he found it. Tom was a man who always thought of others before himself and believed it is better to give than to receive. A family visitation will be held at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan, from 4-7 pm, Monday, February 24, 2020. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at the First Baptist Church of Bryan. A reception will be held following the service in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will be at 2:00 pm at Restever Memorial Park Cemetery in Bryan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Bryan Building Fund or the Business Men’s Bible Class at 3100 Cambridge Dr., Bryan, TX, 77802.
Clydola Hayes Patterson, BBA ’48, passed away on April 3, 2020, at the Manor at Elfindale in Springfield, MO. She was born on October 3, 1924 in San Saba, Texas. After graduating from Baylor University, she moved to Dallas, where she met and married Doyle Patterson. In 1971, the family moved to Springfield, Missouri, when Doyle was transferred with Kraft Foods. But she always called Texas her home. In 1989, she retired from (Southwest) Missouri State University after working as an administrative assistant at the Southwest Teachers Credit Union, the Nursing Department, and the Speech Language and Hearing Clinic. She loved to travel and had visited all 50 states. She also travelled to Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Canada, Scandinavia, England, Ireland, Scotland, and throughout Western Europe. She was an active member of First Baptist Church and loved to go out to eat and play games, especially Mexican Train dominoes. She also loved art, music, and theatre and for many years attended Springfield Little Theatre, Tent Theatre, Springfield Symphony, and Springfield Regional Opera. She was a kind and loving person, with a great sense of humor, who liked nothing more than to be around people. Clydola is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Vallie Hayes; husband, Doyle Patterson; daughter, Laura Patterson; sister, Archie Beth; and nephews, John Patterson and Charles Tillinghast. She is survived by her children Paula Patterson (Steve Fisk) and James Patterson; and granddaughters Lily and Claire Patterson. She is also survived by her brother Arnold Hayes (Tommie); brother-in-law, Robert Patterson; nieces Holley Scott and Beth Malone; nephews, Clyde Hayes and Robert Patterson, Jr.; and many great-nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Manor at Elfindale, The Gardens, and Haven Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Clydola’s name to Springfield Little Theatre or a charity of your choice. In accordance with the CDC and the Governor’s guidelines to prevent further spread of COVID-19, a celebration of life for Clydola will be held at a future date.
A private family graveside service for Mr. Joe Walter Johnson will be held Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Hebron Baptist Church in Little Rock, Miss. with Rev. James Ruffin officiating. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Eugene Nelson Cloninger, BA ’49, of Garland, TX, died March 27.
William Compton “Bill” Oliver, BA ’49, age 94, of Waco, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 29, 2020. He donated his body to Southwest Medical Center in Dallas. Private burial is to be at a later date in the family plot in Oakwood Cemetery. There will be no services. Bill has been a Christ-centered Christian all his life. His home church was Austin Avenue Methodist until 1960, then Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, 1961 to date. Bill was born in Waco, July 30, 1925, to Collins W. and Ruth Craven Oliver. The family owned and operated the Waco Nursery Company and Oliver Courts for many years. He married his beloved wife, Jewell “Judy” Hodge, March 7, 1960. He graduated from Waco High in 1943 where he was a yell leader and from Baylor University in 1949 with a B.A. degree in speech/radio and a minor in political science. He did graduate work at SMU in 1951-1952. Bill was a radio announcer for WACO in the Amicable Building in the 40s. For 10 years in the 50s, he was Educational Director and Minister of the Junior Church at Austin Avenue Methodist Church. Bill also taught a content course in Bible to Waco High School students. They received ½ credit as an elective toward high school graduation. The course was sponsored by the Waco Ministerial Association and was taught in an upstairs room at 4C College at 8th and Washington Avenue from 1953-1959. The last year offered, there were students from 14 different denominations representing 44 different Waco churches. After the family business was sold in 1965, he became an assistant to the Vice President of Development at Baylor University. After a neck injury he left Baylor and was on the faculty as Job Developer at McLennan Community College. In 1972 Bill became a licensed realtor with McCall Realtors, then Century 21 Advantage, then Northern Realtors for years and finally with Triliji Realtors. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or one's favorite charity. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William Compton Oliver, please visit our Tribute Store.
James Rayford “Pap” Watson, BBA’49, of Marshall, TX, aka “Mr. Austin” passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2020 after reaching 94 years of age. Pap was a World War II veteran where he served as a tail gunner in the B-25 bomber plane. He graduated from Baylor University in 1949 and returned home to start The Austin Furniture Company, a downtown Marshall business for over 68 years. His favorite past times were quail hunting, training bird dogs and fishing. He is survived by four children: John and Lana White, daughter; Jana and Steve Hall, daughter; James and Di Anna Smith, daughter; Pap and Susan Watson, son. He is also survived by a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, May Joyce Michaels Watson; parents, Robert Pitt Watson and Mae Christine McKinley; three brothers and one sister. Services will be held at Meadowbrook Funeral Home, 1804 S. Washington Street, Marshall, Texas at 2:00pm on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm prior to the service. Interment will be in Nesbitt Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his wife. Online condolences may be made at www.meadowbrookfh.com