In Memoriam: 1980s-2010s
Rose Elise Grossenbacher, BA ’81, was born in Savannah, Georgia on October 9, 1958 to Margie Hackbarth Grossenbacher and Clyde Rudolph Grossenbacher. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Rose was a charter student at Vanguard College Preparatory School, attended Texas A&M University, and was a graduate of Baylor University. She and her husband, Russell Loper, lived on a ranch outside Fairfield, Texas, where they raised their son, Russell Jr., and tended to their horses and cattle. Rose was a lifelong member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and a devout Episcopalian who never wavered in her faith even at the worst of times. She was happiest gardening, spending time with family, and caring for those around her. Rose loved her pets and found great joy in admiring and caring for all of God’s creatures. Her family describes her as outgoing, ambitious, optimistic, and loyal. Rose had a wonderful sense of humor and charmed everyone she met. As a true Christian, she was selfless and kind to the least of us to the very end. She fiercely loved her family and never hesitated to show it in any way she could, showering gifts and doting on her grandson, great-niece, and great-nephews. Rose was preceded in death by her father, Rudy Grossenbacher; stepfather, Harris B. Allen, Jr.; and younger sister Gay Grossenbacher King. She is survived by her mother, Margie Grossenbacher Allen; son, Russell Whatley Loper, Jr.; daughters, Lauri Cherry; and Susan Phipps and her husband, Landon; a grandson, Grayson Phipps; nieces, Winifred Elizabeth Nelson and Marjorie Rose King Parker and her husband, Silas; nephew, Marc Edgar “Eddie” King, Jr.; great-nephews, August Rudolph Parker and Marc Edgar “Tritt” King, III; and great-niece, Rheagan Elaine King; sister, Claire Allen Moore; niece, Meredith Moore Aldriedge and husband, Stephen; aunt, Helen Hackbarth Allen and husband, Joe B.; and numerous other family members and loved ones. Family members Landon Phipps, Douglas Bergen, Harlan Bergen, Eddie King, Silas Parker, and Stephen Aldriedge will serve as pallbearers. Her cousin, Dr. Rev. Frances T. Shelton, will be reading the scripture. A worship service celebrating Rose’s resurrection led by the Rev. Aaron Zimmerman will be held at St. Alban’s. In an effort to follow CDC guidelines for preventing illness due to COVID-19, the service will be strictly limited to close family. For those who wish to pay their respects, the service will be livestreamed Wednesday, March 18th at 2 PM via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stalbanswaco) and will be available for viewing for the following week.
Philip “Phil” Martin, BBA ’82, passed away in Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. He was at peace about leaving us, but wished he had a little more time. Phil was born March 6th, 1960 on a family home leave in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He grew up in Athens, Greece and Tehran, Iran, where he graduated High School from Tehran American School. He then received his BBA degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. We will miss that sparkle in your eye, your voice at the family gatherings, the times spent at the best happy hour in town, keeping us aware of the next astrology happening and your smooth moves on the dance floor. Philip was not known for his sense of direction. He passed 2 years and 1 day after his mother, Shirley. Therefore, the family finds solace knowing she came down to get him and show him the way home. After all, he was her favorite child. From Thee I come. And to Thee I go. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Lori Martin, children, Erin and Evan Martin, siblings, Pam Siotas, Paul Martin and Phyllis Martin, and nieces and nephews, Krista Siotas, Dimitri Siotas, Cyrus Martin and Amaya Martin. A celebration of life will take place at Davis Creek in the near future.
Philip Gaines Carpenter III, BBA ’83, age 62, of Irving, TX went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, January 31, 2020. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 29, 1958 to Philip Gaines and Carolyn Evans Carpenter. At age ten he moved with his family to Plainview, TX where he attended schools and graduated Plainview High School in 1976. While in high school he was active in the Boy Scout programs, the Bulldog football team, Plainview High Band, and in the youth program at First Baptist Church. He was a member at First Baptist throughout his lifetime. Philip attended Baylor University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Real Estate. While a student at Baylor, he participated in the Student Abroad Program traveling for three weeks throughout Europe. Upon graduation Philip began his own business named “Party Hand” where he secured and sold matching party items for special occasions to sororities and fraternities on Baylor campus. He later expanded a business operation in the metroplex of the Dallas area in which he was involved until the time of his death. Philip was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He saw value in everyone and almost everything. He had an amazing memory for remembering people, birthdays, and other dates important to him. He was preceded in death by his father, Philip Carpenter, Jr., his paternal grandparents, Philip and Alice Carpenter, and maternal grandparents, Frank and Thelma Evans, in addition to several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his mother, Carolyn Carpenter of Plainview, a brother, Brian Carpenter, and wife, Kathy, of Canyon, and a sister, Camille Northcutt and husband, Greg of Plainview; by beloved nieces, Caroline Northcutt of Plainview and Carley Carpenter of Canyon as well as a beloved nephew Carson Northcutt also of Plainview, and special friend, Cheryl McClure of Irving. He also leaves behind an uncle and aunt, Jeane and Barbara Browning of Plainview, and children of Plainview and the Lubbock area as well as numerous other cousins, aunts and uncles in more distant locations. The memorial service for Philip is planned for Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 11 am in the First Baptist Church Chapel, 205 W. 8th Street under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Director in Plainview, Texas. For individuals desiring to make a monetary donation, the family suggests a memorial to the Evans Endowed Student Scholarship Program at Wayland Baptist University at 1900 W. 7th St., Plainview, TX 79072 or the American Cancer Society, or to a favorite charity of your choice.
Kimberly Campbell “K.C.” Gutman, BA ’83, age 59, of Gotha, Florida, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, January 26, 2020. She was born to William and the late Evelyn Campbell on February 15, 1960 in Cleveland, TN. Kimberly graduated from Barrington High School outside of Chicago in 1978 and received a BA in History from Baylor University in 1983, and later attended the graduate nursing program at the University of Tennessee. She married Stanley Gutman in 1993, and they lived together in Gotha, FL. Kimberly was an insurance broker and Vice President for Insurance Office of America, as well as a modern-day Renaissance woman. She lived life to its fullest and encouraged others to do the same. She loved to travel and getting to know what the world had to offer through visiting different destinations and experiencing new foods and cultures from across the globe. She especially loved traveling and spending time with her husband and family in her favorite city, New Orleans. She was an avid reader, loved cooking and trying new recipes, and giving time to multiple charitable foundations that were dear to her heart. She was a member of First Baptist Orlando. In addition to her husband and father, Kimberly is survived by two children, Nathan West of Saint Petersburg, FL, and Dylan Gutman of Orlando, FL, as well as countless friends and family. Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched by Kimberly are invited to attend a celebration of her life at 1 p.m. Sunday, February 2, 2020 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Reverend Tom Wickes officiating. Interment will follow in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with a white dove release ceremony and the playing of bagpipes to conclude the service. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org or to the Amigos for Christ at www.amigosforchrist.org. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Gutman family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.
Gordon George Asbury III, BBA ’85, JD ’86, age 57, passed away on February 26, 2020, at his home, which was the center of life with his family. Gordon was born in Abilene, Texas, to Gordon and Janice Jennings Asbury on April 1, 1962. A funeral service honoring Gordon’s life will be held Monday, March 2, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene with burial following at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 U.S. Hwy 277 South. Services are under the direction of Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. As a small child, Gordon’s sister, Elizabeth, called him “Bubba” in her effort to say “brother”, and it became his name to family and close friends. Gordon’s life was characterized by faith and love for his family and country. He was known for his personal and professional integrity. When Gordon was seven years old, the Asbury family moved to Quail Hollow Farm, where every day was a new outdoor adventure. Gordon worked alongside his dad building barns and fences, hauling hay, and planting and harvesting. He became accomplished in woodworking and mechanics, to the extent of rebuilding a ’55 Chevy as a teenager. Gordon’s love of animals was enriched with dogs, horses, cattle, and pigs. Wherever he was on the farm, his faithful dogs/companions were wagging tails as they walked or ran by his side. For fifteen years of his adult life, Bubba and his black lab, Sam, were inseparable partners in hunting, fishing, and other outdoor adventures. Gordon became an expert horseman, riding in Playdays and 4H activities in his younger years. Sonny, his most loved horse, brought in many blue ribbons and trophies. Along with horse shows, Gordon showed Durocs in 4H stock shows, taking his pigs beyond the Taylor County shows and traveling greater distances. Wylie Bulldogs saw Gordon on the playing field. He loved the camaraderie and competition of team sports, with football being his favorite. He played the position of running back in high school and, for a short time, for the Baylor Bears. Gordon had numerous academic accomplishments. He graduated from Wylie High School in 1980 and immediately enrolled in Baylor University, where he received a BBA in 1983. Following in his father’s footsteps, he continued his education at Baylor University School of Law, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1986 receiving a Juris Doctor. Upon graduation from law school, he started his first professional job with Strasburger & Price, LLP working with this firm until 1990. After an 8-year courtship, Gordon married his high school sweetheart, Aloma Mokry, on December 29, 1987, and they began their life together in Dallas. They started their family with the birth of their first son, Andrew, in 1989, followed by Bryan in 1991 and Caleb in 2002, making the family “My Three Sons.” Valuing family and country life, Gordon made the professional decision to return to his roots in Abilene to practice law. He joined with his dad to form Asbury and Asbury, LLP. They were partners until his dad’s death in 2009, when the firm name returned to Asbury Law Firm, LLP. So their boys could be blessed by all the joys of farm life that Gordon had cherished as a child, he and Aloma built their existing home on land they purchased, which adjoined the family farm where he was raised. Gordon shared his love of nature and God with his three sons, passing along his knowledge and skills of hunting, camping, fishing, golfing, whittling on wood, water sports, horseback riding, and countless other outdoor activities that come along with country life. Their family camping excursions ranged from a tree house in the back yard to the mountains of Colorado. Gordon was a man of few words, but his interests were unlimited. He was a great storyteller and writer. He shared his father’s love of World War II history and passed that along to his wife and boys. He had a passion for aviation, which led to his getting a private pilot’s license and building and flying remote controlled airplanes. Being an outstanding mechanic, he guided his son Andrew in rebuilding a 1970 Mustang Mach 1, one bolt one at a time. Gordon was preceded in death by his 21-year-old son, Andrew, and his father, Gordon, Jr. Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Aloma, son Bryan and wife, Mykala, and son Caleb, all of Abilene. He is also survived by his mother, Janice Jennings Asbury of Abilene, and sister, Elizabeth Sims and husband, Dean, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and their children, Jacob Sims and wife, Rachel, and Sarah Sims. Also, he is survived by other extended family members including his aunt, Barbara Jennings of Belton, his uncle, Larry Asbury of Dallas, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pallbearers for Gordon will be Brian Davis, John Edwards, David Hambrick, Rhome Hill, Frank Jennings, Benny Kothmann, Kirk Massey, Terry Monroe, Tommy Stoneham and Dewey Townsend. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Huguenard and Jose Carreon. Those wishing to honor Gordon’s memory with memorial gifts can do so with donations to the Andrew Asbury Memorial Scholarship Endowment at Texas Tech University Systems, PO Box 45025, Lubbock, Texas 79409 (give2tech.com//?fid=T8719N4) or the Admiral Nimitz Foundation at 340 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, Texas 78624.
Peter Martin Foley, ’85, age 59, of Knoxville, TN, formerly of Wichita Falls, TX, and Waco, TX, passed away suddenly Saturday afternoon, March 28, 2020 at his home. Peter was a graduate of Wichita Falls High School, he played tennis for Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX, and did graduate studies at Baylor University. Peter worked in the insurance industry for 32 years, most recently as Sr VP of Operations at Answer Financial, Inc. He was a beloved husband, father, friend, and golfer. Most of all, he was a lover of Jesus and walked through life with the family mantra of "Pray and Obey." Peter is preceded in death by his father Robert M Foley. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Janay Hardin Foley; children, Will Foley and wife Carly of Nashville, TN, Sarah Foley of Seattle, WA, and Ann Martin Foley of Waco, TX; mother, Shirley Foley of Wichita Falls, TX; sister, Jean Foley of Ft. Worth, TX; brothers, Mark Foley and wife Marilyn of Mobile, AL, Chuck Foley of Wichita Falls, TX; niece, Molly Sawyer; nephew, Rob Foley. Due to COVID-19, a private service will be held for the family only on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 with interment in Pleasant Forest Cemetery. Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel is serving the Foley family. www.clickfh.com
Tracy Lyn Smith, BBA ’85, age 56, of Amarillo, TX, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, February 20, 2020. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd. Private burial will be at Llano Cemetery. Tracy was born on March 30, 1963 in Dallas to H. Wayne Smith and Julie Smith. She graduated from Tascosa High School in 1981. She graduated with honors from Baylor University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She earned her Master’s degree with honors from George Washington University. She had a strong love for animals and had worked with various organizations that dealt with the sheltering of homeless animals. Her greatest love and passion was being a follower of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her mother, Julie Smith. Tracy is survived by her father, H. Wayne Smith of Amarillo; brother, Chris Smith and wife Susan of Colleyville; nieces, Sophie Smith and Sydney Smith; cousins, Aubrey Smith and family, Kim Smith, John Massey and family, Tommy Parker and family, Steve Parker and family, Martha Parker and family, Russell Smith and family, Quinn Smith and family. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, February 24, 2020 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and requests memorials be sent to the Amarillo S.P.C.A.
Christi Roberson, BSEd ’86, of Fort Worth went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, during her 56th year. Born Sept. 17, 1963, in Fort Worth, Christi was the youngest child of Janet and Vaughan Roberson. After graduating from high school, she attended Baylor and received her teaching degree. Her professional career took her through several different teaching positions and wonderful opportunities to aid, inspire and mentor others. She had a positive impact on the lives of countless children, and was a blessing in the lives of her adult friends. She was a teacher from a family of teachers, which spanned several generations. Most recently she was teaching at Crossing Heritage Academy. She loved reading, music, cooking with friends, Game Nights and watching sports, especially her Baylor Bears. She was a lifelong member of Westcliff Methodist Church, and then Arborlawn Methodist Church, after they merged. She cherished her many dear friends there, and her opportunities to serve through various small groups, the Congregational Care Team and other ministries. She was also a supporter of Christ Church Fort Worth in past years, and valued her wonderful friends there as well. She was a dedicated, true and faithful servant to the end. Christi was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors: Brothers, Dennis and Doug; sister-in-law, Charlene; and niece and nephew, Katy and Alex. Memorials: In remembrance, donations may be made to Arborlawn UMC.
Christopher B. Caddell, BBA ’88, of Florence, KY, was welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly father Wednesday April 3, 2020. Christopher was born to Arnold E. Caddell, Jr. and Beverly (Wood) Caddell on July 30, 1966 and grew up in Edgewood, Ky graduating from Scott High School in 1984. While at Scott he met the love of his life and best friend, Eleni (Inembolidou) Caddell. They spent the last 36 years side by side, and they would have celebrated their 32ndwedding anniversary in May. Their unwavering devotion to one another through the highs and lows of life was evident until the very end. Upon graduation from Scott, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baylor University in 1988. He played in the Baylor University Golden Wave Band all four years of college. In 1996 Chris took the chance to work with and learn from his father and began working at Heritage Bank as a teller. He worked in various departments and roles over the course of the years and was installed as board chairman in 2016 after the retirement of his father. Chris always aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps, and he worked diligently to maintain a culture of deep care for the employees and customers of Heritage Bank. He was a model of servant leadership to all who had the chance to work with him. While he had a steadfast passion for and commitment to Heritage Bank, he also saw the tangible needs of so many in the community, which led him to found Lifeline Ministries of Northern Kentucky in 2004. What started as 15 people in his basement packing 50 care baskets for families in the hospital eventually morphed into meeting tangible needs in the community. Lifeline moved to a different location in Erlanger/Elsmere where people could come receive groceries, clothing, and household items free of charge. Their core principles were to love unconditionally and to help people in any way possible without judgment. Lifeline served over 50,000 families before closing its doors in 2016. For his work with Lifeline he was honored as the 2011 Florence Rotary Citizen of the Year. What tied together everything Chris did in life was that he loved serving people. He always put the needs of others above himself. He also gave his expertise to the following efforts: Kentucky 4H Foundation Board Member 2018-2020,
Tennis for Charity, Inc. Board Member 2018, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board Member 2018. In his free time, Chris enjoyed traveling with Eleni and their family, watching sporting events with his children, and he loved classic cars. He loved to laugh and make people smile.
Of everything Chris devoted himself to in life his family always came first. He fiercely and sacrificially loved each one of them. Chris was father to a son and a daughter, Steven Caddell, Burlington, KY (wife Kristen Caddell) and Alexis Caddell, Los Angeles, CA. He was also blessed with two grandchildren, Nora Mae Caddell (age 4) and Jackson Christopher Caddell (age 2). (Parents Steven & Kristen Caddell) Chad Caddell, Burlington, KY, was Chris’ brother and only sibling. Chad is married to Tara Caddell. They have two sons (Chris’ nephews): Casey Caddell and Cameron Caddell. Chris had a brother-in law, Vasilis Inembolidis (wife, Julie Cunningham) of Goleta, CA. Chris had three uncles, Dr. Mark Caddell, DDA (wife, Barb) of Boston, MA, Gregg Wood (wife, Elaine) of Dallas, TX, and Tony Wood (wife, Barb) of Glenn Allen, VA. Most importantly, Chris centered his life around honoring Jesus Christ. It was the common thread running through his professional and personal life. He viewed all he had in life as a gift from God and was a faithful steward. Services for Chris will be Private.
In lieu of flowers, the Caddell Family has asked that you consider financial gifts to the following organizations that were meaningful to Chris: OCEAN Programs is an independent nonprofit that trains entrepreneurs to open new businesses. Chris Caddell was a long term, generous supporter of OCEAN because of its focus on the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship. OCEAN has launched over 150 new businesses in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Gifts can be made at https://ocean.kindful.com/?campaign=1061951 or via check made payable to OCEAN Programs and sent to OCEAN Programs, 1100 Sycamore St, 4th Floor, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
The Kentucky 4-H Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the financial support of the Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program. Kentucky 4-H supports youth by providing research-based programming, professional and adult mentors, and leadership and job training. Chris shared 4-H’s commitment to building community, as well as, their passion for providing life-changing youth development opportunities for young people. Kentucky 4-H has a presence in all 120 counties and reaches over 250,000 youth annually. Gifts in Chris Caddell’s honor can be made at https://kentucky4hfoundation.org/caddell/.
Mark Andrew Robohm, BA ’92, of West Plains, MO, died February 27.
Dennis A. Boomhower, BSEd ’93, MSEd ’95, died Feb. 3.
Mark Skelton, JD ’95, of Lubbock, TX, age 50, passed away on March 11, 2020. The family will host a time of fellowship and remembrance from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm today, March 13, 2020, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. We will celebrate his life of 50 years at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Lake Ridge Chapel. Friends are invited to share memories and expressions of sympathy for the family to cherish and view his life tribute at www.memorialdesigners.net. Mark started life different than most, and he decided to come two months early, much to the surprise of all. Such was not an easy task in 1970. Starting life a little early did not deter Mark - it only made him stronger and maybe somewhat of an independent soul. In high school, Mark was an excellent athlete, an all-district center as a matter of fact, and a fantastic student who was a National Merit Scholar finalist. Mark attended Abilene Christian University, where he met the love of his life and wife, Margaret. After graduating from ACU in 1992 and getting married to Margaret, he attended Baylor Law School. Mark's greatest joy came in October of 2006 when his son, Lincoln, was born. More than anything else, Mark was made to be a father, and he enjoyed it immensely. Mark and Lincoln had many adventures and many science experiments and always excelled at having a great time. Mark loved the outdoors, upland bird hunting, four-wheelers, Colorado, all things technological, and football. The passion for the former came from his father, but he got his love of football from his mother. Mark would like to let you know that his work here is done. He received a summons, a Motion of sorts that could not be denied, for an engagement from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with many rights and privileges, a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time, perfect health and wonderful weather, and a Heavenly Father who will watch over him. His new undertaking takes him to a glorious place where he will be riding four-wheelers through majestic mountains and picnicking by crystal streams. He will take long hikes with many, many Labrador Retrievers who will always come when he calls. Mark left specific directives, the lawyer in him might call them "rulings," for his family and friends including, but certainly not limited to, showing kindness towards all and to love your neighbor as yourself. These should be followed explicitly. Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret, his adored son, Lincoln, his parents, Don and Kay Skelton, and his brother and sister in law Scott and Sheila Skelton, and their daughters Lauren Ford, her husband Russell, and Allison. He will forever be in our hearts and by our side until we meet again. We appreciate any and all acts of kindness on our family's behalf, especially your thoughts and prayers. The family of Mark Skelton has designated the Abilene Christian University, Gift Records, ACU Box 29132, Abilene, Texas 79699, In the memo line, please write: "Mark Skelton Scholarship Fund" In the memo line, please write: "Mark Skelton Scholarship Fund," Call Gift Records at 325-674-2612 or toll-free at 800-588-1514, acu.edu/give , on this webpage, check the "other" designation, which will allow you to then type in "Mark Skelton Scholarship Fund," for memorial contributions donated in his memory.
Ronald Lee Patterson, BA ’97, of Addison, TX, died Apr. 15. A loving husband, father, son and brother, he was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven at the age of 46. Ron was born on December 15, 1973 in Hinsdale, Illinois to Ron and Elizabeth (Durocher) Patterson. Ron grew up in Phoenix, Arizona where he attended Shadow Mountain High School and Scottsdale Community College. He received his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University while also playing baseball for the Bears. On May 24, 1997, he married the love of his life Jennifer Ball. They have three sons, Ryan, Carter, and Will. After working several years in the staffing industry, he co-founded, RPC Solutions in 2006. Ron had a love for the Lord first and foremost. He also had a passion to coach baseball and golf. He felt it was his calling to teach the game but more importantly to train up Godly men. He was a deacon at Prestonwood Baptist Church, served on the board of directors at Prestonwood Christian Academy and was a varsity baseball coach at Prestonwood. He also coached several teams in the Dallas Tigers Organization. Ron will be remembered by his infectious smile and positive attitude. He never met a stranger and was always willing to serve others. Ron was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his three boys, Ryan, Carter, and Will; his father, Ron; his sister, Jeneen; a niece and several nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 West Park Boulevard, Plano, Texas 75093. Interment is to follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ron’s favorite charity, Keeper of the Game (www.keeperofthegame.com) or American Heart Association.
Alison Sim Craighead, BSEd ’98, passed away Monday, March 9, 2020 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born on October 31, 1975 in Gallup, New Mexico. Alison was a graduate of Monterey High School, Baylor University, and Texas Tech University where she earned a master's degree in Sports Fitness Management. At Baylor University she was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and Student Foundation (Junior and Senior years). Alison married Jared Lee Craighead on September 4, 1999 in Lubbock, Texas. While starting their life together in Washington D.C., Alison worked for the American Dietetic Association and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. In 2004 Alison and Jared moved to Jared's hometown of Jefferson City, Missouri where their family grew with the addition of their two precious daughters Katherine Alison ("Katie") - 13, and Caroline Elizabeth - 11. Just after moving to Missouri, Alison was appointed by Governor Matt Blunt to be the Director of the Department of Professional Registration until she resigned to be a stay at home mother. In 2014 the family moved to Austin where Alison excelled at her favorite job of all, being a mom. Alison was active in all aspects of her girls' lives. She also enjoyed fellowship with her many friends. While Alison had a love for all things Dolly Parton (like the quote, "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."), most of all she loved time with her family. She loved traveling and soaking up sun at the beach, and most of all she loved family movie nights with Jared and her girls. Alison Sim Craighead was an inspiration to everyone (especially during her healthcare struggles over the last four years). Her life was a true testament of faith, courage, and grace. Her devotion to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the driving force behind everything she did. Alison is survived by her husband Jared Craighead, and two daughters Katie and Caroline. Her mother Toni Sim of Austin, father Richard Sim of Lubbock, and her sister Kaelea Sim Sand and her husband Peter Sim Sand of Copenhagen, Denmark. Alison is also survived by her father-in-law and mother-in-law Dr. Michael Craighead and his wife Carol of Jefferson City, Missouri, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dr. Jonathan and his wife Margaret Craighead along with their three children also of Jefferson City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Alison's memory to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston at www.mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/donate/honor-loved-ones.html.
Brent Alan Gattis, BS ’10, of Naples, FL, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at the age of 32. Brent’s immediate family will gather for a private burial and plans include a celebration of his life at a later date. Brent was born in San Antonio, Texas, on February 8, 1988, to Bobby Gattis and Terri Gattis Magee. He attended Lorena schools, where in his high school years, he excelled in academics and baseball. As a senior, he was recognized as an academic all-state in baseball. Upon graduation from Baylor University in 2010, he received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Upon graduation, he attended Arrhythmia Technologies Institute in Greenville, South Carolina. There he received training in Cardiac Rhythm Management. Graduating at the top of his class, he was asked to teach the following semester. Brent then found his way back to Texas and worked at Scott & White Hospital Temple for 6 years. He then moved to Pensacola and Naples, Florida, where he continued his profession as a certified cardiac device specialist. Brent enjoyed participating in and attending many athletic events and golfing with his dad. Other activities included cooking on the grill and hunting and fishing with his stepdad. He also enjoyed taking trips to the coast with his mom and stepdad. Brent was preceded in death by his mother, Terri Magee; grandparents, Bobby and Jackie Gattis, Sr., Dorothy and Robert Drake, Billy Wayne Bankhead, and Betty and Richard Shapland; and uncles, Steve Burtchell and Billy Jack Bankhead. Brent is survived by his father, Bobby Gattis, Jr.; his stepmother, Denise Gattis; his stepfather, Mike Magee; his aunts, Jackie Gattis and Lisa Burtchell; his grandparents, Maurice and Sue Magee; his sweet dog, Lily; and many other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice in Brent’s name. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
Allyson Elaine Goldman, JD ’14, of Frisco, TX, died March 15.