In Memoriam
1930s
Dr. Colbert C. “Cokie” Held, BA ’38, of Waco died Dec. 18, 2016, at age 99. He also earned degrees from Northwestern University and Clark University and authored Middle East Patterns: Places, Peoples, and Politics, a widely used textbook. Dr. Held held faculty positions at Mississippi College and Tarkio College before he became chairman of the geography departments at West Texas State and the University of Nebraska. Held served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1954 as a lieutenant colonel. In 1957, Held joined the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in the position of geographic attache, and served at the American Embassy in Lebanon, the American Consulate-General in Saudi Arabia, the Department of State in Washington and the American Embassy in Iran, among others. He retired from the Foreign Service in 1976. Held was diplomat-in-residence and professor in political geography, Middle East history and cultural geography from 1967 to 1994. Held began a unique collection of 18,000 slides that documented the changes taking place over time in 17 Middle East countries in the second half of the 20th century. Selected photos from his collection were featured in a special exhibit at Baylor University in 2013, and the archive is available for research through the Middle East Institute (MEI) in Washington, D.C. Held was married 76 years to his wife Mildred. They had two daughters, three grandsons and one great-grandson.
Sarah Osborne Streetman, BA ’38, of Waco died Feb. 14 at age 98. She graduated from Baylor at age 19. She and husband Edwin Wilson Streetman, BA ’38, lived in Waco, Luling, Beaumont and Palestine, TX, before settling in Beaumont. Sarah worked for Magnolia Oil Company during World War II and later as an assistant to a bank executive in Beaumont. She was a member of First Baptist Church Waco. Among her survivors are her children Helen Jaquess and James Streetman, BBA ’70, MS ’72. Memorials may be made to the Ed and Sarah Streetman Scholarship Fund at Baylor.
M. N. “Buddy” Bostick, BA ’39, of Waco died Jan. 4 at age 98. During his college years, he began announcing on WACO Radio. He became a part of the Army Air Corps and trained as a fighter pilot. Bostick later purchased a P51 from the Canadian Air Force and refitted it as a private plane. He began managing a radio station in 1946. In 1955, Bostick obtained a license for KWTX-TV, Channel 10, to serve the Waco television market. He later added KBTX-TV in Bryan/College Station, KNAL radio in Victoria, TX, KWTX-FM radio, KXII-TV in Sherman-Dennison, TX, and KLFY-TV in Lafayette, LA. Bostick and W. W. Callan bought controlling interest in the Bellmead State Bank, changing its name to American Bank. He piloted his airplane until age 90. His sister, Mildred Brinegar, BA ’33, predeceased him on Dec. 23, 2016. His wife Virginia, BBA ’39, predeceased him in 2014. Among his survivors are daughters Ellen Deaver, BA ’62, and Martha Phipps, BMEd ’67; grandchildren including Kyle Deaver, BBA ’86, JD ’93, John Deaver, BA ’88, JD ’92, and JB Phipps, BA ’92; and seven great-grandchildren.
1940s
O.L. Petty Jr., BA ’42, of Temple, TX, died Jan. 24 at age 94. At Baylor, he played baseball and in the marching band and Scots Orchestra. Petty served during World War II as an Army crew chief on B-29 bombers. He worked in the school, church and office furniture business for Griggs Equipment in Belton, TX, and as president of Royal Seating Corporation in Cameron, TX. Petty was director emeritus of the Texas Association of Business, a member of the Temple and Belton Lions clubs since 1946, was involved with the Temple Civic Theater, and he served on the Belton City Council. Petty was an elder of the Belton First Presbyterian Church. His wife Ann preceded him in death in 2010. Survivors include sons David and Stephen, daughter Jeanne, seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Virginia H. Russell Ming, BA ’44, of Bastrop, TX, died Dec. 27, 2016, at age 94. She graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and served as minister of education at First Baptist Church Port Arthur, TX, later becoming a librarian at Baylor’s Texas Collection. Ming served many churches as a Sunday school teacher. She was married for 62 years to William L. Ming, ’51. Among her survivors are her children Robert Ming and Virginia (Ginni) L. Smith, BA ’73, five grandsons and eight great-grandchildren.
Virginia Lee Clarady Naman, ’44, of Waco died Nov. 24, 2016, at age 93. She worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Land Conservation Department for a number of years and there met her husband, Jay Naman, BA ’47. They lived on a ranch in Clifton, TX. Naman was on the board of the Central Texas Water Color Society and was active in the Harston Study Club and Heart of Texas Fair. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay, and son, Delorn. Her son, William, survives her.
Dr. Ralph H. Langley, AB ’45, of Huntsville, AL, died Jan 13 at age 94. He also attended Mars Hill Junior College, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Princeton Seminary. At Baylor, he played tennis and was involved in the Youth Revival Movement, later becoming a trustee. A nationally recognized Baptist leader, Langley served as pastor in Miami (University Baptist, Coral Gables, 1951-55), Dallas (Wilshire Baptist, 1955-58), Houston (Willow Meadows Baptist, 1958-79), and Huntsville, TX (First Baptist, 1979-90), where he was pastor emeritus. Langley’s first wife, Grace Westmoreland Langley, BA ’46, died in 1996. Among his survivors are his wife of 19 years, Eula, daughter Dr. Leanne Langley, BM ’75, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and brother Dr. James A. Langley, BA ’49.
Robert Earle Bright, BBA ’46, of Waco died Dec. 23, 2016, at age 93. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II. He worked eight years for the Owens-Illinois Glass Plant in the accounting department, and he was general manager of the Baylor Bookstore from 1955 to 1978. Bright was a deacon at Highland Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorcas, BA ’43, MSEd ’71. Among his survivors are sons Stephen and David, BA ’68, three granddaughters and four great-grandchildren.
Vester T. Hughes Jr., ’46, of Dallas died Jan. 29 at age 88. Hughes was a valedictorian at Kentucky Military Institute before attending Baylor, Rice and Harvard Law. Hughes served as a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Tom C. Clark before being drafted in the Army, where he reported to the Pentagon and served overseas as an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He practiced law with the firm Jackson Walker and later helped to build the firm Hughes and Luce. Until his death, he was a partner of K&L Gates. A brilliant tax attorney, Hughes argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, successfully lobbying Congress on several occasions to amend federal tax laws. He was frequently called upon by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Congress for his view on tax policy and pending legislation. Hughes was a member of Park Cities Baptist Church since 1955. He was a 33rd-degree Scottish Rite Mason. He is preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth Pool, BA ’44, and he is survived by nieces Mary Ellen Hartje, BA ’72, PhD ’88, and Martha Jean Elder, BSEd ’76.
Margaret Sue Anderson Cooper, BA ’47, of Dallas died Oct. 27, 2016, at age 92. She was married to Robert L. “Coop” Cooper Jr., BBA ’47. Sue was executive secretary to the president of Rice University and an English teacher at Houston's Memorial High School. After retiring from owning their own business in Fort Worth, the Coopers moved to Dallas. They spent 30 summers living and working at the Glorieta Baptist Conference Center in New Mexico. In 2008, Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years. Among her survivors are her children Robert L. “Bob” Cooper III, BA ’72, Claire Black, ’76, and her sister Nancy Thurmond, BA ’47.
Holland P. Smith, BA ’47, MA ’54, of Round Rock, TX, died Nov. 2, 2016, at age 89. He attended Baylor at age 16. While at Baylor, he pastored Blue Ridge Baptist Church in Falls County, and Morgan Mill in Erath County. He was married to his wife Theresa until her passing in 1976. Holland pastored several Texas churches and became a Southern Baptist Convention missionary to Minnesota-Wisconsin before serving as a regional director of missions while living in Gonzales, TX. He became director of missions for Williamson Baptist Association in 1980. Among his survivors are his wife of 37 years, Jeanne, sons Marshall, BA ’80, and Dan, BA ’85, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Edwin Gummelt, BBA ’48, of Robinson, TX, died Feb. 8 at age 91. He served during World War II in the Philippines and Japan. He was a deacon at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. Gummelt became a Texaco gas distributor, land developer, investor and entrepreneur. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Sarah Elizabeth Morgan Gummelt, BA ’48. He is survived by wife, Jerre Williams; sister Eunice Kuehl, BA ’57, MSEd ’75; children Morgan, BA ’71, Marshall, BA ’75, and Melisa Sorota, BA ’80; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
John King Blacklock, BA ’49, of Austin died Dec. 27, 2016, at age 95. He married Elizabeth Ann “Bunny” Blacklock in 1942. He served in the Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1981, and worked for Exxon in various management positions until retirement in 1986. He was a member of Great Hills Baptist Church. Among his survivors are two children and their families.
Dr. Samuel “Sam” R.J. Cannata Jr., BA ’49, died Jan 4 in Oklahoma City. He was 88. He graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Sam and his wife of 59 years, Ginny, were appointed by the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (now International Mission Board) to serve at the Sanyati Baptist Hospital in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). As a missionary doctor, Sam served with Ginny in Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan. In Ethiopia, Sam’s family was arrested, and he was accused of being a CIA agent. The book, Truth on Trial, was written about their experience. Following their retirement from mission service in 1993, Sam worked as a staff physician at the Student Health Center at Baylor for seven years. His son Stanley, MS ‘88, preceded him in death. Among his survivors are his wife Ginny, children Mike Cannata and Cathy Buchanan, BSN ’86, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and his brother Don Cannata, BA ’55. Memorials may be made to the Stan Cannata Memorial Scholarship fund at Baylor.
1950s
Mildred Statham Park, BBA ’50, of Houston died Nov. 4, 2016, at age 88. She was the first baby born at the Medical Arts Hospital in Edinburg, TX. Park was a member of Houston’s Emmanuel Episcopal Church. She was preceded in death by her husband James and two sisters. She is survived by her daughter Ann Liner, ’81, and two grandchildren.
Dr. James “Pat” McClelland Jr., BA ’51, MD ’55, of Henderson, TX, died Jan. 14 at age 88. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and continued his military and medical career at Brooke Army Medical Hospital at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio and at Martin Army Hospital at Fort Benning, GA. McClelland became chief of radiology at Womack Army Hospital at Fort Bragg, NC, and achieved the rank of major. He organized the radiology department at Henderson Memorial Hospital and was the primary force behind the end of the segregation of patients. He was a member of First Baptist Church Henderson and served on the board of multiple organizations. Among his survivors are his wife of 61 years, Carol, four children, four grandchildren, including Edwin R. Jensen II, BA ’10, JD ’13, and James Peder Jensen, BA ’11, and two great-grandchildren.
Mary Elizabeth Rowland Trim, BA ’51, of Fort Worth died Jan. 19 at age 85. She was a high school valedictorian. After age 40, she earned her master’s degree in education from Texas Tech. Trim taught special education in Big Spring, TX, and Dallas before retiring in 1992. She later lived in Waco. Trim was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Walter Trim, BBA ’53. Among her survivors are two children, two grandsons, and siblings David Rowland, BA ’56, Nancy Eakin and Frances Peters, BA ’67.
Mary Neil McClellen Kolter, BA ’52, BS ’57, of Waco died Jan. 21 at age 86. She was a member of the American Society of Medical Technologists and served in that profession while putting her husband, Dr. Bill Kolter Jr., BS ’52, MD ’55, through medical school. They were married for almost 60 years and were both licensed for piloting of aircraft and sailcraft. Mary Neil sang in the South Main Baptist Church choir for 45 years and in the Baylor Senior Choir. She served as a Girl Scout leader and in other organizations. Kolter was a seven-time cancer survivor. Among her survivors are two children, including Elaine Fagner, BSEd ’92, MA ’98, and three grandchildren.
Dr. Dorothea Payne Caskey Mangum, BA ’52, MA ’55, of Waco died Jan. 28 at age 84. She taught in high schools, a community college and in a school in Germany. She earned her PhD in marine biology from the University of Arizona and taught at Baylor before becoming a tenured professor at Texas A&M at Galveston. Mangum also did research for Dow Chemical. She married Rev. Frank Burnett Mangum in 1966 and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Dorothea owned and trained two Arabian horses, participating in many competitions. She later owned a Welsh cob that became a national champion. Survivors include her husband Frank. Memorials may be made to the Guardian Angel Fund at Baylor.
Dr. H. Bailey Stone Jr., BA ’52, formerly of Allen, TX, died Aug. 26, 2016, at age 86. Because he felt called to ministry, Stone chose Baylor instead of accepting football scholarship offers elsewhere. He also held degrees from Southwestern Theological Seminary and Hardin-Simmons, where he served on the Board of Trustees. Stone became pastor of Longview Heights Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, before moving back to Texas, where he was pastor of First Baptist McKinney, Bryan and Odessa. He became director of evangelism of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in 1992. After retiring in 2001, Stone was invited to preach in Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Peru, Hong Kong, Alaska, Australia and Columbia. Among his survivors are his wife of 62 years, Joyce Pearson Stone, BA ’53, sons Bailey III, BBA ’79, Tim, ’80, and John, BBA ’82, and four grandchildren.
Albert Warner Wicks, BBA ’52, of McAllen, TX, died Oct. 24, 2016, at age 88. He served in the Navy during World War II. Wicks was a member of Baylor Barbs & Rhapsody. He became president of a construction company that built part of Interstate 10 from Houston to San Antonio and the first runways at Houston Intercontinental Airport. He was a deacon at Conway Avenue, Tallowood, Travis Avenue and Calvary Baptist churches. Wicks was a member of the Texas Baptist State Missions Commission and on the Board of Drug Prevention Resources. Among his survivors are his wife of 61 years, Dorothy, and children Bert Wicks, BBA ’78, and Jo Beth Rickard, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and siblings Robert H. Wicks, BA ’48, and JoMae London, BBA ’51.
Onie Don “O.D.” Thigpen, BBA ’53, of Spring, TX, died Dec. 3, 2016, at age 85. He served in the Air Force Comptroller General’s office in Japan during the Korean War and reached the rank of captain. Thigpen joined Texas Eastern Corporation in 1955 and retired in Houston as vice president and comptroller in 1989. He was active in Shreveport’s Queensborough and Ford Park Baptist churches and Houston's Champion Forest Baptist. His wife of 56 years, Betty Thigpen, preceded him in death. Among his survivors are two children, including Sharon Callahan, BBA ’82.
Maxine Elaine Dunn Williamson, BA ’53, of Arlington, TX, died Jan. 21 at age 85. A high school valedictorian, Dunn worked at Baylor as secretary to biology department chair Dr. Cornelia M. Smith. After surviving the 1953 Waco Tornado, she married Walter E. Williamson, Jr. BA ’51, MD ’56, who became a surgeon. Maxine taught elementary school and worked in the Debakey, Cooley, Creech surgery department at the Baylor School of Medicine as Dr. Oscar Creech’s secretary. The Williamsons later lived in Detroit, New Orleans, San Francisco and Bridgeport, WV, where they ran their medical office for 40 years. Among her survivors are her husband of 63 years, Walter, children Mark, BA ’78, BBA ’82, Leslie, BA ’82, and Jon, BA ’82, DDS ’88, two siblings and granddaughters Megan Warren, BA ’14, and Caitlin Warren, BFA ’16.
Will David Davis Sr., BBA ’54, LLB ’54, of Austin died Dec. 12, 2016, at age 87. At age 9, Davis became the youngest page to ever serve in the Texas Legislature. In 1954, he married his wife of 57 years, Ann Byargeon Davis, ’52. He played football at Lamar University and Baylor, where he played in the Orange Bowl. He also served as student body president. Davis began his law career as the Assistant Attorney General in 1954 and was appointed General Counsel of the Texas Department of Insurance by Governor Price Daniel in 1957. In 1960, Davis became a partner at Heath, Davis and McCalla where he practiced law until 2010. He continued with Thompson Coe, “Of Counsel,” until recent retirement. He represented major insurance companies, insurance holding companies and insurance trade associations, and served as outside general counsel and on advising boards. Davis was responsible for drafting the legislation regulating insurance holding company systems and helped to rewrite the Texas Insurance Code. Davis was chairman of the Texas Democratic Party and of the Texas State Democratic Conventions of 1966 and 1968. He was also active as a delegate to both state and national conventions and served in many campaigns and on many Governor’s Inauguration Committees from 1961 to 1991. Davis was president of the Board of Trustees of the Austin ISD for three terms. In 1991, the AISD built Will D. Davis Elementary School. Davis was president of the Texas Association of School Boards, which named its office building the Will D. Davis Building. He was president of the National School Boards Association and vice-chairman of the Texas State Board of Education. Davis served as chairman of Baylor’s Board of Regents, of which he was a member for nearly two decades. He received Baylor’s 1985 Distinguished Alumni Award, the 1992 Price Daniel Distinguished Public Service Award and the 2014 Pro Texana Award. One of the original founders of Austin Community College, Davis was the first president of its Board of Trustees. He also taught Sunday school at Hyde Park Baptist Church. Among his survivors are his children Lisa Davis, Lynn Walker, BS ’82, and Dr. Will Davis Jr., BA ’84, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Davis Endowment Fund at Baylor.
Olan Edison McCraw Jr., BA ’55, of Mathis, TX, died Nov. 15, 2016, at age 82. He attended Southwestern Theological Seminary and received a master’s degree from Texas A&I in Kingsville. McCraw worked for Mathis ISD for 36 years, the last 22 as superintendent. He was announcer for high school football games for 36 years. McCraw was a deacon at First Baptist Church Mathis and president of the Mathis Rotary Club, the Gulf Coast Superintendents and Administrators Association, and others. Among his survivors are his wife Jenie, children David, BSEd ’78, and Bethany McCraw, BSEd ’82, MSEd ’88, and two granddaughters.
Dollie Lois Wyatt Norman, BSN ’55, of Dallas died Jan. 14 at age 82. She held a master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and was a nurse at Waco’s Hillcrest Hospital and at Dallas Kimball High School. She was a nursing professor at El Centro College. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Ben Norman, two sisters, children Pat Risinger, BSEd ’77, Pam Boyd and Sam Norman, BA ’85, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing.
Edna Holcombe SoRelle White, BS ’55, MS ’61, of Waco died Dec. 10, 2016, in Baton Rouge, LA. She was 93. Her husband, Lt. Boyd “Jelly” SoRelle, USN, was Baylor baseball coach until his death in 1957. After teaching in Penelope, TX, Edna served 30 years in the Baylor Office of Counseling and Testing. She supervised national and in-house testing programs, served as assistant director for one of the first Upward Bound Programs and lectured in the home economics department. She served on the National College Board, especially with their SAT and Advanced Placement, and was instrumental in promoting Credit by Examination at Baylor and statewide. She sponsored the Delta Alpha Pi social club (now Theta), was president of the Baylor Round Table, and was a director of the BAA. In the late 1980s, she married Ralph White. Following their marriage, Edna retired as director of the testing division of Student Affairs. Among her survivors is her daughter Barbara SoRelle Bacot, BA ’65.
Wayne Lucky, BS ’56, of Hot Springs, AR, died Dec. 26, 2016. He was 82. Lucky played football for Baylor, earned a master’s degree from the University of Houston and served in the Air Force. He coached and taught in Galena Park, TX, was the head coach and athletics director at Hillsboro ISD and later was principal in Galena Park. Lucky served as a deacon at Central Baptist Church. Among his survivors are his wife of 61 years, Sue Pate, BS ’56, MPE ’71, two children, four grandchildren, including Mason Mulloy, BBA ’15, and Lauren Mulloy, ’18, and three great-grandchildren.
Dr. Paul W. Powell, BA ’56, the Texas Baptist pastor and leader who served as dean of Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary and as chair of Baylor’s Board of Regents, died Dec. 28, 2016, in Tyler, TX. He was 83. Powell lettered in basketball in 1954 and earned an MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2001, Powell, the retired president and CEO of the Robert M. Rogers Foundation of Tyler, TX, and the retired president and CEO of Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (now GuideStone Financial Resources), was appointed to serve as dean of Truett Seminary. During his tenure, Truett’s enrollment more than doubled to 381 students, while the seminary’s endowment increased to more than $38 million. The seminary’s 550-seat chapel is named in his honor. Powell retired from Truett in 2007 but continued to serve as a special assistant to the dean and Truett’s Dean Emeritus. He received honorary degrees from five universities and was an Alumnus by Choice of Truett. Powell served as pastor at Texas Baptist churches in Tyler, Belfalls, Troy, Taylor and San Marcos. He served for 17 years as pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler and was a much sought-after speaker at churches throughout Texas. He served as a member of Baylor’s Board of Regents from 1994 to 2001 and also served a term as chair. The author of dozens of books, Powell was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus by the Baylor Alumni Association and received the Herbert H. Reynolds Award for Exemplary Service to Baylor and the BAA’s George W. Truett Distinguished Church Service Award. In 1990, he was selected as Distinguished Alumnus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was a member of Baylor’s Endowed Scholarship Society and received the James Huckins Medallion. Four scholarships at Baylor and Truett Seminary honor the Powells. He served as president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Texas Baptist Leadership’s Board of Advisors. His son Kent Powell preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Cathy, BS ’56, son Mike, daughter Lori Gropper Powell, and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to create the Paul W. Powell Preaching Fund at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary.
Dale Batchelor Sandifer, BBA ’56, of Shreveport, LA, died Jan. 17 at age 82. After serving in the Army, Sandifer became a CPA. He was a member of First Baptist Church Shreveport and coached youth sports. Among his survivors are his wife of 60 years, Wanda, sons Dr. Dean Sandifer, BA ’80, and Dr. Darrell Sandifer, BA ’84, and 10 grandchildren. His son Dr. Dan Sandifer-Stech, BA ‘82, preceded him in death.
Marion Duggan Andrews, BA ’57, died Oct. 1, 2016, in Knoxville, TN. She was 81. Andrews was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank, TN. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Paul E. Andrews, ’56, and a son. Survivors include her sister Barbara D. Posner, BM ’61, two children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Robert Lee Jacobs, BBA ’57, of Tyler, TX, died Jan. 30 at age 81. He was a graduate of Schreiner College and played Baylor football. Jacobs worked as an accountant for Humble Oil (later Texaco) in Grand Isle, LA, until retirement when he moved to Anahuac, TX. His previous wives, Carol and Sally, precede him in death. Among his survivors are his wife Mollie, two children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Robert “Bob” James Gauer, BA ’58, died Dec. 3, 2016, in Watonga, OK, at age 82. He pastored churches at Little Deer Creek, Morton, Turkey, Ballinger, Eola, Water Valley, Millersview, Melvin, Doole and Brady, TX. He served 24 years in the religion department of the San Angelo State in Carlsbad, TX, under the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, as chaplain and as head of the department. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Sue Burns Gauer, BA ’58, children E. Renée Graham, Barbara K. Bitner Kress, BS ’81, Robert J. Gauer Jr., and William K. Gauer, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Mary Irene Milberger, BA ’58, of Waco died Nov. 26, 2016, at age 80. She worked at Providence Hospital before joining the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Milberger received a master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and worked as a social worker, including 23 years at the Veterans Administration Medical Center. She was a member of the Baylor Women’s Athletic Council and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and she was a Baylor Legacy Legend.
Patricia Pattillo Perry, ’58, of Houston died Nov. 23, 2016, at age 80. She served for many years at Tallowood Baptist Church in the areas of music, prayer, Sunday school teaching and Bible study leading. Her husband Horace E. Perry Jr., BBA ’55, preceded her in death. She is survived by children Chuck Perry, BMEd ’80, Janet Pankratz, BBA ’79, Summer Garnett, BSEd ’85, Sam Perry, BMEd ’90, and their families.
William Gerall “Jerry” Petty, BBA ’58, of Hubbard, TX, died Nov. 16, 2016, at age 84. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Yorktown. He got into the dry cleaning business and purchased Roy Beatty Cleaners in 1977. Petty was very involved in community activities, including Pee Wee Football, Little League Baseball, Chambers of Commerce, school boards, Lions Club, church boards and others. Survivors include his wife Dian, three children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Nancy Harrison Guy, BA ’59, of Waco died Nov. 14, 2016, at age 78. She taught for 30 years in Dallas, Houston and Waco before retiring after six more years at Waco’s St. Louis Catholic School. Guy was a member of First Baptist Church Waco, the Dallas Opera Chorus and the Houston Grand Opera Chorus. She was married to Dudley B. Guy for 40 years. Among her survivors are daughters Teresa Sims and Margie Lynn Tyger, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Texas Collection at Baylor.
Donald Eugene LeNeveu was born March 3, 1937, in Amarillo, Texas and passed away December 15, 2016, in Dallas, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Diann LeNeveu, and brother Jim LeNeveu. He is also survived by one niece, three nephews, and a number of grand-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, James Philip LeNeveu, and his mother, Ruth Mae Hutton of Amarillo, Texas.
Don loved his wife and was devoted to his family, which included beloved German Shepherd Dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs and Siamese cats over the years.
Don also loved sports. He played baseball through high school, and as an adult had a long and fun-filled career in softball, playing for Wilshire Baptist Church in the church league as well as various city leagues, hanging up his cleats only after turning 70. After retiring, he had the opportunity to continue his sports passion by working as a guest service representative at both the Cowboys and Rangers organizations.
Don graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University, where he was a member of the university’s business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi. He started his career as a CPA with Arthur Andersen, LLP in 1959 as part of the audit practice. In 1964, he joined Dresser Industries where he served for 34 years, traveling extensively across the world to countries such as England, France, Russia, Libya, and Brazil. He retired in 1999 as Director of Financial Reporting. He has been a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Texas Society of CPAs, Institute of Management Accountants, and Financial Executives Institute.
Don was also extremely patriotic and served his country as a member of the Air Force Reserves from 1959 through 1966.
He most recently served at Klyde Warren Park in the Reading Room as a Guest Service staff representative, where he enjoyed interacting with park patrons and their pets, always with a smile on his face.
He was very loved by everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Memorials may be made in Don’s name to Baylor University, The Hankamer School of Business Excellence Fund.
Massie Monroe Tillman, BBA ’59, JD ’61, of Fort Worth died Dec. 25, 2016, at age 79. He was a trial lawyer for 26 years and authored Tillman’s Trial Guide from 1970 to 1986, the first book of its kind in Texas. He was the first solo practitioner in Texas to receive an AV rating in the Martindale Hubbell Law Directory. He was a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and the Trial Attorneys of America. Tillman sat as the U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, for 14 years after being appointed by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Tillman later began a mediation and arbitration business and opened an art gallery, the Spur Ranch Gallery. He shot competitive shotguns internationally and was formerly a member of the board of directors of the Texas Boys Choir and the Fort Worth Opera. Tillman also served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a member of Travis Avenue Baptist Church and Christ Chapel Bible Church. Among his survivors are his wife of 23 years, Karen, BA ’84, JD ’86, son Jeff, daughter Holly Cornelius, BSEd ’88, four grandchildren and a brother.
1960s
David W. Anthony, BA ’60, of Pasadena, TX, died Dec. 19, 2016, at age 78. He was a teacher before working 26 years as a systems analyst for Shell Oil. He later was a professor at Houston Community College for 23 years. Anthony served as music director for several churches. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Emily, BBA ’62, three children, including Lorine David, ’89, and John Anthony, BA ’94, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three brothers.
Correction from Previous Issue
Carol Ann Bright Parker, ’60, of Horseshoe Bay, TX, died Oct. 30, 2016, at age 78. After attending Baylor, she graduated from North Texas and took a job teaching school in Odessa, TX. She married Jamie Parker, BBA ’57, in 1963. The Parkers moved to Sonora, TX, and Carol spent the next few years raising children on the ranch they operated for 40 years. She returned to teaching in 1971 at both Sonora Junior High and Sonora High School. She eventually retired from teaching and opened a retail boutique, Carol’s, which she operated for 20 years in Sonora. Carol and Jamie retired to Lake LBJ in 2000. They traveled throughout the world and to every Baylor sporting event they could. Jamie died in 2013. The Parkers were members of Baylor’s Endowed Scholarship Society and received Baylor’s Huckins Medallion. Among her survivors are her children Mark Parker, BBA ’85, JD ’85, Craig Parker, Gregg Parker and Kathryn Parker Howie, BA ’88, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Baylor University President’s Scholarship Fund.
William Webb “Bill” Robinson, DDS ’61, of Dallas died Nov. 21, 2016, at age 79. He attended Northwestern State (LA) and married Patricia Pattillo in 1959. Robinson served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps for three years and became a captain. In 1966, he began a 37-year career as an orthodontist in Sherman, TX. Robinson was a deacon at First Baptist Church Sherman, president of Sherman Musical Arts, board member of the Sherman ISD, president of the Sherman Rotary Club, director of the Salvation Army and director of M&P Bank. Among his survivors are children Scott Robinson, BBA ’83, and Angela Vanderlinden, ’87, and five grandchildren.
Jack Ward, BBA ’61, of Kilgore, TX, died Dec. 12, 2016, at age 77. He was part of a national baseball championship team at Paris (TX) Junior College and played basketball and baseball at Baylor. Ward was a former member of the Kilgore City Council and past leader of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce. Ward founded The Ward Agency in 1964 and was the senior partner at the insurance firm. In 1981, he became a partner of Kilgore Insurance Agency. Ward served on the State Ethics Committee, Highway Committee and the Lions Club. He was a past president of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and a former Kilgore city commissioner. Among his survivors are three children, including Scott Ward, BBA ’85, seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Arthur (Art) Wayne Coltharp, BA ’61, of Austin died Dec. 20, 2016. He was 77. Coltharp earned a graduate degree from the University of Houston. He was an elementary school teacher and principal in Baytown, TX, before an 18-year tenure with the Texas State Teachers Association in Austin. He also worked for the National Education Association. A former president of the BAA, Coltharp was a deacon of Highland Park Baptist Church. Among his survivors are his wife of 55 years, LaNell (Holbrook) Coltharp, BA ’61, three sons, including Craig, BBA ’92, and six grandchildren.
Joe D. Floyd, JD ’61, of Dallas died Dec. 23, 2016. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years with 10 years in active reserve, rising to the rank of captain. Floyd practiced law in Dallas for nearly 40 years. He visited 52 countries and loved to rebuild and fly all types of aircraft. Among his survivors are his wife Luz-Angela Floyd and his sister Sue Floyd Reid, LLB ’61.
Dr. Ronald Ray Rogers, BA ’64, DDS ’68, of Dallas died Dec. 23, 2016, at age 75. He played in three bowl games for Baylor football and practiced oral surgery over three decades. Rogers served on the Garland (TX) School Board, coached his children’s teams and built a ranch in Meridian, TX. Among his survivors are his wife Betsy, BA ’64, daughter Casey Babler, BA ’92, MBA ’93, son Zack Rogers, BBA ’97, and others.
Correction from Previous Issue
Carey Ann Smith, BSN, ’64, MSEd ’67, formerly of Dallas, died Aug. 13 in Waco. She was 74. Smith worked at the Baylor School of Nursing for over 40 years. She retired after 38 years as assistant dean for student services, during which time she truly felt her calling was to work with the students. Smith was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas. Survivors include her brother Wayne, BBA ’68, and sister-in-law Norma Smith, BA ’64, of Hewitt, TX. Nieces and nephews are Kathy Smith, BSEd ’96, Mark, BBA ’92, MBA ’93, and Angela Smith, ABC, and others. Memorials may be made to Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing.
Robert O. Cathey, BFA ’65, of Waco died April 18, 2016, at age 73. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a Vietnam veteran. Cathey worked for the Waco Tribune-Herald, J.M. Dyer Co. and Cox’s department store as advertising manager. Among his survivors are his brother Toxey Cathey, BBA ’63, and cousins John Cathey, BS ’75, MS ’77, and Anne Cathey Ray, BA ’76.
Otha D. “Dee” Gray Jr., BA ’66, of Bay City, TX, died Dec. 20, 2016, at age 72. He earned a graduate degree from East Texas State and was a deacon at First Baptist Church Bay City. Gray taught math for 49 years at Bay City Junior High and High School and Wharton County (TX) Junior College, receiving several awards, including the 2006 Conoco Phillips Distinguished Math Teacher Award. An avid Baylor supporter, he encouraged many of his students to attend the university. Among his survivors are his wife of 43 years, Jeanne Beth Gray, ABC ’08, daughters Barbara Gray Kunkel, ’05, and Dee Anne Gray Rivas, BA ’02, and three grandchildren.
Richard W. Cone, BBA ’68, of Arlington, TX, died July 21, 2016, at age 69. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1974. Among his survivors are his companion Melanie Jackman and two sisters.
Jonnie “Bambi” Jud, ’68, of Abilene, TX, died Nov. 23, 2016, at age 97. She was a Waco resident from age 9 to 92. She was married to Pete Pederson for 47 years and then to Gene Jud, BA ’35, MA ’39, for 17 years. Jud was a member of Baylor’s Endowed Scholarship Society.
Dr. Philip H. Fike, BS ’69, of Fairborn, OH, died Sept. 15, 2016, at age 71. He worked for Sears in credit management for nine years and then served pastorates in Texas, New Mexico and South Dakota before becoming a hospice chaplain and interim pastor in Utah. Fike earned degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Among his survivors are his wife of 47 years, Mellanie Bowers Fike, BA ’70, a daughter, a grandson and two brothers.
1970s
Katherine “Kay” Flury, BA ’70, of Tomball, TX, died Nov. 7, 2016, at age 68. She was a member of Baylor’s Old Main Society. Among her survivors is her brother Paul. Memorials may be made to the Baylor University.
Donald Jay “Don” Patteson, BA ’70, of Riesel, TX, died Jan. 27 at age 69. He served in the Air Force and later worked as a coach and counselor. He traveled throughout the South, selling L. L. Sams Church Furniture, and he retired from Texas Meter & Device. During his Baylor days, his band traveled in a Cadillac hearse. Patteson was preceded in death by his wife of 23 years, Macaria Patteson. Among his survivors are two children and two grandchildren, his wife of 18 years, Rita Patteson, BBA ’68, and others.
Oscar Vicente Hinojosa, MS ’72, formerly of Harlingen, TX, died Nov. 9, 2016, in Waco. He was 80. Born in Mexico, Hinojosa also graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. After a career as a field engineer for Collins Radio, he was a founding faculty member of Texas State Technical College (TSTC). He served in a variety of faculty and administrative capacities on the Harlingen and Waco campuses during his 37 years with TSTC. Among his survivors are his wife of 46 years, Joye Hinojosa, BA ’66, MA ’68, a brother, two sons, including Dr. Victor Hinojosa, BA ’96, and two granddaughters.
Brian “Patrick” Shaw Sr., JD ’72, of Dallas died Jan. 1 at age 73. He served in the Army in Korea during the Vietnam War. At Baylor, he was president and comments editor of the Law Review. He became partner with the firm led by Ralph B. Shank. In 1978, Shaw went to work for A.G Hill, and he later practiced law with John Woodward for 30 years. Among his survivors are his wife of 48 years, Hilary Hogg Shaw, MSEd ’72, three children, including Brian Patrick Shaw Jr., JD ’06, four grandchildren and a brother. Memorials may be made to Baylor Law School.
Dr. Michelle Garner Dixon Cronk, BM ’75, MM ’77, of Cordova, TN, died Jan. 27 at age 63. Also a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Cronk was a professor at Missouri Baptist and later at Creighton College. She also homeschooled her two daughters for 15 years. Cronk served in many churches as organist or pianist, serving for the past 26 years at First Baptist Church Memphis, TN. Among her survivors are her husband of 24 years, Jim Cronk, two daughters and sister Licia Albert, BM ’78.
Dr. Mary Margaret O’Beirne Maggard, BS ’77, of Plano, TX, died Aug. 23, 2016, at age 60. She graduated from Baylor University Dental School. She and her husband ran a private practice in Richardson, TX, for 38 years. She was active in book clubs, St. Mark’s Catholic Church, the Richardson Network of Community free dental clinic for uninsured children, the Collin County Adult Clinic and Head Start. Among her survivors are her husband Don, two children, eight siblings, including Robert O’Beirne, BS ’76, MBA ’78, mother Mary Ann O’Beirne and two grandchildren.
Jeffry Clarke Wellborn, BA ’79, of Metairie, LA, died Nov. 15, 2016, at age 59. He earned a master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Wellborn was accountant for The Times- Picayune newspaper and became assistant commander with the New Orleans Police Department’s Crisis Transportation Service. He authored several articles in The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin and Police Magazine. Wellborn joined the New Orleans Police Department in 2007 and was promoted to sergeant in 2016. He was a member of Parkview Baptist Church and was involved in scouting and youth athletics. Among his survivors are three children, a grandson and siblings Thomas, BA ’75, and Elizabeth.
1980s
Col. Juan M Garcia, MHA ’88, of Peachtree City, GA, died Dec. 27, 2016, at age 72. A medical doctor, Garcia served 32 years in the U.S. Army.
1990s
James Matthew “Matt” Price, BA ’90, of King Salmon, AK, died Nov. 13, 2016, at age 49. At Price’s Guide Service, he worked as a sport fishing guide for 20 years, developing friendships with Dan Rather, Norman Schwartzkopf and Chuck Yeager. At Baylor, he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and the Student Foundation. A part-time resident of Austin, he taught at the Key School and O.D. Wyatt and was a background actor in several movies and TV episodes. Survivors include his parents Betty, BS ’59, and Jim Price, JD ’54, and sister Ashlyn Lewis, BBA ’88.
2000s
Karla Ann Nelson, BBA ’07, of Waco died Dec. 25, 2016, at age 53. She was a program analyst with Baylor Information Technology Services for 18 years and was a member of Cogdell Memorial United Methodist Church. Among her survivors are her husband Lance Nelson, sons Craig and Rick, and four siblings. Memorials can be made to the Karla Nelson Scholarship Fund at Baylor.
2010s
Heflin Chase Cantrell, ’17, a senior journalism/new media major from Fort Worth, died Dec. 6, 2016. He was 21. Cantrell attended Independence High School in Franklin, TN, and graduated from Southwest High School in Fort Worth. At Baylor, he was a founding member of Sigma Chi Fraternity Eta Omega Chapter. Among his survivors are his father Mark Cantrell, mother Nancy Cantrell, three sisters and grandparents.
Noah Antony, ’19, a sophomore political science major from Fayetteville, AR, died Feb. 3. He was 20. At Baylor, he was part of the King’s Club Urban Mission Team, Mock Trial Team and Baylor Interdisciplinary Core. Antony was a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale, AR. Among his survivors are his parents and three siblings. Memorials may be made to the Baylor Student Mission Fund.
Ashton Lee Whitaker, ’19, of Lubbock, TX, died Nov. 10, 2016, at age 19. He graduated in 2015 from Frenship High School in Wolfforth, TX. An Eagle Scout, Whitaker was a member of Bacon Heights Baptist Church. He studied psychology at Baylor.
Richard Blackshear of Waco died Jan. 15 at age 64. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, surviving the sinking of the minesweeper USS Force in 1973. Blackshear worked in the turf products industry. He was co-owner of VirKim and was a member of First Baptist Church Woodway. Among his survivors are his wife of 40 years, Kim, son Beau Blackshear, BA ’15, and brothers Wayne and Charles. Memorials may be made to Baylor Athletics.
Raymond Galvin of Houston died Jan. 20. A graduate of Texas A&M, Galvin’s career in oil and gas spanned 55 years. He assisted in the merger of Gulf with Chevron and became a senior vice president there, later serving in other roles. Galvin served as chairman of the Natural Gas Council and the Natural Gas Supply Association, and on the executive committees of the Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association and the National Ocean Industries Association. He was a member of Baylor’s Endowed Scholarship Society and Friends of Truett. Galvin’s wife Dorothy and their family survive him.
Janet Knox of McGregor, TX, died Jan. 17 at age 64. Knox was Baylor’s director of telephone services and worked 22 years for the university. She studied at Texas Lutheran College and Baylor, and she was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Among her survivors are her mother Anna Mae Rogers, husband Danny, two children, including Amy Knox, BA ’07, two siblings and four grandchildren.
Dr. Roy E. Ladd, ABC ’02, of Pinehurst, TX, died Nov. 25, 2016, at age 96. He served in the Army during World War II as a radio operator in Hawai`i. He was ordained as a minister in 1946. Ladd graduated from Carson Newman College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored several churches, including Baptist Temple in Houston Heights from 1957 to 1982. He was a member of Baylor’s Friends of Truett and the 1845 Society. He was predeceased by his wife of almost 50 years, Hazel Delaney Ladd, and daughter Sarah Hogue. Among his survivors are his wife of 18 years, Wanda June Moore Ladd, children Gerald and Doris, and their families.
Charlie Marstaller, of Waco died Dec. 20, 2016, at age 100. He was founder and active partner of Marstaller Motors Inc. He was married to Gertrude Kincannon for 61 years and then to Virginia Cashion for 16 years. He started work as a blacksmith in the eighth grade when he had to quit school to help take care of his siblings. He opened White’s Garage and the first Hudson dealership in Waco when he started Marstaller Motors. He later owned Edsel, Dodge, Fiat, AMC, Jeep, Mercury and Lincoln dealerships. Marstaller was a deacon at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church and member of Central Baptist Church and Cottonwood Baptist Church. The Marstallers made it their mission to help children in need during Christmas and to house college students at Baylor who needed assistance. Among those preceding him in death were his son Jerry Charles Marstaller and his wife Gertrude. Survivors include his wife Virginia Cashion Marstaller and children Pat Hanna, BA ’71, Pam Hughes, Ronald Marstaller, BBA ’70, and their families.
Dr. Joseph Thomas Painter of Sugar Land, TX, died Jan. 4 at age 89. He and his wife of almost 66 years, Ann Hill Painter, raised four children: Joseph T. Painter Jr., Sally Bock, Martha Sheeder, BSN ’13, and Elizabeth Volmert. At age 21, Painter was valedictorian of his class at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He was an Air Force captain during the Korean War and became a cardiologist in Houston before specializing in cancer prevention. Painter became a professor of clinical medicine and vice president of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He served as president and chairman of the American Medical Association and received many honors. Memorials may be made to the Martha Painter Sheeder Endowed Scholarship in Nursing at Baylor.
LaRue Shanahan of Frisco, TX, died Nov. 28, 2016, at age 81. She attended Baylor and roomed with Ruth Carter and Jo Ellen Shanahan, who would become her sisters-in-law. She and her husband Jim moved to Dallas and started Mastercraft Industries, a manufacturing company that grew to employ 350 people. LaRue and Jim moved the company to Mount Pleasant, TX, in 1974. LaRue was one of the longest survivors of ALS in the Dallas area. She and Jim established scholarships at Baylor and elsewhere. Among her survivors are her husband, two daughters, including Pamela Hardison, BBA ’80, and six grandchildren.
Garlan Dean Shows of Rosenberg, TX, died Jan. 29 at age 55. He graduated from Wharton County Junior College and worked 34 years at the W.A. Parish Plant for NRG. Shows was an avid Baylor fan and played trombone, bass guitar and piano. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Judie Shows, sons Scott Shows, ’09, Drew Shows, BBA ’12, and his wife Elisabeth, a granddaughter and others.
Dr. James B. Farison, professor emeritus of engineering and chair of the engineering department in the School of Engineering and Computer Science, died Jan. 19 at age 78. Farison earned degrees from the University of Toledo and Stanford University. Over the next 35 years, he worked at the University of Toledo as both a professor and dean of the College of Engineering. Beginning in 1998, Farison spent 15 years as professor and chair of the department of engineering at Baylor. Among his survivors are his wife Gail, his sons Jeff and Mark, and four grandchildren.
Dr. Douglas W. Crow, professor emeritus of German and sculptor-in-residence, died Dec. 2, 2016, at age 78. Crow graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where he was an All-America athlete, and he completed graduate degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Louisiana State University. He spoke four languages fluently and was in the process of learning Greek. He taught in Baylor’s German division for more than 30 years and organized one of the university’s earliest student-abroad programs to Austria. A self-taught artist, Crow was appointed as Baylor’s sculptor-in-residence in 1987. His final sculpture was the Pyfer bear, which stands in front of McLane Student Life Center. He was preceded in death by sons Matthew and infant Wiley Durant. Among his survivors are his wife of 41 years, Sharon, BBA ’95, son Robert, daughter Angela Lowe, BSEd ’00, and husband John, ’97, two grandchildren and a brother Robert Crow, BA ’58.