In Memoriam

1930s

Glenn L. Ratliff, BBA '33, of Monahans, TX, died Nov. 1, 2014, at age 103. He played basketball at Baylor and married Ophelia Wood in 1938. Ratliff owned an insurance agency and served in the FBI during World War II. He received the only 75-year membership pin ever awarded by Lions International, an Outstanding Service Award from the BGCT and 1994 Outstanding Citizen of Monahans. Ratliff's father, four sons Glenn Adair Ratliff, BBA '62, John Ratliff, BBA ’65, Joe Ratliff, BBA ’68, Dan Ratliff, BA ’77, and their wives, and five grandchildren and their wives, are all Baylor alumni, as was his brother, Carroll Ratliff, '31.

Kathryn (McMillan) Lieb Birbari, '37, of Dallas, died Nov. 6, 2014, at age 98. She married James S. Lieb, AB '37, JD '37, in 1937. The couple was active in First Baptist Church Dallas. She was part of several organizations, including the Bethany Moms for over 60 years. Among her survivors are her daughter, Kathy Sibley, '72, and husband, Jim, BA '70.

Julia (Saccar) Graham, BA '38, of Dallas, died June 17 at age 98. With her first husband Henry Hagood (deceased 1946), she was a Southern Baptist missionary in Palestine. She married Dr. Finlay Graham in 1947. They were missionaries in Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon, where they were the first Southern Baptist missionaries to that country, until 1986. Graham ministered in the Beirut Baptist School, the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (founded by the Grahams in 1960), among others. She taught Sunday school at Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas. Four daughters survive Graham, including Rosie Cavazos, BSN '74, and Sheila (Graham) Smith, BS '77, MSEd '96, EdD '99.

Dorothy (Cunningham) Lamberth, BA '38, of Tyler, TX, died April 16 at age 99. Married to Dr. Ivey Lamberth, BA '38, MD '42, she devoted her life to church and mission work. She was active at First Baptist Church in Tyler, and the Smith County Medical Auxiliary, among others. Memorials may be made to the Endowed Scholarships of School of Social Work at Baylor University.

1940s

Dr. Shervert H. Frazier, BS '41, MD '43, of Wellfleet and Acton, MA, died March 3 at age 93. He was a U.S. Navy Lieutenant during World War II and was co-owner of the Harrisburg Hospital. Frazier practiced and taught psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic and at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He was professor and chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Baylor University College of Medicine, commissioner of Mental Health and Mental Retardation for the State of Texas, and the New York Psychiatric Institute. From 1972-90 he was professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He was psychiatrist-in-chief at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA, from 1972-89. He was director of the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD, from 1984-86. In 1992 the Shervert H. Frazier Research Institute was founded at McLean Hospital.

Virginia Gurley Meynard, BA '41, died on May 13, 2015, in Columbia, SC. She and husband Ernest B. Meynard also lived in Dayton, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA. She is part of a First Family of Baylor along with her daughter, Loulie (Gurley) Meynard. She was a reporter for the Waco News-Tribune and the Dayton Herald and authored several books, including Christopher Fitzsimons and His Domain.

Chloe (Tidwell) Forkel, BA '42, of Idaho Falls, ID, died Aug. 28, 2014, at age 92. She was the granddaughter of Dr. J.B. Tidwell, who led the Bible department at Baylor. There she provided secretarial support and transcribed Sunday school lessons for him for the Baptist Standard. She married Curt Emil Forkel, with Pat Neff officiating. The Tidwells became a First Family of Baylor in 2007. Forkel was a teacher for 24 years and held various church positions. Among her survivors is Amy Smith, BS '95.

Dr. Wayman B. Norman, BS '43, of Longview, TX, died April 10 at age 92. He was in the first class of the new Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, and he married Jessie Evelyn Jackson, BS '45, in 1944. Norman served in the military and had an ear, nose, and throat practice. He conducted over 300 interviews on historic Gregg County and was president of the East Texas Oil Museum Guild. Survivors include daughter, Melanie N. Cooke, BA '76, and granddaughter, Clara Cooke, a Baylor senior.

Dora Kathryn "Dodie" (Williams) Beazley, '44, of Dallas, died April 28. She previously lived in Harlingen and Houston. Beazley graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor and was married to Dr. Liston Beazley, MD '50, for 60 years. Among her survivors are children Lista Hightower, BA '73 and Kenneth Beazley, BBA '78, MRE '82. Memorials may be made to Baylor University.

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Annie Kathryn (Fitts) Pullum, BSN '44, of Cookeville, TN, died May 16 at age 83. She worked at the Nashville Metro Public Health Department, the Lentz Public Health Center and the Bordeaux Hospital. Pullum was a member of Brook Hollow Baptist Church in Nashville and had three sons.

Dr. James "Jim" F. Reeves, BS '45, DDS '50, of Waco, died April 11 at age 90. He married Laura Ann "Boo" Thompson in 1948 and practiced dentistry until 1998. He was team dentist for Baylor football and was a NoZe Brother.

Dr. W. David Lockard, BA '48, of The Villages, FL, died March 14 at age 89. He served in World War II, was president of Theological Seminary in Zimbabwe, trained Baptist missionaries, and worked with the Christian Life Commission. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mary Sue (Susi) Lockard '51, and their two children, Doug Lockard and Barbara White.

Curtis (Collier) Mayfield, BS '49, of San Antonio, died Nov. 23, 2014, at age 88. He worked for the federal government at Kelly Air Force Base and was married to Jane Lee Orem, BA '48. They had four children, including Dorothy (Mayfield) Woodard, ’71, and six grandchildren, including Robert Woodard, BBA '91, MTax '92.

Martha Louise (Granstaff) Middleton, BM '49, of Weatherford, TX, died April 26 at age 87. She was a music teacher, counselor and organist. She volunteered at the local hospital and the Doss Heritage Center. Survivors include four children.

1950s

Marjorie Ruth (Lewis) Nash, BA '50, of Abilene, TX, died March 23 at age 85. She was a Baylor Beauty and a Golden Girl. She and Reuel Nash, BBA '49, raised five children in Plainview, TX, and later moved to Lubbock. She was a musician and taught Sunday School. Among her survivors are daughters Linda Ruth Nash, BBA '84, and Susan Roup, BSEd '75.

Dr. James Burton Thompson, BA '50, of Mineola, TX, died May 27, at age 86. He was married to Betty Jeanne Clark, BM '49, for 63 years. Thompson served Baptist churches in Brownsboro, Pickton, Robstown, Mineola, and Beaumont, TX. In 1955, he was Texas Rural Pastor of the Year, and he became director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Thompson is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Karla, BA '79, and Dr. Tom Davis, BS '79. Memorials may be made to Baylor’s Truett Seminary.

William "Bill" Howard Wheeless Sr., BM '50, of Grand Prairie, TX, died April 15 at age 95. He married Elsie Mae Kinghorn in 1941 and served during World War II. Wheeless was a music minister, minister of education for West University Baptist Church in Houston, and church page coordinator for The Baptist Standard. Survivors include his sons Robert and Bill Jr. and wife Karon (Brooks) Wheeless, BA '68, MSEd '70, granddaughter Amy (Wheeless) Pattillo, JD '03, and brother Rev. E.E. "Duke" Wheeless Jr., BA ’49. Contact his son Bill Wheeless Jr. at P.O. Box 399, Evant, TX 76525.

Dr. John Wallace Griffin, BS '51, MD '54, of Port Lavaca, TX, died March 28 at age 85. He served in the military and led a Baylor student choir. For 40 years he was a family physician and surgeon. He helped create an indigent medical care program and was active in the community. Survivors include his wife, Marian McCutcheon Griffin, BA '50.

Donald Ray Miller, LLB '51, of Waco, died April 20 at age 85. He was married to Lona Beth Ware, BBA '54, for 48 years and was a real estate attorney. He served in the Texas National Guard, and was active in FBC Waco, and many community activities. Among his survivors are children Charlotte Ann McNamara, BSEd '79, MSEd '82, and Donna Kay Morehouse and son, David Kent Miller.

Billy Tom McKown, MSEd '52, of Abbott, TX, died March 17 at age 85. He was a teacher, principal, superintendent, and two-time state champion volleyball coach for Abbott ISD. For 46 years he was the executive director of the Texas Girls Coaches Association. McKown received the Distinguished Service Award by the National Federation of State High School Associations and was a member of the Texas Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Margaret Jo Corbin McKown, and son Darrell Lee McKown.

Mary Ellen (Wolfe) Alexander, BBA '53, of Houston, died Oct. 30, 2014, at age 82. She was a teacher at Kimball High School (Dallas) and Northbrook High School (Houston) and was a member of Tallowood Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years Marvin Alexander; and survivors include her sons Adrien and Bradley Alexander, BBA '93, JD '98.

Dr. Virgil M. Cox Jr., '53, of Fort Worth, died May 1 at age 83. He served in the Air Force and practiced child and adolescent psychiatry in Fort Worth. He was a member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association and he helped found the Psychiatric Institute of Fort Worth. Cox taught at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, enjoyed acting and was a deacon and elder at Ridglea Presbyterian. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Barbara (McSwain) Cox, and four children, including Suzanne (Cox) Wood, BSEd '85.

Dr. Ronald E. Goelzer, BS '53, MD '57, of El Campo, TX, died March 4 at age 81. He served in the Navy and opened the Diagnostic and Surgical Clinic of El Campo. Goelzer was chief of staff of El Campo Memorial Hospital and was a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and the College of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons. He also was involved in farming and ranching. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Carolyn (Williams) Goelzer, BA ’53, and four children, including Karen (Goelzer) Bailey, BBA '79, and Linda Goelzer, BA '81.

Louise Terrell (Lenoir) Brooks, BS '54, of Sherman, TX, died May 28 at age 82. She was a Baylor Beauty and married Samuel Palmer Brooks II, BA '54. They lived in Tucson, AZ, Dallas and Sherman. Brooks was active in FBC Dallas and FBC Sherman, the Sherman Preservation League, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Grayson County Republican Party. Survivors include children Robert S. Brooks, Susan (Brooks) Hanson, BA '78, and Duncan Palmer Brooks, BA '88.

James Burton (Jim) Casey Sr., BBA '54, of Round Rock, TX, recently of Helotes, TX, died May 22 at age 80. He graduated from Calvert (TX) High School at age 15, graduated from Baylor, and flew a KC-97 Stratotanker as a first lieutenant in Strategic Air Command until 1958. He and his crew successfully landed a burning tanker. Casey worked under five U.S. presidents in 17 countries doing political, military and business related advising and training. He was also the second-largest real estate developer in Texas, hiring 450 people in three states. Casey was a coffee importer, cattleman and oilman as well. Among his survivors are his wife, Judy D. Casey, and four children.

Rev. Jerre R. Hassell, BA '54, of Jonesboro, AR, died Oct. 16, 2014, at age 84. He was pastor of Baptist churches in Little Rock and Stuttgart, AR, and was chaplain at Baptist Medical Health System, Little Rock. Survivors include his wife Barbara (Dabney) Hassell, BA '54, and daughters Patti Chandler and Nancy Benton. Contact Barbara at 3905 Charleston, Jonesboro, AR 72404 or barbhassell@gmail.com.

Dorothy Covington Hightower, BBA '54, of Houston, died Oct. 28, 2014, at age 81. She was a docent at Bayou Bend and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, the Tanglewood Garden Club, and the Brown Thumb Garden Club. Among her survivors are her husband of 60 years, Bill Hightower, BBA '54, three children, and sister, Jean Dickens.

Ellis Andrew Hudgins, BA '54, MA '61, died Feb. 16 in Houston. He was 82. Hudgins worked in construction technology for the petrochemical industry. Ellis' projects included detailing steel framing for the World Trade Center, work on Titan Missile silos, and construction bids for countless water tower projects throughout Texas. He taught at Texas A&M and the University of Houston. Hudgins was given the national Silver Beaver Award for his work with Boy Scouts. Among his survivors are his wife of 60 years, Loretta (Icett) Hudgins, '58, and four sons, Michael, Doyle, BBA '90, Martin, BBA '83, and Matthew, BBA '91.

Dr. James H. Ware, BA '54, MA '59, died May 25 in Pensacola, FL, at age 82. Born in China to missionary parents, Ware was a scholar and taught at Austin College and the University of Central Arkansas. He was a minister from Texas to Florida. Ware is survived by his wife Jo Rae, sister Carolyn Benson, BA '56, and five children. His first wife, Emma (Holmes) Ware, died in 2013.

Peggy Jean (Loyd) Fuston, BA '55, of Arlington, TX, died April 3 at age 80. She and her husband of 59 years, Bob Fuston, BA '55, led tour groups to more than 55 countries. She was dedicated to First Baptist Church Arlington for almost 50 years. Survivors include her husband, their three children including Layne (Woodruff) Hamilton, BS '84, and Jeanna White, BA '91, MA '93.

Mary Pinkston Gibbs, BS '55, of Lufkin, TX, died Sept. 18, 2014, at 79. She was president of the Junior League of Lufkin and the Lufkin Lioness Club, and she was a member of St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church. Survivors include her husband of 59 years, James Ballard Gibbs, BBA '53, and son Greg Gibbs.

Barbara "Bobbie" J. Harrell, BSN, '55, died at age 81. She worked at the VA Hospital in Waco as a registered nurse and married John T. "Tommy" Harrell, '54. Harrell was a member of FBC Woodway (TX) and an avid Lady Bears basketball fan. Survivors include her daughter Dana, BA '83.

Wilson Truett Lindsey, '56, of Woodway, TX, died May 25 at age 93. He served in World War II, worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, and served on the Midway ISD school board. Lindsey was a deacon and Sunday school director at First Baptist Church Waco. He also was caretaker of Whitehall cemetery and a member of the Baylor Bear Foundation. Survivors include his wife, Theresa, and children Tom Lindsey, BBA '79, Steve Lindsey and Margaret Blackmon, BSEd '82, MSEd '86.

Dr. Berry Neil Marshall, BS '55, of Longview, TX, died March 20 at age 83. He practiced medicine in Longview in 1959-2001. Marshall served as chief of staff at Good Shepherd Hospital, and he was president of the Gregg County Medical Association. He served on the Longview school board and his farm, Clear Creek Farm, became known for cutting edge genetics in the resurgence of the Angus cattle breed. Among his survivors are his daughter Kathy (Marshall) Baker, BSEd '78, and sons Kevin Marshall, BBA '81, and Olynn Marshall, BBA '84. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Patricia Lu McCarty-Marshall, BA '52.

Charles Milton McDonald, BBA '56, JD '58, a longtime Waco attorney, died June 11 in Whitney, TX. He was 86. McDonald was the 56th member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Hall of Fame. He practiced law for 54 years. Charles and his wife Kathy owned a variety of businesses. Memorials may be made to Baylor Law School.

Henry Black, MSEd '57, of San Marcos, TX, died May 17 at age 85. He graduated from TCU and served in the Air Force. Black taught World History at Bay City High School until retiring in 1989. He had three children.

Col. Thomas A. Durek, MA '57, of Bethesda, MD, died Jan. 19. He was 85.

Shirley (McMillin) McCord, BSN '57, of Houston, died March 10 at age 79. She was a surgical nurse in several hospitals and was organist at South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena, TX. Shirley was preceded in death by her daughters, Sallyanna McCord Fisher, BSEd '81, and Sherelee McCord Davies, BA '84. She is survived by her husband, Dr. William F. McCord, DDS '55.

Peggy Joyce (Bailey) Batson, BA '58, of Waco, died April 22 in Sulphur Springs, TX. She was 87. She married George Batson, BA '46, and they had three children. She was a teacher, primarily in Waco and China Spring, TX. The Batsons taught Sunday school at Highland Baptist Church for decades. Among her survivors are daughter, Suzy Moffatt, BA '71, and grandchildren Blake Batson, BA '08, and Christen Batson, BBA '14.

Earl Wayne Miller, BBA '58, of McGregor, TX, died Oct. 10, 2014, at age 79. At Baylor, he was on the 1957 Sugar Bowl championship football team, All-Southwest Conference and honorable mention All-American. Miller was a member of Tri-C and was 1956 April King. He was president of the Letterman's Association in 1985-86. He sold church furniture for most of his career and was married to Carole D. Estes for 54 years. Survivors include daughters Melissa (Miller) Hickey and Merideth (Miller) Chambers, BS '90.

Patricia (Brawner) Oliver, BM '59, MM '62, of Austin, died Jan. 28 at age 77. A musician, she lived most of her life in Southern California where she taught for 35 years. Oliver was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. She moved to Austin in 2009. Among her survivors are daughter, Elaine, grandson Phillip, and lifelong friend, Irenella Oliver Purdue, BA '59. Memorials may be made to the Ed Brawner Endowed Athletic Scholarship Fund at Baylor University.

D. Gene Sanders, BBA '59, of Houston, died March 31, at age 77. He served as tax assessor/collector for Mineral Wells (TX) ISD before moving to Houston, where he was a tax consultant. Survivors include his wife, Kathy; three children, including Tommy Stoddard, BA '84, and eight grandchildren.

1960s

Dr. Max L. Brown, BA '60, of Amarillo, TX, died March 15 at age 76. He was pastor of several Baptist churches in Texas. Brown served on the executive board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and was director of the BGCT Human Welfare Coordinating Board. In 1976, he was chaplain for a day of the U.S. House of Representatives. Brown was a Baylor and Howard Payne Regent. He also was president of the Southern Baptist Association of Ministries to the Aging and the Texas Alumni Association of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He became director of the Baptist St. Anthony's Foundation. Among his survivors are his wife Diann, son Les, BA '93; and first wife, Brenda Kate (Swanner) Brown, BMEd ’61.

Gage Forrest, BA '60, died March 5 in Dallas.

Allen Ray Weed, BA '60, LLB '67, of Dallas, died April 15. He was 77. He loved his family, the law, and Baylor. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Karen Weed, and three sons.

Kay (Baskerville) Berry, '61, of Olney, TX, died Nov. 18, 2014, at age 76. She and Donnel Berry, BBA '57, were married for 57 years. Berry was a schoolteacher and administrator for 40 years. Her children are all Baylor Bears: Jeff, BSEd '84, Andy Berry, BBA '84, Joel Berry, BSEd '86, and Amy White, BBA '88.

Philip Alwin Guittard, BA '61, of Victoria, TX, died June 13 at age 76. He was a teacher, counselor, and delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Guittard devoted time to historic preservation and to the public library. He was married to Beverly Smith. Survivors include his brother, Stephen Guittard, BA '58. Memorials may be made to the Guittard Fellows Fund in Baylor's history department.

Edward R. Archer, BBA '62, of West, TX, died March 24 at age 85. He served in the Army during the Korean War and owned ER Archer Texaco and City Service Station. Archer was chief of the West Volunteer Fire Department and vice president of the West ISD Board of Trustees, among other positions. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Anna Archer.

Don Castello, BA '62, of Waco, died April 10 at age 80. He was a student photographer for the Lariat and Round-Up. While he worked in different fields for the Waco Tribune-Herald, Owens-Illinois Glass, Nash-Robinson, and MHMR, he was always a photographer. Castello was as a Sunday school teacher and in the television ministry at First Baptist Church Waco. He missed only three Baylor home football games since 1953. Among his survivors are his wife, Sherry (Boyd) Castello, BA '58, MA '60, and his children, Bill (William Don Jr.), BA '83, Kenneth and wife Diane, Laurie, BA '86, MA '90, and husband Jim Tsuchiya, Charles, BSEd '93, and wife Amy, BA '93, MDiv '98. Gerry Sevick became part of the family as well. Grandchildren are Suzanne Cope and husband Brandon, BA '04, MSEd '12, and Ashley Louge and husband Travis, Jake, '15, and Andrew Tsuchiya, '16, and Sam, Will, and Madi Castello.

Sonja Lovell (Hutcherson) de Hostos, BA '62, of Port St. Lucie, FL, died Jan. 9 at age 74. Among her survivors is her husband, Adolfo de Hostos.

Howard Cecil Lee Jr., BBA '62, JD '64, of Houston, died May 14 at age 75. He pitched for Baylor baseball and practiced law in Houston the firm of Carl, Lee & Coselli from 1964 to 2015. Lee was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at South Main Baptist Church and on the Board of Trustees at Houston Baptist University. Among his survivors are his four children, Colleen Gregory, '86, Janet Kaiser, BSEd ’87, Stephen Lee, BBA ’91, and Melanie Fowler, BSEd '99. He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Patty (Cobb) Lee, '64.

Linda (Russell) Letbetter, BA ’'2, of Houston, died June 10 at age 74. She earned her law degree from the University of Houston in 1981 and practiced family law. She was part of organizations such as Houston Assembly of Delphians, The Blue Bird Circle and the Visiting Nurses Association. Letbetter was a member of Baylor's Pi Beta Phi sorority, Baylor's Women's Association of Houston, and Baylor's Endowed Scholarship Society. Among her survivors are her husband 52 years, Tommy Roy Letbetter, BBA '62, LLB '64, and children Lisa Kirtley Letbetter, BA '90, and Roy Lloyd Letbetter, '94.

Dr. Houston "Mike" Awalt III, BA '63, PhD '84, of Nashville, TN, died March 19 at age 73. He taught at Belmont University and was chairman of the Department of Philosophy from 1988-97. Awalt retired from Belmont in 2011 and was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Philosophy. He received numerous awards, including Tennessee Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, and the Ernest L. Boyer International Award for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology.

Willa Mary (Dunlap) Peek, BA '64, of McKinney, TX, died March 21 at age 73. At Baylor she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. For over 30 years, Peek taught math in Waco ISD, Spring ISD, Smithville ISD, SAISD (Jefferson HS), and others. She held offices in the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and other groups. Peek was chair of the Pilgrimage to the Alamo during Fiesta from the 1990s to 2007. Among her survivors are her husband Dr. Darwin E. Peek and daughter Susan Smith Kempf, '94.

Nancy (Shibler) Cooper, BA '65, died Nov. 20, 2014. She taught English in Central Texas schools for 36 years. Survivors include husband Carl, BM '65, MM '72, son Will, '97, and daughter Erin Gibson, MM '99. Contact Erin at 2902 Magnolia Blvd., Temple, TX 76502 or misscoops@hotmail.com.

Patricia "Patsy" (Sherman) Hall, BA '65, of Falls Church, VA, died April 2 at age 71. She worked at the Johnson Space Center for her entire career.

Mark Daniel McLean, BA '67, of Houston, died Nov. 16, 2014. He was 69. McLean taught at North Harris College and worked for several charitable organizations. Survivors include his brothers, Rod McLean, BA '70, and Jim McLean, BA '74. Contact Jim at jmclean@tx.rr.com.

Frederick Robert Nichols, BBA '68, of Tyler, TX, died March 1 at age 68. He was a CPA in Houston and a banker in Nacogdoches and Tyler. Nichols became chairman and CEO of TCA Cable. He taught Sunday school at Green Acres Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Emily Maberry Nichols, '68, and daughter Elizabeth Boone, BBA '98.

1970s

David Martin Todd, BBA '72, of Houston, died March 13 at age 65. At Baylor, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Todd worked in the furniture industry until retiring in 2010. He is survived by his wife, Julia, BSEd '73, and three daughters, including Allison (Todd) Lee, BA '98.

Donald Ray Truman, BBA '75, of Victoria, TX, died March 19 at age 63. He was president of Truman Transfer and Storage in Victoria and Corpus Christi and was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Cathedral. Memorials may be made to the Baylor Bear Foundation.

Dr. Seymour Levine, MHA '76, of Potomac, MD, a retired Army colonel who served as the military hospital commander in six locations, died Dec. 20, 2014. He was 81. He held degrees from NYU, Baylor, and the School of Medicine at the University of Geneva. A combat surgeon, he was chief of surgery at the U.S. Army Hospital in Munich, Germany. Levine retired from active duty after 32 years in 1993, when he joined the U.S. Army Physical Evaluation Board at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, until 2011. Among his awards are the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with five oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster. Survivors include his daughter, Natacha Myers, who can be contacted at tashamyers@aol.com.

Kathryn (Narum) Thurmond, BBA '76, of Rockwall, TX, died March 12 at age 61. She was married 35 years to Walter Thurmond, BBA '76, when he died in 2012. She worked for 30 years in financial analysis and business technology development, including with Hines’s Houston headquarters. She was a member of Houston First Baptist Church and the Baylor Bear Foundation. Among her survivors are her children, including Elissa Thurmond Arnold, BA '12. Memorials may be made to the Baylor Bear Foundation.

Jerry Pryor Johnston, BA '79, MBA '80, of Waco, died May 18 at 57. At Baylor he was a member of Chamber of Commerce and was president of the junior class. He did postgraduate studies at the Duke School of Finance. A banker, Johnston was voted one of the top 20 young businessmen of Dallas. He served on the Board of Directors for Dallas Opera Company, City Harvest in New York City, and Baylor's Hankamer School of Business. Johnston also established a home for homeless boys in Colombia.

1980s

John Albert Speasmaker, BA '81, MBA '88, of Round Rock, TX, died May 9 at age 56. He worked in pharmaceutical sales and management, where he won many awards before starting his consulting business. Among his survivors are his wife Heidi (Richardson), BMEd '81, MBA '83, daughter Elizabeth, and son Alex.

Col. Samuel Lee McNiel, BA '87, of San Antonio, TX, died Dec. 18, 2014, at age 51. His 25-year career in the U.S. Air Force included assignments as commander of the 61st Air Base Group at Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA; deputy staff director of the U.S. Nuclear Risk Reduction Center with the U.S. Department of State; and commander of the 21st Space Operations Squadron, Onizuka Air Force Station, CA, and Detachment 3, 18th Space Surveillance Squadron, Maui, HI. He worked in a variety of space-related and intercontinental ballistic missile positions. Survivors include his wife, Wendy McNiel, MDiv '04, and sister Martha McNiel, BM '82, BMEd '82.

1990s

Todd "TA" Andersen, BBA '95, of Fulshear, TX, died March 18 at age 42. He was a mortgage loan officer for 20 years and a professional steer wrestler for 25 years. Andersen served with the youth rodeo association in Fort Bend County and as the director of a Bible study class at Second Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Lori (Stapleton) Andersen BBA '96, three children, and siblings Jill Martin, BA '97, and Mark Andersen.

2000s

Chad Grantham Lemons, BA '02, of Fort Worth, died April 15 at age 36. At Baylor, Chad was president of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He was a co-developer of Bekon App. Among his survivors are his parents Keith, BA '76, JD '78, and Pamela Lemons, BSEd '75, and sister Amber Sustala, BFA '04.

Jonathan Michael Crews, BA '08, of Coppell, TX, was killed in an accident on Feb. 2, 2014, at age 27. He was a graduate of Carrollton Christian Academy and worked as a center operations director at Concentra. Survivors include his parents, John and Pamela Crews, his siblings, Christian and Danielle.

Karen J. Mittendorf, BA '09, of Powell, Ohio, died June 11 at age 66. She retired from Baylor in 2010 as the associate director of Graduate Student Services after 22 years. She earned a degree in English over a 20-year period, taking one class each semester, graduating summa cum laude. Among her survivors are her husband, Gary L. Mittendorf and two children, Julie (Mittendorf) Reed, BA '94, Brian Mittendorf, BBA '96, and his wife, Karen (McClung) Mittendorf, BSEd '95.

2010s

Ted Ray Carroll, BBA '14, of Longview, TX, died June 5 at age 72. Having had to leave Baylor nine credits short of graduation in the early 1960s, Carroll recently finished those hours, graduated and walked the stage at Baylor Commencement in December 2014. He started his business career in sales with Henderson Clay Products. Later he was in sales with Swirl-Way in Henderson until 1998, and then was self-employed for 17 years. Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Reba, and three daughters.

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Dennis Campbell, a senior academic consultant in the Classroom Technology Services group of Baylor's Electronic Library, died June 1. Campbell came to Baylor in 2006 from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, FL. Campbell served at First Baptist Church Woodway in the youth ministry, Awana programs, and audio/visual technology. Among his survivors are his wife, Keren (Shipp), BA '97, and three children, Logan, Matthew and Meagan. Memorials may be made to the Library Dean's Excellence Fund for Use in Technology, Baylor University.

Audie Grace Cunningham, of Crawford, TX, died April 7 at age 98. In 1934, she married Oda B. Cunningham, and they had three children. She worked in Seminole, TX, at the school, at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and at Cunningham’s Help-Your-Self Laundry. In 1951, they moved to Coryell County. She was a member of Flat Baptist Church for 66 years and supported Baylor. Among her survivors are her sons, Harold Cunningham, BBA '56, and wife, Ann, BMEd '56, and Kenneth Cunningham and wife, Jane.

Patty Haptonstall, of Marlin, TX, died June 11 at age 76. She retired as monthly coordinator in Baylor’s Payroll office in 1995 after 17 years. Survivors include her daughter, June Haptonstall, BSEd ’80, and granddaughter Rachel Haptonstall, MSW '14.

Dr. Jimmye S. Hillman, of Tucson, AZ, died June 4 at age 92. He was a professor at the University of Arizona from 1950-90 and was an influential international economist. He served in the Army during World War II. Hillman trained generations of agricultural economists and specialized in the convergence of the green revolution and the globalization of trade. As an activist economist, he served as executive director of the President's National Advisory Commission on Food and Fiber, and chaired the agricultural study group assisting the President's Commission on United States-Japanese Relations, among other duties. In his wife’s name, Hillman established collection and research fellowships in Baylor's Texas Collection.

Donald Clyde McNeill, of Edmond, OK, died March 21 at age 63. A graduate of Oklahoma State, McNeill spent the majority of his career in the banking industry. He was a member of Baylor Bear Foundation and the 1845 Society. Among his survivors are his wife of 43 years, Cheri Holder McNeill, and three children including Trevor McNeill, BBA '03.