1970s
Timothy D. Cox, BS ’70, of Houston died March 1.
Robert Gene Richardson, BA ’70, of Waco passed away, June 29, 2018, at the Atrium of Bellmead Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility. He was 89. Services will be held at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, July 7, 2018, at the Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Pastor Billy Schulz officiating. Robert was born, August 27, 1928, to Fred Richardson and Maybell Loyd in Neosho, MO. He went to work as a teenager to help provide for his family at the age of 17 when he joined the Navy. After 4 years he received Honorable Discharge and joined the Air Force serving in World War II and Korean Conflict earned WW II Victory, Korean, United Nation, National Defense and many Good Conduct Medals. When not on duty he enjoyed traveling, seeing iconic places and taking pictures. While a Weather Forecaster, stationed at Chanute Air Force Base (AFB) in Rantoul, IL. He met the love of his life, Hope E. Richard, who was also going to school for Weather Forecasting. They were married August 5, 1955 with first son, Seth, born May 1956, second son, Jay, born March 1957 and daughter, Jenny, born 1958, the same year he was transferred to Bergstrom AFB in Austin. At various times Robert was stationed at bases in various European countries and Morocco. In 1961 he was transferred to James T. Connally (JC) AFB in Waco. He purchased a home for his family, enjoyed gatherings and events held at the JC AFB and golf course until he retired in 1968.Upon retirement, Robert used the GI bill to earn an education, and graduated from McLennan Community College, Baylor in 1970, Texas A & M in 1972 with a Master's in Education and Texas State Technical College in 1977 with Applied Science. He taught Physics, Mathematics, Science and Chemistry at La Vega, Mart and Hillsboro High Schools. During his later years he remained an avid reader, enjoyed his grandchildren, time and outings with his wife, Hope. And for the last two and half years of his life, Robert stayed in local nursing homes and care facilities. First was the Atrium of Bellmead for three months, then Doris Miller Waco VA Community Living Center for one year and nine months where he received great nursing care. In October 2017, he returned to the caring and attentive staff at the Atrium where he enjoyed the beautiful building and surroundings. He was preceded in death by this beloved wife and firstborn son. He is survived by his second son, Jay Richardson; daughter Jenny Richardson Urban, husband David and fifteen grandchildren. Family will accept visitors and condolences from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday evening, July 5, at his home, 4300 Timbercrest Ln. Waco, TX 76705. Cards may be mailed to the same address or sign the Waco Memorial Park Guestbook at www.wacofhmp.com. Memorials may be made to organizations of choice. If desired, flowers may be sent to his home and the family will take them to the funeral service.
Sheri McCutchen Abel, BA ’71, of Frisco, TX, went into the arms of the Lord June 22. She passed peacefully and graciously surrounded by family and friends. Sheri was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, raised in Shreveport Louisiana and graduated in 1967 from Byrd High School. She graduated Cum Laude from Baylor University and remained a devoted Baylor Bear fan for life. Sheri taught second grade at Richardson Independent School District and then met the love of her life, John Abel. Sheri and John lived a full life in their God given 45 years. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend. Sheri was an angel among us, faithfully living her life as an example of Christ’s love. She always found the positive in everyone she met. Negatives were not an option. Her life was drastically changed because of her Myotonic Dystrophy, diagnosed in 2000. After a seriously disabling auto accident in May, 2014, she was in the hospital for 11 months. Sheri valiantly fought to overcome multiple injuries. She miraculous recovered in the first four months of 2015 after adverse circumstances caused by the accident. Sheri came home in May of 2015 after being in many rehab and hospital facilities. She had limited functions for the next three years. During these trying circumstance she never lost faith instead her faith grew. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) Sheri lived her life with grace and dignity. She is survived by her loving husband, John Abel; her daughter, Sarah Zimmerman; her son, Derek Abel and his wife, Sara; her beloved grandchildren, Hailyn and Zander Zimmerman and Davis Abel; her brother, Bill McCutchen; her aunt, Jerry Kemp; and her cousin/sister, Kay Jackson. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 25, 2018 in the chapel of Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W. Park Blvd, Plano, Texas 75093. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Sunday afternoon, June 24, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway, North, Allen Texas. The family would appreciate donations to the Prestonwood Pregnancy Center where she volunteered for several years.
Dr. Lynn Lee Abernathy, BA ’71, MSed ’79, EdD ’97, of Waco died peacefully Friday, June 8, 2018, at her long-time Waco residence. She was 78. Lynn was born in 1939, in Galveston, Texas, to Adeline Boguski and Robert C. Thompson. She graduated from Bellaire High School in Houston, Texas, and entered college at Texas Tech University where she met her husband-to-be Thomas L. Abernathy, Sr. Lynn and Tom were married in 1960 and moved to Waco, Texas, where she later finished her first of three degrees from Baylor University. She became a substitute teacher while earning her real estate license and quickly became an active member in the Waco community. Returning later to Baylor University, Lynn earned her Master of Science degree and became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 1979. Shortly after, she began her long-term career with McLennan Community College (MCC), working in the counseling center under Dr. Bill Migdal. After 35 years at MCC she was named Dean of Student Services. Following the death of her husband of 29 years, Lynn returned to Baylor University once more, earning her Doctor of Education in 1997 after which she was named Vice President of Student Services for MCC. Lynn truly loved the students she served, speaking fondly of them until she was no longer able and was truly grateful for her long-time administrative assistant and friend, Darlene Kilgore. In her community, Lynn was an active member of the Waco Lion's club and of the Junior League where she served as chair for the 1975 Charity Ball 'It's Magic'. She served on the board for the United Way of McLennan County and was also appointed to the Waco McLennan County Library Advisory Commission from 2004 to 2011. She was a dedicated member of the McLennan Community College Foundation and Future Leaders Program and was named an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Lynn was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas L Abernathy, Sr. She is survived by sons, Thomas L. Abernathy, Jr. and Steven Abernathy; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Abernathy; brother, Robert C. Thompson II and sister-in-law, Sheldon Thompson; sister, Sally Willoughby; and loving nieces Alison Howard, Ellen Cummings, Mary Bonura and Anne Slattery. Please sign the online guestbook at www.oakcrestwaco.com.
Robert E. "Bob" Barron, BBA ’72, JD ’74, of Nederland, TX, passed away Saturday, May 5, 2018, at CHI St Luke's Health-Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center of Houston, Texas, surrounded by his family. He was 67. He was born on September 3, 1950, in La Marque, Texas, to Billie Marie Stewart and Robert Newton Barron. Bob graduated from La Marque High School in 1968. He attended Baylor University, where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1972, and graduated Baylor Law School in 1974. He received his Certified Public Accountant license in 1976. He was Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been practicing Bankruptcy Law for over 40 years. Though being a partner of Barron & Barron, L.L.P. was a big part of his life, nothing overshadowed the love and devotion he had for his children and grandchildren. His favorite leisure time was short trips in his RV, with his grandchildren and his dogs. In the summer, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren in Ruidoso. He loved experiencing the outdoors with them. Together they enjoyed sports, farming and fishing. He was predeceased in death by his mother, Billie Marie Barron. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Rose Mason Barron, three children, Robby Barron and his wife, Kim of Nederland, Diane Carter and her husband, Shawn of Dallas, Craig Barron and his wife, Kara of Los Angeles, their mother Margaret Somers of Houston; two step- children Al Judice and his wife Nickie of Bridge City, Alicia Romero and her husband, Emilio of Bridge City, his father Robert Newton Barron of Austin, two brothers Mark Barron of Austin and Eddie Barron of Amarillo. Also surviving are his 11 grandchildren, Robert, Morgan and William Barron, Nola and Adeline Carter, Collin, Miko and McKay Barron, A.J. and Ashton Judice, Adia Romero, Alexis and Christian Wall. A celebration of Life, will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Broussard's Mortuary in Nederland, Texas. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 noon. The Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 p.m., with Dr. Bill Hinson officiating. Interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Broussard's Mortuary. Memorial donations in memory of Robert E. Barron, may be made to: Texas Heart Institute c/o CHI St Luke's Health-Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, P.O. Box 20345, MC 3-117, Houston, Texas 77225-0345. Our family would like to Thank all of the Doctors and Nurses on 2nd floor CV Recovery, Cooley, 8A Transplant Unit, Dr. Reynolds Delgado, Dr. Jeffery Morgan and the transplant team at St. Luke's for their untiring effort! Most of all we want to Thank God! Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.
Kenneth Roy Roeder, BBA ’73, of Hillsboro, TX, passed away Sunday, July 1, 2018, at his residence. He was 71. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 6, 2018, at the Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro with Rev. Curtis McGehee of Abiding Life Full Gospel Church in Whitney. Burial will follow at Ridge Park Cemetery in Hillsboro. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 5, at the funeral home. Born July 8, 1946 in Waco, he was the son of Frances Jane (Traylor) Maxwell and Floyd Maxwell. He grew up in Hillsboro and was a 1964 graduate of Hillsboro High School. After high school, he joined the United States Army and served in Vietnam. Following his service time, Kenneth attended Baylor University and received a Marketing Degree in December 1973. On August 14, 1971, he married Katherine Maxine Shaw. Kenneth had been employed by Safeway, Apple Tree, and finally at Brookshires Grocery for over 40 years, retiring in 2012. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and fishing. He was a member of VFW Post #2148. Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Dana Lee Maxwell. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Maxine Roeder of Hillsboro; two daughters, Tamara Stelzl of Hillsboro and Susan Whitener and husband, Jason, of Waxahachie; five grandchildren, Jaron Whitener, Jordan Stelzl, Raven Buck, Logan Hodges, and Braden Hodges; and three great-grandchildren, Nolan, Thea, and Oliver Stelzl. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1700 Lake Success Dr., Waco, TX 76710 or Hill County Paw Pals, P. O. Box 1533, Hillsboro, TX 76645.
Lt. Col. Charles Henry Lewis, BBA ’74, MHA ’82, of Comfort, TX, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 5th at the age of 75 years after a 2 year battle with lung cancer. Charles Henry Lewis was born on March 1, 1943 in Danville, Illinois to Henry and Melda Robinson Lewis. Married Mary Anne Mays on July 26th, 1969 in Hunter's Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia. Charles served 28 years in the Army and retired in 1993. He entered the Army in 1964 as a Registered Nurse. After completing flight training he branch transferred to the Medical Service Corp as a Medivac pilot in 1967. Charles received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University. He also received his Masters Degree in Hospital Administration from Baylor University. He retired to the Hill Country and enjoyed ranching for the next 25 years. Charles was a member of the Olive Branch Lodge No. 38, Danville, Illinois, a Master Mason Life Member for 54 years. The International Guild of Knot Tyers, Afifi Shrine in Tacoma, Washington, Gao Grotto, Danville, Illinois. He was also a Dustoff Association Charter Member and a Medivac Pilot. Charles served on the 911 Board in Kerr County getting Kerr County addressed for 911. After serving on the 911 Board he continued to serve the citizens of Kerr County serving many years on the Kerr County Appraisal District Board and as President of the Board for the last 4 years. Mr. Charles Lewis is survived by his wife: Mary Anne Mays Lewis of Comfort, his brother in laws, Fred and Louie Mays of Nashville, Tennessee, and Carl Mays of Alpharetta, Georgia and numerous cousins. Graveside services and interment for LTC "Retired" Charles Henry Lewis will be held on Monday, July 16th at 10:15 A.M. in the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio with military honors. For those who so desire you may make memorial contributions in his memory to the Comfort V.F.D. and E.M.S. or to the charity of your choice. Visitation for LTC "Retired" Charles Henry Lewis will be held on Wednesday, July 11th from 5 to 7 P.M. in the chapel of the Schaetter Funeral Home, Comfort. Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com.
Published in Express-News
David Ryals, BBA ’74, of Waco passed away Monday, May 7th at age 71. He was suffering from pancreatic cancer and fought bravely so that he and Becky could celebrate their 40th anniversary together on September 1st. David's career spanned 30+ years with successful growth at IBM, GTE and Farm Bureau Insurance. Retirement brought him time to enjoy his many passions including family, Baylor University, travel and golf, not necessarily in that order! His family and friends will miss his amazing sense of humor, comical way with words, huge heart and ability to make anyone feel like they were special. David was preceded in death by his parents, George and Jean Williams, brother, Kenneth Ryals and sister, Kerry Williams Creech. He is survived by his beloved wife, Becky, children, Tom Williams, Chris Ryals and Mandy Winters along with their families which include spouses and six grandchildren, sister-in-law, Wanda Ryals, sister and brother-in-law, Cyndi and Steve Moore along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. A casual Celebration of Life will be held at the Delaware Springs Golf Course pavilion June 16th at 1:30p.m., 600 Delaware Springs Blvd., Burnet, TX 78611. A graveside ceremony is planned for September 8th at 1:00 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, TX, time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated in memory of David to benefit pancreatic cancer research at pancan.org/donate. David's faith in God never wavered and we are comforted that he knew he was going home.
Published in Austin American-Statesman
Dr. Virginia "Ann" Sturdivant, MSEd ’74, born September 18, 1947 died peacefully on May 16, 2018 in San Antonio, TX. She was 76. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Virgina Hudgins Sturdivant of Cotton Center. Born in Lubbock, Ann spent her early years growing up on a farm south of Cotton Center, then in 1952, moved to a farm east of Cotton Center. She attended Cotton Center schools all 12 years, graduating in 1966 as the class valedictorian. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cotton Center. After graduation, Ann attended Baylor University for one year, then completed a BS in Physical Education in 1971 at Texas Tech University. Ann then taught Health and coached volleyball at the Southside ISD in San Antonio until 1973. Ann continued her education at Baylor and received a MS degree in Education in 1974. She then moved to Killeen where she taught PE and Health to elementary and junior high schoolers. She moved back to San Antonio in 1978 where she instructed in PE and coached at Homes High School until 1984. Moving to Sherman, TX in 1984, Ann took a position as an Assistant Professor in the Physical Education Department of Austin College where she taught until 1987. In the spring of 1987, Ann enrolled in the doctoral program of the University of North Texas in Denton. She graduated in the fall of 1990 with a Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in Higher Education and a minor in Physical Education. With her new Ph.D., Ann then branched off into private consulting and worked with many of the schools in the San Antonio area as well as the Defense Language Institute. In 1993 she took a job with the Texas Department of Transportation in Corpus Christi then returned to San Antonio in 1998 where she remained working in the transportation industry until her retirement. Ann was much loved by and is survived by her brother and wife Rick and Kristi Sturdivant of Littleton, CO; one niece Sarah Sturdivant of Los Angeles, CA; one nephew and family, Scott, Heather and Soren Sturdivant also of Littleton, CO. Graveside services will be held at the Center Plains Cemetery, Cotton Center on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 10 AM, under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & Flower Shop of Abernathy. A memorial service will be held at a later date in San Antonio. Memorial contributions in Ann's name may be made to Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, PO Box 369, Kendalia, TX 78027 or Kindred Hospice, 4440 S Piedras Drive, Suite 125, San Antonio, TX 78228.
Floyd Steele Cooley, BA ’75, of Cameron, TX, died June 23 in Jasper, AR. He was 66. Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron with the Rev. Clint Schofield officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Mr. Cooley died Saturday, June 23, in Jasper, Ark. He was born Feb. 28, 1952, to Floyd and Bennie Nettles Cooley in Texarkana. He married Marion Thomas on July 16, 1977. He was the technology director at Cameron ISD. He also was a high school history teacher, home builder and cattle rancher. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Lambda Tau at Baylor University. Survivors include his wife of Cameron; a son, Colin Cooley of New Braunfels; a brother, Greg Cooley of Fort Worth; and a grandchild. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Larry Wayne McEachern, BA ’75, JD ’76, of Plainview, TX, died Saturday, June 30, 2018. He was 65. Memorial Service: Thursday, July 5, 2:00 p.m. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1101 Slide Rd., Lubbock, TX. Larry was born March 7, 1953 to Wilson and Jean Houser McEachern of Plainview. He graduated from Plainview High School in 1971. Larry was a life long supporter of his alma mater, Baylor University, graduating with honors receiving his BA in 1975 and Juris Doctor from Baylor University School of Law in 1976. Larry completely immersed himself in law school receiving many honors including, First Place, Baylor Moot Court Competition, Fall 1975; recipient, Willard C. Finkelstein Moot Court Award; recipient Leighton B. Dawson Moot Court Award; and semi-finalist, Baylor Mock Trial Competition. He was a member of the Order of Barristers and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. A most memorable highlight of his law school experience was a trip to London that he received for winning Moot Court Competition. After law school, Larry returned to Plainview joining LaFont, Tunnel, Formby, LaFont and Hamilton for ten years before moving to Lubbock to continue his law career at McWhorter, Cobb and Johnson. Later he served of counsel with both Key & Key and Bradley M. Pettiet. Because of Larry's lifelong love of learning, he became adjunct professor teaching Business Law at Wayland Baptist University; Law and Banking at American Institute of Banking; Business Law at Texas Tech University. Larry was board certified in Family Law. His professional memberships included State Bar of Texas, Lubbock County Bar Association and Hale County Bar Association. Larry was active in the community and honored to serve in many capacities including past president of Plainview Rotary Club, past president and state board of director of American Heart Association, Hale County Civic Music Association, Plainview Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee, Plainview Humane Society, Plainview Civic Theater, Plainview Area United Way, and District Chair of Boy Scouts of America. During Larry's time in Plainview, he married Gail Harper and they celebrated 39 years of marriage this year. He was especially proud of their daughter, Brittany. Larry was an avid reader and historian but particularly enjoyed politics, presidential history, biblical history, and Winston Churchill. Survivors: Wife, Gail; daughter, Brittany of Lubbock; sisters, Karen Palmer (Bruce) of Lubbock, Susan Smith (Barry) of Fort Worth, nieces, nephews, cousins and aunt and uncle, Dr. Wayne and Betty Houser of Rochester, MN. Remembrances may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice. Published in The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Ronald Earl Goodson, BBA ’76, of Kennard, TX, passed away at his home Wednesday, June 6, 2017. He was 64. Ronald was born September 22, 1953 in Liberty to parents, GA Goodson and Mertis Gates Goodson. He graduated from Galena Park High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University. Ronald was a member of the Pasadena Optimist Club and an avid contributor to multiple charities, including the Boys and Girls Harbor of La Porte, which is now known as Today’s Harbor for Children, the Girl Scouts of America and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Ronald is survived by son, Jeremy Goodson and wife, Kim of Deer Park; daughter, Emily Makosa and husband, Mike of Houston; grandsons, Austin Goodson of Deer Park, Cody Goodson of Deer Park; great-grandsons, Ace and Asher Goodson of Deer Park; mother, Mertis Goodson of Ft. Worth; brother, Frank Goodson and wife, Ann of Baytown; sisters, Carolyn Woodyard and husband, Bobby of Ft. Worth, Marleta Springer of Ft. Worth; mother of children, Janet Barnett of Deer Park; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by father, GA Goodson. Memorial services for Ronald Goodson will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018 in the Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel, Dr. Tim Allen, officiating. In lieu of the usual remembrances, donations may be made to Today’s Harbor for Children, P. O. Box 848, Houston, TX 77001-0848, www.todaysharborforchildren.org, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org, or Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098, www.gssjc.org. Online condolences may be left at www.callawayallee.com.
Javier Patrick Guajardo Jr., BS ’76, a proud son of Laredo, TX, has passed to eternal peace. Guajardo, 63, of Austin, passed away in the early morning of Saturday, June 2, 2018. Javier was born in Laredo, Texas, on April 14, 1955 to the late Mary and Javier Guajardo. He had a charmed childhood, raised with his late brother Eduardo (Wayo) in Laredo with many cousins and friends, many of whose descendants honored those close bonds until the end. He was proud to be a first-generation Texan, with a long and proud family history of exiled Spanish Jews who settled in Saltillo, Mexico. Javier was salutatorian at St. Joseph's Academy in Laredo, attended college at Baylor University, and graduated from St. Mary's School of Law. He was a strong advocate of education and academic excellence. Javier was a quick-witted, outgoing man who exemplified the phrase, "never met a stranger." He loved to laugh and his quirky wit could always brighten a room. Even in strife, he could always find a silver lining or remind us that his God was in control. Javier's passions ran the gamut from restoration of cars and antique fountain pens, to opera, soccer, cooking and photography. He delighted in the simple daily family routines and was devastated to leave his family so early. Javier had hoped once again to ride horseback, as he had done with his father as a child. His experience as an appellate attorney led him through many adventures, including a stint in the Attorney General's Office where he was able to argue a case before the United States Supreme Court. Javier excelled at the art of the footnote, in particular those that filled most of the page. Javier was most proud of his family in whom he delighted. He leaves behind his wife Lucie, and his three children, Andr?s, Isabella and Augusto. The family thanks all of Javier's family and friends who supported him through his difficult fight against multiple debilitating diseases, as well as the many physicians who did not hesitate to treat Javier with his daunting medical conditions, especially Dr. Yorio who was particularly kind in our saddest moments. There will be a Celebration of Life and Farewell at the Jewish Community Center of Austin at 3:30 p.m. on July 15 - bow-tie optional. Donations in Javier's honor may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation for research www.scleroderma.org or to Congregation Shalom Rav www.shalomravaustin.org. Published in Austin American-Statesman
Larry W. Payne, BBA ’76, of Woodway, TX, passed away late Sunday night, June 17, 2018 at Providence Hospice Place in Waco. He was 64. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 22, 2018 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Dr. Mike Milburn, Dr. John Crowder and Rev. Ed Karasek officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West. Larry was born July 28, 1953 in Fort Worth, the oldest son of the late Jonnie (Warren) and Alvin R. Payne Jr. The family moved to West in 1963 where Larry attended grade school and became a 1971 graduate of West High School. After attending Hill Junior College and the University of Houston, he graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Degree in Accounting in 1976. Larry worked several years as Chief Financial Officer of Citizens Fidelity Insurance Company in Waco before joining the family business, Aderhold Funeral Home in West in 1991. On December 28, 2001 he was united in marriage to Paula Spaulding in Woodway. He served as Chairman of the Board and was a licensed Funeral Director of Aderhold Funeral Home, Inc. He was a former member of the First Baptist Church in West where he served in many capacities including Church Treasurer and Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Larry was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Baylor Bear Foundation, where he was an avid Baylor fan and season ticket holder for football, basketball and women’s basketball. He was a very proud member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association and North Texas Funeral Directors Association and was recently elected to the Texas Funeral Directors Association Services, Inc. Board of Directors, as well as the North Texas Association Board of Directors. Survivors include his wife, Paula Payne of Woodway; children, Valerie Payne of West, Timothy Payne and wife Kim of Lorena and Kaylee Payne of Woodway; grandchildren, Harrison, Kinley, Macie and Finn; brothers, Cappy Payne and wife Lynette and Robert Payne and wife Carla; the mother to his two oldest children, Glenda Payne Chartier and husband Dennis; mother-in-law, Mary Summers and husband A.B.; sisters-in-law, Ronda Tindell and husband Jody and Tanya Willingham; special friends Freddie and Janice Kaluza; and many nieces, nephews, beloved cousins, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Jack Warren, John Warren, Mike Alexander, Rick Baird, David McDowell, Danny Brantley, Warren Brantley, Jeff Brantley and Joseph Warren. Honorary pallbearers are John Bull, CJ Halik, Jeff Feyerherm, Gary Tully, Tommy Ross, Spencer Moore, Nick Rhodes, Bob Plsek, and Larry Volcik; All present and past employees of Aderhold Funeral Home; and his friends from TFDA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of West Building Fund or Providence Hospice Place.
Michael Grant Atnip Sr., MBA ’77, of Kingwood, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 8, 2018. He was 70. Born on July 8, 1948 in Fort Worth, Texas he was the only child of Reuben Roy and Elsie Jean Atnip. Michael graduated from Carter River High School and served in the US Air Force Reserves during the Vietnam War. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas and his Master of Business Administration from Baylor University. After graduation, he began his career in insurance and rose to the level of Executive Vice President of American General. His career took him from Fort Worth to Waco, Houston, and Newburgh, Indiana. Michael married Betty Ann Atnip on February 17, 1973 at Bruton Road Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. They had two children: Michael Grant Atnip Jr. and Melanie Dawn Wright.
Michael was very involved in his community. He was an active member at Deerwood Country Club where he often played with his friends on his favorite course. Michael had a great love for playing golf, even beating the Pro in his group at the Houston Pro-Am. Michael cherished life, his marriage of 45 years, his children, and his grandchildren Riley Grant Atnip and Kelsie Jean Wright. In his spare time, he loved to play golf, watch The University of Texas sports, root for the Dallas Cowboys, and listen to 50’s music. He will be remembered for being compassionate, fun-loving, friendly, a prankster, and for his dependability. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 13, 2018 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Darst Funeral Home in Kingwood, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 10:30am at Darst Funeral Home. Pastor Phil Meadows will be presiding over services.
Mary Storm Westbrook, BM ’77, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away at home early on Monday, June 11, 2018. She was 64. Born in Corpus Christi, TX, to Evelyn and Joe Plaza, Mary attended Baylor University and the University of Michigan. In 1978, she ventured to Virginia for a position with the National Park Service, where she met her husband, Tommy Westbrook. Mary worked for the Central Rappahannock Regional Library for most of her career and was an active member of Zoan Baptist Church, Peace United Methodist Church, the Stafford Regional Handbell Society, the Fredericksburg Singers, Girl Scouts, and numerous committees with Spotsylvania County Schools. Mary embodied a calm, self-assured approach to life and was kind to everyone she met. Her undeniable charm rested on kindness and consideration for others, and this, plus her talent for organization, made her a valuable member of any group she joined. She will be remembered for her generosity, her optimism, her selflessness, and her endless support for everyone she knew. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Tommy; sisters Polly Reetz and Betty Malone; daughters Elise Phillips (Jonathan) and Joanne; and granddaughters, Alexis, Kaylee, and Chloe. Mary’s memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 at Peace United Methodist Church, 801 Maple Grove Dr, Fredericksburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Stafford Regional Handbell Society, 112 Juliad Ct #111, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 or the Peace United Methodist Church music program. Condolences may be expressed to her family at foundandsons.com.
W. Douglas “Doug” Brown, BA ’79, of Madison, WI, died on June 4, 2018, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was 60. Doug was a gifted neuroradiologist. In late 2015, he noticed small symptoms which led to an early diagnosis of his glioblastoma (brain cancer). Doug was born on Aug. 5, 1957, in Beaumont, Texas, to Jerry L. and Madelyn (Crane) Brown. He graduated with a B.A. from Baylor in 1979, marrying fellow Baylor graduate, D. Eugenia “Genie” Sherman on Dec. 27, 1981, in Dallas. He took his M.D. from Utah Southwestern Medical School in 1984. Instead of going into private medical practice, Doug chose a more fulfilling career in academic medicine, teaching residents and medical students. Residents described him as “an exceptional clinician, teacher, educator,” with “great passion, showing students how their role could make a difference in patient outcomes.” In 2017, the Froedtert Radiology Dept. created the W. Douglas Brown Mentorship Award in his honor. In addition to his love for his work, Doug loved the outdoors. He was an avid bicyclist and rode the Door County Century for 20 years, sometimes in company with their beloved son Nathaniel. A quiet man and a deep thinker, Doug never stopped learning. He was a devotee of pod casts covering a wide range of topics, from roses to geology to astrophysics. His single raised eyebrow was a signature conveyer of gentle skepticism and his wry humor. Doug was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church since 1991, and a member of several bicycle and professional medical organizations. Survivors include his wife, D. Eugenia “Genie” Sherman; son, W. Nathaniel Brown (Silvia Espinosa Gutiez); sisters, Debby Brown Skinner (Brad) and Linda Brown Cullum (Bob); three nieces and one nephew. Doug was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 9, 2018, at 11 a.m. at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 944 E. Gorham St., Madison, followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts to Christ Presbyterian Church (cpcmadison.org) or the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development, 655 W. Badger Road, Madison, WI 53713 (nehemiah.org).
Curtis D. Smith, BBA ’79, of Amarillo, TX, passed away on May 6, 2018. Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel with Nick Garner, associate pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd. He was born January 14, 1955, in Amarillo to Norma Carroll Smith and Walter Smith. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1973, and graduated from Baylor with a Bachelor's degree in business administration. Curtis worked as a petroleum landman for Barbee Exploration, Mesa Petroleum, American Pipeline and Questa Energy. He is survived by his parents; his wife of 35 years, Janie Barbee Smith; his children, Sarah Smith Bowden (Cliff), Allison Smith, Barrett Smith and Aubrey Smith; grandchildren, Riley Darnell, Chloe Darnell, Logan Bowden and Colton Bowden; a sister, Shellye Ritsko (John); and nephew, Jared Ritsko. Sign the online guestbook at www.boxwellbrothers.com.