1980s
Gerrit Davis Foster III, BBA ’80, MBA ’82, of Universal City, TX, lost the battle but won the war after 5 hard years of fighting cancer. He passed away June 24, 2018 at the age of 60. Born In Charleston, South Carolina, he was the first son (by 13 minutes) of Gerrit Davis Foster Jr. and Phyllis Maxine Foster. Gerrit graduated with Honors from Baylor University with a Masters in Business Administration in 1982. Gerrit was a dedicated Flight Service Manager of Continental Airlines. He enjoyed living in Hawaii, loved to travel and play tennis all around the world. Additionally, Gerrit was an avid skier and was a ski instructor while in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He truly had a passion for life! Gerrit was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his twin brother Lawrence Lee Foster of Willis, Texas and wife Zoe, his sisters Cheryl Lynn Foster of Universal City, Texas and Bonnie Lee Foster of Converse, Texas. He was a beloved Uncle to several nieces and nephews, as well as grandnieces and grandnephews. Interment will be held on June 28, 2018 at 10:45 am at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park in New Braunfels, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gerrit may be made to the American Cancer Society or Christus VNA of San Antonio.
Rick Zaky Matar, BSE ’80, MS ’83, of Colorado Springs, CO, died Jan. 20 at age 64.
Dr. Paul R. Farmer, BSEd ’81, DDS ’86, resident of Fort Worth, TX, tragically passed away while on vacation on May 21, 2018 at the age of 58-years-old. He was born and raised in Richmond, TX and graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School in 1977. He continued the long-standing family tradition of attending Baylor University, earning his undergraduate degree in 1981 while he lettered in baseball. He then graduated Baylor College of Dentistry in 1987.
Paul had his own dental practice for 29 years in Azle. He was a member of Lighthouse Fellowship in Fort Worth and brought countless people closer to the Lord through prayer and random acts of kindness. He was also part of the Azle Rotary, and Chamber of Commerce, as well as a volunteer at The Refuge. Paul spent his days spreading the gospel to all who would listen, golfing, hunting and making memories with his close family. He was a gift to us all and will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Kelli Farmer, his eldest son, Reid and wife, Michal, and youngest son, Chase, and his daughter, Mackenzi (BSEd ’18). He’ll also be missed by his brother, Bryce, and wife, Dianne, and sister, Elaine (BSEd ’77), and husband, Bill (MSEd ’76), in addition to several nieces and nephews and family members. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Marylin (BSEd ’45) Farmer. The memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 12:55 pm at Lighthouse Fellowship located at 7200 Robertson Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76135. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for the Lighthouse Fellowship Youth Ministry in Paul’s memory. Gifts can be made via check, or online at lfwired.org.
Deborah Kaye Hammond, BBA ’81, was born on June 16, 1958 and passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Deborah was a resident of Texas at the time of passing. She was employed by State Farm Insurance, and was a graduate of South Garland High School and Baylor University. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Debbie's name to the Ladyjack Soccer Booster Club, in care of: SFA Varsity Club PO Box 13010, SFA Station Nacogdoches, TX 75962 A scholarship fund at Stephen F. Austin State University (Chelsea's alma mater) to benefit members of the women's soccer team is also in the process of being established in Debbie's name. Thursday May 31, 2018 , 10:30 AM at Williams Memorial Chapel.
Michael Robert Huddleston, BA ’81, of Waco went to be with his Mother in Heaven, Monday, June 25, 2018. He was 59. Memorial services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, July 5, 2018, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Drive. Visitation with the family will be 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 4, 2018, at Grace Gardens. Michael was born, January 14, 1959, to Benny and Betty Huddleston in Abilene. He received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Baylor University. He had a bigger heart for people, and especially animals, than most knew. Doing so, he amassed more love and admiration from them than even he knew. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Jean Huddleston. Michael is survived by his father, Benny Robert Huddleston; son, Tayler Michael Huddleston; his little friend, Grace Huddleston; and his four beloved dogs, Riley, Ripley, Rose, and Reagan Huddleston. Special thanks to all of his friends, and our friends and family, for reaching out to share their love of him with us. Today we lost something great, but Heaven gained his presence, and that is immeasurable. We will love you and miss you Dad. We will see you again. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local no kill animal rescues, they meant the world to him. Love you whole most world.
Ruth Ditlevson Lyle, BA ’81, MTax ’83, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 27, 2018 following several years of battling cancer. She was 59. Ruth was born on May 23, 1959, in Blair, Nebraska, to Rev. Raymond and Freda Ditlevson. Her childhood and teen years included music (piano, trumpet, choir), helping her mom with the weekly Good News Bible clubs, watching football games with neighbors, and traveling with her family throughout the United States. Ruth trusted Christ as her Savior at an early age and followed the Lord in a discipleship relationship throughout her life. She enjoyed sharing His love with others through music, both playing and singing. Ruth attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, beginning in 1977, and graduated with a B.A. in Chemistry and a Masters of Professional Accountancy specializing in Tax Accounting. She met her future husband, Bill, at Baylor. After their marriage in 1982, they moved to Charlotte in 1984 where Ruth worked for Deloitte, Haskins, and Sells in the Tax Department preparing tax returns and developing a specialization in estate planning. Ruth was very involved in ministry activities as a part of her spiritual life. She and Bill enjoyed serving together as Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, AWANA club leaders, Bible Study leaders, and musicians. Ruth also enjoyed attending women’s Bible studies where she could share life with other ladies in small group and one-on-one settings. Hospitality was one of Ruth’s passions, an area in which she was gifted. Having missionaries stay over, hosting parties, and having friends and family over for meals and games brought her a lot of joy. In addition to her relationship with the Lord and her interest in estate planning, Ruth’s other priority was family. She was a consistent support and encouragement to Bill in his work and spiritual ministry during their 35+ years of marriage. Their shared interests allowed for enjoyable time together reading books, discussing theology, playing golf, visiting the family farm in Iowa, and playing dominoes and a variety of card games. In 2012 they realized a lifelong dream of touring in England and Europe. She and Bill were blessed with five wonderful children, and Ruth considered it a privilege to be able to be at home with them full time and guide them in their journey to adulthood. She was their primary teacher from pre school through high school, and passed on to the children her love of learning, reading, music, athletics, adventure, card and board games, travel, the beach and mountains, mission trips, and her faith in and love for God, His Word, and Truth that was based on evidence and reason, She was also actively engaged in the lives and spiritual development of her brother, Paul, and his family, as well as Bill’s family. Ruth was also a loving and devoted friend, and she developed and maintained many deep and meaningful relationships throughout her life. Ruth is survived by her husband, Bill, her three daughters, Kelli (Danny) van der Hoeven, Elizabeth Lyle, and Mary Lyle, and her two sons, Nathan Lyle, and Jonathan Lyle, all of Charlotte. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, Steve Lyle, a sister-in-law, Marlene Kirkland, other loving in-laws, six nieces, seven nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Ditlevson and Freda Christensen Ditlevson, her brother Paul Ditlevson, her brother-in-law, Jack Lyle, and her great-niece Ashley Stottlemire. Ruth’s goal in life was to live in a way that pleased the Lord and to pass on her family’s spiritual heritage to the next generation. Her family is thankful that she is now with the Lord because of the sure hope provided through Christ’s death and resurrection. Ruth's family will receive friends on Thursday, May 31, 2018 in the Rea Room at Calvary Church from 6:00pm-8:30pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Friday, June 1, 2018 at Calvary Church in the chapel, with burial to follow at Magnolia Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Calvary Church Missions Program.
Nancy Katherine Matchus, JD ’81, of Austin died April 27 at age 62 at her home in Austin, after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Nancy was born on September 28, 1955 in Roswell, New Mexico to Edward John Matchus, Sr. and Beatrice Irene Matchus. After graduation in 1974 from Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, TX, Nancy graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, with a Bachelor of Science in Communication in 1978. In 1981, Nancy earned her Doctorate of Juris prudence from Baylor University Law School. Nancy's passions included friends and family, music, puzzles, beer, travel, wild flowers, mountains, New Mexico, cats, the law, a good debate, and especially her nieces and nephews. Nancy married Daniel Patrick Fallwell on June 20, 1998 in Austin, TX. Nancy's legal career was one of public service, working as an attorney for the state with the Texas Dept. of Water Resources and the Texas Water Development Board and later with the City of Austin. In 2008, Nancy received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Travis County Women Lawyers' Association. Nancy was a long-time active member of the League of Women Voters and served on the board of the organization's Austin group. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Fallwell, and her father, Edward John Matchus, Sr. Survivors include her mother, Beatrice Matchus; brother, Edward John Matchus, Jr. (Cherry) of Midland, TX; sister, Edith Snodgrass (Steve) of Brady, TX; sister, Sarah Adamson (Danny); brother, Thomas Matchus (Jan); both of Midland, TX. She is survived by four nieces, Holly Hamm (Blake) of Magnolia, TX; Chesly Herd ("JT") of Midland, TX; Lindsey Slater of Austin, TX; and Emily Hood (Richard) of Morrison, CO. Other survivors include six nephews, John Tanner Matchus (Coleen) of Beery, VT; Karl Stanton (Allison) of Olympia, WA; Sean Matchus (Genesis) of College Station, TX; Seth Matchus; Samuel Matchus; and Simon Matchus, all of Midland, TX; numerous aunts, cousins, great nephews and nieces. Nancy's family wishes to express deep appreciation to Mike Rogan and her many dear friends for the extraordinary companionship, constant care and attention to Nancy during her long illness. The family is also grateful for the compassionate care of her wonderful nurses and caregivers. Friends and family will gather in Austin, TX to remember Nancy on Saturday, May 12, 2018 between 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700 Grover St, Austin, TX. Arrangements are under the care of All Faiths Funeral Services, Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association of Texas, www.ALStexas.org.
Frank Nevin Cremer Jr., BA ’83, JD ’85, of Midland, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. He was 56. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 4, 2018 from 6:00 pm -7:30 pm at First Baptist Church Midland in the Welcome Center. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church in Midland. Frank was born on August 2, 1961 to Fran and Frank Sr. in San Francisco, California. Frank was raised all over the world from San Francisco, to Germany, to West Point due to his father's position in the United States Army. The Cremer family eventually settled in El Paso, Texas when Frank was a sophomore in high school. Frank graduated from Burgess High School and went on to attend Baylor University to study geology and law. Frank met the love of his life Kimberley while attending Baylor and they were married in 1984. Frank and Kim moved to Midland shortly after, started a family, and have lived there since 1985. In addition to practicing law with his beloved partners and associates at Davis, Gerald & Cremer, in Midland, Frank was a loving father and husband. Frank loved being with his family. He loved taking his children camping with the YMCA Indian Guides and Princesses, coaching little league sports, and attending orchestra and band concerts. Frank also loved his dogs and could often be seen sitting in the front yard in his red chairs watching the dogs run around entertaining the neighbors and their children. Frank loved attending any live sporting event or music event including MOSC. He also enjoyed cooking and all the things that made life rich, including his grandmother's lasagna. Frank was also a devoted philanthropist. He was passionate about serving High Sky Children's Ranch which is an organization that helps abused and neglected children. In addition to his time spent with High Sky, Frank was a faithful member of First Baptist Church serving as a Deacon, Sunday School Director, and a member of the church orchestra. Frank is survived by his mother, Fran, his sisters, Cathy Larson and Lori Anaya, his wife, Kim, his sons, Paul and Joey, his daughter, Abbye, his daughter-in-law, Isabella as well as four nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his father, Frank Sr. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be donated to High Sky Children's Ranch. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made to www.npwelch.com. Published in El Paso Times
Stephen “Steve” Balyanango Isabirye, MA ’83, of Flagstaff, AZ, died June 4 at age 60. He was born on 1st March 1958 in London, United Kingdom (UK). He was the third son of the late Mr George William Bakibinga and Mrs Eriosi Joyce Matama Bakibinga. His parents often regaled their hearers with stories of the challenges of having baby Steve whilst his Dad was a student in the UK. After his parents returned to Uganda, Steve attended Lake Victoria Primary School in Entebbe, Shimoni Primary School, Mengo Primary School, in Kampala, Aga Khan High School in Kampala for his Ordinary Level studies (Senior 1 – 4), and Namasagali College in Kamuli for his Advanced Level studies (Senior 5 – 6). He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from Makerere University (1981). He taught at Busoga High School n Kamuli. From Kamuli, his next stop Texas in the USA. After writing what, Robert G. Collmer, the Dean of Graduate Studies at Baylor University, Texas called a "sprightly" letter and granted him a scholarship. He graduated with a Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science. From Baylor University, he briefly joined the University of Pittsburgh before transferring to Northern Arizona University where he obtained a (MA) in Applied Sociology and a (PhD) Doctor of Philosophy in 1997. He worked as a research Assistant in Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff-Arizona. Steve was an avid fan of Enid Blyton –a Blytonian. As a student, he shared his passion for reading with his younger siblings. Later in life, he wrote the book "Enid Blyton - The Famous Five: A Personal "Anecdotage " (PA: Infinity Publishing, 2009). Steve was a gentle soul who always bore a whimsical smile. He loved listening to and playing music. Like his dad, and other siblings, he played the guitar. He even performed as a lead guitarist in music bands whilst in secondary school and on the national television in Uganda. At Namasagali College, he fell in love with boxing and represented the college at tournaments. It was hard to reconcile his gentle nature with that of being a pugilist. He was also a Reeve (Prefect) for Works at Namasagali. Steve's other peculiarities include his love for chequered shirts, writing in capital letters, and he had a back handwriting. Steve sadly suffered a stroke on 29th December 2016 in Flagstaff, Arizona where he was living and working. At the time of his passing on 4th June 2018, he was under expert care at the North Mountain Rehabilitation Centre, Phoenix, Arizona. He is survived by his mother 10 brothers and 6 sisters. Preparation to send the Body home are in progress. Send all condolences messages to: USA Jonathan Musere 310-621-7452, UG David Bakibinga+256792402356, UK Paul Bakibinga +4475270222622
Barbara Ann “Bobbie” Harvey, MSEd ’84, of Waco, passed away Friday, June 1, 2018 surrounded by her loved ones. She was 81. Services: Private Services are planned. Bobbie was born November 11, 1936 in Waco, graduated from Waco High, attended Baylor University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Bobbie was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, two sons, and sister. Bobbie is survived by both family and friends who loved her very much. She will be missed tremendously but never forgotten.
Patricia Jane “Pat” Hensley, BSEd ’85, of Waco passed away, Saturday, June 2, 2018. She was 73. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 7, at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, with The Rev. Josh Vaughan officiating. Interment will be at North Elm Cemetery in Cameron. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. She was born to the late Robert and Evelyn Maxwell, July 2, 1944. A longtime resident of Waco, Pat was born and raised in Rio Hondo, Texas. She received her bachelor degree from Baylor University and was a school teacher for Waco I.S.D at North Waco Elementary. She was a long-time volunteer at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, serving in many capacities including a children's Sunday School teacher, Neighbor's international program, Pathways ministry, the senior adult committee, senior choir, a member of her Sunday School class and a greeter every Sunday Morning. She was also a site coordinator at Meals on Wheels. She, along with her husband Charles, was an owner of the Book Nook in Lake Air Mall and shared her lifelong love of reading with the community. Pat is survived by her husband, Charles; sister, Shirley Thompson; daughter, Katie and Rob McDonald; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Tripp and daughter, Ann and Brian Grinstead; grandchildren Caroline, Cade, and Claire. She also leaves behind many caring relatives and dear friends. Memorials can be made to the Columbus Avenue Baptist Church 365 Building Fund.
Shawn Patrick Wild, BA ’86, of Camden, AR went to be with the Lord May 16, 2018. He was 53. He battled a long hard fight with Chronic Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Atrial Fibrillation.
Shawn was a Christian, a Baylor Graduate, a heartfelt singer, self-taught guitar player and a deep thinking writer. Shawn was the son of Lynda Wild of Camden, AR and Dennis Wild of Hot Springs, AR; Big Brother to Caryn Harrison and husband, Ralph of Locust Bayou, AR; uncle to Lance Elliott of Harmony Grove, AR, Zack Elliott of Russellville, AR; great uncle to Bentley (his guitar playing buddy) and Harley (his princess) Elliott of Harmony Grove, AR. Shawn never met a stranger, he always had a smile for everyone and he never forgot your name. In this journey of life he traveled many, many miles in the states and abroad. He loved to travel and see new places. Other special people in his life were, Alan, Donna, David, Jeff Page and Ronald and Sharon Garrett. Funeral services will be 2:00PM Sunday at Calvary Baptist Church, 319 US 278, Camden, AR.
Charles Edward Robertson, BA ’87, of Beverly Hills, CA, known to friends and family as Charlie and Chuck, passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2017. He was 51. He was predeceased by his mother Virginia Poppe Robertson in Sun City West, AZ on March 1, 2016. He is survived by his father Timothy Robertson in Arizona, and his two loving sisters Cheri Robertson of Richardson, TX and Christy Lynn of Klamath Falls, OR. Charlie may be gone but never will be forgotten by his many friends and family. His ashes were interred with military honors on July 24, 2017 at Punchbowl, the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, HI. The family asks for donations to be made to any of his favorite charities including Homeboy Industries, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Los Angeles SPCA.
Jonathan Franklin Hughes, BBA ’88, was born Sept. 9, 1965, in Dallas, Texas, to Carlton (Pete) and Bonnie Hughes. He died in his home in Dallas on July 10, 2018, at the age of 52. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 14, 2018, at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Marcus Sheffield officiating. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery. Keith Mack, Tim Hughes, Drew Cain, Brett Beene, Bennie Powell, Scott Thompson, Mark Sayles and Allen Puckett will serve as pallbearers. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. Jon grew up in small town Mexia, Texas, graduating from Mexia High School in 1984. He then went to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he pursued and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1988. He obtained a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Dallas. Upon graduation, he moved to Dallas where he started his career with Fidelity and then later moved on to other companies. For the last 30 years he has lived in Dallas where he worked and enjoyed life with his friends that he considered family. While at Baylor, Jon was a member of the Baylor Golden Wave band and also was in a service fraternity. He always loved people and spending time with them. He has enjoyed traveling and making memories with others. His sweet nature and good heart will be greatly missed. Jon is preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Bonnie; and his best four-legged friend, Mia, whom he found and rescued. He is survived by his older brother David and wife Ellen of Plano; and his older, sister Trudy and husband Mike Cain of Tehuacana; nieces and nephews, Ethan Hughes, Millicent Hughes and Tim Hughes and Jill Cain, Drew and Jennifer Cain, Keith and Megan Mack and Melody and Ben Buschur; and great nephew Jackson Cain. Jon battled with juvenile diabetes from age 7 on. So, we know he would love if they found a cure one day for others. If you would like to help this cause, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association - In memoriam. For ecards-trudyacain@yahoo.com. Please visit www.blairstubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.
Dwayne Crumpler, MS ’89, of Kennewick, WA, passed away suddenly from a cardiac event on Sunday, May 27, 2018. He was 57. Dwayne was born in Baytown, Texas, December 9, 1960. He grew up in Mont Belvieu, Texas, playing varsity football, track, and golf at Barbers Hill High School. He also played trumpet in the marching band. Dwayne received a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and a Master of Science in Hydrogeology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He met the love of his life and best friend, Suzanne, while at Baylor. Suzanne and Dwayne were married on July 15, 1989. They raised two beautiful children together and they were always proud of Lydia’s and Travis’ accomplishments over the years. In his career as a hydrogeologist, Dwayne worked for IT Corporation, Ogden Environmental and Energy Services, RUST Environmental and Infrastructure, Jacobs Engineering Group, Columbia Energy & Environmental Services and most recently the Washington State Department of Ecology in the Nuclear Waste Program. Dwayne lived in Kennewick for 24 years and was involved with his children’s extracurricular activities. For 11 years, he was a vibrant and active leader/mentor and Committee Chair for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 275 and Venture Crew 275. He loved keeping up with and actively supporting the Kamiakin Braves cross country, track, and volleyball teams on which his children participated by providing whatever help was needed. Dwayne is survived by his wife of 28 years, Suzanne Dahl-Crumpler, his son, Travis Crumpler, his daughter, Lydia Crumpler, all of Kennewick; his parents, Joe and Jo Ann Crumpler, and his sister, Jolayne Crumpler of Mont Belvieu, Texas. A celebration of life service will be held on June 5, 2018, at 6pm at West Highlands United Methodist Church, 17 S Union St., Kennewick, WA. His final resting place will be at the Davis Cemetery in Colmesneil, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship fund setup for Travis and Lydia at the Gesa Credit Union. Please contact CrumplerScholarshipFund@gmail.com for details.