Faculty, Staff and Friends
Robert Moss Ayres Jr. died peacefully in Austin, Texas on June 19, 2018, surrounded by family and supported by countless friends. Robert (Bob) Moss Ayres, Jr. was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 1, 1926, the oldest of the four children of Robert Moss Ayres and Florence Collett Ayres, and the grandson of Atlee B. and Olive Ayres of San Antonio. He grew up in San Antonio, where he attended San Antonio Academy and Texas Military Institute (TMI). In 1944, at age seventeen, he graduated from TMI and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. A year later, he was in the South Pacific, serving as radio operator on a ship sailing toward Japan. He was at his station in the radio room when his ship received news of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the subsequent surrender of Japan. In 1947, Ayres enrolled in the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. An economics major, he graduated from Sewanee in 1949, and pursued graduate studies in England at the University of Oxford. From Oxford, he moved to Philadelphia, where he earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in 1952. Ayres began his investment banking career in Philadelphia and New York with Kidder Peabody & Co., one of the oldest firms in the country. During these years, he received a commission in the Naval Reserve, and served during the Korean War. Ayres returned to San Antonio in 1953. On September 10, 1955 he married Patricia Shield, also of San Antonio. Soon after, they had two children, Robert Atlee Ayres and Vera Patricia Ayres. In 1960, after the unexpected death of his sister Ann and her husband Raymond Clarke, he became legal guardian to their three young daughters, Patricia, Margaret, and Florence; and he assumed a special and important role in their lives. Ayres worked in the municipal bond department at Russ and Company, a local investment banking firm, and later served as its president. As an investment banker, Ayres had the opportunity to finance a number of successful Texas companies. He was one of the founders of Southwest Airlines, and raised the initial capital for its beginning. He also served on the board of directors of James Avery and Howell Corporation and enjoyed decades-long friendships with their founders. During these years, Ayres was a member of the Young President's Organization. He served as President of the German Club, and was a member of the Order of the Alamo and the Texas Cavaliers. Ayres became an effective leader in education, religion, and philanthropy. A lifelong Episcopalian, he served on the Vestry and as Senior Warden of Christ Episcopal Church. He was active in Diocesan affairs, and served as a member of the Executive Board of the Diocese of West Texas. Later, he served on the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church and as a member of the board of Episcopal Relief and Development. He traveled to Africa, Latin America, and Asia to see firsthand the suffering caused by natural and manmade disasters, and to support the Church's relief and development efforts. He was inducted into the American Society of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. Ayres held an abiding devotion to the schools that had nurtured him in his formative years, especially TMI and Sewanee. He served as president of the Board of Trustees at TMI. At Sewanee, he served as a trustee, as president of the Alumni Association, and two terms as chair of the Board of Regents. For his service, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from TMI and in 1974, Sewanee recognized his service with an honorary Doctor of Civil Law. In 1977, Ayres received a call from the University of the South to serve as its interim Vice-Chancellor and President. He led Sewanee out of a serious fiscal crisis, and the following year he became the 13th Vice-Chancellor and President of the University. He served in this role until his retirement in 1988. Through careful management and success in fundraising, the University's endowment more than tripled during his tenure. Pat, too, shared her many gifts with the community, and together they made an indelible mark on the history of the University of the South and in the lives of generations of Sewanee students, faculty, staff and community members. In 2016, a new dormitory, Ayres Hall, was named in their honor. During his time as Vice-Chancellor, Ayres became close friends with the Sisters of St. Mary, an Episcopal monastic order which arrived in Sewanee in 1888 to establish a school for mountain children, and eventually a retreat center. When the Sisters decided to sell their land, Ayres bought the property personally and created a non-profit corporation for the continuation of their ministry of spiritual formation. Long after he had stepped down from other boards and involvements, and until his death, Bob continued to serve on St. Mary's board and to raise funds for their capital campaign. In honor of his role as founder, benefactor, and fundraiser, the center was named St. Mary's Sewanee: The Ayres Center for Spiritual Development. In 2011, in recognition of a lifetime of generous service, the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest awarded Ayres his second honorary degree. Upon his retirement from Sewanee, Bob and Pat moved to Austin to live closer to their children and grandchildren. Ayres enjoyed spending time at the family's ranches in Travis, Real, and Jeff Davis Counties. He participated in the operation and management of the ranches, and supported the next generations of the family as they developed the Shield Ranch Foundation and El Ranchito Summer Camp at their Travis County ranch. He also continued his service as treasurer of the Shield-Ayres Foundation, which Bob and Pat created in the 1970's as a way for future generations of their family to participate in their engaged philanthropy. Robert Moss Ayres, Jr. is preceded in death by his sister Ann Clarke, his brother-in-law Raymond Clarke, and his sister-in-law Nanette Wright Ayres. He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years Patricia Shield Ayres; his brother George C. Ayres, and his sister Florence (Bitsy) Rubsamen and her husband Rollins; his son Robert A. Ayres and his wife Margaret; his daughter Vera Ayres Bowen; his grandchildren Kathleen P. Ayres, Elizabeth Ayres Domenech and her husband Chema, Marshall A. Bowen and his wife Madison, Gentry S. Bowen and his fiancée Margaret, Sophie Bowen Rupp and her husband Johann, and Mallory Ann Bowen; seven nieces and nephews, and eighteen great-nieces and great-nephews. Robert M. Ayres, Jr. will be buried at Shield Ranch in Travis County at a private family service. A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in San Antonio on June 28th at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following in the parish hall. Bob's family extends special thanks to J. Trice Boswell, the staff at Querencia, and the caregivers from Halcyon Home Health who cared for him so beautifully toward the end of his life. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Bob's honor may be made to the Robert M. Ayres Jr. Scholarship Fund at the University of the South, St. Mary's Sewanee: The Ayres Center for Spiritual Development, or the charity of your choice.
William "Bill" Powers Blach, resident of Saratoga, CA. Bill lived a life full of love, laughs, generosity and gratitude. Bill never met a person that he did not call a friend. His warm heart and radiant smile captured the hearts of everyone who knew him. Bill acted with integrity and compassion and was truly a man for others. On Tuesday, June 26, 2018, Bill Blach passed away unexpectedly at the age of 50. Bill was born in Santa Clara and grew up in Menlo Park. Bill attended St. Raymond Elementary School, Bellarmine College Preparatory and Saint Mary's College of California. Bill began his career at Chase Manhattan Bank in 1992 and moved to Wells Fargo Bank in 1997, working as a private banking mortgage broker. Bill enjoyed the outdoors, especially hiking and skiing. He loved family vacations at Lake Tahoe and was always up for a spontaneous day trip to Carmel. He enjoyed walking his dog on the beach in Santa Cruz on Saturday mornings. Bill will be forever remembered for his love of cereal, playing Scrabble, listening to The Grateful Dead, and rooting for Bay Area sports teams. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Virginia Blach. He will be dearly missed by his three children; Chris, Caroline and Charlie, his brother Don Blach (Peggy), his sister Mary Bach (Larry), his partner Joi Deaser, numerous nieces and nephews, and the mother of his children, Kellie Hendricks Blach. Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life at a Funeral Mass Tuesday, July 3 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 13716 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga. A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony at Villa Ragusa in Campbell. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory may be made to Bellarmine College Preparatory, Archbishop Mitty High School, or your favorite charity. View the online memorial for William "Bill" Powers Blach
Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times
Mary Alice Booras, 87, of Waco, entered her Eternal Home, Wednesday, July 4, 2018. Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held in the near future. Mary was born in Dothan, Alabama, August 14, 1930. The family later moved to Auburn, Alabama where she grew up. Mary graduated from Auburn University and the University of Alabama. While attending Auburn Mary was a member of the Freshman Girls Honor Society, Sophomore Girls Honor Society, and the first female student in the Lambda Epsilon Chi Pre-law Honor Fraternity. Mary was also a member of Pi Kappa Delta Forensic Fraternity. She taught in the Communications Studies Department at Baylor University, 1956-1995. She was Assistant Forensic Director at Baylor, 1956-1970. Mary was also a past member of several professional organizations. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Auburn and Seventh & James Baptist Church in Waco. She enjoyed reading, working with container plants on her patio, and after retirement she developed an interest in bird watching. Mary was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by a sister, Ruth Davis of Franklin, Tennessee; two nephews, Dr. Tom Davis of Nashville, Tennessee, and David Davis of New York, New York; two great nephews and two great-nieces. Memorials may be made to Fuzzy Friends Rescue, 6321 Airport Rd., Waco, Texas 76708 or the charity of choice. Special thanks to Visiting Angel Isabella Alexander for the devoted care she gave to Mary.
Jewell H. Cantrell of Dallas was born December 21st, 1918 at Anna, Texas and passed away on Monday July 23rd, 2018 at the age of 99. The first of three children born to Archer C. and Frances Powell Howell, she graduated from Anna High School in 1935. She began working at an early age at the First National Bank of Anna, Texas. Jewell married James C. (Jim) Cantrell on April 17th, 1938, a loving bond that lasted 63 years, until his death on July 17th, 2001. After their wedding, she worked at the Texas Highway Department Engineer’s Office in McKinney, Texas and later at the Citizen’s State Bank in Princeton, Texas. She was an active member of Park Cities Baptist Church and the Friendship Sunday School Class, Variety Book Club, Baylor University Medical Center Auxiliary and a volunteer in Care Closet at her church. Her hobbies included playing piano, crossword puzzles, reading and needlework. She was preceded in death by her husband and her sister, Doris Howell of Anna. Surviving family members include: Her brother Chester Howell of Waco, Texas; her son, James H. (Jimmy) Cantrell and his wife, Linda, of Austin, Texas; grandchildren James P. Cantrell, and his wife Anaka, Jennifer Cantrell and Jeffrey Cantrell and wife Lisa; great-grandchildren Courtney and her husband, Philip Rogers, Jake, Jonathan, Joseph, James, Kathryn and Ruby and great-great-granddaughter Mabel. Family will receive friends on Friday, July 27th, 2018 from 6 – 8 PM at Restland Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 28th, 2018 at 10:00 AM in the Garden of Peace at Restland Memorial Park.
Harry Dan Douglas, age 76, Navy veteran, went to be with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Saturday morning, June 16, 2018 in Hewitt, Texas. Service Information: Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 21, at Lake Shore Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rosemound Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 20, at the funeral home. He was born to mother, Florence Ethel Teague Douglas and father, Harry Garnett Douglas at Durant Hospital in Durant, Oklahoma on December 31, 1941. His brother, Tommy Charles Douglas, was born almost 5 years later on September 29, 1946. Dan attended most of his elementary school in Midland, Texas. His friends nicknamed him “Dougie” or “Dirty Dougie” which was a colloquial for his last name. He was one of the “three cronies:” Dan Douglas, David May, and Taylor Massey. While growing up, his brother and him shared a bedroom. They had old cut-down military beds with a nice oak chest of drawers. Dan taught his younger brother things he was learning in school. The teachers loved that when they also had Tommy as a student. They spent lots of times playing card games, Monopoly, Tiddley Winks, and also creating games of their own. One in particular was a marble game. They also named many of the marbles such as Whiz X, California, Jupiter, Ring, Mooshee, Potamagruchi, Raydeloh, and Toenail. In 1960, he graduated from Midland High School. Upon graduation, he received a $250 scholarship from Wolf Pharmacy. After high school, he moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas where he earned his degree in Medical Technology in 1965. Ann and Dan first met in Midland, Texas in the 5th grade at David Crockett Elementary where they attended school together. The two later reconnected and married on April 12, 1968 at First Christian Church in Midland, Texas. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary in April 2018. Dan began his career as a Medical Technologist at Clinic Hospital in San Angelo, Texas. Next, the family moved back to Midland, Texas where he was employed at Parkview Hospital. During this time, Ann became pregnant and late in the pregnancy, they learned they were having twins. Ann and Dan were blessed with 2 daughters, Rosanna and Susanna, on October 21, 1970. Mark instantly had 2 sisters. During his life, he lived numerous places including Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. In 1971, he accepted a job with Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco, Texas. The Douglas Family moved to Hewitt, where they have resided for almost 47 years. Dan was a dedicated and hard-working medical technologist. He was also responsible for training new medical technologists. Dan worked tirelessly for 34.5 years at Hillcrest. He retired in 2005 to spend time pursuing his hobbies and spend time with family. His hobbies included fishing which he enjoyed as young boy. The first time he went fishing on Lake Texoma with his father and another man, he caught 9 crappie. Dan continued this hobby throughout his life teaching his daughters how to fish. They had contests to see who could catch the most. He also enjoyed watching sports including Kim Mulkey and the Baylor Lady Bears basketball, Baylor and Texas Football, as well as the Texas Rangers. Upon moving to Hewitt, the Douglas Family began attending Bellmead Calvary Baptist Church. Dan was a faithful member who loved singing in the choir as well as solo specials. God gave him the talent of singing where he touched many lives with this ministry. He was also a leader in the Junior Boys Club where he helped shape the lives of young men. While at Bellmead Calvary, he also participated in Liberty Bible College. Dan had an unusual talent of reading words and names backwards. But, his greatest asset was storytelling and sharing funny jokes with all who would listen. He delighted in making people laugh. That was his nature. He was survived by his loving wife, Ellena Ann Douglas of Hewitt, son, Mark Eugene Douglas of Haltom City, twin daughters, Rosanna Lynn Crackel and husband, Todd Crackel of Mansfield and Susanna Lee Barnard of Hewitt (formerly of Fort Worth); beloved grandchildren, Lauren Nicole Douglas of Austin, Collin Dean Douglas of Christchurch, NZ, and Caitlyn Elizabeth Crackel of Mansfield and fiancée Lucas Pritchett of Marshall; brother, Tommy Charles Douglas, and wife Linda Shead of Houston; and a host of church family and friends from Bell mead Calvary Baptist Church and Crossroads Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, father, Harry Garnett Douglas in 1959, and mother, Florence Ethel Teague Douglas Frazzell in 1999. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you donate to the Gideon’s International via their website www.gideons.org/gift or by mail at P.O. Box 140800 Nashville, Tennessee 37214-0800.
Leslie Carr DuPuy Jr. of Waco passed away peacefully Thursday, May 3, 2018, at home surrounded by his family. He was 92. A Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, at Central Presbyterian Church in Waco. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 8, at the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Les was born July 24, 1925, at Providence Hospital in Waco, Texas, to Leslie Carr DuPuy, Sr. and Louise Romans DuPuy. Les attended Waco public schools and graduated from Waco High in 1941. He served in the Army during WWII and eventually graduated from Texas A&M in 1948. After working several jobs around the country post-graduation, Les returned to Waco in 1954, purchased the Smith Oxygen Company and renamed it DuPuy Oxygen. This venture kept him continuously employed until his retirement in 1985. Les was a lifelong member of Central Presbyterian Church. He loved life and lived for his family, friends, and the good times they shared together. Les is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Virginia; sons, Carr and Cary and their wives, LaRaine and Mandi; and grandchildren, Riley and wife, Sarah, Scott, Paige, and Neal. The DuPuy family would like to express our profound appreciation for the numerous friends and acquaintances in this community that have made Les’ life so richly rewarding and full of laughs. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
Grace Vincent Hyde of Glasgow, KY, passed away after a long decline, on May 1, 2018, at the age of 97. Grace was born in Brownsville, Kentucky on Sept. 17, 1920, the only child of Grace Reed and Roscoe Vincent. After graduating from Brownsville High School in 1938 and from the Western Business School in 1940, she moved to Washington, D.C., with her uncle, Congressman Beverly M. Vincent and his wife Stella, where she worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Grace married Gillie T. Hyde in 1946 and soon after moved to Glasgow where Gillie became co-owner, and eventually sole owner, of Gillie Hyde Ford-Lincoln-Mercury. Grace and Gillie were married 37 years before his death in 1983. Grace was very active in her church, Glasgow Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years, worked in Vacation Bible School, and was on numerous committees. She was also an active member of the Glasgow Garden Club, where she held many positions of leadership. Grace's favorite hobby was golf. She played every Tuesday, Ladies' Day, at the Glasgow Country Club. She worked hard at her game, but improvement was difficult to come by; however, she had great fun being on the course with her friends. As a young girl, Grace did not have the opportunity to attend college. So, well after her children were grown, she decided to attend classes offered by Western Kentucky University. Being very persistent, after several years she finally earned her bachelor's degree from Western at the age of 82. She was the oldest graduate in the history of the university. Grace is survived by her three children, Beverly Olmstead (married to Jay Olmstead), Michael Hyde (married to Anne Altman Hyde) and Martha Crosby (widow of John Crosby); six grandchildren: Robert Olmstead (Josephine), Reed Olmstead (Rebecca), Jonathan Hyde (Leeann), Emily Daughdrill (David), Marilee Gore (Jacob) and Eliza Drake Crosby; and 14 great-grandchildren. The family would like to express its gratitude to the ladies who gave themselves so unselfishly to care for Grace during her final months. Arrangements for Grace Hyde will be visitation on Sunday, May 6 from 2-7 p.m. at Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home, 801 North Race Street, Glasgow, KY 42141. The funeral service for Grace will be held Monday, May 7, at 11 o'clock at Glasgow Baptist Church, South Green Street, with Wes Marion officiating, with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in memory of Grace be made to the Calvernia Willis Vincent Scholarship Fund, c/o College Heights Foundation, 1906 College Heights Boulevard, No. 41016, Bowling Green, KY 42101.
Betty S. Johnson, 81, of Waco, passed from this world Sunday, July 15, 2018 at her home. Visitation: 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 20th at Lake Shore Funeral Home Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 21st at Lake Shore Funeral Home with Pastor Pat Dietrich officiating Burial: Oakwood Cemetery Betty was born December 30, 1936, in Gorman to Leonard Thompson and Nettie Mae Denton Thompson. In 1955, shortly after graduation she told her parents she wasn’t staying in DeLeon, Texas, so her mother packed up the family and they all moved to Waco. She worked as a car-hop on the Circle serving beer, but eventually “gave up the good tips” to become a bookkeeper for Woods Brothers. She married, raised her daughter and worked several bookkeeping and sales jobs before taking a position at Baylor University in the early 1980s. She retired from Moody Library at Baylor after 23 years. Many students fondly remember her as the director of security in the library, walking the floors of Moody talking to students, and even though she was security, she would often help them locate books. Retirement didn’t last long for Betty. She worked another 8 years as the executive secretary of the Waco Founder Lions Club. She made everyone welcome in her home and often cooked for her daughter and family. She claimed she wasn’t a very good cook but no one agreed with her. She made the best waffles and fried chicken, we just couldn’t get her to make them at the same time. Too much work she said. Her pets gave her great joy and she rescued so many through the years. She taught her family to have confidence and believe in themselves, but most importantly she taught them that it’s all about the love and relationships in life that matter the most. She believed that love was in actions, not words and she constantly showed us how much she loved us. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Joe Thompson and AL Thompson. She will be missed beyond words by her daughter and only child, Sharon Johnson Gripp and husband, Lyle; grandson, Ian Bracken; granddaughter, Megan Gripp; and cousins and nephews. Memorials can be made to marcpets.org/volunteer.html or the Central Texas Humane Society or any animal rescue of your choosing.
Doris Ruth Mayers of Arlington, TX, died June 19.
Dr. Jerold Robert McBride, age 85 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Friday, May 11, 2018. Jerold was born September 20,1932 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. He attended public schools in Winnfield, Louisiana where his father was pastor of the First Baptist Church. Jerold was called to preach at the age of fifteen. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology degrees. On June 25, 1954 Jerold married Elizabeth Jane Basore who was a partner with him in ministry for forty-seven years. She preceded him in death on December 1, 2003. They are the parents of three children: Renee' McBride, Charlotte Young, and Todd McBride, as well as two grandchildren all of whom grew up as members of the of First Baptist, San Angelo family. Jerald served churches in Oklahoma and Texas. For thirty-one years he was pastor of the First Baptist Church of San Angelo. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Hardin-Simmons University and the George W. Truett Distinguished Church Service Award from Baylor University. Jerold taught preaching in Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Howard-Payne University, and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in San Francisco, California. On January 1,2005 Jerold and Claudia Machen were joined in marriage in Winnfield, Louisiana where they both grew up. He is also survived by Claudia's children Mike, Mark, and Matt Machen as well as five grandchildren. His first love in ministry was preaching, missions, and leading people to Christ He believed die Bible to be the Word of God and rejoiced in God's calling him to proclaim its truths. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, May 14, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Winnfield with Reverends Steven Smithson, Danny Keyes and John Holland officiating with services under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield, LA. Family Visitation will be 7:00- 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 16th at the First Baptist Chapel Building, 37 E. Harris Ave. Memorial service for Dr. Jerold McBride will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 17th in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church, San Angelo. A private burial service will be held prior to the memorial service. "For me to live in Christ, and to die is gain" - Philippians 1:21 Family and friends can sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com. Published in GoSanAngelo
Lila McLeod, of Plano, TX, passed away the morning of June 14, 2018 after an extended illness. She was the wife of former Baylor trustee, Dr. Peter McLeod. A Celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 18 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Lila was born on November 11, 1937 in Wewoka, Oklahoma to parents Otho Rae and Lona Ester Moore, and was one of three children. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandparent who loved spending time with family and friends throughout her life. Lila was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of fifty-six years, Peter McLeod; and her eldest son, Bradley McLeod. She is survived by her son, Gavin, and wife Laura Lee; two wonderful grandsons, Walker and William, of Frisco; and her sister, Loretta Blakely, of Slidell, Louisiana. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.
Lois McGlasson of Temple, TX, died Jan. 28 at age 84. Lois was born on July 10, 1933 and passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2018. She graduated Salutatorian from Hamburg High School in Hamburg, Arkansas, where she was the editor of the school paper. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, February 2, in Heflin Cemetery, north of Brownwood.
Charles E. Reeder of Waco, PhD, Associate Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, died Aug. 8. He was 91. A service celebrating his life will be held at Seventh & James Baptist Church, 602 James Ave. in Waco, at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14. Graveside service will follow at Waco Memorial Cemetery. Family visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd. in Waco. Charles Edgar Reeder was born on a farm in Jefferson County, Iowa, near the town of Perlee on July 20, 1927, to John Henry Reeder and Ella Grace Snook Reeder. He was the oldest of three children. He spent his early grade school years living on the farm and going to school in one-room school houses. His family moved to Fairfield, Iowa, while he was in high school, and he graduated from Fairfield High School in 1945. Dr. Reeder served in the Army and after completing his basic training in San Antonio, he was stationed at Fort Bliss Army Hospital in El Paso, Texas, where he was assigned to Army Medical Corps. On the G.I. Bill, he earned his B.S. from Wheaton College in Illinois, then attended Iowa State University and earned his Ph.D. in chemistry. At Iowa State, he tutored the love of his life, Willa Mae VanDoorninck, who was a fellow science grad student, majoring in biology, and shared his love for teaching. They were married on Sept. 1, 1957, and spent their first year of marriage in Maine, where Charles taught chemistry at Bates College. He then accepted an associate professor position at Baylor University and moved to Waco in 1958. He taught in the chemistry department until he retired in 1993. Soon after moving to Waco, he joined Seventh & James Baptist Church, where he later became a deacon and served as the church business secretary for many years. In the early years in Waco, he was a member of the Waco Kiwanis Club, and he and his wife were members of several square dance clubs. After his wife died and he retired, he remained active into his late 80s in the Shooting Stars Square Dance Club, the Retired Professor’s Group and the Friday Night Hamburger Group that met for many years at Kim’s Burgers in Waco. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Baylor Chemistry Department Scholarship Fund, University Development, One Bear Place #97050, Waco, TX 76798-7050; or The Stilwell Memorial Residence, 5400 Laurel Lake Drive, Waco, Texas 76710.
Sidney E. Smith of Marble Falls, TX, died April 1 at age 92. He was born on August 15, 1925, in Talpa, Texas to Roy Edward Smith and Eron Elise Payne Smith. He had one brother and three sisters, Mary, Gayle, Terry and Glenda. After graduating from high school, he served in the Navy as an airplane mechanic on a naval ship off the San Diego coast. After serving in WWII he entered college at Oklahoma Baptist University where he met the love of his life, Leta Mae Allard. Then they moved to Abilene, TX, where Sidney finished his Business degree from Hardin Simmons University. Then Sidney worked for oil companies that moved them to Big Spring, Kermit, and Abilene. When he began working for Tenneco Oil Company, the family lived in Hobbs, NM, Midland and Houston, Texas. During that time they were proud to have four daughters, Rebecca, Martha, and twin daughters, Lisa and Linda. However, Linda died at two days old. As the years flew, they taught their daughters to camp, hike, water ski, and most importantly, to love the Lord. He and Leta Mae led each of their daughters to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and taught them by example. Sidney and Leta Mae taught Sunday school in their church in each town, served as a deacon and often on the finance committee. Sidney retired from Tenneco in 1986. Soon they moved to Marble Falls, TX, where they enjoyed traveling abroad and around the United States with their RV Club. In addition they were active in their church and helped start and build Fellowship Baptist Church. They were married 61 years until Leta Mae went to be with the Lord on February 9, 2011. Sidney is survived by his sisters, Gayle Sanders and husband Pat Sanders from Ft. Worth; Glenda Colter and husband Jim Colter from Salem, Oregon; daughters Rebecca Smith King, BSED ’77, and husband David King; Martha Smith Singleton, BSEd ’80, and husband Ches Singleton; Lisa Smith First, BSHE ’84 and husband Todd First; grandchildren: Jonathan King and wife Laura; Jordan King and wife Joanna, Kara King; Matthew Kessner and wife Lindy, Collin Kessner and wife Amy, and Taylor Kessner; Zachary First, BSCS ’11, MS ’13, Jeremy First, BS ’14, and wife Meredith, and Lindsay First, BSW ’17, MSW ’18; great-grandchildren: Audrey King; Hattie King; Cade Kessner and Ella Kessner; Coralynn Kessner and Ruby Kessner. He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary O’Rear, and his brother, Terry Smith. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church, Marble Falls, TX. Thank you to Poet’s Walk in Cedar Park for the wonderful care and love they showed our dad. Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Edmund A. "Ed" Sykora, age 83, of West, TX, passed away Tuesday afternoon, June 19, 2018 at his residence. A rosary will be recited 8:00 p.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption by Deacon Ronnie Sykora. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption with Rev. Ed Karasek and Rev. David Trahan as celebrants. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Ed was born August 28, 1934 in Penelope, the son of Louis and Mathilda (Knapek) Sykora. He attended schools in Penelope and was a 1951 graduate of Penelope High School. On November 21, 1955, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Holacka in Penelope. Ed worked as a carpenter and worked for the cotton gin prior to starting with Bird-Kultgen Ford in the parts department and Kozelski Motor Company in parts and sales. He became co-owner in 1968 and sole owner in 1982 of Sykora Family Ford. Ed was a very faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, where he served as Eucharistic Minister and on the parish council. He was a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council #2305, a 4th Degree Knight of Council #2391, KJZT Society #31, Kiwanis Club of West, West Volunteer Fire Department, St. Mary's Quarterback Club and served on St. Mary's School Board and West ISD School Board. He enjoyed playing Taroky, fishing, golfing, working, traveling and watching his children and grandchildren's sporting events. Ed is preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Stacy Sykora; a brother, Alvin Sykora; and sister-in-law, Ruby Sykora. Survivors include his beloved wife of 62 years, Dorothy Sykora of West; his children, Becky Kalmick and husband Joe of Sugarland, Dianne Feyerherm of West, Ronnie Sykora and wife Sandra of West, Linda Drews and husband Daniel of Corinth, Ken Sykora and wife Carla of West, Pat Sykora and wife Annette of Levelland, Brian Sykora and wife Dawn of West, Sandra Boles and husband Keith of Henderson, Kathy Pustejovsky and husband Phil of Abbott and Larry Sykora and wife Traci of West; grandchildren, Nicki Maniscalco, Jackie Clapp and husband Ryan, Samantha Kalmick, Christina Hejl and husband Kyle, Andy Feyerherm, Jacob Feyerherm, Tracy Slovak and husband Justin, Eric Sykora and wife Kasey, Danielle Drews, Johanna Drews, Dominic Drews, Kyler Sykora and wife Lexi, Sterling Sykora and wife Genevieve, Avery Sykora, Grant Sykora, Haylee Boyd and husband Zachary, Nicole Campbell and husband Tell, Hannah Sykora, Holden Sykora, Ryan Sykora, Clint Sykora and wife Catia, Magen Nelson and husband John, Luke Bullock, Collin Sykora and wife Caitlin, Casie Sykora and fiancé Lucas, Adley Sykora, Zack Boles and wife Amanda, Zane Boles, Jordan Boles, Payton Pustejovsky, Preston Pustejovsky, Jacob Smith, Summer Ketchum, Raydin Sykora and one on the way; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Harry Sykora, sister-in-law, Bernice Sykora; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are his grandsons. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's School Endowment Fund or St. Mary's Church of the Assumption.
Gerald D. “Jerry” Tiner of Lake Jackson, TX, died June 7 at age 80.
Jesse Floyd White, 73, of Speegleville, TX, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from kidney disease. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 5, at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, May 4, at OakCrest Funeral Home. Jesse was born August 18, 1944 in Waco to Doyle and Sweetie (Fitzgerald) White. He attended Waco schools, graduating from Waco High. Jesse and his dad owned their own business, Transmission Exchange from where he retired in 2009. On April 10, 1976, Jesse married Vickye Grisham. He loved to fish, hunt and ride the country backroads with family and friends looking at wildlife. Jesse loved his time on the patio visiting with others and listening to the birds. He was preceded in death by his parents, a nephew, and his brother in law, Freddie Grisham. Jesse leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 42 years, Vickye G. White; brother, Doyle White and wife, Dorothy; nephew, Floyd White; niece, Sissy Maxwell and her children and grandchildren; many other loving nieces, nephews, in laws and dear friends. Jesse's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael Burbidge and staff, Providence 3 North and South, and the Providence Hospice staff for their loving care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a worthy cause of your choice in memory of Jesse. You may sign the online guestbook at www.oakcrestwaco.com.
Glen Edward Wierick, a resident of Tyler, Texas for nearly 41 years, died Monday, May 28, 2018 from congestive heart failure. He was 86 years old. Glen is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sylvia Conditt Wierick, also of Tyler; the five children they shared together: Glenda Wierick Brown (Moyock, North Carolina; spouse Charlie), Mike Wierick (Arlington, Texas; spouse Linda), John Wierick (Carlsbad, California; spouse Shelley), Rob Wierick (Double Oak, Texas; spouse Sandra), and Shelley Conditt Howard (Murphy, Texas; spouse Gregg); as well as 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren from coast to coast who loved their "Papaw."
Glen graduated from Louisiana Tech University (B.A. Business) and New Orleans Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), and for the next 37 years, poured his life into ordained Christian ministry, serving congregations in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi in a variety of capacities including music ministry, Christian education, church administration and missions. From 1977 through 1997, he served on staff at both the First Baptist Church of Tyler and Green Acres Baptist Church. After his retirement from vocational ministry, Glen's abiding faith continued to find expression as a mentor, counselor and Bible study leader to local inmates; as a volunteer with the Tyler chapter of Meals on Wheels, and as a faithful member of the Celebration Sunday School Class at Green Acres Baptist Church. Despite all this, even he would say that his greatest legacy by far was raising all of his children to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ - children who in turn modeled that same kind of faith and love to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren Glen adored. A celebration of Glen's life will be held Friday, June 1, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Green Acres Baptist Church, following a private family graveside service earlier that morning. Visitation will take place Thursday night, from 6:00 until 8:00, at the Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels Ministry of Tyler (www.mowmet.org/donate.html), or to the Celebration Class Ministries at Green Acres (check or online at http://www.gabc.org with designation, Celebration Class Ministries). To share a tribute or leave a comment for the family, please visit the Stewart Family Funeral Home website.