1980s

Snow E. Bush Jr., JD ’82, of Longview, TX, died Sept. 14 after a brief battle with cancer. Snow was born December 7, 1955, to Snow E. Bush, Sr. and Linda Jane Clark. He graduated from John Tyler High School in 1974, where he was a member of the 1973 State Championship football team and debate club. He began his college career at Henderson County Junior College on a debate scholarship, then attended Texas Christian University, also on a debate scholarship, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He spent his first year of graduate school at North Texas where he worked as a graduate assistant, then completed his studies at Baylor University School of Law where he received the degree of Juris Doctor in May of 1982. He began his 36-year career in Longview as an Assistant District Attorney, and later went into private practice. Snow was a member of First United Methodist Church of Longview where he taught Sunday School for many years and served on several committees. He helped to establish the contemporary worship service and played guitar in the praise band. He loved his church and the many friends he made while worshiping there. Snow married Tina on August 17, 1984. He was the best husband and father any one could ask for in life. He put his family first in every way possible. He will be loved and missed by so many. Snow is survived by his wife, Tina Bush; son and daughter-in-law, Garrett and Ashley Bush with granddaughters Emma Snow and Lillian James of Tyler, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Kaitlin and Cody Calhoun of Dallas, Texas; sister, Patti Bush of Longview, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Cristin Bush of Connecticut; nieces and nephews, Brian Bush, Brandi Harris, Hope Bush and Grace Bush; and many other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life will be 5 p.m. Sunday, September 23, 2018, in the Faith Center of First United Methodist Church in Longview. Communion will be available in the Cook Foyer of the church at 4:30 p.m., prior to the celebration. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Longview or Newgate Mission, also of Longview.

Barbara Anne Raines Lewis, BS ’82, of Castle Rock, CO, loving wife and mother of three, went into the arms of Jesus Aug. 9 at age 58, after 14 years of an off and on battle with cancer. During those 14 years she never stopped loving and serving her God, as she loved and served all those around her. Barbara was born on December 9, 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri to Bob & Betty Raines. She received her Bachelors Degree in Child Development from Baylor University in 1982, and married John Milton Lewis of Houston, Texas, in June of 1982. She had a passion for children and anyone who could not speak for themselves, including refugees from many nations. She was fiery and compassionate in her pursuit of helping those in need, whether here or abroad. One would commonly see her in Sams Club buying necessary items for a new refugee family, always giving above and beyond. She was strong and a formidable force to deal with when fighting injustice. Barbara was a high achiever and always learning new things; encouraging others to do the same and to follow God’s calling in their lives. Even after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, she was still determined to get her Real Estate license and sold well above the norm while going through chemo. Barbara was always praying for others and continually worshipping God, which she did until her last breath on this earth. She was known for her lavish generosity, her strong faith in God, her powerful prayers, and her intense love of family (which extended beyond her blood relatives). Barbara is survived by her husband John, her three children and spouses, Daniel and McCall Lewis, Matthew and Bwa Moo Lewis, and Melissa and Edson Ibanez; her beloved little grandson David Paul Lewis; two brothers and two sisters along with their spouses, as well as sixteen nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Barbie. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, August 12, at The Rock Church on 4881 Cherokee Drive, in Castle Rock, CO, at 3:00 pm, with visitation starting at 2:00 pm. A private burial with family will take place on Monday, August 13. Donations in Barbara’s name can be given to Ignite Ministry, at www.igniteministry.org

Lisa Leinart Six, BBA ’83, of Farmers Branch, TX, died Aug. 28 at age 57. The daughter of the late Sandra Leinart and Wyatt Leinart, Lisa was born Nov. 11, 1960 in Port Lavaca. Lisa grew up in Lufkin, where she graduated from Lufkin High School in 1979. She furthered her education at Baylor University where she graduated in 1983. Most of her career was spent working for Fidelity Investments where she was recognized as an excellent computer programmer. Lisa was loved by many friends from her childhood, college and her coworkers at Fidelity Investments. Lisa was a devoted Christian, loving wife and mother. She will be remembered as always having a true compassion for everyone she met and, as a result, she touched and influenced many lives. She is survived by her husband, Tod Six; father, Wyatt Leinart of Lufkin; daughters, Ashley Six and Andrea Six Lagunez; son-in-law, Joshua Lagunez; brother, Brad Leinart of Little Rock, Arkansas; parents-in-law, Pat and Frank Six; brothers-in-law, Bobbie and Tommy Six; sister-in-law, Dottye Six; as well as many cousins. Lisa loved spending family vacations camping in Colorado, she loved competing in her chili cook-offs but more than anything she loved her twin girls.

Melinda Kay Swafford, BBA ’83, of Georgetown, TX, died July 22 at age 57. Mindy was born in Dallas, Texas, to her loving parents, Curtis and Marilyn Mickan, on May 2, 1961. She was raised in Dallas where she attended Zion Lutheran School, Hillcrest High School, and graduated from Baylor University. She married Danny Charles Swafford, Jr., on July 2, 1983, in Dallas, Texas. With him she has enjoyed the last 25 years in Georgetown, Texas. Mindy and Danny were blessed with 35 years of devoted marriage. Their love was shown through raising their 3 children in a Christian environment. She was always a sweet and considerate hostess by opening her home to friends, family, and visitors. Her most recent joy was found in being a “MeMaw” and “Minnie” to her 4 granddaughters, entertaining them each in fun and unique ways. Mindy originated the Faith Lutheran Preschool in 1996 as the founding Director where she served in this position for the next 10 years. With a servant’s heart, she contributed her time and experience to multiple boards within the church, chaperoned youth mission trips, and ministered to others on various retreats. Mindy believed in a strong emphasis on Christian education and she spent much of her time co-leading children and adult Bible studies. Mindy served the Boys and Girls Club of Georgetown with a full heart, as well as numerous PTA’s and Booster club organizations to show her endless support for her 3 kids. Mindy is preceded in death by her grandparents, sister Deborah Rene Burgess, and mother Marilyn K. Mickan. Mindy is survived by her husband, Danny; son, Joshua Swafford and daughter-in-law Laura Swafford; daughter, Casey Rainey and son-in-law Lance Rainey; son, Benjamin Swafford and daughter-in-law Hannah Swafford; father, Curtis Mickan; grandchildren Kennedy Swafford, Landri Rainey, Hadley Swafford, and Quinley Rainey. Pallbearers are sons Joshua Swafford, Benjamin Swafford; son-in-law Lance Rainey; nephews Drew Burgess and Shaun Burgess and Samuel Bogle. Funeral services for Mindy will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018, beginning with a visitation at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Georgetown, Texas. The funeral will proceed at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Walt Pohland, Senior Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Walburg, TX. Arrangements are by Ramsey Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to Faith Lutheran Church Preschool; Upbring New Life Children’s Center; or Boys and Girls Club of Georgetown. The family is very grateful and humbled by your continued love and support.

Brian Young, ’84, of Houston died Oct. 10. He will be dearly missed by his family. Brian was born in Elgin, Ill. to Robert L. and Bonnie J. (Starks) Young on September 14, 1966.  The family moved to Houston shortly thereafter and Brian graduated from Westfield High School in 1984. Afterwards he studied at Baylor University before coming back to the Houston area. A certified appraiser, he opened his own appraisal company, Citywide Appraisal Group, in April of 2003, which he owned and operated until his death. Brian was an avid sports fan, especially rooting for his home teams, the Astros and Texans, as well as the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings growing up. He enjoyed collecting stamps, coins, sports memorabilia, and baseball cards. He also loved attending live music performances, from the smallest venues to the largest rock festivals. Brian is survived by: his father, Bob Young; his sister Bridget Lancaster and her husband, Gary Lancaster; his grandmother, Sylvia F. Rhodes; his nephews: Trey Mann and Troy Lancaster; his niece, Brianna Lancaster (his namesake, aka Bree); his uncle: Bill Starks and his wife Bunny Starks; several cousins and a great number of friends and employees who considered themselves to be a part of his family as well. He was preceded in death by: his mother, Bonnie J. Young; as well as grandparents: Robert and Margaret Young of Oklahoma City and Ralph Rhodes of Hominy, Okla. The funeral service was held Monday, October 22, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Hominy, with the Reverend Claudia Lovelace presiding. Burial followed the services at A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery in Hominy. Powell Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be left in the guestbook at PowellFuneralService.com.

Steven Keith Ecton, ’85, of Plano, TX, died Sept. 17 at age 57. He was born in Tulsa, OK July 26, 1961.He is survived by his Son, Taylor Mac Ecton of Tulsa; his parents Dave & Fran Ecton of Tulsa, sister Tracey Ecton Welch of Tulsa, his brother John Ecton and his wife Angela of Irmo, South Carolina, his 2 nieces Nicole Kuck and her husband Michael, and Krysten Taylor and her husband Reid, and 3 nephews - Aaron Welch, Lane Ecton and Kyle Ecton, and his loving pet Bella. He has 7 Great Nieces and Nephews. Steve was preceded by Macks and Helen Carrier his grandparents. Steve was a graduate of the Union High School Class of 1979 being recognized as the Most Outstanding Athlete. He earned 3 letters in Baseball, Football and Wrestling, leading the 1979 team to the State Championship. Steve earned his Associates Degree from Seminole Junior College while playing baseball for the Trojans appearing in 2 Junior College World Series. He earned a Scholarship to Baylor University and played two seasons with the Bears.

Steve loved to spend time with his Son who are both avid fishermen and sports fanatics.

Visitation will be held from 5-7pm, September 20th at Moore Funeral Homes, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK 74145. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm September 21st at Memorial Garden Chapel, 5111 South Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74145. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Melissa Kaye Ford, BSEd ’85, of Roanoke, VA, and Germany, died Oct. 19. She was 56. She was born in Fort Ord, CA on August 24, 1962. She is survived by her parents, Dr. Wally and Louise Ford; siblings, Jeff (Sara) Ford, Pam (Leonard) Robinett, Randall (Luda) Ford; ten nieces and nephews: Jeffrey, II (Parinaz), Stephanie (Randy), Tiffany (Cameron), Elizabeth (Daniel), Hillary (Parker), Michael, Will, John, Charity, Eliana; three great-nieces and nephews: Charlie, Adelynn, Lucia. Melissa was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Germany and First Baptist Church of Roanoke. She was a musician, worship leader, sang in the choir and played guitar in the Praise Band at Church and Tres Dias. She also taught Bible School. Melissa was a Baylor University graduate, later earning two masters degrees in Education and Special Education from the University of Maryland, but her special love was teaching elementary school children. She taught two years in Virginia and 28 years in Germany for children of the U. S. Department of Defense school system at Ramstein and Heidelberg. Melissa loved traveling, especially with her nieces and nephews, and loved Israel and missions. She often hosted missionaries and other friends in her home. She worked with cross stitch but really enjoyed quilting, making many quilts for Wounded Warriors and pre-mature babies. Melissa overcame many medical and other obstacles in her lifetime, and was a true overcomer. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2018 in the Faith Chapel at First Baptist Church with Dr. Bryan Smith officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 9:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Student Ministry of First Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com.

Dr. Glenda Langford Nelson, MSEd ’86, of Mexia, TX, died July 30. She was 79. Visitation will be Thursday, August 2, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, August 3, at First Baptist Church, Groesbeck, with Rev. Troy Brooks officiating. Pallbearers will be Joe Armstrong, Randy Armstrong, Chris Favors, Cody Favors, John Favors, Dalton Longenbaugh, Billy Tepe, and Anthony Wietzikoski.  Honorary pallbearers will be Ross Armstrong, Dewey Lawhorn, Bruce Langford, and John Stewart. Graveside services and interment are taking place on Saturday, August 4, at 10 A.M. at Antioch Cemetery in Carthage. An outgoing and generous woman, Glenda touched the lives of hundreds of children in her 36 years as an educator.  Glenda was an effervescent lover of life.  A voracious reader, she lived out her years traveling like one of the characters in her favorite romance novels. Glenda was born in Carthage, Texas, on June 10, 1939 to Allen Langford and Josephine Capps.  As a youth, she worked on her family’s farm.  She was a shy and studious young woman who was valedictorian of Carthage High School, Class of 1957.  She went on to East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, completing her Bachelor of Arts in 1960.  Her bashful exterior hid a rebel heart.  After graduating college, she picked up a Naval hitchhiker at the encouragement of her sister.  Within a year, Glenda agreed to marry him on June 4, 1961. Glenda went on to teach school in California, where she and Addison W. Nelson made their family: Lori Gay Nelson Longenbaugh, Lisa Alene Nelson, and Addison “Duke” Nelson.  Upon moving back to Texas, Glenda became the first member of her family to complete her Master of Arts degree, which she earned from Baylor University, and later a Ph.D. from University of Texas.  As a teacher she was committed to her students’ educational experience.  She was nominated for Texas Women in Excellence in Education and earned multiple mentions in Who’s Who in American Education. Waco’s Channel 10 television station selected her for their Golden Apple Award in 1997. Glenda taught GED and ESL classes at night for 16 years and was awarded the Part-Time GED Teacher of the Year for the State of Texas in 1991.  In 1992, she was named the District XII Teacher of the Year. She retired from teaching in 1996, after teaching her granddaughter’s kindergarten class. Over the years she endowed more than 95 scholarships, mostly to students who were in her kindergarten classes. In her retirement, she became a storyteller spinning yarns of her life on the farm as a child, her mishaps as a parent, and experiences as a teacher.  She was loved around the world, from New Zealand to Switzerland and beyond.  She has touched countless lives, always with the belief that we can be better each day.  In 2010, ETBU crowned her “Coming Home” Queen and in 2017 she was recognized by the Carthage ISD Distinguished Alumni Association and was awarded the Key to the City of Carthage. She was dedicated to her community.  She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Red-Hatters Club, Board of Directors for Ft. Parker State Park, member of the Child Welfare Board of Limestone County, Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce, a benefactor of the Moffit Memorial Library and Gibbs Memorial Library and she was and a member of Texas Retired Teachers Association.  She left a lipstick imprint on the hearts of all the children she reached. Glenda loved country music, specifically Patsy Cline and Tex Ritter, and was a benefactor of the Country Music Hall of Fame in Carthage, Texas. Glenda is survived by her children and their spouses: Lori and Tim Longenbaugh of Groesbeck, Lisa Nelson and Alexis Brown Nelson of Beaumont, CA, and Addison "Duke" Nelson and Steve Nelson of Waco; her five beautiful grandchildren, Lacey and Dalton Longenbaugh and Angelo, Anton and Jane Nelson. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Nan Armstrong and her husband Ross of Carthage; Helen Marie Stewart and her husband John of Panola; Sherry Diane Whitehead and her husband Brad of Carthage; Brenda Sheisser and Joyce Hicks; her sister-in-law, Florence Nelson of Seal Beach, CA; her brothers Bruce Langford and his wife Peggy of Kilgore; Charles Langford of Kilgore; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and family all over the world. She was preceded in death by her husband Addison in 2000, and by her brother, Lindal Wayne Langford, in 2017. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the Backpack Ministry. https://www.facebook.com/groesbeckbackpackministry/posts/

Clark Flentge, MSEd ’87, of Marlin, TX, died Aug. 19 at age 76. He was born July 14, 1942 in Stafford, TX. Service will be Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home in Marlin, Pastor Ludy Manthei, presiding. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018 and from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 26, 2018 at the funeral home. Clark graduated from Burton High School and received his Bachelor’s in Education in 1966 and went on to complete his Master of Science in Education in 1987 both at Baylor University. He was a career educator and was loved by his “kids”, the many students whose lives he impacted and continues to touch to this day. He began his teaching career at Richfield High School in Waco, TX in 1966 as a Biology and German teacher. He started the German Exchange Program 32 years ago in 1986. This program continues to be a highlight of both American and German students. He made life-long friendships through it with his contemporaries in Germany; these friends and he continued to visit and correspond with each other as often as possible. He reluctantly retired in 2001 as an Assistant Principal at Waco High School (formerly Richfield High). He was awarded many honors including a Certificate of Recognition of the Baylor University Chapter of the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society and was the first teacher in Waco to receive the Teacher of the Year Award. He was a Who’s Who among America’s teachers. He was deemed countless times as students’ “Favorite Teacher” both before and well beyond retirement along with being a well-respected colleague to faculty and staff of WISD. Clark was a devoted son, brother, and beloved Uncle. Despite enduring severe neuralgia in his later years, he selflessly cared for his mother until her passing in February of 2018. He was a devout Christian, Worship Leader, and a very active, long-time member of the historic St. Paul United Church of Christ in Marlin. As a gifted guitar player and vocalist, he shared his talent with his church, family, friends, and even wrote a humorous song as a teaching aid for his biology course. Clark was also a prolific artist, and some of his work will be available for viewing during visitation and the service. Clark was a Foodie and found great joy in cooking and experiencing many different cuisines. He prepared his German treats and authentic recipes for holidays and special occasions, all of which were eagerly anticipated and enjoyed by those who shared in them. Clark is survived by his niece, Glenda Jean Peters-Do of Austin, niece, Carol Peters Hartley of Weatherford, nephew, David Peters of Weatherford, niece, Tricia Flentge Stephenson of Waco, niece, Andria Peters Pena of Brenham, and nephew, Paul Flentge of Hewitt, along with their respective families, as well as his aunt, AnNelle Zwahr of Brenham, his sister-in-law, Elaine Flentge Kunkel of Waco, his brother-in-law, Glen Peters of Brenham, and his many cousins whom he loved as brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his father, Ed Flentge, his mother, Ella Zwahr Flentge, his sister, Canellia “Patty” Flentge Peters, his brother, Ray Allen Flentge, and his grand-nephews, Jeffery and Jeremy Hartley. Pall bearers are Joshua Eilenfield, Peter Do, Charles Zwahr, Harley Zwahr, Jimmy Loewe, Allen Zwahr, and Keith Schroeder. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ Restoration Fund.