In Memoriam
November 2017
James Ralph Horton, JD '61
James Ralph Horton passed away Oct. 7, 2017. He was born June 27, 1936 in Carlsbad, Texas to James W. Horton and Toy Henson Horton and spent his childhood years in San Angelo and Odessa, Texas.
He graduated from Baylor University in 1958 with a degree in economics and again in 1960 with a juris doctor. He then served his country as a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Air Force with his last assignment at Walker Air Force Base, Roswell, New Mexico. James married Maxie A. Golmon in 1958. After an honorable discharge with the rank of Captain, he began his banking career in Dimmitt, Texas with the First State Bank of Dimmitt. In 1976, he married Jerrie G. Booe.
After 21 years of supporting the agriculture community in a financial capacity, he began practicing civil law in Castro County. In 2001 he was elected District Attorney of Castro County, a position he would hold for the next 12 years. Later in life he had a loving and caring friend, Ms. Darlene Walters. He was an entrepreneur with successful ventures in aerial spraying, raising cattle and real estate. One of the biggest thrills in life was to watch others succeed and was always there to assist in any way he could. He enjoyed flying airplanes and gliders, fishing and spending time with his family. He was always a great father, grandfather, great-grandfather, family man, supporter, provider, friend and faithful servant of our Lord and Savior.
He is survived by daughters, Sherry Schaeffer and husband David of Dimmitt, TX, Linda Mask and husband Mark of Millington, Tenn., Amber Dembroski and husband Kevin of Kennedale, TX, sons, David Horton and wife Laine of Arlington and Austin Horton and wife Donna of Crandall, TX, sister, Dr. Joann Goatcher and husband Earl of Little Rock, AR., and numerous grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Jerrie Horton and his sons, Mike Booe and Danny Booe.
Hon. James Oldrey Mullin, JD '65
Hon. James Oldrey Mullin passed away Sept. 30, 2017 in Weatherford. He was born Oct. 12, 1933, in Breckenridge.
He was the only child of Esther Jane Stoker Mullin and William Oldrey Mullin, a native of Glasgow, Scotland. Esther's parents, John James Stoker and Sarah Edna Crook Stoker, came to Weatherford with their seven children in 1900. He took pride in being the son of a native Texan and a Scottish immigrant. As he grew up, the family lived in Longview, Weatherford, and Dallas. At Adamson High School, he was a member of the debate team and graduated as valedictorian in 1951. In 1955 he graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin. In 1956 he enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training at Fort Bliss in El Paso and a short stay at Fort Devens, Mass., he was accepted into the Army Language School in Monterey, Calif., where he became proficient in Russian. Subsequently, he was assigned to the Army Security Agency in Frankfurt, Germany.
In 1965, he graduated from Baylor Law School. He practiced law in Waco and Caldwell before returning to Weatherford in 1969. After being in private practice for several years, he served as Parker County Attorney from 1973 through 1976. He returned to private practice, also serving as Weatherford city attorney. In April 1985, he was appointed by Gov. Mark White as judge of the 43rd District Court, a position he held until December 2000.
As a youth, he was a member of the Boy Scouts, and as an adult was an assistant scoutmaster. He very much enjoyed the camping trips, a highlight being a trip to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He and his wife, Marianne, loved to travel and enjoyed many trips to various places in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Many of the European trips included visits with his Scottish cousins in Glasgow and London. His lifelong interest in learning foreign languages was sparked by his fourth-grade teacher, Miss Isbell, at Stanley School in Weatherford, when she taught her students some Spanish. That led to his becoming fluent in Spanish, German, and Russian, and being acquainted with many others.
He was a fine Christian man and a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and a member of Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church in Hudson Oaks. Survivors include wife, Marianne Holder Mullin; son, Andrew Mullin of Dallas; daughter, Sara Mullin Edwards and husband, Dr. David Edwards, of McKinney; stepsons, Brady Washburn and wife, Kim, of Weatherford and Brett Washburn of Bedford; grandchildren, Margaret Edwards, David Edwards Jr. and John Edwards, all of McKinney; step grandchildren, Ty Washburn and Melody Washburn of Weatherford.
Hon. James E. Crouch, JD '66
Hon. James E. Crouch a lawyer in Hamilton for more than 50 years, died Sept. 23, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was the husband of Jane Caudle Crouch, father of Jana Crouch Lippe and grandfather of Bailey, Alyssa, and Trenton (T.J.) Gift.
He was born Feb. 20, 1941, the son of John William and Mary Boatwright Crouch of Mathis. His brothers are Ben of College Station and Charles of Arlington.
He graduated from Mathis High School in 1959 and Baylor Law School in 1966. He was passionate about history, especially the Civil War and the study of the Bible and biblical times.
He was a partner in Crouch & White, Attorneys at Law, in Hamilton and also purchased the Hamilton County Abstract Co. He was a member and past president of the Hamilton Lions Club, a member of the Hamilton County Historical Commission, a deacon and member of First Baptist Church, past chairman of the Hamilton Democratic Party and active at the state level, a member of the Texas State Bar Association and its foundation and a member and past officer of the Hamilton Masonic Lodge.
His quest for learning about the culture, government and history of foreign countries led them to many places. Jim and Jane enjoyed traveling the world exploring places they'd only read about including China, Russia, Iran, Mexico, Italy and other European countries, Alaska and other American states. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, activities that he shared with his grandson.
Danny Allen Makowsky, JD '70,
Danny Allen Makowsky passed away Oct. 1, 2017. He was born Nov. 3, 1945, to Herman and Louise Makowsky. He attended Baylor University, where he received his law degree in 1970. He practiced law for many years with his friend, Dogie Giles.
He was a devoted and loving father and a faithful friend. He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He loved Trinity, and served his church in many different ways over the years. Those who knew him will remember his love of music, memorabilia, and the Atlanta Braves. He entertained his friends and family with his incredible memory for trivia and stats, especially pertaining to baseball and oldies.
Known for feats of strange athletic prowess, he was a champion volleyball player, and once bowled 186 left-handed. He liked to do things his own way. He is responsible for the Waco City Softball League's rule that all players must wear shoes. He once chased a fugitive through the streets of downtown Waco and tackled him.
He is survived by his children, Reid and Rachel; his sisters, Nettie and Judy; and his brother, Milton and wife, Earlene.
C. David Porter, JD '71
C. David Porter passed away Sept. 27, 2017. He was born Dec. 31, 1946 in Shreveport, Louisiana to the late Lydia Hamilton and Lynn West Porter. He graduated from Baylor University in 1968, where he was a varsity letter winner on the football team. He also graduated from Baylor Law School in 1971. He was a fixture in the Lufkin community. He continued to practice law in Lufkin and was a mentor to many young professionals in the local area until the time of his death. He was a thoughtful and generous man known to his friends and family as someone who was always thinking of others. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Lufkin.
Survivors include his wife, Madelyn Erwin Porter of Lufkin; son, D. Brian Porter and wife Knicole of Lufkin; daughter, Meagan Porter Smith and husband Joel of Houston; grandchildren, Caroline Grace Smith, Fenley Elizabeth Porter, G. Carson Dover, Gage Cullen, Creed Cullen, and Crosby Cullen; and sister, Suzanne Wray and husband Edwin of Shreveport, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents.
David R. Childress, Sr., JD '88
David R. Childress passed away Oct. 1, 2017. He was born Oct. 13, 1953, in Albany, GA, to Robert Dudley Childress and Doris Ann Bullock Childress of Jackson, MS. With his parents and sisters, Dave traveled the world in his early years, living in various locations as an “Air Force Brat.” In 1967, the family settled in San Antonio, TX, where he attended MacArthur High School. He played trumpet in the school band under the influential leadership of John Pearson.
After graduating from Trinity University in 1975, he moved to Dallas and worked in pharmaceutical sales. While he enjoyed success in this profession, he decided to pursue his lifelong goal of attending Baylor Law School and graduated with honors in 1988. For the last 20 years, he practiced at Whitaker Chalk Swindle and Schwartz PLLC in downtown Fort Worth. A dedicated and tireless advocate, he was well known and loved by both his partners and clients.
Childress loved music and had an affinity for all types, from Mozart and Beethoven to The Beatles and Kris Kristofferson. He played both the trumpet and guitar and was infamous for late night music gatherings and guitar pickings, keeping family members and friends awake with him until the wee hours of the morning.
A true litigator at heart, he also loved analyzing, considering, examining, and debating. Those who knew him well can likely attest to a conversation or two that lasted for hours. While these discussions could be exhausting, considering his endless passion and his seeming disinterest in sleep, they will now be treasured memories.
He was a conscientious, ardent, and deeply caring man. Though imperfect like us all, he rested daily in the promise of Jesus Christ for forgiveness and hope.
He is survived by his two children, Kathryn Eleanor Childress of Dallas and David Robert Childress, Jr. of Fort Worth, and two sisters, Kathy Childress Barton of Chicago and Nancy Childress McDonald of Austin. In addition, he enjoyed the love and fellowship of two brothers-in- law, Craig Barton and Jack McDonald, seven nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Michelle, Laura, Mark, Andrew, Kelsey, and Cade, and twelve great nieces and nephews, Carolyn, Nora, Greta, Elliot, Bennett, Emi Kate, Peyton, Hayley, Tyler, Ryan, Sheridan, and Campbell.