Chester Carlton Young, Sr., age 94, died on October 20 in Austin. Chester was born July 9, 1925 in Meeker, LA, second of seven children to Sherman and Gladys Young. Work in the refineries brought the family to Port Acres, where Chester graduated Stephen F. Austin High before joining the Navy during WWII. To his everlasting good fortune, he was stationed in Oakland, CA, where he met Marylin Joyce Beddoe, daughter of a Bay Area typesetter. They married in May 1946 and his bride soon came with him to Texas in a carload of men, driving nonstop in the heat of summer. Nevertheless, she remained married to him for the next 73 years, with Chester often referring to her as his "first" wife. On the GI Bill, Chester attended college and law school at Baylor on a fast track. After he passed the bar in 1950, they returned to Port Acres and he hung out his shingle as a practicing attorney at age 24. In 1955, Chester became an Assistant DA and entered the world of Jefferson County politics. In 1962 he was elected County Judge, a position he held for 12 years, until returning to private practice at his Nederland home office, where Marylin had a studio for her painting, fabric arts, and writing. Modest about his own success, he always touted her talents. In retirement, they moved to Albuquerque to be near their only grandson, John, and in 2004 came back to Texas to be near family in Austin. Even as his eyesight and health failed, Chester's wit and intelligence never dimmed, nor his loving concern for Marylin and pride in his family. Chester was preceded in death this year by his daughter Nancy Joyce Young of Boston; brothers Pierce, Sherman, and Cary Young; and sister Ruth Justice. He is survived by his wife Marylin; son Carlton Young of Phnom Penh, Cambodia; son Damon and wife Joyce of Austin, who have been their caretakers the last many years; daughter-in-law Allison Bayer of Boston; grandson John Carlton Young and wife Kristin of Boston; brothers John and Joseph Young; and several nieces and nephews.
Jim Johnson, longtime San Angelo attorney, died peacefully on November 4. Jim was the first baby born on New Year's Day 1933 in Brownwood, Texas, to Otey and Alta Johnson. He spent his formative years in Brownwood which included playing quarterback for the Brownwood Lions in high school; graduating in 1951. Jim attended Baylor University and graduated with a BBA degree in 1955. Prior to completing his undergraduate studies, he started law school, also at Baylor. His law school studies were interrupted by a two-year stint in the Air Force stationed at Goodfellow Air Force base. While in the Air Force, he was over a food service group, despite not having any cooking skills himself. After his service, Jim returned to complete his last year of law school where he met his wife, Jean Massey. Upon graduation from Baylor Law in 1958, Jim worked for the district attorney's office in Beaumont, planning to settle his family there. After one year, staying permanently in Beaumont was reconsidered so Jim traveled to San Angelo to interview for a job, and returned to let Jean know they were moving to San Angelo. Jim began his legal practice with the firm of Upton Upton Baker and Griffis prior to starting the firm of Upton Shannon Porter & Johnson. His law practice spanned more than 50 years and he was well known for his attention to detail. He was active in the community serving as a Trustee at Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital, Director First Financial Bank and an Elder First Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the State Bar of Texas and Tom Green County Bar Association, serving in several officer positions over the years. Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean Johnson; son, Tim Johnson and wife Carilyn of El Paso; daughter, Paige Johnson of Dallas; and twin grandsons, Spencer James Johnson of Champaign, Illinois and Grant Lawrence Johnson of Washington, DC. He is also survived by a sister, Brenda McCullough, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
The Honorable Don W. Clements of Brownwood, passed away October 24 at a local nursing home. Don was born to Meredith Leslie and Christine (Brooks) Clements on October 30, 1935, in Brownwood. He graduated from Brownwood High in 1954. After high school, he went on to graduate from Howard Payne University; from there he was accepted into Baylor Law and graduated with his law degree. He was a lawyer and municipal judge in Brownwood for many years. Don served in the United States Navy. Don married the love of his life, Janice King, on August 10, 1957, in Brownwood. He was a very avid golfer and loved spending time with his family and friends. Don was very active in the community serving on numerous boards in and around Brownwood. He was a former President for Brownwood ISD School Board, very instrumental in starting the Brownwood Jaycees, and a member of the Kiwanis Club. Don was also a longtime member of First Christian Church in Brownwood. Don is survived by his son, Craig Clements and wife Jami of Brownwood; daughter, Leslie Butler and husband Steve of Brownwood; six grandchildren, Cody Clements, Cacy Clements, Logan Gough, Slaten Gough, Chad Butler, and Kayla Richardson; seven great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Carveth Clements and wife Carol of Brownwood, Jerry Clements and wife Diana of California. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Clements; one brother, Luke Clements; and his parents.
John Embry Bevil went home to be with the Lord on November 14. John was born on May 22, 1946 to Claude and Oleta Bevil in Alice, Texas, prior to moving to Beeville, Texas during grade school. John was a graduate of the class of 1964 from A.C. Jones High School in Beeville, where he was a standout athlete, particularly in baseball, leading the Beeville Trojans to a district title in 1964. He was later inducted into the Beeville Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. John's baseball prowess led him to Baylor University, where he was a scholarship student-athlete. Upon graduation in 1968, John was able to continue his baseball pursuit with a stint of minor league baseball in the Detroit Tigers farm system. Following his baseball career, John returned to Baylor University, where he earned his law degree from Baylor Law in 1973 before moving to San Antonio as a practicing attorney. In 1988, John moved his young family to New Braunfels, where he opened up his own private practice which has operated for the last 31 years. John was an active member of First Baptist Church throughout his time in New Braunfels, where his passion for the Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ allowed him to teach an adult Bible Study class for the last 30 years. John was also highly involved in local youth sports, serving in both leadership roles and as a volunteer coach in support of his children's pursuits. John enjoyed traveling and had a knack for adventure but was always most at home in the company of his family, who he selflessly served and provided for. He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, mentor, and friend. He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Oleta Bevil; father-in-law Jack Scales. Survivors include his wife, Carri Bevil; children, Brad Bevil and wife Lesley, Ashley Head and husband Win, Cody Bevil, Embry Bevil, Farley Bevil; step-children Cade Mercer and Michaela Mercer; grandchildren Ava Head, Ayden Head, Kaleb Bevil, Eliza Bevil, Lydia Bevil; mother-in-law, Nona Kay Scales, sister-in-law Tambi Pahmeier and husband Gene and son Jonathan, as well as a host of friends.
Jesse Carillo, JD '73, loving husband and father of five passed away on October 12. Jesse, as everyone who knew him can testify, was a good man and a good lawyer. You could always rely upon what he said and he worked hard for his clients. Jesse was born on November 15, 1946, in Austin, Texas, to Margarito and Isidra (Guerra) Carrillo. He received his degree in Journalism from the University of Texas in 1969 and then was admitted to Baylor Law. However, he was drafted and served until 1971. He often said, "the Army took away my law books and gave me a rifle." Jesse returned to Baylor, obtained his law degree in 1973 and opened his law office on South Congress. Jesse practiced law there alongside Bob Perkins and Pat Hammonds. Jesse had a very successful practice but in 1979 he heard the call of public service and moved to Washington D.C. to work for the Department of Justice. In 1984, he returned to Austin and practiced law there for the rest of his life. Jesse grew up in East Austin and attended Allan Jr. High and Johnston High School, graduating in 1965. One of his schoolmates was Lupe Zamarripa, who also became a lawyer. Lupe and Jesse were the Sports page editors of the school newspaper and Lupe remembers how much Jesse loved basketball. He remembers Jesse practicing basketball outdoors even in the heat of July. Lupe also remembers how Jesse always kept his word. Jesse withdrew from a runoff for Student Body President, despite the fact that several people believed he would have won. He had given his word to a friend that whoever ran second between the two would support the leader and since Jesse placed second to his friend he withdrew. Jesse was an athlete - while living in Washington he took up jogging and accidently entered and finished the Marine Corps Marathon with no prior long-distance training. He always said that was the most exhausted he ever felt. Later in life he became a writer. His first book was When Enchiladas Fly. In 1989, Jesse met the great love of his life - Minerva Perez. Minerva, originally from Ciudad Mier, Tamaulipas, Mexico, moved to Austin in 1992. They started dating and married three years later. Jesse was preceded in death by his father, Margarito, his mother Isidra, his brother, Margarito Jr. and his sister Lina Carrillo. He is survived by his wife, Minerva, and their five children, Minerva Guadalupe, Leslie, Silvestra, Jesus, and Samuel. He is also survived by his brother, Arturo.
Loy Mark McMillon passed away unexpectedly on November 2, one day shy of his 52nd birthday. Mark was born on November 3, 1967 to Donald and Jean McMillon in Abilene, TX. After graduating from Jim Ned High School in 1986 he attended Baylor University on a football scholarship. Mark loved playing football for the Bears. He earned his undergraduate degree in professional writing from Baylor in 1990. Mark then attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School and completed his law degree at Baylor Law. Mark began his professional career as an attorney in Dallas, TX, working for several law firms. In 2012, he established The Law Offices of L. Mark McMillon, PLLC. He based his practice on Christian faith and values specializing in business, insurance, and family law. While attending law school, Mark met and married Wendy Ann Fallon. He and Wendy had two children, MacKenzie Cait and Matthew Hunter. Mark was very proud of his children and loved spending time watching and participating in their activities. His love and compassion for others can be seen in the character of MacKenzie and Matthew. Mark was a Christ follower and active in his church and community. He was a friendly, fun loving person with a larger than life personality. Mark was one of a kind, making everyone laugh with his unique and special sense of humor. Mark is survived by his two children, his parents, one brother – Matt McMillon and wife Rebecca of Abilene, one sister – Marci Phillips and husband John of Dallas, five nieces and nephews, one great niece, and a special friend Dr. Heather Wright of Weatherford, TX.