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Dr. Lee Hemphill
Dr. Lee Hemphill, 98, a longtime benefactor, fundraiser and retired administrator for his beloved Hardin-Simmons University, died Saturday at the Hendrick Medical Center’s hospice care facility.
“Dr. Lee Hemphill was truly a man of God, led by God. The fruit of his labor glorified God. This institution has been immensely blessed by the life of this godly man,” said HSU president Dr. Craig Turner.
The former pastor’s multiple connections to HSU included student, alumnus, trustee and administrative officer. He served as vice president for development from 1959 to 1968 and as vice president for deferred giving until 1975, introducing several innovations along the way.
“He was very effective and a class act,” said HSU president emeritus Dr. Jesse C. Fletcher. “He had a real understanding of investments, and a good faculty for relating people to the university for projects they might enjoy underwriting. He was a fine investor in his own right.”
“He loved to work with people,” said his daughter, Rosa Lee Prichard of Abilene. “What he preached on Sunday, he practiced through the week.” He was also a proud grandfather, relishing each grandchild’s accomplishments, his daughter said.
The first full-time vice president for development at HSU, Hemphill inaugurated the university’s Board of Development and was a prime mover in the formation of the Board of Young Associates and Academic Foundation.
Hemphill was a trailblazer among development officers, Dr. James Cantrell, former president of the Texas Baptist Foundation, said in 1975 at Hemphill’s retirement luncheon.
Born Nov. 2, 1907, he was a member of a pioneer ranching-banking family He was valedictorian of his Coleman High School graduating class, and a magna cum laude graduate of HSU in 1929.
He taught school in Coleman County and Sweetwater before attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, taking his master of theology degree in 1936. He pastored Baptist churches in Novice, Dayton and Colorado City before accepting the pulpit of First Baptist Church of Littlefield in 1943.
In 1959, HSU president Evan A. Reiff coaxed Hemphill, then an HSU trustee, from his Littlefield pastorate to become the first full-time vice president for development at HSU, a first for a Texas Baptist college or university. He held that post until 1968, when he became the vice president for deferred giving or estate planning, a post he held until his retirement in 1975.
In 1968, Hemphill and HSU president Dr. Elwin Skiles founded the HSU President’s Club. He created the Cowboy Band Foundation and encouraged the former band members to build the Cowboy Band Hall in 1972. His photo hangs on the band hall’s “Wall of Fame,” and the Cowboy Band Foundation voted him an honorary foundation member.
Dr. Hemphill and his first wife, Lunelle Nix Hemphill, dedicated assets from an array of businesses they developed for the advancement of HSU. Nix Hall was built with gifts from her, her husband and her relatives.
The couple also endowed “The Cornerstone Series” Bible lectures, in honor of his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Hemphill of Coleman.
Following Mrs. Hemphill’s death in 1987, her family created an endowment to encourage students to serve in mission outreach projects.
Later, Dr. Hemphill and Koreen Willcox Logsdon, whose husband, Charles, died in 1981, were married in the first nuptials conducted in the new Logsdon School of Theology Chapel, a ceremony performed by Dr. Fletcher, then HSU’s president.
In 1990, the HSU School of Music Foundation was established through the generosity and participation of the Hemphills. The couple also made a million-dollar naming gift for the Hemphill Music Building.
In a resolution honoring the gift, HSU trustees commended Hemphill for his exemplary work and for his life’s motto: “Work as though it all depended on me. Pray, realizing it all depends upon the Lord.”
Howard Payne University president Dr. Lanny Hall, a former HSU president, said at the dedication of the Hemphill Music Building.
“The name of Dr. Lee Hemphill will always be recognized as one of HSU’s greatest administrative leaders.”
Hemphill’s many honors and awards include honorary doctor of divinity degrees from HSU in 1958 and HPU in 1952; HSU’s Keeter Alumni Service Award, the highest honor for an alumnus; and an award from the HSU Former Faculty, Staff, Administration Fellowship.
Hemphill also served Texas Baptists in many ways. He served the Baptist General Convention of Texas as an executive board member and as second vice president. He was vice chairman of the Texas Baptist Children’s Home at Round Rock, and as a trustee of Wayland Baptist College (now University) in Plainview for 14 years.
“Personally he made an impact for good by his gracious Christian character, his quiet but persistent pursuit of the goals he believed that God had set for him, and his wisdom and integrity. He also benefited a multitude through his family, endowing them with a deep commitment to Christian values and causes,” said Dr. William Pinson, former executive director and CEO of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Services were held Monday, October 9 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Jesse C. Fletcher and Dr. Craig Turner officiating.
Survivors include one son, Hilton Hemphill and his wife, Carolyn, of Dallas; one daughter, Rosa Lee Prichard of Abilene; and one sister, Ruth Wittenburg of San Angelo. six grandchildren, Lou Ann Draper and husband, Paul, of Abilene, Marlon Prichard and wife, Sherry, of Seminole, Harlton Hemphill and wife, Wendy, of San Antonio, Dr. Hayden Hemphill and wife, Misha’I, of Texarkana, Texas, Carter Hemphill of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Clayton Hemphill and wife, Theresa, of Raleigh, N.C.; 10 great-grandchildren, Corban and Walker Hemphill of San Antonio, Aubrey, Caleb, Rachel and Mollie Hemphill of Texarkana, Daniel Draper of Abilene, Grace Prichard of Seminole, and Avery and Parker Hemphill of North Carolina.
Al Norris
Alford Wayne Norris, 74, died Sunday, October 08, 2006 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Services were Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at Church of the Good Shepherd with Rev. Scott Wooten, pastor, officiating. Burial will be held in Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Lunn’s Colonial Funeral Home.
Mr. Norris was born November 9, 1931 in Glenn, TX the son of L.D. and Lenora Norris. On December 9, 1975, he married Betty Brake in Gainesville, TX. He worked for Burk Royalty in Wichita Falls for twenty years until his retirement in 1997 as Vice President of the Land Department. Mr. Norris was a member of the Texas Master Gardener Association serving as treasurer from 1996-1999.
He was named Texas Master Gardener of the Year in 2000. He also served on the Wichita County Parks and Recreation Board, volunteered at Interfaith Ministries and was a member of Faith Masonic Lodge and Maskat Shrine Temple.
He is survived by his wife Betty of 30 years; son David Norris and wife Candace of Scottsdale, Arizona and daughter Henri Gearing and husband Frank of Rocksprings, Texas; sons Douglas Webb and wife Barbara of Lubbock, Texas, Cecil Webb and wife Libby of Wichita Falls and Bob Webb and wife Paula of Arlington, Texas; daughter Jae Hogeland and husband Jack of Arlington; sister Sue Young and husband Ken of Fort Worth, Texas; grandchildren Andrea Fluhman and husband Chris of Canyon, Texas; Phil Gearing and Terry Gearing of Rocksprings.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Interfaith Ministries or to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
Margaret Merle Morriss Ward
Margaret Merle Morriss Ward was born in Kerrville, Texas, November 25, 1908, to Edward Elijah and Mary Jane Sproul Morriss. When she was three months old, she traveled to her home on the Divide in Eastern Edwards County which her parents purchased in 1907. She was the sixth child born into the family and two more were born after her.
She was the last member of her family. She along with her siblings, cousins and neighbor’s children were schooled at the “Two Mile” school where they rode horseback to attend classes. In her second grade school year, her parents felt she was “too frail” to ride that distance, so she was taught at home. Later she attended Rocksprings School and in her senior year, a tornado in Rocksprings caused her and other class mates to finish the last six weeks at Tivy High School, Kerrville. She attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, and then began teaching children. She rode horseback to the Allen ranch near Junction and stayed the week with the family, returning to her home for the weekends.
She met her future husband, N. S. Ward, Sr. in Rocksprings. They were married June 22, 1932, at the ranch home of her mother. N. S. taught school and coached in Rocksprings, Smiley, Jourdanton, Linden, and Anahuac, and back to Rocksprings where he retired in 1961. They lived at their ranch home where Margaret had been raised, until health forced their move to Kerrville in 1987. Her husband, “Coach” Ward predeceased her in November of 1990. She was a member of Sunset Baptist Church, Mountain Home.
She is survived by three children, N. S. Ward, Jr. of Goldthwaite, Hillyer Morriss Ward of Mountain Home and Margaret Jean Ward of Kerrville; two daughters-in-law, Peggy of Goldthwaite and Bonnie of Mountain Home; four grandchildren, N. S. Ward III, Jill Warren, Courtney Ward-Dailey, Hillary Ward, and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces Mary Graham, Mary Schreiner, Betty Nethery, Sue Baugh, Carol Hoffman, Ann Horne and Janel Champion. Her nephews include Dr. Robert Carpenter, Gordon Morriss and Jack Lock.
Margaret was blessed to remain in her home until her death with the help of special friends Adalina Harper, Gwen Carlow and Linda Seymour who gave her great care and wonderful company during the days while Jean was at work.
Margaret was also blessed by Bill and Rose Wilson who knew of her love of chocolate and kept her supplied with chocolate cake, Linda Seymour who kept the chocolate milkshakes flowing, and Gaylene Ingram who brought Thursday supper each week.
Funeral services were Wednesday, September 20, 2006, at Grimes Funeral Chapels, with Dr. John Petty, officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Cemetery, Mountain Home, Texas.
Memorial remembrances may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.
Amelia E. (nee Klein) Agold, age 87 of Kerrville, passed away Tuesday, June 1, 2004 at a local hospital. She was born September 15, 1916 in Fredericksburg, Texas to Henry and Ella Juenke Klein.
Amelia was baptized at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, TX and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Kerrville, TX in 1930. She lived her first 13 years in Tivydale, TX and then her family moved to Kerrville, TX in 1929. She married Rudolph M. Agold on December 10, 1938, who preceded her in death. Amelia worked at Gibson’s of Kerrville for 25 years and retired at the age of 80. She enjoyed needlework, watching football games and all sports, playing card games, playing bunco with her friends, and being with her family on all occasions. She loved plants and gardens and also loved to predict the weather.
Survivors include two sons, Larry Agold and wife, Patricia and Vernon Agold and wife, Carolyn, both of Kerrville; sister, Vera Hartman of San Angelo; two brothers, Norman Klein of Georgetown and Harold Klein of Kerrville; four grandchildren, Susan Agold Cathey of Kerrville, Terry G. Agold of Pipe Creek, Todd R. Agold of Garland and Jeffrey W. Agold of Keller; four great grandchildren, Clayton Cathey and Douglas Cathey, both of Kerrville; Caleb Agold of Pipe Creek and Tyler Agold of Keller.
In addition to her husband, Rudolph M. Agold, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Lydia Grona and Ella Mae Koehne and one brother, Ruben Klein.
A visitation will be held Thursday, June 3, 2004 at Grimes Funeral Chapels from 6-8 p.m.
Services will be Friday, June 4, 2004, 10:00 a.m. at Grimes Funeral Chapels, officiated by Pastor David Chancellor. Graveside services will follow at the Boerne City Cemetery in Boerne, TX at 2:00 p.m.
Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Agold, Todd Agold, Jeff Agold Keller, James Cathey, Charles Allen Mains, Jerry Koehne and Allan Koehne.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to GRIMES FUNERAL CHAPELS of Kerrville.
Lynell Freeman
Lynell Freeman passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 in Katy, Texas.
Visitation will be held at Schmidt Funeral Home in Katy, Texas from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2006. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at the First Baptist Church in Katy, with Dr. Randy White and Dr. Charles Wisdom officiating.
Interment in Katy Magnolia Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church Katy in care of the Joy Sunday School Class, 600 Pin Oak Road, Katy Texas 77494.
Schmidt Funeral Home of Katy in charge of arrangements.
Fannie Edith Evans Terry
Fannie Edith Evans Terry, 75, of Camp Wood, Texas died October 29, 2006 at her home in Camp Wood. She was born May 5, 1931 in Bandera, Texas to William and Hilda Evans.
In 1949, she married Arvil Kendall “Jack” Terry.
After many years, she retired from the Nueces Canyon School District where she worked in the school cafeteria.
Fannie was preceded in death by her husband Jack Terry; two sons Alvin and Jackie Terry; one daughter Hilda Terry; grandson Jackie Daniel Terry; her parents Will and Hilda Evans and brothers, Lemuel, Bunk, Harry and Sonny Evans.
Se is survived by her children: Sam Terry and wife Wanda, Arvil Terry, Harry Terry, Sammie Terry and Bobby Terry all of Camp Wood; three sister Vergie Kemp and husband James, Jewel Bishop and husband Dugan and Jane Taylor; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, November 1, 2006 in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Camp Wood with Pastor Greg Johnson officiating.
Arrangements were by Nelson Funeral Home of Camp Wood, Texas
Genevieve “Bee” Johnson
Genevieve “Bee” Johnson, 83, went to be with the Lord Friday, December 8, 2006.
She was a resident of Baytown, Texas for the past 65 years, taught in Baytown schools for 24 years, and was a member of Pruett and Lobit Street Church of Christ. She lived with a strong faith in God and all knew that her actions spoke louder than words. Bee will always be remembered for love of family and friends, her quick wit, her passion for all things beautiful and an amazing artistic gift. As an active member of the Porcelain Guild of Baytown, she so appreciated the inspiration of her fellow artisans and the opportunity to give to others.
Serving as pallbearers were Christopher Ayrhart, Corey Smith, Kerby Smith, Casey Smith, Mike Huddle, Dennis Sanderson, Bo Johnson and Reggie Johnson.
Bee was born on August 31, 1923 in Big Wells, Texas to Wallace and Emma Blanchette. Her husband, Duncan Johnson preceded her in death.
She is survived by her brother Joe Blanchette and wife Mary Lou; children: Janis Smith and husband Larry; Joyce Ayrhart and husband Howard and son Jay Johnson. Granchildren are Corey Smith, Kerby Smith and wife Rebecca, Casey Smith, Christopher Ayrhart and Amanda Ayrhart; and great-grandchildren: Sydney and Stanton Smith.
Funeral services were Monday, December 11, 2006 at Navarre Funeral Home with Archie Proctor officiating. Burial followed at Cedarcrest Cemetery.
Her family would like to give special thanks to Jan Cradle and the staff of Odyssey for their care and kindness. In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be made to Odyssey Heath Care, 1600 James Bowie Dr., Suite C101, Baytown, Texas 77520.
To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com .
Arrangements were under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Baytown, Texas.
Lorenzo Lara, Sr.
Lorenzo Martinez Lara, Sr. of Uvalde, died February 5, 2007, at Uvalde Memorial Hospital at the age of 69.
He was born August 10,1937, in Knippa, to Adelina and Pantaleon Lara.
Lara was preceded in death by his parents and one son Lorenzo Lara, Jr.
He is survived by his wife Carolina Lara; four daughters: Leticia Lara Gonzalez, Lucy Lee Lara, Lou Ella Lara and husband Arturo Hernandez, all of Uvalde and Ana Maria Benavidez and husband Arnulfo of Rocksprings; one son Lorenzo Lara Rodriguez and wife Maria Irene of Uvalde; five sisters: Anelia Lara and Eva Ostershaney both of Chicago, Ill., Tomasa Padilla of Kerrville, Elena Tarango of Parington and Carmen Harris of Knippa; four brothers: Louis Lara of Saginaw, Mich., Oscar Lara of Kerrville, Juan Lara of Elgin, Ill. and Hector Lara of Knippa; sixteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Loreno L. Rodriguez, Alejandro Benavidez, Albert Elizondo, Albino Benavidez, Anthony Benavidez, Rupert Peńa, Hector Lara and Tony Lara.
Arrangements were by Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary of Uvalde.
Albert Lee Taylor
Albert Lee Taylor, 51, of Uvalde, Texas died at his residence in Uvalde February 17, 2007. He was born April 24, 1955 in Carrizo Springs, Texas to Edward W. Taylor and Ida Elizabeth Pope Taylor.
He is survived by his father Edward Taylor of Uvalde; mother Elizabeth Taylor of Uvalde; two sisters: Jan Brown and husband Andy of Batesville, Texas and Amanda Fawcett and husband Errad of Boerne, Texas; three brothers: Robert Taylor and wife Sandra, Tracy Taylor and wife Dee Dee and Sterling Taylor and wife Shellie all of Uvalde; sister-in-law Patricia Taylor of San Marcos, Texas and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunt and uncles.
He was preceded in death by one brother Wesley Taylor.
Private family services were held Sunday, February 18, 2007 at the graveside in the Barksdale Cemetery with Rodney Merritt officiating.
Arrangements were by Nelson Funeral Home of Camp Wood, Texas.
Bobby Ferrell
Bobby Ferrell of Brownwood, Texas died in a car accident on highway 377 north of Rocksprings, Texas, Saturday, April 21, 2007. He spent most of his life in the Brownwood area, but at the time of his death was a field operations foreman, lineman electrician, for Quanta Utililty Services in Rocksprings.
He was born January 30, 1957 in Brownwood to John M. Ferrell and Louise (Hill) Chesser.
He was preceded in death by his father John Ferrell; brother Jackie Scruggs and niece Stephanie Young
He is survived by three sons: Brandon Ferrell of Conroe, Texas; Clint Ferrell of Comanche, Texas and Charlie Tungate; grandchildren: Haley, Madison and Brianna; mother Louise Chesser and husband John; step-mother Jean Ferrell; special friend Tammy Tungate and boys; sisters: Gail Solomon and Lisa Hord both of Rockdale, Texas and Kendra Ferrell of Katy, Texas.
Funeral services were Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale with burial in the Salty Cemetery. Rev. Bill Andrews officiated.
Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale, Texas.
Daniel Dale Hamm
Daniel Dale Hamm, 48, of Victoria, Texas passed away July 5, 2007 at his ranch in Rocksprings, Texas. He was born on April 7, 1959 in Dallas, Texas. Dan loved the ranch and was loved by everyone that knew him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Hamm.
He is survived by his wife, Linda J. Hamm of Victoria, three children Kim Martin of Austin, Texas, Kevin Hamm of Austin, Texas and Kati Almeida of San Diego, California, his mother Joan Harness and husband Leland of Sulphur Springs, Texas, brother Jackie Hamm of Cumby, Texas, sister Carol Daniel of Greenville, Texas, and nieces and nephews Leslie Clegg, Jacquie Eschelman, Kacey Hamm and Michael Hoy.
Services were held at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 7, 2007 in the Nelson Funeral Home Chapel in Rocksprings, Texas.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home of Rocksprings, Texas.
