Special People

charles brooks
Charles Brooks "Buddy" McGown, Jr.
December20, 1924-October 19. 2023

Charles Brooks “Buddy” McGown, Jr. was born December 20, 1924, to Lela “Fallin” and Charles Brooks McGown, Sr. in Mexia, Texas. On October 19, 2023, he entered his Eternal Home where he is now directing God’s heavenly band and singing with the angels.

He spent his childhood in Mexia and graduated from Mexia High School in 1941 where he was student band director and first-chair clarinet. At the age of 16, he earned his student pilot license, thus beginning his lifelong passion for flying.

In 1941, Buddy entered Sam Houston College seeking a degree in music. WWII interrupted college in 1943 when Buddy volunteered and entered the Army. Hearing that additional pilots were needed, he applied and was accepted to flight school at George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, only to be told the day of his graduation that they had too many pilots and he was assigned to the 33rd Armored Division in the European Theater, earning battle stars in the Battle of Munich and the Battle of the Ruhr Pocket. His service led him through France, Belgium, Germany, and Austria. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, He returned to Southern Methodist University and Sam Houston where he received his degree in music in 1947. Through the following years he continued his education receiving his Master of Education degree from Texas A&M University in 1951 and post graduate study at Texas A&M as well as Baylor University.

After his first year as band director in Dayton, Texas, he was hired by Bryan Independent Schools as director of bands for Stephen F. Austin High School and Lamar Junior High. He remained close friends with many of his band members over the years and shared many memories with them such as marching in the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans.

During Christmas break of 1949, Buddy went home to Mexia. His mother had arranged a blind date for him with a beautiful brunette she had seen in a wedding. Her name was Jeane Matthews of Hubbard, Texas. Just 8 days after they met, Buddy proposed, and she said Yes! They were married six months later, moved into the new home they built, and began their 73 years of happiness and adventures. Karen and Mike completed their family.

In 1961, BISD asked Buddy to become Bonham Elementary School’s first principal; and in 1967, he became the first principal at Henderson Elementary School. During this time, he became a reading specialist and enjoyed tutoring students who were struggling in reading class. He made them feel as if they were chosen to spend extra time with Mr. McGown. He moved to BISD Central Office in 1975 as Assistant Superintendent in Personnel. Many people in the BCS Community will tell you that he gave them their first job. Buddy was instrumental in leading Texas legislators to establish merit pay for exceptional teachers. He and Jeane retired in 1986 ending his 38-year career in BISD.

Always active in the Bryan community, Buddy was a member of the Rotary Club, the Bryan City Library Board (he suggested the site of the new library) and the Coulter Field Advisory Board. He was instrumental in obtaining a federal grant to build an additional runway at Coulter Field.

As a member of First Methodist Church, Bryan for 75 years, he was active in the Men’s Bible Class serving as its president and song leader, the Celebration Choir, the Administrative Board, and the Board of Trustees.

Continuing his work with children, he volunteered as an assistant Boy Scout master and serving on the Board of Trustees. He assisted the scouts in their first endeavor of displaying American flags on patriotic holidays. Buddy was active in Little League North baseball for many years as a coach and president of the League.

Buddy was truly an outdoorsman and enjoyed working on his farm near Wheelock, hunting with his son, grandsons, great grandsons, and friends. He also enjoyed racing his Austin-Healey sports car; and if you ever rode with him, you knew why he won many trophies. Many memories were also made behind his boat as he taught his kids and their friends to water ski.

In 1976, Buddy fulfilled his dream of owning his own airplane, a classic Cessna 140 and 3-years later a Cessna 170 which were both taildraggers. Jeane and Buddy enjoyed many years of fly-ins and annual conventions as members of The International Cessna 170 Association where he served on the Board of Directors. At the age of 91, Buddy decided it was time to stop flying and he sold his plane to a corporate pilot who is enjoying the plane as much as Buddy.

Buddy McGown was a man who loved life, but most importantly he loved and supported his family and friends. He served his Lord by serving others. He was never too busy when someone needed him. One just can’t talk about Buddy without adding how much he loved to tell jokes. You name the subject; he had a joke. He was responsible for telling a joke every Wednesday at the Arbor Oaks exercise class. He was a member of the Greatest Generation and Buddy McGown lived this title. He will be greatly missed but has left a wonderful legacy for his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren who knew him well and adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marilyn and her husband Wilson Godfrey.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 73 years Jeane; daughter Karen and her husband Rudy Loehr of Bryan; son Mike and his wife Judy McGown of Lake Conroe; grandchildren Valerie (Josh) Floren of Coppell; Bryson (Sarah) Vick of Bryan; Preston (Sarah) Loehr of Bryan; Colton (Kelsey) Loehr of Aurora, Colorado; Lesley (Cade) Price of Anderson; and Hunter (Maddie) McGown of Keller; greatgrandchildren Jackson, Brooks, and Charlotte Floren; Lightsey and Peyton Loehr; Sadie Price; and Hallie Loehr (two more greatgrandchildren due in the Spring); nephews Mark Matthews and Mike Matthews; and numerous cousins and friends.

Charles Brooks “Buddy” McGown, Jr., 1924 – 2023. This story of his life represents the DASH between those years.

Visitation will be at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan on Thursday, October 26th from 6-8:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held at Bryan First Methodist Church on Friday, October 27th at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow the service at Restever Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family extends gratitude to caregivers Donnyelle Burns, Urica Drake, Jasmyne Clark and the staff and residents of Crestview Arbor Oaks, and family and friends who exemplify love and compassion.

Memorials may be made to:

  • Bryan First Methodist Church, 506 E. 28th St, Bryan, TX 77803
  • BISD Education Foundation, 801 S. Ennis St, Bryan, TX 77803
  • Crestview/Arbor Oaks, 2505 E. Villa Maria Rd, Bryan, TX 77802

 

Services

Visitation: October 26, 2023 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Callaway-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation

 

Funeral Service: October 27, 2023 2:00 pm

First Methodist Church - Bryan
506 East 28th Street
Bryan, Texas 77803

Interment: October 27, 2023 3:00 pm

Restever Memorial Park Cemetery
5103 N. Texas Ave.
Bryan, TX 77803

Link to his Library of Congress interview.

https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.84533/?


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

C.B. "Buddy" and Jeane McGown of Bryan are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. Brought together on a blind date set up by Buddy's mother, these two fell head over heels and were married June 30, 1950 at the First Baptist Church in Hubbard, Texas.

The McGowns reared their family in Bryan, TX and were lifelong educators in BISD. Buddy was the SFA High School band director, Principal at Bonham and Henderson, and BISD Assistant Superintendent for a total of 38 years; Jeane was a typing and shorthand teacher at SFA High School and then at Bryan High School for a total of 33 years.

They have two children: Karen and husband Rudy Loehr and Mike McGown and wife Judy; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Best wishes to this wonderful couple!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

James Greer Austin

February 7, 1931January 28, 2022
Obituary of {subject.fullNameWithPrefixAndSuffix}

IN THE CARE OF

Memorial Funeral Chapel

James Greer Austin, 90 was peacefully called Home on January 28, 2022 in College Station, Texas surrounded by his family.

James was born to Sam Wade and Mattie Tabb Austin in Mount Pleasant, Texas. After graduation from Mount Pleasant High School in 1949, he attended Sam Houston State University where he met the love of his life, Marilyn and they were blessed with four children that they adored. They moved to Bryan in 1958 where they both enjoyed long teaching careers in the Bryan ISD school system.

James has a long line of successes in radio and television but what he considered his most meaningful accomplishments were related to his work with his students. James told his children, “Not many men can say that they directed the first high school choir to be featured live on NBC’s “The Today Show” in 1959 in New York City; directed the SFA high school A Cappella Choir, selected as “The Finest 4-A High School Choir” in Texas in 1965.” He often commented on how multi-talented all of his choir students were during the years he taught in the Bryan schools and that remained a source of pride for him for the remainder of his life.

Being an only child, James was preceded in death by his former wife, Marilyn J. Austin. He is survived by his daughter, Martha J. Austin of Bryan, Texas; son Steven Austin and wife Kim of Austin, Texas; daughter Andi Cromeans and husband Darin of Bryan, Texas; daughter Jeanlizbeth Skinner and husband Alan of The Colony, Texas; his grandchildren, Kimberly Nachtsheim of Bryan, Texas; Ilysa Austin of San Francisco, California , Trammel Austin of Atlanta, Georgia; Quincy Austin of New York, New York; Jordan Cromeans of Lewisville, Texas; Jason Cromeans of Plano, Texas; Marilyn Skinner and Austin Skinner; and special family friends Troy Dungan, Adriene Bagley and Vicki Sterling.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Michael E. Jones for his remarkable and loving medical care; Ronny Baker at Brazos Valley Hearing Services; Comfort Keepers staff members, Christina and Karrie; Allumine Hospice of College Station staff members, Jasmine, Kim, Jody, Vivian, Heidi; and the devoted staff at Accel of College Station.

Per James’ wishes, his family will hold a private graveside service. There will be a public celebration of his life scheduled in the near future.

Monetary donations in honor James’ memory can be made to Allumine Hospice of College Station or Accel of College Station.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you. And give you peace, and give you peace, The Lord make His face to shine upon you. And be gracious unto you, and be gracious, The Lord be gracious, gracious unto you. Amen, Amen, Amen. Amen, Amen, Amen. Amen, Amen, Amen.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
In Memory of

Marie Vick Geelan

 
January 29, 1914 - December 23, 2013
Obituary
 
The daughter of Edward Louis Bruner and Iza Dora Harman Bruner, Louis Marie Bruner was born on January 29, 1914 in Walker County, Texas. Louis Marie Bruner Vick Geelan, of Bryan, died on Monday, December 23, 2013. 
She spent her early years in the community of Moonshine Hill (near Humble, Texas), where her father worked on the oilfield. Marie seemed to have been born with a passion for education. She cried to go to school with her older sister and finally, seeing the difficulty her mother was having, the teacher said "let her come." So she started early and skipped two grades, learning as much as she could as fast as she could. In the early 20's the family moved to Huntsville, where she graduated from high school and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Sam Houston State Teachers College. 
When she began her teaching career at La Marque High School, Marie was less than a year older than her oldest students. Before coming to Bryan in 1946, she taught in Lexington High School, Coldspring High School and Beaumont's South Park High School, where she was Dean of Girls. While in Beaumont, she also taught at Lamar College. She continued her education during summer breaks by attending the University of Texas at Austin and Sam Houston State Teacher's College, where she received her Master of Science Degree in Statistics in 1942.
Marie taught Mathematics in Bryan Independent School District from 1946 to 1978 and was director of Mathematics for the district from 1964 to 1978. She was a Charter member of the Region VI Educational Service Center Advisory committee and was active in that group from 1967 to 1978. Marie received an Outstanding Teacher Award from BISD in 1972. After retiring from the district, Marie taught at Allen Academy and Blinn College through 1985 and continued tutoring mathematics in her home until 1991.
Marie was active in her church and community and held memberships in numerous professional and genealogical groups. She was an active and participating member, for as long as she was able, of: First United Methodist Church – Bryan and Normangee; Neighborly Sunday School Class; The Order of the Eastern Star – Cypress #1102;The Social Order of the Beauceant; Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators; The National Society of Magna Charta Dames & Barons – Houston Colony; The Colonial Order of the Crown; The Sovereign Colonial Society of Americans of Royal Descent; The Royal Order of the Garter; Daughters of American Colonists; Colonial Dames of the XVII Century; Daughters of the American Revolution; United Daughters of the Confederacy; and Daughters of the Republic of Texas. 
Even as she experienced limited mobility, her interest and involvement never wavered. Her most recent contribution was the donation of her home and property in Normangee. Her generous gift enabled the creation of the Charles and Marie Geelan Community House which is providing a much needed and well utilized activity center for the area's seniors.
In 1946, Marie married Aubrey J. Vick of Lexington. He preceded her in death in 1973. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Thelma Annette Bruner McMurray Prentice. In 1991, Marie married Charles W. Geelan of Normangee, who preceded her in death in 2008. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Marie Vick of Bryan and Houston, and a host of friends and former students.
Much love, thanks, and appreciation to those who have so generously given of themselves: the entire staff of A Caring Solution Home Health Care, Hospice Brazos Valley, Crestview Skilled Nursing – Heritage wing. Ruth James Stringfellow and Brittany Hickey, we couldn't have made it without you. You have all been our angels.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Marie's life will be held on Saturday, January 4, at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Bryan, followed by a lunch and reception in the Fellow Hall.

Those who wish may make donations to the Charles & Marie Geelan Community House, P O Box 424, Normangee, TX 77871 or The Marie Bruner Vick Memorial Scholarship Endowment, SHSU, University Advancement, Box 2537, Huntsville, TX 77341.

Memorial Funeral Chapel
Bryan, Texas
 

 

BILL SCHULMAN

May 3, 2013
 

Funeral services for Mr. Bill Schulman will be held Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel.  Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Park.  Family will receive friends Saturday evening at 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Brazos Valley.

Mr. Bill Schulman, age 86 of Latexo passed away Thursday May 2, 2013 under the care of Hospice Brazos Valley in Bryan Texas. He was born August 3, 1926 in Houston. He was 6 weeks old when his family moved to Bryan Texas in 1926, where he lived, worked and raised his family. He and wife Christine relocated and have been residents of Latexo since 1987.

Mr. Schulman was a veteran of the United States Army First Calvary Division having served in the Pacific conflict during World War II. He attended Texas A&M College and was in the class of 1948. Mr. Schulman was a member of the Bryans Lions Club and a proud supporter of Texas A&M University. He was the owner and operator of Schulman Theatres, Inc., During retirement he and his wife own and operate the Ritz Theatre in Crockett. He continued the tradition of hosting an annual Canned Food Christmas Show that supports needy families which was started by his father Morris Schulman in Bryan in 1929.  

Survivors include wife, Christine Schulman of Latexo; sons, Morris Schulman and wife, Melissa of Bryan, Mark Schulman and wife, Nancy of Waco, Craig Schulman and wife, Cheryl of Bryan; grandchildren, Jackie Schulman, Jacob Schulman and wife, Cristina, Lauren Schulman Thorne and husband, Tim, Nathan Schulman, Joshua Schulman, Morris Schulman, Jr., Alex Schulman, Clayton Schulman, Regan Schulman, Emily Schulman and Caroline Schulman, great-grandchildren, Brendan Thorne, Griffin Thorne, Kyleigh Schulman and Elly Thorne; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He is preceded in death by parents, Morris and Edna Schulman and brother, Al Schulman.

Funeral services for Mr. Bill Schulman will be held Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel with Rev. David Camp officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Park. Family will receive friends Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley.

 

 

James William Stegall

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Dr. James William Stegall passed away peacefully in his sleep at Crestview Retirement Community in Bryan on Friday, April 27, 2012.

Jim was born in Smetana, Texas, on June 25, 1928. He was the first child born to Howard Arthur Stegall and Louise Carol Lipscomb Stegall.

Jim spent his childhood in Franklin. He had many stories to tell about those days of carefree and sometimes mischievous adventures with his best friend, Pryse Metcalfe, as well as many other dear friends and family members. He recalled the attack on Pearl Harbor that December 7th with great emotion as he ran home to find his mother sitting on her bed with the radio turned all the way up so the news was filling the entire house with the frightening events of the day.

Following high school graduation in Franklin Jim entered the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. He graduated in the class of '49, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He also received his Master's and Ph.D. degrees from TAMU. Thus began the 'Great Aggie Tradition' in the Stegall Home! His amazing love and pride in HIS College was renown in the area and there had best be no cheering for The University of Texas around him. His girlfriend during these years was his future wife, Evelyn. Evelyn attended The University of Texas and was quite a beauty that received many impressive 'titles' at this 'school' in Austin. At one Thanksgiving game Evelyn chose to cheer on 'her' school while sitting with Jim and the Corps – Dad always smiled and spoke with pride about his manly prowess in letting his girlfriend know that would not ever be acceptable behavior again! She always laughed about it with that mischievous little smirk that is one of her trademarks. Jim's love for his college gave him the opportunity to have a 'cameo' moment in a recent production called "Aggies, The True Story of Texas A&M" narrated by Lyle Lovett.

Jim met his wife, Evelyn Gladys Blazek Stegall, when she was in primary school in Franklin. Evelyn was dressed in a sailor outfit directing a choir with a little stick and she turned around when Jim and his friends came into the room. Dad said she looked at him with the most interestingly beautiful eyes he had ever seen. That day he told Pryse and all his friends "I am going to marry that girl!" He said they all laughed at him and told him to forget it. As it would turn out he DID marry that girl on August 12, 1949 in Hearne, Texas and they spent the next 63 years together. Evelyn's mother and father (Vlasta and Joe Blazek) were thrilled with their younger daughters' choice and the two of them never spoke a negative word about their beloved son-in-law, Billy Jim.

Dr. Stegall was often called by his family nicknames: To his children and grandchildren, he was "Pops" and Papa. To his sisters, nieces and nephews, and long-time friends, he was "Billy Jim". To his friends in Franklin and Hearne he was known as Pete or Bubba. To many neighbors and friends, he was simply "Jim". By whatever name he was known, he was loved and revered.

Following graduation from Texas A&M in 1949 Jim served as a commissioned officer and was on active duty in Korea in the Second Korean Winter campaign, earning the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the U.N. Service Medal. After his tour of duty in Korea, Jim returned home and continued to serve in many capacities in the US Army Reserve. In 1974, Jim was promoted to Colonel and subsequently became the Commander of the 443rd Military Intelligence Detachment (STRAT) based in Bryan. He served with the unit until his retirement in 1980 when he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the nations fifth highest award.

Just prior to leaving for Korea in 1951 Jim and Evelyn welcomed their first child. A girl named Billie Lynn (named for both of her parents). Upon his return from Korea the family moved to Burkeville, Texas, where both Jim and Evelyn became instant beloved citizens of the community. Both taught school, and Jim coached, did some administrative jobs, and proudly said he even cleaned the buildings and fields, sanded the desks in the summer to prepare for the next school term, and kept the playgrounds and fields ready for use. It was during this time that their second child was born. Joe Arthur Stegall was born in Jasper, Texas, on April 5, 1954. Both Jim and Evelyn adored their two children and always said they were blessed to have one of each, a boy and a girl.

Jim Stegall had a long and varied history of service to the community. In recent years, his compassion and involvement was recognized with the Jefferson Awards held annually to celebrate citizens. Jim assisted the Lions Club Governor Freddie Wolters in organizing the first club chartered in 1973-1974 in Lions International, The College Station Morning Club. He also assisted in organizing and chartering night activities of the Bremond Lions Club and the Grimes County Lions Club. He served as president or chairman of many organizations, including St. Joseph Hospital, the Bryan Lions Club, the First United Methodist Church Administrative Council, Brazos County United Way, Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center, Methodist Retirement Services, Inc., The Bryan Independent School Board, Texas A&M's College of Education Development Council, the Bryan-College Station Knife and Fork Club, and the Franklin Lindsay Student Aid Fund. Other boards and groups that benefitted from Mr. Stegall's involvement include The Boy Scouts, Brazos County Girls Club, Bryan Boys Club, the B-CS Chamber of Commerce, Brazos County Counseling Services, St. Joseph Foundation of Bryan and Region VI Educational Service Center. He served in The Association of Former Students as class agent for the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of '49.

Jim came from a long line of educators including his mother, Louise Lipscomb Stegall, his uncle, Travis "Mr. Lip" Lipscomb, and other relatives employed by Franklin ISD, some of whom remain in the teaching profession today. His daughter, Lynn, followed in his footsteps, teaching in Houston for many years. The Bryan Public Schools from 1955 – 1970 employed Jim. He was much loved by the hordes of students who then and now refer to him as a favorite teacher, coach, and administrator. He molded the young people of Bryan while working on several campuses: Lamar, Jones, Milam, and Stephen F. Austin. Colleagues and faculty alike adored and respected him because he was a team player, a part of the school, always giving and pitching in to help the kids.

Jim retired as principal of Stephen F. Austin High School in 1970 when he was hired by City National Bank to start their Trust Department. He later became an Executive Vice-President and Trust Officer for First City Bank, Texas. He remained with the same bank, although the bank had many name changes, until his retirement as Regional Trust Officer for Wells Fargo Bank in 1992. He was a graduate of the Southwest Graduate School of Banking, SMU, a member of the Administrative Council, Texas Bankers Association, and Chairman, Education Committee, Texas Bankers Association. Local attorney, friend and family member, Fred Davis said of Mr. Stegall, "He basically invented the position of Trust Officer in Brazos County".

Jim loved his family beyond measure. Their annual trips to South Padre Island with everyone in tow became a tradition and provided many sweet times and memories for his children and grandchildren. While Jim loved his children he was enthralled with his grandchildren. Lynn's two boys were his pride and joy as the adventures of Papa and his boys became legendary in the Stegall household. On one particular occasion the family had gathered for dinner and Grandmother Blazek remembered she had left the homemade rolls at her house down the street. Upon starting her car and attempting to back the car out of the driveway a loud 'explosive' sound echoed. Papa stood up and said, "It's alright. I know what that was." We went out to the driveway where Papa, Jim, and Jason had been practicing hooking up vehicles to each other for towing purposes. As Grandma backed the car out the front bumper was pulled off, and Pop assured everyone that it was not a big thing and it would be fixed right away!

The family continued to grow with his son, Joe and his wife, Barbara's additions of two grand daughters. Andrea Kelly and Megan Eileen were born in Bryan and spent much of their childhood with their Papa. He taught them how to drive his truck on the family farm, and never missed a dance recital.

His love for his grandchildren was unlimited and unconditional. He never failed to provide them with whatever he could in every way. He adored his family and at every turn sacrificed his needs and wants to insure his family had what was important to them.

There was never a problem Papa and Mama couldn't be a part of helping solve – way too many to express here.

As can been said about many larger than life heroes of "The Greatest Generation", James Stegall has more accolades and virtues than this page can contain. From the Jefferson Award to his other endeavors, watching the Aggie documentary and his presence therein, to wings at Crestview Retirement Center dedicated and named for him, to his presence at Veterans' Park and service on boards not yet mentioned, to his tennis partners at Briarcrest Country Club, to serving on community advisory boards at the Junior League of Bryan-College Station and Sam Rayburn Middle School, Mr. Stegall's dedication to the world ensures that he has left this earth a better place because he was here. His devotion to his wife, his family, his friends, and his world will long be remembered by all the loved ones he leaves behind. His tender, gentle, and sweet spirit endeared him to all who knew him.

Jim's parents, his sisters, Nelda Louise Metcalfe of Franklin, and Nancy Carol Phillips of Easterly, as well as one brother, David Stegall of Franklin, predeceased him.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Gladys Blazek Stegall of Bryan and his two children, Billie Lynn Stegall McKemie and her husband, John Edward McKemie, of Houston, and Joe Arthur Stegall and his wife Barbara Ann Stegall of Forney, Texas.

He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: James Edward McKemie (wife, Carrie) of Houston; Jason Emory McKemie (wife, Adrienne) of St. Petersburg, Florida; Andrea Kelly Stegall Bouressa (husband, Chris) of Dallas; and Megan Eileen Stegall Trenchard (husband, Charlie) of Baltimore, Maryland. And 3 great grandchildren: Ella Claire Crabtree of Houston, Olivia Novie Bouressa of Dallas, and John Joseph McKemie of Houston.

He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, one of whom was instrumental in composing this tribute, Sue Ellen Davis.

Pallbearers will be Chris Bouressa, Red Burditt, Fred Davis, Ronald Hale, Joe Hanover, Al Jones, John Phillips, Scott Phillips, Kent Potts, and Charlie Trenchard.

Visitation will be from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Monday May 7th, at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. Services are set for 10:30am Tuesday, May 8th, at First United Methodist Church in Bryan with interment at 3:00pm at the Wheelock Community Cemetery.

Charitable donations may be made in Jim's name to MRC Crestview or to First United Methodist Church of Bryan.

 

 

 

 

 

Jesse Newton Burditt Jr.
Obituary

 February 11, 1926 - November 5, 2012

Jesse "Red" Burditt (Jesse Newton Burditt, Jr.) died on November 5, 2012 at the age of 86. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday, November 11, 2012, 3:00 – 5:00 P.M. at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan, Texas. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station, Texas with Reverend Rick Sitton and Dr. Morris House officiating. Interment services will follow at Bryan City Cemetery.

Red was born in Dallas, Texas, on February 11, 1926. He was the second child born to Dr. Jesse Newton Burditt and Lanier Connolly Burditt.

Red and his lifelong sweetheart, Elinor, met as children in Abilene, Texas. They would later marry on December 28th, 1947 after his return from World War II service as a radioman in the United States Navy. Perhaps his greatest pride and accomplishment was being a member of the famed "Kiddie Korps", A&M's young squad that successfully competed for A&M during the 1943 football campaign. After a 7-2-1 record, the team was invited to meet LSU in the Orange Bowl. He would later return to A&M to finish his degree and compete in additional football, baseball, and basketball seasons for the Aggies.

He was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003 as one of only eight athletes to receive varsity letters in three sports. He was instrumental in the formation of the Texas A&M Letterman's Association and also led the Kiddie Korps of 1943 to fund a scholarship endowment. He was a lifelong Methodist and a faithful member of Bryan First United Methodist Church for over 60 years.

Red was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dr. Tom Connolly Burditt of Abilene, Texas, and daughter-in-law Deborah Sue Robinson Burditt. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Elinor Frances Sivley Burditt of Bryan, and his two children: Jesse Newton Burditt, III, of Bryan; and Charles Bryan Burditt and his wife Pamela Diane Burditt of Conroe, Texas.

He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Kimberly Anne Burditt of Carlsbad, California; Bethlyn Burditt (husband Randall Mason) of Bethesda, Maryland; Bryan Collin Burditt (wife, Teri) of Cypress, Texas, Christenn Anne Burditt of Houston, Texas; 5 grandchildren: Cassandra Elizabeth Burditt Mason of Bethesda, Maryland, Jesse Connolly Burditt Mason of Bethesda, Maryland; Charles Braeden Burditt of Cypress, Texas, Madeleine Grace Burditt of Cypress, Texas, and Owen Brooks Burditt of Cypress, Texas. And the many nieces, nephews, cousins, and the many young men he coached, and always referred to as "his kids", throughout his coaching career for the Hamlin Pied Pipers, Lockhart Lions, and Bryan Broncos.

Red passed away at home in Bryan surrounded by his family. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew and loved him. He loved God first, his family and friends, Texas A&M University and the Bryan Vikings.

Charitable donations may be made in Reds name to First United Methodist Church of Bryan or the Texas A&M Letterman's Association.

Barton "Fight on my men, Sir Andrew Said,
"Although I'm hurt, I am not slain.
"I'll just lie down and bleed a while,
"Then I'll rise up and Fight again."
From the Ballad of Sir Andrew Barton

 

WESLEY SUMMERS
 

  • Summers, Wesley Kenton

October 21, 1925 - January 4, 2017

......When I get to where I'm going on the far side of the sky, the first thing that I'm going to do is spread my wings and fly. But when I get to where I'm going and I see my Maker's face, I'll stand there forever in the light of His amazing grace.

Former Bryan I.S.D. School Superintendent, Wesley Kenton Summers, passed away at the Crestview Retirement Center on January 4, 2017. He was 91 years old.

Wesley was born on October 21, 1925 in San Antonio Texas to Frank Leslie and Etta Nelson Summers. His family moved to Bryan when Wesley was six years old. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Bryan in 1942, and then continued his education at Texas A&M University. While at A&M, Wesley was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. While recovering from a brief illness while training in Quantico, Virginia, he met his wife, Blanche Lenore Walker who was serving as a nurse's aide at the Naval Hospital on the Marine Corps base.

Wesley received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Texas A&M University in 1948. He then earned his Masters Degree in Education Administration and his Doctorate Degree in Curriculum, also from Texas A&M. For 32 years, Dr. Summers worked for Bryan I.S.D., held various administrative positions, and, finally, in 1984, retired as Bryan Superintendent. Throughout his tenure with Bryan I.S.D. and his involvement with Greater Texas Foundation, Wesley never forgot the children of Bryan and surrounding areas. He worked tirelessly to give every student access to not only a quality public education but to make post-secondary opportunities available to more high school graduates. After his retirement, Wesley owned and operated a cattle ranch near Franklin, TX.

Wesley was a member of the Business Men's Bible Class at the First Baptist Church in Bryan. He was a member of Greater Texas Foundation's Board, serving from 1984 through 2014. Dr. Summers was the President of Greater Texas Services, a subsidiary of Greater Texas Foundation. He was also a member of the Executive Committee, Charitable Activities Committee, and Audit and Accountability Committee while affiliated with the foundation.

Dr. Summers was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche, of 63 years, his parents, Leslie and Etta Summers, and Eugene Rudolph Summers, his only brother.

He is survived by his three children; daughter, Janet Summers George of Bryan, daughter, Sue Summers McKean and husband, Mike of Weatherford, TX, and son, Gary Kenton Summers and wife, Debbie of Palm City, FL. As Wesley's family grew, so did his love for and pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandchildren are; Jennifer Slivensky and husband, Ronnie of Sugar Land, TX, Phillip George and wife Jenny of Bryan, TX, Gregory George and wife, Dana of Pearland TX, Patrick Shannon and wife Brandy of Ft. Worth, TX, Jill McKean of Keller, TX, Grady Summers and wife Cori of Lebanon, PA, Krista Singleton and husband, Matt of Palm City, FL, and Kathryn Crews and husband, Nathan of Palm City, FL. Wesley's great-grandchildren are; Kenton and Ryan Slivensky of Sugar Land, TX, Natalie and Shelby George of Bryan, TX, Grayson George of Pearland, TX, Karissa Bliss of Ft. Worth, TX, Madeline, Amelia, Grayden, and Blake Summers of Lebanon, PA, Wade, Caroline, Thatcher, Wyatt and Charles Singleton of Palm City, FL, Wesley, Tyler and Nicholas Crews of Palm City Fl.

The family of Dr. Summers would like to thank all of the wonderful people at Hospice Brazos Valley for the loving, efficient care given to our father. Also, the family is grateful beyond words to the staff of MRC Crestview for the love and attention given to Wesley over the last three years. The care and kindness the RNs, LVNs, CNAs and aides gave to our dad will always be remembered.