Ron Harrod

Ronald Lee Harrod

July 11, 1938 – May 21, 2013

Ronald Lee Harrod went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. The family will welcome friends to their home in College Station on Wednesday, May 22 from 5:00 until 7:00 in the evening. A celebration of Ron's life is scheduled for noon on Saturday, June 8 at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station.

Ron was born and raised in Houston, Texas, graduating in 1956 from Lamar High School where he met his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 53 years, Carol North Harrod. Ron attended Texas A&M University as a member of the Corps of Cadets, graduating in 1960 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation and a June wedding, he served in the Army from 1961 to 1962 before moving back to Houston and working for Johns-Manville for 35 years. Ron and Carol lived in Houston for 30 years, raising their two daughters, Karen and Kathy. In 1993, they moved into a home Ron designed himself in College Station, where he lived close to his cherished A&M and friends both old and new.

Ron loved music and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. He loved being outdoors and recognized God's presence through the beauty of nature. His passion for travel led him to visit every state in America. His accomplishments as a photographer allowed him to chronicle those vacation experiences as well as Texas A&M sports. He used his unique artistic ability for many years by painting personalized awards that were presented at A&M sports banquets to senior athletes. He loved Texas A&M, never missing a home or away game for nearly 40 seasons. His most recent contribution to his alma mater was serving as a volunteer in the sports museum.

Along with his wife Carol, Ron was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in College Station where he sang in the choir for many years and was a member of the Christian Collage Sunday School Class.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, George Robert Harrod and Ruby Aderholt Harrod; Carol's parents, Arthur and Marie North; and his sister, Rosemary Huiet.

Survivors include his loving wife, Carol North Harrod of College Station; daughter Karen and her husband Gary High of Atlanta; daughter Kathy and her husband Steve Newland of Keller; and treasured grandchildren, Catherine and Camille High, and Garrett and Jack Newland. His brother George Robert Harrod Jr., sister-in-law Françoise, and niece Florence survive him also.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the staff of Hospice Brazos Valley for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron's memory to Hospice Brazos Valley, 1600 Joseph Dr., Bryan, TX 77802 or Christ United Methodist Church, 4201 State Hwy. 6 South, College Station, TX 77845.

Condolences may be left for the family at CallawayJones.com

In Memory of John Wiley Link III July 9, 1937 - May 7, 2013 Obituary John Wiley Link, III passed away on Tuesday, the 7th of May 2013. With his passing, it is the end of an era not just for the extended Link family, but also for Houston's founding families. John was a legacy of that era, a larger-than-life Texan who spoke with a drawl, dabbled in real estate and law, and called the ladies "darlin." But John also took on the mantle of his family's responsibilities in more ways than one, most importantly, in assuming the role of father to his young nephews on the premature death of his sister, Adrienne Claire Link Shea. John was born the 9th of July 1937 in Houston to George Harold Link and Marcita Drouet, the youngest child behind older sisters Adrienne Claire and "Little" Marcita, both of whom died too young. We would be remiss in failing to acknowledge John's family as part of Houston's roots: building Montrose, running cattle, laying claim to large tracks of bayou, and charming the country folk out of their mineral rights. But it was a tough act to follow, particularly for John, whose rebellious nature did not win him fans in his father's court. After obtaining an undergraduate (pledging DKE) in 1964 and law degree in 1967 from UT, John became a commercial real estate broker and spent most of his professional life managing the family's affairs. For many years, John shared offices with his dear friend and business partner, Cole Thomson, and between the two of them, there wasn't much that went unnoticed in South Texas business. John was incredibly bright and witty, and no more was that evident than at the bridge table, where he played rubber and tournament bridge, and happily trounced less worthy opponents. He attained the Silver Life Master status. But John was also rapscallion. He enjoyed being playful and irreverent, though always respectful. He used colorful language loudly and without blushing, especially when the Longhorns let him down. He indulged in an occasional drink or three, and smoked stinky cigars. John spent the last years of his life with a lovely and caring soulmate, Bobbi Kaufman, with whom he enjoyed bridge and traveling. She willfully played the "straight man" to John's jokes, patiently tweaked his lifestyle, and held his hand through recent health woes. The family is eternally grateful for Bobbi's loving care of their challenging uncle. Left to share Unca' John stories are "his boys," Robert Shea of Alexandria, Virginia and John Shea of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, their respective wives, Eva and Amy, and their young children, Haley, Hannah, Mary, Anna and Peter. His other nieces and nephews, including Patrick Shea (Austin), George Shea (Houston), Constance Shea (San Anselmo, California), and Allen Shea (Houston); and cousins will miss John's stewardship in family affairs, and will toast John's wily negotiating skills at the final closing on Mason Road. He also leaves behind his loving cousin Janet Cartwright. "In celebration of John's life, we invite you to smoke a stinky cigar, have that extra glass of red wine, swear at the Longhorns football team, and tell an off color joke in mixed company." Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from four o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 10th of May, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. An interment service is to be conducted at half-past nine o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 11th of May, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Avenue in Houston. A uniformed steward from Geo. H. Lewis & Sons is to be positioned at the entrance of the cemetery so as to guide guests to the interment site. The memorial service is to follow at eleven o'clock in the morning, also on Saturday, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at a venue to be announced at the service. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Texas Exes, P.O. Box 142309, Austin, TX, 78714-9903; or to a charity of one's choice.

Donald R. Segers

Donald R. Segers ,75, passed away on March 30, 2013, in Las Cruces, NM, surrounded by his family.
Don was born in Laredo, TX and raised in Houston. He was a member of the Texas A&M Class of '60. Following Texas A&M, Don worked for 48 years for the same company, United Centrifugal Pumps (later known as BW/IP and Flowserve). He was an avid golfer and loved working on his dream home, a mountain cabin in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. However, Don's greatest accomplishment was that of being a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ione Segers. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Donna; his children and their spouses, David (Betsy), Darren (Laura), Doug and Danielle (Matthew); his adored grandchildren, Trent, Samantha, Sarah, Emily, Jacob and Abby. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Stockton and many other loving family members and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 12 at 3:00 PM at Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Drive, Klein, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Mary Gene Gibbons Melling

Mary Gene Melling, 74 Born June 27th, 1938, Passed Away March 7, 2013

In Las Vegas, Nevada. She leaves behind her loving children Kimberly DeSoto of Las Vegas, Her spouse Robert, son Randall of Houston TX as well as her loving grandchildren, Jamie and Kevin. A private service will be held by family members in Las Vegas, Nv on March 11, 2013

CHARLES ROBERT HRDLICKA III

1938-2013


Charles Robert Hrdlicka, III was born July 16, 1938 in Houston to Dorothy and Charles Hrdlicka. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 21, 2013. Charley graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.B.A. in Banking and Finance and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. In 1959 he married the love of his life, Andra Lee Reed. In addition to his wife of almost 54 years, he is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Hrdlicka Elorriaga of San Antonio, Elizabeth Hrdlicka Craig and her husband Paul Craig, of Houston, and Karel Hrdlicka Hoffman and her husband Kenneth Hoffman, of San Antonio. Charley and Andra were blessed with seven grandsons: Charles Hunter Harris, John Tyler Elorriaga, John Campbell Craig, Charles Durham Craig, Kenneth Key Hoffman, IV, Charles Hrdlicka Hoffman and William Cook Hoffman.He was preceded in death by his sister Mary "Cookie" Charlton two years ago.

Charley began his career at Bank of Texas in Houston in 1961 followed by a move to Great Southern Bank as President. His career continued to excel as President of InterFirst Bank, Conroe before becoming President of InterFirst Bank, San Antonio. Charley then became Chairman and CEO of Victoria Bankshares and its principal subsidiary Victoria Bank and Trust. The sale of Victoria Bankshares transitioned him to Vice Chairman of Norwest Bank Texas, San Antonio. After a brief stint in retirement he served as President of Texas Capital Bank, San Antonio region where he remained involved until 2007.

During Charley’s career he was honored to serve as Chairman of the Texas Bankers Association, the Board of Directors of the American Bankers Association and a member of the Federal Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve System.

Charley continued to share his talents of strategic planning and discernment in the community as a board member of Texas Chamber of Commerce, Texas Research League and Christ Healing Center. Additionally he was a member of the Methodist Healthcare System Community Board and its Bioethics, Nominating and Professional Staff committees.

Charley’s life focus was to serve the Lord Jesus Christ with purpose to be the best servant, husband, father, grandfather (Pops) and friend in order that He might be glorified. His commitment to Christ led him to be extensively involved in ministry. As a member of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church he served on the AHUMC Foundation Board and the Board of Stewards. He joyfully celebrated the Lord through Men of Life Bible Study, Band of Brothers, Walk to Emmaus and Stephen Ministry. His gift of evangelism was evident in his mission work through East-West Ministries International, most notably in Cuba, and Men of Light Ministries.

He loved travelling with Andra, family and friends. He cherished his times of fellowship. He loved his dogs and his adventures. The diversity of these adventures ranged from hunting on O’Connor ranches, fishing the Amazon, “thousand bird days” in Argentina and following dolphins in Rockport. His passion and respect for the outdoors that he shared with his family and grandsons is his greatest legacies.

Charley’s life will be celebrated at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, 825 E. Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 on Tuesday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alamo Heights United Methodist Church Foundation, Christ Healing Center or East-West International Ministries.

Ernest Barger Miller

Ernest Barger Miller III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and faithful friend, died on January 14, 2013, after a courageous battle with heart failure. He was born on May 15, 1938, to Dorothy Bryan Miller and Ernest Barger Miller, Jr. Barger is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bryan Miller. He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Dale Porter Miller, his son, Ernest Barger Miller IV and wife Carrie, daughter Margaret (Meg) Miller Culp and husband John, and four precious grandchildren, Maggie Miller, Porter Miller, Lenna Culp, and Miller Culp. No man could have been prouder of his family or loved them more. He also leaves behind a brother, David Miller and wife Janet, sister-in-law Francesca Miller, mother-in-law, Louise Porter, sisters and brothers-in-law Lynn and Harold Pitts and Patti and Marvin Porter. Good and kind to the core, Bargie (as he was affectionately called by many) will be terribly missed but held in our hearts forever.

Growing up in Houston, Bargie was educated in the Houston Public Schools going to Poe, Lanier and Lamar. Many of the friends from those years were his lifelong, treasured friends. While at Lamar, among other things, he lettered in football and was voted the most outstanding chemistry student in HISD.
He attended Stanford University where he received a BS in Chemistry. He then went on to Northwestern University where he received his MBA and enjoyed a year of being an assistant teaching instructor in Statistics.
Like his Grandfather, a pioneer in the oil industry, and his Father before him, Barger spent his career in energy related business. He began his career in Baton Rouge at the Humble Oil and Refining Co. where he specialized in catalytic reforming. He helped write some of the first computer models for this process before returning to Houston as an economic analyst for the Supply Department. He served as President of Charter House Japhet, USA, and ultimately started E.B. Miller & Co. raising capital for numerous projects both here and in South America. One of his most challenging and satisfying accomplishments was designing and building a small refinery in Bolivia.
A long time member of St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Barger served as Trustee, as both and Elder and a Deacon, and at various times was a Sunday School teacher of young children and adults. He was a member of several social and civic organizations that allowed him to serve the community and that gave him great pleasure as well.
His favorite place in all the world was the family lake house in northern Minnesota. He spent part of every summer of his life there and treasured time there with his children and grandchildren. Watching them learn to swim, fish, ski, and love the outdoors as he did was one of his greatest joys.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the kind and compassionate care Barger received during his long stay at The Methodist Hospital. They are especially grateful to and thankful for Dr. Amy Mynderse.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe, with a reception following at the church. Sr. Minister John Wurster will officiate. Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for the interment at The Bryan City Cemetery in Bryan, Texas.
In lieu of usual remembrances, for those desiring, contributions may be made in Barger's memory to St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe, Houston 77056 or to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston 77030 or to the charity of your choice .

Kemper Fall Walker, 75, of Bridgeport, died Wednesday, October 24, 2012 in Decatur following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be conducted at Ascension and St. Mark's Episcopal Church near Bridgeport, with Father DeWayne Adams officiating on Monday October 29 at 2 pm.

Kemper was born October 21, 1937, in Houston, to Ruth Nichols Fall and Fredric Fall.

She is survived by daughter Jennifer Walker and family of Bridgeport; daughter Laura Craft and family of Katy; son Wise County Sheriff David Walker and family of Bridgeport; her sister, Sally Sanders of Houston.

Published in Houston Chronicle on October 27, 2012