TxETA celebrates those we've lost recently. Those brilliant educators who dedicated their lives to their craft and to their students, sharing the magic of theatre and touching so many lives along the way. Through their immeasurable contributions, each of them left an individual and indelible mark that entertained, informed and enlightened so many. They've touched our hearts, they've made us smile, and became dear friends along the way that will never be forgotten.

2025

Brad Durio

Bradley Paul Durio

June 21, 1982 — January 17, 2025

Beaumont, Texas

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bradley Paul Durio, 42, of Fannett, TX who left us far too soon on January 17, 2025. Brad’s infectious laughter, radiant smile, and kind heart left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. A cherished son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, Brad was truly a bright light in every room he entered, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, laughter, and only the best vibes.

Brad was born on June 21, 1982 in Port Arthur, TX, and was raised in nearby Hamshire where he attended Hamshire-Fannett elementary, middle, and high schools. It was here that he first cultivated his love for the arts and began to share his passion with others. His time in the Longhorn Band started a long legacy of Durio and Black family drum majors, while his captivating stage presence was undeniable during his participation in prose and poetry, debate, theatre, and one act play studies. He went on to Lamar University and the University of Houston, where he earned his degrees in Theatre and Theatre Education. Here Brad’s gift for teaching blossomed, and he went on to inspire young minds and develop future generations both in the classroom and through the enhancement of educational tools by way of artificial intelligence consultation.

Brad’s passion for life was mirrored in his work as a teacher, where he inspired countless students with his boundless energy, vast creativity, and steadfast dedication. He was not just a teacher; he was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding force for those who came through his classroom. His love for the arts was matched only by his love for those around him, and his ability to bring out the best in people was a testament to the depth of his character.

Brad’s nieces and nephews can attest that their Uncle Brad was a child at heart with a contagious, playful spirit and sense of humor. He had a laugh that could fill a room, a knack for catching precious moments in time with the perfectly posed selfie, and a heart as big as his laugh. He saw the world through a lens of compassion and generosity, always ready to offer a helping hand or a listening ear to those in need.

Brad was a devout Christian who found immense comfort and strength in God's word, particularly during life’s most challenging times. His faith in the Lord gave him the courage to face adversity, and his love for others was evident in his kindness and generosity. Brad's spirit will continue to inspire all those who carry his memory in their hearts.

Brad is survived by his loving family, who will forever hold him in their hearts: his parents, Kathleen and Bill Black, his father Carroll Durio, his siblings, James Durio and wife Amanda, Theresa Bennett and husband Damian, and youngest brother Tyler Black, his Grandmother Jaylene Black,as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family would like to thank all those who have offered their support and prayers during this difficult time.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, beginning at 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a rosary being held at 6:00 pm, at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, Texas. A celebration of Brad’s life will be held at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 10 am. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Bradley Durio Memorial Scholarship Fund, https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/bradley-durio-memorial-scholarship-fund. However, flowers are also warmly accepted as a gesture of love and support.

Brad’s curtain may have fallen and he has exited center stage, but the love and joy he shared with the world will echo forever. Rest in peace, Brad. May your standing ovation never fade. #choosejoy

Charlotte Brown

Charlotte Brown: A Gentle Light,
A Lasting Legacy

For more than half a century, Charlotte Brown was a guiding star in Texas educational theatre and speech—a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend whose influence reached far beyond any stage. At Gregory-Portland High School and across the Coastal Bend, she built a culture of excellence rooted in care: classrooms that felt like home, rehearsal halls that felt like possibility, and performances that revealed what students were capable of when someone truly believed in them. She championed UIL One-Act Play, speech and debate, and the beloved traditions of Summer on Stage and “Follies,” not simply as activities, but as communities where young people could grow into themselves.

Those who knew her remember the sparkle as much as the structure: the easy laughter, the impeccable style, the earrings that caught the light, and the warm “Happy birthday, kid,” posted year after year. They remember a teacher who prepared students to compete at the highest levels—state championships, national finalists, crowded trophy cases—but who never confused the prize with the point. The real victory, she taught, is the person you become along the way: more confident, more disciplined, more kind.

Charlotte welcomed generations of students into that journey. Some joined on a whim. Others transferred schools just to learn under her. Countless more found their courage because she noticed them—often in a single, decisive moment—and invited them to try something new. She made room for performers and technicians, extroverts and quiet workers, the naturally bold and the beautifully unsure. Everyone had a place. Everyone mattered.

What follows is a gathering of the sentiments shared since her passing, woven into a single voice of gratitude—softly spoken, deeply felt.

She Saw Us—And Helped Us See Ourselves

Again and again, former students describe the first time Charlotte looked their way and truly saw them. A teenager auditioned for a musical with nothing but nerves and a singing voice; she walked out with a lead and, soon, a new path. Another student, newly arrived and unsure, was nudged toward extemporaneous speaking “just to try it”—and won the first tournament. A shy freshman found himself cast in a straight play because she believed he could carry a role. A backstage kid, worried that a soft voice would limit opportunities, was offered the chance to stage-manage and discovered a talent for leadership that would outlast high school.

Charlotte’s gift was recognizing potential before the student could, and then making that belief practical. She did not flatter; she invested. She set a standard, offered tools, and stood with you while you learned to trust them. For many, that recognition changed everything: majors chosen, careers launched, lifelong friendships formed. More than one person writes, simply: “She made me who I am.”

Excellence, Gently Demanded

Charlotte’s expectations were clear and consistent. She taught posture, pace, diction, and timing with a craftsman’s care. She reminded students to face the house, project to the back row, and honor the silence as much as the laugh. She taught that audiences hear courage, that discipline reads as ease, and that you can carry a whole scene with one truthful beat. She insisted on preparation—not as pressure, but as kindness to yourself and your partners. Being early was respect. Rehearsing was respect. Showing up fully was respect.

And yet the tone her alumni use to describe this is never harsh. They remember being guided, encouraged, and—when necessary—firmly redirected by someone whose first instinct was always love. She could be brisk in a note session, but students felt safe in that clarity. Her feedback made them better; her belief made them brave.

A Statewide Presence, A Neighbor’s Heart

In UIL One-Act Play, speech, and debate, Charlotte’s name became synonymous with excellence. Former students and friendly rivals alike speak with admiration about facing her teams: you brought your best because you knew they would. Alumni celebrate a record that included multiple state championships—often recalling seven One-Act Play titles in 18 appearances—and a countless tally of state and national finalists.

But trophies are not the center of these memories. What stands out is her generosity. Coaches who competed against her describe how she would sit with them between rounds, explain a category, or offer a word that clarified everything. Students from other schools recall the small kindnesses: the quick “good luck,” the smile that steadied nerves, the compliment that felt like a benediction. Her competitive fire and open-handed spirit lived side by side. She wanted the work to be better everywhere, not only at home.

Theatre as Family

For many, the GP theatre hallway was where they first felt they belonged. “Follies” rehearsals and Summer on Stage became seasonal touchstones; buses to Saturday tournaments felt like pilgrimages with breakfast rides and shared playlists. Traditions formed: call times that taught responsibility, circle-ups that taught listening, and inside jokes that decades later still make people laugh.

Students learned that ensemble is more than a cast list. It’s the willingness to cheer for someone else’s moment, to shoulder a set piece when your part is done, to stay with a problem until the solution appears. It’s discovering that a quiet presence can hold a room, that a steady hand at the light board is as essential as a soaring note, and that kindness is not extra—it’s the foundation. The friendships forged there have lasted lifetimes. Classmates became colleagues, godparents, and trusted friends. That, too, is part of her legacy.

After the Curtain—Still “Her Kids”

Charlotte did not stop caring at graduation. Alumni remember visits to her home, messages during hard seasons, and the annual birthday shout-outs that made them smile. Parents treasure that she taught their children after teaching them; teachers speak of returning to GP to sit beside her as colleagues and, eventually, to carry the torch she placed in their hands. Some were chosen by her to lead the department she built; others found their way into classrooms of their own, inspired to teach because she had taught them.

In all these stories, the through-line is presence. She stayed. She checked in. She celebrated milestones and showed up in grief. When a student received news of a loss, Charlotte sent a note that became a keepsake. When someone took a scary step in their adult life, her words—learned years earlier—were the voice they heard: You can do this. You belong here. Keep going.

Style and Spirit

Part of what made Charlotte unforgettable was the way she carried herself. Former students smile when they describe the chandelier clip-ons, the big Texas hair, the sunglasses that knew they were fabulous, the parade of Cadillacs, and later the bright blue Corvette. She brought a little glamour everywhere she went, not as decoration but as a form of joy. In her presence, students learned that artistry and presentation matter—on stage, yes, but also in the quiet way you step into a room and honor the moment you’ve been given.

That spirit infused her teaching. She created spaces that were orderly and alive, disciplined and playful. She could cut through a muddled scene with a single note that made everyone laugh and then—somehow—made the work land. The grace and humor were not separate from the standards; they were how the standards became humane.

Moments We Keep

In the flood of memories, certain scenes reappear:

A teenager in the house lights hearing her name called as state champion, turning first to look for Charlotte’s face and the nod that meant “I’m proud of you.”
A student who tumbled on the stairs at a tournament, steadied herself, and then heard Charlotte’s gentle voice: I’ll see you at Follies tryouts—grace like that belongs on stage.
A kid with a soft voice discovering the thrill of tech—calling cues, moving quietly in the dark, making the magic happen.
A message that arrived on a birthday every single year, even decades later, reminding you that you were still “one of hers.”
A note of comfort at a time of loss—simple, heartfelt words that made you feel held.
A director’s finger pointing from the center aisle to a student who hadn’t yet dared to dream that big: You. You’re ready.

These are not just stories. They are touchstones—moments people return to when they need courage or perspective. They remind us that Charlotte’s influence was at once vast and intimate: statewide renown expressed in the most personal ways.

A Legacy Built to Last

The building at GP that bears her name tells one part of the story. The scholarship endowed in her honor tells another. But the truest monuments are living: the teachers who model their classrooms on what they learned from her; the professionals who speak clearly and lead confidently because they once learned to stand tall on a stage; the parents who look for coaches who combine high expectations with high care because that is what shaped them; the students now learning from her students, carrying forward the practices and the heart.

Many alumni describe the comfort of having told her, while she could hear it, what she meant to them—especially during the tribute performance after her retirement. That gathering, like the memorial planned in Portland on October 25, was less a farewell than a chorus of thanks. Gratitude is the music that follows her wherever she goes.

What She Taught Beyond the Stage

Charlotte’s lessons were practical: breathe from the diaphragm, find your light, trust the pause, honor the ensemble, be early, be ready. They were also profoundly human: show up for people, tell the truth kindly, do the hard thing because it’s right, know the difference between perfection and excellence and aim for the latter with your whole heart. She believed that theatre could make people more alive to one another and to themselves. And that belief proved true—in boardrooms and courtrooms, clinics and classrooms, family rooms and community centers—where former students discovered they could hold a room, calm a fear, lift a team, and speak with purpose.

Perhaps the most enduring wisdom was this: The show must go on does not mean pretending nothing is wrong. It means carrying on together, with care, even when the set shakes. You keep faith with your training, you lean on your partners, and you trust that courage practiced becomes courage present. In grief, those words are a gentle invitation. They do not hurry anyone past sorrow; they make room for it and then offer a hand.

A Softer Goodbye

It is hard to imagine a world without Charlotte Brown. For many, the news felt both inevitable and impossible. And yet, within the ache, there is a quiet confidence she would recognize: the knowledge that what she built is sturdy. Her students—thousands strong across five decades—are carrying her light. They are protecting creative, welcoming classrooms. They are coaching with the same steady mix of clarity and compassion. They are reminding their own students to face forward, breathe, and believe that they belong.

So we say thank you, gently and with full hearts.

Thank you for noticing the kid in the back row and offering a chance.

Thank you for teaching us to prepare, to listen, and to trust one another

Thank you for the laughter, the style, the warmth that turned hard work into joy.

Thank you for the wins, yes, but more for the growth that made the wins possible.

Thank you for birthdays remembered and losses met with tenderness.

Thank you for building a family out of a program and a future out of a season

Thank you for showing that excellence and inclusion do not compete—they strengthen one another.

We will honor you by doing what you taught us to do. We will be early. We will be ready. We will cheer for one another and make space for new voices. We will keep the standards high and the welcome wide. We will pause for laughter, trust the silence, and if anything falters, we will carry on together—steady, kind, and brave.

Rest well, Ms. Brown.

The stage is a little dimmer for your absence, but the lights you turned on in all of us are still shining. And because of you, they will keep shining on every student who needs a place to belong, on every story that deserves to be told, and on every “kid” who is just about to discover what they can do.

Russ White

Bob Straus

Remembering Robert "Bob" Paul Straus
1944-2025

Robert "Bob" Paul Straus, born on September 23, 1944, in Abilene, Texas, was a man of many talents and a profound love for the arts. A true entrepreneur, he owned several businesses, including Robert Straus Clothiers, but his heart belonged to the theater.

A Pillar of the Abilene Arts Community

Bob's dedication to the arts was unmatched. He was a founding member of the Abilene Repertory Theatre and a prolific actor and director, gracing the stages of:

Hardin-Simmons University (his alma mater)
McMurry University
Abilene Community Theatre
The Point Theatre in Ingram
Abilene's Paramount productions

He also shared his passion for theater with students, teaching in Stamford, Wylie, and Fredericksburg, where he also managed the Steve W. Shepherd Theater. He was known for his generous spirit, always willing to help fellow theater and speech enthusiasts. Bob even managed and toured with the Greater Tuna cast for a time and directed children’s summer musical workshops in Fredericksburg for many years, where his students proudly referred to themselves as "Straus kids."

A Life of Laughter and Learning

Known for his vibrant personality and infectious laugh, Bob was a great comic actor both on and off the stage. He loved telling a good story or a "bad Dad joke," often using the phrase "to make a long story short—" to introduce a tale that was anything but brief.

After retiring from teaching, he continued to give back to the community by substitute teaching, judging, and conducting clinics for One Act Play and debate. His dedication to his students was evident; as recently as March of this year, a Cross-X debate group he coached from Clyde won second place at the state competition.

A Final Curtain Call

Bob passed away on July 13, 2025, after a battle with cancer. His final weeks were filled with love and appreciation from former students and theater friends from all over. He considered his son, Caleb, and his three grandsons—Brian, Liam, and Eldon—to be his "finest productions." A long-time member of First Baptist Church in Abilene, he often joked that he was one of the few in the denomination who had been bar mitzvahed.

Bob lived his 80 years exactly as he chose, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the arts. We're betting he's already back on stage in heaven, reunited with his best friend, Luther Knightstep, and getting a standing ovation.

"Mr. Straus was such a fun loving person,
and a good role model.
He was my theatre arts teacher
way back in the 90's,
and he got me to come
out of my shell,
as I was very shy back then.
I will always carry the memories
and the life lessons
that were taught, even in theatre.
Rest in peace, sir. Til we meet again.."

"Mr. Straus is the reason
I found my love for theatre.
From being a skittish little 9 year old
attending his theatre camps to the
confident 23 year old I am now
pursuing theatre full time,
he was always pushing me
to do my best and served
as the ultimate role model
for the type of person
I wish to become."

"I went to Clyde High School,
Bob had always helped me
with Prose and Poetry
and acting in One Act too,
allowing to get many awards.
I remember he would always say
“The Achilles”
or make jokes about my heel hurting.
I wish him peace and rest.
Thank you Bob. "

Omar Leos

𝗜𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝘀

San Antonio's arts and education communities mourn the passing of Omar Anthony Leos, a beloved educator, director, and advocate for the arts whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

Omar dedicated his life to enriching the lives of others through his passion for theater and education. A proud graduate of Thomas Edison High School and the University of the Incarnate Word, Omar combined his love for learning and the arts to create meaningful change throughout the city. As the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Harlandale Independent School District, he ensured that students had access to transformative arts education, leaving a lasting legacy in the classroom and beyond.

Omar’s creative talents shone brightly in San Antonio’s theater scene.

He served as Board Chair for The Public Theater of San Antonio (now San Pedro Playhouse), guiding the organization through key moments of growth and artistic achievement. He directed many shows at the Playhouse, including 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝘼𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮 and many more. Omar was also a Board Member for Classic Theatre of San Antonio and made a profound impact, directing powerful productions such as 𝙂𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙨 and 𝘼 𝘿𝙤𝙡𝙡’𝙨 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚, 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 2. His direction brought stories to life with depth, empathy, and authenticity — hallmarks of Omar's artistic vision and leadership.

Omar was never afraid to speak his mind and hold the arts community accountable for greater representation and authenticity — something he believed in deeply and expressed with care and conviction. In doing so, he upheld one of our organization’s most important core values of bravery, challenging us all to create with honesty and integrity.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Omar was honored in 2020 with The Carl Glick Creative Impact Award from our theatre — a fitting tribute to a man whose creativity and leadership elevated San Antonio's arts landscape.

Beyond his professional achievements, Omar will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. His ability to inspire, mentor, and connect with people made him a treasured friend and guiding light in the community.

Omar’s legacy will live on in the students he taught, the productions he brought to life, and the countless lives he touched. As we remember him, let us honor his memory by continuing to uplift the arts, support education, and share the joy of creativity — just as he so beautifully did throughout his life.

May he rest in peace.

2024

Steven W. Wallace

August 11, 1951 - November 9, 2024

Steven W. Wallace was born in Columbus, GA, but grew up in his mother's hometown of Mainz, Germany where he was on track to study at a University, however, when his father retired from the military and relocated to Kingsville, TX he found himself in high school, where not only did he not speak any English, but he had already taken all the higher curriculum courses in Germany and that left English, P.E., and Speech classes as offerings. It was in his Speech class that he discovered storytelling and theatre. After high school he went to Texas A & I University (now Texas A & M University Kingsville) earning a B.S. in Secondary Education and then attended grad school at Trinity University, studying at the Dallas Theatre Center. After earning his MFA, Steve's first job was the Technical Director at the College of Santa Fe where he not only cultivated his lighting and set design abilities, but directing skills as well. Steve's passion for theatre arts in higher education led him to teach and ultimately become Chairman of Communication Arts at New Mexico Highlands University where he rebuilt a program that had been declining. His ability to build a theatre program and create innovative ideas in theatre education led him to the University of Oklahoma where he was the Director of the School of Theatre and Dance for many years. It was at OU where his development of new plays and his partnership with Mark Medoff began. Together they collaborated with designers, students and faculty and produced many of Mark's new works, leading to a lifelong collaboration until Mark's death in 2019. From the University of Oklahoma, Steve was hired as Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Florida State University, which includes the Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, FSU’s graduate program. It was at FSU that Steve & Mark Medoff produced his play "Prymate". The play garnered enough interest that the New York Times did an article about the play, which brought it to the attention of a group of New York producers and as a result, the play opened on Broadway in 2003.

In 2007, Steve became the Director of the School of Theatre and Dance at the University of Houston. As director, Steve brought his years of experience and contacts in the professional world of theatre together with the faculty and students at UH. Steve's participation in Leadership Houston, his appointment to the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, serving as Artistic Director of the Houston Shakespeare Festival and ultimately President of the Faculty Senate at UH, brought together the strengths and community of the Fine Arts in the city of Houston. Under Steve's tenure as Director of the School, alongside, Jackie DeMontmillon, they created the Summer MA program for teachers across the country to earn their Masters of Art in Theatre Education, while continuing their teaching career at their schools. Steve revitalized the Playwrighting program within the school whereby respected playwrights, such as Edward Albee and Mark Medoff worked with budding playwrighting students. In addition, Steve forged a relationship with the Tony Winning Alley Theatre which resulted in the creation of an undergraduate Stage Management program, training for the profession with the profession. Steve was a regular figure over the years at TxETA TheatreFest, auditioning and recruiting top high school students seeking to major in Theatre Arts. Steve was passionate about the importance of a quality Fine Arts education in secondary and higher education systems. His dedication to creating innovative programs and mentoring students and faculty has touched hundreds over his long career.

After Steve's retirement in 2021, he and his wife, Beth (who taught Theatre Arts to elementary students in public schools) moved to Los Angeles, CA to be closer to their two adult children and a granddaughter. Unfortunately Steve suffered a stroke in early September and passed away two months later, meeting his second grandchild a week before his death. Steve leaves behind his wife, Beth of 42 years, his son Brian (and Meg) Wallace, his daughter, Berkley (and Josh) Malmuth and two granddaughters, Evelyn and Eloise. To say that Steve will be missed by many is an understatement - his love of theatre and teaching will continue with those lucky enough to have worked with him over the years. The family will have a Celebration of Life in Los Angeles, CA in early spring 2025.

Mariana Laverne Meaders

Mariana Jones Meaders was born on March 7, 1951, in New York, New York to Helen

Mary Jacques and Raymond Jones. She was the first of four girls to be born in four

years. This set her path toward being everyone’s dramatic boss.

When she was 13 years old, she and her sisters, Donna, Susan, and Dolores went to

live at the Pythian Home in Weatherford, Texas where she met her first love Daniel

Meaders. Coming to “the home” set her path toward public speaking, speech, and her

love of theatre. In 1969, Mariana graduated from Weatherford High School, where she

was impacted by many friends and teachers.

In 1970, she married Craig Stockstill while they attended Texas Cristian University. She

began her teaching career in 1974. Craig and Mariana made many moves through the

years which allowed her to touch the lives of students at Meecham MS, Weatherford,

Callisburg, Whitney, Schertz-Cibolo, Marion, Lake Travis, and Georgetown ISDs. In

1976, they welcomed Kristi, the love of her life.

In 1999, Mariana married Billy D. Taylor. They met at Riverbend Church in Austin, Texas

where they had a large and fun friend group. Many of whom still keep up with Mariana

after Billy’s passing in 2002.

After suffering the loss of beloved spouses, Mariana found her first and last love, Daniel.

They had twenty years of love, laughter, and travels.

Mariana loved with wild abandon. She was a fierce advocate for education, especially

theatre education. She left sprinkles everywhere she went, literally. She touched the

lives of everyone she ever met. The world is better for having had her in it.

We ask that in lieu of flowers you donate to either your local high school theatre

program in her honor, or a cat shelter. She was always a crazy cat lady.

Don’t be sad that she is gone, be glad that we had her for seventy-four years.

Mariana is preceded in death by her grandmother Ora Mae Stovall, sisters Donna

(Fench), Susan (Maronick), and Dolores (Didway), her nephew Chandon (Gray), her

second husband Billy D. Taylor, and her parents Tom and Mary Stockstill.

She is survived by her daughter Kristi Stockstill Gold (Brian Gold) and “grand angels”

Joseph, Chet, and Vivian. She also leaves her love Daniel, stepson Daniel (Terry),

stepdaughter Kim (Tom), grandchildren Reed, and Lindsay, great grandson Hudson,

and grandchildren Alexis, Brandon, Hunter and Cole (Wilson), children of her

stepdaughter Kerri; niece Stephanie (Maronick), nephews Clinton (French), John

(Maronick), and Andew (Didway), as well as the thousands of students, teachers,

friends (the Ya-Yas, especially), and theatre educators.

Sally Lynn Askins

REMEMBERING

SALLY LYNN ASKINS

An Oklahoma girl, born in Ardmore in 1951, Sally Lynn Askins lived to the age of 70. She graduated from Justin F. Kimball High School in Dallas, Texas, and then

At Stephen F. Austin State University in the 1970s, Sally began to discover her life’s work. She studied Studio Art and Theatre obtaining degrees in both.

Sally received a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre at Trinity University’s graduate school at the Dallas Theatre Center, where she began her career in higher education, studying and working with the acclaimed Paul Baker at the Dallas Theatre Center. As a young artist developing her own aesthetic and love of design and puppetry, she was mentored by the renowned Irene Corey. In academia she taught at Northern Arizona University, Texas Tech and then Baylor University in 1993, where she stayed as Associate Professor and Costume Designer, creating and mentoring until her retirement in May 2023.

Sally designed costumes for The Arts Magnet High School, Callier Theatre for the Deaf, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Children’s Theatre, Flagstaff Festival for the Arts, Stage One, the State University of New York at Oneonta, Theatre Three, Brazos Theatre Group, Therapy Center Stage, Young Festival Stage and was honored when asked to travel to Russia to design costumes for the St. Petersburg Classic Ballet. She served on the Board of directors of Salado Legends at Tablerock Theatre, Salado for many years, and was a longtime Member of Texas Educational Theatre Association and the United States Institute of Theatre Technology.

As a widely respected educator and practitioner in theater arts, specializing in all aspects of storytelling through costume design, Sally fiercely advocated for the power of community, positivity, and creative expression. Her creative lifetime of work is an immeasurable contribution to the performing arts. Sally’s significant influence lives on through Young Festival Stage, her extended family of theatre makers, students and friends, young and young at heart.

From Sally’s Nephew:

Theatre can train a person to see every interaction as an audition. Every comment as a note. Every friend as a connection to be weighed and measured according to utility. But Sally Askins is stubborn. Sally believes against the preponderance of evidence that there is good. beauty and love in everyone. She never denied a student a kind ear or a shoulder to cry on or a word of encouragement. Or the affirmation that even if they couldn’t find their place in the theatre, they were still deeply worthy. This insistence that the world is better than it is. That we are better than we are, has given Sally strength in hard times and that was a strength she could lend to the hundreds of students who were lost and found their way to her couch.

Stubbornness is a faith that spreads. Sally’s dedication to beauty and goodness and faith changed my life. She helped me to this place. To these people. I have the life I have because she dug in her heels and refused to believe that bad things stay bad. As I look around I see a lot of wonderful people who have proved her right. Sally’s faith is a creative act. If you believe the world is good for long enough, you can get others to see it that way too. And If you work to make that real, eventually… it is.

You did it Sally. You made our world a better place. It was not easy. I’m sure at times it was lonely and trying and I think you deserve a rest. A long luxurious meeting free rest. But first… applause.

Thank you Sally Askins I am better because you believed.

-Robert Askins, Tony Award-Winning Playwright, Producer

Charles R. Jeffries

NOVEMBER 13, 1938 – FEBRUARY 28, 2024

Charles R. Jeffries passed away suddenly on February 28, 2024 at the age of 85. Charles earned a bachelor’s degree from TCU and a master’s degree through the Dallas Theatre Center and Trinity University. He spent many successful years as a theatre teacher, inspiring his students not just in performance but also in living creatively and exceeding expectations. He worked tirelessly to mold young men and women into productive adults who would support a world that honored creativity and respect. Charles enjoyed many accolades in his career by making five appearances at the State UIL One-Act Play Competition and winning two championships. He was also honored by the Founders of TETA and was recognized for his accomplishments at the State Competition. In addition, he had several UIL scripts published.

Everyone would be lucky to have a friend like Charles, full of smiles and laughter. He had a talent for making people laugh, not only with him but also at him…he cared not. He loved life, family, theatre, and travel and was 1000% loyal to those who were a part of his world. He was a first-class co-worker, friend, and traveler. Charles was one of a kind and will be missed but never forgotten. He will live in our hearts and minds forever.

Charles is survived by a son Brett, daughter in law Yvonne McClendon-Jeffries; by his grandchildren Blake Jeffries, Jordan Jeffries, Drew Jeffries, Anthony Santos, Mia-Nikole Santos and Valeria Santos; and by numbers of friends and former students. The world is a little less bright without Charles.

Darleen Totten

More information needed, please email Mike Doggett at office@tetatx.com if you have a link to his obituary.
But some of the best words a teacher can hear are those from their students . . .

From one of Darlene's former students:

"I didn’t have the best high school experience, & moving to Alice high school felt so scary at the time. But little did I know it was going to give me memories that last lifetime

Ms. Darleen Totten thank you for showing me what confidence felt like. You constantly pushed us to tap in deeper. and reminded us the talent we had within. You gave me some of the best people I’ve ever met. And showed me what true passion was.

Ms. Totten fought so hard for what she loved. She wasn’t scared to be her true self & never backed down.

It was because of her that I continued my theatre journey in college.

Ms. Totten, please know your job on this earth made a long lasting impact on your theatre kids."

Rest in peace.

Glenn Richard Standly

JANUARY 17, 1944 – AUGUST 3, 2024

Glenn Richard Standly passed away on August 3, 2024. He was born in Bynum, Texas to Charlie Lloyd and Flora Mackey Standly on January 17, 1944. Glenn was a 1962 graduate of Hillsboro High School before matriculating at then Abilene Christian College where he met and married the love of his life, Cheryl “Charlie” Keetch. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from ACC and later enhanced his education with a Master’s degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Glenn was a dedicated educator and taught high school theatre in schools around Texas including Reagan County High School from 1976 to 1985 and Alpine High School from 1991 to 2002. After retiring, Glenn enjoyed teaching college courses in several central Texas institutions. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, Glenn was always dedicated to his church family in each community where he was blessed to live. Glenn raised his children on Christian values and was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather.

Glenn is survived by two of his children, Stuart Standly of Hillsboro and Stessa Miles and husband Matt of Fort Davis, Texas as well as six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his wife, Cheryl and Son Stan as well as his brothers James and Billy.

Stan Standly

More information needed, please email Mike Doggett at office@tetatx.com if you have a link to his obituary.

Matt Smith

Sandra Jane (Swan) Ingram

August 12, 1968 ~ August 3, 2024 (age 55)

Sandra Jane Ingrim was born in Lubbock, Texas and moved to the DFW area in 1981. Sandra was raised with her 4 sisters: Darlene, Cathy, Angie, and Becky. Sandra graduated in 1986 from Azle High School. She went on to receive her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Tarleton State University in 1996, and then received a Master's of Fine Arts from Texas Tech University in 1999.

She taught theatre from 1999 - 2024, 14 of those years at Brewer High School. She was an exceptional educator, loved by her students and co-workers.

Sandra loved to read, listen to music, watch movies, be creative in cooking, and especially loved spending time with friends and family.

Sandra was a loving daughter, sister, and friend. She was the mom away from home to so many high school and middle school kids, “her kids”, changing lives through her art of teaching. Her smile changed your day and her sense of humor would have you laughing harder than you could imagine. She was incredibly talented as an actress, as well as teaching. She made every person she encountered feel like the most important person in the world at that moment, because you were, to her. She baked delicious pies and was the only one in our family who could come close to making our grandmother’s signature apricot fried pies.

Sandra is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Ann Swan. She leaves behind her father James Swan; sisters Darlene Gill, Cathy Henderson, Angie Talmage, and Becky Mobley. Brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, extended family, dear friends, and ‘her kids’.

Dr. Kerry Grant Moore

Dr. Kerry Grant Moore age 86, of Muleshoe, Texas, died Saturday, April 6, 2024 in Lubbock, Texas. He was born October 2, 1937 in Memphis, Texas to Eulys Grant Moore and Roberta (Gillis) Moore. He married Patricia "Pat" Keesee in Muleshoe on June 17, 1972.

Kerry Moore was raised in Memphis, Texas, attended and graduated from Memphis High School where he participated in speech activities and sports, then he attended West Texas State College in Canyon where he graduated with a BA degree. While at college, he was active in the W. T. Student Senate and the Buffalo Bills, a student service group, West Texas State Teacher's Association, and was a member of ROTC. He later received his doctorate in the Graduate Program from LaSalle University in 1993. Dr. Moore started teaching in Muleshoe in 1960. He taught speech and drama, English, history, and for a period of time was girls' basketball coach. During Dr. Moore's teaching career at Muleshoe High School his students won thirty-one state championships in speech and debate. He directed thirteen one-act plays that advanced to the state meet and won two state championships. He served on many committees and panels, was sponsor of the Blackburn-Moore Future Teachers Association chapter in Muleshoe, served as District and State TFTA advisor for many years, and served as Muleshoe High School's University Interscholastic League (UIL) director. He was an active

member of the local Rotary Club for many years, serving as Rotary president in 1972. He taught summer speech and drama workshops for many summers at West Texas A & M University Speech and Theatre Camp and taught similar classes at Texas Tech in Lubbock as well as Stephen F. Austin State University. He was also active in the Texas Forensic Association, West Texas Speech Association, Texas Speech Communication Association, and Texas Educational Theatre Association. In 1987, Dr. Moore was honored by the Texas Speech Communication Association as "Texas Speech Teacher of the Year." In 1992, Dr. Moore was selected as District 17's Regional "Teacher of the Year." Dr. Moore was honored in 1997 by the Texas State Teachers Association and Texas Future Teachers of America with their highest award, "Lifetime for Youth Award." Dr. Moore always liked working with young people. He respected them and enjoyed their successes, both in high school and in their respective fields of choice afterward. He always expected the best from his students...and he usually got it. He loved to have former students come by to see him, to let him know what and how they were doing. Many still kept in contact.

After his first retirement, in May of 2001, Dr. Moore continued to judge speech contests, was a state-approved One Act Play Judge and judged throughout the state as well as conducted play workshops. He also enjoyed movies, board games and plays, and al kind of sports on television or in person. His baseball team from his youth was always the Dodgers! In August, 2007, he returned to Muleshoe High School to teach speech application classes and the speech and debate contest class. He began working once again with students wanting to learn the techniques which have proved so successful over the years. In May, 2009, Dr. Moore was presented the National Federation of State High School's (NFHS) award for "Outstanding Speech, Debate and Theatre"contributor for Section 6 of the United States. On September 27, 2019, Dr. Moore received a Communications Hall of Fame award at WTA&MU for his years of work in communications and was recognized with four other individuals at a banquet on October 3rd at WTA&MU campus in Canyon, Texas.

Dr. Moore was a member of the Muleshoe Church of Christ and enjoyed teaching adult Bible classes, always enjoying the study of the scriptures as a teacher because of the research involved in getting ready to teach. He was proceeded in death by his parents, one sister, Patsy.J Cheek and one nephew Andy Cheek.

Kerry is survived by his wife, Patricia "Pat" Moore; two nieces, Donna Burcham and husband Skip of Big Spring, Texas and Cindy Walling of Midland, Texas; two great nieces, two great nephews and many friends.

Donna Hopkins

February 7, 1944 - February 26, 2024

Donna Hopkins, who with her late husband, Glenn, educated generations of students at O’Donnell High School, died Monday at a Lubbock hospital after a lengthy illness. She was 80.

Donna and Glenn, affectionately known by their students as Mama and Papa Hop, gave more than three decades to the small farming community of O’Donnell.

The high school sweethearts from Tahoka married while attending West Texas State University.

After graduation, they began their education careers at O’Donnell. While Glenn coached and later served as high school principal, Donna was a business education teacher who taught everything from typing to economics. She also was the yearbook sponsor.

Their efforts to better the lives of their students did not stop with graduation. They assisted in finding scholarships, financial aid or jobs that matched their students’ abilities and aspirations.

In addition to classroom instruction, Donna excelled in UIL extracurricular activities, perennially coaching district and regional champions in debate, persuasive and informative speaking, journalism, typing, as well as poetry and prose interpretation.

Under the direction and Donna and Glenn, O’Donnell’s One Act Play casts competed at the state finals in Austin nine times, including eight of the last ten years they directed.

In 1986, Donna coached the top two debaters in the state finals of the Lincoln-Douglas competition. That same year Donna coached O’Donnell to a state championship in poetry interpretation. It was O’Donnell High School’s first championship at the state finals.

In 1991, Donna was one of first recipients of the UIL Sponsor Excellence Award. Among the 10 recipients that year, Donna represented the smallest school.

The auditorium at O’Donnell High School is named for Glenn and Donna Hopkins.

Donna continued to teach after Glenn’s death in 1997 at the age of 53. In 2000, Donna retired to Lubbock where she served on the board for the Lubbock Community Theater, was a UIL speech and debate judge, and conducted regional debate competitions at Odessa College and Texas Tech University.

She remained close to her former students, becoming “Grandma Hopkins” to the children of her students.

On February 7, 1944, Donna Kaye Copelin was born in Tahoka. Her parents, E.W. “Bud” Copelin and Jean Porterfield Copelin, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her brother, Laylan Copelin; sister-in-law, Jodie; and numerous cousins, friends, and former students.

Bodine Johnson

DELPHIA BODINE (“BODINE”) MOORE JOHNSON

It is with very heavy hearts that we advise of the passing of our sister, aunt, great aunt and friend, Bodine Johnson, a lifelong resident of Ector and Upton Counties.

Bodine was born August 13, 1935, in Iraan, Texas, to Floyd C. and Lorean Cook Moore, and passed away at Crane, Texas on January 23, 2024 at the age of 88 years.

Her young life was spent in McCamey, Texas, where her father was employed in the oil field. Upon graduation from McCamey High School, she entered Sul Ross University. Bodine graduated from Sul Ross on August 21, 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree. On March 8, 1956, while a student at Sul Ross, Bodine was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi, a National Honor Society. After graduating from Sul Ross, Bodine received a teaching certificate and secured a teaching position in San Angelo, Texas.

It was while she was living and teaching in San Angelo that she met, Bob (”Bobby”) Johnson, the love her life, and they were married at McCamey, Texas, on her birthday, August 13, 1960. The newlywed couple then moved to Odessa, Texas, where they made their home for many years. Bodine taught Theatre at Permian High School for many years, and to this day, there are many students who have stayed in touch with “Mrs. Johnson” as she was one of those special teachers who made such an indelible impact and lasting influence on her students’ lives. She was the inveterate teacher and loved for her students to absorb what she was teaching and leading them to perform. When directing whatever production was being put on that that time, she commanded respect and attention from her students and was a force to be reconned with. It will be a long time before the likes of Mrs. Johnson passes our way again

Bodine was predeceased by her husband, Bob Johnson, and by her parents, Floyd C. and Lorean Cook Moore, as well as her two siblings, Michael Moore and Patrick Moore. She is survived by her brother, James Bodie Moore, of Fort Stockton and Crane, Texas, as well as many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Dr. Antonio (Tony) Aguirre Jr.

Antonio Aguirre Jr., “Dr. A” or “Tony,” of Tivoli, Texas, passed away in the comfort of his own home on January 15, 2024. He entered this world on December 26, 1947 in Beeville to the late Antonio Aguirre Sr. and Margaret Garcia Bela.

After high school, Tony served in the U.S. Air Force, and then started his lifelong love for education. He was the first in his family to attend college and once he started, there was no stopping him as he earned his undergraduate degree and then completed a Master’s and a Doctorate’s degree in education from the University of Houston.

He used these degrees to serve the community of Austwell-Tivoli ISD by being a teacher, principal, and retiring as the superintendent. He held a strong belief that every student should have an opportunity and success to him was seeing one of his former students doing well after graduation. Anyone who knows Dr. A, also knows his passion for directing the high school one-act play which he continued up to his last days. He has had the honor of directing numerous award-winning casts and competing at the state level of the University Interscholastic League.

Tony has known his wife, Lydia, since she was nine and he was eleven. It was a well-known story in our family that he returned to Texas from the U.S. Air Force with plans to buy a car, but ultimately that car became a ring for Lydia, which was the best decision of his life. Cars only last so long, but their love, respect, and support for one another has endured for 53 years after marrying on July 5, 1970. Five years later, they welcomed their daughter, Sarah. Tony and Sarah had a strong bond that was always evident. There were times where Lydia and Troy (Sarah’s husband) compared notes (or commiserated) regarding the similarities between those two.

Aside from his family and career as an educator, Tony had a range of hobbies over the years that included hunting, fishing, photography, and painting each of which he pursued with a passion. He was able to travel the world including Italy, Israel, Finland, Mexico and various road trips within the United States. He also was a life-long Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Towards the end of his journey, he reflected on his time, and summed it up by stating, “I have no regrets. I have lived a good life.” which is possibly the greatest achievement of all.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lydia Aguirre; daughter, Sarah Aguirre (Troy Williams); his siblings, Patsy Rivera, Sylvia Baker, and Nora Bela; and his half-siblings, Daniel (Ulrike) Aguirre, Gloria Butchard, Roy (Carri Gulbransen) Aguirre; Samuel (Rebecca) Aguirre, Lisa (Hector) Vega, and Valerie (Fakri Sadeh) Aguirre. He also leaves behind several cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, as well as many friends, all of whom he loved dearly. In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his step-father, Saragosa Bela and brother-in-law, Eloy Rivera.

Johnny Joe Trillayes

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we share the passing of the Johnny Trillayes. Johnny passed on January 7, 2024, after a valiant fight with cancer.

Johnny is known for his immense talent, incomparable humor, and brilliant creative mind. Johnny undoubtedly touched the lives of many as a loving family member, an irreplaceable friend, actor, director, and teacher.

As a 2012 graduate of St. Edward’s University in Theatre, Johnny was an ardent advocate for elevating the standard of theater in South Texas schools. In his role as a high school director, he not only made multiple impressive appearances at the UIL State Competition but also clinched the prestigious 2021 5A State Championship. Collaborating with his co-directors at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Southwest Early College High School, Johnny led PSJA ECHS to secure two consecutive UIL 5A Theatre Team State Championships, marking a historic milestone as the first time in PSJA ISD history that a school triumphed with a state title in a one-act play. Johnny's dedication to pushing boundaries in the theatrical realm left an indelible mark on both his students and the broader artistic community.

In lieu of flowers, I will be endowing The Johnny Joe Trillayes Scholarship Foundation, which will give access and financial aid to aspiring theatre artists from diverse backgrounds.

Your support would be greatly appreciated:

https://gofund.me/133e6030

2023

Travis Walker

Travis Walker, an instructor at Abbott ISD, passed suddenly, and the district issued the following statement in response: “The Abbott ISD Panther family is profoundly saddened to share that one of our favorite educators, Travis Walker, has passed away. Our town, school, and the Walker family are all in our prayers.

Around 5:30 this morning, he passed away. At the time of publication, no information regarding the circumstances surrounding Travis Walker’s death had been disclosed to the public.

From the sleepy village of Trent to the thriving city of Waco, Travis Walker’s commitment to education and love of theatre have remained constants in his life, influencing not only his future but also the lives of those he has had the honor of inspiring and teaching.

Trent, Texas, in the center of the Lone Star State, is where Travis Walker was born and reared. He started the foundation for his future academic and professional endeavors when a student at Trent High School. Trent High School graduation marked the end of his formative years in a tight-knit community and was a turning point in his life.

After a prosperous academic career, Travis Walker entered the field of education, specifically theatre instruction. He committed himself to being a dedicated Theatre Director/Teacher at Abbott Independent School District.

He had the honor of developing the artistic abilities of young children in this capacity, assisting them as they navigated the complexity of the dramatic arts, and inspiring a love of theatre in them. Both his students and the school community were profoundly impacted by Travis’ commitment to the arts and education.

Betsy Cornwell

With heavy hearts, the family of Diane "Betsy" Cornwell of Wimberley, Texas, is saddened to announce her passing on August 13, 2023. She taught at Bowie High School, where she was the Theatre Director from the time the school was established in 1988. Betsy built the program into one of the leading educational theatre companies in the state. Many of her students have gone on to successful careers on Broadway, in film and television, and as successful teachers in their own right. In 2022, the new theatre at Bowie was named in her honor. Betsy's family, friends, students, and colleagues will remember her for her warm hugs, sincere laugh, and impressive wit. She lived in Wimberley with her husband, Peter. She leaves a son, Chris Cornwell and his partner Erika Phoebus of New York City, a goddaughter Katie Kepper of Austin, Texas, and her sister Kathryn Smith of Eugene, Oregon.

Brenda Beebe

Brenda Lavern Beebe, age 67, of Electra, Texas passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023, in a Wichita Falls hospital.

Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, in Electra Memorial Park under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.

Brenda was born June 25, 1955 in Wichita Falls, Texas to the late Gilbert Laverne Beebe and Mae Deene Nason Beebe.

Brenda graduated from Electra High School in 1973 and then received her Bachelor of Arts Degree. She taught in Iowa Park for one year and then at Vernon High School until her retirement. Brenda taught Drama, Debate and Speech and directed One Act Plays where her students won numerous awards in U.I.L. competition. She took six One Act Plays to State competition. So many students told her what an impact that she had on their lives. She served as part time Academic Director for Electra ISD from 2019 until 2021.

"The Texas House Representatives honored the 1990-1991 Vernon High School 3A State Academic Championship team consisting of six exceptional students who became the first in UIL History to be honored as an academic team. This impressive showing made by the Vernon team also reflected the utmost credit due to the invaluable guidance and support supplied by its coach Brenda Beebe."

Brenda was a member of the Church of God in Vernon. She also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Retired Teachers Association.

Her favorite past time was watching television especially comedies and loving on her doggies and kitties.

Survivors include her chosen son, Ryan Denney and wife, Carolyn and their two children, Luke and Ava, who referred to her as "Nana B" of North Carolina; two sisters, Debra Morton and husband, Steve of Medicine Mound, Texas and Janice Carter of Electra; two aunts, Wanda Beebe of Holliday and Elizabeth Nason of Wichita Falls; nieces, Ashley Carter of Cheney, Washington, Kehra Carter of Electra, and Nicole Morton of Vernon; one nephew, Jacob Morton of Medicine Mound; great-nephew, Daniel Coleman; great-nieces, Evelyn Coleman and Arya Coleman and many cousins.

A Scholarship in the name of Brenda Beebe is being set up at Vernon High School for those who would like to donate in her memory.

Kelly Lawrence

“There is magic in the theatre,
the theatre is magic,
and blessed are those who get to
share their talents with others.”

Kelly Lynn Lawrence, born October 9, 1965 in Tyler, Texas, passed on to eternal life in early September at the age of 57.

Kelly was a 1984 graduate of Quitman HS and was active in UIL One Act Play (OAP), cheerleading, and band. Outside of school, she was active in her church at Myrtle Springs Baptist Church. In 1983, she was crowned The XVIII Dogwood Fiesta Queen. She was a Meadows Foundation Scholar at North Texas State University (NTSU) which was 3 years of intense education and classroom training beginning her junior undergraduate year. In 1989, she received both a bachelor's and master's degree: a Master of Secondary Education with a minor in Drama and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in English and a minor in Drama. She was recipient of the Anne Bradshaw-Stokes Scholarship and the Robbie and Sissy Spacek Memorial Scholarship for the Arts.

She won numerous awards for acting and directing at NTSU and was named Outstanding Undergraduate in Drama. She appeared in over 40 productions on the various NTSU stages. She also studied acting at The Institute for Theatre at Harvard University and the American Repertory Theatre in Boston. She interned at Austin Academy for Excellence in Garland ISO and student taught in Grapevine-Colleyville ISO. She later taught Theater Arts and English in Travis MS in Amarillo, Mineola HS, Highland Park HS, and Deer Park HS (DPHS) from which she retired in 2020 after 31 years of teaching with the Texas State Teachers Association. Kelly also served as sponsor/coach to cheerleading squads, director to plays, musicals and OAP, and Department Chair at DPHS for 18 years. She was proud to have been a consultant on the design team for the renovations to the Gaines Mason Auditorium at DPHS. She continued her involvement in UIL OAP after retirement serving as adjudicator in UIL competitions throughout the state.

Kelly additionally was involved in productions at Slightly Off Center Players Company and Art Park Players Theatre in Deer Park, TX. Kelly also made numerous appearances with the Richardson Theatre Centre while teaching in Highland Park and reconnected with the Centre in her retirement. She was a talented actor, vocalist, speaker, and director taking her DPHS OAP to State multiple years. She made many friends along the way and was a beloved educator, mentor, director, counselor, sister, daughter, and friend to many. Her avid interests were in theater, movies, and music.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Owen Jr. and Mary Helen Lawrence, and is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Mathew & Lisa Lawrence of Kingwood, TX; her sister, Kimberly Lawrence of Rockwall, TX; nieces, Mrs. Scott (Elizabeth) Melvin of Carmel, IN, Michelle Lawrence of Bedford, TX; and three grandnieces/nephew, Corrine, Blaise, and Adelaide Melvin of Carmel, IN.

Sarah Maake

Sarah Anne Kitmacher Maake, aged 39, died on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in an automobile accident near Centerville, TX, while traveling to visit her sister and new niece in Missouri. Sarah’s two daughters, 11 year old Gemma Reese and 9 year old Ellie Pearl were in the same car, suffered serious injuries.

Sarah Anne Kitmacher Maake was born to Gary and Susan Kitmacher on June 1, 1984, in Webster, TX. She was the second daughter, after her older sister Amy. Two more sisters followed, Debra and Abigail. Sarah graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2006. She was an award-winning theater teacher who taught Theatre at Chavez High School in HISD and Woodcreek Middle School in Humble ISD.

She met her husband of 17 years, Douglas Maake, through mutual friends and they married in 2007. In 2010, she gave birth to her son Pierce, her first daughter, Gemma Reese in 2012 and her second daughter, Ellie Pearl in 2014. Sarah, Doug, Pierce, Gemma, and Ellie Pearl formed a beautiful family which was her everything. Sarah was a loving wife to Doug. She was a devoted mother to their three children. She was supportive of her in-laws, Roger and Yolanda Maake, and cared lovingly for her father-in-law throughout his illness.

She had many friends from school and was active in the community. Sarah loved her close friends Melissa, Whitney, and her many teaching colleagues. Sarah also had a wonderfully close and loving relationship with her sisters Amy, Debbie, and Abby.

Sarah continued attending many functions at her synagogue, Shaar HaShalom, where she had been bat mitzva’d and confirmed. She enjoyed caring for her many cats and dogs. She was loving, generous, optimistic, and family oriented. She enjoyed shopping, helping others, her theater students, traveling, reading, musicals, eating out, and family time with the pets.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to honor her memory, to the family's GoFundMe Page in order to help with the kids hospitalization and growing medical bills at https://gofund.me/1f0018da

Patricia Reeder Latham

Patricia Reeder Latham, 87, of Amarillo, Texas passed away on September 19, 2023. Trisha was born January 26, 1936, in Nash, Texas to Daniel Leslie “DL” and Oma Lee Reeder. Her parents moved to Amarillo when she was three, and she graduated from Amarillo High School in 1953. Always creative, she loved to sing and dance in high school, and was featured in many Dixie Dice stage productions. She attended Texas Christian University with a scholarship in ballet, where she met her future husband, Joe Latham. They married just prior to graduating in 1957, and had three children together (Jay, Lynae, and Paige) before divorcing in 1973. Trisha returned to Amarillo in 1964 and continued her work in the arts. She performed in many plays and musicals at the Amarillo Little Theater, with standout performances including “Annie” in Annie Get Your Gun and “Mrs. Hannigan” in Annie, for which she won an Alta Award. She earned her teacher’s certification and began her career as a high school speech and theater teacher in 1969, teaching at Palo Duro High School for 19 years and Randall High School for 11 years. Over the course of her teaching career, she introduced thousands of students to the magic of speech and theater and encouraged them to attend college and pursue their dreams. In addition to theater, Trisha had a passion for visual arts. She earned a Master’s degree and began taking classes in oil painting, watercolor painting, and sculpture. When she retired from teaching, she began painting in earnest and became an excellent portrait artist, with pastels as her favorite medium. Trisha was very outgoing. She loved truly talking with people, and as she aged, she believed her purpose was to connect with others and help them see life positively. She was an active member of the senior singles group at the First Methodist Church of Amarillo, and she loved to throw parties. When she needed assistance, she actively embraced her move to the Park Place Towers where she loved all of the clubs and activities. Trisha was a life-long optimist, and her joy and humor carried her through life, as well as uplifting countless others. Trisha was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Connor Jacob. She is survived by her brother, Dan Reeder and his wife Sharon of Fort Worth; son, Jay Latham and his wife Terri of New Jersey; daughters, Lynae Jacob of Amarillo, and Paige Latham of Dallas; grandchildren, Jenna, Jordan, Scott, Marc, Kate, and Grace; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home. Trisha adored color – her favorites being red, orange, and purple. She never liked all the dark clothes at traditional funerals – “too depressing” – so her family invites all attendees to wear their brightest clothes in honor of Trisha’s creative and colorful spirit. 4

Sandra (San) Sue Lorenz

Sandra (San) Sue Sayre Lorenz was born on May 17, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was adopted as a toddler by her maternal aunt, Eunice Brewster. Eunice, a single mother, reared Sandra mostly in San Antonio, Texas, although she did complete high school in Jasper, Texas. Sandra was an avid swimmer, and she excelled in poise and etiquette classes. At the University Mary Hardin Baylor there were a large number of Sandra’s on her floor, so they divvied up variations and assigned her what would become her life-long moniker: San. While there she became a synchronized swimmer and excelled in drama club, ultimately setting her sights on Broadway. That was until Weldon Lorenz spotted her on campus and was immediately smitten. It was mere curiosity-at-first-sight for San, yet after some convincing she agreed to a date. Broadway quickly took a back seat, and they were married at Church of the Visitation in Westphalia, Texas on June 11, 1966, her mother Eunice loudly wailing her disapproval for the entirety of the mass.

Weldon and San were married only a couple of months before Weldon joined the US Army and deployed to Italy to play basketball for the Army team. San, newly pregnant with their first child, Devin, was forced to wait until six weeks postpartum before they could join Weldon in Italy. On that flight, San, never a basketball aficionado, sat next to Lou Alcindor (now Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and upon landing, raved to a dumbfounded Weldon about the nice man she sat next to on the flight. “And boy was he tall!”

After serving three years in Italy, they returned to the US where San completed her bachelor’s degree at UMHB and began teaching middle school English and PE in Killeen, Texas. Their next child, Regina, was born a couple of years later. Soon, Weldon was offered an elementary teacher/principal position in Lott, Texas, so the family moved to nearby Westphalia, and San took a new position as an English and Theatre teacher at Rosebud-Lott High School.

San worked doggedly to establish a successful fine arts program at R-LHS, complete with top notch UIL Forensics teams and award-winning One Act Plays. During that time, she had their third child, Krista, and they moved to Lott and welcomed their fourth child, Ryan, with San never taking more than a day or two of maternity leave. Thus began an illustrious career of 40+ years of not only teaching but coaching and directing thousands of high school students across Central Texas. She also held leadership roles in the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TETA) and was referred to as “The Goddess” by fellow directors across the state. And during the summers, San taught hundreds of children and adults how to swim in their home pool.

Over time, she transitioned from Rosebud-Lott ISD to numerous other school districts, including Cameron ISD and Belton ISD. She earned an MEd in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University and spent some of those years as a high school assistant principal and principal. She worked as an adjunct professor in the Speech department at UMHB, appeared in a short film, a country music video, and for many years she directed community theatre in Temple, and Llano, Texas.

Now, what she taught us:

When you’re a six-foot-tall woman in the 1960’s, you are the very definition of a spectacle. Own it. And if you’re also a protestant girl from the city whose husband moves you to a rural, tight-knit, German Catholic community and tells you to “tone it down” and “fit in”… you fight him. Wear your colors, don your heels, and just love on those sweet people until they learn to love you back. BUT when the Altar Society publishes its famous cookbook and you discover that someone entered your name with a recipe for BAKED POTATOES, don’t let them see your rage, just plot your revenge.

Regarding others…if you spot talent, order them to audition. If they resist: stalk, cajole, bribe, and mildly terrorize them because you see things they don’t. Then, when it’s the fifth run-through, the day before opening and they’re dropping lines due to exhaustion, remind them, “You CHOSE this!” Some people just need perspective. And if an actor on stage breaks character one more time, take your shoe and hurl it wildly at his head. (Wait…skip this one; those were different times.) But do remember to hone that eyebrow and wield its power wisely. Terrifying everyone is only fun for so long.

When your husband, the elementary principal, tells your children to never hit another person even if they’re hitting you…You just smile and wait until that poor, misguided man leaves. Then you take those babies and teach them every dirty punch you know, complete with the reminder, “And they better not get up.” As time goes on, let them see you fight for them and for him, over and over and over. Convince them there is nothing they can’t do; then be the loudest cheer they hear.

But above all else, remember the fun. Dance with your daughters in the kitchen and teach them the jerk. Play your disco louder than his Patsy Cline and then hold him tight when he grabs you to slow dance. Walk hand-in-hand on the beach and sit together in the sunset. Sneak to the back of a boat and jump, fully clothed, into the lake, then giggle and float like a buoy while your family screams and plans your “rescue.” Perplex your grandchildren just a little but spoil them a lot, overruling their mothers whenever possible. And show up when your children are hurting, no matter their age, especially when they don’t need you, because that’s when they do.

Thank you, Mom. For everything. We know you are healthy now, whole, and no longer in pain. May we take the best parts of you and weave a beautiful tapestry to hold for ourselves and then pass along. Until we see you again.

San is survived by her husband of 57 years, Weldon Lorenz of Johnson City, their four children; Devin and David Leslie of Roanoke; Gina and David Dyess of Wylie; Krista and Shawn O’Banon of Johnson City; and Ryan Lorenz of Victoria; grandchildren; Sutton and Andrew Stevens of Fort Worth, Reagan and Nathan Anthony of Haslet, Keaton and Grant Gwin of Roanoke, Hayden Jones of Fort Worth, Landon Jones of College Station, Peyton Jones of Roanoke, Bailey Martin of Corpus Christi, Ashlyn Martin of Corpus Christi, Daylee and Thomas Rodgers of Gilmer, Dacie Dyess of Tyler, Dayden Dyess of Wylie, and Cade O’Banon of Johnson City; great-grandchildren; Briggs, Watts and Hutch Stevens of Fort Worth, Madden and Holden Anthony of Haslet, Gray Gwin of Roanoke, and Thatcher Rodgers of Gilmer. San was preceded in death by her mother, Eunice Brewster of Lott, and her sister, Gladys Shadden of Jasper.

Damon Gengo

We somberly announce the passing of Damon H. Gengo of SouthEast Texas. He died at the age of 61 on August 16th, 2023. Damon passed away surrounded by friends and family after struggling with aggressive cancer.

Damon is survived by: his wife, Christina Mitchell Gengo; children: Jessica and (Joshua) Hunt, Kendall Judice, and Charlie Gengo; grandson, Rowan Hunt; siblings: Therese McClenahan, Kenny (Connie) Gengo, Mistie (Wilson Sam) Gengo; mother, Gloria Narducci McAlum; Step-Father, Bill McAlum; and Step-Mother, Barbara Gengo. He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Dean Gengo.

Damon’s life journey was full of adventure and unexpected serendipity. His earliest career venture included Pizza Tycoon through his ownership and management of several Domino’s pizza stores, where he met and built some of his strongest friendships. However, Damon’s most gratifying years were spent as an educator. Damon’s love of the theater allowed him to live many lives upon the stage, from John Adams in 1776, to Dracula, from Vincent van Gogh, to Harold Hill, even the Governor in the Best Little Whore House in Texas. His love of the arts combined with his innate educational skills bestowed these same passions and talents onto the many students he taught. Later in life, Damon moved to his beloved hill country in Comfort, Texas, initially to pursue education of the theater arts, and ultimately ending with a more tactile creative endeavor as a jewelry fabricator with James Avery Jewelry. While in Comfort, Damon spent many spare moments on his river front property, working to improve a legacy camping ground. He found friends in a bible study and enjoyed quiet moments under the Texas sky.

Damon will be sorely missed by his family, extended family, and many students and friends who are family. Damon leaves a legacy of love, friendship, and overall general silliness. We will miss you barking like a dog in inappropriate places, your many song parodies, and random guitar and saxophone concerts. We’ll think of you every time Tom Petty plays and every time we pass by the “donut hole,” and “pink flower” birthday cards. Thanks for all the love, laughs, and philosophical conversations.

Please send any information you may have to Mike Doggett at office@tetatx.com on anyone not on our list that passed in the last year so that we can honor them. Thanks so much!

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