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.

2024

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. 

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.

Donna Hopkins 

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.