Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home

10/09/2026

REMINDER: tomorrow is our monthly grief talk with the wonderful Jessica from Hope Again Counseling. The topic is Grief & the Changing Seasons: Preparing for emotionally heavy months.

Join us 10am-noon for a healing session in the garden room.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monthly-grief-talks-with-hope-again-counseling-and-wilkirson-hatch-bailey-tickets-1304139599649

10/07/2026

Myrna Sue Williams

Myrna Sue Williams peacefully took her last earthly breath on the evening of Sunday, October 4, 2026, at her home at Arbor House Assisted Living in Waco, Texas.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home prior to the Graveside Service at 12:00 p.m. at White Hall Cemetery in Woodway.

Myrna Sue was the daughter of E.K. McClain, Sr. and Ila Irene Miller McClain. She was born in Star City, Arkansas on August 9, 1929. As a child, Myrna Sue played school and later built a career as a cherished teacher. She graduated from Arkansas A&M University and completed her master’s degree at State College of Arkansas.

In Little Rock, Myrna was a teacher and educator for over 40 years at Meadowcliff Elementary, an active leader in Alpha Delta Kappa, and a dedicated advocate for public education. After retiring, Myrna moved to Waco. In 2010, she moved to Stilwell Retirement Residence, and later to Arbor House. In each community, Myrna Sue built a beautiful circle of friends.

Myrna was a long-time member of Geyer Springs United Methodist Church in Little Rock. With the help of cherished friends Alice and Charlie Staggs, Myrna connected a path of faith and friendship for many through youth leadership. In Waco, Myrna was a member of Woodway First United Methodist Church. She volunteered and worked closely with her dear friend Roz Milnes on an array of projects and church activities. Myrna remained strong by her friends and her faith in God.

Myrna will always be remembered for her deep sense of family love and her strength in character. She loved family reunions, traveling, playing dominoes and card games, and gathering hundreds of collectibles of her favorite animal, the giraffe. Most of all, Myrna Sue loved football and cheered loudly for the Arkansas Razorbacks - Woo Pig Sooie!

She was preceded in death by her siblings E.K. McClain, Jr., Mary Emily Cason, Ila Louise Workman, Wanda Jane Gardner, and Myrtle Ann Frizzell. She was also predeceased by treasured in-laws Clemmie McClain, George Cason, Cravon Workman, Lewis Gardener, Charles Buddy Frizzell, Wayne and Ann Williams, and Loverna Bethke Tucker.

Myrna Sue is survived by her children and many loved ones. Her family includes her son, John Strait Williams and wife, Gene, of Grayling, Michigan; granddaughter Ila Marie Jofre and husband Rodrigo; grandson John Strait Williams II, wife Andrea, and their children John III and Madeline; grandson Robert Gradl Williams, wife Joy, and their children Meredith and coming-soon baby boy; granddaughter Mary Margaret Alspaugh, husband Jake, and their children Molly and Jacob; granddaughter Sarah Viola Bane, husband Mark, and their children Asher, Viola, and Alice; and grandson Joshua LaDow.

Her family includes her daughter Ila Jane Williams Tucker and husband, Bobby; grandson Bobby Jr, wife Amanda, and their children Apollo Ray and Neptune June Bloom; granddaughter Gretchen Andry Reynolds, husband Frederick, and their children Yarden Andry and Ayelet Clementine; and grandson John Christopher Andry, wife Alicia, and their children Blake Salome and Brooks McClain.

Her loved ones include many generations of the extended McClain family; the children of Wayne & Ann Williams and their families; and the many brothers, sisters, children and extended family of Loverna Tucker, who embraced Myrna into their circle of family gatherings.

Her 97 years of life were a celebration of family, friendship, faith, and cherishing our blessings on earth. Myrna Sue’s last days were softened in rain, and God welcomed her with a gentle sunset and brilliant rainbow to guide her path home.

The family would like to thank the Arbor House community for providing a home of gracious love and dedicated care to Myrna and her family. Their kind words, late nights, and attentive care enriched Myrna’s final years.

Memorials may be made to Stilwell Retirement Residence at 5400 Laurel Lake, Waco TX 76710, a beloved home for Myrna and her late brother E.K.; the Temple Shalom Justice Garden at 6930 Alpha Road, Dallas TX 75240, a food donation project lead by her granddaughter Gretchen and cherished by Myrna Sue; or a charity close to your own heart.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Myrna in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

View Myrna Sue Williams's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/06/2026

Virginia Marie Uptmor Vrba

Virginia Marie “Sweetie” Uptmor Vrba passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, at the age of 96, on what would have been her 79th wedding anniversary.

A rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. Martin Cemetery in Tours, Texas.

She was born August 15, 1930, in Tours, Texas, to George and Christine Lucien Uptmor. She graduated from West High School in 1947.

On October 5, 1947, Sweetie married Eugene Vrba. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

Sweetie worked at Owens-Illinois Glass Plant for more than 30 years, where she was respected for her dedication and strong work ethic.

She also knew how to enjoy life. Sweetie loved dancing, listening to country music, taking trips to the casinos, and cheering on her Dallas Cowboys. She had her favorite television shows, too, and everyone knew not to bother her at 11:00 a.m. while she watched The Young and the Restless or at 6:00 p.m. when it was time for Wheel of Fortune.

Even at 96, Sweetie had the memory of an elephant and lived independently in her own home until her death. She possessed a quick wit and a spirited personality, keeping the nurses on their toes until the very end. A true spitfire, Sweetie faced life and the hospital with humor and plenty of personality.

Sweetie will be remembered for the joy she brought to those around her and her devotion to family and friends.

Sweetie was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Vrba; her parents, George and Christine Lucien Uptmor; her children, Douglas Vrba, Sandy Vrba Pulliam, Randy Vrba, and Terry Vrba; and her granddaughter, Jaime Altamirano.

She is survived by Debra Hillin and her husband, Robby; Gary Vrba and his wife, Denice; Lisa Choate and her husband, David; her grandchildren and their spouses and partners: Billy Blanton, and his wife, Christy; Charlie Blanton, and his partner, Deanna; Monica Vrba; Lane Vrba; Mason Lowe, and her husband, Keaton; Blake Harrison, and her husband, Hendryx; David Choate, and his fiancée, Meredith; Ryan Choate; Matthew Vrba; Michelle Garcia, and her husband, Chris; and Adam Ray. Sweetie also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren and her great friend, Janelle Dulock.

Pallbearers will be Billy Blanton, Charlie Blanton, David Choate, Ryan Choate, Lane Vrba, and Matthew Vrba.

Honorary pallbearers will be Judd Bates, Ethan Blanton, Adam Ray, Keaton Lowe, Hendryx Harrison, and Ramon Altamirano.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Virginia in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

View Virginia Marie Uptmor Vrba's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/06/2026

Margaret Kizer Woodson

Margaret Kizer Woodson, affectionately known as “Trudy,” 86, of Waco, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 5, 2026, passing peacefully surrounded by her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 8, at 10:00 a.m. at Central Christian Church, 4901 Lakeshore Drive in Waco. The family will receive friends for a Visitation Wednesday, October 7, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Boulevard in Waco.

Trudy was born March 7, 1940, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Hiram Lester Reeves and Margaret Frances Buie Reeves. As the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, she moved to Louisianna when she was 2 but moved to different cities often. She lived her adolescent years in Belcher where she found her true gal pals for life who proudly called themselves the Jive Five. They spent their formative years having fun and built a lifelong friendship that carried into her adulthood.

She attended Opelousas High School and graduated in 1958, leaving Louisiana for the Lone Star State of Texas to attend Trinity University in San Antonio.

At Trinity, Trudy studied home economics, won the Betty Crocker Award and spent more than a few days playing bridge with her college roommate and dear friend, Patti “Pookie” Renaldo. She was known for her water-skiing and trick skiing abilities on Lake McQueeney on the weekends and never turned down a chance for fun. She graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and moved to Waco, where she began working for Lone Star Gas Company.

It was there that Trudy met Lester Morris “Budda” Kizer Jr. on a blind date. Apparently, Budda needed only one date to make up his mind. That very night, he went home and told his mother he was going to marry Trudy Reeves.

Trudy and Budda were married July 17, 1964, at Central Christian Church in Waco, with Trudy’s father officiating the ceremony. During their 24 years of marriage, they welcomed three children: Kim Kizer Eastwood, Jill Kizer Bright and Lester Morris “Trey” Kizer III.

For many years, Trudy devoted herself to raising their children. She took tremendous pride in being a stay-at-home mother and a dedicated daughter-in-law to Lester and Valerie Kizer. She hosted lunches every Saturday for the family and made a special place for herself in the Kizer family.

Trudy’s second passion was volunteering. She never turned down a chance to give back. She taught Sunday school at Central Christian Church for more than 20 years and was deeply involved in the Junior League of Waco. Twice, she was asked to serve as president of the organization—a tremendous honor—but each time she declined because she believed her family needed to come first.

She was a wonderful cook who made sure her family sat down together for dinner each night. She also made certain they went to church—not just on Sundays, but, as her children remember, practically every time the doors were open. Through her example, expectations and unwavering faith, she helped lay a strong Christian foundation for her children that would guide them throughout their lives.

On February 24, 1989, Trudy’s life changed suddenly when Budda passed away in his sleep. She was only 48 years old. His death was a devastating loss, but Trudy was determined to pick up the pieces and continue leading her family forward. She was surrounded by support from her dear friends and Lester and Valerie Kizer. Her strength and determination became an example for her children. She did not allow them—or herself—to wallow in their circumstances. Her expectations never wavered. She pushed her children to continue their education, build lives of their own and become strong, independent adults.

During those difficult years, Trudy also discovered a new chapter for herself. She joined Planned Parenthood and quickly came into her own as a professional and talented fundraiser and communications director. She excelled in her work and, in 2001, received the Rumpelstiltskin Award for Excellence in Fundraising. Just as importantly, her career brought wonderful friendships that remained with her for the rest of her life. She retired in June 2011.

Trudy was blessed to find love a second time.

She and longtime family friend Jerry Mike Woodson of Burleson, Texas, were married April 20, 1996, in Waco. Mike’s late wife, Janey Woodson, had been a dear friend of Trudy’s, and the two families had known one another for years. Their children had grown up together, so bringing the families together felt natural. Mike moved to Waco, and what followed was a wonderful 30-year marriage.

Trudy and Mike understood that they had been given a second chance at love, and they made the most of it. They traveled, entertained, spent time with family and friends, and were deeply involved at Central Christian Church. Over the years, Trudy filled nearly every board position the church had to offer. Together, she and Mike served wherever they were needed.

They knew how to have fun too. Thursday evenings meant happy hour on the Barge, surrounded by friends. Trudy was truly the “hostess with the mostest.” She loved opening her home, setting a beautiful table, feeding people and bringing friends and family together. She continued entertaining and enjoying the company of others until the final days of her life.

Later in their marriage, Trudy’s eyesight began to fail. Mike became her devoted caregiver, standing beside her as she battled—and beat—cancer. He became her driver, and “her eyes” when she really needed it the most. Trudy depended greatly on Mike, and he wore that title with love and honor.

Those who knew Trudy will remember a woman who was fiercely devoted to her family, her faith and the people around her. She was never one to spend much time talking about herself. Instead, she focused on others and looked for the positive in life.

When life became difficult, she would “pull her big girl panties up” and carry on. She faced life full charge, with determination, humor and an unmistakable enthusiasm. She loved life, lived it fully and showed the world every day her “WOW” for life. She was a fighter who was never afraid to speak up when she believed something was not right.

Trudy carried many titles during her 86 years—daughter, sister, friend, wife, volunteer, fundraiser and faithful servant—but none meant more to her than Mom and Mimi.

Her family was her greatest accomplishment and her greatest joy.

Trudy was preceded in death by her first husband, Lester Morris “Budda” Kizer Jr.; her parents, Hiram Lester Reeves and Margaret Frances Buie Reeves; and her brothers, Glenn Reeves and wife Rhoda, and Graham Reeves.

Trudy is survived by her husband of 30 years, Mike Woodson; her children, Kim Eastwood of New Braunfels, Jill Bright, and husband James of College Station, and Trey Kizer of Waco; and her stepdaughters, Jennifer Hurr of Burleson and Melanie Bleakley, and husband Darrin of Prairieville, Louisiana and special daughter in law Heather Kizer Cooper of Waco. She is also survived by her sister, Genevieve Carlisle and husband Al Kline of Shreveport, Louisiana and special “sister” Mary Jane Rolebeicki, of Waco, TX.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Valerie Caldwell and husband Brett, Matt Eastwood and Kaleb Degler; Maggie Bright; James Bright Jr.; Jeb Bright; Clay Kizer, McCall Kizer, Amelia Morgan and husband Kody; Drake Hurr; Ashtyn Hurr, Dylan Bleakley and wife Ali; and Madison Bleakley; as well as her great-grandchildren, Kayde and Isla Morgan and Bennett Bleakley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Central Christian Church for the Trudy Woodson Memorial Fund, 4901 Lakeshore Drive, Waco, Texas 76710.

Trudy lived her life with faith, determination, laughter and an extraordinary love for her family. She loved deeply. She served generously. She expected the best from the people she loved because she believed they were capable of it. And through every chapter of her life, she never lost her “WOW.” That spirit—and the faith, strength and love she instilled in her family—will live on for generations.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Trudy in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

View Margaret Kizer Woodson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/06/2026

Jerry Paul Sams

Jerry Paul Sams, age 74, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026, in the comfort of his home in Waco, Texas, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 12 at 10:00 a.m. in the Choir Suite at First Baptist Church of Woodway, 101 Ritchie Road, Woodway, TX 76712.

Jerry was born on August 2, 1952, in St. Petersburg, Florida, the fourth of six children born to the late Horace and Winifred Sams. Because of his father’s career as a chaplain in the U.S. Army, Jerry grew up living in Florida, Georgia, Germany, New York City, Colorado, and California. These experiences instilled an early appreciation for different cultures and people that remained with him throughout his life.

Jerry then moved to Waco in 1970 to attend Baylor University, majoring in Education. While there he met his wife of 51 years, Celinda Dail Bauerschlag.

Jerry placed a high value on education and devoted much of his life to investing deeply in the young lives he encountered. During his senior year at Baylor, he founded Youth Enterprises, a residential home for teenage boys and girls -- an early initiative that reflected his compassion and commitment to young people that would characterize his life’s work.

He then imparted his love for learning to countless students during an impactful 30-year career as an educator and administrator at several public and private schools. He especially enjoyed sharing his love of learning with his students through exposure to new places, experiences, and cultures throughout the United States and Europe. His influence extended far beyond the classroom as faith and discipleship were also central to Jerry’s life.

Above all, Jerry was deeply devoted and fiercely loyal to his family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Winifred Sams, and his sister, Judith Litchfield.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dail; his five children, Mark Leuschner and wife Jennifer, Aaron Sams and wife Bekah, Brandon Sams, Alise Francis and husband Chad, and Adam Sams and wife Lauren; his twelve grandchildren, Grace Leuschner, Emily Leuschner, Audrey Leuschner, Luke Sams, Lainee Sams, Ezra Bartlett-Sams, Billie Bartlett-Sams, Owen Bartlett-Sams, Hank Francis, Lincoln Sams, Carter Sams, and George Sams. He is also survived by his four siblings, Jim Sams and wife Cathy, John Sams and wife Rosie, Joey Sams, and wife Julie, Jeannie Turner, and husband Steve, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jerry’s honor to Twelve Stones Global twelvelivingstones.org or to the Salvation Army.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Jerry in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

View Jerry Paul Sams's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/05/2026

Charles Hill Thornal

Charles Hill Thornal, 91, of Woodway, passed away, Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 8 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m., in the funeral home chapel.

He was born June 2, 1935, in China Spring. Charles loved life, loved his family, loved people and believed he had been placed on Earth to make people smile. He was energetic, resourceful, deeply involved in his community and rarely limited himself to one pursuit at a time.

Charles often described himself as a “Jack of all trades, master of none,” but over the course of his life he became a teacher, administrator, grant writer, businessman, musician, choir director, fundraiser, coach, landlord, public-address announcer, master of ceremonies, writer and community volunteer.

His Christian faith was central to his life. His favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Charles liked to say that he was not “gone,” but simply “gone ahead.”

Charles attended Waco schools for 12 years and graduated from Waco High School in 1953. He attended Baylor University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1957 and later a Master of Science in Education. He also completed postgraduate work toward an Ed.D.

Charles served for 12 years in the Texas National Guard and served as an instructor to Army officers. He also represented the Texas National Guard by carrying the Texas flag during the inauguration of Gov. John Connally.

He later joked that he retired from the Guard when parachute jumping became mandatory — “good timing,” as he put it.

Charles spent approximately 40 years with the Waco Independent School District.

He began his career as a trigonometry teacher at University High School and later served as an administrator at West Junior High School and in Waco ISD’s central administration.

During his career, he served as director of federal programs, worked with Waco’s Model Cities program, served as a grant writer for public and private schools throughout Central Texas and worked as administrative assistant to six Waco ISD superintendents. He became Waco ISD’s first director of public relations.

Charles also served as vice president of the Texas School Public Relations Association and was a co-founder of the Texas Compensatory Education Association.

His work in education and community development included major grant-writing efforts, including funding connected with Waco’s Model Cities program and the transformation of the former Carver High School into a community center serving East Waco.

His work with Waco’s Model Cities program received national recognition during the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Charles also spent much of his life in business.

For approximately 50 years, he worked as an automobile broker alongside his longtime friend Robert Johnson through Johnson and Thornal Cars.

He bought, renovated, rented and sold real estate and enjoyed fixing up both houses and automobiles.

For 25 years, Charles created and operated the A+ Card fundraiser, which raised money for schools and churches throughout Central Texas. Participating schools collectively received approximately $100,000 each year through the program.

His fundraising work also benefited organizations and causes including the City Council of PTA Scholarship Fund, the Waco Boys Club, Baylor-Waco Foundation, Western Heights Baptist Church Building Fund, Lake Air Little League Baseball and the McLennan County Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund.

Charles also wrote the article “How to Say ‘Hello’ to the Media Without Being Misquoted.”

Charles served for more than 30 years as music director at Emmanuel Baptist Church and Western Heights Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

Music was one of the great loves of his life. Although Charles called himself a “home-grown musician,” music surrounded him from childhood. His mother was a church organist, pianist and piano teacher.

Charles learned much of his music theory through junior high and high school bands and as a member of Baylor University’s Golden Wave Band.

He helped organize extensive church music programs that included preschool, children’s, youth, young adult, senior adult, sanctuary and handbell choirs.

Charles also created Gospel Music Celebration concerts that traveled to churches throughout Central Texas.

Charles loved music, real estate, automobiles, sports, writing and community service. He sang at weddings and funerals and frequently served as master of ceremonies for school, church and civic events.

For approximately 25 years, he was a public-address announcer for Waco ISD football games.

He was a member of the Waco Founder Lions Club and served as the club’s Tail Twister.

He served on the boards of numerous community organizations, including the Boys Club, United Way, Whitehall Cemetery Association, Baylor-Waco Foundation and Lions Club.

Charles coached both of his children in Little League baseball, football and basketball.

Earlier in life, he tried his hand at raising Appaloosa horses after purchasing a horse once owned by Gov. John Connally. By Charles’ own assessment, that particular business venture lost money.

Charles was also a writer and wrote more than 200 poems, most of them for family members and friends.

Music remained his first love throughout his life, and serving others — through education, church, fundraising, coaching and civic involvement — was a constant thread through everything he did.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. James Augustus Thornal and Fannie Thornal, and his brother, the Rev. James Royce Thornal, who died Jan. 9, 2021.

Charles is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy (Maxwell) Thornal.

He is also survived by his son, Keith, and his family: Sandi, Krissi Hornung and Adam, and Todd and Fallon Thornal; and by his daughter, Kaylyn Thornal, and her family: Natasha, Ty and Marlowe; additionally, he is survived by his great-grandchildren, Henry Charles, Jack and Charlotte Hornung, and Kruse and Klare Thornal.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Youth Chorus of Central Texas at www.youthchorusofcentraltexas.org.

The Youth Chorus of Central Texas gives young singers the opportunity to experience the joy of choral music, whether they do not have access to a choir elsewhere or simply want an additional place to sing, learn and grow.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Charles in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

View Charles Hill Thornal's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/01/2026

Frances Diane Glick

Frances Diane Glick died October 1, 2026.

Graveside service will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Agudath Jacob Cemetery.

Frances was born in Waxahachie, Texas, on January 30, 1945. She married Robert Glick on July 4, 1964.

She loved to sew, quilt, knit, and crochet. Frances also loved mysteries and enjoyed all types of movies.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Glick.

She is survived by her brother Howard Byers, his wife Shelley, and their children Robbin and Adam; her son Brian, and his wife Kena and stepdaughters, Heather and Samantha; her son Jeff, and his wife, Donna; grandkids Zachary and Mercedez.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Frances in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

View Frances Diane Glick's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/01/2026

Kathy Dianne Endres

Kathy Dianne Endres passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the age of 78.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Renew Church of Waco, with military honors and a reception following in the fellowship hall.

She will be interred next to her late husband Colonel (Ret.) Warney L. Crosby Jr. (“Beau”) in Colorado Springs, CO.

Kathy’s life was marked by adventure, determination, and a willingness to take the road less traveled.

Born into an Air Force family, Kathy moved several times during her early childhood as her father, Robert Endres, was in the Air Force. She spent most of her childhood in Oklahoma City, OK, until the family planted their roots in Alvord, TX. After graduating Alvord High School, she spent a year and a half at Texas Women’s University in Denton but decided she didn’t like the career options of teaching or nursing.

Kathy’s career soon took her places—and into circumstances—that few women of her generation experienced. In 1975, during the height of the Cold War, she was sent to Germany to serve as a weather observer supporting U.S. Army helicopter operations near the East German border. At a time when women were generally not assigned to areas considered potential combat zones, Kathy’s qualifications and the military’s need for a weather observer made her uniquely suited for the assignment.

Stationed at an Army airfield less than 20 miles from the East German border, Kathy provided weather observations for Cobra, Huey, and OH-58 helicopter pilots conducting border surveillance. She lived in a small apartment in the basement of a family home in town and spent three years in Germany. Her assignment was both an adventure and a testament to her determination to pursue opportunities wherever they led.

Kathy ultimately served in the United States Air Force for 7 years, upon discharge she attended the University of Texas Austin through the G.I. Bill. She joined the Air Force Reserves in 1983, serving until 1991, which turned out to be a good move, as she met Beau in 1986 at Bergstrom, who was also in the reserves. They were married in the summer of 1986.

After a career in property management in several locations around the United States, Woodway became the retirement home for Kathy and Beau in 2003. Over the intervening years, Kathy served in several roles in her local McLennan County Republican Party women’s group, hosted bunco and bridge at her home in Woodway, lovingly served many delicious meals through Meals on Wheels, and served as a mentor to Air Force enlistees.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Robert (Bob) and Betty Endres of Alvord, TX, and her husband of 38 years, Beau.

She is survived by her children: Ralene Simmons, Bret and Nikki Crosby, and Casey and Michelle Crosby; grandchildren: Violet, Aven, and Coco Crosby, and Geoffery Simmons; siblings: Doris and Mike Flora, Marshall and Donna Endres, and Greg and Patricia Endres; and nieces: Lesley Flora Triptow, Meagan Endres Mann and Rachel Endres Salvagio.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make a donation in Kathy’s honor to Heifer International www.heifer.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Kathy in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

View Kathy Dianne Endres's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.