Dan McLendon Sr., 98, June 3 in San Antonio. After a successful career in sales, including earning membership in the “million-dollar club” for insurance sales, he dedicated himself to doing God’s work, Dan McLendon Sr.serving as education director at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Odessa and First Baptist Church in Corpus Christi. After a brief tenure at First Baptist Church in Houston, he served more than 20 years as education director and associate pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio. Upon retiring from church ministry, he joined the staff of the Baptist Child and Family Services in San Antonio as vice president for development. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, and sisters Helen McLendon and Ida Jean Albright. He is survived by his sons, Dan Jr. and Terry; daughter, Mary Helen; sister, Mattie Jo Copeland; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Tom Stoker, 61, May 10 in Fort Worth. He was minister of music at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth from 1983 to 1998. Tom StokerDuring that time, he oversaw the design and installation of the 191-rank, $2.5 million Rildia Bee O’Bryan Cliburn Organ. He directed the five-day dedication of the organ, which attracted more than 5,000 participants. He developed the Broadway Series, a 12-concert annual program for cultural outreach. He also established and conducted The Orchestra at Broadway. His choirs traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, England, Scotland and Wales. After leaving Broadway, he formed Stoker Resources Group, a public relations firm specializing in arts and faith organizations, business and educational institutions. In 2005, he became minister of worship arts at Arborlawn United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, where he served at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Pam; son, Chas; daughter, Stephanie Hicks; and two grandchildren.

Wes Edwards, 64, April 20 in Ovilla. Wes EdwardsHe was the former pastor of First Baptist Church in Ovilla and served more than 40 years in the ministry.

Before going to Ovilla in 1992, he served in various capacities at Brook Hollow Baptist Church in DeSoto and Calvary Baptist Church in Duncanville.

Edwards is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Becky Strickland; son, David; brother, Bob; sister, Colleen Livingston; and five grandchildren.

Winfred Moore, 95, May 8 in Amarillo. Moore was pastor of Amarillo’s First Baptist Church 30 years. He was a past president and an executive committee member of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and a first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Moore also was pastor of churches in Borger, Mississippi and Alabama.

Winfred MooreAfter retiring at First Baptist Church in Amarillo he served as a regent and a visiting distinguished professor of religion at Baylor University and inaugural director of the university’s Center for Ministry Effectiveness. He also served First Baptist Church in Waco 18 months as interim pastor.

Moore studied at Lambeth College, Union University and George Peabody College. He received an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Wayland Baptist University and an honorary doctor of laws degree from Baylor. 

The Winfred Moore Award for Lifetime Achievement in Ministry is presented by Baylor and the Baptist Standard to those who have given themselves in faithful ministry.

Moore, a native of Humbolt, Tenn., was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Elizabeth, in 2012. Survivors include two daughters, Anne Preston and Maria Patterson; son, Fred; sisters, Betty Gass and Phyllis Riley; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Robert Field, 85, Feb. 18 in Amarillo. Robert FieldHe was pastor of Croton Baptist Church in Croton, First Baptist Church in Dickens, Immanuel Baptist Church in Mineral Wells, Manchaca Baptist Church in Manchaca, First Baptist Church in Halfway, Palo Duro Baptist Church in Wildorado, and Bolton Street and South Georgia Baptist churches in Amarillo. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Lewis, Albert, James, Tim and Foy. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary; daughter, Diane Shultz; sons, Ronnie and Clyde; brothers, Mack, Connie and Roy; sisters, Mary Lou Richey and Bonnie Dooley; and six grandchildren.

Gladys Tennyson, 92, May 2 in San Angelo. Gladys TennysonThe wife of a Baptist minister, she helped serve congregations in Texas and New Mexico. She and her husband retired to San Angelo in 1983, where she was a member of Southland Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Kidwell and three sisters. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Mervin; daughters, Brenda Burg and Marsha Dickens; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Ramona Johnston, 81, April 14 in Tyler.Ramona Johnston A resident of Hawkins, she served alongside her husband, Seth, as he was a pastor 53 years.

She had a 36-year career in banking. She was preceded in death by her son, Seth Jr. She is survived by her husband; daughter, Cynthia Urdea; sister, Jean Tverdy; three granddaughters; and three great-grandchildren.

Bonnie O’Brien, 87, April 21 in Amarillo.Bonnie O’Brien A graduate of Hardin-Simmons University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, she was a teacher, author and accomplished musician. She also served as a commissioner for the Southern Baptist Historical Commission. Her husband, Chester, was a longtime pastor and the founding pastor of Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo. He also was executive director of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico from 1975 to 1984. She is survived by her husband; sons, David and John; daughter, Marianna Chopin; sisters, Kathleen Williams and Jeanie Miley; and three grandchildren.

Chester Sylvester, 97, April 23 in San Angelo. In 1939, as a student at Howard Payne College, he traveled or hitchhiked to a number of churches, preaching either monthly or twice monthly. He was a student in the first class taught by Jack McGorman at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chester SylvesterHe was prevented from graduating, however, after a horseriding injury to his knee prevented him from climbing the stairways. He was pastor of First Baptist Church in Thorndale, Cotton Center Baptist Church in Cotton Center, Iraan Baptist Church in Iraan, Central Baptist Church in Brownwood, First Baptist Church in Mullins and others. His last full-time pastorate was First Baptist Church in Carlsbad, retiring in 1984. After retirement, he continued his ministry as minister of pastoral care at Lakeview Baptist Church in San Angelo, visiting nursing homes and hospitals. He was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church at the time of his death. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Manual and Homer; and sisters, Lenora Brown, Corein Stewart, Edelle Wade and Ozell Phillips. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Melba; son, David; and one grandson.

Don Miller, 93, April 22 in Fort Worth. Don MillerA pastor, church starter and evangelist, he served churches in Texas and New York from 1945 to 1977.

From 1977 to 2010, he led Bible Based Ministries, conducting prayer conferences in 1,000 churches in America and on mission fields all over the world. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Libby; sons, Roger, Gary and Ken; daughter, Joy Chambers; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Bill Wheeless Sr., 95, April 15 in Hamilton. A World War II veteran, he was a sergeant major for the medical headquarters in the India Burma Theater. Bill WheelessAfter the war, he earned a music degree from Baylor University. He served several churches as minister of music and education, including First Baptist churches in Beeville, Kingsville, Victoria, Nacogdoches, Orange and Pasadena. He also served at Seventh and James Baptist Church in Waco and West University Baptist Church in Houston. He was the church page coordinator for the Baptist Standard 15 years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Elsie; and his twin sister, Jewel Brown. He is survived by his sons, Bill Jr. and Robert; brother, Duke; one granddaughter; and one great-grandson. 

David Silva, 70, March 16 in Pettus. He had battled leukemia. He was pastor of First Baptist Church in Pettus more than five years at the time of his death. David SilvaA graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he also served at Primera Iglesia Bautista in Beeville, Primera Iglesia Bautista in Rockport, Primera Iglesia Bautista in Mathis, New Life Baptist Church in Beeville and First Baptist Church in Beeville. He was ordained to the ministry in 2002. He also served as county judge in Bee County 11 years. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Yolanda; daughters, Cassandra Silva and Cristianna Meineke; brothers, John Mark and Amado; sister, Grace Ramirez; and one granddaughter.

Peggy Fuston, 80, April 3 in Arlington. Peggy FustonA Baylor University graduate, she was a dedicated mother and grandmother. After her children were grown, she and her husband, Bob, who had worked with the Baptist General Convention Executive Board staff, became frequent travelers, leading tour groups to more than 55 countries in 30 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Arlington almost 50 years. She is survived by her husband of almost 60 years; son, Lynn; daughters, Layne Hamilton and Jeanna White; and seven grandchildren.

Robert Cargill, 85, April 4 in Fort Worth. While an 18-year-old college student, he started a church in Blackburn, Okla., and was pastor more than three years. Robert CargillA graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he served more than 20 years as pastor of churches in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. In 1967, he became director of development for Oklahoma Baptist University. In 1972, he became vice president for financial resources for the Radio and Television Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. In 1976, he founded Cargill Associates and raised money for churches, universities, charities and nonprofit institutions. He was preceded in death by his brother, David; son, Howard; and granddaughter, Bonnie Ruth Lee. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sara Lou; son, Stephen; daughter, Sara Beth Lee; sister, Helen Lindiff; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Jon Randles, 58, died April 1 in Lubbock due to pancreatic cancer. The pastor and evangelist received his call to ministry at age 17. A graduate of Hardin-Simmons University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he also did doctoral work in ancient Roman history at Texas Tech University. Jon RandlesHe was pastor at View Baptist Church in Abilene, Oak Street Baptist Church in Graham and Indiana Avenue Baptist Church in Lubbock. He was an adjunct professor of Bible at Wayland Baptist University before becoming a vocational evangelist in 1993. He especially was passionate about ministering to students, athletes and coaches. In 1997, he began the Paradigm Bible Study at Texas Tech, which now is on several university campuses throughout the United States. From 2007 to 2009 he was director of evangelism for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, later serving as evangelism consultant. Recently, he was guest chaplain for the Texas Senate in Austin and the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., on March 17. For the last 18 months he has been pastor of Victory Life Baptist Church in Lubbock. He was preceded in death by his father, B.J. Randles. He is survived by his wife, Kelly; sons, Zack and Sam; daughter, Hayley Williamson; mother, Ann Randles; sisters, Lyn Rodgers and Becky Householder; and four grandchildren.

Max Brown, 76, March 15 in Amarillo. He was pastor of Baptist congregations in Wellborn, Ozona, Hamlin, Uvalde, Huntsville, Brownwood and Galveston. He was interim pastor of First Baptist churches in Abilene, Plainview, Hereford, Happy and Claude. Max BrownHe served on the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and was director of the BGCT Human Welfare Coordinating Board. In 1976, he was chaplain for a day of the U.S. House of Representatives and opened Congress in prayer. He was a member of the board of trustees of Howard Payne University and the board of regents of Baylor University. He also was president of the Southern Baptist Association of Ministries to the Aging and president of the Texas Alumni Association of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1993, he was named vice president of development at High Plains Baptist Hospital. When the hospital merged the next year, he became director of the Baptist St. Anthony’s Foundation. After retirement, he was chaplain of Interim Hospice of Amarillo. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Ray. He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Diann; son, Les; daughter, Aimee Brown; stepson, Michael McNew; stepdaughters, Susan Sigler and Julie Clark; brother, Grady; seven grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren and first wife, Brenda Kate Swanner Brown.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was edited online May 7 to correct an error.  As originally posted, the obituary incorrectly listed Brenda Kate as deceased, rather than as a survivor.

Luther Hutchinson, 69, Jan. 28 in Dallas.Luther Hutchinson He had served as pastor of Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Abilene 16 years at the time of his death. He also was pastor of Solomon Temple Baptist Church in Stamford 14 years.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Marjorie; sons, Keith, Joseph, Tony, Jamar, Tyron, and Andre; daughters, Lorraine Sikes, Sophia Westbrook, Lesa Hutchinson, Tanya Cosby and LaTasha Hutchinson; brothers, Willie, Jerry and Raydell; sister, Aldena Hutchinson; 31 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

Vernon Webb, 64, March 20 in Cibolo. A graduate of Howard Payne University in 1973, he served on the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board. Vernon Webb

His occupation as a social worker allowed him to affect many lives. He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Judy; daughter, Michell; and sisters, Grace Fortune and Faye George.

He is survived by his wife of four years, Jacquelyn; daughter, Marcie Danahey; son, Brandon; sister, Bobbie Jean Johnston; and five grandchildren.

Walter Evans, 81, March 10 in Rockwall. He was pastor of several Dallas Baptist Association congregations, including Ross Avenue Baptist Church in Dallas and Walter EvansFirst Baptist Church in Sunnyvale.

He retired as pastor of Talty Baptist Church in Crandall in 2013. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Rockwall.

He was preceded in death by three brothers—Fred, Lewis and Bill. He is survived by his wife, Robbie; son, Scott; daughters, Sandy Parlin, Sherry Packer and Shannon Coleman; brothers, James and Tom Evans, and Tom Bush; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

V.R. “Doc” Dooley, 94, Feb. 28 in Grand Prairie. A songwriter, musician and music minister, he spent his teen years traveling with his family to play in small country churches. By his late teens, he began playing piano for professional Gospel quartets, including the Stamps-Baxter Quartet. V.R. “Doc” DooleyHis World War II service in Europe earned him the Bronze Star, the Silver Star and a Presidential Unit Citation. After returning from the war, he began to teach piano and direct music at several churches in North Texas. He retired after a long career with the U.S. Postal Service. He had more than 400 Gospel songs published. In 1992, he was named Gospel Songwriter of the Year.  In 2007, he was included in the Piano Roll of Honor of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He was a deacon at Highland Terrace Baptist Church in Greenville. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Anna, as well as eight siblings. He is survived by his sons, Michael and John; sister, Oneta Barnes; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.