Don Orr, 92, died July 5 in Burleson. He was a fighter pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, flying 203 missions in the China-Burma-India theater. Don OrrHe earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters and three battle stars. He then attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary before becoming the first music missionary appointed by the Southern Baptist Convention’s Foreign Mission Board. He taught 34 years at the Seminario Bautista Teologico in Cali, Colombia. Retiring in 1984, he continued to serve as a volunteer with the Texas Baptist Men builders and the Singing Men of Texas until age 89. He also participated in the music ministry at First Baptist Church in Burleson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Violet.

Mary Louise Valentine, 91, died Oct. 9 in Dallas. Her husband, Foy, was executive director of the Southern Baptist Christian Life Commission and, before that, the Texas Christian Life Commission. Mary Louise ValentineShe was a supportive minister’s wife and a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., and later, Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years; daughter, Cindy Valentine; brother, Henry. She is survived by her daughters, Jean Valentine, Carol Valentine and Susan Brown; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Larry Walker, 79, died while on a mission trip in Goa, India, Sept. 12. He had been ambassador-at-large for First Baptist Church in Dallas since 1974. A graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, his ministry included preaching in revivals and crusades in 127 countries and all 50 U.S. states. Larry WalkerHe also ministered in medical clinics, orphanages, seminaries, and rural and urban churches of all sizes. He was a member of the Conference of Texas Baptist Evangelists, the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists and the Fellowship of Baptist World Ministries. When not traveling, he taught an adult Bible study class, sang in the choir and played the violin at First Baptist Church in Dallas. He was pastor of First Baptist Church in Lewisville and a Long Island, N.Y., church before founding VisionWalk International Ministries. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Morrison. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carmen; sons, Vic, Van and Kevin; daughter, Devonna Holland; and five grandchildren.

Don Murray, 86, died in Kerrville, Oct. 5. A graduate of Howard Payne College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he was ordained April 30, 1950. He was pastor of Purvis Baptist Church in Dublin; Don MurrayLakeview Baptist Church in Meadow; First Baptist Church in Meadow; First Baptist Church in Muleshoe; Southern Baptist Church in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; three Colorado churches; and First Baptist Church in Kerrville from 1989 until his retirement in 1995. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Jeanie; brothers, Walter, T.B., Wiley and Joe Ned; sisters, Anabel Stewart and Nelta Healy; and great-grandson, Cole Williamson. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; sons, Don Jr. and Charles; brother, Bill; stepsons, Austin and Dallas Luger; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Micah Farrell, 23, Oct. 12 in Virginia. He was a nuclear specialist in the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his parents Stewart and Keri Farrell. Services are set for Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Goldthwaite.

Tom Brandon, 86, July 25 in Sherman. A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theologicial Seminary, he served several churches as pastor during more than 60 years of ministry, including Tom BrandonFirst Baptist Church in Sherman, where he served from 1963 until he retired in 1990 and was named pastor emeritus.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dolly; sons, Tom Jr. and Don; daughters, Virginia Stringfellow, Susie Webb and Shari Blodgett; 19 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jean Landrum, 79, Sept. 9 in Dallas. A former staff member at Dallas Baptist University, she was the pianist for First Baptist Church in Wilmer 56 years. Jean Landrum

She was preceded in death by her brother, Roger Tresp Jr. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Henry; son, Lawrence; daughter, Elizabeth Scarborough; and three grandchildren.

Freddie Gage, 81, died Sept. 12 in Houston. A celebration of his life will be held 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at Sagemont Church in Houston. An evangelist more than six decades, he preached in more than 1,350 churches and crusades and conducted more than 3,000 high school youth rallies, as well as in prisons. Freddie GageAfter suffering burnout and depression in his own life, he also began Wounded Heroes, a Christian psychotherapy program where ministers, their wives and families received help at no charge. LifeWay Christian Resources assumed leadership of the program in 1999. He also founded Teen Liberators—later named Boys and Girls Country—for struggling young people, and Pulpit in the Shadows, a drug rehabilitation ministry in Houston. He was elected president of the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists in 1984. In 1991, he established Crossover evangelism efforts in the connection with the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting which continue to the present. He also was inducted into the initial Evangelists Hall of Faith, created in 2008 by the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara; sons, Daniel, Paul, Rick and Rodney; sisters, Shirley Marcaccio, Marilyn Stewart, Linda Brittain and Sharon Gibson; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Anna Fuson

Anna Fuson, 89, died Sept. 13 in Plainview. She served alongside her husband, O.E., first while farming in the Lamesa area, and then in ministry as he was pastor to congregations in Vealmoor, Sparenburg, Patricia, Andrews, and Tuscon, Ariz. She worked for Buckner’s Children’s Home in Lubbock 11 years before moving to Plainview in 1988. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Plainview. She was preceded in death by her husband and three brothers. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Andrews; three grandchildren, including Kayla Peltoma, finance director of Baptist Standard Publishing; and four great-grandchildren.

Doyle Lawless Sr., 92, Aug. 20 in Waco. In 1939, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps, and in 1940, he was with the U.S. Army in France three days after D-Day, serving there until Christmas. After the war, he moved to Irving and began teaching a boys’ Sunday school class. Doyle Lawless Sr.That experience led to his calling to preach. He sold his home and moved to Waco to attend Baylor University, and later graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was pastor of Billington Baptist Church in Billington and three Oklahoma churches prior to becoming pastor of Grace Temple Baptist Church in Waco, where he served 23 years prior to his retirement in 1987. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lona; sisters, Lois Duniho and Sybill Dummer; and brother, Wayne. He is survived by his wife, Mattie; sons, Doyle Jr. and James; brother, A.A. Jr.; stepsons, Ed, Eric and Jeff Clymer; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Grover TalbertGrover Talbert, 82, June 10 in Huntsville. A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, his pastorates included Reece Prairie Baptist Church in Burleson; First Baptist Church in Rusk, where he served more than 18 years; and First Baptist Church in Frankston. He also was president of the trustees of Pineywoods Baptist Encampment. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Wegi; son; Tony; daughter, Tami Walker; and four grandchildren.

Dan McClinton, 70, Aug. 21 in Waxahachie. Dan McClintonHe was a music minister 41 years, a chaplain at Baylor Medical Center since 2001 and an associate minister at First Baptist Church in Waxahachie since 2006. He also was a member of the Singing Men of Texas, the Association of Professional Chaplains and Texans Against Gambling. He is survived by his wife, Myla; sons, Scott and Travis; brother, Dennis; sister, Paula Bunch; and three grandchildren.

Jack Whetsel, 94, July 29 in Austin. A Baylor University graduate, he served on a U.S. Navy battleship three years during World War II, and achieved the rank of lieutenant commander and earned the Bronze Star. In 1948, he opened a hardware store in McAllen, where he later served eight years as mayor. Jack WhetselSince he met his wife, Martha, in a Baylor history class, the school maintained a place in their hearts. They made several gifts to the university and its athletic programs, and the Lt. Jack Whetsel Jr. basketball practice facility is named in honor of their adopted son killed during the Vietnam War. They also provided significant support for Baylor’s track and field program. In 1999, they established the Jack and Martha Whetsel Endowed Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to students whose parents or guardians are police officers, firefighters or schoolteachers. For their contributions, they were recognized by Baylor’s Endowed Scholarship Society, Old Main Society and 1845 Society. They also were members of the Baylor University Medallion Fellowship and the Baylor Bear Foundation. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years; brother, Bill; sister, Nell Painter; son, Jack Jr.; and grandson, Glynn. He is survived by his daughter, Cissy Smucker; granddaughter, Nevie Owens; and great-granddaughter, Nevie Kathryn Owens.

Alvin Howell, 77, died June 30 in Fort Worth. He was pastor of several congregations, including Wheatland Baptist Church in Wheatland and First Baptist Church in Thorp Springs. Alvin Howell

When he became pastor in Thorp Springs, the congregation had dwindled to 17 members, but he brought it back to about 70 before he retired. He preached funeral services at six funeral homes when a minister was needed.

He was a member of the Howard Payne University alumni association. He is survived by his wife, Brenda; sons, Mark, David and Stephen; brother, Kenneth; stepson, Wade Wells; stepdaughter, Wendy Tockey; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Mack Cole, 88, July 17 in Fort Worth. During World War II, he served in the South Pacific with the First and Third divisions of the Marine Corps. Following the war, the graduated from Hardin-Simmons University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mack ColeHis pastorates included First Baptist Church in Anna, First Baptist Church in Lampasas, First Baptist Church in Snyder and Ridglea Baptist Church in Fort Worth. After retiring in 1981, he turned to pioneer mission work in Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Nevada and Montana. He also served as a volunteer missionary in Macedonia and conducted evangelistic crusades in several foreign countries. In 1991, he moved to Montana to become pastor of Big Horn Baptist Church in the middle of the Crow Indian reservation, where he served until July 2013. He wrote several books and contributed to various Southern Baptist publications. He also served as vice president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Petree and Margaret Mitchell. He is survived by his wife Carol; sons, Louis and Stacy; daughters, Rachel Bailiff and Miriam Lambert; stepsons Michael and Stephen Browning; 15 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

David Kuykendall, 84, July 17 in Dallas. He was a graduate of Decatur Baptist College, Hardin-Simmons University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Early in his ministry he served churches in Montague, Stamford, Fort Worth, Alvord, McKinney, Greenville and Beloit, Wisc. David KuykendallHe was pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Oak Cliff in Dallas 27 years, leading the church to reach its urban neighborhood and teaching consistently about living an abundant life through God’s grace. After retirement, he served at Royal Haven, Wynnewood and Kessler Park Baptist churches in Dallas. He wrote weekly devotions and several books on having a relationship with Christ and living by grace. These may be downloaded free at LivingByGrace.org. He was preceded in death by his son, David Jr. He is survived by his wife, Janie; son, James; daughters, Jane Beaumont and Kristi Coleman; brothers, Joe and Don; sister, Betty Carr; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

Dave Darling, 71, June 6 in Three Rivers. He was pastor of Good Hope Baptist Church in Three Rivers. Dave DarlingHe was preceded in death by his grandson, Samuel Darling. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Connie; mother, Wilma Atwell; daughter, Tammy Martinez; sons, David and Johnny; adopted son, Toby Perez; sisters, Jeannie Stauch and Patty Eddy; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Billie Shotts, 85, July 2 in Mesquite. From the late 1960s to the mid-1990s, she was employed by Buckner Baptist Benevolences, first working with young women who were placing their babies for adoption and then transitioning into matching adoptive parents with children. Billie ShottsShe was involved with more than 1,000 placements. The latter part of her career focused on post-adoption support groups, many of which she kept in touch until she became ill in late 2013. She taught a women’s Sunday school class at Grand View Baptist Church in Mesquite many years. She also sang in the choir, taught Vacation Bible School, supported Christian Women’s Job Corps and was involved in the after-school ministry at an elementary school. She is survived by her husband of almost 67 years, Ken; son, Dan; daughter, Jennifer Harp; and five grandchildren.

Sara Beth Grantham, 75, June 24 in Dallas. Sara Beth GranthamShe served with her husband, Les, in music and education ministry in Texas, Nevada, Arizona and Washington. She was active in Woman’s Missionary Union and worked with preschoolers. She is survived by her husband; daughter, Leslie Brisendine; sons, Victor and Donald; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Gene White, 87, July 15 in Amarillo. He was licensed to preach by First Baptist Church in Amarillo in 1948, and had a career as a pastor and religious journalist. He was a member of the editorial staff of the Baptist Standard from 1959 to 1964. He was managing editor of A Journal of Church and State, published in Washington, D.C., and was editor of Charity & Children, the publication of Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. Gene WhiteAfter retirement, he became a Mission Service Corps volunteer to write and edit New Church News for the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation. He published articles in 27 state Baptist papers and several Sunday School Board publications. He also was pastor of churches in Oklahoma and Texas and was founding pastor of Rollingwood Hills Baptist Church in Mesquite, now West Mesquite Baptist Church. He also served as interim or supply pastor in Texas, Maryland and North Carolina. He delivered the opening address at the Protestant Pavilion of the New York World Fair’s in 1960. After retirement, he taught a Sunday school class at First Baptist Church in Amarillo almost 20 years. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Esther; sons, Steven, Bryan and Lelan White, and Kenan Griffith; daughter, Elfa Williams; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Nina Hopkins, 99, June 30 in Longview. Nina HopkinsA member of the pioneer Hall family of Hallsville, she attended the College of Marshall—now East Texas Baptist University—majoring in home economics. A longtime member of First Baptist Church in Longview, she sang in the adult choir 66 years. Her husband, Ellie, was the editor of the Longview newspaper and a Baptist Standard board member. He died in 1993. She also was preceded in death by her sister, Sibyl Sawyer; and brothers, J.T. and Lacy Hall. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth Shaw; son, Jack; sister, Mildred Ray; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.