Texas
Hector Cantu, 50
Died January 2021.
San Diego Independent School District, San Diego, TX
Music Director
The small communities of San Diego and Premont are mourning the loss of a beloved band and mariachi director.
Sunday afternoon the family of 50-year-old Hector M. Cantu took to Facebook to advise the communities of his untimely death due to the coronavirus. The news quickly spread, hitting the hearts of many – from his colleagues to his students.
He is the first teacher from San Diego Independent School District to pass away from COVID-19, according to Superintendent Dr. Rodrigo Pena.
“After winter break Mr. Cantu did not return and we were notified that he had tested positive for the virus,” Pena said. “We got word of his passing yesterday and it’s unbelievable … A year ago he took our mariachi students to state and now we are dealing (with his death.)”
Cantu wasn’t just a teacher in the classroom. He became a part of many families. He was a friend, an inspiration and a mentor to many.
San Diego Band Director Abelardo Perez mourned the loss of Cantu.
“Your fight is over my friend. You get to be in a place free from the nonsense of this world and free from this pandemic that has hurt so many people. The impact you’ve had on countless students throughout the years is immeasurable. You were a great friend, always there for me and my heart hurts writing this. So much to say but I’ll leave it at this for now … rest easy brother, you will always be remembered. Eternal rest grant unto him, o’ Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Requiescat in pace.”
Cantu’s teaching career began over 20 years ago in the Premont School District.
Cantu was interviewed by the Alice Echo News Journal in May 2019, when he was selected as the May Amazing Teacher. He talked about how his passion for music and teaching began.
He said he fell in love with music as a child, but when he took his first high school band class with Mr. Cortez at Premont ISD his love for music and education really began.
Cantu was a Premont grad of 1989, and started his teaching career at Premont ISD, where he taught for 15 years. He began at San Diego ISD nearly six years ago.
“Our hearts are broken with the news regarding Mr. Hector Cantu. Just by seeing the posts on (Facebook) we know that you impacted so many. You were so inspiring to so many students. We always begged you to come back to Premont, but we know your heart was with your San Diego family. You will forever be loved and cherished. Our deepest condolences to Mr. Cantu’s parents, children, family, friends, students and the love of his life, Melissa. We love you sir,” said Premont Band Mariachi Booster Club on Facebook.
He leaves behind his wife, Melissa, his parents, Eloy and Grace Cantu, his children, Michelle and Jake (Raelynn), his sister Shimel, nieces and nephews, countless friends, and students he loved.
“Hector was contagious to all who met him. His smile that he shared … The corny jokes and hand gestures to make you laugh til you hurt … The outpouring love he gave not only to his children and his family but to all those who shared his life with him,” said Michelle Gomes, long-time friend of Cantu.
“He had a love for music I think the moment he came out of the womb. His drive to share that love and to mentor young minds to appreciate and grow in their love of playing music, in marching, in feeling the emotion while embracing the Mariachi tradition. What he shared and what he gave was his all … he’d go beyond what he needed to in order to achieve his dreams, his goals, his love of being that ‘adopted dad and brother’ to so many.”
A GoFundMe account for Cantu has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses. If you would like to donate go to:
In Memory of Hector Cantu – Funeral Expenses, organized by Michelle Gomes
Abel Mojica, 71
Died January 26, 2021.
Grand Prairie Independent School District, Grand Prairie, TX
Substitute Administrator
Abel Mojica, a longtime resident of Royse City, Texas, age 71, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for eternity, on January 26, 2021.
He was born November 1, 1949, in Uvalde, Texas to Elias Mojica Sr. and Olivia DeLaRosa Mojica. Abel grew up in Uvalde, Texas. He was a loyal Coyote and graduated from Uvalde High School in 1969. Following high school, he attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1973. He also walked on and earned a spot on the Lumberjacks baseball team. He later went on to receive a Masters in School Administration.
Abel was a loyal and obedient Christian. He attended Fellowship of First Baptist Church in Royse City, Texas and served as a deacon. He also taught Sunday School to high school students, assisted with the food pantry and Fellowship en Espanol. He also enjoyed going on mission trips. He had the heart of a servant and was always ready to lend a helping hand to others. He was an active Rockwall and Kaufman County CASA (court appointed special advocate) for children, and above all he was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Abel taught and coached in DISD from 1974-1990, primarily at North Dallas High School and Carter High school. He joined Grand Prairie ISD in 1990 as an Assistant Principal at South Grand Prairie High School for 2 years. He later worked as a principal at Jefferson Middle School (2 yrs), Lee Middle School (9 yrs) and Bonham Elementary (6 yrs), until his retirement in June 2009. He continued to substitute as an administrator with GPISD until the time of his death. He loved interacting with his students and teachers.
Abel had a passion for most sports, especially baseball, football, track, golf and fishing. He and his wife loved to travel, fish, watch and play in many sports. He was also an avid Aggie fan. Abel was a funny guy and people loved to be around him because he was so fun loving. His wife, Marilynn was the love of his life and they were inseparable.
Family was very important to him. He leaves behind many friends and family that will miss him dearly. He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years: Marilynn of Royse City, Texas; his daughter: Olivia of LA, California; his son: Mickey Joe of Royse City, Texas; and his brother: Elias Mojica Jr. and wife Debi of Kyle, Texas; brothers and sisters-in-law: Chase and Gwen Hatcher of Flower Mound, Cris and Carla Hatcher of Rowlett, and Clint Hatcher of Terrell. He is also survived by nephews: Michael Hatcher, Charlie Hatcher and Jonah Mojica; and niece: Chasin Hatcher. Abel was preceded in death by his father: Elias Mojica Sr.; mother: Olivia DeLaRosa Mojica; and sister: Norma Mojica.
Due to the current health of his family and in order to maintain the safety of family and friends, at this time a private service will be held Thursday, February 4th at 1pm at Fellowship Church Royse City. Rest Haven Funeral Home in Royse City is conducting the service. Interment will be in Campground Cemetery in Poetry Texas.
John Suiters, 58
Died January 15, 2021.
Whitney Independent School District, Whitney, TX
Bus Driver, Groundskeeper
John Suiters, 58, passed away January 15, 2021, from COVID complications. He was born November 16, 1962, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of John and Margaret (Gasper) Suiters.
John and his wife, Penny Spaulding, married as teenagers and they settled in Whitney. They celebrated 36 years of marriage last June. John was a warm and caring man who made every occasion brighter with his fun-loving spirit. He had been employed as a grounds-worker and special needs bus driver for over 10 years at Whitney ISD. The kids on his bus were always happy to see “Mr. John” and loved his warm and friendly personality.
Surviving him are his wife, Penny; his daughter, Amanda; his son, Cody; his sisters, Judy Billard and Diane Edwards and her husband, Mike; and his many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Those who wish to remember John in a special way can visit his Facebook page for information on how to make gifts in his memory.
Scott Benschneider, 55
Died January 29, 2021.
Lebanon Trail High School, Frisco, TX
Mathematics
Students, faculty and family are mourning the death of Frisco ISD teacher Scott Benschneider, who died from COVID-19.
Benschneider, who taught Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics and Pre-AP Pre-Calculus at Lebanon Trail High School, was hospitalized since mid-December 2020.
Thus, he hadn’t visited the school campus for sometime.
The district sent CBS 11 News the following statement: “Mr. Benschneider was loved by his students and colleagues and was known for the authentic relationships he built with students and for being a tireless advocate of their growth. District and campus counselors are on hand to support students and staff during this difficult time.”
Benschneider’s family has set up a GoFundMe in his honor.
It’s unclear at this time whether or not Benschneider had an underlying health condition.
Bob Manus, 79
Died January, 2021.
Brinker Elementary School, Plano, TX
Crossing Guard
Plano parents and children are mourning the loss of a beloved school crossing guard, “Mr. Bob” Manus.
The 79-year-old died this week from COVID-19.
For 16 years, Manus safely walked kids to and from Brinker Elementary in Plano.
Friday, the corner of Clark and Yeary was filled with a sadness felt by parents like Sarah Kissel.
“He’s a fixture in our community. I think you don’t always realize the people who are in your life every day and do these things for your family. Sometimes you don’t recognize it until something like this happens,” said parent and PTA president Sarah Kissel.
The memories of time spent with Mr. Bob are flooding in from families who knew him over the years.
“I’ve had families reach out to me telling me stories about how they have three kids in college, and all of them knew Mr. Bob,” said Kissel.
Sarah said he didn’t have family in town, so kids and parents welcomed him into their own – bringing him Christmas gifts, and singing Happy Birthday to him on his birthday.
As he fought COVID-19 for several weeks in the ICU, parents left messages at the hospital, hoping he would know how much he was loved.
They gave hospital staff a gift basket – as a thank you – for caring for the man who watched over their kids.
“Even a job that you may not think of on a daily basis as being the most important thing can have a huge impact on the community. Mr. Bob impacted all of us, and he was so devoted to his job as a crossing guard, and we are so grateful that he kept our kids safe every day,” said Kissel.
The PTA plans to order a memorial marker and place it at Mr. Bob’s corner so kids can remember him for years to come.
The city of Plano issued a statement about Bob’s death, “The City of Plano would like to express our sadness and sympathy regarding the passing of one of our longest serving crossing guards, Bob Manus. Bob has been a part of the City’s Crossing Guard program for 18 years. He was very special to the Brinker Elementary community. His role helping children get safely across the street on their way to and from school was the most important thing to him. His dedication was truly admirable. He had a close relationship with parents. Many Brinker moms have been looking out for Bob through the years, offering him a helping hand to meet his needs. Some of those moms now have adult children. He died of complications from COVID-19. He had been in the ICU at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center – Centennial in Frisco for several weeks. Bob was a very special man. He would have turned 80 this year. He will be sorely missed by the Crossing Guard program and all those who knew him.”
Travis Gray, 39
Died January 20, 2021.
Lindale High School, Lindale, TX
Athletic Trainer
Travis went to be with the Lord on January 20, 2021 in Ft. Worth. Travis Allen Gray was born July 8, 1981 in Big Spring, Texas, the son of Tammy Lynn (Payne) Gray. He graduated from Big Spring High School in 1999 before attending Howard Junior College and Midwestern State University for his undergraduate studies in Athletic Training/ Sports Medicine. Travis then graduated with his master’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. He began his extensive career in Athletic Training with the Orthopedic Sports Center in Wichita Falls, then went on to work as an Athletic Trainer at Tyler Junior College for over five years, Head Athletic Trainer for both Brownsboro High School for four years and Chapel Hill High School for two years and most recently worked with the Lindale Independent School District as their Head Athletic Trainer. Travis was an award recipient of the Sandy Miller Most Outstanding Athletic Trainer, the 2016 East Texas Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer of the year and an active member of both the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association and the East Texas Athletic Trainers Association where he served as the Chairman of the Student Trainer Workshop from 2014-2018. Travis also served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Texas State 7v7 Football Championship Tournaments for over 10 years. “Big T” loved his work because he genuinely felt he could make a positive impact in the lives of his students. Off the field he was a wonderful son, husband and father who enjoyed watching his son play sports, being a dance dad with his daughter and traveling to the beach with his family. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his mother; grandmother, Eddie Lou Gray; aunt, Helen Ayers and brother-in-law, Benito “Nuno” Hilario.
Survivors include wife, Rita Gray of Chandler; children, Toby “Rylan” Gray of Chandler, Rhea Isabel Gray of Chandler; brother Toby Dale Gray and wife Heather of Sutton, Nebraska; niece and nephew, Gunner and June Gray; aunt and uncle, Tina and Troy Gray; grandfather, Travis Lamar Gray of Big Spring; mother-in-law, Anita Casillas of Big Spring; brothers and sisters-in-law, Sonyia Melendez and husband Richard, Anthony Hilario and wife Lupita, Barbara Hilario, Tommy Hilario, Richard Hilario and wife Mary, Rudy Hilario and wife Rosa; numerous nieces nephews and a host of other family members and friends.
A visitation will be held from 1-3:00 p.m. Saturday prior to services at Rock Hill. Serving as pallbearers will be Steven “Flaco” Offield, Chuck Smith, Eddy McGuire, AJay Bonner, Mike Ross, Jake Foster, Matt Lawdermilk, Andy Rankin, Richard Melendez, Marcus Melendez, Brent Smith, Justin Waltz, Jason Hooker, Josh Turner, Ryan Hood and Juan Melgoza. Honorary pallbearers with be his Athletic Trainer colleagues.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to the Tragedy Fund for Travis Gray at any Southside Bank location or to the Lindale Independent School District Education Foundation Travis Gray Memorial Grant. Services were entrusted to the Chandler Memorial Funeral Home Family.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Travis Allen Gray please visit our Tribute Store.
Todd Schonhar, 57
Died January 26, 2021.
John B. Connally High School, Austin, TX
Physical Education, Football & Track Coach
Todd Lee Schonhar, “Coach Sho”, of Leander, TX passed away on January 26, 2021 at the age of 57. He was born on December 30, 1963 in Newark, Ohio to Charles Lee Schonhar and Katherine Baggs Schonhar. Todd Schonhar married Julia Garrison Barton in 1990 in her parent’s hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada. They were married 31 years at the time of his passing.
Todd graduated from Easley High School in Easley South Carolina in 1982. He went to Clemson University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education in 1986 and a Master in Education in 1989. Todd played football and baseball at Clemson earning letters in Football in 1985 and 1986 as a reserve Quarterback and Holder and was named to the Academic All-ACC team in 1986. After graduation, Todd was a Graduate Assistant on Danny Ford’s Clemson coaching staff from 1987 to 1990 and subsequently a Graduate Assistant at the University of Oklahoma from 1990 to 1991.
Todd enjoyed a successful career as a college and high school football coach for 34 years. In 1991, Todd and Julia moved to DeKalb, Illinois, where Todd was the Assistant Coach for Running Backs and assisted in Special Team Play at Northern Illinois University until 1998. From 1998 to 2000, he was the Assistant Coach for Receivers at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Todd was also the Varsity Assistant Coach for the 5A Texas State Football Champions at North Shore High School in Houston in 2003. Afterwards, he moved to Tarleton State University to serve as the Offensive Coordinator from 2005 to 2007 and later became the Quarterback coach at Stephen F. Austin from 2007 to 2012. He then moved to Austin, Texas where he was the Quarterback Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Stony Point High School and Offensive Coordinator at Pflugerville Connally High School, both in Austin, Texas. Todd spent his life tirelessly teaching and mentoring his players and students. Todd was able to “connect” with his players and help them thrive and succeed, not just on the football field, but also more importantly in life as leaders.
A gifted athlete, Todd was a scratch golfer and could often be found on the golf course in his spare time and competed for qualification in the 2003 British Open. Recently, he enjoyed volunteering at the WGC Dell Match Play in various roles.
Todd impacted hundreds of people far and wide through his association with teaching, coaching, mentoring and volunteering. He loved to be surrounded by family and was at his happiest when they were near. Todd was well known for his dry wit and sense of humor. He was a master of impersonations and found great joy in making people laugh and smile.
Todd is survived by his wife, Julia Barton Schonhar of Leander, Texas; his parents, Charles Lee Schonhar and Katherine Baggs Schonhar of Easley, South Carolina; his brother Mark and Theresa Schonhar and their children, Drew, Megan, Josh and Lyndy of Easley, South Carolina; and his sister Amy Schonhar Jackson and husband Todd Jackson and their children, Hannah and Abby of Greer, South Carolina; Sisters in law Valerie Barton, Alison Stroh, Jacque Barton and Sara Shulman of Austin, Texas and niece Alison Barton and nephew Ethan Stroh and great niece Mallory.
The Todd L. Schonhar Memorial Scholarship, a non-profit scholarship to honor Todd, provides funds to a deserving student on an annual basis. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please click on this link Todd Schonhar Memorial Scholarship to make a contribution to his fund. Through your generous donations, Todd’s legacy will continue to provide opportunities to students for years to come. Celebration of Life plans will be shared as they are finalized.
Sidney Beal Jr., 77
Died December 23, 2020.
Dallas County Schools, Dallas, TX
Bus Driver
SIDNEY BEAL JR. was born on May 2, 1943, in Plaquemine, Louisiana to Lillie Mae Fobbs and Sidney Beal Sr.
He attended school in Iberville Parish in Louisiana during his formative years. During his high school years his mother remarried, and they lived in Kansas. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1969.
After relocating to Dallas, Sidney became a top performing salesman at Miracle Ford, Bankston Ford, Crest Cadillac, and Powell Chevrolet dealerships. He also enjoyed career stints with the Dallas Housing Authority, U.S. Postal Service and Metropolitan Insurance. In August of 1975, Sidney received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Bishop College.
In 1978, he met Carolyn Davis while attending a church service at Concord Baptist Church when it was located at 3410 S Polk. They became friends and joined Concord. In 1979, they decided to date and were married May 2, 1980.
Sidney accepted his call to ministry in August of 1980 during the revival “Joy Explosion”. Thus, his journey of ministry began. He became a staff member of Concord in 1984 under the pastorage of the late Dr. EK Bailey where he served the Pastoral Care and Counseling Ministry from 1984-1997. He received his license to preach the Gospel in February 1986 and was ordained as a minister of the Gospel in September 1987. Sidney enrolled in Dallas Baptist University and received his Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling in December 1991. He served as a Concord Elder 1997-2002. Additionally, Sidney served in the Drama, Hospitality, Premarital Counseling, and Couples Small Groups Ministries at Concord.
In 1998, Sidney followed God’s call to start Sidney Beal Ministries DBA Vision of Hope serving the communities of Rhoads Terrace and Turner Courts in South Dallas. He served there until 2010.
Sidney served on the staff of Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church as the Pastor of Visitation under the pastorage of Rev, Clay Allard from 2010-2013, and the Spiritual Director of the Oak Cliff Great Banquet from 2009-2017.
Upon his retirement from full time ministry, Sidney became a School Bus Driver for Dallas County Schools. At the time of his death, he was a part time School Bus Driver for First Student Cedar Hill.
Sidney’s parents and sister, Edna Beal Price, and brother in law, Wilbert Davis Jr preceded him in death.
Those left to cherish his love and legacy, his devoted wife, Carolyn of 40 years, daughter, Makebia Ann Beal, (Antioch, CA), son, Sidney Beal III (Kew Gardens, NY), daughter, Cheria Clinise Beal, (Cedar Hill, TX), son, Brandon Rashad (Ronna), Beal (Midlothian, TX), son, Joseph Doran Beal, (Garland, TX) and daughter, Taniqua Briana Beal (Dallas ,TX), sister, Deborah (Phillip), Watkins (Baton Rouge, LA), brother Kenneth Beal, (Baton Rouge, LA), one brother in law, Tommy (Linda) Davis (Dallas, TX), one sister in law, Annie Smith, (Shreveport, LA), two sisters in laws, Ella Peterson and Brenda Davis, (DeSoto, TX), twelve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, special cousins, nieces, nephews, god children, loving friends and special faith children from premarital and
Ted Malek Jr., 74
Died January 3, 2021.
Industrial High School, Vanderbilt, TX
Softball Coach
Ted “Buddy” Malek, Jr. of Edna, went to be with the Lord, on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at the age of 74. He was born in Aransas Pass, Texas on September 4, 1946, to the late Theodore Henry Malek Sr. and Mary Joan Poessel. He grew up in Edna, Texas and graduated from Industrial High School.
Buddy began coaching at age 19, when he coached his brother’s high school baseball team in Vanderbilt. Fifty-five years later, he ended life coaching in Vanderbilt as an Industrial Cobra Varsity Football and Head Varsity Softball Coach. In addition, during his career, he was an athletic director for Corpus Christi Academy, a coach for Banquete ISD and Edna ISD, and he coached in many other arenas as well, including Banquete Little League and other sports programs. He also managed Country Center, Inc. for his family and owned Country Center BBQ and Catering. He was also a long-time School Board Member for Banquete ISD and was active in many organizations such as Lions Club, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services, and other community programs he was dedicated to.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach and friend. In the late 1960’s, Buddy attended a dance in Hillje, Texas. There he was struck by the lightning bolt of love, meeting Barbara Gail Wright. The two were married September 24, 1970, and lived their love for 28 years, raising their 3 children, Bowen, Jennifer and Tyson. Gail passed away in 1998. She was truly his first and last love~ he continued his devotion for his family and friends with her spirit by his side, never wavering in his love for all within his world. Buddy’s greatest joys came from his children and, ultimately, his four grandchildren. He was incredibly proud to be able to coach his granddaughter, Avereigh Gail, for the past three years, delighting in her talent and determination. Listening to his songbird granddaughter, Adysen, brought peace to his heart and a soft smile to his face. Watching young grandson Myles play Little League and flag football gave him excitement and hope for his grandson’s future in athletics. Grandson Clayton’s resolve and resolution to run his best race in cross country gave Buddy great pride, as much as watching Clayton succeed in the marching band and his academics.
Over his years, Buddy gained the moniker of “Coach” which stuck with him his entire life. Coach touched the lives of every person he met. He was truly a man for all seasons, ready to cope with any contingency, showing grace at every turn. He was humble, his word was impeccable, his integrity unmatched. Coach found light in every person and helped them find it within themselves. Coach Malek will never leave the hearts of the fellow coaches, students, and athletes he mentored and motivated over the decades. He loved them and treated them all as family, forging lifelong relationships with them. Many of his former players credit him with their successes, not only in regard to sports, but their positive outcomes as they move through their life. He taught by example, asking only what he asked of himself. His core values of a strong Christian faith, respect of self and others, and motivation to try the thing most feared and succeed in that led countless numbers of people to gain lasting pride in themselves. Coach remained proud of each and every student and athlete he coached and mentored. He would glow with delight when hearing of the triumphs of his former students as well as his family and friends.
Buddy welcomed everyone to his home, people were drawn to his table, whether it be inside or outside, enjoying his food and company. Often the loudest laughter came from Buddy, as he was
his own greatest audience when telling a joke or story. He embodied qualities expressed by T.S. Elliot: “to do the useful thing, to say the courageous thing and to contemplate the beautiful thing~ that is enough for one man’s life.” Those distinctive traits and his love will be the guide for all of us touched by his magical spirit. We can be forever grateful to his family for sharing him with the world. All he impacted with his unconditional love, integrity, honesty, and kindness are better people for having been graced by being part of his world~ he made each of us feel separately special.
Sadness has overtaken Buddy’s family, friends, and all he gave his friendship, love, and care so freely to. It will slowly pass as we wish this dear man endless peace, love, and contentment. Be positive that he is either dancing with his Gail, most likely to a Neil Diamond song, or standing out on a sports field in Heaven, his booming voice calling out so we can eventually find our way to him. Deep peace to Coach, Dad, Paw~ he is a true hero and his selfless compassion will be everyone’s guide: just keep your hearts and minds open, he will find each of us.
Coach is survived by his daughter, Jennifer L. Stephenson-Smiga (husband Joe) of Inez, Texas and sons, Bowen J. Malek (wife MeLynn) of Edna, Texas and Tyson S. Malek of Houston; sister Tessie (husband Larry) Waltman of Canton, Mississippi and brother Michael (wife Billie Sue) Malek of Edna, Texas; his granddaughters, Avereigh Gail Stephenson and Adysen Malek; his grandsons, Myles Malek and Clayton Stephenson; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his parents; his wife Barbara Gail Wright Malek; and his son-in-law Troy Allen Stephenson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am with a rosary to be recited at 10:30 am, and a funeral mass to follow, all in the Holy Family Catholic Church in Victoria. Burial will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am, at the Memorial Park in Robstown, Texas, where he will be laid to rest with his beloved soul mate.
Pallbearers are Sonny Strelec, Josh Lovelady, Craig Nairn, Rob Elkins, Kensey Allen, Jon Malek, James Dixon, Blake Rogers, Jeff Hellums, and Ed Sralla.
Honorary Pallbearers are Coach’s Pinto Bean Coffee Crew, the many coaches who coached alongside him over the years, and the countless students and athletes he coached, taught, and mentored over his lifetime.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ted “Buddy” Malek Memorial Scholarship Fund at the First State Bank in Ganado, PO Box 254, Ganado, Texas 77962.
Cathy Falkner, 47
Died January 7, 2021.
Ellison High School, Killeen, TX
Science
A Killeen Independent School District high school teacher has died from complications with the coronavirus, officials said Friday.
Cathy Falkner, 47, a science teacher at Ellison High School, died Thursday night, Killeen ISD officials said.
David Dominguez, the principal of Ellison, released a statement Friday to parents and students.
“We are heartbroken this morning to hear that Ms. Falkner has passed away as a result of complications from COVID-19,” Dominguez said.
He added that a long term substitute has been scheduled to teach Falkner’s classes.
Falkner was last on campus Nov. 20, before the Thanksgiving break and was hospitalized for COVID-19 in December, according to the district.
“The students and staff of Ellison High school will remember the positive impact she made on their lives during the three years she was on campus. Despite the illness, Ms. Falkner’s main concern was for her students and their continued success in her class. Her dedication educating students will be greatly missed,” according to a statement from KISD. “We offer our condolences and prayers to her family during this difficult time. Support services have been made available for grieving students and staff.”
Rick Beaule, the president of the Killeen Educators Association, issued a statement in response to the news on the KEA Facebook page.
“There have been those who question why we continue to advocate for the safety of educators in Killeen ISD when it seems like there is no hope,” the statement said. “Though not a member, Killeen Educators Association mourns the passing of an Ellison High School teacher from COVID-19. May the light they shined on their students continue to light our paths as we remember their legacy.”
There have been 1,056 positive cases of the coronavirus among both students and staff within the Killeen Independent School District since March as of Friday.
At the elementary level, 201 students and 291 staff have tested positive. At KISD middle schools, 108 students and 101 staff have tested positive, and 162 students and 113 staff have tested positive at high schools, according to the district’s COVID-19 dashboard, https://www.killeenisd.org/dashboard. A total of 80 staff members have tested positive at KISD’s non-campus buildings.