Richard Jackson 'Rick' Sleeper 1952-2017

SLEEPER, Richard Jackson Richard Jackson "Rick" Sleeper was born on June 17, 1952 in Wagoner, Oklahoma to Walter "Jack" Jackson Sleeper Jr. and Teresa "Tess" Angela Marie Falcone and entered into eternal rest on July 30, 2017 in Dallas, Texas.

He graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 1970 having been a member of the Lake Highland High School Band and Boy Scout Troop 889. Rick was an excellent drummer and played in several rock bands including Stanback. He was active in the food industry starting at Safeway and retiring as a Regional Supervisor for Gourmet Award Foods.

Rick was a skilled wood worker and creative man. An active fisherman throughout his life, Rick invented lures including the innovative "Spoon Buddy", which sold in stores and on his website: bassmanonline.com. His fishing prowess was sponsored by Skeeter Boats/Plano Marine.

Rick was preceded in death by his father Walter "Jack" Jackson Sleeper Jr. Rick is survived by his mother, Teresa "Tess" Sleeper of Dallas, Texas; 2 brothers- Thomas Michael Sleeper and wife Sherri Tan Sleeper and Jack David Sleeper; 3 children - Justin Paul Sleeper, Christopher Michael Sleeper and wife Katherine Wagner Sleeper, and Richard Jackson Sleeper, Jr.; 6 grand-children- Peyton Rae Sleeper, Krew Jaxon Sleeper, Tess Sleeper, Emma Sleeper, Mahaela Sleeper and Richard Jackson Sleeper, III; 4 nieces and 2 nephews- Morgan Thomas Sleeper, Joshua Jackson Sleeper, Julia Laura Sleeper, Angela Kathryn Sleeper, Hana Justine Felisa Sleeper and Leyla Michelle Sleeper . A celebration of Rick's life was held at 9:30 AM, Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.

Randall Blair Ashby 1952-2021

Randall Blair Ashby
1952-2021

Randall Blair Ashby died unexpectedly Friday, March 19, 2021. Randy was born in Gatesville, Texas on January 27, 1952 to Paul and Eleanor Ashby, the third of four boys. He was a 6th generation Texan. His mother's family, the Blairs, arrived in 1845, and the Ashby family in 1854. He graduated from Lake Highlands High School in North Dallas in 1970, and the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a B.B.A. in Marketing with honors. He went on to study law and received his J.D. degree from the University of Houston Bates College of Law.
Waiting for his bar results, he worked at a restaurant as a server, the job that was the most consequential of his life. It was there that he met Mary. They married in 1982 and joyfully welcomed Timothy Andrew in 1989 and Matthew Paul in 1996. Randy loved Mer and their boys more than anything, especially cherishing their time camping and hiking together in the Texas Hill Country.

Upon graduating from law school, Randy worked as an attorney with the City of Houston Prosecutor's Office, then practiced law at Ross Banks. He was a partner at Waldron & Schneider for 28 years, joining the firm shortly after it was founded.

Randy was very active in his community, serving on the boards of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, the Armand Bayou Nature Center, and was a member of The O.N.E. Group.

Randy's love of singing started early when he and his brothers would harmonize together as a family. His beautiful tenor voice was enjoyed by the members of St. Rose of Lima and St. Clare of Assisi Catholic parishes. He was also a former member of the Houston Choral Society.
Randy is survived by Mary, his loving wife of almost 39 years; sons, Timothy (fiancée Angela), and Matthew; brothers, Jerry Ashby and his wife, Sharon, and Doug Ashby and his wife, Cindy; sister-in-law, Tina Ashby; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Therese Behrendt, Margaret and Ben Denson, Gary and Kuniko Wahlen, Joanne and Robert Johnson, David Wahlen, and Lissa Goodwin. He is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Eleanor and Paul Ashby: brother, Wendell Ashby, aunts Doris Denman and Roberta Powell; his father and mother-in-law, Hank and Gloria Wahlen; and brothers-in-law, Greg Goodwin and Frank Behrendt.

Randy was an honorable man whose faith guided him throughout his life. His gentle nature and big hugs will be missed by all.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, April 9, 2021 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman, in Houston Texas.
If desired, donations can be made to: Armand Bayou Nature Center, PO Box 58828, Houston, TX. 77258; Birthright of Houston, 1200 Blalock Rd. Ste. 104, Houston, TX. 77055; or Texas Parks and Wildlife, 2914 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, TX. 75204; or a charity of your choice.
For more information or to leave a condolence, please visit josephjearthman.com.

In Memory of Linda Geller Worzer

Linda Geller Worzer

January 4, 1953 – November 28, 2020

 Linda Geller Worzer, BMED, AAHCC, IBCLC, RLC, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2020 (the day of her late son, Matthew Christopher's birthday) surrounded by her daughters, son-in-law, and faithful cat, Skeeter.

 Founder of Natural Beginnings, Cesarean Awareness of Dallas, and VBAC of Dallas, Linda served and advocated for mothers and babies since 1977. As a kind friend and passionate mentor to so many in the birthing community, Linda served as a board-certified lactation consultant, a DONA birth Doula trainer, Bradley Method Childbirth educator, and birth Doula. She was a Laleche League Leader and administrator, a charter member of Doulas of North America (DONA), served on the DONA board, received Advanced Doula Designation, attended close to 700 births, and educated thousands of parents in North Texas through her career.

She dedicated her life to serving God, her family, had a love for animals great and small, and was kind to all. A music education graduate of Texas Christian University in 1974, Linda spent her formative years at Lake Highlands High School (Class of 1970) where she met her high school sweetheart, Richard. In 1972, Linda and Richard were married. They built a family of four children and were married for 25 years before Richard's death in 1998. 

She is survived by her daughters Meagan Worzer Troquille, Whitney Worzer, and Sarah Worzer; sons-in-law Josh Troquille, Tony Petrosino, and Eric Elliott; grandchildren Hayden De La Garza, Andrew Petrosino, Isabella Troquille, and Isabella Petrosino; niece Nicole Worzer and nephew Robert Worzer; as well as a host of extended family members. She will be missed by all who knew her as she made a meaningful impact on so many lives.

Linda was preceded in death, joining her husband Richard, son Matthew, and parents Fern and Carl Geller in heaven.

Thank you to everyone who supported Linda with prayers, gifts, and love over the final years of her life as she courageously faced colon cancer. Your outpouring of love and community of care made a difference in her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JDRF of Dallas: https://www.jdrf.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A viewing will be held Wednesday, December 2 from 1pm-5pm at Williams Funeral Home, 1600 S. Garland Avenue, Garland, Texas 75040.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 3 at 3pm. Due to safety restrictions, attendance is limited to immediate family but we invite everyone to join us in celebration of Linda via LiveStream at https://www.fumcr.com/live or https://www.youtube.com/fumcr

Stephen Michael Johnson

Steven Michael Johnson, age 68, passed away peacefully at home on May 31, 2020, after a hard-fought battle against cancer and accompanying health issues. Steve was born in Kansas City, MO to Charles and Anna Lee Johnson on December 10, 1951. He Spent his childhood all over the Midwest until settling in Dallas, TX for his best high school years. There he was a proud member of the Lake Highlands Wildcat Football Team and graduated with the class of 1970.

After high school Steve attended UTA in Texas before moving to California where he majored in English Literature at US Santa Barbara. He was born bibliophile with a true passion for book and poetry. His other great love was music. Steve loved discovering new bands/singers/song writer before they were famous. If you asked him, he basically discovered Bruce Springsteen.

In 1978 Steve bought a lawnmower which led to the establishment of Steve Johnson Landscaping and a successful 40 year career creating natural works of art to bring to people joy. He was meticulous with his work and enjoyed getting to know his customers. His earliest business cards offered “Intellectual Conversation Free of Charge!” Steve loved nothing more than meaningful conversations and making other laugh with his quirky sense of humor.

He loved his landscaping business and being part of his community. For many years, Steve enjoyed teaching citizenship and landscaping classes at night through the South Bay Adult School. He was also an active member of AA for decades and treasured his “Manly Man” meetings as he called them. Our family would like to thank his AA family, especially his sponsor, for saving and supporting him; you helped him to feel a part of something much bigger than himself.

in 2011, Steve was diagnosed with Throat cancer. He endured unforgiving treatment and went into remission, but it left his body vulnerable to complications. He fought incredibly hard for his daughter, for his sisters and for time with his granddaughter. When he had exhausted his body and spirit, Steve passed away at home comfortably and peacefully, just the way he wanted.

Our Dad was not a religious man, but if we were to paint a picture of heaven for him, it would consist of: great literature, the perfect cup of coffee, a vast record collection, long meandering drives, strolls through botanical gardens, the Browns winning the Super Bowl, visits with friends and family, and more time with his granddaughters. We love him and will forever miss him, his humor, his illness… he was one of a kind. He was ours.

Steve will be missed by sisters Linda, Judy and Jennifer; daughters Corie (Kyle) and Stephanie, and grand daughters Wyatt and Heidi.

David Power in Memory

David Richard Power, age 67, of Wimberley, Texas was born in Victoria, TX on May 20th, 1952 to James Talford Power II and Doris Jean Britton Power. He passed away on April 17th, 2020.

David graduated from Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, TX in 1970. While attending high school at Lake Highlands he was a drum major and was a two time member of the all state band in 1969 and 1970. After graduating he went on to attend college at the University of Texas at Austin where he was a member of the Longhorn band from 1970-1971, a member of the University of Texas Symphonic band from 1970-1973 and a member of the University of Texas Symphonic wind/string ensemble in 1973. He graduated from UT in 1974.

David married Mary Beth Evans on October 2nd, 1976. They welcomed their son, Ben on November 22nd, 1986. David retired from the State of Texas with 23 years of service in October 2009. David was a man of honesty and integrity. He will be sorely missed by many friends and family members.

He is survived by his son Ben; brother, James, sister in law Alyson Anderson and her husband Rodney, brother in law Terry Evans and his wife Donna and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. David's funeral service were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 24 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas. A Memorial Service will be conducted in the fall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of choice. God bless David and may he rest in eternal peace.

Published in Austin American-Statesman on May 11, 2020

Steve McGowan In Memory

“Two weeks ago my father, Stephen E McGowan, Lake Highlands class of 1970,  was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer.  Little did we know that today we would be planning his funeral. 💔 Last week he declined very quickly, and peacefully passed Saturday evening with my brother, sister in-law, and I by his side.  

For those who knew my dad or would like to attend to offer their support to our family in this difficult time, the funeral will take place in the Trinity Garden of Restland Cemetery with a Celebration of Life to take place at my brothers residence in Plano after.  

Restland Cemetery
Thursday, January 30th at 11am
13005 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75243

Memorial Service will be held in the Trinity Garden across the street from the Restland Funeral Home.  
If you cannot make the memorial service, and would like to join for the Celebration of Life, please send me a message for more information.  

In lieu of flowers, we ask to help us continue to fight this awful disease by kindly making a donation to the American Cancer Society on his behalf.  This post will be updated with a direct link to his fundraising page once it has been furnished to us by the organization.” Steve’s Daughter

David Sinclair In Memory

SINCLAIR, David Stanley

Passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2014. David was born to loving parents, Stanley Grant and Virginia Durene Sinclair in Muskogee, Oklahoma on June 4, 1952. He was cherished by his loving grandparents Joe Bert and Winnie Heed. After attending Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, TX he graduated from Southern Methodist University. He graduated in 1974 with a degree in Music Education. Following graduation, he attended Dallas Theological Seminary and received his Th.M., 1978, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received his M.Div., 1980, and University of Texas in Austin where he received a Ph.D. in Speech Communications, 1985. David's professional vocation included the ministry as a pastor and education as a teacher and professor. David was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley Grant and Virginia Durene Sinclair and his beloved son, Samuel Ray Sinclair. He is survived by his wife, Sara of Dallas, TX., Chris of Dallas, TX., Charlie and daughter-in-law, Kate and children Emmett and Everly of Nashville, TN., daughter Macy and son-in-law, J.T. English of Lewisville, TX. He is survived by his brother, Paul Sinclair of Fort Worth, TX and cousins, Cheryl Heed and Cynthia Heed of Dallas, TX. Some of David's many gifts include his compassion and faithfulness towards others. He modeled his faith in Jesus Christ through forgiveness and graciousness with everyone he knew. Published in Dallas Morning News on Mar. 22, 2015

Mark Leisering In Memory Wildcat

Mr. Mark Leisering, age 61 of Kerrville, Texas, passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, in a Kerrville hospital. He was born July 21, 1951, in Celina, Texas, to Julius F. Leisering, Jr. And Marjorie Koon Leisering. He was a carrier for the Kerrville Daily Times and loved to bowl, fish, watching sports and Nascar racing and playing bingo. He loved his family. He was preceded in death by his father and his wife, Shirley. Survivors are: mother, Marjorie Leisering of Kerrville; two daughters, Debra Reither and Cathy Crider, both of Kerrville; one grandchild, Elizabeth Ann Reither and numerous nieces, nephews and cousings. A memorial service for Mark will be held on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Grimes Funeral Chapels with Rev. Frankie Enloe officiating.