Elmer Ingle

Elmer Sansom Ingle, Jr. was born on January 13, 1929 in Ft. Worth, Texas to Elmer and Imogene Head Ingle. He had an enthusiasm for flying, earning his private pilot’s license at an early age and becoming a captain squadron leader in the Civil Air Patrol. He had 3 years in the Naval Air Organized Reserve. Throughout his life, Mr. Ingle enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, and caring for his (pampered) cattle on his farm in Willis. He attended, at various times, North Texas Agricultural College (now University of Texas at Arlington), Alvin Junior College and the University of Houston. Mr. Ingle was a member of the congregation of the First United Methodist Church of Willis. He was active in many activities of the Methodist Church through the years including his service as Sunday School Superintendent, on the Commission on Missions, Pastoral Council, and the Administrative Council. Mr. Ingle retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1983 after 36 years in various management positions. During his employment with the telephone company, he participated in many community service opportunities including the United Way Campaign in Houston, Packmaster and District Chair of the Trinity-Natchez Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Liberty and East Texas Chambers of Commerce, the American Red Cross in Liberty as Fund Drive Chairman and Director, the Rotary Club, and as president of the Toastmasters of Austin. He continued his affiliation with the telephone company after his retirement through the Pioneers of America, where he was president of the Humanitarian Club. Mr. Ingle’s service to others did not end with his retirement. Since moving to Willis, Mr. Ingle served in fundraising activities of the United Way, as Board President of the Crisis Action Line, on the Montgomery County Grief Support Team, nine years as a mediator for the Montgomery County Dispute Resolution Center, as a volunteer for Project L.O.V.E. for the Willis Independent School District and as a volunteer at Conroe Regional Medical Center. He served for over 10 years in the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature promoting rights and services for older citizens. Mr. Ingle was a Masonic Lodge member for 57 years and was an active member of the San Jacinto Lodge 106. Mr. Ingle is survived by his wife, Verna Bellnoski Ingle; daughters Louann (wife of Kenneth Gum, of Tennessee) and Laura (wife of Patrick Doré, of Austin); stepson Clifford McPherson (and his wife Tami, of Houston); and grandchildren Ross Gum of Tennessee, Derek Gum of Tennessee, Mallory McPherson Hawley of Houston, Roxanne McPherson of Houston, and Melissa and Amelie Doré of Bordeaux, France. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 8 from 4-6 PM at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Willis. Services are scheduled for Wednesday, January 9 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Willis with Pastor Jeff Gantz officiating. Interment following service at Shepherd Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Elmer requested contributions be sent to the San Jacinto Lodge 106, the First United Methodist Church of Willis, or the charity of your choice. You are invited to leave a written tribute to the family on our website at www.shmfh.com.

Elmer Ingle

January 13, 1929 - January 9, 2008