Dr. Alexander Armand Lesueur (Epsilon Lambda) 1923-2020

Dr. Alexander Armand Lesueur, 96, of Lexington, died on July 10, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Joan Clay Kavanaugh Lesueur, his son, Alexander A. Lesueur, Jr., and a niece, Ruth Gayle of Sulphur, Louisiana. He was born July 28, 1923, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, to Trigg and Jette Lesueur. He was named for his grandfather, A.A. Lesueur, Secretary of State of Missouri and founder of a bank in Antlers, Oklahoma. Early in his life, he showed an interest in the flute and studied with Mrs. Vena Tipton of Tulsa. After attending Tulsa University for a short time, he enlisted in the Army Air Force and played flute in Army Air Force bands from 1942-1946, earning the rank of corporal. He attended the University of North Texas, receiving B.M. and M.M. degrees. He also earned M.M. and D.M.A. degrees in flute performance from the University of Michigan. He taught six years in public schools in Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia. He played four years with the Atlanta Symphony. He was a private student to William Kinkead of the Philadelphia Orchestra. In 1959, he came to teach at Morehead State University, where he met his wife. He joined the music faculty at Florida State University in 1965 and ended his teaching career at Western Carolina University, where he retired. He wrote articles on the flute, as well as a book, A Daily Routine for Flutists; and he recorded a record. He played in the Lexington Philharmonic, the Florida State Symphony, and the Asheville (NC) Symphony. He also performed in concerts, recitals, and symphonies all over the South and Southeast. He was a lifelong Episcopalian, serving as treasurer of the Morehead Episcopal Church, vestry member and senior warden of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Cullowhee, NC, and vestry member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Canton, NC. He co-chairman with his wife of the National Cathedral Association for the Diocese of Western North Carolina. He was also a member of the Companions in Christ class at Christ Church Cathedral, Lexington. A private burial service will be held 11:00am Tuesday, July 14th, at Machpelah Cemetery, Mount Sterling, conducted by the Very Reverend Carol Wade, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral. Kerr Brothers, East Main Street, is in charge of arrangements. Contributions should be made to Christ Church Cathedral, 166 Market Street, Lexington, 40507. The family would like to thank the staffs of Pine Meadows Nursing Home, Baptist Health – Lexington, and Hospice of the Bluegrass for their care.

Melissa Lynn Williamson (Delta Upsilon) 1995-2020

Melissa Lynn Williamson
Ypsilanti, MI and Painesville, Ohio

Age 25, passed away June 26, 2020 from injuries sustained in an accident while riding her bike with her life-partner. She was born on May 17, 1995 in Cleveland, Ohio to Roy Matthew and Kerri Lynn (Maynard) Williamson.

Melissa graduated from Riverside High School in Painesville Township, Ohio where she was active with the marching band and theatre arts. In 2016 she earned her bachelor’s degree in lighting design and theatre arts from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, and was currently working in her field. While attending EMU she was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi-Delta Upsilon, marching band and theatre.

Melissa was a huge fan of the Cleveland Indians, had a love for animals and the outdoors, Disney musicals and Cedar Point. She immersed herself in Marvel comics even dressing up as Captain America for Halloween. Her love for outdoors was intense ever since she was a little girl. Her family had to beg her to come in no matter how cold or how long she was out there. She loved camping, cycling, kayaking and a lot of outdoor adventures with her family. She and her dad often took long bike rides throughout the countryside. She was always the happiest when she could be doing activities outdoors.

She met her soul-mate Coleen Huling who had many of the same interests in life.

Camping, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking and Cedar Point as they formed a bond that will never be broken. They enjoyed life together and their families are consoled that in death they will always be together.

Survivors besides her parents include her twin sister Michaella Lynn of Ypsilanti, a brother Josh, a sister Renee, paternal grandmother Barbara Lynn Williamson, maternal grandparents Dale and Ellen Maynard all of Ohio along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and a multitude of friends.

An outdoor visitation for both her and Coleen will be held at Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home in Milan on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 from 4-8 PM. Social distancing and face mask are required.
There will also be calling hours at North Mentor Centenary United Methodist Church in Mentor Ohio on Friday, July 3, 2020 from 9-12 pm with an open-air memorial service at noon. A GoFundMe has been set up by her family.

William “Bill or Mac” F. McMosley (Zeta Omicron) 1947-2020

William “Bill or Mac” F. McMosley, 73, of Williamsburg, IA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, June 27, 2020 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Blairstown.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:45 PM, Saturday at the Phillips Funeral Home in Blairstown.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a scholarship fund for young musicians in William’s name.

Bill was born May 29, 1947 in Denver, CO, the only child to the late Will and Virginia (Kinney) McMosley.

During his high school years at Denver East High, Bill was a proud member of the Denver Junior Police Band.  This experience played a pivotal role in his decision to pursue an education in music.  Bill earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music from Adams State University in Alamosa, CO.  He never forgot how cold it was at the top of the Rocky Mountains!  Bill was planning to pursue a career as a professional musician, but fell in love with teaching at a small high school on the western slope of the Rockies.

Bill spent his professional career teaching and directing at many primary and secondary schools.  Coronado High School and West Junior High School, Colorado Springs, CO; Gibson Junior High School and Clark High School, Las Vegas, NV; University of Akron, Akron, OH; Saint Mary of the Plains College and Dodge City Community College, Dodge City, KS; University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY; and Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, KS.  Bill was well-known for creating and growing band programs.

Two of Bill’s students at Clark High School, Las Vegas, NV, went on to be quite famous.  Jimmy Kimmel and his band leader Cleto Escobedo Jr. have fond memories of their time with Mr. McMosley.  Jimmy tried to find Bill in August of 2003 to surprise Cleto, but couldn’t find him.  When it came time for Jimmy’s birthday celebration in November of 2003, Cleto successfully located Bill and ABC flew him out for Jimmy’s on-air birthday party.  Bill remembered that the two always dreamed about being on TV.  He described Kimmel as “a very respectful, nice kid, but he was mischievous.”

The communities he lived in enjoyed the time he spent conducting municipal bands, as well.  Bill was honored to serve as band director for the Laramie (WY) Civic Concert Band (1993-1994), Dodge City (KS) Community Band (1988-1991), Dodge City (KS) Symphony Orchestra (1990), and Salina (KS) Municipal Band (2005-2018).  He also led many bands throughout the years as a guest conductor.  One of Bill’s most proud accomplishments was his creation of the Salina (KS) Municipal Law Enforcement Band for school age children in 2010 which he patterned after his experience with the Denver Junior Police Band.  Bill successfully secured grants from the Greater Salina Community Foundation and supported fund raisers so that the band members never had to pay.

Bill loved being a teacher and mentor to all of his students.  He was a positive influence in the lives of so many.  Many of his students were known to call him out of the blue years later just to chat.

Bill was never one to sit still!  From high school on, he always had jazz bands that he would pull together.  He enjoyed playing private and public events.  Two of these bands were The Billy Mac Quartet and The Five Facets of Jazz.

Bill was also known to be quite a talker!  One day while gassing up his car in Salina, KS, he struck up a conversation with a gentleman getting gas on the other side of the pump.  Pastor Louis Winn was starting up a church in Salina, KS.  Bill helped Pastor with the church and became a Deacon at the First Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church.

Bill met Colette (Niebes) in 1992 while teaching at University of Wyoming.  They were married on July 19, 2008 by Pastor Winn at First Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Salina, KS.

Bill is survived by his wife Colette (Niebes) McMosley; his step-children Lisa Rabe, Jason (Jake) Rabe, Andy Rabe, Erika Rabe (Jake) and Shannon Rabe (Andy); his step-grandchildren Stephanie Moore, Colton Rabe, Kaleb Rabe, Clayton Rabe and Samantha (Sam) Rabe; and his step-great-grandchildren Peyton and Maisie.  Bill loved his family deeply.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his aunt Bonita Kinney

John Meredith Wilson (Beta Delta) 1934-2020

John Meredith Wilson, 85, of College Station, Texas, passed away on June 19, 2020. He was born in 1934, in Bonham, Texas. As a young man, he served six years in the Texas National Guard during the 1950’s.

He was educated in La Porte, Texas public schools, graduating in 1953. He received his BMEd from Sam Houston State University in 1957, where he was a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, and received the Outstanding Bandsman Award in 1958. He was a Life Member of Sam Houston State University Alumni Association. He earned his MEd from the University of Houston, Texas in 1968.

John’s career reflected his interest in music and education, as he was the owner of Meredith Wilson Music, Inc. in La Porte, Texas. Also, a proud teacher, he was employed by several Public Independent School Districts in Texas including Cotulla, Crockett, Pasadena and La Porte.

Before retirement, John was very interested and active in the Cities of La Porte and Shoreacres. He served as President of the La Porte Lions Club, President of the La Porte Rotary Club where he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow, Board Member of the La Porte Chamber of Commerce, and served as Parade Chairman in 1983, Board Member of Bay Area Heritage Society of La Porte, Life Member of the Friends of the La Porte Library, and President of the La Porte Retired School Employees Association. He was elected Alderman for Shoreacres in 1993 and served as Mayor Pro-Tem in 1998. He was privileged to serve as choir director at La Porte Methodist Church and Christ Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council. One of his greatest enjoyments was playing trumpet in the La Porte Dixieland Jazz Band for many years.

After retiring and moving to College Station, he continued his participation in the Texas Retired Teachers Association as a member of Brazos County School Retired School Personnel, serving as Chaplain from 2018-19. He was a member of Friends of the Bryan College Station Library System as well.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Edith Wilson; brother-in-law, Johnnie Campbell; nephew, Scott Campbell; and daughter-in-law, Anschi Wilson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Dolores “Dodie” Wilson of College Station, Texas; his sons, Tom Knox of College Station, Texas, Andrew Meredith Wilson of Nassau Bay, Texas, Kelly Wilson and (Rose) of Houston, Texas; his daughter, Suzanne Estes and (Bill) of La Porte, Texas; and his sister, Nancy Campbell of Baytown, Texas; his grandchildren; Rachel Knox, Jordan Knox, Jeremy and (Adriane) Estes, James and (Yumi) Van Dyne, Jacob Estes, Ben and (Brooke) Estes, Brianna and (Don) Etoria, and Melanie and (Corey) Williams; great-grandchildren, Layla Anschi Estes, Raelynn Williams, Leo VanDyne and Aubriegh Estes; nephew, Mike and (Kim) Campbell; grand-nephew, Cameron and (Sulia); grand niece, Katy and (Jack) Buras, great-grand nieces, Emali, Caelin and Erynn Campbell; and great-grand nephew Jonathan Buras.

Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Hillier of College Station.

John Thaddeus Garner (Zeta Chi) 1971-2020

In John Thaddeus Garner’s fashion, he clocked out at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020, continuing his career goal of always finishing his work on Friday by 5:00. We may have lost one of the most remarkable, smart, humorous, and humble people, but his story is not a sad one.

Born on October 11, 1971 in Wiesbaden, Germany, John was a proud University of South Carolina Gamecock where he played in the marching band and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in geophysics. John previously worked as the Manager of Operations at Flint Energies. He never felt the need for praise or ownership of his accomplishments even though he was a brilliant man in so many aspects.

In the 90s, John met his wife, Tracey, on a blind date set up by their brothers. He married her on April 25, 1998, and together they lived a fulfilling life with two sons. His personality was one that allowed him to easily communicate with anyone he met. People were drawn to John as he had the instinctive ability to get others to talk with one another and knew how to bring out the “tech talent” in anyone. He could easily teach others without making them feel inferior. This was one of the greatest traits he had in his career and in life.

John was diagnosed with Gliomitosis Cerebri, an extremely rare brain tumor, which is fitting for the rare greatness and uniqueness that naturally radiated from him. He spent a lot of time at The Robert Preston Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Hospital participating in research studies for his cancer; he was number 16 on the “Resist” study for a particular form of dermal process to treat the disease. John was grateful for the opportunity to donate his body to Duke in order to help further the study and to continue helping others even after his death.

John could find humor in anything, even his diagnosis. Memories of him will bring belly laughter and tears to your eyes, as he brought so much joy and glee. He will be remembered as the coolest, neatest guy and he was the kind of person who never complained about pain. Going through this situation was not about the pain, but about taking in every moment. John’s diagnosis was one of the best things because it changed how he and his family lived their lives and encouraged them to take in every second of life. John was sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone he met, especially his two sons who also share his humor. He lived life to the fullest doing more in his 48 years than most do in 100. He was an inspiration to his wife and children encouraging them to make the most of life. Though there is grief and sadness, there is also so much happiness and pure joy from knowing John and having been a part of his life.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife and best friend of 22 years, Tracey Ruth Garner; sons, Joshua and Jonathan Garner; parents, Lt. Col. John “Tim” Garner, USAF (Ret.) and Linda Breeden Garner; brother, Tedd Garner (Anne); parents-in-law, James R. and Carole Bloodworth; brother-and-sister-in-law, James “Jim” and Betsy Bloodworth; and nieces and nephews, Mason and Kate Garner, and Laura, Jay, and Ben Bloodworth.

At the family’s request, all services will be private.

John’s family would like to express their infinite gratitude to The Robert Preston Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Hospital, Pruitt Health Hospice, and John’s Flint Energies family for the amazing care and support given to John and his family over the years.

Dr. John Pretz Boyd (Beta Tau) 1944-2020

Dr. John Pretz Boyd passed away May 22, 2020 at Harrison’s Crossing. He was born September 22, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Verne Wendell and Nellie Pretz Boyd.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and wife of 47 years DeeAnn Boyd (dec. May 30, 2015).

John graduated from Manhattan High School (KS). He received a bachelor of music education and master’s of music from Northwestern University (IL) and a doctorate of musical arts from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  His major studying was with John Paynter, Bernard Rubenstein, and Crawford Gates.

He taught at Northern Illinois University, Wichita State University, Kent State University, the University of Arizona, and Indiana State University.  At ISU he was director of bands, professor of music, and coordinator of the wind/percussion division for 21 years, retiring in 2010 professor emeritus.

His bands performed at numerous state, regional, and national MENC conferences. His wind ensemble toured Tajimi, Japan, in 2001 as a cultural exchange with Terre Haute’s sister city.
Locally, he conducted the TH Youth Orchestra for a few years in early 1990’s, and guest conducted with the TH Symphony, the TH Community Band, and the Brazil (IN) Community Band.
He established a professional wind orchestra “Philharmonia a Vent” which performed and recorded CDs on the “Elf” label in cooperation with Frederick Fennell and Elizabeth Ludwig Fennell.

During the 2006-07 academic year, he was visiting professor and the first conductor of the Conservatory Winds at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, National University of Singapore.

He was a conductor/clinician throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

He conducted the Philharmonic Winds of Singapore, the Central Conservatory of Beijing, and Guangzhou Conservatory China, military band of the PLA in Beijing, China, Osaka Philharmonic Winds, Japan, Taiwan wind ensemble, and Taiwan military band.

He conducted the United States Army Band of Washington, DC, (Pershing’s Own) twice, the United States Army Field Band, and conducted/lectured three times at the Royal Northern College of Music at Manchester in the United Kingdom, and at three WASBE International Conferences.

He recorded seven CDs to high acclaim and arranged or composed hundreds of compositions for bands that are still widely played today.

He was a member of the American Bandmasters Assoc., Indiana Bandmasters Assoc, MENC/IMEA, College Band Directors National Assoc., National Band Assoc., WASBE, Phi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma and Phi Beta Mu. He served on the board of directors for the Conductors Guild.

John is survived by sister Martha Boyd and spouse Sandy Schermerhorn of Kansas City, MO; daughter Joleen Lundin and husband Carl of Minneapolis, MN; daughter Kimberly Henson and husband James of Mount Pleasant, SC; and son John A. Boyd and wife Melissa of Terre Haute, IN; and grandchildren Gabriel and Gideon Lundin, Brendan and Amber Henson, Alex (Cantrell) Boyd and fiancé Caedyn Abner, and Broderic and Carter Boyd.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: John P. Boyd Scholarship #23009 at ISU Foundation, 30 N. 5th St., Terre Haute, IN, 47809 or at www.indstate.edu/give; or to Northwestern University (School of Music designation) at Northwestern University Alumni Relations and Development, Attn: Gift Processing, 1201 Davis St., Evanston, IL; 60208 or www.wewill.northwestern.edu

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at DeBaun Springhill Chapel, 85 E Springhill Drive, Terre Haute, Indiana. Per the family’s request, masks must be worn at visitation.

Following cremation he will be buried in the Boyd family plot in Blue Rapids, KS.

Dr. John Paul Zdechlik (Gamma Pi / Gamma Alpha) 1937-2020

John Zdechlik, elected to ABA in 1988, passed away on Friday morning May 22, 2020, from complications of Parkinson’s and COVID-19. John had been in ill health for many years and was unable to attend ABA conventions. Prior to his ill health, however, he was an active composer, performer, conductor, and clinician. John earned his Ph.D. in Theory and Composition from the University of Minnesota where he studied with Paul Fetler and Frank Bencriscutto (ABA 1966).

John wrote numerous commissioned and published works, all of which many of our members have played. His works are frequently performed in this country and around the world.

His family was with him on Zoom just prior to his passing. He leaves his wife of many years, Katie, and three children: John, Sarah, and Mark.

Due to the present circumstances, a Memorial will be held at a later date.

John contributed so much to the band world as a performer, conductor, and composer. His contributions will be missed.

Bryant Poole (Epsilon Lambda) 1948-2020

Bryant Alexander Poole, loving son, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, of Asheville, NC, passed away May 16, at the age of 71. Bryant was born on September 16, 1948, in Shelby, NC, to Forrest and Hilda (Ivester) Poole. He is survived by a son, Christian Poole, wife Sally, and grandson Rye, a daughter, Laura Moore, and grandchildren Gavin and Kaitlyn, siblings Clark Poole, Keith Poole, and Tierney Poole Fairchild, nieces and nephews Macey Fairchild, Maegan Fairchild, Ian Poole, Bill Poole and Allyson Hutchby.

Bryant graduated from Shelby High School in 1965 and attended La Fayette St. United Methodist Church, where he was active in Boy Scouts of America and Sea Explorers. He graduated from Western Carolina University in 1969, with a degree in Music Education. While attending WCU he was active in concert choir, marching band, concert band, and Delta Sigma Phi and Kappa Kappa Psi fraternities. After graduation, he enjoyed a successful career as a band director in Tryon, NC, Lumberton, NC, and Atlanta, GA. After his band directing career, Mr. Poole earned a Masters in Counseling from the University of Georgia, and became a counselor in the Atlanta area.

Bryant had a passion for many things, including music, building and playing acoustic guitar, woodworking, whitewater kayaking, and camping. He was an avid trout fisherman and photographer. Bryant’s mission in life after retirement was working with his King Charles Spaniel dog named Piper. He and Piper worked at Mission Healthcare’s “Paws on a Mission” in Asheville as a therapy team for adult and pediatric cancer patients.

During his retirement years, he became very active in the Tai Chi and Ponderers’ communities in Asheville, NC. Bryant was always known for his compassionate spirit in all he did, and his desire to help others in all walks of life. Bryant’s biggest joy in life was his family, and the many happy times they shared will always be remembered. He was a true, gentle man.

A memorial service will be held at a later time.

Professor Austin A. Venzen (Zeta Pi) 1952-2020

With deep sadness, the family of Austin A. Venzen announces his passing on May 15, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn.

It has been often said life is measured not by the number of years but rather by the love shared, the memories made, the joy given, the blessings received. During his lifetime, Austin A. Venzen served as a mentor, life coach, outstanding musician, classroom teacher, humanitarian, organizer and lover of the arts. He was a man of Savan, a true Virgin Islander and a diehard Yankee fan. However, the greatest balance in that crowded life was experienced at home for this husband, father, grandfather, father figure and a friend of many.

Professor Venzen, Mr. Austin A. Venzen, Mr. Venzen, Venzen or just V — this educator saw each student as one of many adopted children and maintained a relationship in their lives by following their career paths and providing support and encouragement. He was a disciplinarian and demanded much of his students. From them he received outstanding performances, and undying appreciation and respect.

He was always a believer in exposing young people to the fine art of music, where he was inspired by one of his own tutors, Mr. Charles Cox. During his tenure in the public schools, he developed marching and concert bands that would perform concerts for various community events. He also worked and taught at the now defunct Toneskolen School of Music under Agatha Canfield.

On the collegiate level, his university band toured and cruised many islands in the Caribbean, giving concerts on Tortola, BVI; St. Kitts and Nevis; Anguilla; Barbados; St. Lucia; St. Maarten; Saba; Antigua and others. This ambassador of music was able to spread the universal language of music; introduce and connect his students to their Caribbean neighbors, expose the Caribbean communities and students to a true musical ensemble that would in turn encourage them to look at music as an outlet and, more importantly, become involved in their own school’s music program. These activities developed support for the efforts of UVI music education students. Concerts were held to raise funds to purchase instruments and recruit students and staff.

At the university level, he was adamant about exposing the community to the theatre through musicals like “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” “The Sound of Music,” “The King and I,” and “Damn Yankees” just to name a few. Additionally, he wanted to expose and encourage the young talent with productions like “An Evening on Broadway” and “Night on Lil’ Broadway.” He worked with the UVI Little Theater by serving as musical director on many of their projects.

He traveled to numerous public, private, and parochial schools throughout the Caribbean conducting workshops as an individual and with his Esquire Woodwind Trio. He was a flute soloist on many programs and worked with various church choirs on St. Thomas, often incorporating their talents with his concert band.

Professor Venzen’s pride and joy was the initiation of the Summer Band Camp (concert, jazz and ensembles) at the University of the Virgin Islands and at one point, expanded to a band and opera camp with professor Elvira O. Green. This was an extensive training program for young musicians that drew students from the three Virgin Islands, various Caribbean islands and the United States. Concerts were held weekly in Emancipation Garden, the WICO dock, in various churches and an award-winning performance at the end of the camp. Productions included “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream”, “Hansel and Gretel” and “Barber of Seville.”

Upon his retirement from the University of the Virgin Islands, this former associate professor of music relocated to Nashville with his wife Roxie. His musical involvement was also relocated to Nashville, where he instructed private students; taught at the W.O. Smith School of Music; participated in the Metropolitan Wind Ensemble; and he became a member of the music ministry at his adopted church of Clark Memorial United Methodist. At the same time, he continued to return to the Virgin Islands to run his summer band camp through 2018. Yes, he was retired.

Professor Venzen is a graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School’s Class of 1970 and the Tennessee State University, where he earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees in music.

Upon his graduation, he returned home to begin his teaching career in 1976. Initially, he was assigned as a band director at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and then reassigned to Charlotte Amalie High School.

In 1984, he began his tenure at the then College of the Virgin Islands and remained until his retirement from the University of the Virgin Islands in December of 2012.

Professor Venzen was a lifelong member of Christchurch Methodist and his dear Class No. 1. He maintained memberships with Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Harmonic Lodge 356 on St. Thomas.

Although saddened by Austin’s passing, our collective hearts are filled with happiness for the time he spent with us. The time was short, but our Austin shared his love with so many students and colleagues, created wonderful memories and experiences for young and old, gave joy to numerous audiences and performers, and received blessings for his commitment and generosity. Austin lived a full life.

Left to mourn this Virgin Islands son are his wife, Roxie B. Venzen; sons, DeWayne T. Venzen (Desiree) and Derrick I. Venzen; granddaughter, Bianca Grace Venzen; brothers, Warren Brown, Valimore, Adul, Adullah, Valenteen, Pershing (Lorene), Harold (Joan) Venzen; sisters, Ancelia (Joseph) Benjamin, Andrea Williams, Florence, June, Olive Venzen. Additionally, he leaves a dear cousin, Gwendolyn (Reynold) Barker and a host of other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Petronita Foy, and father, Ebenezer Venzen.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Smith Funeral Directors, Inc., 706 Monroe St., Nashville, Tenn. The service is set for Saturday, May 23, 2020, in Nashville and will be Facebook live-streamed through Smith Funeral Directors or their website at 11:50 a.m. Central time. A memorial celebration will be held in St. Thomas at a date to be determined.

Apply for the Professional Development Grant

The KKPsiAA Professional Development Grant was established to assist members of the Alumni Association who are looking to further their personal and professional development. Grant recipients receive an award of up to $500.

The grant is open to KKPsiAA members who have full membership rights.  Grants can be used for such items as graduate studies, professional designations, continuing education and/or self-development.

Applications are due on June 15, 2020 for the initial consideration.

To apply please send the following to alumni@kkpsi.org: 

    • Current professional Résumé
    • Photo and Biography suitable for publication (max 200 words)
    • Brief essay of no more than 1000 words, describing how these funds will be used and how this class, program and/or designation would benefit them.
    • A breakdown of associated costs and formal description of the program.

Additional Details: 

  • Applicants must be a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association in full standing level at the time of application, and remain so through at least the completion of the program.
  •  The Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association has set aside total of $2,500 for this program.   If the full allotment of funds is not disbursed during the initial application period, the application process will remain open until all funds are disbursed.