Steven Charles Coatney (Zeta Chi) 1952-2021

Steven “Steve” Charles Coatney, 68, of Columbia, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2021. He was born in Manhattan, Kansas on May 13, 1952, a son of the late Loren Charles Coatney and Sue Perkins Coatney.

Mr. Coatney graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He later earned his master’s degree in Music Education from USC in 1975, where he served as a graduate assistant with the USC band under Tom O’Neil. He was a middle school and high school band director for 10 years, serving from 1979 to 1985 as band director at Lexington High School. During his tenure, the Lexington Band earned numerous Superior Ratings at Concert, Marching, and Jazz Band contests. Mr. Coatney was elected to the American School Band Directors Association, served as President of the SC Chapter of the National Band Association, and served on many committees of the SC Band Directors Association.

Mr. Coatney was an accomplished trombone and bass trombone player. He was a member of the SC Philharmonic Orchestra for four years, played with Dick Goodwin Big Band for 15 years, and performed in concert with several national stars, including Dizzie Gillespie, Andy Williams, Cab Calloway, and Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.

Mr. Coatney then earned his Master of International Business Studies (MIBS) degree from USC in 1988, where he completed a six-month internship with Siemens AG in Karlsruhe, Federal Republic of Germany. He worked for IBM as a programmer and technical specialist from 1989 to 2002. He then worked for BlueCross BlueShield of SC, retiring in January 2013 as a Sr. Systems Analyst. During this time, he earned the prestigious Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2005.

Mr. Coatney was a devoted Christian and a member of Shandon Baptist Church from 1991 to present. During this time, he served as Director of Single Adults for several years and taught a Single Adult Sunday School class for 20 years. He played trombone in the Shandon Baptist Church Orchestra. He also enjoyed running and completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC in 1996.

Mr. Coatney is survived by his sister, Ann Coatney Donahue (Gerald); nieces, Kendall Cliatt Wright (Billy), Ashley Cliatt (fiancé, Adam Hixon) and great niece, Cassidy Wright. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Leslie Coatney.

A graveside service for Mr. Coatney will be held at 2 o’clock, Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garner’s Ferry Road, Columbia, SC with Rev. Barry Gray officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

All are invited to attend; however, masks and social distancing are required to create a safe environment for all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Shandon Baptist Church, 5250 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206 or to The Salvation Army of the Midlands, 3024 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203.

Norman Glynn Wells (Gamma Phi) 1966-2021

Norman Glynn Wells was born May 9, 1966 to Norman and Virgie (Gordon) Wells and passed away at his residence Feb. 3, 2021.

Glynn grew up in Lindale, TX and was a member of ‘The Pride of Lindale’ band. He fell in love with music and was influenced greatly under the leadership of Hubert ‘Butch’ Almany, Jim Young, Angela Glady and Johnny Cotton.

After graduating from Lindale High School in 1984, he was a proud member of the SFA Lumberjack band under the leadership of Mel Montgomery, assisted by Steve Peterson. He was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi (Music fraternity) and graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Education. He later graduated from SFA with a Masters degree in Educational Leadership.

Glynn was a Band Director for 29 years, 1 year at New Boston and the rest of his career at Nacogdoches. He led Thomas J Rusk Middle School for 10 years with his bands consistently getting 1s’ at UIL concert contests.

He was honored to take over the Nacogdoches High School program that was so successful under Jim Hagood. In Glynn’s 18 years as head director, the Nacogdoches band achieved Sweepstakes 15 out of 18 years.

In 2008, one of the highlights of his career was when the Nacogdoches band was 1 of 22 chosen from across the country to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.

His biggest undertaking was raising the funds needed to take his band to Hawaii not just once, but twice. In 2012 and 2016, the Dragon band played a patriotic program at the park with the Royal Navy band and also performed a concert at Pearl Harbor.

For many years during the summertime, Glynn could be found at Maroney pool supervising swimming lessons and the lifeguards. It was not unusual for several of his employees to be some of his band kids that worked there while completing college.

Glynn was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents-Roland and Onnie Gordon; Felix and Pearl Wells; His father: Norman Wells; Many aunts, uncles and cousins. Also, his Border collie Molly, given to him in 2001 by his first band.

Glynn is survived by his mother Virgie Wells-Lindale, sister Melissa Wells-Lindale, aunt Joy Brown-Hawkins and numerous cousins, friends, co-workers and former students. Sassy, his Border collie given to him by his last band in 2018 also survives him. Our world is much brighter and better because of Glynn and his incredible influence on all our lives. Glynn was not only a band director to his students, he was a friend, a mentor and to some a father figure. His biggest joy was influencing the lives of all his students and seeing them succeed. –

‘A Celebration of Life’ Service for family, close friends, and classmates is scheduled for 2:00 Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Cason-Monk Funeral Home in Nacogdoches. COVID guidelines will be followed and masks will be required. The service will be livestreamed for those who can not attend. There will be a link on Cason Monk website or you can go to their Facebook page, just prior to the service at 2:00. Other services for band students, friends and directors will be announced and held at a later date and time this summer.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to: SFA Lumberjack Bands Scholarship Fund. Attn: In memory of Glynn Wells.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.

Clifford Marvin Gronfur (Mu) 1932-2021

Clifford M. Gronfur, 88, of Williston, ND passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021 at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Williston, ND.

Clifford Marvin Gronfur was born March 5, 1932 in Williston, ND to Christ and Mina C. (Fosse) Gronfur. Growing up he attended Brooklyn School in Brooklyn Township grades 1 – 6, Williston Central School grades 7 &. He attended Williston High School his freshman year then transferred to Epping High School grades 10 – 12 and graduated from Epping High School with the class of 1950. Moving onto college, Clifford attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a minor Degree in Social Studies. At Minot State Teacher’s College, he obtained a Minor Degree in Secondary Education, Minor degree in Music.

At UND Clifford was involved in Lamda Chi Alpha, Gamma Theta Upsilon, Arnold Air Society, Kappa Kappa Psi. He was also a member for many years in the University Symphony and Marching Bank, Kappa Kappa Psi Jazz Band and Flickertail Follies.

He was an excellent teacher who thoroughly enjoyed his job and students. He taught at various schools, was a Band Director, involved in coaching, theater and was the Business Administrator at School District #8. He was an excellent artist and loved sharing his artwork with others.

Clifford was a bookkeeper/financial records at Frontier Equipment and Airport International Inn. After he retired he was a hail adjuster for Farmer’s Mutual Hail Company.

He volunteered and was very active in the community, sharing his talents. He was involved in the Williston City Band, Williston Bicentennial Committee, Band Day Committee, Williston Park Board, Lions Club, Yankee Doodle Tailtwister, Williston Jazz Band. He was also a Waterfront Director at Lake Metigoshe Scout Camp.

He was very proud to be the Co-Director and originator of the Williams Co. Allstar Bank tour to the 900th Anniversary of Bergen Norway. He toured Norway in 1975 He was chosen by Governor Link to represent North Dakota on ND Day in Philadelphia in front of Independence Hall. Received a private audience with King Olav along with 3 other members of the Festival 76 while in Norway.

October 2014, Clifford moved to the Bethel Lutheran Home in Williston where he lived for the past 6 years.

Clifford is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Jergen Gronfur, Alida Siverson, Olga Bustad, Esther Tofte, Myrtle Vallevik, Erling Duane Gronfur and 3 infant siblings.

In lieu of flowers, Clifford loved all animals and would appreciate donations be given to the Local MonDak Humane Society, 1137 2nd Ave. East #103, Williston, ND 58801.

A Graveside Service for Clifford will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, January 25, 2021 at the Wheelock Cemetery in Wheelock, ND. Pastor Sheldon Sorenson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel in Williston, ND. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston is assisting the family. Condolences may be left on our funeral home website at www.fulkersons.com.

The Graveside Service will be broadcast, please follow the link on Clifford’s service information on our website www.fulkersons.com

Due to Covid 19, we ask that everyone adheres to local and state requirements for social distancing.

David Dewayne Martinez (Epsilon Kappa) 1980-2021

David Dewayne Martinez, age 40, passed away in San Angelo, Texas on January 14th, 2021. He was born on February 25th, 1980 in San Angelo, Texas to Augustine and Yolanda Martinez.

David was a sales representative at Tarpley Music and loved to DJ. He was a kid at heart and loved and collected all things Snoopy. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Crucista, and was a Fraternity brother of Kappa Kappa Psi and was commonly known and nicknamed as “Monkey”.

He is preceded in death by his father, Augustine Martinez. He is survived by his mother Yolanda Martinez, his dog Bo Martinez, his sister Jerri Lynn and Angel Fierro of Ozona, Texas, his brother Leroy and Elmi Martinez of Fort Worth, Texas. His nephews Chris and Leigh Ann Fierro of Winnsboro, Texas, Trey Angel Fierro of Austin Texas, Christopher Aguilar of Fort Worth, Texas, Xavier Martinez of Brady, Texas, his nieces Kristen Fierro of Lubbock, Texas, Breanna Aguilar of Clarksville, Arkansas, Destiney Martinez of Stephenville, Texas, and Kaitlyn Aguilar, and Aubrey Martinez of Fort Worth, Texas.

Services will be held Friday January 22nd, 2021 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ozona, TX with burial following at Lima Cemetery. David was laid to rest next to his father Augustine Martinez.

Paul Lytle (Beta Tau) 1958-2021

Paul A. Lytle, 62, passed away on January 10, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. Beloved husband, father, son, colleague, friend, fan, volunteer, leader, and lifelong Wichitan, Paul was born in 1958 to Robert Lytle and D. Joanne. Paul was a lifetime Shocker, graduating from WSU in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Paul was hired Dec. 11,  1989, as a mechanical engineer for his alma mater. In June 1993 he was promoted to building systems engineer.  He went on to receive his Master of Engineering Management in 2006 from WSU and was promoted in December 2018 to director of environmental control.

Paul was an avid sports fan of any and every sport, especially of Wichita, Kansas City, and United States international teams. An Eagle Scout, and father to two others, Paul volunteered for years as a cubmaster and scout leader for troops 520 at St. Thomas Aquinas, 542 at Holy Cross Lutheran, and 503 at Magdalen Church. A history buff and space enthusiast, Paul also volunteered frequently at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Lake Afton Public Observatory, never failing to miss any celestial events or space/rocket launches. Paul was the ultimate tourist, squeezing the most out of his time when traveling, always on the lookout for monuments, landmarks, historical places, and stadiums. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with as well as those he reached but never met.

Paul is survived by his wife of 32 years, Virginia, son Trevor (Lindsay Ann), son Zach, and mother D. Joanne, as well as countless extended family members and friends. Paul was preceded in death by his father, Robert.

Damian Wayne McClinton (Epsilon Beta/Nu Lambda) 1989-2021

DAMIAN MCCLINTON, 31, passed away Monday, January 4, 2021. He was a graduate of Oak Grove High School, obtained his Associate’s Degree from Shorter College and attended UCA and ASU Beebe. He was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, a 32nd Degree Mason and Past Patron in the Order of Eastern Star. He was a Training Instructor for TTech. Damian was a talented entertainer, saxophonist and vocalist, loved animals, possessed a quick wit and was a loving son, brother and friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Marjorie Faucette; step-father Hilton Chandler, III; god-mother Delores Iverson and two uncles. He is survived by his parents, Marcia (Aaron) Moore and Donny McClinton; brothers Nicholas and David Chandler; god-sister and niece Marce Jones and MyCayla Lenier; grandmother Ruth L. Chandler; Two loved pets Thor and Fred Astaire; four aunts; two uncles and many cousins and friends.

A walk-through visitation will be held Friday, January 15, 2021, 3–5 p.m., at the Serenity Funeral Home Chapel, 1851 Marshall Street, Little Rock. CDC guidelines will be enforced. Floral expressions may be delivered on the 15th after 12:30 p.m., to Brown’s Christian Funeral Service at 1705 Main Street, North Little Rock. Florists should call (501) 244-800 for delivery.

Thomas Hoyt Edwards (Epsilon Lambda) 1949-2021

Thomas (Tommy) Hoyt Edwards 71 of Belle Isle, Georgetown South Carolina entered the kingdom of God on January 1, 2021 at his villa on Belle Isle, SC surrounded by Gods beauty and serenity of the Spanish moss on the century old oak trees, looking out along the lakes of Winyah Bayand the two loves of his life, his wife Sheila Arney Rassette Edwards and Keiko his dog of 18 years. In his own words since retiring here Tommy said many times, “You sure brought us to a beautiful place”

Tommy was a member of the First Moravian Church in Greensboro, NC and had been a head usher taking over for his beloved father, Hoyt Pervis Edwards who proceeded him in death along with his mother Mary Elizabeth Edwards and stepmother Helen Westmoreland Edwards.  He worked for his father for many years in a family owned business, Edwards Seafood Company and completed his working career for the Federal Government as a TSA officer at the Triad International Airport in Greensboro, NC for 13 years.  Tommy and Sheila traveled all over the world and the US by air and ship and without a doubt loved Ireland and the Isle of Man as their favorite. Once retired he and his beloved wife moved to Belle Isle Marina and Yacht Club and enjoyed what Tommy thought was one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Tommy’s wish was to be cremated and have no formal funeral. There will be a Celebration of Life later in his hometown of Greensboro, NC where he was born and raised and met his soulmate and wife over 41 years ago and finally reunited and married her 20 years later at the age of 50. Tommy said he waited for marriage to find the right partner he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He is survived by his wife and three step-children: Christian James Arney Rassette of Charlotte, NC, Nicholas James Arney Rassette and wife Fatima Lima Rassette of Boca Raton, FL; and Carolyn Danielle Louise Rassette of Stokesdale, NC; four step-grandchildren: Alexis Nicole Hardin, Madison Lyann Hicks, Madeleine Pelletier and Silas Lima Rassette; his only sibling, David Willard Edwards and wife Joan Johnstone Edwards of Greenville SC. Tommy was loved by everyone he met and his soft nature attracted lifelong friends.  His smile and warm heart will be missed by all.

Memorials may be made to Agape Hospice of SC, 3009-C Church Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 or SC House Calls of Columbia SC as they helped his wife care for him in the home his last months or to his church, First Moravian Church, 304 S. Elm Street, Greensboro NC 27403.

Burroughs Funeral Home (843-651-1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family.

John Joseph Delagrange (Zeta Omicron) 1967-2020

John Joseph Delagrange, age 53, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, died on December 28, 2020 at Western Reserve Hospital after battling Covid 19.

John was born in Akron, Ohio, on August 23, 1967, the son of Alice (nee Laws) Delagrange of Stow, Ohio and the late John Philip Delagrange.

John was a 1985 graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School and a graduate of the University of Phoenix, earning his Bachelors Degree in Business Management. He was currently working as an L&D Product Manager for Allstate Insurance Company in Hudson.

John enjoyed gaming, collecting swords of all type, and loved being with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed the holidays of Halloween and Christmas. His decorations made his neighborhood lively and loved. John also loved to travel to Florida, especially Disney with his loving wife, Colleen.

In addition to his mother, survivors include his beloved wife, the former Colleen Erb, whom he married on August 23, 1996; his siblings, Ruthann (Matt) Francis, Rebecca (Rich) Metz and Patrick Delagrange; his nieces and nephews, Patrick John Delagrange, Hannah Metz, Mary Metz, Audrey Francis and William Francis; his wife’s siblings, Dawn Butler and Courtney (Andrea) Erb; his wife’s nieces and nephews and their families, Lindsay (Trevor) Petitte, Leah (Lorenzo) Dumancas, Austin (Jamie) Erb, Zachary Erb and Anthony Erb. His wife’s parents also survive, Daniel and Karen (nee Miller) Erb.

Private memorial services will take place at Newcomer Funeral Home, Akron, Ohio.

THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF LIFE AT A LATER DATE.
For those of you invited, we ask that you ADHERE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES AND WEAR A MASK.

Amy S. Walp (Eta Rho) 1970-2020

Amy S. Walp, 50, of West Chester, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, at her home.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of Leonard and Paula Swithers Walp, of Jackson Twp.

Amy was a 1988 graduate of Lake-Lehman High School and attended West Chester University. She fell in love with the town of West Chester and the university and made her home there for the last 30 years.

Amy served as the backbone of her employer, Under The Sun Productions Inc., a special events production company based in West Chester where she served in countless roles for a wide range of high-profile national public events. She was the “mass group coordinator” for the huge youth choir, tap dance, and dance productions for the QVC/West Chester Christmas Parade, the 6 ABC Dunkin Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade, the Celebrate America Parade, the Miss America “Show Us Your Shoes” parade, The National Independence Day Parade, The Philadelphia Independence Day Parade, The Citrus Bowl Parade, The Tangerine Bowl Halftime show, The Nashville Christmas Parade, The National Memorial Day Parade, the Republican National Convention Lighted Boat Parade, the Welcome America Lighted Boat Parade, the National Cherry Blossom Parade, the Boy Scouts of America Centennial Parade, and The Hershey Centennial Parade. In this role, she managed well over 70,000 individual performers over the course of 20 years, calling them “her kids” and taking great pride and joy in managing the performance opportunities for the young performers. She was a production team member for the first anniversary commemoration of the Crash of Flight 93, participated in the production of several Daytona 500 pre-race shows and was a technician for the Golden Crown New Year’s Brigade and the Hegeman String Band, participants in the Philadelphia Mummers parade, for a number of years.

Amy served as assistant director of the West Chester University Winter Color Guard, Field of View, who was a consistent world class finalist at the Winter Guard International World Championships. She was also the assistant director of the West Chester University Incomparable Marching Band Color Guard, who recently became the first division two school in the history of the United States to receive and currently hold the coveted Sudler Trophy, the “Heisman” for marching bands. Her logistical skills, leadership, sewing skills, dedication, building of props, RAM Pride and much more contributed to the high standards required to receive the award.

Amy received several state and local commendations including the key to the city of West Chester, Volunteer of the Year award from the West Chester Chamber of Commerce and commendations from the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives.

All of Amy’s efforts in the production industry have contributed to entertaining and spreading love and joy to tens of millions of viewers and spectators from around the globe. Her passing is a huge loss to an industry of making people smile and be happy, as she always cared and gave to others rather than herself.

Surviving in addition to her parents are her brother, Ryan Walp and his wife, Maria, Jackson Twp.; nephew and godson, Adam; and niece, Sarah Grace.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of family.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to West Chester University Foundation in memory of Amy Walp. Please make checks payable to WCU Foundation, Memo: In Memory of Amy Walp, and mail to 202 Carter Drive, West Chester, PA 19382. If making the donation online, visit www.wcufoundation.org/give and include Amy Walp in the tribute information.

Arrangements are by Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., Shavertown.

Wendell Oscar Evanson (Theta Phi) 1927-2020

Wendell Oscar Evanson, Henderson State University Professor of Music and Director of Bands Emeritus, passed away November 3, 2020, from natural causes.  He was born March 28, 1927, in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, the son of Rev. Oscar Julian Evanson and Elizabeth Webb Evanson.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dr. Lydia Duckett Evanson, his daughter, Lori Christina Evanson Adams (John), son, Dr. Kirk Wendell Evanson (Lucy), grandson, Jonah Kirk Evanson, and granddaughter, Tess Carol Evanson.  He is also survived by nieces, Susie Wehrenberg, Mary Moon, and nephew, Ron Baker.

Professor Evanson attended the public schools of Kingfisher, OK, where he began study of the euphonium.  A Methodist preacher’s kid, he later moved to Muskogee, where he continued his involvement in band as a trombone player.  In 1942, Wendell entered high school in Sapulpa, where he excelled in band, sang in choir (his all state choir clinician was Robert Shaw), acted in school plays, and played basketball and football (much to his mother’s chagrin).  At his graduation ceremony in 1945, his father accepted his diploma, as Wendell had to report for basic training in the Army Air Force.

During the last months of World War II, Wendell worked as a cryptographer at Langley Air Force base.  He was discharged as a Cpl. in 1946, and with the GI bill he entered the University of Arkansas.  After a short tenure there, he transferred to Hendrix College, as a music major, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  His first high school teaching position was at Smackover, Arkansas, followed by Conway.

In 1958, Wendell Evanson became band director at Henderson State University, where he remained for 30 productive years. In 1967, he established the Henderson State Band Camp, which through the years helped train 1000’s of young wind and percussion players. His Henderson bands grew from 30 players in 1958 to over 100 players when he retired in 1987.  His Henderson Bands performed at the MENC regional music conference and the College Band Directors regional conference.

In 1993, Mr. Evanson became founding conductor of the Little Rock Wind Symphony, retiring from the position in 2005.

Through the years, Wendell remained close to his former students, and always encouraged and advised them in their professional careers.  He rejoiced in their successes always. He was honored by his peers as Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year (1980) and in 1983, he was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.

Wendell loved his family.  He treated his wife, Lydia, like a queen, always encouraging her in her career aspirations.  He waited a very long time for his children, Lori and Kirk, but was always a hands on type of Dad. They both understood they always had their Dad’s unwavering support and love.  When Kirk presented Lucy, to join the Evanson family, followed by Jonah and Tess, life was wonderful.  When Lori welcomed husband, John to the family, life was even more complete and the best ever.

Funeral Service will be 11:00AM Thursday, November 5, 2020 at First United Methodist Church in Arkadelphia. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Burial to follow service at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

Due to covid-19: face coverings and social distancing is required.