Alfred George James Wright was born in London, England on June 23rd, 1916, to Alfred Francis Wright and Elizabeth Tilley Chapman Wright. After he finished the first grade his family immigrated to America on the Mauretania and settled in Pontiac, Michigan. The family stayed with Al’s Uncle, George Wright, for six weeks before buying a small house. His father started working for the Pontiac Motor Company as a tool and machinist while his mother was a professional seamstress. The local band director, Dale Harris, who was also the founder of the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA), visited Al’s parents and recruited him to play okay Horn in the high school band. After graduation from Pontiac High School, Dr. Wright earned a full music scholarship to the University of Miami in Florida where he earned both a bachelor’s degree (1937) and a master’s degree (1947). He taught band and orchestra at Miami Senior High School from 1938-1954, where Dr. Wright led the program to national prominence. The Miami Senior High Band performed at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago in 1951.

In 1954, Al Wright was named Director of Bands at Purdue University, a position he held until his retirement in 1981. Upon retirement, he was named Director of Bands Emeritus. While at Purdue, Dr. Wright was credited with introducing a “show band” style to Purdue University with intricate drill formations, picture shows, and a flashy high step style of marching. During his time at Purdue, Dr. Wright added positions to the marching band including the Golden Girl, the Girl in Black, the Silver Twins, the Flag Corps, and the Golduster Dance Team. It was Wright who also started the stirring patriotic tradition of I Am An American. He brought guest conductors to Purdue including Arthur Fiedler from the Boston Pops, Henry Fillmore, Edwin Franko Goldman, Karl King, Ferde Grofe, Sir Vivian Dunn, and Paul LaValle. Dr. Wright’s Purdue Bands traveled around the world including performances in Colombia, Venezuela, Japan, Canada, Holland, and other destinations in Europe. Under Wright’s leadership, members of Purdue’s marching band also appeared in four separate productions at Radio City Music Hall for a total of 664 performances. In 1971, Dr. Wright started the Purdue orchestra program. He is credited with literally putting the Purdue Band program on the map.

Al Wright was considered a pioneer in the band profession, having served as President of numerous professional organizations. In 1961, he founded the National Band Association (NBA), serving as its founding president, secretary-treasurer, and Honorary Life President. He was eventually inducted into the the NBA Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors at Troy University. He served as the President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of the John Philip Sousa Foundation and founded the United States Collegiate Wind Bands. He was inducted into the prestigious American Bandmasters Association in 1949, served as ABA President in 1981, and Honorary Life President until his death. He held memberships in the Big Ten Band Directors Association, the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), the Music Educator’s National Association (MENC), and was a 4-year member of the Jury for World Music Festivals in Kerkrade, Holland. Dr. Wright also served as President of the Florida Bandmasters Association, the Florida Orchestra Association, and the Florida Music Educators Association. He was also inducted into the Florida Bandmasters Hall of Fame and the University of Miami Band Hall of Fame.

Numerous organizations honored Al Wright with honorary memberships including Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was elected to the Academy of Winds and Percussive Arts and received the Star of the Order of Merit from the Sousa Foundation. Kappa Kappa Psi presented him with their Distinguished Service Medal and in 1982, Purdue University awarded him the Distinguished Alumnus Award. In addition, he was the recipient of an honorary LLD degree from Troy University. In 2016, both Al and Gladys Stone Wright were awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Midwest Clinic. Both Al and Gladys were also awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by the international band fraternity, Phi Beta Mu and ASBDA.

Wright served as guest conductor, lecturer, and adjudicator in most of the 50 states, in five Canadian provinces, Japan, Europe, and England. He is listed in Marquis’ Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World. In 2003, Dr. Wright was honored by Purdue Band Alumni when a bust of his likeness was placed outside the Purdue Bands entrance at the Elliott Hall of Music. The Purdue Bands & Orchestras department chair position bears his name. The largest rehearsal hall in the new Purdue Bands & Orchestras facility will be named for Al G. Wright.

In 1938, Al Wright married Marie Farmer. Their daughters and families include: daughter Adele Marie Wright, married to George Ronald Needham; grandson Scott Needham, wife, Anne-Marie Szabo and great granddaughter, Melanie Needham; grandson, David Needham, wife, Kimberly Routh, and great granddaughters Delaney and Kaitlyn Needham; granddaughter, Jennifer Needham Graf, husband Shawn, and great grandsons Jordan and Peyton Graf. Daughter, Cynthia Elaine Wright, married to the late Lawrence Edward Williams; grandson, Charles Williams, wife, Melody Shanks, and great grandchildren, Kiley Shanks and Calvin Williams; granddaughter, Laura Williams, husband, Chris Saucedo and great grandchildren, Nick and Mia Saucedo.

Al married Gladys Stone Wright in 1953. They were married for 67 years. Al and Gladys traveled the world together and she was the love of his life. She survives. Gladys Wright’s family includes a brother Murvel Stone Jr. and a sister Carole Stone Willavage, 13 nephews and nieces and over 25 great nephews and nieces.

A service will be held at Slayter Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Purdue University on Friday, September 11, at 2:30pm for family and invited guests. Due to issues related to COVID-19, masks will be required. The service will also be virtually broadcast. Details concerning the virtual service will be available at www.purdue.edu/bands. Burial will follow at the Spring Vale Cemetery in Lafayette. Gladys Wright asks that friends consider donations to Purdue Bands & Orchestras (giving.purdue.edu/bands) in memory of Dr. Wright to support the Hagle Hall building project. A “Celebration of Life” will be held in the coming months to honor Dr. Wright. You may sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com

Paul Gerard Chambers was born to Walterlee Chambers, née Whitehead, and Otis Chambers Sr. on September 19, 1961, in Houston, Texas. After the passing of his mother, Walterlee, Paul was reared by his aunt Rosalie Diamond-Mitchell. Paul grew up as a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and Sunlight Baptist Church. Paul attended Pleasant Elementary, E.O. Smith Jr. High, and Phillis Wheatley High School.

Paul had a great love and appreciation for music. All types of music. He enjoyed being a part of the jazz, concert, and marching bands at all the schools he attended. Paul went on to attend Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU) “The Hill” in Prairie View, Texas, where he was a member and selection leader of the mellophone section. Paul, aka “Mighty Mouse,” pledged Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, and majored in Communications. Paul served as Secretary for the chapter during his years at PVAMU.

Paul married his long time friend and love of his life Violet Barbers in 1988, and to this union was born Emerald and D’Juan. Paul loved his children and worked hard to provide for them. Paul was employed with KLAS Channel 8 CBS news in Las Vegas, Nevada as a cameraman for 15 years, making many friends and leaving a great impression. After the passing of his beloved wife, Violet, Paul moved back to Houston, Texas, and Emerald and D’Juan soon joined him. Paul loved music and people. He made you feel welcomed and always had something funny to say. He enjoyed life, family, music, and friends.

Paul Chambers departed this life on September 2, 2020, reuniting with his mother Walterlee Whitehead Chambers, father Otis Chambers Sr., sister Brenda Joyce Chambers, brothers Floyd Chambers and Walter Edwards Chambers, and of course, his sweet wife, Violet.

Left to cherish his memory are his amazing children, daughter Emerald and son D’Juan Chambers, his loving sister Lavern Chambers and brother Otis Chambers, Jr., and two grandsons King and Prince Paul Thornhill.

John Walter Kissack Sr., 91, of Gering, Nebraska passed away August 29, at home with his loving wife holding his hand, daughter Diana also at his side. John was born to Elmer and Marie (Pfeffer) Kissack in Flint, Michigan, on August 6, 1929. John’s family moved to Scottsbluff when he was 15. John graduated from Scottsbluff High School as salutatorian in 1947.

He survived the blizzard of 1949, after spending three days stranded in a vehicle when returning to college after Christmas break. At CU-Boulder, John was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, Alpha Iota chapter (Honorary Band Fraternity), and Alpha Kappa Psi, Gamma Zeta chapter (Business Fraternity). He played in the marching band and jazz band. He graduated with a BS in Business Administration in 1951.

John enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951. He received an Honorable Discharge for medical reasons.

John began working in his father’s business, Kissack Company, Office Outfitters, winning top seller for the region many times. He worked for 52 years.

John married Marjorie (Monasmith) of Lincoln, NE on August 27, 1955 in Boulder, CO. They had five children. They had just celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary. They met on a blind date and thought they were meant to be together, as they shared the same birthday.

John earned his private pilot license in 1970. He owned two planes in his years as a pilot. He served on the State Aeronautical Commission for 8 years. John took a position as Director of Motor Vehicles, under Governor, Jim Exon, from 1970-1972. The family lived in Lincoln, NE during those years.

John loved music and could play many instruments. He played with Gering Summer Band, WNCC college band, he sang with Sugar Valley Singers and Christ the King Catholic Church Choir. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, earning 4^th Degree Knight status. He was a 26-year member of the Lions Club in Scottsbluff, inducted at age 21. He was an Eagle Scout. Recently, he was a volunteer in the jail ministry through his church.

He was a life-long Democrat. He was an alternate to the DNC in Miami Beach, Florida in 1972.

He was a voracious reader of history, an avid swimmer, and admired Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock. He loved people, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with family.

John was preceded in death by his parents and son, John Kissack II.

He is survived by his brother Richard Kissack (Connie) of Clinton, IA, his wife Marjorie, daughters: Susan Hartmann (Tom) of Bellevue, NE, Kathy Emick (Tim) of Eaton, CO, Barb Jesse of Laramie, WY, Diana Dally of Gering, 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren

A Rosary is being held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Gering on September 3, at 6:00 p.m. and a Memorial Service Friday, September 4 at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Fr. Michael McDonald will officiate. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery near his parents and son.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the family at 1805 Q Street Gering, NE 69341, or for masses for him at Christ the King Catholic Church of Gering.

Desmond K. Jones transitioned to be with the Lord on 08/27/2020 after bravely battling complications with Covid 19. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Remeeka; his heart, daughter Genesis; his parents and siblings.  Desmond was a long time member of Kappa Kappa Psi and leaves behind a host of loving memories with family and friends from his birth place, Troy Alabama. A celebration of life will be held at Emerald Coast Funeral Home on Friday, September 4, 2020.  The viewing will be held at 1:00 P.M. with the service starting at 2:00 P.M.  Burial will take place at Beal Memorial Cemetery immediately following the service.  A reception will be held from 3:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. at Emerald Coast Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his name to the Go Fund Me Account (https://gf.me/u/ytdgkh) to provide ongoing support to his wife and child. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com

A private Memorial service for Omar Villalobos Cavazos, 61, of Clayton, LA will be held at a later date under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.
Mr. Cavazos was born on Saturday, August 23, 1958 in Raymondville, TX the son of Adelita Villalobos and Reyes Maldonado Cavazos and passed away Friday, July 31, 2020 in Natchez, MS.

He was a lifelong educator and band director teaching at Huntington School in Ferriday, LA, Block High School in Jonesville, LA, and with the Natchez-Adams School District until the time of his death. Having moved to Natchez from Texas in 1967, Mr. Cavazos attended Natchez public schools throughout most of his youth and graduated from South Natchez-Adams High School in 1977. Mr. Cavazos also graduated from Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, LA on May 9, 1981 earning a BME Degree in Secondary Music Education for Band and Orchestra. Mr. Cavazos also attended Graduate School at Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS and attended educational conferences in Chicago, IL, San Antonio, TX, and at USM in Hattiesburg.
As a senior at South Natchez-Adams High School, Mr. Cavazos was elected as a member of the All-American Band Hall of Fame from Purdue University in Indiana and received the Blue Ribbon Award and Gold Key Award for his art work from the Mississippi Junior Scholastic Art Competition in Jackson, MS leading to his art work being displayed for competition at the National Junior Scholastic Art Competition in New York City, N.Y. His artwork was also featured as the cover page of the school literary magazine, “The Compendium”. His artwork also won several awards in the local Pilot Club Art Show.

Mr. Cavazos served as class officer for the Northeast Louisiana University Bands (The Sound of Today) for two years and president on his final year. He was a member and treasurer of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Music Fraternity, member and secretary of Kappa Kappa Psi Professional Band Fraternity, member of the Mississippi Band Masters Association, past president of the S.W.MS. Band Directors Association, Louisiana Band Masters Association, Louisiana Music Educators Association, Texas Band Masters Association, Music Educators National Conference, The International Trumpet Guild, The National Band Association, MENC, The Humane Society of the United States, Plan USA Foster Parent in Nicaragua, The National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association, The Historic Natchez Concert Winds and Percussion, and an original member of the Natchez “Star Dusters” Big Band Orchestra. Mr. Cavazos also performed with the Monroe Little Theatre, the Natchez Little Theatre, and performed for American Presidential Candidate Ronald Reagan, and American Presidential Candidate George Bush, Sr. and was selected “Who’s Who Among American High School Teachers” while teaching at Block High School in Jonesville, La.

Mr. Cavazos was a member of the National Educators Association, NCLR (National Council of LA RAZA, Washington, DC), NAACP, MHA (MS Hispanic Association), MAE (MS Association of Educators), Advisory Board member of Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association, past owner/Sponsor of Video X-Press and the girls softball team in Start, LA along with Movie Magic and the girls softball team in Rayville, LA. He was an avid supporter of the Natchez Humane Society, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the Natchez Children’s Home.

Mr. Cavazos was preceded in Death by his father, Reyes Maldonado Cavazos, Mother, Adelita Villalobos Cavazos, and niece, Liza Diana Nichols.

He is survived by his sisters, Irene Nelson and her husband Mark of Clayton, LA, Diana Williams and her husband Cleve of Vidalia, LA, nieces Marcie Nelson of Quitman, La, Stephanie Thibadeaux and her husband Michael of Bossier City, LA, Nephew Tyler Crosby of Vidalia, LA, great nieces Brooke Sims and Shelby Nugent, and great nephew Colin Thibadeaux

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Anthony L. Morris, Fred Marsalis, Lorenzo Stampley, Frank C. Heard, Jr., Clarence K. Gibson, Officer William Mitchell, IV, and David I. Beach. Darryl Nugent, Michael Rodriguez, Oscar Rodriguez, Jamie Hernandez, Gary G. Hernandez, David Villalobos, Hector Villalobos, Robert Guerrero, Raul Garza, II, Travis Burrow, Roy Garcia, Curt Smith, Larry Buckley, Dale Young, Michael Benoit, the Morgantown School family and the members of the Natchez-Adams School District Band Department.

The family requests memorials to be made to the Natchez Humane Society, the Natchez Children’s Home, or the American Red Cross.

Professional Organizations, Affiliations & Honors:

International/National Professional Organizations/Affiliations

• ITA – The International Trumpet Guild
• NBA – The National Band Association
• MENC – Music Educators National Conference: The National Association for Music Education
• NFIMA – National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association
• VFW – Veterans of Foreign Wars (Financial Supporter)
• Past Treasurer: Kappa Kappa Psi Professional Band Fraternity
• Past Secretary: Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Music Fraternity
• The American Red Cross (Volunteer and Financial Supporter)
• The Humane Society of the United States
• Plan, USA – International Forster Parent
• The Smithsonian Institution
• NEA – National Education Association, Gaithersburg, MD
• ACLU – American Civil Liberties Union, New York City, New York
• NCLR – National Council of LA RAZA: National Organization making a difference for Hispanic Americans, Washington DC
• NAACP – National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Baltimore, MD
• GPP – Gallup Poll Panel Advisory Group, Omaha, Nebraska
• Regional/State Professional Organizations/Affiliations
• MHSAA – The Mississippi High School Activities Association
• MBA – The Mississippi Bandmasters Association
• LBA – The Louisiana Bandmasters Association
• LMEA – The Louisiana Music Educators Association
• TBA – The Texas Bandmasters Association
• TMEA – The Texas Music Educators Association
• Past President: SWMBDA – The Southwest Mississippi Band Directors Association
• Advisory Board: SWMEPA – Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association
• Mississippi State Troopers Association (Financial Supporter)
• The Salvation Army (Financial Supporter)
• Past President: University of Louisiana Bands, Monroe, LA
• Monroe Little Theatre Orchestra, Monroe, LA
• Owner/Sponsor: Video X-Press Girls Softball Team, Start, LA
• Owner/Sponsor: Movie Magic Girls Softball Team, Rayville, LA
• State of Louisiana Certified Foster Parent
• The “Stardusters” Big Band Orchestra – Natchez Charter Member
• Natchez Little Theatre Musician
• Historic Natchez Concert Winds and Percussion
• Natchez Humane Society
• Natchez Children’s Home: Visitation Volunteer, Financial supporter
• MHA – Mississippi Hispanic Association, Jackson, MS
• NAACP – Region V
• MEA – Mississippi Association of Educators, Jackson, MS
• ACAE – Adams County Association of Educators

Workshops/Clinics/ Continuing Education

• The Midwest Clinic – Chicago, IL
• All-South Honor Band Clinic – University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
• TMEA Clinic – San Antonio, TX
• LMEA Clinic – Baton Rouge, LA
• MBA Clinic – Biloxi, MS
• SWMBDA Clinic – Southwest Mississippi Community College, Summit, MS
• Co-Lin Band Clinic – Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Wesson, MS
• Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration
• Alcorn State University, Graduate Studies

Honors

• All-American Band Hall of Fame Inductee, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
• Scholastic Art Award – Gold Key & Blue Ribbon Award Recipient for State of Mississippi
• Gold Key Scholastic Art Award – National Competition, New York City, New York
• Musical Arts League of Natchez Scholarship Recipient
• Who’s Who Among America’s High School Teachers
• Performed for Presidential Candidate Ronald Reagan
• Performed for Presidential Candidate George Herbert Walker Bush, Sr.
• Other dignitaries performed for:
  • US Senator Trent Lott
  • U.S. Senator Thad Cochran
  • U.S. Representative Chip Pickering
  • National Park Service Director Ms. Fran Mainella, Washington, DC
  • Mississippi Senator Bob Dearing
  • Several past and present regional/local city mayors and dignitaries

To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.youngsfh.com.

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
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, 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, 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.

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.