Edward Odelle Nevills

Edward Odelle Nevills February 6, 1914 - May 17, 2009 E.O. "Dusty" Nevills, 95, of Waco, formerly of San Angelo, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2009. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 21, at BrandonBynum Cemetery, Hillsboro, Texas. Visitation will be 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 20, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Dusty was born February 6, 1914, in Brandon, TX, in Hill County, to David E. and Jennie Gist Nevills. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1931 where he was the National President of the FFA. He graduated from Texas A&M College in 1936 with a B.S. Degree in Agricultural Education. At A&M he was a member of the Ross Rangers and Company Commander his senior year. Hentered the U.S. Army upon graduation for 1 year. Dusty then taught Vocational Agriculture at Mertzon and Eldorado High Schools, until World War II. He returned to the Army as a First Lieutenant in 1941. He was discharged in 1946, but remained in the National Guard Reserve. He married the love of his life, Marcie Reed, on December 26, 1938, in Clyde, Texas. They lived in Fort Reno, Oklahoma, during WWII, where Dusty attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After the war, they moved to Big Lake, Texas, where they lived for 35 years. Mr. Nevills was Reagan County's Agricultural Agent for 28 years, retiring in 1974. The National County Agricultural Agents Association recognized him with the Distinguished Service Award in 1958. He was cited for his work in farm management, marketing assistance rendered on REA and telephone co-operatives, and for leadership in formation of the Middle Concho Soil and Water Conservation District, which includes Reagan County. He was very active in many civic and community organizations while in Big Lake, including being President of the Lions Club and a member of the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Nevills assisted new farmers with irrigation, crop management, credit management and solving problems in the development of the irrigation farming area in the northern part of Reagan County. His 4-H club feeding programs were outstanding over the years with numerous grand champions in the lamb, breeding sheep, and horse competition. He was recognized as a competent sheep and horse judge. Dusty also judged many pecan production events in San Angelo. Upon retirement, Mr. Nevills appraised ranches and farmland throughout West Texas as a licensed Real Estate Broker. Dusty was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Big Lake and Sierra Vista United Methodist Church of San Angelo for many years. He was also a member of the Big Lake Country Club, where he shot a few rounds of golf and played many hands of dominoes. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marcie; his three sisters, Jean Hill Montgomery, Jacque Nevills Chapman, Marguerite Nevills Carroll, and two infant sisters; and his step-father, Fletcher Hill. He is survived by his daughter, Cara Jay Patterson and husband, John; his son, Monte Reed Nevills of Lorena; grandchildren, Shae Patterson Dickey and husband, Kevin, Dae Patterson Vasek and husband, Brian, all of Hewitt; Laurie Nevills Spence and husband, Stephen, of Cypress, Texas; Landee Ann Nevills of Bolivar, Missouri; and Lasen DeAnn Nevills of Waco; five great grandchildren, Dustin Vasek, Cara Layne Vasek, Reagan Dickey, Logan Dickey, and newly-born Stratton Kyle Spence; one nephew, Dr. Joe Reed of Abilene; and numerous other nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the Meadowlands Terrace staff, and Bluebonnet Hospice Home Health Care, for their considerate treatment and devotion to our father and the consolation given to us during this sorrowful time. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.