Maurice Uriah Labens

Maurice Uriah Labens, age 93, passed away Friday, October 6, 2023 at The Legacy Will Bend in Plano, Texas.

A graveside service and burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 9, at Rodef Sholom Cemetery with Harry Harelik officiating. A reception will follow at Temple Rodef Sholom, 1717 New Road, in Waco.

Maurice was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi on October 9, 1929 and grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi. After graduating high school in Clarksdale, Maurice attended his freshman year at Ole Miss where he served on the cheer-leading squad. After his freshman year he took a year off to work and then voluntarily signed up for the draft and served in the U.S. Army in Korea where he earned a Purple Heart. After his military service, Maurice enrolled at the University of Texas in Austin where he earned his BBA and married the love of his life, Charlotte, whom he was married to for 69 years.

Maurice, fondly known as “Butch” lived in Waco for over 60 years, a member of Temple Rodef Sholom, who served on many boards including the Waco City Council, Crime Stoppers and Meals on Wheels. He built a successful appliance business which competed with the big box stores and was successful based on his personalized customer service. He was a family man, an entrepreneur, a public servant and an entertainer often called upon to speak at public events because of his ability to entertain an audience. He knew no

stranger and knew how to make people smile.

Maurice was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lillian and Harry Labens; and his older brother, Alvin Labens.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Aronson Labens; his younger brother, Malcolm Labens; his son, David Labens and grandchildren, Emily “Alex”, Jacob and Mayim Labens; his daughter, Vicki Shiller and husband, Brian Shiller and grandchildren, Marissa Bethke and husband, Josh Bethke and grandson, Michael Shiller and girlfriend, Tammy Schisler; and his nieces and nephews.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com