Toy Louise Marsh Gentry

GENTRY, LOUISE Toy Louise Marsh Gentry, 80, long-time resident of Abilene, Texas went home to eternal rest on June 21, 2004. Graveside services will be at Oakwood Cemetery, 2124 South Fifth Street, Waco, Texas 76706 at 10:30am, Wednesday, June 23, with memorial services following at the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel, 6101 Bosque Blvd. in Waco at 11:30am. The services will be conducted by Dr. Philip Christopher, friend and pastor of First Baptist Church, Abilene. He will be assisted by Dr. Mike Stedham, Executive Director for the Center for Counseling and Enrichment at First Baptist Church, Arlington, Texas. Visitation with the family will be from 7 to 9pm Tuesday, June 22 at the funeral home. Louise was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother but will also be remembered for the unflinching spirit and courage with which she fought her many serious and painful illnesses. She was born on August 20, 1923 in Waco, Texas. At only 12 years old, Louise lost her beloved father, James Louis Marsh, to a heart attack. The vacuum of his loss was filled by the infectious smile and courage of her mother, Toy Edna Cashion Marsh, who continued to inspire Louise until her passing at the age of 97. Louise graduated from Waco High School in 1941 and was married to the great love of her life, Col. Ret. Leslie Jackson “Les” Gentry, Jr. of Henrietta, Texas in 1944. A student at Baylor University when they began their life together, Louise completed her Bachelor’s Degree in music at San Francisco State University where she sang in the university chorale with fellow student Johnny Mathis. Louise’s full life reflected her calling of devotion to family, children, volunteerism and Christian service. At times she was called on to be both father and mother as her husband’s military career called him away, often to the danger of wartime service. She fulfilled her roles beautifully leaving her family with many fond memories of her spunk and can-do attitude. Service to their country led the couple to many stations across the U.S., but their service to God led their hearts and lives. Louise spoke with great affection of the friendships made through church work and Christian fellowship. The founding of a thriving church in Mt. Home, Idaho was a lifelong source of joy to Louise and Les. Upon his retirement from the military in 1970, the family embraced Abilene as home until 2001 when health issues forced them to re-locate to San Antonio. During her years in Abilene, Louise was an active, faithful member of First Baptist Church. In addition to singing in the FBC sanctuary choir, Louise’s brilliant smile and the sound of her piano helped introduce hundreds of small children to Christ while she served as a Sunday School teacher. Louise was a member and officer of many local service and cultural organizations but the Harmony Club of Abilene was especially dear to her heart. She served as president of the local club, held state offices and was a lifetime Federated Music Club member. Louise maintained a private piano studio for much of her life. While in Abilene, she passed on her love of music to many, many children as the piano teacher at Hendrick Home for Children. In the 1970s, she began a second career as a licensed real estate broker. She first maintained an office with Marian Brooks Real Estate and later established Gentry-Carden Real Estate. Louise is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Les, their three children, spouses and eight grandchildren: Gary Gentry and wife Melondie Stegall Gentry of Austin, Texas and their two children: Lauren Gentry Paulsen and Meredith Gentry; Marsh Gentry and wife Sally O’Gwin Gentry of San Antonio, Texas and their children: Jordan Gentry and Zachary Gentry; and Gayla Gentry Day and husband Phillip Day of Greer, S.C. and their children: Devon Day, Spencer Day, Shelby Day and Jeffrey Day. Louise was privileged to count her younger brother, Dr. Gerald E. Marsh and his wife, Shelley Posey Marsh, as the best of their many, many dear friends. They survive her as do numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Abilene, Building Project-“Fulfilling The Dream” 1333 North Third Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 or Harmony Club of Abilene Scholarship Fund 3434 Ivanhoe, Abilene, Texas 79605. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our Memorial Guestbook at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY .