William C. Wedemeyer

WEDEMEYER, WILLIAM William C. Bill Wedemeyer passed away December 5, 2002 at a Temple hospital. He was born on September 24, 1915 in Crystal City, Texas. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 9 at 2:00 p.m. at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Ron Durham officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, December 8 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey, 6101 Bosque Blvd. Mr. Wedemeyer was the descendant of pioneer German Texans and spent his early years on a cotton plantation in Houston County, near Crockett. After graduation from Texas A & M College in 1938, he began what became a lifelong career in agricultural education by teaching vocational agriculture at Tennessee Colony and Crockett. These activities were interrupted when he entered active service in the U. S. Army in June 1942. He served overseas in Iceland, England, and Continental Europe until the war’s end, returning home in September, 1945. While on active duty, he received the Bronze Star medal and the EAME Campaign medal with five bronze service stars. In 1951, Mr. Wedemeyer began a 33-year career with Texas Farm Bureau by working as a field representative organizing county farm bureaus. In 1957, he was selected to create and head the organization’s newly formed Research, Education, and Policy Development Department in the state office in Waco. In this role, Mr. Wedemeyer published a weekly newsletter, established a major research library, and compiled subject papers to address policy issues related to agriculture. He held this responsibility for 27 years until his retirement in 1985. Mr. Wedemeyer’s foremost characteristic throughout his life was his constant and unwavering faith in God. He was active in every aspect of church life as a deacon, and Sunday school teacher wherever he and his family lived. Mr. Wedemeyer and his family have been members of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church since 1964. When the church doors were opened, he and his family were there. More importantly, his manner of living demonstrated a commitment to living the Christian life in a practical and useful way each day. Mr. Wedemeyer’s next most important priority was his family. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Beth Jeffus Wedemeyer; son, Charles Wedemeyer and wife Kay of Oklahoma City and their children, Kristin Miller and Drew and his wife Ellen; son, Phil Wedemeyer and wife Nancy of Houston and their sons John, Stephen, and David; and son, Thomas Wedemeyer and wife Ruth, also of Houston, and their sons Brian, Mark, and Stuart. His grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Columbus Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund or a charity of your choice. Memorial guestbook at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY