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In Memory

Buddy McGown (Band Director And Teacher)

CHARLES BROOKS “BUDDY” MCGOWN, Jr., December 20, 1924—October 19, 2023

Charles Brooks “Buddy” McGown, Jr., was born December 20, 1924, to Lela Fallin and Charles Brooks McGown, Sr., in Mexia TX. On October 19, 2023, he entered his eternal home where he is now directing God’s heavenly band and singing with the angels.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marilyn, and her husband, Wilson Godfrey. Survivors include his beloved wife of 73 years, Jeane; daughter Karen and her husband Rudy Loehr of Bryan; son Mike and his wife Judy McGown of Lake Conroe; grandchildren Valerie (Josh) Floren of Coppell; Bryson (Sarah) Vick of Bryan; Preston (Sarah) Loehr of Bryan; Colton (Kelsey) Loehr of Aurora CO; Lesley (Cade) Price of Anderson; and Hunter (Maddie) McGown of Keller; greatgrandchildren Jackson, Brooks, and Charlotte Floren; Lightsey and Peyton Loehr; Sadie Price; and Hallie Loehr; nephews Mark Matthews and Mike Matthews; and numerous cousins and friends.

He spent his childhood in Mexia and graduated from Mexia High School in 1941, where he was student band director and first-chair clarinet. At age 16, he earned his student pilot license, thus beginning his lifelong passion for flying.

In 1941, Buddy entered Sam Houston State College, seeking a degree in music. WW II interrupted college in 1943 when he volunteered and entered the Army. Hearing that additional pilots were needed, he applied and was accepted to flight school at George Peabody College, Nashville TN, only to be told on graduation day that there too many pilots, and he was assigned to the 33rd Armored Division in Europe, earning battle stars in the Battles of Munich and the Ruhr Pocket. His service led him through France, Belgium, Germany, and Austria. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Southern Methodist University and Sam Houston State, where he received his degree in music in 1947. Through the following years, he continued his education, receiving his Master of Education degree from Texas A&M in 1951 and post graduate study at Texas A&M, as well as Baylor University.

During Christmas break of 1949, Buddy went home to Mexia. His mother had arranged a blind date for him with a beautiful brunette she had seen in a wedding. Her name was Jeane Matthews of Hubbard TX. Just eight days after they met, Buddy proposed, and she said “Yes”! They were married six months later, moved into the new home they built, and began their 73 years of happiness and adventures. Karen and Mike completed their family.

After his first year as band director in Dayton TX, he was hired by Bryan Independent School District (BISD) as director of bands for Stephen F. Austin High School and Lamar Junior High.

Later, BISD asked Buddy to become Bonham Elementary School’s first principal; and in 1967, he became the first principal at Henderson Elementary School. During this time, he became a reading specialist and enjoyed tutoring students who were struggling in reading class. He made them feel as if they were chosen to spend extra time with him. He moved to BISD central office in 1975 as Assistant Superintendent in personnel. Many people in the B-CS community will tell you that he gave them their first job. Buddy was instrumental in leading Texas legislators to establish merit pay for exceptional teachers. He and Jeane retired in 1986, ending his 38-year career in BISD.

Always active in the Bryan community, Buddy was a member of the Rotary Club, the Bryan City Library Board (he suggested the site of the new library), and the Coulter Field Advisory Board. He was instrumental in obtaining a federal grant to build an additional runway at Coulter Field.

As a member of First Methodist Church, Bryan, for 75 years, he was active in the men’s Bible class, serving as its president and song leader; the celebration choir; the administrative board; and the board of trustees.

Continuing his work with children, he volunteered as an assistant Boy Scout master and served on the board of trustees. He assisted the scouts in their first endeavor of displaying American flags on patriotic holidays. Buddy was active in little league north baseball for many years as a coach and president of the league.

Buddy was truly an outdoorsman and enjoyed working on his farm near Wheelock, hunting with his son, grandsons, great grandsons, and friends. He also enjoyed racing his Austin-Healey sports car, and if you ever rode with him, you knew why he won many trophies. Many memories were also made behind his boat as he taught his kids and their friends to water ski.

In 1976, Buddy fulfilled his dream of owning his own airplane, a classic Cessna 140, and three years later, a Cessna 170, which were both taildraggers. Jeane and Buddy enjoyed many years of fly-ins and annual conventions as members of the International Cessna 170 Association, where he served on the board of directors. At 91, Buddy decided it was time to stop flying, and he sold his plane.

Buddy McGown was a man who loved life, but most importantly, he loved and supported his family and friends. He served his Lord by serving others. He was never too busy when someone needed him. One just can’t talk about Buddy without adding how much he loved to tell jokes. You name the subject; he had a joke. He was responsible for telling a joke every Wednesday at the Arbor Oaks exercise class. He was a member of the greatest generation and Buddy McGown lived this title. He will be greatly missed, but has left a wonderful legacy for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew him well and adored him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Callaway-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 3001 S. College Ave., Bryan 77801. Funeral service will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at the First Methodist Church, 506 E. 28th St., Bryan 77803. Burial will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 3:00 P.M. at the Restever Memorial Park Cemetery, 5103 N. Texas Ave., Bryan 77803.

Memorials may be made to:

First Methodist Church, 506 E. 28th St., Bryan 77803; BISD Education Foundation, 801 S. Ennis St., Bryan 77803; Crestview/Arbor Oaks, 2505 E. Villa Maria Rd., Bryan 77802

https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/tx/bryan/charles-brooks-mcgown-jr-17090712

 
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10/23/23 05:54 PM #1    

Margaret Dye (Smiley)

So many memories of high school at Stephen F. Austin with Mr. Mac at the center.  He was my band director for only 1 year but he took us to New Orleans.  I can not imagine taking that trip with high school students!  He was one brave teacher. He was fair minded and showed what a caring individual he was.   He will always be a main memory in my mind of high school.


10/24/23 03:46 PM #2    

Laura Jean Allen (Loving)

"Mr Mac" was not only from.the greatest generation (as all of our parents hold claim to that honor) but also served as a true trail blazer in many civic areas for Bryan TX. I was privileged to "grow up" at First Methodist as many of our classmates and I am positive that there were more than a few boy scouts who knew him well. Mr Mac will be fondly remembered and missed on many levels. God hold you and your family close during the ensuing days, Jeane.

11/04/23 09:28 PM #3    

Richard (Dickey) Johnson

 

 

 

Margaret, I remember the trip to New Orleans. We were housed at an Air Force base with guards between where the guys stayed and the girl's quarters. Also the paddle wheel boat trip on the Mississippi. Oh, and marching in the neighborhoods around the high school to get us ready for the Marci Gras parade we marched in with the girls on the inside of the formation. Another, not so fun memory was the band trip to Temple to play at a football game. It rained the whole time. Mr Mac had us stay on the busses until the second half when he had the brass go sit in the stands and play. We got soaked! It did not help that the tubas caught as much rain water as they could an the dumped it on us. We did get new uniforms the next year though. A lot oh of good memories of his last year as our band director. He was a remarkable individual.

 

 

 

 


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