Gaynard "Buck" Wenglar

June 8, 1945 ~~~ September 9, 2026

Gaynard Ernest "Buck" Wenglar, a devoted husband, father, Pop, educator, veteran, and longtime member of the El Campo and East Bernard communities, passed away on September 9, 2026, at the age of 81.

Buck was born June 8, 1945, the son of Nettie Myrtle "Totsie" (Glaze) and Ernest "Ernie" Wenglar. He graduated from El Campo High School in 1963.

He served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969 during the Vietnam War, including during the Tet Offensive, and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, one of the nation's highest decorations for valor in combat. His service was an important chapter in a life defined by commitment to his family, his community, and others. Buck was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, a link to his family's history that he shared with his son, Ty.

Buck earned his bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University and later a master's degree from the University of Houston-Victoria. He began his career teaching secondary life and earth science in Wharton ISD before moving into school administration.

He served as assistant principal at El Campo High School for nine years before becoming principal of East Bernard High School, where he spent the remainder of his career. Buck became a fixture at EBHS, sharing in the academic achievements, athletic victories, traditions, and milestones of generations of Brahmas before retiring from East Bernard ISD in 2015.

He measured people by their work, not their title. Buck treated the part-time and maintenance staff exactly as he treated the administration including the superintendent…same respect, same directness, same genuine interest in how they were doing. He believed in work, and he respected every person who did it. In his mind, respect and trust were a person's to lose, and he gave both from the start and left it to you to decide what you did with them.

Life outside of school gave Buck plenty to enjoy. He was an avid gardener, hunter, and fisherman, and for many years the family's house in Port Alto was a special part of his life. In 2012, his love of hunting earned him an especially memorable opportunity when he was selected as one of two statewide winners of the Texas Exotic Safari through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Big Time Texas Hunts program.
Retirement didn't mean sitting still. Buck kept working by performing home inspections and always found time for a good game of poker. Most importantly, retirement gave him more opportunities to be Pop. He loved watching his grandchildren compete, and no one ever had to wonder whether Pop was in the stands; his grandkids could usually hear him. He was proud, enthusiastic, and rarely quiet when one of his grandchildren was on the field or court. His mantra was the same to all of them…” Try your best.”

At the center of Buck's life was his family. He and his wife, Lisa, shared 45 years of marriage, building a life together that grew to include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, Nettie Myrtle "Totsie" (Glaze) and Ernest "Ernie" Wenglar; his sisters, Faye Hensley and Della Delores "Dee Dee" and his granddaughter, Grace.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lisa Long Wenglar; his children, Ty (Cathy), Tia, Tara (Will), and Tiffany (Dawn); his grandchildren, Zohë, Vivian, Isabella "Izzy", Brooke, Liam, Jax, Reagan, and John Paul "JP" his great-grandchildren, Magnolia, Danica, and Rowan; his niece, Donna; his cousin, Doug; and a host of other nieces and nephews, cousins, former colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.

Buck's life was one of service, hard work, family, and community. His memory will remain with his loving wife, Lisa, the family who knew him as Dad and Pop, the friends and colleagues who knew him as Buck, and the generations of East Bernard students who knew him as Mr. Wenglar.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 3rd at 11 am at First United Methodist Church in East Bernard, TX.

The family sincerely thanks the entire team at Rice Medical Center for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Buck, his family, and his friends. Your kindness, dedication, and gentle care meant more to our family than words can express, and we will always be grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Rice Medical Center in Eagle Lake, TX; First United Methodist Church of East Bernard; or the Wounded Warrior Project.