I remember John (everyone called him Earl) coming by the Bookstop in October of 1985 where I worked to say "hi". He was on his offroad motorcycle and just wanted to say "hi" and "bye" because he was going back to school at SFA where he was studying computer science. I was pretty busy and couldn't talk with him so he left and went off back to school. That was the last time I would see him alive.
A few weeks after that I got a phone call from someone informing me he had been shot in a hunting accident in the Sam Houston National Forest. He was deer hunting with a friend one morning and another hunter mistook Earl for a deer. His friend (I forgot his name) had valiently tried to save him while carrying him back to the road and on to the hospital. There are more details but I've forgotten them.
Earl was the kind of friend that one could count on for anything. When me and my friends wanted to go out drinking and carousing, he would always be the designated driver (he self-designated) and more than once his sober common sense got us out of serious trouble. He drove a rebuilt 1968 blue fast back Mustang he bought for $1,500. He would take it out on Westheimer and race other cars at redlights. He was on the forefront of computer revolution. He built his own computer way back in high school before most people even knew what a computer was. His bedroom was more a laboratory/workshop than a place to sleep with spare computer parts strewn about the room. His mom was so sweet...she was always so welcoming and nice to me and all of Earl's friends that went by.
Needless to say, his family was devestated and I'm sure they have never forgotten him for a moment.
John "Earl" Auchter wasn't just a close friend, he was one of the best friends I will ever have. He was always the calm, reserved voice while the rest of us were impulsive, loud, spontaneous, taking full advantage of the indiscretions of youth. We were bulletproof and invisible. John was different and his beliefs influenced us all. He lived by the Golden Rule, always looked to help someone less fortunate, and wanted to mentor troubled adolescents or be a youth minister after college.
I knew back then that we'd be great friends forever, ... and we still are.
John Auchter, Brad Lynch, and Paul Gregory in Colorado 1982
Earl was a good friend. The first memory I have of him was when we playted a game of "touch" football in PE and it was more like tackle football without pads. I remember how tenacious and tough Earl was despite his smaller size.. I was thinking, "who is this guy"?
He and I went to dig drainage ditches at the Dunn's ranch near Brenham, which was tough work, but Earl was in beast mode getting it done. He was always even keeled and kind of unflapable. I miss him.
Great comments. Glad people are chiming in. I didn't know earl was considering being a pastor or had a strong religious bent. He certainly had the humility and listening skills needed for that. Once when I was in a real low period of my life my second year in university he was my go to person to talk with. He never judged, mimimized or tried to give a bunch of advice....he just sat and listened. Thanks Earl.
I've visited Earl's mom a few times through the years, maybe this might be a good time if anyone else is interested to go by and say hello to her. I .think they still live in that house on Barryknoll near memorial city
John was one of the most Christ like people I have ever known. A huge loss that still resonates in my life. A quiet, humble, hard working gracious and patient friend to all. A true servant.
Robert Hinnant
I sure miss the Earl of Barrymore
Garrett Reed
I remember John (everyone called him Earl) coming by the Bookstop in October of 1985 where I worked to say "hi". He was on his offroad motorcycle and just wanted to say "hi" and "bye" because he was going back to school at SFA where he was studying computer science. I was pretty busy and couldn't talk with him so he left and went off back to school. That was the last time I would see him alive.
A few weeks after that I got a phone call from someone informing me he had been shot in a hunting accident in the Sam Houston National Forest. He was deer hunting with a friend one morning and another hunter mistook Earl for a deer. His friend (I forgot his name) had valiently tried to save him while carrying him back to the road and on to the hospital. There are more details but I've forgotten them.
Earl was the kind of friend that one could count on for anything. When me and my friends wanted to go out drinking and carousing, he would always be the designated driver (he self-designated) and more than once his sober common sense got us out of serious trouble. He drove a rebuilt 1968 blue fast back Mustang he bought for $1,500. He would take it out on Westheimer and race other cars at redlights. He was on the forefront of computer revolution. He built his own computer way back in high school before most people even knew what a computer was. His bedroom was more a laboratory/workshop than a place to sleep with spare computer parts strewn about the room. His mom was so sweet...she was always so welcoming and nice to me and all of Earl's friends that went by.
Needless to say, his family was devestated and I'm sure they have never forgotten him for a moment.
Jeff Roeling
John "Earl" Auchter wasn't just a close friend, he was one of the best friends I will ever have. He was always the calm, reserved voice while the rest of us were impulsive, loud, spontaneous, taking full advantage of the indiscretions of youth. We were bulletproof and invisible. John was different and his beliefs influenced us all. He lived by the Golden Rule, always looked to help someone less fortunate, and wanted to mentor troubled adolescents or be a youth minister after college.
I knew back then that we'd be great friends forever, ... and we still are.
Paul Elliott
Earl was a good friend. The first memory I have of him was when we playted a game of "touch" football in PE and it was more like tackle football without pads. I remember how tenacious and tough Earl was despite his smaller size.. I was thinking, "who is this guy"?
He and I went to dig drainage ditches at the Dunn's ranch near Brenham, which was tough work, but Earl was in beast mode getting it done. He was always even keeled and kind of unflapable. I miss him.
Garrett Reed
Great comments. Glad people are chiming in. I didn't know earl was considering being a pastor or had a strong religious bent. He certainly had the humility and listening skills needed for that. Once when I was in a real low period of my life my second year in university he was my go to person to talk with. He never judged, mimimized or tried to give a bunch of advice....he just sat and listened. Thanks Earl.
I've visited Earl's mom a few times through the years, maybe this might be a good time if anyone else is interested to go by and say hello to her. I .think they still live in that house on Barryknoll near memorial city
John Hand
John was one of the most Christ like people I have ever known. A huge loss that still resonates in my life. A quiet, humble, hard working gracious and patient friend to all. A true servant.