Homer Everett Scace

Homer Everett Scace The arc of Homer's life soared from a small-town teachers' college to Columbia University; from cornmeal mush to crackers and catsup at Horn & Hardart's, from music to statistics and public finance, and finally to an office in the Capitol and a home and family in Austin. Born in Wayne, Nebraska in 1922, Homer completed high school and college early and with honors. He proceeded to graduate studies at Wharton and Columbia where he started a lifelong career of research and public service, working for the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, the Empire State Chamber of Commerce and the speaker of the New York State Assembly. While there, Homer met and married Betty Gatch, whom he adored all his life. They started a family and soon moved to Austin. They built a house in Tarrytown and spent the next forty years landscaping and gardening. Homer worked for the Texas Research League and later for MSA, Inc. He found his true niche, though, as assistant director of the Legislative Budget Office. His intellect and temperament were an extraordinary match for the job and the times, and he found his tenure there challenging and satisfying. He liked mentoring the younger analysts who worked in the estimates section and he savored the fellowship with his colleagues and the production staff. Homer's broad notion of service extended to Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and an elder, and later, to the Settlement Home Club. Homer is survived by his wife, Betty; by his son, Stephen and daughter, Susan and their spouses; and by his seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. We will miss his clever but kind wit, his doggerel verse, his constant enthusiasm and affection, and his ready smile and sparkling eyes. Above all, we will miss his love and support in our lives. We will remember that he told us, almost every day, "Life just gets better and better." All are welcome to celebrate Homer's life in the solarium at Westminster Manor at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, April 24. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Settlement Home for Children, 1600 Peyton Gin Road, 78758, 512-836-2150.