Lawrence Edward Selden

Dr. Lawrence Edward Selden, of San Antonio, Texas, died Tuesday, December 25, 2007. Dr. Selden was born in Palestine on Oct. 21, 1930, to J.K. and Elizabeth Sivia Selden. He was a 1947 graduate of Palestine High School, and at age 16 he entered Southern Methodist University, graduating in 1951. He completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, in 1955, and his medical residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth in 1956. He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force until 1959. He married Gerry Jeffus in 1956, with whom he had four sons. He practiced medicine with the Richards Memorial Hospital in Rockdale, Texas, from 1959 to 1985, becoming Chief of Staff. Dr. Selden was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church, volunteered for 11 years as the Rockdale High School football team doctor, and served more than 20 years on the Rockdale School Board. In 1985 he accepted a position with the medical clinic at the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation near Havre, Mont., serving there for two years. In 1987 he moved to San Antonio, Texas, and was employed with Centro del Barrio, a small medical clinic. He loved and treated his many patients there for more than 10 years, watching the clinic grow under the direction and care of CEO Dr. Ernesto Gomez, his respected and well-loved friend. He enjoyed his years of service there, finding it rewarding and fulfilling. He cherished and appreciated close relationships with his staff. After retirement, on Dec. 11, 1998, he enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Ireland and on many trips within the United States. Dr. Selden was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Don Selden, and his son Keith. He is survived by his wife Peggy Selden; brother and sister-in-law Jack and Gloria Selden of Palestine; son Eddie Selden of Seabrook, Tx.; son and daughter-in-law Rush and Lisa Tilly Selden of Katy, Tx. and their children Parks, Tilly, Cora and Ella; son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Lisa Butler Selden of The Woodlands, Tx., and their children Leslie, Laura and Keith. He is also survived by stepdaughters and husbands Mindee and Carl Poldrack; Terri and Don Miller; Kay-Kay and Chris Johanson; Jeanne and Bennie Whitehead; Michele and Mark Hartmann; Kate and Ben Templeton; and stepson James Jones. He is also survived by 11 step grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28 at Porter Loring. Services will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 at Porter Loring Chapel with the Rev. Bill Grusendorf officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007 at Land of Memories Cemetery in Palestine, Tx. with the Rev. Linda Herron officiating.Memorials are suggested to the Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, Austin, Tx., whose good works Dr. Selden supported for many years.You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.comArrangements are under the direction of Porter Loring, 1101 McCullough, San Antonio, Tx., 210-227-8221.