Jess Yell Womack II

Jess Yell Womack II ('Jess') died suddenly on April 1, 2005 while on a pleasure trip with his wife, Lou. He was born on January 21, 1947 in San Angelo, Texas to parents, Owen Walter Womack and Emily Crain Womack. His ancestors included a pioneering ranching family from Victoria County who were instrumental in bringing Brahma cattle to Texas during the 19th century. Jess moved to San Antonio with his family in 1958, becoming a life-long resident of the city. He was educated at Eaglebrook and Saint Andrews preparatory schools. Jess graduated from the University of the South at Sewanee, TN. where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Additionally, he received a graduate degree in business administration from Trinity University. Jess married Helen Louise Stumberg on May 5, 1971. Their marriage was to be the primary focus of each of their lives, producing four children and great shared joy. Jess was a member of the San Antonio Country Club, the Argyle, the Order of the Alamo, the German Club, the Texas Cavaliers, and the Conopus Club. His Board memberships included the San Antonio Zoo and previously the Mission Road Development Center. His business interests were varied including agricultural and ranching operations in Blanco and Victoria counties. These endeavors stimulated what was to be an abiding interest in conservation of the natural resources under his direction. For this, Jess and his wife were awarded the honor of being designated 'Land Steward of the Year' in 2003 by the State of Texas. This award recognized his exceptional devotion to the preservation of the wetlands on his ranch near the confluence of the Guadalupe and San Antonio rivers. Other efforts included involvement in the youth hunting educational activities of the Texas Wildlife Association and the on-going research of the Ceasar Kleberg Wildlife Foundation. Jess was a devoted husband and father. His schedule always was arranged to accommodate these goals as a priority of the first order. He had an unequaled talent for combining his role as a loving husband, devoted father while being a best friend to each and every member of his family. They recognized him as an enduring blessing to them and their lives. Jesse was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. The friends of Jess knew him as a 'hail fellow, well met'. He provided great entertainment in a hunting camp or around a campfire. Once, he cultivated you as a friend, you would never have one better or more interested in your well being. His laughter and jolly manner would be your blessing forever. Preceding him in death are his father, Owen Walter Womack; mother, Emily Crain Herder; and stepfather, Paul K. Herder. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen Louise Womack; children, Louisa and husband, Jack Mayfield; Jesse Yell Womack III and wife, Lisa; Dr. Virginia Nell and husband, Dr. Robert Duncan; and William Henry Crain Womack III; and grandchild, Emily Grace Mayfield. Other survivors include his sister, Suzanne Womack Canavan; brother, Walter Crain Womack; aunt, Eileen Sullivan; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. MEMORIAL SERVICE TUESDAY APRIL 5, 2005 3:00 P.M. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 404 N. ALAMO Rev. Richard R. Kannwischer will be officiating. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the San Antonio Zoo, Attention: Membership Department, 3903 N. St. Mary's, San Antonio, TX 78212; the Salvation Army, 1324 S. Flores St., San Antonio, TX 78204; or a charity of your choice to be considered as a recipient of a memorial. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary.