Glen Maurice Severs

GLEN MAURICE SEVERS, SR. Age 93, died peacefully and gracefully on September 18, 2004 surrounded by the love and prayers of his son and Karin and Dr. Steve Wende, Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church. He was born on June 7, 1911 in Nodaway County, Burlington Junction, Missouri and was raised in Bedford, Iowa where his father owned and operated a hardware store for many years. His parents, Leon and Verda Severs of Bedford, Iowa and his beloved wife for nearly 69 years, Gwendolyn Flo Severs, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Mildred Stacy, and brother-in-law, Bob Stacy of Bedford, Iowa. He is also survived by his son Glen M. Severs, Jr and wife Carolyn, grandson Glen Ray Severs and wife Kathryn Severs, granddaughters Debbie Ghani and Sherrie Levin, great-granddaughters Caitlin and Sara Severs, grandsons Todd and Ben Swonke and Randy and Robbie Martin, nieces Julia Stacy and Jane Billings and great-niece Jennifer Ferguson. In addition, he is survived by step-grandson Brent Phillips and wife Charlotte, step-granddaughter Jennifer Phillips, step-great-grandchildren Kyle and Keely Phillips and sister-in-law Jo Anne Filgo of Okolona, Mississippi. He was a fifty year mason, member of Holland Lodge, York Rite, Scottish Rite, member of the Scottish Rite 24th degree team, K.C.C.H., Royal Order of Scotland, Ruthven Commandery, past sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine, Recorder of Shrine Arabia Temple (1964-1971), Recorder Emeritus of Shrine Arabia Temple and past Degree Master of the Arabia Temple Ceremonial Divan. He was a journalism major at the University of Missouri, a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and supplemented his college expenses during the early Depression years by playing trombone in a college dance band. He left college in 1932 after his junior year to pursue a career as a professional musician. He was the last survivor of the Buddy Fisher Orchestra whose members included many of his classmates from the University of Missouri. Jamie Lee Landry, a long time family friend and girl singer with the orchestra still resides in Houston. The orchestra performed "big band" music in many of the major hotels and ballrooms throughout the Mid-west and the South during the 1930's. His music career had a significant impact on his life as it led him to south Texas where he met his beloved wife Gwendolyn, whom he married in 1933. He abandoned his music career after his son was born. He was a long time resident in the Montrose area. He and his wife and infant son came to Houston in 1937 on the recommendation of a friend and he found a job even though he was considered a "Yankee". His working career included Retail Credit Corp., Dictaphone, Roebling Wire Rope, American Iron and Machine Works, Shrine Arabia Temple and Harris County Government. Glen was a retiree as first deputy county clerk in Harris County during Bob Turrentine's tenure. He was a 60-year member of First United Methodist Church of Houston and a charter member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class. He was blessed with a quick wit, sharp mind, loyal friends and a loving family. His was a life well lived and well loved. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 pm until 8 pm on Tuesday September 21, 2004 at The Settegast-Kopf Co., 3320 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77098. A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday September 22, 2004 at First United Methodist Church (1320 Main at Clay) with Dr. Asbury Lenox officiating. Pallbearers will be Past Potentates of Shrine Arabia Temple; Charles Easterling, Jack M. Glasscock, Bill Jackson, Ted Mosshart, Doyle Stuckey, Virgil E. Wise. Interment will follow in the Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery with Masonic ritual conducted by Past Potentate Buddy Baccus and Holland Masonic Lodge No. 1. The family wishes to thank the staffs at Clarewood House Retirement Community, St. Luke's Hospital and Manor Care Skilled Nursing for their compassionate care during the past 2 1/2 years. Your genuine kindness and concern will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Houston Shrine Children's Hospital (6977 South Main, Houston 77030) or the Woodward Music Fund of the First United Methodist Church chancel choir (1320 Main St., Houston 77002) or the Bedford United Methodist Church (Bedford, Iowa 50833).