Bill Fleming

Dr. Bill Fleming LUBBOCK-Dr. William Robert Fleming of Lubbock passed away in the loving arms of his Lord and was surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, April 24, 2016, at the age of 89. He was born Sept. 23, 1926, in Dallas, Texas, to J. Neil and Clara Rose (Wilson) Fleming. Bill graduated from Lubbock High School in 1943; in 1946 he graduated from Texas Tech University with his Bachelor Degree. In the early 50's he received his Master of Theology from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity at McMurry University in Abilene. He married Idalou Owens on July 1, 1947 in Ft. Worth. Dr. Fleming preached his first sermon at the age of 14 at St. John's Methodist Church in Lubbock. He continued in the ministry of the Southwest Texas and Northwest Texas conferences of the United Methodist Church. He was in the ministry for 61 years serving 21 appointments, two terms in the Lubbock District of the Methodist Church, and two churches following his retirement. He served on the board of Covenant Hospital in Lubbock, Board of Directors of McMurry University, the Methodist Children's Home board, and numerous other boards. His first retirement was in 1990 and the second time in 2005 at age 80. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. He always said I am a Methodist born, Methodist bred, and when I die I'll be a Methodist dead. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Idalou; three daughters, Linda Haenisch and husband, Barry of Round Rock, Deborah Wells of Carrollton and Terri Loudder and husband, Lance of Dimmitt; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Dr. Fleming was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Lou Fife; niece, Hope Lynn Fife; and his favorite dog, Skeeter. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2016 with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Combest Family Funeral Home. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at First United Methodist Church, interment will be 1 p.m. Thursday, April 28, 2016, at Kyle Cemetery in Kyle, Texas. Memory donations may be made to Hospice of Lubbock, 3702 21st Street, Lubbock, TX 79410, or the church of your choice. Our special thanks to Hospice of Lubbock, Calvert Personal Care and the Carillon Family for their tender care and support through this time. Please celebrate the life of Dr. Fleming by visiting www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com.