William Don Senter

William "Bill" Senter of Abilene, Texas, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior at the age of 95. Bill lived a life marked by integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his community, his faith, and his family.

There will be a private graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery for the family under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home. A celebration of life memorial service will be arranged soon to honor Bill's remarkable legacy and the many lives he touched.

Bill was born in Aspermont, Texas on May 11, 1930, to Elizabeth "Libby" and Earl Senter. He attended school there and other West Texas towns tied to Shell Oil Camps. He graduated high school in Denver City, Texas where he was a tennis player, drummer, and earned the Eagle Scout rank in BSA. He attended Sul Ross on a tennis scholarship then transferred to Texas Technical College (now Texas Tech) graduating in 1951 with a BA in Business Marketing.

He married Lila Ellexson on May 27, 1950 in Notrees, Texas, and enjoyed 75 years of wedded bliss. Bill and Lila were faithful members of First Baptist Church of Abilene for over 4 decades, and particularly loved their Sunday School Class full of many friends. Bill's devotion to the Lord and his steady example of Christian living inspired all who knew him.

He worked for A.H. Robbins Pharmaceuticals initially and transferred to Abilene in 1956 where he founded an insurance agency and then expanded into Residential and Commercial Real Estate business, which became his life calling. Both endeavors grew into vibrant and respected businesses (BHGRE Senter, Realtors and Senter Insurance, now Gallagher) that are now being carried on by a 3rd generation of Senter grandchildren, selling and insuring thousands of local homes and properties.

A visionary in both industry and community development, Bill played a vital role in the Abilene community, even earning Abilene Citizen of the Year in 2008, a testament to his lifelong spirit of service. Contributing to the Abilene community led to countless volunteering hours, particularly for the Junior Chamber of Commerce, which he served as both member and president, and from which he received the Outstanding Young Man award in 1962, and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, which he served variously as vice president and a member of the transportation committee, which led to his being awarded the Road Hand award in 2001 by the Texas State Highway Department. One of the earliest certified commercial investment members (CCIMs) in the country, he was innovative in his profession, and a proud member and past chairman of the Texas Real Estate Commission. His dedication to improving the community he loved led him to give generously of his time and talents to many civic organizations including United Way of Abilene, Abilene Fine Arts Museum, Abilene Boys' Club, Abilene Air Force Association, Abilene Improvement Corporation, Tax Increment Finance District, Military Affairs Committee, Abilene Industrial Foundation, and many others. An early participant in downtown redevelopment, he revitalized One City Center, and built Haystack Apartments, Triangle Shopping Center, hundreds of houses and many other commercial development sites along Winters Freeway. Abilene is a better place today thanks to his love and care.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Libby Senter, and by his sister Earlene Braue. He is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Lila Lee Ellexson Senter; their three children, Scott (Michelle), Steve (Debbie), and Sydney (Charlie McKinney); and six grandchildren who brought him great pride and joy: Shay Senter (Leslie) of Abilene, Shawn Senter (Kaitlin) of Lubbock, Steven Senter (Shelby) of Abilene, Lindsey Minkoff (Nick) of Houston, Ashlee Snider (Jeff) of Leander, and Paden McKinney (Cassie) of Houston.

He is also lovingly remembered as "Big Dad" by nine great-grandchildren: Samuel Senter, Arthur Senter, Oliver Senter, Shepherd Senter, Kimber Snider, Cathan Snider, Bowen McKinney, Duke McKinney, and Miller McKinney.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Community Foundation of Abilene at 850 N. 1st Street Abilene, Texas 79601, to continue their great work in strengthening and serving the community Bill loved so deeply, or to First Baptist Church at 1333 N. 3rd Abilene, Texas 79601, or to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Linda Delrio and all the wonderful caregivers at Touching Hearts at Home Team, to Hendrick Hospice, and to Dr. Allen Schultz.