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Lee and Elaine Harrington

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Baylor University West Texas A&M University

Lee Harrington Obituary

Harrington Lee and Elaine Harrington, beloved parents, grandparents, and friends, died on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23 at First Baptist Church of Waco. A reception will be held an hour after the service at the church. Graveside services will be at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Brookside Memorial Park in Houston. Lee Pickens Harrington was born to Bonnie Hinson and Lee Pickens Harrington Sr. on Oct. 16, 1936 in Waco. Lee grew up in Waco, where he graduated from Waco High School and then Baylor University. During his high school and college years, Lee played baseball and football. Lee was a member of the 1956 Sugar Bowl team. He then began his long-term coaching career at Pasadena High School and continued on to South Houston High School, West Texas State University, Baylor University, and then Richfield High School. Lee then became an administrator for Midway ISD and continued with their system until his retirement. In his retirement years, Lee enjoyed following his grandchildren, Weston, Cole and Melaine and continued his long-term relationship with Baylor University athletics. Elaine Cezeaux Harrington was born to Lee Cezeaux and Mildred Biggs Cezeaux on July 10, 1937 in Houston. Elaine grew up in Wharton, Texas where she graduated from high school. Elaine also graduated from Baylor University. Elaine began her long-time teaching career in the Pasadena school system and continued on to teach in Canyon, Waco, Tyler and Midway ISDs. Elaine served as a teacher and counselor for Midway ISD until her retirement. In her retirement years, Elaine worked for Baylor University and Texas State University as a student teacher supervisor. Elaine devotedly followed her grandchildren, children and Lee in all of their endeavors. Elaine and Lee were married on June 15, 1957 in Wharton, Texas. They were preceded in death by their parents. They are survived by their children, a daughter, Leah Elaine Harrington Franco and husband, Mike Franco of Comanche, Texas, and a son, Ty Lee Harrington of San Marcos; grandchildren, Weston Lee Franco (20), Cole Boomer Franco (17) and Melaine Elizabeth Harrington (10). Lee is survived by sisters, Glenda Martin and husband, Grant of Waco and Bonnie Ferguson of Austin. Elaine is survived by her brother, Bill Lee Cezeaux of Kingsland, Texas. Honorary pallbearers will be all family members and the 1956 Sugar Bowl team. Memorials may be made to the Lettermans Association Scholarship Fund, in honor of Lee and Elaine Harrington, 150 Bear Run, Waco, TX 76711 Attn.: B. Association. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" found at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Waco Tribune-Herald from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee Harrington

53 Entries

Lucky Hayes

February 15, 2006

I remember with joy the "Lee P" I followed through high school a class behind him: he was one of the biggest of our sports heros. I saw him outside of school from time to time, as I was a friend of his sister, Glenda, and his mom and dad, who all participated in our Camp Fire group's activities. Our group loved it when Lee P was around: I'm pleased to say most of us were besotted with him and that beautiful smile fixed on his handsome face.

The passing of Lee and Elaine profoundly affected a lot of people, and I am one of them. My heart aches for all his family. God bless you all and help you through this hardest of battles.

With sincere sympathy,

Anne Lucky Armstrong Hayes

Philip Cezeaux

February 3, 2006

Ute & I have been out of town. What a shock. Two of the world's great people.

Let's not lose contact. I know Elaine's cousins want to keep in touch.

Jeff Fillmore

February 3, 2006

Coach Harrington was the first person I met when I enrolled at Richfield HS. Later he was my principal at Midway HS and I had Mrs. Harrington for English. What a terrible loss for Leah, Ty and their families. I have nothing but great memories for two people who cared so much for young people and their future success. You are missed. May God be with you during this difficult time.

Jennifer (Tindell) Davis

January 28, 2006

Dearest Ty, Leah & families,

I can't express the sadness and disbelief I felt when learning of your parent's passing. They both were such wonderful individuals and educators. The influence they had on so many young lives was tremendous. I recall a few times when I had done something wrong in school, and knowing I had disappointed your parents was almost the equivalent to disappointing my own parents.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Rejoice in the many precious memories of your mom and dad.

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Joann Wells

January 25, 2006

My father was in the Fire Deptment with your grandfather and my mother was very good friends with your grandmother. I remember when your father was born. I was very pleased to have him in the office when two of my children were students in Midway. I did not know your mother, but know she must have been a wonderful person to have married your dad. May God bless you and help you thru this hard time

Bubba Coleman

January 25, 2006

Leah & Ty,

I am sorry to hear about your parents, they had a great influence on so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time. They will be missed by all.

GARY LINTHICUM

January 24, 2006

COACH HARRINGTON WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. HE IS A GREAT MAN. I WAS AT RICHFIELD HIGHSCHOOL WHILE HE WAS THERE AND MY FOUR CHILDREN HAD HIM AS A PRINCIPLE AT MIDWAY. HE HAD THE SAME VALUES DURING BOTH TENURES AND I STILL ADMIRE HIM FOR THAT. I WORKED FOR BAYLOR FOR FOUR YEARS AND BOTH YOUR PARNETS WHERE SO FUN TO BE AROUND, THEY WILL LIVE IN MY HEART FOREVER, THEY ARE WHAT MAKES EVERYONE PROUD TO SAY THEY ARE MY FRIENDS.

Julie Dulin Craig

January 24, 2006

Leah, your mom was so patient with the Senior Girls last period English class, 1976. We all had such a good year together. She lead us through the dreaded Research Paper and tolerated our gaggle with goodness and spirit. I'll always remember her excellence in the classroom AND the way she'd roll her eyes at us before she flashed us her big smile. We loved her dearly!

Maria Feist

January 24, 2006

Leah Mike Boomer and Weston,

We are truly sorry for your tragic loss. Nothing prepares us for the loss of our loved ones. Rejoice in your memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Doug, Maria and Jordan Feist

Luther Turner

January 24, 2006

Ty,

My name is Luther Turner, Trent's dad. I was shocked and saddened to hear about your mother and father's deaths. Your father graduated from Waco High in 1954 and I graduated from there in 1957. I knew about him from a very early age, because of his athletics and his outstanding leadership qualities that you inherited from him. I also remember that your grandfather was Fire Chief in Waco for many years. When Trent was at UT in the mid to late 1980's, I talked to your Dad before one of the games.

I know that you will miss your Mom and Dad very much, but they are both in God's hands now.

With sincere sympathy,

Luther Turner

Nancy Bray-Bumguardner

January 23, 2006

Leah, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mom was a great English teacher. Nancy

Jean Collier

January 23, 2006

Dearest Leah and Ty,

I did't get a chance to talk to you much today. I was overwhelmed at the magnitude and breadth of the influence your folks had over many years and many lives. To me they were Uncle Lee and Aunt Elaine, and so dear. You and your families are dear to me, too. I send you my love, and my sorrow for your loss. I cannot comprehend it. I loved them dearly. And I love you.

Jeannie

Lori Smith Mayfield

January 23, 2006

Ty and Leah,

Your mom and dad were such an inspiration. Of all the educators that I encountered, your dad was hands down the one who encouraged me the most. I'll never forget it, nor him. We will be praying for you and the road that is before you.

Robin Burnett-Shelburne

January 23, 2006

Ty,

In your time or sorrow may it ease your pain to know that others are thinking of you and your family. Your parents will deeply be missed by all.

Karen and Steve Robinson

January 23, 2006

Ty,

Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Andy & Lisa Horn

January 23, 2006

Dear Leah and Ty. Lisa and I are so sorry about the loss of your mom and dad. They were like second parents of ours growing up. They touched so many lives in such a positive way. There witness and example was so positive in helping so many kids that would have otherwise been lost. We will truly miss them. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Sincerely,

Terri Michalka

January 23, 2006

Leah, I want you to know how much your parents meant to me. They were like second parents...I love them so much. We had such a good time in the High School. Love you

My prayers and thoughts are with you and all your family.

Terri

Virginia Ellis

January 23, 2006

A great loss to us all, but especially Leah & Ty. Amazing people, wonderful role models. They will be missed.

Virginia Anderson Ellis

Dr. Kimberly Patterson

January 23, 2006

May your hearts be comforted in knowing how much your parents were admired and loved by all who knew them.

With sincerest condolences,

Doug Reeves

January 23, 2006

Ty,

So sorry to hear about your Mom and Dad passing. Our family will keep you and yours in our thoughts/prayers. Anything you need just ask...

Allyson Cooper McGuire

January 22, 2006

Fond memories are forever embedded in my mind for the kind and caring people your parents were. There have been many a jokes in the Cooper family that "if it weren't for the Harringtons, I would've never made it out of high school". Your parents showed such patience with a girl who didn't deserve it and I will always be grateful to them. May God comfort you during this time of great loss and give you peace knowing the legacy they have left behind.

Melody Smith - Grigsby

January 22, 2006

Leah & Ty,

I was so shocked and sadden by the news of your parents. Your mom was a special lady and a fantastic teacher. She was a big part of our high school days. I didn't know your dad that well, but it was obvious that they were so happy in life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

ches mclane

January 22, 2006

It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of two individuals who, at the time I knew them, could never have imagined the gift that they gave everyone that they touched. It is the opportunity of having them as faculty at MISD that i am now grateful of as they provided the examples which we all try to live up to now.

Bob and Sandra Stephenson

January 22, 2006

Lee and Elaine were wonderful friends who will be greatly missed in the Baylor family

Stewart Speer

January 22, 2006

Our hearts and prayers are with your families, such a tragic loss. Your parents impacted mine and so many other lives. Lee and Elaine's smiles, hugs and handshakes will be missed by all. May God be with you all. Stewart Misty and children

Charlette Threadgill

January 22, 2006

To The Harrington Family:r

I will never forget how nice the Harringtons were to me. They will be greatly missed. I am sorry for your loss.

george banda

January 22, 2006

Ty

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You were blessed with a great Mom and Dad.

George and Grace Banda

Elizabeth (Liz) Ervin-Keel

January 22, 2006

I was taken by the news of the death of yours parents.Mr Harrington was one of my favorite people. His words always meant alot to me. My prays are with yall.

Mary Alderson Moss

January 22, 2006

I was so saddened to see the passing of Mr. Harrington and his wife.He was with the Midway ISD when I was in high school.He was an amazing man.My condolences and prayers go out to the family.

Donna J (Wells) Mixon

January 22, 2006

Leah, Ty & families,

Words cannot express the loss the world experienced the moment your parents were taken home to be with our eternal father.

Know that the entire Wells family feels that loss as well. Lee & Elaine touched so many young people's lives at critical times during those lives. No one that knew them will ever be the same because of their loving influence.

There were many times when Lee saved me from some rather unfortunate practical jokes in the halls of Midway (including protecting me from the trouble I would have been in by shooting Mr Taylor with my rubberband gun.) He also gave untold comfort when he was my oldest daugter's principal during her awful junior high years.

Elaine was one of best teachers any student could hope to have, not only for her classes, but also as an example to young people for how they should conduct their lives.

Lee was childhood friends with my mother and aunt. They send their heartfelt condolences.

Nothing will ever fill the void you all feel at their passing, but know they are still with you in spirit.

Much love to all of you.

Ralph Simon

January 22, 2006

Our world is poorer today because of the tremendous loss of the Harringtons. At the same time, all of us who were blessed to have crossed paths with them through the years are richer because of their positive influence we were touched with by them.

I first knew Lee when he coached at Richfield back in the 70's. I continued to know him through the years exercising at the local Y and also serving as principal to my daughters at Midway Junior High before my wife & I moved to Austin. How blessed I was to have known him.

To Ty & Leah, I grieve for both of you. This is a very difficult time for you 2 to endure! Please take comfort in knowing that you were blessed with loving committed parents and that they will continue to live in you with God at their side. I wish both of you healing & strength during this time.

God bless both of you!

Joe and Ann Ferrell

January 21, 2006

Lee and Elaine have been friends for so many years. I spoke with Lee at the Baylor-Army game last fall. Lee was always so supportive of our family ahd a huge help with my son, John, while at Midway High School.

John Ferrell

January 21, 2006

Mr. Harrington,

I was taken aback to see of your passing. You always meant a lot to me during my high school days. You will be missed by all whose lives you have touched.

Stacey McDaniels-Herrin

January 21, 2006

Ty,

My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family during this most difficult time. Your parents were wonderful, caring people that will be greatly missed! I am truly sorry for your tremendous loss.

Sincerely,

Stacey McDaniels-Herrin

Kenneth & Mavis Feist

January 21, 2006

Leah, Mike, Boomer and Weston

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It was great joy knowing Lee and Elaine the past few years. They will be missed. May your cherished memories bring you comfort through the heart breaking days ahead. Our love is with you

Karen Horn

January 21, 2006

Leah and Ty:

What wonderful parents you were blessed with! Your mom and dad were not only great parents to both of you, but to all of kids they came into contact with... All the caring, counseling,love and concern both of them had for students in their classes, players on the field,friends that you both dragged into the house for many years, kids walking in the halls... didn't matter whose kid.. all kids came under their wing. They were always teaching, loving, and setting a positive example. What a wonderful contribution they both made to education. To be called to a higher calling as they both were quite unexpectly, and yet for them to look back and say.... "we really did make a difference in so many lives" has to be comforting for both of you and your children in this very difficult time.

Be assured,you are loved now as you have been for years, and you can be very, very proud of the legacy your parents left for all of us.

I am so sorry I cannot get to Waco on Monday. Please accept my most sincere condolences and my extended love to both of you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Always your friend with love,

Karen Horn

Robin Henderson-Hixson

January 21, 2006

Leah & family:

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your parents. I remember having your mom as a teacher and your dad as a softball coach. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Robin & David Hixson

michael reynolds

January 21, 2006

dear.Harrington family.

Mr.Harrington was a great administrator for middway he helped out a lot while i was there at school. I was very shoked ro hear that such great people were taken from us. let my payers be with Mr. and Mrs. Harrington and there family.

Lloyd & Frances Behm

January 21, 2006

Leah, Ty & families --

I first met your dad when he and my older brother were in high school together. When Lloyd went to work in Woodway, he and Lee got to meet each other. Our sons Lloyd II and Greg had the pleasure of knowing him in the professional setting of school. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lloyd and Frances Betros Behm

Margaret and Ray Kilgo

January 21, 2006

Dear Harrington Family,

We attended Baylor University with Elaine and Lee. In later years, we always enjoyed visiting with them at educator conventions.

We are deeply saddened at your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Coach Keith

January 21, 2006

Franco's

You guys are in our hearts and prayers. Remember the memories and God bless.

Bill Beasley

January 21, 2006

From a fellow Waco High Tiger of the class of 1954. My deepest sympathies are offered.

Yost Zakhary

January 21, 2006

Lee & Elaine

I will miss both of you very much. One could always count on Lee's big smile, firm handshake and a man who's word was a s good as gold. With lee you needed no contracts, or legal documents, his word was all you needed.

Lilla (Boots) Armstrong

January 21, 2006

I have nothing but wonderful memories of the whole Harrington family. News of Lee and Elaine's deaths hurts. My deepest sympathy and love to the family. You are in my prayers. Boots

Don and Mary Wilhelm

January 21, 2006

Ty and Family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. You mother and father were great parents and grandparents. We always enjoyed visiting with them when they came to Brenham and Blinn College.

Max H Johnson, Sr.

January 21, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. They will be missed by all who knew them.

Carol Cooper Eubank

January 21, 2006

My family and I have been and will continue to pray for God to embrace the Harrington Family and give all of you the love, comfort and strength you need.

Kay Byrd

January 21, 2006

Leah, bless your heart!!! I am so sorry about your Mom & Dad. My prayers are with you and your family.

Steve Pearcy

January 21, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your Mom and Dad were such wonderful people.

Dot & Matt Miller

January 21, 2006

Glenda, Ty and all the Harrington family:

A lifetime friend, Lee and long time friend, Elaine. I was in their wedding. Good memories flooded back when I got the sad news. So many great memories will live forever. Dot and I prayed for him each day when Lee was ill, and we pray that God will bless you as he surely blessed Lee and Elaine.

Dot & Matt

Stan Hough

January 21, 2006

Lee and Elaine were two great friends and will be missed. They were also outstanding ambassadors to Baylor University and a positive influence on everyone they touched.

chris armijo & family

January 21, 2006

Our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Gary Simpson

January 21, 2006

What a great loss. Lee always greeted me with a big smile at all Baylor events. He was one fine man and always encouraging people. Elaine's reputation at Midway was impeccable. We will miss them greatly.

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