David D. McPhail, a beloved husband, father, and educator, passed away on January 31, 2026, in Alvarado, Texas. Born on December 17, 1941, in Providence, Rhode Island, David dedicated his life to his family, education, and community service.

David was proud to serve in the military and was an active member of the Cleburne Lions Club, where he contributed to various charitable endeavors that made a lasting impact on the community. His intelligence and passion for education led him to teach at both the community college and university levels, where he inspired countless students with his knowledge and dedication to their learning. He was a proud veterian, serving in the US Airforce.

In addition to his family and professional achievements, David was a big sports enthusiast, particularly passionate about the Green Bay Packers. His excitement for the game was infectious, and he found joy in sharing that passion with family and friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janie; his son Brian Holzmeier and his wife, Georgina, his grandsons Alex Holzmeier and Logan Holzmeier, and his nephew Richard Russell and his wife Annell.

David D. McPhail will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his contribution to education, and his commitment to making the world a better place. His spirit will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.z

For more memories and pictures of David from our Reunions, please click here.

David told his story of life after graduation in the May 2019 Town Crier.  Read it here.

Michael Richard Tansey died unexpectedly on November 8, 2025, at his home in Bell Trace. Michael was an award-winning educator with a great love of teaching and his students. He was always seeking more knowledge, and his active mind was a treasure trove of information.

He is survived by his son, Rowan; daughter, Sarah and husband, Herman; ex-wife, Linda; stepsons, Chama Henry and his wife, Rachel, and daughter, Roxy and Zack Henry and his wife, Elizabeth Ross; grandkids, Belle and wife, Brittany, Liam and wife, Miyuki; brother, Kevin and wife, Leni; Kristen and Kiley; and friend, John Johnson and his wife, Elizabeth.

He had friends all over the world and we will miss him for the rest of our lives.

David’s son, Tim, shared this information with me:

My Dad would have turned 83 last week! We miss him terribly, but he was suffering with health stuff towards the end.

David was a father to three kids and married to Sharon for 50+ years. He worked as a civil servant for the US Air Force at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX for his entire career in logistics. He retired when that base closed in the late 1990’s. He loved his job and was really good at the logistics part of being sure the planes and people stationed at that base were ready to respond to any incident around the world at a moment’s notice. I recall as a kid he got us out on the tarmac when the space shuttle landed at Kelly AFB for refueling as it was traveling back to Florida on the top of jumbo airliner.

After he left Kelly AFB, he worked for a bit in the Texas Tourism office. He was always very active in his church, First Baptist in San Antonio. His faith was very important to him.

He and Sharon moved to Georgia to be closer to my sister as they got older. My sister took wonderful care of Mom and Dad while they were there and helped them to find a good place to stay that could meet their needs. David has tons of friends; he always made friends wherever he went and was happy and smiling all the time. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs and invested tons of time with my sister and me in sports when we were younger.

Sharon passed away recently as well, as my other sister Kelli. So it’s just Jennifer and me today to carry on our family legacy.

I am sad to report another graduate’s death years after the fact:  David Walsworth died in 2021. David’s wife, Sharon died in 2023 (Sharon Elizabeth Walsworth Obituary (2023) – San Antonio, TX – Mission Park Funeral Chapels Cherry Ridge  link)    I obtained some info from her obit in which I was able to contact his son, Tim, who lives in Durango, CO.  Below is what he shared with me. If his sister contacts me with additional information, I will share that with you.

David told our class of his adventures after high school graduation in the March 2020 issue of the Waco Town Crier.  I am so happy that we have this recount of his wonderful life and career in his own words.

 
 
Peggy Ruth (Wake) Thyfault, 74, of Carrollton, TX passed away on February 14, 2017 after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer.
She was born December 14, 1942 in Waco, TX to James Harold & Mary Ruth Wake.

She worked at Employers Casualty Company for 36 years until she retired in 2004. During that time, she met her husband Bruce at work and they married in 1988. She was also an Avon representative for many, many years and continued that even after retiring.

She loved spending time with her family, baking, gardening and of course she loved shopping for bargains.
She is preceded in death by her parents James & Mary Wake, her husband Bruce and her son Chris.

Survived by her brother Byron & wife Sandy, brother Jack & wife Patsy, her daughter Penny and husband Richard, her son Pete and wife Denise, step-daughter Lynne, step-son Russell. Her grandchildren Melissa, Jeff, Christopher, Brandon, Thomas, Peyton & RJ and 6 great grandchildren.

We have been informed that Peggy Wake Thyfault died back in 2017.  It is always sad when we find out years after the fact of a graduate’s death. 

 
 
Albert Joseph Ctvrtlik, of West/Waco, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on June 22, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Care Center in Waco, Texas.

Albert was born on February 4, 1942, in Waco, Texas, to Albert Ben Ctvrtlik and Amalie Julie Cocek Ctvrtlik.

Known to many as “Al,” he attended Waco schools and graduated from Baylor University—remaining a proud Baylor Bear throughout his life. Al had a genuine interest in people and never met a stranger. He made many lifelong friends and touched countless lives with his warmth, generosity, and humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his family, who loved him dearly.

Al had a passion for collecting—often gathering items he had no immediate use for but always knowing where to find something when someone else needed it. His helpful spirit and unique charm made him a one-of-a-kind presence in the lives of those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Dorothy Pratt Coleman; and three brothers, Robert (Bob) Ctvrtlik, John Ctvrtlik, and Tom Ctvrtlik.

He is survived by one sister, Alice Schrade of Irving; one brother, Edward Ctvrtlik and wife Carrol of Lorena; one sister-in-law, Carol Ctvrtlik of Georgetown; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to St. Anthony’s Care Center, Providence Hospice, and especially to dear friend and neighbor Gary Ellis, whose support was invaluable and deeply appreciated.

 
 
John M. Tutt was born on October 8, 1942, to Wilbur W. Tutt and Marion Lexie Tutt.

He attended Waco High School in 1960, Baylor University in 1964 and UT Law in 1971. In 1978 he Married Sally J. Tutt.



John was an attorney in San Antonio for 50 years and a member of University United Methodist Church. In his free time John enjoyed Scouts, hiking and Camping.

John is survived by his wife Sally, children; Aaron Paul Tutt, Adam Christian Tutt and Lexie Evelyn Tutt.
 

Lenna Ruth Coates Renner was born on November 29, 1942 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Inez Esther Ruth Smith and Richard Henry Coates.

Due to many health complications, Lena passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 24, 2021 and went to be with our Lord, and her beloved husband, Conrad Harold Renner in heaven.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and her brother Charles Coates.

She is survived by her brother Jim Coates and her sisters Barbara Coates, Nancy and Chris Beck and Cheryl and Kelly Nichols. Her daughter Debbie Renner-Sloan and husband Chad and their daughter KaLeigh Sloan and spouse Finley Boyle. Her son, John Renner and his wife Mary. Her daughter Melinda and husband Russell Gardiner. Her granddaughter Grace and her husband Curtis Scott.