Bellville Times
September 2003
J. K. (Jake) Wilhelm passed away at the age of 84 years on Friday Sept.,
12, 2003 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was in the comfort of his
home with his loving wife and partner of 57 years at his side.
A much loved educator and rancher, Jake was born Oct. 4, l918 in Comanche
County, Texas to Frank and Onie Wilhelm.
He graduated from Comanche High School, John Tarleton College, and received
Bachelor and Master degrees from Texas A&M University.
He married the love of his life, Lillian Ashorn, on Aug. 10, 1946 in the
"Little Chapel" of the First Methodist Church of Houston.
As an avid advocate for children and education, Jake served as a counselor
at the Bayland Home for Boys in Kemah, Elementary principal at Bellville for
one year, Superintendent of the Presbyterian Home for Children in Amarillo
for 8 years, and counselor for the Methodist Children's Home in Waco.
The rest of his professional life was in education as principal with the
Gustine ISD, teacher and elementary principal with the Clear Creek I.S.D.
for 16 years and elementary school principal in Hamilton for 16 years.
Active in community work Jake was a 50 year Mason and Shriner and served as
Worshipful Master at the League City Lodge. He was a Shrine Circus daddy
and also helped work the circus which benefits Shrine Hospitals for
children.
He was selected for such honors as one of the "outstanding young men of
America" in 1951 by the Amarillo Kiwanis Club and 1977 Conservationist by
the Hamilton Lions Club. He served as elder in the Westminister
Presbyterian Church in Amarillo, the Webster Presbyterian Church and the
Hamilton Presbyterian Church.
After retirement from education he and his wife enjoyed raising cattle on
their ranch outside Hamilton, traveling with such groups as the National
Cattlemen's Association, visiting his children and grandchildren, and
volunteering with Hospice and Meals on Wheels.
He was a long time member of
the Red Brangus Association and the National Cattlemen's Association. He
was also a member of the Hamilton retired Teacher's Association.
He is survived by his wife and life partner, Lillian, daughter Marjorie
Doyle and husband Jim of Landenberg, Penn., daughter Marguerite Humphrey of
Seattle, grandsons Jacob and Micah Humphrey of Seattle, Patrick Doyle of
Landenberg, Penn., step-grandchildren Mrs. Heather Young of Houston, Captain
Shannon Doyle of Tuscon, Dr. Sean Doyle of San Francisco, and great
granddaughter Caroline Claire Young of Houston, adopted daughter Addie
Wilbanks of Nampa, Idaho and granddaughter Lillian Cammack and husband Jeff
of Caldwell, Idaho and Jennifer Egens of Nampa, Idaho, one brother Wayne
Wilhelm of Comanche, numerous beloved nieces and nephews, faithful employee
and colleague of 30 years Felipe Ortiz, and many treasured friends and
students.
Jake was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers.
Donations in Jake's memory may be sent to Hamilton Presbyterian Church
Scholarship Fund or Community Care Hospice Services, 118 E. Live Oak, Suite
104, Dublin, Texas 76446
Posted by Joy Neely
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