Jack H. Longbotham

Dr. Jack Henry Longbotham Dr. Jack Henry Longbotham, 85, of Clyde, TX, went to be with our Lord on November 28, 2015 in Brownwood, TX. Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM on Friday, December 4, 2015, at First Baptist Church, Fort Davis, TX with Terrell O’Brien officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Fort Davis, TX. Arrangements are by Hamil Family Funeral Home of Abilene, TX. Jack was born in Snyder, TX to Bernard Sr. and Connie Longbotham on June 5, 1930. He married Elisabeth Prude on September 10, 1955 in Fort Davis, TX. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Texas Tech University in 1952, a master’s degree from Sul Ross University in 1957, and a doctorate from Texas A&M in 1968. While at Texas A&M, he was a member of the Texas A&M Rodeo Team, director for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, as well as an assistant professor at Texas A&M. He was employed by the Texas Education Agency for several years before starting his teaching career at various universities, including Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX for 5 years and Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX, where he served as a professor and dean of education for 28 years. He was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the US Navy. He was an active member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene, TX for over 30 years, and held memberships in the American Quarter Horse Association, Texas Hereford Association, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Associations. He was a lifetime member of the American Hereford Association. Jack and Elisabeth celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September with family, friends and a few grandchildren. Jack loved the Lord and served Him faithfully throughout his 85 years, attended church regularly even up to a few days before he went to be with the Lord. Jack was a devoted husband and loving father. He loved his grandchildren dearly and always looked forward to their hugs and kisses. Jack’s keen sense of humor was enjoyed by those who knew and loved him. Jack a very wise rancher and loved his cows and his horses. He enjoyed spending time on his ranch with his family in Brown County. Jack had just spent several days over Thanksgiving with some of his family and grandchildren laughing and joking as he always did. The Lord called Jack him home in a moments notice, and we are grateful for his full life here on earth. Jack was preceded in death by his parents Bernard Sr. and Connie Longbotham; sister Geraldine Longbotham Bowers, brothers Bernard Longbotham Jr., Charles Longbotham, Billy Longbotham, and twin brother Robert Longbotham; and son, Jeffrey Paul Longbotham. Jack is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elisabeth Prude Longbotham, children: Jack Longbotham Jr. of Abilene, TX, Beth and Kelly High of Victoria, TX, and Becky Rodriguez of Bridgeport, TX, as well as 18 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Jack’s grandsons and son-in-law, Kelly. Memorials may be made to: The Dr. Jack Longbotham Endowed Scholarship at Hardin-Simmons University PO Box 16100 Abilene, TX 79698 The family of wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Ward Locklear of Brownwood, TX and the staff at Brownwood Memorial Hospital for his wonderful care of Jack for the past several years, and the First Baptist Church of Brownwood, TX for their love and hospitality during this time.