John Korman

John "Buddy" Korman, 79, passed away July 5, 2006 in a local hospital. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday at Elmwood Memorial Park, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m., at the First Christian Church, with Drs. Tom Lyda and Chris Diebel officiating. The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. Buddy was born December 28, 1926 to Gilbert and Vera Winkleman Korman. He was a lifelong Abilene resident. After graduating from McMurry University he joined Texas Life Insurance Company on January 9, 1949, as the youngest and first single man hired by the Company. During his association with Texas Life he was a member of Texas Life's President's Round Table for twelve years; All Star Conference for seventeen years; member of the Texas Life's Hall of Fame and until the time of his death—his 56 years represent the longest tenure of any Texas Life Agent. He started the John Korman Insurance Agency in 1952 as a one man operation with a desk, chair, phone and typewriter and began writing property and casualty insurance. At the age of 72, he bought HRH of Abilene, and never lost the love of the challenge of selling insurance. In addition, he had varied interests in the oil and gas industry and real estate. Buddy was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. August 24, 1954, he married Dotty Botkin. A member of the First Christian Church, he had served as a Deacon. His family was the most important thing to him. He was a well traveled man and one of his greatest joys in life was being with his family, while traveling to new and exciting places. Buddy is survived by his wife, Dotty Botkin Korman. One daughter, Shawn and husband, Jim Batjer of Plano. Two granddaughters, Brooke and Blaire Batjer. One brother, Gilbert and wife, Dottie of Abilene, two sisters, Kathryn Dunn of Dallas, and Dorothy Haley of Abilene and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers will be B.J. Estes, M.D., John Berry, D.L. Groves, Harry Reaugh, Jack Frizzell, Glynn Ray, John Thompson, Bill Haynes, Lavon Young and Gene Finley. Memorials may be sent to First Christian Church Building Fund, 1420 N. 3rd, Abilene, Tx 79601, or Hendricks Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1922, Abilene, Tx 79604.