Agnes Dorow

In the stillness and quietness of the night, Agnes Elaine McKean Dorow passed away in the comfort of her home on Saturday, March 12, 2016. She departed this earth as we know it and raced toward the heavens to meet her Lord and Savior. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 10:00am at The First United Methodist Church in Brenham, with Pastor Jon Stouffer officiating. Burial will take place at 2:30pm the at family plot at Staples Cemetery in Staples, Texas. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Elaine was born on October 18, 1926 on their family farm in Staples, Texas to John Clunn and Lillie Mae Allen McKean. Elaine "don''t call me Agnes" Dorow lived her life according to the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She truly loved others and spread that love to all she ever met. A lady who never knew a stranger, she always saw the good in everyone; never being critical but always looking for ways to be a friend to all. With her contagious smile and entertaining sense of humor, she always brightened her surroundings with her presence.

Elaine met Buddy at a Halloween Carnival where she was working the cake walk. Buddy said, "I''ll purchase the last three cakes if you go to dinner with me."She agreed and that''s where their love story began. She married the love of her life on June 8, 1952 in Utopia, Texas.

She was truly the "special aunt" and friend to both family and acquaintance, each and every niece, nephew, grandchild, sister, brother and in-law qualified as her favorite. This title is still valued by all to this day. Always concerned for others, she was the best at helping to brighten the lives of those with a need to feel better or just to see the good in each day. You never left the room, house or hung-up the phone without an "I love you". Elaine was always the "life-of-the-party" and practical joker. We still laugh at some of her pranks like how she would chase her sister, Ruth around the yard with a chicken and "scare the dickens" out of her, tying a string around a lizard and walking around the yard like it was her pet, and throwing a fire-cracker in the kitchen to scare Buddy while he was cooking. She was fun-loving and loved her family dearly. All will probably recall the Family Easter tradition at Aunt Elaine and Uncle Buddy''s building Easter nests, trips to the raspa "sno cone" stand and attending sunrise service.

A former educator and coach of 31 years, she was a big part in the lives of many former students. They still remember her contribution to making them their best. She was an active and loyal member of many clubs and organizations: Fort Nightly Club, Brenham Retired Teacher Association, Order of the Eastern Star, Pilot Club, United Methodist Women, Texas State Teachers'' Association, Citizens on Patrol Police Academy and member of the Wesley Sunday School Class.

Competition was part of her life, as was her love for sports. She was proud of taking the Falfurrias Jersey girls'' basketball team to the state finals in 1957 but still fretting losing to Snook. The Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Astros were followed closely, betting $1.00 on games with Buddy. Upon moving to Brenham she adopted the Blinn College Buccaneer Volleyball and Basketball teams, with the unofficial title of "Team Grandma". Always sitting in the "best seat in the house" players would stop whatever they were doing on the court during warm-ups when she walked in just to greet her with hugs.

Grandma doted on her family, always ready to help in any way. She truly loved her grandchildren and influenced each and every one. From making pralines in the kitchen to catching frogs by the streetlights in Kingsville they will always remember her fun-loving demeanor and caring personality. They each exemplify her leadership and love by example. May they all remember her and cherish her memory. Grandma Elaine will be missed by all she loved and by all who loved her. Some voids in life will never be filled, but her legacy is one that has trained others to follow. She has gone on to a better place with those who have gone on before. Thank you, Jesus, that we will follow in due time so we can each tell you "I love you", again.

Survivors include her loving husband H.A. "Buddy" Dorow of Brenham. She will be greatly missed by her children, daughter Lynda Elaine Sherman of San Angelo, daughter and son-in-law Debra Ann and Richard (Rick) Eckert of Greenvine, son and daughter-in-law John Henry and Susan Veselka Dorow of Lubbock, and son Bob Allen Dorow of Houston. Brother and sister-in-law Richard Allen and Chris Boyce McKean of Austin, and sister-in-law Clara Dorow Deavers of Portland. Her grandchildren who meant the world to her: Ashley and Ashton Anderson of Abilene, Andrew and Tatum Dorow of Houston, Lacy Eckert of Greenvine, Luke Eckert of Greenvine, Lillie "Ann" Cook, Debra Gatlin, Henry Gatlin, Michael Gatlin and Reed Yandell of San Angelo. Great-grandchildren Jackson, Easton and Brecken Anderson, Gunner Dorow, Stephen and Cameron McGraw and Brandon Cook, Robert Bivins, Michelle and Memphis Gatlin and Ryan Gatlin. Great-great-grandchildren Jordan and Jaden McCraw, numerous nieces and nephews and dear friends Ruth Bates, Violet Graeber, and Dana Edwards.

She is preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Henry and Annie Dorow, sisters and brother-in-law Julia Mae and James Hamby, Ruth Irene and Freddie Bauerlein, brother-in-law Lloyd Deavers, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Regina and Mike Dolan.

Servings as pallbearers are her grandsons Ashton Anderson, Andrew Dorow, Luke Eckert, Henry Gatlin, Reed Yandell and special friend Doyce Wells. Honorary Pallbearers are her grandson Michael Gatlin and special friend Charlie Droddy. Memorials may be directed to The First United Methodist Church of Brenham or to any favorite charity.

Funeral arrangements for Elaine Dorow are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham.