Henry Dorow, Jr.

Although dealing with the effects of a major stroke, Buddy Dorow insisted on prolonging his pilgrimage on earth until he was assured all was well with family and friends, making sure to say "goodbye" to all. Buddy passed from the church militant to the church triumphant on Thursday, October 13, 2016. In the quiet of the night and on his own accord, he left us to join the saints who preceded him in Heaven.

He was born December 28, 1926 at home in San Antonio to Henry A. and Anna Martha Karnaky Dorow. His toughness became apparent upon birth as his birth weight was 1 lb. 6 oz. This strong, tough little guy spent the first few months of his life sleeping in a shoe box near a wood-burning pot belly stove. When he was four (4) years old, his family moved to Utopia, Texas. It was here that he received his formal education, attending elementary and high school. He loved playing baseball, being a country boy, and working various jobs. He played semi-pro baseball for the Premount Oilers.

He was unable to attend his high school graduation ceremony in 1945. His absence was the result of a commitment to the U.S. Army and basic training at Camp Maxey in Paris, Texas. He served his country for 2 years, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Buddy met the love of his life and life partner, Elaine McKean at the school's Halloween carnival. She was working a cake walk booth. Always a businessman, he struck a deal to buy the remaining cake inventory in trade for a dinner date. Elaine agreed and that is where their life together got its start. They were married June 8, 1952 in Utopia, Texas.

Buddy spent his working career employed in oil and gas production for Exxon on the King Ranch in south Texas for 38 years. His story is proof that hard work prevails. Starting work as a rig hand, he worked his way up to eventually retire as field superintendent of Exxon's Alazan Production Division in 1986.
Blessed with 2 daughters and 2 sons, he and Elaine's home life was busy and eventful. He enjoyed coaching Little League teams, teaching Sunday School, and any other of his children's activities. In 1966, he was honored as "Father of the Year" in Falfurrias, Texas. A favorite motto, "Making the World more beautiful", resulted in hours of labor planting, trimming, and manicuring his yard and garden. He was honored with yard of the month in 3 separate cities.

Buddy loved his memberships and being a loyal and active member of many organizations. Among them were: Masons - Graham Lodge #20, Retired Exxon employees, Order of the Eastern Star, Retired Teachers Association, United Methodist Men and Choir, Citizens on Patrol, Wesley Sunday School class, and the American Legion. Always active in the faith into which he was baptized, he faithfully served his Lord and Savior in many church activities.

Being a big sports fan, he and Elaine adopted Brenham Cub and Blinn Buccaneer sports teams. They held the unofficial title of "Team Grandparents" for Blinn Volleyball. Always seated in the best seat in the house, players would stop pre-game warm-ups when he appeared to greet him with a hug or high-five. Watching sports, golfing, cooking, and gardening were all favorite activities. Shopping daily was a big part of his retired life. There isn't a worker in any pharmacy or Brenham Supermarket that he didn't know.

Buddy will be missed by his 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, sister Clara Mae Dorow Deavers of Portland, Texas, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Richard Allen and Chris Boyce McKean of Austin.

His grandchildren: 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 all of San Angelo. Great-grandchildren: Jackson, Easton and Brecken Anderson, Gunner Dorow, Stephen and Cameron McCraw, 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 Dorothy and Lonnie Addicks, Doyce and Cindy Wells, David and Felicia Rehr, Mary and Don Wilhelm, Dennis and Corina Winchell, and Don and Janet Allphin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Annie Dorow, brothers: Ted, Carl, Frederick Dorow and sister Ethel Hoffman, in-laws John and Lille McKean, sisters and brothers-in-law, Julia Mae and James Hamby, Ruth and Freddie Bauerlein, brother-in-law Lloyd Deavers, sister and brother-in-law Regina and Mike Dolan.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, October 17, 2016 at First United Methodist Church in Brenham, with Pastors Jon Stouffer and Kay Reed officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Staples Cemetery in Staples, Texas. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Serving as pallbearers are grandsons Ashton Anderson, Andrew Dorow, Luke Eckert, Michael Gatlin, Henry Gatlin, Reed Yandell and special friends Charlie Droddy and Doyce Wells.

Buddy will be missed by family and friends. We all find comfort in Jesus's victory over sin and death and God's promise of everlasting life. We also rejoice that Buddy now has a chair in the greatest choir ever.

Funeral arrangements for Henry A. "Buddy" Dorow are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.
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