Evelyne Helen Casmedes Krieg passed away, and departed for her heavenly home in the early morning hours of May 13. She was born on December 21, 1926 to Harry and Elizabeth Casmedes in Durant, OK, whom had immigrated to the United States from Greece.
She is survived by her brother, Paul Casmedes and his wife, Tetsa, from Sherman, Texas who loved to call her “stinky feet”. She is also survived by her three children Bill Krieg and his wife, Kathy, from San Juan Capistrano, CA; Karen Krieg McFarland and her husband, Richard, from Frisco, Texas; Paul Krieg and his wife, Michele, from Valencia, CA. She adored her six grandchildren: Kendra Krieg, Travis Krieg, Lindsay Mayer, Lauren Skinner, Dan Faina and Joe Faina. She enjoyed playing board games with them, as she was fiercely competitive. However, they teased her relentlessly trying to distract her when it was her turn to play the game. “Yoster” and YaYa were a couple of endearing names they called her. She did not have the opportunity to really know her great grandchildren: Kinley, Presley, Nolan, Ellie, Rise, Haven, Macy, Lucas, and Isabelle. She is also survived by her nephews Paul Casmedes, John Casmedes, and Chris Casmedes and niece, Angela Casmedes Watkins.
Mom began to love the piano at an early age, and developed this gifted talent throughout her childhood, while being considered by some to be a “child prodigy”. She received a degree in piano and a master’s degree in Performance and Pedagogy from Texas Women’s University at the age of 18. She was offered a fellowship to study at the American Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois. She was recognized for her accomplishments by being invited to participate in Master classes at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. In recognition of her extraordinary abilities, she was offered a prestigious fellowship to study in Germany, which she declined. She then took a professorship position of piano at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where she met and was married to Bill Krieg.
Through his ministry calling, she was a vital complement to support and grow two wonderful, flourishing Presbyterian churches in Plain Dealing, LA, and Dickinson, TX. She served as the choir director of both; in addition to the responsibilities of a pastor’s wife to their congregations. The music produced and directed at these churches distinguished and glorified the LORD, delighting the participants and all those attending. Her graceful, effervescent style served this role well with whom she met and befriended as a pastor’s wife and godly woman. She was “special”! She always indicated that she was most proud of her three children. When we were all together we would ask her whom she loved most; but she wisely deferred with no indication! Ultimately, all three children became and are actively involved in ministries with their respective churches, through the fine example she displayed. Also, she loved the fact that all three siblings have supported SERVINGHIM in the form of annual mission trips to Guatemala: helping people with the construction of a dental clinic, in addition to clean water access, stove construction, and housing repair while most importantly, glorifying GOD. Both Karen and Dick serve on the Board of Directors for this organization.
Within the local community, she was immensely involved and devoted to the students in the band program at Dickinson High School; working and accompanying 150 to 200 students per year for various UIL contests. Many and most of her students received top honors. She would spend many long hours, weekends, and late evenings preparing them for contests. Probably the most time consuming part of her musical career, was the private teaching and development of students of piano. She deeply cared about her piano students: motivating and driving them to their utmost talents and achievements. She nurtured close relationships, and cherished those special stories and friendships that was a result of their tutelage under her. In fact, She gave piano lessons to over 2000 students in her 40+ years of teaching. It has given her children great comfort to hear from so many of her students that were so dear to her. She was a second mother or many, and some referred her as Mother Goose.
In addition, Evelyne handled the music and orchestra for many theater productions at the Clear Creek Country Theater and the Balinese Room in Galveston. She loved the theater, and the integrated order of music and storytelling. She was the quite a host and entertainer. The Krieg home was “communal center” of holidays and parties. She enjoyed cooking and being with friends and family. It was always a social affair, with late nights filled with singing, music, and engaging conversation.
With such a ‘full-serving life”, she left her mark in this world! Her unselfish nature always was evident by teaching others, performing musically for people, producing and directing the music at churches, and being such a devoted friend and wonderful mother. In 2003, the city of Dickinson bestowed upon her the “Unsung Hero” award; setting aside Evelyne Krieg Day to recognize her contributions to the community. She will be missed dearly. An appropriate scripture (John 14: 1-3) was read to her at bedside on Mother’s Day which says: “Don’t be troubled. You must now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going, and how to get there.” Evelyne knew how to live, help, and love others in her journey to Heaven. She is safe, loved and cared for by the LORD, which is what all of us ultimately seek. She is resting in HIS Peace and Glory in Heaven.
A memorial service is being planned for Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 10:00 in the morning at Forest Park East Funeral Home located at 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX. A private burial will take place in Durant, OK on Monday, July 15, 2019.
The Dickinson High School Band Booster Club Memorial has been established for those wishing to contribute: https://www.gofundme.com/evelyne-krieg
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