Bill Fogarty

Bill was born in Omaha, Nebraska on the 29th of December 1932, to Hugh A. and Dorothy Cotter Fogarty. His father, a life-long newsman, taught journalism at Creighton University but spent most of his career at the Omaha World-Herald, retiring in 1972 as Managing Editor. Growing up, Bill was beloved in his neighborhood – always up for a game of catch and was known to help others construct and fly kites. In the dead of Nebraska winters, Bill organized groups to flood and freeze a nearby vacant lot so neighborhood kids could play outdoor hockey. Even at a young age, Bill was a trailblazer who could be counted on for advice, counsel or just a friendly comment.

It was love at first sight when he saw Mary Jane Coe across a crowded room at The Aksarben Foundation’s Ball in 1959. He frequently described the events of that night with the lyrics from the 1950’s showtune, “Some Enchanted Evening” and as the song states; Once he found her, he never let her go. Jane and Bill were married on the 20th of August 1960, at St. Cecilias Cathedral in Omaha Nebraska. Bill loved and adored his “Janie” for 65 years of marriage. As partners they built an incredible life and legacy. After moving to Sioux City, Iowa, they welcomed their two daughters, Kelly and Jenni. In 1963, the family moved to Omaha, and four years later welcomed their third child, Dan. In 1967, Bill and Jane moved to Houston, Texas where they raised their family on Queensbury Lane in Wilchester. Bill was adored by his three children and was their rock; he led his family by example every step of the way.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Bill attended Creighton Prep and later Creighton University where he excelled as a student athlete and member of the freshman basketball team. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. Following graduation in 1955, he spent two years based in St. Louis with the U.S. Coast Guard before joining Omaha-based Bozell & Jacobs Advertising Agency. He moved quickly through the ranks and was placed in charge of the agency’s Sioux City office. Co-founder, Morris Jacobs, later asked him to lead the company’s Texas operations in Houston. In 1980, he and Rich Klein established Fogarty, Klein & Associates, which they operated for 30 years. It grew to be one of the largest advertising agencies in the United States.

As a young man, Bill dreamed of owning a working cattle ranch. In 2003, this dream became a reality, when he purchased his first pieces of land in Oklahoma and southeast Kansas. Alongside his son (Dan), he co-owned and operated WHF Ranching Company, known commonly as Fogarty Ranch. As their cattle operation grew, Bill fell even more in love with cowboy lifestyle and culture. He was often found watching the sunset and humming to the tunes of country greats like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.

Known lovingly by his eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren as “Buwa”, Bill was committed to being present in each of their lives. He kept up with their interests and quickly picked up conversations where they last left off. He showed up to everything with a smile – birthday parties, sporting events, and everything in between. As a grandfather, Bill was a listening ear and always gave the best advice. Nothing put a bigger smile on his face than his house filled to the brim with family. Bill was known by all for his fantastic storytelling, quick witted sense of humor, intelligence and boisterous laugh. Bill's unwavering commitment to family, along with the love and guidance he provided, formed the foundation for the deep relationships and steadfast support that his family shares today. His legacy lives on in the example he set forth.

At the end of each day, he’d raise a toast “to health, happiness, prosperity, longevity, good decisions, no incisions”. This toast became a family tradition and is sure to be continued on for generations.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Cotter Fogarty, father Hugh A Fogarty and sisters Dr. Nancy Fogarty and Kathleen “Kay” Connolly.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Fogarty; children and their spouses: Kelly O’Donnell (Randy), Jennifer Bredthauer (Paul) and Daniel Fogarty; eleven grandchildren Brittany Galtney, Jeb Galtney (Jessie), Courtney Marshburn (Matt), McKenna Bradley (James), Ben Bredthauer (Jordan), Max Bredthauer (Rebekah), Will Bredthauer (Anna), Alexis Fogarty, Abby Arnold (Zach), Daniel Fogarty Jr. (Jamie), and Luke Fogarty; and his nine great grandchildren Grayson, Logan, and Aubrey Bredthauer; Charlie Bredthauer; Poppy and Ollie Marshburn; Janie Bradley; Josephine Galtney; and Elouise Fogarty. He is also survived by his brothers James Fogarty (Colleen), John Fogarty and his sister Rosemary Fogarty as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The Fogarty family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Annie Su, MD, Dr. Arup Achari, MD, Dr. Benjamin Chang, MD, Dr. Christopher Nevins, MD, Dr. Clinton Doerr, MD, Michael Campbell, MD, Dr. Michael Walters, MD, and many others for their exceptional aid and care for Bill.

A memorial service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Tuesday the 22nd of April in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Bill’s name be directed to The Advertising Education Foundation of Houston, 5773 Woodway Drive, Suite 104, Houston, TX 77057 or simply go to houstonadscholarships.com/donate/ and click the red “Donate to AEFH” button.