Jack Stich

John Meredith “Jack” Stich went to be with the Lord on August 22, 2012 after a courageous battle following a fall that left him a quadriplegic. Throughout the past nine months Jack blessed many by his deep faith in his Savior Jesus Christ. He loved for everyone to come into his room with a smile. If they didn’t have one he would quickly crack a joke or make a comment that would bring a smile to their faces. Jack was born on March 15, 1935 in Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved aunt, Louise Lingo. A lifelong Houstonian, Jack attended Aldine schools and was a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ’57. On June 15, 1956 Jack married the love of his life, Darlene Alford. Jack described Darlene as the wind beneath wings and his constant source of inspiration in all of his endeavors. Jack and Darlene had the joy of three daughters and six grandchildren. Jack’s grandchildren were the light of his life and he was an avid supporter of all of their activities for the past 25 years.

Jack was in the custom millwork business in Houston for all of his adult life. He began sweeping sawdust off of the warehouse floors at Mabry Millworks. He moved to General Manager at Mischer Mabry Millworks. He retired in 1995 as Executive Vice President and COO of Lone Star Plywood and Door. He cared about his employees as individuals and loved to help them succeed.

Jack accepted Jesus as His Savior at Lazybrook Baptist Church. He remained a member there until 2004 when he joined Copperfield Church. Jack served as a deacon at both churches. Jack and Darlene have many friends at both churches and their lives have been greatly blessed by their love and support.

Jack’s love and support for A & M never diminished. His classmates ensured that he was inducted into the Sul Ross Group this past March for 55 years of support to Texas A & M. Jack loved baseball and most sports and was an active athlete into his 40’s. When Jack wasn’t playing a sport he was coaching Pony League baseball teams. Jack was a past Adjutant of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Albert Sidney Johnston Camp, the Gulf Coast Brigade and the Army of the Trans Mississippi. Most recently, Jack was the finance chairman of the Southern Heritage Ball.

Jack is survived by his wife Darlene; his three daughters and their husbands, Vicki and Kent Dunlap of Millican, TX, Donna and Craig Hester of Houston, TX, and Susan and Robby Partain of New Braunfels, TX; his six grandkids, Mitchell Hester, Meredith Hester Noel and her husband John, Aubrey Hester, Will Dunlap and Dawn Partain; his brother-in-law, Donald Alford of Houston, TX and last but not least his dog Zoey who visited him in the hospital often.

The family wishes to offer special thanks to the wonderful medical professionals who cared for Jack. Thank you to Dr. Allen Levi and the staff at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. Jack’s time in rehab there were some of his brightest moments following his accident. Our most heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Ronald Taylor, Dr. Steven Ugbarugba, Dr. Rajendra Pandya, Dr. David Poindexter, Dr. Srinivasa Venkatesh, Dr. Kim Keller, Dr. Huy Nguyen, Dr. Warren Morgan and Dr. Paul Gill. We would also like to thank the nurses, CNA’s, Respiratory Therapists, Physical and Occupational Therapists and Administrative Staff at Kindred Hospital Northwest. Many of you have become our friends over the past several months. Thank you for doing your jobs so well.

Visitation will be at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home from 4pm – 6pm on Saturday. The celebration of his life will be at Copperfield Church at 2pm on Sunday. Jack’s wish would be that everyone attending the service feel free to dress casual. The family will be wearing jeans and Jack’s favorite sports jerseys.

In lieu of flowers Jack requested donations be made to the Senior Adult Ministry at Copperfield Church at 8350 N. Highway 6, Houston, TX 77095 or the Texas A & M Foundation at giving.tamu.edu or 4010 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840.