Jafus Pitt Cavil Sr. passed away peacefully on July 19, 2023, at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin. Jafus was born September 23, 1926, in Griffin Chapel, Milano, Texas to Lizzie Boone and William Paul Cavil. He was 96 years of age.
He was a native of Cameron and Milano, Griffin Chapel community where he graduated from O.J. Thomas High School in Cameron and Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was one of the first ROTC Graduates of PVAMU and went on to have an outstanding military career, achieving rank as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. He served his country well in the Korean War where he was awarded The Purple Heart. He was a Texas Rancher in Griffin Chapel, Milano, Texas.
Former employment included work as an Instructor and Mentor at Carver High School in Waco, Texas; U.S. Postal Service Administrator; Pathologist at Darnell Army Hospital, Fort Hood, Texas; Assistant Director of Environmental Resource Management, City of Austin; Development Officer at Prairie View A&M University.
Jafus was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Former President of the Negro Chamber of Commerce in Waco TX, and a Business Development/Entrepreneur.
Jafus married Florence Oletha Alexander and from this union three children were born: Arletha, Michael, and Marcus. He also has a son from a previous marriage, Jafus Jr.
Jafus is predeceased by his sisters, Oressa Rector, Ida James Baker, Irene Griffin, Ruth Harmon and brother, William Paul Cavil.
He is survived by his wife, Florence, and his children: Jafus (Chris) Cavil Jr., Arletha Mernet Guerrero (Michael) Cash, Michael (Adela) Cavil, Marcus (Michele) Cavil, 10 Grandchildren, 16 Great-Grand Children and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild.
The family wishes to express special thanks to:
• Texas Veteran Hospital, Temple & Austin
• Visiting Angels of Austin
• Dell Seton Hospital
• Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin
• Honor Flight Austin
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Cavil family.
