Verl Capps

Dr. Verl L. Capps, Sr. died at the age of 89 on January 18, 2015. Born in Blair, OK, June 15, 1925, Verl grew up on a farm. He graduated from Blair High School where he lettered in baseball and basketball, and served as president of FFA. He continued his studies at Oklahoma A&M where he earned a B.S. in agricultural engineering. World War II interrupted his college years as Verl was admitted to naval officer’s training and was sent from Stillwater to Tulane University to the Navy V-12 program. Following the war, he returned to Oklahoma to complete his degree. After graduation, he moved to Ft. Worth to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to study church music. He completed his formal education earning a Doctor of Education Degree in Music from North Texas State University. Married to Helen Pim for 54 years, they served 42 years in churches. Their ministry was building comprehensive music programs from pre-school to adults training singers to be leaders in worship. They served at First Baptist Ardmore, OK, First Baptist Ada, OK, First Baptist, Charlotte, NC, First Baptist, Greensboro, NC, Wilshire Baptist, Dallas, Highland Baptist, Dallas, and Fairview Baptist, Grand Prairie. Verl taught at Dallas Baptist College where he lead the DBC Chorale. He also served as national sales manager for E.R. Moore Company leading their church choir robe sales division for many years. One of his favorite past times was watching his children play basketball…and yelling at the refs. Verl’s ministry extended far beyond the choir loft. Through his youth choirs, he guided many through their teen years. Having mentored many past and current ministers of music, Verl leaves a legacy of Christian service and leadership. Verl is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Sarah Capps, brother Onzel Capps, and wife Helen Pim Capps. He is survived by two sisters, Norma Stephenson (Bob) and Oma Gean Holt-Geis ; children Buddy Capps (Mary), Kimberly Alexander, Christie Siar (Mike), Cheryl Hawkins (John); grand-children Jessica King (Chad), Erin Carroll, Ryan Capps, Leslie Alexander, Emma Siar, Cameron Hawkins (Melody), Whitley Hawkins, Casey Hawkins (Morgann), Joe Siar (Dawn); great grand-children Sam and Mac King, Riley, Faith, Bella, and Avery Siar. Visitation is Wednesday, January 21, 5 – 7 p.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Waxahachie, 315 N. Rogers Street at 2:00 p.m. Reception following the service. Private burial will be at DFW National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the music department at Dallas Baptist University or the building fund at First Baptist Waxahachie.