Mr. Francis Tarrant Fendley Jr.

Francis Tarrant Fendley passed away on Tuesday, the 16th of March 2010, following complications of pneumonia. A fourth generation Houstonian, he was the great-great grandson of Governor Frank R. Lubbock. The son of Augusta Breed and Francis Fendley, he was born on the 11th of August 1932. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Ann, son Terry Fendley and wife Susan of Shawnee, Oklahoma, daughter Cynthia Smith and husband Ron of Katy, Texas, grandchildren Brooke and Austin Fendley and Shane and Emily Smith, his sister Laura Lee Hicks and husband Jim, brother-in-law George Elliott and wife Ann and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. His parents, his granddaughter Ashley Austin Fendley, his niece Laura Lee Younger and nephews Douglas Fendley Younger and John Michael Elliott, preceded him in death

Tarrant had a full life. While in geology class at the University of Texas, he looked down the row several chairs from where he was sitting and saw Mary Ann. He told his friend “I’m going to marry that girl.” He did, and they enjoyed a very blessed life together. He was fortunate enough to travel to wonderful places with family, friends and The Flying Longhorns. He enjoyed the water and spent many weekends at Lake Conroe and Galveston Island. He was an expert sandcastle builder and enjoyed creating them with his grandchildren. Tarrant took pleasure in dancing and was a founding member of the Carribbee Dance Club. As a member of the Momus Krewe in Galveston, he participated in many Mardi Gras activities. He enjoyed his carpentry projects including a kitchen remodel, enclosing the porch and building a carport and work shed. For years he enjoyed “The Back Forty,” a family ranch, where he spent many hours with friends and family. An avid Texas Longhorn fan, he would always “Hook ‘em” for the Horns.

Tarrant attended Lanier Jr. High, Schreiner Institute in Kerrville and graduated from Lamar High School. He attended the University of Texas where he was a member of Chi Phi fraternity and then graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Business degree. After serving two years in the US Army, he joined W.D. Haden Oyster Shell Co., Bay Houston Towing Co. and Michigan Peat. Tarrant loved working in the yard and spent many years in the horticulture business. He rejoined Bay Houston in 1988, as a member of the Board of Directors. He retired from Bay Houston in February of this year. He was also involved in the talent and acting business and appeared in many ads, TV commercials and brochures.

Tarrant loved volunteering for many interests. He performed for 26 years in the Junior League Charity Ball. He has been Civic Club President, PTA President and Chairman of the Federal Bi-Racial Committee. He served for 12 years on the HISD School Board, including one term as president. He successively served on the Community College Board and eight years with the Texas Association of School Boards. For 12 years he was a Master of Ceremonies and spokesman for the Channel 8 Auctions. He was actively involved in the Houston Red Cross, A.D. Players, and the Seniors Place (Amazing Place). Tarrant served on the Board of Child Advocates, and as the first and only male president for the Holly Hall Retirement Community. He was on the Corporate Board of the Guild Shop, where he volunteered for many years. As a member of River Oaks Country Club, he enjoyed playing tennis and golf and spending time with family and friends.

Tarrant was a faithful member of The Church of St. John the Divine since its inception. He was a Chalice Bearer, taught Sunday school, was a member of the family choir and served on the Associate Vestry and Vestry as Junior and Senior Warden.

A memorial service is to be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 19th of March, in the Sanctuary of The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Laurens A. Hall, Rector, the Rev. Dr. Douglas W. Richnow, Senior Associate Rector, and the Rev. Randall W. Trego are to officiate.

Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Sumners Hall.

Serving as honorary pallbearers during the service are Dean Callender, Marvin Chernosky, Ronald Cuenod, Doug Haden, Jim Hicks, Jack Holloway, Ken Kangeiser, Don Kelley, Jack Kinard, Joe Laughlin, Bill Russell, Gene Shepherd and Joe Steele.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Tarrant may be directed to any of the following: (1) Saint John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, TX, 77019, (2) The Guild Shop, 2009 Dunlavy St., Houston, TX, 77006, (3) Holly Hall, 2000 Holly Hall Retirement Community, Houston, TX, 77054, (4) A.D. Players, 2710 W. Alabama St., 77098, (5) The Amazing Place, 2714 Joanel St., Houston, TX, 77027, or (6) Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030.