Evangeline Theis Lindsey

Evangeline “Vangie” Theis Lindsey passed into heaven on June 29, 2023 at the age of 92. Vangie was born December 29, 1930 as the third child of Anton Phillip and Olga Wanda Theis. She was delivered into the world by her maternal grandfather, Dr. J. A. Leggett, in Menard Texas. Her two older sisters liked to say “we were all born in the same bed on the same day of the week, Monday.” The Theis family moved to Midland in 1939 when Anton became the Mobile Oil Consignee.

Vangie graduated from Midland High School and went off to Texas Tech University at the tender age of 16. She transferred to Baylor University in her Sophomore year and enjoyed many activities and honors prior to her graduation from Baylor in 1951.

Upon her return to Midland, Vangie taught third graders for one year at Sam Houston Elementary. Then she became the main receptionist at the Western Company, owned by Eddie Chiles. This was an exciting time in the West Texas oil industry, bringing many young entrepreneurs, fortune-seekers, and engineers to the area. Among the new arrivals was H. E. “Ed” Lindsey, Jr., one of three co-founders of MWL Tool and Supply Company. Ed and Vangie married in 1954 after a whirlwind romance. They had known each other for two years but only dated a short time when Ed asked Vangie to marry him. They were the first couple to wed in the First Baptist Church sanctuary.

Vangie and Ed provided a happy home for their children Kristin and Stephen. In addition to being a great mother, Vangie contributed her many talents and time to service with the Junior League of Midland, teaching Sunday school, participating in the Green Thumb Garden Club, and playing bridge.

As her children became more independent, Vangie cultivated a love for painting that enriched her life for decades. Vangie first enrolled in Midland College art classes in the 1970’s. She took painting at MC with Warren Taylor for over three decades. Her commitment to the college included service on the Midland College Foundation Board of Trustees.

Vangie and Ed shared a love for sports that had them rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Baylor University, and Georgia Tech through thick and thin over many years. Vangie loved traveling with Ed and the kids, most often to beach or island destinations sometimes arriving after a flight piloted by Ed in one of his small planes. Ed and Vangie also traveled to the Far East, Scotland, England, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Vangie enjoyed traveling to bridge tournaments with her sister Jacque Pierce and became a Life Master Bridge Player. She and her sister Marthann Nobles shared a special friendship for nearly nine decades living in the same town, often meeting half-way between their homes to walk, talk, and laugh together.

Ed died when Vangie was 63 years old. Faith, family, and friends supported her through nearly three more decades of a life well lived. During that time, Vangie joined the First Presbyterian Church. She remained active in bridge, painting, gardening, and traveling. She was a marvelous hostess who delighted in gathering her friends and family. Her love of art and travel merged when she became a member of the Museum of Southwest President’s Club. She cherished many beautifully curated trips with the group to cities around the country, often accompanied by her daughter or sister.

In 2020, Vangie moved to The Village senior living community in Austin, Texas. She enjoyed weekly live music, stimulating lectures, and fun outings with her family. Still an avid fan, she insured every possible sports channel was added to her cable subscription. She fared well in basketball brackets because she knew the teams, players, and win records.

Vangie was predeceased by her parents Wanda and Anton, sisters Jacque and Marthann, and husband Ed. She is survived by daughter Kristin and son-in-law Ross Bassinger of Austin, son Stephen Edward Lindsey of South Glastonbury, Connecticut, and grandchildren Sean Lindsey and Sara Lindsey. She is also survived by niece Fredi Nobles Seeker (Brady), nephew Phillip Nobles (Sandra), nephew Julian Pierce (Jan), and nephews John, Michael, and David Lindsey. She was a much-loved presence in the lives of her family and friends. She will be remembered with joy and gratitude.

A celebration of her life will be held in Midland Friday, July 7, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church chapel at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the Midland Petroleum Club.