Gloria M. Mckethan

Gloria McKethan was born in Port Arthur, Texas on July 8, 1924 to Joe Thompson and Maybel (McSheridan) Thompson. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clinton Wallace McKethan; sisters, Dolores Thompson Lucas and Lolita Thompson Baird; daughter, Sharron McKethan Zachry; and grandson, Jason McKethan.

Mrs. McKethan graduated from Waco High and met and married Clinton Wallace McKethan following his return home from overseas service in WWII in 1946. Together they raised four children in the Midway area and were fixtures at all Midway events for both their children and grandchildren. When Gloria could no longer climb stadium bleachers, husband Clinton would park his truck in the end zone so she could watch her grandson’s game without leaving the vehicle. During her children’s school days, she served as room mother for each, President of the PTA, and volunteer worker for their innumerable activities. A charter member of First United Woodway Methodist Church, she taught Sunday school and oversaw vacation Bible schools for her children.

Mrs. McKethan retired from the McLennan County school administration office in 1987 after more than 25 years of service. Through her retirement years she and her husband Clinton enjoyed traveling to various locations for VFW conventions and to visit their children when their careers moved them to Washington, D.C., New Mexico, California, Pennsylvania, and throughout Texas. A highlight was a White House visit during the Reagan years. Clinton always traveled with his own coffee pot while she brought her frying pan to treat her grandchildren to her home-cooking for which she was renowned.

Survivors include son, Clinton “Buzz” McKethan, of Waco; son, Colonel (ret.) Joe McKethan and wife, Linda of Georgetown; daughter, Jane McKethan Franklin and husband, Mike of San Marcos; sister, Julia Thompson Khoury of Waco; grandchildren, James Roy McKethan and Sherrie; Joylene Harmon and husband, Walt; Janna Arthur and husband, Larry; Jenetta Guerney and husband, Shawn; Jennifer Ferina and husband, Corey; Julie Boggan and husband, Michael; Joshua Paul Zachry and wife, Ashley; Asher Gurgan; Meredith Knight and husband, Kevin; and Hannah Butler and husband, Baylor; 19 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren; and numerous McKethan, Baird, Bouldin, Khoury nieces and nephews and their families.

The family thanks the supportive staff at San Marcos Rehabilitation and Health Care for their mother’s care.

Memorials in her name celebrating her long service to the Midway and McLennan County school communities may be made to the Sharron McKethan Zachry Legacy Fund (Midway ISD Education Foundation).