Roll Call Tribute
John Lindsey '44 May 20, 2016 4:24 PM updated: May 25, 2016 8:42 AM
(Published in) The (Bryan-College Station) Eagle (on) May 5, 2016
Texas A&M University supporter, benefactor John Lindsey dies at 93
Texas A&M University Newswire | Posted: Friday, May 20, 2016 3:44 pm
John H. Lindsey of Houston, a 1944 graduate of Texas A&M University and a devoted major supporter of his alma mater for more than a half century, died Friday after a lengthy illness, university officials have been informed.
Lindsey, 93, served Texas A&M in perhaps more capacities than any other former student, observers noted, and he and his late wife, Sara Houstoun Lindsey, provided the university millions of dollars in financial support for scholarships, faculty chairs and a host of other endeavors.
The late Jack K. Williams, when he was president of Texas A&M during the 1970s, once was quoted as saying “John Lindsey stays awake at night thinking of things to do for Texas A&M.”
Mr. Lindsey served as a member of The Texas A&M University Board of Regents from 1993 to 1999 and previously served as president of The Association of Former Students and was a member of the board of the 12th Man Foundation. The university and the alumni association in 1978 named him a Distinguished Alumnus, the highest honor bestowed upon a former student, and the Texas A&M Foundation in 2000 presented him its prestigious Sterling C. Evans Medal, the foundation’s highest honor.
Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey’s numerous gifts to Texas A&M included three faculty chairs; nine scholarships; and a $3 million commitment to the university’s first comprehensive campaign, “Capturing the Spirit.”
The couple also worked tirelessly behind the scenes garnering support for the admission of women to Texas A&M, and they were instrumental in establishing the Texas A&M University Press. The building that houses the scholarly publishing operation bears his name.
The Lindseys were credited with being influential in the selection of Texas A&M as the site of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library. They were among the earliest and most generous contributors to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum as well as to the Bush School of Government and Public Service, funding two faculty chairs at the school.
Mrs. Lindsey passed away on Feb. 16.
“John Lindsey’s generosity and selfless service to his alma mater is legendary among Aggies,” said Cliff Thomas, chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “But to appreciate the breadth and depth of the man, you only have to know that the history of Texas A&M could not be written without him.”
Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp said: “John Lindsey was a dear friend of mine. Anyone who knows the real story knows that he was one of a handful of people who were primarily responsible for women being on this campus, and prominent in that handful was John Lindsey.”
Texas A&M President Michael K. Young joined in acknowledging the many contributions and service of Mr. Lindsey. “While I came along too late to have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Lindsey, I am well aware of all that he did for Texas A&M in both contribution of his time in formal service on behalf of his alma mater and for the generous financial support that he and Mrs. Lindsey provided over a period of decades—support that has helped make the university what it is today,” he said. “The university lost a great Aggie and I join with everyone in the Texas A&M family and elsewhere in expressing sympathy to his family in their great loss.”
Porter S. Garner III, ’79, president and CEO of The Association of Former Students, was an admirer of Mr. Lindsey for more than four decades. “I have known John since I was a student at Texas A&M and was blessed to call him a close friend and confidant. I will certainly miss him.” Garner said. “We will all miss him.”
Tyson Voelkel, president of the Texas A&M Foundation stated: “Mr. Lindsey’s dedication to Texas A&M University and its values was exemplified during his extraordinary life. He served the university and its system in many ways during his lifetime that have helped to elevate the university. A remarkable Aggie, he will be greatly missed.”
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Lindsey are pending.
____________________________________________________________________________
Published in Houston Chronicle on May 25, 2016
John H. Lindsey
John H. Lindsey
1922-2016
Forever proud to be an American, a Texan, and an Aggie, John H. Lindsey passed away on May 20, 2016, at the Hallmark. He was 93 years old. The Greatest Generation has lost another honorable member. John was born on July 28, 1922, in Waxahachie, Texas, to Marie Smith Lindsey and Harry Edwin Lindsey. John considered himself a native Houstonian as his family moved to Houston when he was an infant. John soon met Sara Houstoun, whom he would later marry, and they grew to share a vision of cultivating the arts, improving the lives of others, and giving their all to countless humanitarian ventures. As a devoted husband, John was not far behind whatever Sara set her sights on in the way of philanthropy. And so it was that after nearly 70 years of marriage, John follows his wife in death, as Sara was laid to rest on February 16, 2016.
John was also predeceased by his parents; his son, Edwin Houstoun Lindsey; his sisters-in-law Janet Houstoun Davis and Evelyn Nicholson Houstoun Chew; his brothers-in-law, Platt W. Davis, J. Patrick Houstoun Jr., and William G. Houstoun; and William's son, William G. Houstoun Jr. Surviving John are his son, David Cleveland Lindsey; his daughter-in-law, Kimberly Pulice Lindsey; and his grandchildren, Lauren Sara Lindsey and Blake Houstoun Lindsey, daughters of Kim and David Lindsey. John also leaves behind his Illinois cousins, Lois Lindsey Calhoun and Wally; Margaret Lindsey Adams and Harold; Richard Lindsey and Dixie; and his cousin Charles Patterson of Georgia. Finally, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Marian Fleming, as well as nieces and nephews Carolyn and Platt Davis; Barbie and Dick Davis; Martha Davis; Bernice and Pat Houstoun; Tricia and Rock Houstoun; Sally and Larry Evoy; Wendy and Johnny Houstoun; Margot and Scott Ritchie; Geri and Jimmy Houstoun; Richard and Mimi Houstoun and their families.
John attended Poe Elementary School, Lanier Junior High School, Lamar High School, and was a Class of 1947 graduate of Texas A&M University where he was credited with ""Capturing the Aggie Spirit."" He was in the Field Artillery division of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M when World War II began. As a commissioned officer, John served near Florence, Italy, before Europe declared victory. Until Victory in Japan Day, John was stationed at Yokohama.
Following his graduation from Texas A&M, John joined his father in the formation of the Lindsey Insurance Agency. After his father retired, John established his own company, Lindsey Investments, which he ran for most of his professional life. John was also the founding director of the Southern National Bank.
Although John was devoted to running his business, family was paramount to him. For 35 years, Sara and John owned a beach house in Galveston. They and their twin boys spent every summer and numerous weekends on Jamaica Beach. The boys were good surfers and loved crabbing and fishing, but the most fun for the entire family was walking the shoreline as the boys looked for and found sharks' teeth. John also enjoyed taking his sons on long hikes, interesting them in nature, and introducing them to places that would instill an appreciation for the arts, history, sports, and current events. John's love of Galveston Island inspired him to become involved with Galveston Outdoor Musicals.
Aside from his business and his family, perhaps John's greatest passion was for Texas A&M University. John served on the Board of Regents for most of the 1990s. John was inducted into the Cadet Corps Hall of Honor and was the first recipient of the 12th Man Award. He also acted as trustee of The Texas A&M Foundation as well as president of The Association of Former Students. Over the course of his lifetime, he served on several boards, was Board General Advisor, and a founder of the Student Conference on National Affairs. He also received two of the highest honors bestowed when The Texas A&M Foundation recognized John as a Distinguished Alumnus and presented him with the Sterling C. Evans Medal, which commends those who demonstrate outstanding contributions to A&M's philanthropic efforts. Overall, his involvement in furthering Texas A&M was such that the chairman of The Texas A&M System Board of Regents stated ""The history of Texas A&M could not be written without him.""
Equally notable were John's contributions in all areas of philanthropy. Always active in various facets of community leadership, John was President of Houston's Alley Theatre Board, Vice President of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and founding President of the Houston Cultural Arts Council. John was also involved in the Houston Nature Center and Arboretum, the Botanical Society, the YMCA, and the Heritage Society. In areas of education, John was a member of the executive committee of Higher Education for the State of Texas. He also served on the Boards of South Texas College of Law.
John was very proud of his association with President George H.W. Bush, and that their relationship led to President Bush's decision to place his Presidential Library and Museum at A&M. John served on the library's Board of Trustees and was a member of the Bush Library Foundation Board. During the George H.W. Bush Administration, John and Sara treasured all the remarkable adventures they had with the President and First Lady, including traveling to Maine and foreign countries and the attendant occasions of importance. The Bushes were equally fond of John and Sara, calling them ""two of the brightest Points of Light"" he and his wife had ever known. Their years together added an inestimable education to John's lifelong love of learning.
John's legacy to his alma mater will continue to enrich the lives of students and associates of Texas A&M University through the library as well as the Texas A&M Press, which John has been credited with establishing. Through publications dedicated to advancing knowledge in the scholarly community, the Press imprint will continue to highlight the cultural heritage of the Southwest.
In Houston, the generous contributions of Sara and John Lindsey will keep the spirit of the city renewed through landmarks that project stability, wonder, and tranquility-each given for the enjoyment of all Houstonians now and for generations yet to come. The Lindseys' beautification contributions can be seen at Lindsey Plaza, which is considered the entrance to Hermann Park. The park is also the home of the Houston Zoo, to which the Lindseys gifted a majestic lion, ""Jonathan,"" as well as three lionesses. And at Discovery Green, Houston's downtown park, the Lindsey Waterside Landing provides a peaceful respite, which will remain as perennial as the water lilies on its surface.
John and Sara together embodied the essence of noblesse oblige and were always delighted and grateful for their ability to enhance Texas A&M and Houston. John spent his last day being driven around the city he was so proud to call home.
The family acknowledges with deep appreciation the dedicated people who were always there to assist John over the course of his life, particularly his secretary, Mrs. Jackie Turner. Though Mrs. Turner predeceased John, his family extends gratitude to her family, knowing John would have wanted to acknowledge his assistant's nearly 50 years of diligent management. Gratitude is also extended to his driver Van Harvey. Finally, to those who provided excellent care in John's later years, the family also thanks Rick Ramirez and Angelo Brantley of Home Health Care as well as Dr. Emily Barker and Madeline Bunch of River Oaks Doctors Group.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Thursday, the 26th of May in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The interment service is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 27th of May at Glenwood Cemetery, where John will forever rest with his childhood sweetheart, Sara, in perhaps the most beautiful and historic area of Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude a memorial contribution directed to The Amazing Place, 3735 Drexel Drive, Houston, Texas 77027, or to the Texas A&M Foundation, Restricted to the Texas A&M Press, honoring John H. Lindsey, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840.
Funeral Home
Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors
1010 Bering Drive Houston, TX 77057
(713) 789-3005
Texas A&M University supporter, benefactor John Lindsey dies at 93
Texas A&M University Newswire | Posted: Friday, May 20, 2016 3:44 pm
John H. Lindsey of Houston, a 1944 graduate of Texas A&M University and a devoted major supporter of his alma mater for more than a half century, died Friday after a lengthy illness, university officials have been informed.
Lindsey, 93, served Texas A&M in perhaps more capacities than any other former student, observers noted, and he and his late wife, Sara Houstoun Lindsey, provided the university millions of dollars in financial support for scholarships, faculty chairs and a host of other endeavors.
The late Jack K. Williams, when he was president of Texas A&M during the 1970s, once was quoted as saying “John Lindsey stays awake at night thinking of things to do for Texas A&M.”
Mr. Lindsey served as a member of The Texas A&M University Board of Regents from 1993 to 1999 and previously served as president of The Association of Former Students and was a member of the board of the 12th Man Foundation. The university and the alumni association in 1978 named him a Distinguished Alumnus, the highest honor bestowed upon a former student, and the Texas A&M Foundation in 2000 presented him its prestigious Sterling C. Evans Medal, the foundation’s highest honor.
Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey’s numerous gifts to Texas A&M included three faculty chairs; nine scholarships; and a $3 million commitment to the university’s first comprehensive campaign, “Capturing the Spirit.”
The couple also worked tirelessly behind the scenes garnering support for the admission of women to Texas A&M, and they were instrumental in establishing the Texas A&M University Press. The building that houses the scholarly publishing operation bears his name.
The Lindseys were credited with being influential in the selection of Texas A&M as the site of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library. They were among the earliest and most generous contributors to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum as well as to the Bush School of Government and Public Service, funding two faculty chairs at the school.
Mrs. Lindsey passed away on Feb. 16.
“John Lindsey’s generosity and selfless service to his alma mater is legendary among Aggies,” said Cliff Thomas, chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “But to appreciate the breadth and depth of the man, you only have to know that the history of Texas A&M could not be written without him.”
Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp said: “John Lindsey was a dear friend of mine. Anyone who knows the real story knows that he was one of a handful of people who were primarily responsible for women being on this campus, and prominent in that handful was John Lindsey.”
Texas A&M President Michael K. Young joined in acknowledging the many contributions and service of Mr. Lindsey. “While I came along too late to have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Lindsey, I am well aware of all that he did for Texas A&M in both contribution of his time in formal service on behalf of his alma mater and for the generous financial support that he and Mrs. Lindsey provided over a period of decades—support that has helped make the university what it is today,” he said. “The university lost a great Aggie and I join with everyone in the Texas A&M family and elsewhere in expressing sympathy to his family in their great loss.”
Porter S. Garner III, ’79, president and CEO of The Association of Former Students, was an admirer of Mr. Lindsey for more than four decades. “I have known John since I was a student at Texas A&M and was blessed to call him a close friend and confidant. I will certainly miss him.” Garner said. “We will all miss him.”
Tyson Voelkel, president of the Texas A&M Foundation stated: “Mr. Lindsey’s dedication to Texas A&M University and its values was exemplified during his extraordinary life. He served the university and its system in many ways during his lifetime that have helped to elevate the university. A remarkable Aggie, he will be greatly missed.”
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Lindsey are pending.
____________________________________________________________________________
Published in Houston Chronicle on May 25, 2016
John H. Lindsey
John H. Lindsey
1922-2016
Forever proud to be an American, a Texan, and an Aggie, John H. Lindsey passed away on May 20, 2016, at the Hallmark. He was 93 years old. The Greatest Generation has lost another honorable member. John was born on July 28, 1922, in Waxahachie, Texas, to Marie Smith Lindsey and Harry Edwin Lindsey. John considered himself a native Houstonian as his family moved to Houston when he was an infant. John soon met Sara Houstoun, whom he would later marry, and they grew to share a vision of cultivating the arts, improving the lives of others, and giving their all to countless humanitarian ventures. As a devoted husband, John was not far behind whatever Sara set her sights on in the way of philanthropy. And so it was that after nearly 70 years of marriage, John follows his wife in death, as Sara was laid to rest on February 16, 2016.
John was also predeceased by his parents; his son, Edwin Houstoun Lindsey; his sisters-in-law Janet Houstoun Davis and Evelyn Nicholson Houstoun Chew; his brothers-in-law, Platt W. Davis, J. Patrick Houstoun Jr., and William G. Houstoun; and William's son, William G. Houstoun Jr. Surviving John are his son, David Cleveland Lindsey; his daughter-in-law, Kimberly Pulice Lindsey; and his grandchildren, Lauren Sara Lindsey and Blake Houstoun Lindsey, daughters of Kim and David Lindsey. John also leaves behind his Illinois cousins, Lois Lindsey Calhoun and Wally; Margaret Lindsey Adams and Harold; Richard Lindsey and Dixie; and his cousin Charles Patterson of Georgia. Finally, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Marian Fleming, as well as nieces and nephews Carolyn and Platt Davis; Barbie and Dick Davis; Martha Davis; Bernice and Pat Houstoun; Tricia and Rock Houstoun; Sally and Larry Evoy; Wendy and Johnny Houstoun; Margot and Scott Ritchie; Geri and Jimmy Houstoun; Richard and Mimi Houstoun and their families.
John attended Poe Elementary School, Lanier Junior High School, Lamar High School, and was a Class of 1947 graduate of Texas A&M University where he was credited with ""Capturing the Aggie Spirit."" He was in the Field Artillery division of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M when World War II began. As a commissioned officer, John served near Florence, Italy, before Europe declared victory. Until Victory in Japan Day, John was stationed at Yokohama.
Following his graduation from Texas A&M, John joined his father in the formation of the Lindsey Insurance Agency. After his father retired, John established his own company, Lindsey Investments, which he ran for most of his professional life. John was also the founding director of the Southern National Bank.
Although John was devoted to running his business, family was paramount to him. For 35 years, Sara and John owned a beach house in Galveston. They and their twin boys spent every summer and numerous weekends on Jamaica Beach. The boys were good surfers and loved crabbing and fishing, but the most fun for the entire family was walking the shoreline as the boys looked for and found sharks' teeth. John also enjoyed taking his sons on long hikes, interesting them in nature, and introducing them to places that would instill an appreciation for the arts, history, sports, and current events. John's love of Galveston Island inspired him to become involved with Galveston Outdoor Musicals.
Aside from his business and his family, perhaps John's greatest passion was for Texas A&M University. John served on the Board of Regents for most of the 1990s. John was inducted into the Cadet Corps Hall of Honor and was the first recipient of the 12th Man Award. He also acted as trustee of The Texas A&M Foundation as well as president of The Association of Former Students. Over the course of his lifetime, he served on several boards, was Board General Advisor, and a founder of the Student Conference on National Affairs. He also received two of the highest honors bestowed when The Texas A&M Foundation recognized John as a Distinguished Alumnus and presented him with the Sterling C. Evans Medal, which commends those who demonstrate outstanding contributions to A&M's philanthropic efforts. Overall, his involvement in furthering Texas A&M was such that the chairman of The Texas A&M System Board of Regents stated ""The history of Texas A&M could not be written without him.""
Equally notable were John's contributions in all areas of philanthropy. Always active in various facets of community leadership, John was President of Houston's Alley Theatre Board, Vice President of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and founding President of the Houston Cultural Arts Council. John was also involved in the Houston Nature Center and Arboretum, the Botanical Society, the YMCA, and the Heritage Society. In areas of education, John was a member of the executive committee of Higher Education for the State of Texas. He also served on the Boards of South Texas College of Law.
John was very proud of his association with President George H.W. Bush, and that their relationship led to President Bush's decision to place his Presidential Library and Museum at A&M. John served on the library's Board of Trustees and was a member of the Bush Library Foundation Board. During the George H.W. Bush Administration, John and Sara treasured all the remarkable adventures they had with the President and First Lady, including traveling to Maine and foreign countries and the attendant occasions of importance. The Bushes were equally fond of John and Sara, calling them ""two of the brightest Points of Light"" he and his wife had ever known. Their years together added an inestimable education to John's lifelong love of learning.
John's legacy to his alma mater will continue to enrich the lives of students and associates of Texas A&M University through the library as well as the Texas A&M Press, which John has been credited with establishing. Through publications dedicated to advancing knowledge in the scholarly community, the Press imprint will continue to highlight the cultural heritage of the Southwest.
In Houston, the generous contributions of Sara and John Lindsey will keep the spirit of the city renewed through landmarks that project stability, wonder, and tranquility-each given for the enjoyment of all Houstonians now and for generations yet to come. The Lindseys' beautification contributions can be seen at Lindsey Plaza, which is considered the entrance to Hermann Park. The park is also the home of the Houston Zoo, to which the Lindseys gifted a majestic lion, ""Jonathan,"" as well as three lionesses. And at Discovery Green, Houston's downtown park, the Lindsey Waterside Landing provides a peaceful respite, which will remain as perennial as the water lilies on its surface.
John and Sara together embodied the essence of noblesse oblige and were always delighted and grateful for their ability to enhance Texas A&M and Houston. John spent his last day being driven around the city he was so proud to call home.
The family acknowledges with deep appreciation the dedicated people who were always there to assist John over the course of his life, particularly his secretary, Mrs. Jackie Turner. Though Mrs. Turner predeceased John, his family extends gratitude to her family, knowing John would have wanted to acknowledge his assistant's nearly 50 years of diligent management. Gratitude is also extended to his driver Van Harvey. Finally, to those who provided excellent care in John's later years, the family also thanks Rick Ramirez and Angelo Brantley of Home Health Care as well as Dr. Emily Barker and Madeline Bunch of River Oaks Doctors Group.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Thursday, the 26th of May in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The interment service is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 27th of May at Glenwood Cemetery, where John will forever rest with his childhood sweetheart, Sara, in perhaps the most beautiful and historic area of Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude a memorial contribution directed to The Amazing Place, 3735 Drexel Drive, Houston, Texas 77027, or to the Texas A&M Foundation, Restricted to the Texas A&M Press, honoring John H. Lindsey, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840.
Funeral Home
Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors
1010 Bering Drive Houston, TX 77057
(713) 789-3005
505 George Bush Drive
College Station, TX 77840
(979) 845-7514
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