John Lindsey '44, Pillar Of The Aggie Network, Dies At 93

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 (May 20) 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.

Former President George H. W. Bush said he and Barbara are "doubly saddened" to have lost Sara Lindsey earlier this year, and now John.

"Both Sara and John were wonderful, caring people and two of the brightest Points of Light we knew. Our hearts go out to their son David, and all of Sara’s and John’s friends who, like us, loved them more than tongue can tell."

President Bush said he would always be grateful to Lindsey and the original group of Aggies who suggested putting the Bush library at Texas A&M — "because it was, without a doubt, the best possible place for it."

Cliff Thomas '72, chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, noted that while Lindsey’s generosity and selfless service to his alma mater were legendary among Aggies, "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 '72 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.”

John Lindsey was a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M, an inductee into the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor, and a recipient of the Sterling C. Evans Medal.

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.

“John served as President of The Association of Former Students in 1964 (position is now known as Chair of the Board) which was a very challenging time for Texas A&M University. The Board of Regents and President Earl Rudder ’32 depended on The Association of Former Students and John’s calm and steadfast leadership to help effect necessary and visionary changes on behalf of the university. He always represented a loyal and generous spirit, having served Texas A&M in many volunteer capacities over the years.

“John and his wife, Sara, were generous donors to The Association of Former Students with the Integrity core value wall on the Haynes Ring Plaza bearing a quote that inspired them from Lt. General Dave Palmer, which states: ‘A person with character has the judgment to know what is right and the courage to act on that knowledge.’”

Tyson Voelkel '96, 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.

John and Sara Lindsey