Texas A and M University - Aggieland Yearbook (College Station, TX)

Page 10 text:

DEDICATION J. B. TEMPLETON JR. ' 50 Ben Templeton, Class of 1950, was an active and suc¬ cessful Aggie. After graduation, he joined the Austin Bridge Co. in Dallas. Four years ago, at the age of 29, he founded his own company which was an immediate success. Ben served as vice president of the North Texas District of Former Students and was twice elected president of the Aggie Club. Active in civic affairs, Ben was a member of the Dallas Freedom Forum, a registered professional engineer, a mem¬ ber of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a par¬ ticipant in Dallas youth activities. He and his wife held many offices in the Midway Hills Chris¬ tian Church: Ben as chairman of the Official Board, deacon and elder, and Patsy Jo as deaconess and president of Patsy Jo Templeton the Christian Women ' s Fellowship. Their pastor said of them, It seems incredible that two people could have done so much . . . A M President Earl Rudder told Ben ' s parents, I know of no former student who has been of greater service to A M . . . Ben, his wife, and R. L. Klein ' 46, were killed when the Templeton Company plane crashed November 26 near New Orleans. Ben ' s survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Templeton; two sons: John B. IV and Robert Todd; and a daughter, Joni Elaine. To the memory of this great Aggie, the 1964 AGGIE- LAND is dedicated. 6

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JOHN F. (CENMECY PRESIDENT OF THE. UNfTED SCTES Assassinated on Friday, Nov. 22, 1963 Although many Americans may not have agreed with the policies of John Kennedy, no one can help but ad¬ mire him for his determination and fortitude, and his willingness to take a definite stand on an issue and stick by the principles he had committed himself to support. Although he was unable to see many of his programs put into effect during his own lifetime, the policies which he developed will provide guidelines for American govern¬ ment for years to come. After taking the oath of office as the new President, former Vice President Lyndon Johnson committed himself to carry on with Kennedy ' s program, and continue to strive for legislation dealing with medical aid, aid to education, civil rights, lower taxes and many more of the innovations begun by J.F.K. As the years go by, the memory of the administration of John Kennedy will remain a vivid one in the minds of all Americans, and the ideals for which he stood will burn in the pages of history. John F. Kennedy was shot while riding in an open car in Dallas with Governor John Connally, who was also wounded. The alleged assassin is Lee Harvey Oswald, an avowed communist who had recently returned from Russia, and who had previously threatened Gov. Con- nally ' s life. Two days later, as the nation mourned the loss of their President, Oswald himself was gunned down in the basement of the Dallas County Courthouse. Jack Ruby, a Dallas night club operator, stepped from the crowd and shot Oswald to death before a nation¬ wide television audience. After a sensational trial, Ruby was given the death penalty, but as the school year closes his lawyers are appealing the decision. At the same time, the Warren Commission, headed by Chief Justice Earl Warren, is investigating the activities of Oswald, in order to come to a final conclusion concern¬ ing his guilt. At noon Friday, the 1963 Bon¬ fire had progressed this far. It went no further. As the nation entered a period of mourning, this, one of Aggie- land ' s most famous traditions, was called off. In regard to sacrificing the huge fire and the accompanying week of work. Head Yell Leader Mike Marlow said, It ' s the most we have; It ' s the least we can do. In a heavy Christmas snow¬ storm, a delegation of Aggies places a wreath on the grave of the late President at Arling¬ ton National Cemetery. ' m 5

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siLveRtaps RICHARD JEFFERY ' 64 PAT CROUCH ' 66 RODOLFO ARAGON, G.S, ROBERT C. WOODY, G.S. JOE FRANK BECERA ' 65 CART. JAMES P. JEN RETT ' 58 NORMAN BEARD ' 64 EDWARD L. LEWIS ' 66 JOHN L CLEAVES ' 67 ROBERTO PAYAN-ZAPICO ' 67 THOUGHTS ON A DEPARTED AGGIE by R. E. Brunkenhofer ' 64 The lights are dimmed The dorm is stilled We ' re mourning for an Aggie—killed. Silver Taps heard in the night, Faint sounds of tributes Lasting light. His voice was part of Every crowd, When Aggies cheered Their college proud. Mute forms go now To pay their due, To show what Aggies Say is true. We stay together to the end And never once forget our friend. For some day when our Day is done. They ' ll play for us And all will come. Our final place beyond We ' ll find, And many friends we ' ll Leave behind. No tears are shed When Aggies die, A loved one may A little cry. But sadness won ' t bring Back the dead, Or comfort someone ' s Troubled head. It ' s best if we forget His end— Think only of our Living friend. 7