Wilfred John ‘Bill’ Schmitt (’48), Arcadia, Calif.He received his juris doctor from Creighton University in Omaha before moving to California in 1948 and practiced law for more than 50 years. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from Santa Teresita Hospital, was recognized by Pope John Paul II for his charitable work and was a lifelong friend of the Carmelite Sisters.

Michael Scott Player (’82, ’83 M.S.), Liberty City. He was president of the Student Association at North Texas in 1981-82 and a member of the nationally ranked debate team. He worked in the sports information office while doing his graduate work and went on to earn a juris doctor from Oklahoma City University. After working as vice president of litigation support for a construction consulting firm in Tyler and Savannah, Ga., he returned to Texas in 1996, opening a private law practice. He served as justice of the peace for Gregg County and led efforts to establish a local truancy court. He most recently served as senior vice president for The Player Group, which specializes in leading-edge financial management practices.

Myrtle B. Harris Long (’42), Bastrop. She taught in rural schools during the school year and attended North Texas in the summers until finishing her degree, which included education, English and history courses. She taught in the Mirando City, Duncanville, Robstown and Bastrop ISDs. After retiring in 1973, she enjoyed traveling and sports events, among other interests. She was 97.

Sidney Bob Farrar (’91 M.S.), Dallas. An accomplished musician, he was involved in the beginnings of the jazz program at North Texas in 1945-46 and later earned a master’s degree in radio/television/film. He served as the assistant band director of the 49th Armored Division of the Texas National Guard, founded Commercial Recording Corp., composed music for the Southern Baptist Convention and wrote for the Baptist Foreign Mission Board and PBS. His jazz trumpet skills led to a film scoring friendship with Henry Mancini. After earning his master’s degree, he produced videos for events such as military, high school and family reunions.

John Gordon Owen, Hideaway. He lived at the Hop House in 1955 and 1956 and earned his degree from North Texas in industrial arts. He taught high school drafting and wood shop at Dallas’ Kimball High School for 30 years before retiring in 1988.

Edward Dixon, Deer Park. He worked for Gulf Oil for some 35 years before retiring. At North Texas, he was an active member of the Geezles fraternity. Survivors include his brother, Roger E. Dixon (’52).

Jerry Hal Smith, Sulphur Springs :: He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from North Texas with a minor in education and was a member of Delta Sigma Phi. He had recently retired from Cigna Corp. after a career in property and casualty insurance, specializing in aviation.

Troy Royce Berry, Fort Worth. He entered North Texas in 1946 following World War II and earned his degree in art and interior design. He worked for Leonard's Department Store as its only interior designer, then joined the architectural firm of Wyatt C. Hedrick and did work nationally. He specialized in space planning and development for large buildings, which included the Huntsville Alabama Space Center. Later he formed his own company, Troy R. Berry Associates. He was an avid golfer and held two golf patents, one for a putter and the other for a training device.

Sigrid Mureen, Dallas. She was a member of the Mortar Board College Senior Honor Society and was named the best character actress for her performance as Monica in a campus production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Her singing, dancing and acting landed her a spot on a national touring company. She had a second career at the Dallas Morning News and also was deeply involved in Shetland Sheep Dog breeding, training and rescue. 

David Russell, Richardson. He worked for the city of Dallas from 1972 until 1978, followed by 23 years with the city of Garland, where he retired as a network engineer in 2005. He liked music, photography, gardening, restoring antique radios, astronomy, cooking and genealogy. Survivors include his wife, Deidre Hindman Russell (’71).