Part-time Port O’Connor residents since 1972
August 24, 2012: Bill Gaffney was born on June 16, 1922 in Texarkana, TX. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Sarah Kathryn Lobdell and Frank B. Gaffney; and his step-father, Bill Lobdell. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marnel W. Gaffney; children, Grant, wife Debbie, Beverly, husband Ed Fry, Brenda, husband Bill Pfisterer; grandchildren, Sean, wife Teri, Amanda, Hunter, wife Erin, Grant G., Kirk, Nicholas and Whitney; great grandchildren, Dylan, Garrett, Riley and Kade and a brother, James B. Gaffney. Bill went to SMU on a football scholarship from Fortier HS in New Orleans. He played freshman ball, joined the US Navy V-12 Program and was sent to TCU where he met his wife, “little Nell” as he called her. He transferred to the US Naval Training Station at Great Lakes. After the Navy, he went back to SMU where he graduated from SMU Law School. After graduating, he went into private practice and subsequently founded National Claims Service in 1954. Bill loved politics, fishing, dancing, traveling and gardening. Bill was a member of the Houston Bar Assoc., Texas Bar Assoc., American Bar Assoc. and the Texas Bar Foundation and he was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church.
The family is so very grateful and thankful for Helen, Eddie and Nayda who every day put our hearts and minds at ease with their genuine love and care giving. Also, a special thanks to Loida, Flor, Cora, Janice and Lillia.
In memory of Bill, you may send a memorial to Grace Presbyterian Church, 10221 Ella Lee Ln., Houston, TX 77042 or a charity of your choice.
October 21, 2012: Marnel Gaffney peacefully passed away on October 21, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. Marnel was born in Galveston, TX on September 17, 1923. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill; mother and father, Florence and Raymond Wright; and sisters, Marojrie Conard and Maidel Wright. Marnel is survived by her children, Grant, wife Debbie, Beverly, husband, Ed Fry, Brenda, husband Bill Pfisterer; grandchildren Sean, Amanda, Hunter, wife Erin, Grant G., Kirk, Nicholas and Whitney and great grandchildren Dylan, Garrett, Riley and Kade. Marnel graduated from Lamar High School, Houston, TX. She subsequently graduated from T.C.U. where se met her loving husband, Bill, of 66 years. She loved dancing and dining with family and friends. Marnel and Bill loved fishing, traveling and collecting memoirs. Marnel was an accomplished bridge player and loved playing with her friends. Marnel was sports enthusiast, but football was her passion; she especially enjoyed watching T.C.U. play. Marnel was a long time member of Grace Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of the Junior League of Houston, an association she was very proud of.
The family is so very grateful for Helen’s genuine love and care giving. We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to all of the wonderful nurses and doctors at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Medical Center.
Memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church or your charity of choice.
