Wichita Falls Record News September 30, 1935
(C. Avis Catalog entry #119)
p.1
Wichitan Passes
J. D. Avis, native of Northwest Texas and for 50 years one of the leading citizens of Wichita Falls, died at his home here Sunday.
DEATH CLOSES ACTIVE CAREER OF J. D. AVIS
Former Public Official and Veteran Cattleman Dies At Wichita Home
ACTIVE IN MASONRY
First White Child Born in Montague Moved Here in Town's Early Days
J. D. Avis, 74, pioneer of Wichita Falls and the first white child born in Montague, died at his home, 1318 Tenth street shortly after 5 o'clock Sunday afternoon.
Mr. Avis had been in ill health for several months, but his death came as a shock to his many friends over this section of the state. In his entire life Mr. Avis followed only one business - that of cattleman and rancher - although he was active in many civic and fraternal enterprises during his half century of residence in Wichita Falls.
Filled Official Posts
As a pioneer rancher and as a representative of the best citizenship among the early builders of this section, Mr. Avis was widely known over this area. He served on the board of aldermen of Wichita Falls a quarter century ago, later as a member of the commissioners court of Wichita county and then filled two terms as a member of the house of representatives of the Texas legislature. His work in the Texas legislature was regarded as particularly sound and of benefit to his district.
Mr. Avis was born Aug. 13, 1861, in Montague and spent his early life there. In 1885 he was married to Miss Mineola Bush at Montague and in the same year the young couple came to Wichita Falls to make their home. They continued to live in Wichtia Falls from that time. Mr. Avis devoting himself to the operation of his ranching interests in Wichita and adjoining counties. On March 1, 1935, Mr. and Mrs. Avis celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, receiving the congratualtions of a great host of friends not only upon the anniversary by upon their many years of service to their city.
Mr. Avis had been a member of the First Presbyterian church here for many years, and was one of the original stockholders of the Times Publishing Company.
Surviving Relatives
Mr. Avis is survived by his widow; three sons, F. P. Avis and J. D. Avis Jr., of Wichita Falls, and Jake Avis of Austin; four daughters, Mrs. W. U. McCutchen of Wichita Falls, Mrs. W. F. Weeks of Tyler, Mrs. Harry S. Baum of Atlanta, Ga., and Mrs. Ralph Dunkelberg of Fort Wayne, Ind.; a brother, F. M. Avis of California and two sisters, Mrs. S. H. Hodges of Los Angeles, Calif., and Mrs. T. M. Palmer of Hereford. A fourth son, Robert Avis, died in California four years ago.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete Sunday night. The Merkle Undertaking company will be in charge of the services.
Honored by Masons
In addition to his service on the governing bodies of his city, county and state, Mr. Avis devoted much of his time and attention during his life to the work of the Masonic order. He was a 33rd degree Mason, a life member of Wichita Falls lodge No. 635 and a member of the executive committee on education and service for the Masonic grand lodge of Texas. For his work in Masonry, he received many honors. George Lawler, secretary of lodge No. 635, Sunday night said of his service:
"We knew him as a man true as steel to his friends and more especially, a brother Mason. We know that he was a good Mason, a good man, and worthy of all the honors that came to him in Masonry."
Became Mason in 1884
Mr. Avis was raised to the degree of a Master Mason in Montague lodge No. 415, A. F. And A. M., on Feb. 9, 1884. He affiliated with Wichita Falls lodge No. 635, on May 19, 1893, and subsequently became a life member of that lodge. He served as master of the lodge in 1907.
In the early days of Wichita Falls, members of the lodge recalled, the Wichita Falls lodge had a small membership and because of economic conditions, had difficulty in holding its charter. On more than one occasion Mr. Avis and others waded in water knee-deep to attend lodge meetings in order to make a quorum and hold the lodge charter.
During this time Mr. Avis also went to many of the surrounding towns in this section and assisted in conferring degrees. Travel then was by buggy, hack or horseback. Many times Mr. Avis would work most of the night in the lodge ceremonies of neighboring towns, then return to Wichita Falls the same night, often reaching home after daylight.
Mr. Avis attended the first grand lodge meeting in Waco. He was raised to the degree of Royal Arch Mason in Wichita Falls on April 17, 1894, and served as High Priest in 1906. He was active in the chapter work and carried a certificate for many years.
Heads Texas Lodge
Mr. Avis was "hailed and greeted Royal and Select Masters" in 1894 , the same year he took the Chapter, and before the Chapter and Council were made separate bodiers. He served as Thrice Illustrious Master of the Wichita Falls Council in 1906. He served the proper time in the various offices in the Grand Council of Texas and in 1923 was elevated to Most Illustrious Grand Master, the highest office in the order.
Mr. Avis received the orders of knighthood in Vernon Commandery No. 33, Knights Templar, more that 30 years ago, and when Wichita Falls Commandery No. 59 was organized in 1911, he was one of its charter members. In 1928 he was made commander of the order.
The Scottish Rite degrees were conferred on Mr. Avis many years ago at Dallas. He took the Shrine in Hella temple, Dallas, later affiliated with Moslah temple at Fort Worth and when Wichita Falls organized a temple, he was one of the first members.
Mr. Avis was a 33rd degree, I. G. H., of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He was a past D. D. G. M. of the 88th Masonic district and past G. V. for the Council and Chapter.