HOWARD NEIL WEGNET

Memorial service for Howard Neal Wegmet of Frankston was at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Frankston United Methodist Church Family Life Center with the Rev. Robert Waldman and the Rev. Doug Howell officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home. Mr. Wegmet died Feb. 14. He was born Dec. 25, 1921, in Independence, Kan. to Joseph and Clarice Springer Wegmet.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1941-61, retiring as a Lt. Commander. He saw combat off the coast of North Africa. He was one of only a few pilots who received their wings before becoming an officer entitling him to be a member of The Silver Eagles Enlisted Pilots Organization. He spent much of his later career training jet pilots.

He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Tulane University. From 1961-82 he served the State of Texas, first as a schoolteacher in Jacksonville ISD and later as a pilot for Texas Railroad Commissioner Jerry Sadler and finally as a state oil and gas landman.

Mr. Wegmet was a member of the Frankston United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Men and was a member of the Fellowship Class.

Survivors are his wife, Dorothy Wegmet of Frankston; a son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Lu Wegmet of Jacksonville; a daughter and son-in-law, Clarice and Hugh Kirksey of Frankston, a sister, Marge Ramsey of Charleston, Ill.; a granddaughter, Kristin O'Brien of Frankston; a great-granddaughter, Lauren O'Brien; a step-son, Richard Massey of Las Vegas, Nev. and his children Monty Massey, Nola Massey. Sammy Massey and Benjamin Massey; and a step-daughter, Terry Odom of Jacksonville and her children Adam Odom and Selena Odom.

If desired memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler 75701.