Obituaries: Verl Capps, Mike Gresham

Verl Capps, 89, Jan. 18 in Waxahachie. A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he was a minister of music 42 years, building comprehensive music programs from preschool to adults, training singers to be leaders in worship. Verl CappsHe served churches in Oklahoma and North Carolina in addition to Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Highland Baptist Church in Dallas and Fairview Baptist Church in Grand Prairie. He also taught at Dallas Baptist College, where he led the chorale. He served as national sales manager for E.R. Moore Company, leading its church choir robe sales division. One of his favorite pastimes was watching his children play basketball and yelling at referees. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Helen, and his brother, Onzel. He is survived by his sisters, Norma Stephenson and Oma Gean Holt-Geis; son, Buddy; daughters, Kimberly Alexander, Christie Siar and Cheryl Hawkins; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Jan. 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home in Waxahachie. A memorial service will be held Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Waxahachie.

Mike Gresham

Mike Gresham, 61, Jan. 19 in Port Lavaca. A graduate of Howard Payne University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he was pastor of First Baptist Church in Port Lavaca, where he had served more than 12 years. He previously was pastor to congregations in Schulenburg, Bellmead, Electra, Holliday, Jean and Mother Neff. An avid runner, he also enjoyed fishing from a kayak in local bays. He is survived by his wife, Glynda; daughter, Tara Gresham; and brothers, Pat and Kim. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at the First Baptist Church in Port Lavaca Family Life Center. The funeral will be Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church.