Edward Archer

Edward Gaylon Archer passed away from this life on Monday, August 9, 2010 after a lengthy illness. Gaylon Archer (Archie to his friends) was born to Barney and Paralee Archer on September 25, 1925. He graduated from Prairie Hill High School in 1944. He served his country in the Army from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. He married Nelda June Ashcraft on July 4, 1945 in Waco, Texas. Archie owned and operated Archer and Larson Garage in Waco for 30 years. He served as state president of the Independent Garagemen's Association. He was active in the Masonic Lodge # 741 in Prairie Hill, Texas. Ed was also a member of the Baylor Lodge # 1245, Scottish Rite Masons, Karem Shrine, and Waco York Rite Bodies, Chapter # 45 and Council # 33. He was a 33rd Degree Mason. Ed and his wife made many trips to Houston, Galveston and Dallas to transport needy children to be treated at the Scottish Rite Hospital and Shriners Hospital. He was a former member of the Prairie Hill Church of Christ. Archie was very active in the Prairie Hill Community. One of his favorite activities was playing dominos while barbecuing or on Friday mornings with Billy, Bruce, Mercer and Brooks. He was preceded in death by his parents, Barney and Paralee Archer, his father and mother-in-law, R.Q. and Ruth Ashcraft, his brother, Joe B. Archer and nephew, Stanley M. Archer. He is survived by his devoted companion and wife of 65 years, Nelda June Archer. He is also survived by his sister, Dixie and husband, Stanley Reed, Sister-in-law, Ramona Archer and numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends. Services will be held at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia, Texas at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 12, 2010 followed by interment in the Prairie Hill cemetery with military honors and Masonic Graveside rites. Officiating will be Bruce Reed and Clay Reed, nephews of the deceased and John Whittington. Pallbearers will be Ray Forrester, Mercer Buchanan, Billy Waldrop, Bruce Jordan, Donnie "Bubba" Carter, Brooks Gunn, Kirk Kirkpatrick and Claude Hollister. Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Miller, Douglas Robertson, Dr. Bing Oei, Rev. Fred Sain and his many friends. Visitation with the family will be 6-8 PM, Wednesday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to the Scottish Rite Hospital, Dallas, The Shriners Hospital, Houston, Prairie Hill Baptist Church, Prairie Hill Cemetery Association or the charity of your Choice.