We thank these and many others who have supported the Library.
Roy Raphael English Jr. OIL Steward and Librarian 1991 - 2014
Roy Raphael English, Jr., 82, passed quietly into the arms of his Christ and Savior, early Sunday morning, March 7, 2017, at the West Side Campus of Care where he had resided for over a year. Roy was born in Glen Rose, Texas September 14, 1934 to Roy English, Sr. and Bertha English. At Roy’s request he will be cremated and his ashes spread over the Pacific Ocean. Request any donations in lieu of flowers and cards be made to the Fort Worth Oil & Gas Library in his name. Roy was a Man who was gentle,humorous, a gentleman, kind, compassionate, and very intellectual.
He graduated as Valedictorian from Glen Rose High School. He enjoyed playing the piano and singing in that rich and beautiful Alto in his church and other places, and latterin life listening to Opera. Roy moved to Fort Worth and for a few years worked as a Clerk for the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad. Eventually Roy joined the Air Force and after 6 month education at the Army Language School became a Russian Linguist followed by a one year assignment on Wakkanai Island of Japan as a Radio Voice Intercept Operator. That assignment was followed by nine more months of Russian language education at Syracuse University in New York. Upon completion of those studies he declined an invitation to remain as an Instructor and returned to Wakkanai for another year duty.
Upon completion of his Air Force enlistment Roy attended UT Austin where he studied Geology, his one love paramount above his music, studying religion from its roots to the present, and helping others. Roy’s knowledge of Geology eventually led him to a position of Librarian in the Fort Worth Oil & Gas Library where he created a top notch, invaluable source of Information and research to the oil & gas industry for the last 22 years of his working life, prior to retirement in 2015. His Library was Roy’s life, his family, his dream.
The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to those Friends who visited Roy in the Nursing home, to the wonderful caring staff at West Side Campus of Care,and the wonderful, compassionate staff of Magnolia Hospice. Roy was preceded in death by his Father Roy, Sr., his Mother Bertha English, and younger Brother Joe Roger English.
Survivors: Brother, George English of Fort Worth, and numerous Nephews and Nieces in Fort Worth, North Carolina, Granbury and other locations.
Robert McReynolds
Robert Robert McReynolds, Geophysicist, Geologist, passed away February 19, 2017, at the age of 89 in Dallas, Texas. He was the son of Allen and Sallie Lou Tomberlin McReynolds. He was born in Tulia, Texas on December 18, 1927, but grew up in Muleshoe, Texas. Robert (Bob, Mac) served in the Army Air Force 1946-1949. He was stationed in San Antonio, San Francisco, Seattle, Okinawa, Tokyo and Chitose Japan. He graduated from Texas Tech with a BS degree in 1952. He worked for Atlantic Refining Company 1952-1960, and then moved his family to Dallas Texas. He worked for Geophysical Services Inc., Seismic Engineering, and Mobil International before founding his company, Seismic Exploration Consulting Services. Robert belonged to AAPG, Dallas Geological Society, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists, and VFW. He never retired, but continued his passion for finding oil. Before passing away, he donated his seismic data, oil library, and office equipment to Oil Information Library of Fort Worth. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elaine Harrison McReynolds, son Kerry McReynolds (Karen), daughter Tracy McReynolds Hancock (John), seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, one nephew, and three nieces. He is predeceased by his sister, Zoe McReynolds Miller, and his niece, Ginger Miller Scott.
Clayton Valder: The Driving Force behind the Library's Beginning
Dan Murphy - Founding OIL Board Member - Passes July 7, 2020
Daniel C. Murphy FORT WORTH--Daniel C. Murphy died Tuesday, July 7, 2020. MEMORIALS: His memory may be honored with a gift to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Dan was born Jan. 15, 1931, to Terrence and Lenora Murphy of Bordulac, N.D. He graduated from North Dakota State College in 1953 with a degree in engineering. After graduation, he joined the Army Air Corps and while stationed in Topeka, Kan., met his bride, Connie Waterman, on a blind date set up by her sister Carol. They were married three months later in April 1956. Immediately after the wedding, Dan and Connie moved to Cameron, La., where Dan started working for Schlumberger Well Services. Dan enjoyed a long career in the petroleum industry. His career took him and his family to Louisiana, England, Ohio, and finally in 1981 to Fort Worth where he later retired. Dan and Connie were married for 50 years until Connie's death in 2007. Dan was blessed to find love a second time with Sara Jane O'Brien, and they were married in April 2012. Following his career with Schlumberger, Dan remained active in the petroleum industry as a consultant and member of multiple professional organizations. He helped found the Oil Information Library. He was a longtime member of the Colonial Country Club and loved to travel. After retirement, Dan spent 30 years volunteering with and coordinating the AARP Tax-Aide pro bono program. He was also a volunteer guardian for many people who otherwise had no other advocate. If you had a problem, Dan would help you solve it! Dan was the epitome of a family man; a devoted husband, father of six, grandfather of 17, and great-grandfather of eight. Though his family members were scattered across the country, he made it a priority to keep them close by orchestrating special family gatherings. Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Connie, and brother, John Murphy. SURVIVORS: He is survived by his wife, Sara Jane; sister, Mary K Puffe; children, Karen Oaks (Wayne), Patrick (Marcia), Mary Ann Hoelscher (Bill), Susan Olinger (Terry), Colleen Galles (Charles), Daniel (Carrie); grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
Pat Harris Passes February 17, 2021
It is with great sadness we learn that Pat Harris, former board member and Accounting advisor to the board back in the 80's and 90's had passed away. Pat served as the asset manager with the Carter Foundation for over 42 years. He was always a pleasure to be around and was a valuable asset to the library during his time with us. He will be missed. In 1986 OIL asked Pat if the Carter Foundation would help with a fundraiser for Oil and he (the foundation) came through with a generous donation to purchase some badly needed equipment.
William Patrick "Pat" Harris July 11, 1953 - February 17, 2021
Fort Worth , Texas - "He's the best man I know"
Pat Harris passed away Wednesday, February 17.
He was born in Fort Worth, and proud to say that he was an Edna Gladney baby.
He worked for 42 years as the asset manager for the Amon Carter Foundation. It was his privilege to work for the Carter and Johnson families and their foundation which does such good work in Fort Worth and Tarrant county.
He is survived by his wife Alinde of 46 years; their son Joseph Harris, his wife Amanda; their son David Harris, his wife Shelby, and Pat's beloved grandson Gus; his brother Kevin Harris, his wife Laura; and his sister Lisa Harris May.
He was much loved by his family, friends, and co-workers, and especially by his dear church friends at St. Francis Village Catholic Chapel.
He will be dearly missed, but his love remains with us always.
"He's the best man I know"