TCMA is saddened by the passing of three well-loved and respected members who served the profession with pride and passion. Each is among a generation of trail blazers who laid the foundation for current and future city managers. Please keep the families of each of these men in your thoughts and prayers.
John Clary passed on December 22. John served as the city manager of the cities of Brownwood, Harlingen, and Texarkana. Following his service to municipal government, he continued public service as the executive director of the Texas Department of Community Affairs which was later named the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. A memorial service will be held January 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 3802 Exposition Boulevard in Austin. A memorial fund is not known at this time.
Charles Duckworth passed on December 20. Charles served as the city manager of the City of Garland from 1965 to 1977 and finance officer for the City of Jasper, retiring in 1987. Following his service to the City of Garland, he became the founding president of the Texas Public Power Agency. The building that houses the Garland Power & Light was named the Charles E. Duckworth Utility Services Building. Charles served as TCMA president in 1976. Graveside services were held on December 22 at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas. A memorial fund is not known at this time.
Fritz Lanham passed on December 20. Fritz began serving in city management in 1956 as the city manager of the City of Tulia and served 20 years as the city manager of the City of Baytown. He was the TCMA president in 1983 and became one of six TCMA Distinguished members in 2001. A memorial service will be held January 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Bayou Grace United Methodist Church, located at 2714 Ferry Road in Baytown. Honorariums are being accepted at Sterling Municipal Library, Attention: Memorials and Honorariums, 1 Mary Elizabeth Wilbanks Avenue, Baytown, Texas 77520 or United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County, 5309 Decker Drive, Baytown, Texas 77520.