McRee, Kate Rebecca (Ernst)
PROMINENT RESIDENT MRS. MCREE DIES
One of the community's most beloved citizens, Mrs. W. E. (Kate) McRee, closed her eyes to apeaceful rest in the Eagle Lake Community Hospital at 9:20a.m. last Sunday, April 25th after five weeks of illness.
Mrs. McRee was one of the community's longest residents, dating her residence here back to around 1906. She was engaged in the insurance business here for over fifty of those years.
She was born Kate Rebecca Ernst, the daughter of Ed and Ida Ernst in Coldspring, Texas on December 1890. The family moved to Columbus area in 1903 and came here in 1906. On April 18, 1909 she was united in marriage with Walter Everett McRee in Eagle Lake. Mr. McRee took over operation of the Eagle Lake Insurance Agency, which was founded at the turn of the century by W. A. Thatcher, in 1910. In 1923 Mrs. McRee assumed management of the agency when Mr. McRee joined a local bank. He later served as postmaster here from 1936 to 1955. He preceded her in death on Nov. 11, 1957.
Mrs. McRee continued to operate the insurance agency, affiliated with Hartford Insurance Co, and others until 1967 when she sold the agency to Edwin Gay. Mrs. Kate continued her daily visit to the agency and was invaluable in assistance to Mr. Gay and his staff. The agency was sold last year to the Robert Griffiths who consolidated it with the Strickland Insurance Agency and Mrs. McRee continued to assist in their office until time of her illness.
She took an active role in the community social, church and political life. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church and was a teacher in the Sunday School for a number of years. In the early 1900's she taught for a few years in the Eagle Lake schools giving instruction in shorthand. She was a past Worthy Matron of the Eagle Lake Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and served in that position and in other offices of the Order for a number of years.
Mrs. McRee demonstrated great interest in politics on all levels and was a delegate to the Democratic Party and served as presiding judge in many elections.
Last rites were held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 26th from the chapel of the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home with the Rev. Melburn Sibley, pastor of the First Baptist Church officiating. He was assisted by the Rev. George Welsch, rector of Christ Episcopal Church. Mrs. Laurina Matthews rendered favorite hymns at the organ.
Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, David Wintermann, Robert S. Martin, Robert Griffiths, Martin Roberts, Joe Luna, Raymond Waddell, Jim Clipson Sr., Garner C. Duncan. The family named as honorary pallbearers: Al Witte, Ed Hanly, J. D. Seymour, Sam K. Seymour, Jr., Dr. J. R. Laughlin and Dr. J. C. Laughlin.
Surviving are her daughter Kathryn of this city, her son Dr. Walter Everett McRee Jr., Port Arthur; and five grandchildren, Walter Everett III, Peter Paul, Susan, Patricia Kate and Julia Ann McRee; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and by her only sister, Mrs. A. R. (Ida Mae) Autrey who died in 1967.
Mrs. McRee was one who shared her life with so many and her love and kindness to all who came to know her won for her the highest esteem. She shall be missed dearly by her loved ones and friends.[1]
Spouse: Walter Everett McRee (1886 - 1957)
Children: Kathryn Olivia McRee (1910 - 1998) Walter Everett McRee (1912 - 1992)
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