1929
Gerald
2009
Gerald "Doc" Backus
June 9, 1929 — December 29, 2009
HARLINGEN, TX—
On the morning of December 29, 2009 your son, Gerald “Doc” Backus, age 80, defeated cancer and arrived at our Lord’s house. Doc was born on June 9, 1929 and raised in El Dorado, Kansas. He joined the Navy, married his high school sweetheart, Jodie Young, and had five children. After thirty years in the Navy, he retired and was recruited by Col. William Card to be the medical supervisor at Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, TX.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents, Gunter and Ursula Backus, wife, Jodie Backus, brother John M. Backus, daughter Mary Maude McGuinness, and granddaughter April Rumbo.
He is survived by sons, Jim Backus of Smithville, TX, Mike Backus of Harlingen, daughters Shannon Davis of Harlingen, and Jessica McDonald (Greg) of Harlingen, beloved grandchildren Aaron McGuinness and Angel Southman, John Backus and Allison Grimes, Justin and Chelsea Rumbo, Shane and Logan McDonald, numerous treasured great grandchildren, sister-in-law Jane Wandruff, dear life-long friends Paul and Nancy Lunsford of Nevada, along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him.
He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and scout leader who inspired and led his sons and grandsons in a Christian and positive path.
Doc loved going to scout meetings, scouting activities, camping with his grandsons, and attending his grandchildren’s various sporting events and games. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, inspirational words, and vast knowledge of the outdoors and medicine. His passion in the medical field was carried on through his granddaughter, Allison Grimes, becoming a physician last summer. He was so very proud of all his grandchildren.
The pallbearers will be select family members.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation from 9 a.m. until service time and a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home with Pastor Aaron Saenz officiating. Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations be forwarded to Boy Scouts of America, 6912 W. Expressway 83, Harlingen, Texas 78550.
The family invites you to sign the online guestbook or leave a memory at www.buck-ashcraft.com.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
On the morning of December 29, 2009 your son, Gerald “Doc” Backus, age 80, defeated cancer and arrived at our Lord’s house. Doc was born on June 9, 1929 and raised in El Dorado, Kansas. He joined the Navy, married his high school sweetheart, Jodie Young, and had five children. After thirty years in the Navy, he retired and was recruited by Col. William Card to be the medical supervisor at Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, TX.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents, Gunter and Ursula Backus, wife, Jodie Backus, brother John M. Backus, daughter Mary Maude McGuinness, and granddaughter April Rumbo.
He is survived by sons, Jim Backus of Smithville, TX, Mike Backus of Harlingen, daughters Shannon Davis of Harlingen, and Jessica McDonald (Greg) of Harlingen, beloved grandchildren Aaron McGuinness and Angel Southman, John Backus and Allison Grimes, Justin and Chelsea Rumbo, Shane and Logan McDonald, numerous treasured great grandchildren, sister-in-law Jane Wandruff, dear life-long friends Paul and Nancy Lunsford of Nevada, along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him.
He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and scout leader who inspired and led his sons and grandsons in a Christian and positive path.
Doc loved going to scout meetings, scouting activities, camping with his grandsons, and attending his grandchildren’s various sporting events and games. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, inspirational words, and vast knowledge of the outdoors and medicine. His passion in the medical field was carried on through his granddaughter, Allison Grimes, becoming a physician last summer. He was so very proud of all his grandchildren.
The pallbearers will be select family members.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation from 9 a.m. until service time and a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home with Pastor Aaron Saenz officiating. Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations be forwarded to Boy Scouts of America, 6912 W. Expressway 83, Harlingen, Texas 78550.
The family invites you to sign the online guestbook or leave a memory at www.buck-ashcraft.com.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald "Doc" Backus, please visit our flower store.