Jack Marshall Bevil, PhD October 1, 1947 - February 7, 2017

Jack Marshall Bevil, the only son of Jane Marshall Bevil and Jack Nugent Bevil was born October 1, 1947 in Houston, TX. Even as a toddler, he developed a deep love of music, literature, and art. Before starting elementary school, he had already learned to read and had begun creating original compositions of both the literary and musical varieties. At Garden Oaks Elementary School, where he was gaining a reputation as a story-writer and musician, his passion regarding the history of the Titanic manifested itself as he wrote a fictional news story about a steamboat disaster on a Scandinavian fjord. He continued his education at Black Junior High School, where he excelled in the creative arts as well as math and science. Due to his skills as a violinist and singer, he rapidly progressed through the ranks of the school's orchestra and choir. Despite music and literature not being typical "boy's subjects," his mother Jane encouraged him to stay true to his passions. He advanced to Waltrip High School where he continued his upward trajectory in the arts. He also excelled in science, math, and engineering subjects. During this time, Jack developed and installed several automotive devices including a car alarm, a solid-state ignition, and fog lights. Many of these devices were not available on 1960's era automobiles. He also studied rocketry and designed and built his own high altitude rockets (after nearly blowing his hand off). After high school, Jack attended Oklahoma Baptist University as a music major, studying vocal performance with a heavy interest in the study of music history. After graduating with honors, he entered the graduate program at the University of North Texas to study musicology. He earned his Master's degree in 1973; his thesis was ahead of its time, focusing on traditional Celtic music and the Welsh Crwth (pronounced Crewth), a little-known instrument in the musicological world of the United States at the time. He stayed at UNT to earn his PhD in musicology studying the linguistic, cultural, and non-notated transmission of folk music. Throughout these years, Jack developed into a demanding, but understanding, enormously knowledgeable and fair teacher. He eventually became an educator in HISD, thriving as his elementary school orchestra programs were capable of competing with middle schools. Even after his retirement, his passion for teaching continued as he taught private lessons up until the end of his life. In his personal life, while working toward his doctoral degree, Jack met a beautiful coed named Polly. Consistent with his methodical, pondering nature, Polly became impatient and actually proposed to him! They married in August 1974, and welcomed their son, Dafydd (a traditional Welsh name consistent with Jack's love of Celtic music), in 1989. As a husband and father, he was kind, gentle, supporting, and caring. He ensured that his wife and son always had the opportunity to achieve anything they desired. Even as he aged and became ill, he still made every effort he could to play a role in supporting his family, even braving the cold winters of Wisconsin to visit Dafydd and attend some of his performances, as well as be present for the birth of his granddaughter, Keira. Jack will be missed by many. He was a truly unique soul with a kind heart who always spoke his mind. On any occasion, Jack could be counted on to chime in with a humorous story or little known fact. While his family will miss him dearly, they are thankful that he passed peacefully and without pain while surrounded by his family.

http://www.kleinfh.com/m/?p=memorial&id=1920332

Friday, Feb. 10 - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Visitation Klein Funeral Home - 9719 Wortham Blvd. Houston, TX  77065

Saturday, Feb. 11 - 10 a.m. - Memorial Service - Klein Funeral Home.  1:30 p.m. graveside ceremony at Anahuac Cemetary