HIN 2023-2024 2nd Edition

HIN

2023 - 2024 2ND EDITION

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HOUSTON INSURANCE DAY COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT

WHAT WE DO: ¨

Plan Houston Insurance Day£

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Select & Secure Keynote Speakers£

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Secure Exhibitors & Sponsors for the event£

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Provide a valuable experience for attendees

Our mission is to provide networking opportunities for agents and affiliate members through a one-day industry wide convention. Houston Insurance Day (HID) averages 2,000 industry professionals in attendance every year and up to 150 exhibiting companies.

Our committee is a team of individuals who have a common goal of producing the best one-day industry

wide convention in Texas! Want to join our committee to expand your network and contribute to this

industry event?

MEETING

DETAILS

Contact HID’s Chairman, Ashley (Newton) Giglio, at Ashley.Giglio@MarshMMA.com for more information.

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HIN

FEATURES

2023 - 2024

CENTENNIAL

CONCERT

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YIPS SALUTE TO

EXHIBITORS

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HOUSTON INSURANCE DAY

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CONTENTS 2 COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT 4 EVENTS & EDUCATION 6 PRESIDENT & CEO MESSAGE 10 CHARITABLE BENEFACTOR 12 AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT

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2ND EDITION

14 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 40 CHARITY CONCERT PHOTOS 57 IMPACT 58 IIAH GIVES BACK 127 IN MEMORIAM 131 WHO HAS THE LAST WORD

EVENTS MAR 1st Houston Reads Day 2024 MAR 21st B.I.G. Love Easter Volunteer Project APR 6th Charity Crawfish Boil JUN 6 th Spring Golf Classic

Centennial Events Centennial Golf Tournament SEP 29 - 30 Centennial Gala OCT 19

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COMMITTEES are what breaths life into our association. With 9 active committees there are at least 100 people actively serving the association with their unique skills. We are always looking to put your skills to use, to further drive the association’s mission forward. No matter what your skills are, or what you are passionate about, we likely have something of interest to you. The end result is to better the industry we all serve. Join a Committee today and become part of the mission.

2023 - 2024 Charitable Projects/ Fire Poster Vice Chairman: Sarah Beck

Education, I.T., CE

Chairman: Michelle Dennis

Vice Chairman: Katrina Masek

Houston Insurance Day

Chairman: Ashley Giglio

Vice Chairman: Nancy Euginio

Vice Chairman: Matt Romano

Legislative

Chairman: Kyle Dean

Vice Chairman: Wes Kurtz

IMPACT

Chairman: Wes Kurtz

Recreation

Chairman: Amber Stevenson

Vice Chairman: Carisa Cole

Young Insurance Professionals

Chairman: Derek Pierce

Vice Chairman: Grant Pierce

PR/Media Matters

Chairman: Scott West

Social Media

Chairman: Daphne Clark

Vice Chairman: Cassie Shanks

Houston Insurance News

Chairman: Amy Weimer

Vice Chairman: Cassie Shanks

February 29, 2024

David Wuthrich Dwuthrich@iiah.org

Where does the time go?

It feels like I was just writing a Christmas message and here it is already March!!

Times flies when you are having fun!

Thanks to those of you that were able to attend our 1st Centennial event, the Randall King concert. Wow, what an event it was. For the folks that were there, I can promise that they had a wonderful time. What is not to like about an open bar and live country music! I just wish more people could have been there to enjoy it. I promise that when Randall King is a headliner at the HLSR, and he will be because he is that good, you will be kicking yourself because you had a chance to see him up close and personal. He even stayed for an hour after the concert was over to visit with folks, take pictures and sign autographs. I know, because they would still be there is I didn’t have to close the place down!!

Another great HID! Thanks to the HID committee and Renee and Ayla for all you do to make this such a wonderful success year after year! Also, thanks to all of the people that came out to support the event. We couldn’t do it without all of our great partners that exhibit and all of our Independent agents who come and walk the trade show floor and find new products for our clients.

Lastly, don’t believe all of the talk about a crawfish shortage! Our supplier says he will have plenty of plump mudbugs for us to eat during our Annual Crawfish boil on Saturday, April 6th at PowderKeg.

Have a wonderful spring, and I know that you are all crazy busy, but please stop and smell the bluebonnets from time to time and enjoy Spring in our great State!!

David Wuthrich IIAH President & CEO

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ANNUAL SPONSORS Titanium Elite Sponsors Imperial PFS

Burns & Wilcox, Ltd.

CRC Group

Vintage Underwriters

Brown & Riding Platinum Partners for Excellence RT Specialty

Texas Mutual Insurance

WSG Specialty Underwriters Gold Patron Sponsors Chubb

CNA Insurance Companies

Jencap

Travelers

UFG Insurance Company

WRIGHT Flood

NEW MEMBERS Agency: Horswell Insurance

Salgado Insurance Affiliate: Commonwealth Insurance

PPCLOAN

VIVA

EXECUTIVE

COMMITTEE

Adam Harris

Chairman

Jason Knecht

Chairman Elect

Susan Zipperer

Vice Chairman

Jesse Sanchez

Treasurer

John Collado

Treasurer Elect

David Wuthrich

President & CEO

Jason Nybakken

Past Chairman

Tom Fitzpatrick

Affiliate Liaison

BOARD OF

DIRECTORS

Ryan Beavers

Sarah Beck

Kevin Comiskey

Tom Fitzpatrick

Laurie Dempsey

Robert Oncken

Matt Leicht

Dalton Humphries

William Peachey

Wes Weatherred

STAFF

David Wuthrich

President & CEO

Renee Stager

Sr. Managing Director

Ayla Benavides

Managing Director

Deb McRae

Advertising/Membership

7660 Woodway #535, Houston, Texas 77063

www.iiah.org P: 832. 769.4666 F: 832.324.3503

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CHARITABLE BENEFACTOR “To provide a place in perpetuity where people with disabilities can be successful, equal, and capable, growing to their maximum life’s potential through interaction with horses in a positive environment.”

We accomplish our mission by providing educational, recreational, and sport, programming, including vocational/prevocational opportunities, to youth at risk and youth and adults with disabilities. Individuals are accepted without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, or socio-economic background. Our funding comes from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Participation in horsemanship invites family involvement and can enhance family relationships.

Community awareness and volunteerism are generated. For our athletes, new possibilities and capabilities are being realized due to improved motor skills, heightened self-esteem, real accomplishment, and inclusion in the main stream of life.

Dream Catcher Stables is the outgrowth of several pilot projects spanning 13 years. In terms of finances and assets, we have gone from a program with one horse and $5,000 of debt to a program with 9 horses on 22+ leased acres with assets exceeding $350,000. Serving just 4 athletes in the beginning, today 48 youth and adults with disabilities are part of our program. Our funding comes from individuals, corporations, foundations, and an annual fundraiser. Since being granted a permanent public charity ruling from the IRS in July 2003, we have made steady progress toward our ultimate goal. While Covid-19 created challenges we completed our horses all weather shelter, returned to programming and piloted weekday programming.

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RECORD GUARDIAN AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT By: Vira Egli

Record Guardian is an agency management system provider run by former insurance agents and marketing reps. Leveraging our combined knowledge, we have created a platform dedicated to helping you run a thriving agency.

Our 1-on-1 personalized, bilingual (English and Spanish) training and support process sets us apart. For over 17 years, we've been the go-to solution for many insurance agencies. We are particularly thrilled to participate in the Texas insurance market and to be part of the IIAH.

To learn more about Record Guardian or to get a demo of our system, shoot us an email today at info@rgsafe.com.

Be sure to mention that you saw us in the Houston Insurance News magazine!

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CHAIRMAN’S

MESSAGE Adam Harris

AHarris@acrisure.com Another February come and gone and what a great experience it was to see everyone out at Houston Insurance Day this year! I hope you had a chance to hear the excellent panel at lunch as they went through some of the challenges facing the industry as well as a bit of hope for the future state of the market.

The booths were incredible once again and Burns & Wilcox was voted Exhibitor of the year for their excellent setup. It always amazes me to walk through the exhibit hall and see how many of our industry peers come out to meet and greet their vendors, carriers, and brokers. A lot of the time, we know the voice on the call or the name in an email, but I Day is a great chance to meet one on one and put a face to the name.

Outside of I Day, this month saw a volunteer opportunity at Betsy Ross Elementary where industry peers had the opportunity to read to kids at the school as part of the Literacy Now program. 2024 will be full of opportunities to get out and volunteer in the community as part of a push from the organization’s board. Check out the website (iiah.org) for the events page to see what’s coming up and where you can participate.

Our next big charity benefit will be the 32nd Annual Crawfish Boil. As a huge crawfish fan myself, this is one of my favorite events and seasons of the year.

Come on out to Powder Keg on Saturday, April 6 for a raffle, crawfish races and good food with all proceeds going to our partner charities.

As always, thank you for all you do to support an incredible organization!

IIAH Chairman 2023-2024 14

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Thanks to those of you who attended the first event of our Centennial, the Charity Concert. If you were not there, you missed a super show! Randall King will be on the stage at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo real soon!

He put on a great show for the hundreds of people who were there. His 90 minute set included all styles of music. He is a very talented musician! Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Imperial PFS and especially Mitchell Rowell for all the work you put into make this concert what it was.

Thanks to all of the other sponsors as well, it would not have been the same without you there. Randall could not have been a nicer man. He stayed an hour after the show to sign autographs, take pictures and generally just hang out and had a great time. I think he would still be there if I didn’t have to shut the place down at midnight!

We had a lot of people commenting that it was one of the best IIAH events they had ever attended! I don’t know if that was really how they felt or if that was the “nightlong open bar”, but I will assume that is how they really felt!!

Thanks for helping us kick off our Centennial celebration in a big way and we look forward to seeing you at other events throughout the year.

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Locate your picture showcasing the IIAH Centennial Backdrop, commemorating a century with IIAH.

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By: Regan Ellmer

As a valued IIAT member, your contributions to IMPACT, our political action committee (PAC), have been pivotal. IMPACT champions candidates who support small businesses and uphold the independent insurance model, ensuring your voice is heard in the political arena.

Why Your Support Matters Now More Than Ever

Election cycles are intensifying, with costs soaring. Candidates in Texas, both in urban and rural areas, face campaign expenses ranging from $500,000 to $750,000. Your donations to IMPACT directly support these candidates, offering us a unique chance to engage with legislators. Many legislators don’t know much about our industry — the few minutes we have to visit are often the best opportunity to educate them about our industry and strengthen relationships vital for advocating our interests.

Get Involved

I’ve been busy attending fundraisers and meeting with candidates, and I hope you will consider doing the same in your neck of the woods. Your involvement can make a significant difference. Whether it's attending fundraisers or meeting with legislators to present IMPACT funds, your active participation is invaluable. If you're interested in getting more involved, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm here to assist in any way I can.

The Impact of Every Donation

Every contribution, no matter the size, counts. Insurance laws that are beneficial to our business are important to everyone in your agency. I encourage you to challenge all your coworkers to donate to be recognized as an IMPACT Influencer Agency.

With campaign costs on the rise, consider increasing your donation by 5-10% from last year. Not sure what you contributed previously? Reach out, and I'll gladly assist. For those able to donate $2,000 or more, we're excited to honor you on the IMPACT Leaderboard, showcasing your commitment to our cause.

Let's Keep Making a Difference

Your support has been, and continues to be, essential to our success. Let's keep the momentum going. Make your mark, support IMPACT, and help us continue advocating for the independent insurance model that benefits us all.

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MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

IIAH partnered with Literacy Now for a “Valentines Day” themed group story time at Betsy Ross Elementary School on February 16, 2024. This reading enrichment activity was a great team building opportunity while providing 48 reading intervention program students (K-2nd grade) with a fun way to improve their literacy enrichment skills. Our IIAH volunteers had the opportunity to read aloud to a group of 4-5 students and do a fun and interactive activity with them. This was such a great way to give back and interact with the kids. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Literacy Now, keep an eye out for more upcoming projects in 2024.

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Our 2024 YIP’s Salute to Exhibitors was as usual a great night of networking for all our industry professionals gearing up for Houston Insurance Day 2024. Our exhibitors and attendees gathered in the Rose Garden room at the Marriott Houston Westchase on February 20, 2024, for some great cocktails and good company. We had over 200 in attendance throughout the night! This is always one of the most well attended events. Thank you to everyone for joining us, we can’t wait to see you again in 2025.

Thank you to our sponsors, we couldn’t host this event without your support

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On February 21, 2024, the Centennial Houston Insurance Day 2024 was held at the Houston Marriott Westchase, with over 1,000 insurance professionals visiting 130 exhibit booths. As the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston (IIAH) celebrate its 100th anniversary, we are reminded of where we began, where we have been, and where we are going. This year’s theme was Centennial - A Century of Change - A Legacy of Impact, and the exhibitors out did themselves. Congratulations to Burns & Wilcox, LLC for being named Exhibitor of the Year.

The People’s Choice Award winners go to 1st Place, Texas Mutual Insurance Company, 2nd Place, AmWins Access, and 3rd Place, Chubb! Attendees were able to play Blackout Bingo for a chance to win $500 in cash - the winner goes to Bryan Foulk at TDECU! Special thanks to Marsh McLennan Agency for hosting The Brokers Expresso Coffee Bar during the morning exhibits and NSM for hosting The Catastrophe Frosty Bar during the afternoon.

In partnership with the National Alliance, it was exciting to host 40 Alief ISD students as the Future Insurance Professionals of Houston (FIPH) who had the opportunity to meet industry mentors. These students are already taking accredited insurance courses in their high schools and are seeking internships and career opportunities upon graduation. If your agency or company is interested in joining forces with these students, don’t hesitate to contact David

Wuthrich at IIAH.

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IIAH is incredibly proud of its Past Presidents, and this year was exceptional, with 28 Past Presidents joining us for a Centennial portrait, reception, and lunch compliments of USI Southwest. With a sold-out lunch, Adam Harris, IIAH Chairman, Acrisure, welcomed all, thanking our gracious annual sponsors and Houston Insurance Day sponsors and giving special thanks to the dedication and hard work of the HID Committee. Regan Gillmer, IIAT Director of Government Affairs, announced its annual IMPACT campaign. RT Special Risks presented the RT Professional Scholarship to Rayann Terry, Brady Chapman, Holland, and Brown & Brown/HARCO presented the Tom Mraz Professional Scholarship to Nina Long, Bowen, Miclette, Britt Insurance Agency, LLC. Securance Insurance Services awarded Sara Acevedo its University of Houston Downtown Insurance & Risk Management Securance-Daniels Memorial scholarship.

Each year, IIAH bestows its prestigious Outstanding Service Award to a member who has given their time and talent not only to IIAH but also to the insurance industry and the local community. This year, the President & CEO of Texas Mutual Insurance Company, Jeanette Ward, CPCU, presented this award to Edward Schreiber of Cadence Insurance. RT Specialty was the proud sponsor of the disguised industry panel. The moderator was Scott Bonds, AINS, AIS, The Hartford and HID Committee member, Commissioner Cassie Brown, Texas Department of Insurance, Danette M. Beck, CPCU, ARM, CRIS, USI, Jill Francis, Chubb, Jeanette Ward, Texas Mutual Insurance Company, and Glenn E. Westrick, Travelers.

Save the date for Houston Insurance Day 2025 - February 19, 2025!

Exclusives RT Speciality

AmWins Access

Prime Insurance Co.

Vintage Underwriters

Brooks Construction

Marsh McLennan Agency

NSM Insurance Company

USI Southwest

One80 Intermediaries Cigna Healthcare

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Titanium Imperial PFS

Burns & Wilcox

CRC Group

Vintage Underwriters

Brown & Riding

Partners RT Specialty

Texas Mutual Insurance Company

WSG Specialty Underwriters

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Patron Chubb

CNA Insurance Companies

Jencap Group

Travelers

UFG

WRIGHT Flood Platinum Aon Programs

Assurant

Capital Premium Financing

ePayPolicy

Frank Crum Winston Insurance

gotoPremium

Hagerty

Honor Capital

IIAT

MexiPass International

NetServ

Phildelphia Insurance Company

Risk Theroy

Senca Insurance Company

Texas Construction Safety Group

Texas Security General Insurance Agency

Treaty Oak General Agency

Wellington Risk Insurance Agency

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Gold Acrisure

AmTrust Financial Group

Berkley Aspire

Gainsco Auto Insurance

Hagerty

ICW Group

NCMIC Financial Corporation

Neptune Flood

One80 Interedeiaries

QuoteWell

reThought Flood

Sola Insurance

South & Western General Agency

Summit Holdings

Swifft

TAPCO Underwriters

US Risk

Vetarfore

XPT Specialty

Silver Accident Fund Ins Co of America

AFCO

Amerisafe

AmWins Access

Applied Systems

Berkley Management Protection

ClassicPlan Premium Finance

Combined Group of Insurance

Commonwealth Insurance

EMG Insurance Brokerage

Great American Property

Hull & Company

ISC

National Partners Premium Finance

Peoples Premium Finance

PPC LOAN

RPS of Houston

SageSure

Service Lloyds Insurance Co.

Southwest Risk L.P.

Stonemark, Inc.

Texas Specialty Underwriters

US Premium Finance

USE&O Brokers

USG Insurance Services

Woodlands Insurance Group

Zenith

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HID Committee 2024

Ashley Giglio Chairman Marsh McLennan Agency

Nancy Eugenio Co-Vice Chairman Starr Co.

Matt Romano Co-Vice Chairman CRC Group

Adam Harris Officer Liaison Acrisure

Jesse Sanchez Officer Liaison HUB International

Sarah Beck Board Liaison First Insurance Funding

Laurie Demspey Board Liaison Pathfinder LLD

Dalton Humphries Board Liaison Cigna Healthcare

Wes Weatherred Board Liaison Hotchkiss Insurance Agency

Scott Bonds Member The Hartford

Arlene Burchert Member Chubb

Dean Christoffels Member InsGroup

Shelby Hibbard Member Higginbotham

Micheal Hibbard Member Frost Insurance

Jacob Piper Member Texas Mutual Ins. Co.

Kayla Shook Member Liberty Mutual/Ironshore

Daniel Suneson Member Texas Mutual Ins. Co.

Carmen Swift Member AmWins Access

Ronnie Vitulli Member Imperial PF

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REBECCA ELAINE JORDAN

July 14, 1947 - December 10, 2023 Proceeded in death by her parents, Wayne Chester Jordan and Jessie Mae Jordan Sister, Alice Marie Jackson Survived by: Beau Jordan, her beloved 'fur baby' Becky was born and raised in Houston area. Her career started early and she remained dedicated to the insurance industry for over 50+ years.

Her career began with Houston insurance broker, Wortham, specializing in the bond dept. Later she joined Hamel Insurance Agency, HARCO Insurance Services where she was a valued, tenured 30+ year team member. Becky excelled at handling client needs for bonds and handled the claims for entire agency. Becky was part of the HARCO foundation team and HARCO will always be grateful for her tenure. HARCO joined Brown & Brown/Houston and Becky was still employed there at B&B, she planned on retiring 12/31/2024.

Becky enjoyed a great reputation in the insurance industry and had many friends, clients, company adjusters and her co workers were among her biggest support group. Becky was affectionately known as 'The Bulldog' as she negotiated the claims very well for the agency clients. Becky was also a member and actively involved with various Insurance Women Associations in Houston, enjoying the many charitable and educational projects in which she participated. Becky was on Charitable Committee at HARCO and enjoyed participating with Independent Insurance Agents of Houston (IIAH) events for fund raising and sponsored projects. Volunteering and working on education and charitable events was a passion for Becky. Becky was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #2322 for 10 years. During her 10 years of service, she held many offices and served or chaired committees.

Offices held: Chaplain, Inner Guard, Lecturing Knight, Loyal Knight and Leading Knight Committees: Membership, Charitable, Audit, Accounting and Veterans. Becky was known for her dart expertise on the Elks Home Club Friday and Saturday night game competition.

She volunteered for many events such as Sweetheart, BBQ Cookoff, Hoop Shooy, Blessing of the Fleet. She was a very familiar face at the Lodge.

Becky was always there to assist with anything and was tirelessly dedicated to work as a huge supporter of the Elks. Becky served on the Board of the Seascape Subdivision HOA. She was a Astros Fan and we will miss the 'day after' wrap up of the Astros games with her!

Becky had a huge heart and shared it with everyone. Her spirit and spunk will be truly missed by all of her coworkers, friends and family.

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William George Bowen Jr. (Will)

August 11, 1959 - January 10, 2024 William George "Will" Bowen, Jr., of Houston, passed away on Wednesday, the 10th of January 2024. He was born on the 11th of August 1959, Will's life touched many. He was 64 years of age.

Growing up, Will explored the untamed fields of predeveloped Tanglewood and spent his summers in Hunt, Texas, swimming in the Guadalupe River. He attended Robert E. Lee High School and later graduated from SMU, forming lifelong bonds with friends in the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Will was fascinated with the way the world worked. He was drawn to history and was especially connected to the past through his great-grandfather, also named Will Bowen, a lifelong best friend of Samuel Clemens. Most of all, Will loved people, and was especially fond of red heads, being one himself.

Upon returning to Houston after college, Will began working in the insurance business and joined Bowen, Miclette & Britt. He raised his daughters, Maddy and Mathilde, with Ashley Pipes and made great friendships while coaching softball and embarking on Indian Princess trips. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in climbing mountains, fly fishing, hunting, and running. Will served on the board of ProVision Inc. for many years, as well as Amegy Bank.

Will is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William George Bowen; and sisters, Mary and Sally Bowen. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Wandel Bowen; and his daughters, Mathilde Fowler Bowen and Madeline Bowen Sherman and her husband Brodie, and their children, Kingsley and Liam, who also mourn his passing.

Will cherished his extended family, not only Bowen's, but also Hammons and Carters. In recent years, he found solace in Hunt, Kemah, and Colorado, and joyfully expanded his family to include his wife Marjorie and her children, Marshall Holloway Crawford III and his wife Ann Kathryn, Mary Rodman Crawford and fiancée John Echols, and Cameron Key Crawford.

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Percy Edwin Gentle

June 24, 1928 - January 15, 2024 Percy was born to Johnnie and Reba Gentle on June 24, 1928, in McKinney, Texas, Percy spent his early years in Farmersville, Texas, where he completed high school.

He pursued higher education at Texas A&M College, graduating with the class of 1949. During World War II, Percy proudly served in the United States Navy's Medical Corps.

In Houston, Percy encountered Marjorie Keeland, who was from Crockett, Texas, while both were employed at Aetna Casualty and Surety. They exchanged vows on April 1, 1949, at the First Presbyterian Church Houston. Following their union, Aetna relocated them to New Orleans, Louisiana, where their son, Edwin Bryan, was born in 1951. Returning to Houston in 1953, they welcomed their second son, Kirk Keeland, in 1956. Percy departed Aetna in 1956 to join his mentor, Hollis Danvers, eventually merging with longtime business partner of 25 years, Joe Eason. Together, they established the firm Danvers, Eason, and Gentle, working alongside their four sons. In 1992, their firm joined forces with three others to create Insurance Alliance, subsequently acquired by Marsh & McLennan, where it continues to operate today. Percy cherished his work, forming lasting friendships with many clients.

His relationship with his Savior was central to his core. Family life centered around St Andrews Presbyterian Church. For over 50 years, Percy actively served in various church roles, taught youth groups, and Sunday School. Additionally, he led the Men’s Bible Study Fellowship working with his best friend, Addison McElroy, facilitating a passion for working with men and their walk with Jesus. Following Marjorie's passing from a stroke on March 31, 2000, Percy later married Ann Stanberry. Since, they have enjoyed traveling, companionship, and support for each other.

Percy leaves behind a rich legacy of dedication to family, faith, and a successful career in the insurance industry, impacting the lives of many. Percy's warmth, wisdom, and love will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his sons, Kirk Gentle and wife, Meg and Bryan Gentle and wife, Robin, all of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Kathryn Wallace, Johnny Gentle, Sam Gentle, Jake Gentle, and Matt Gentle; stepchildren, James Stanberry and Scott Stanberry; and numerous other loving family members and cherished friends.

Percy was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Marjorie Gentle; grandsons, Bryan Gentle and Adam Gentle; and sister, Ruby Bufford.

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David Gregory Miclette

April 7, 1947 – December 21, 2023 David Gregory Miclette, aka “The Commodore,” “Il Magnifico,” and of course his favorite “Shook, Shooky,” (or even “Shookalicious” as all of his grandchildren lovingly called him), passed away in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his family, on Thursday, the 21st of December 2023, following a year-and-a-half-long battle with cancer. He was 76 years of age.

David was born in Providence, Rhode Island and lived in Woonsocket, Rhode Island where he had the distinguished honor of being named “Baby Beautiful.” At the age of 10, his parents sold everything they owned and moved him and his sisters to Corpus Christi to start an air conditioning business. This is where his life-long love of sailing began. Through racing sailboats, he met many of the mentors who shaped the trajectory of his life and career.

His claim to fame was his relationship with Farrah Fawcett during their brief courtship in junior high, where she proudly wore his cleats. Perhaps, had she seen his Alfa Romeo a couple of years later, their connection might have endured. He attended W.B. Ray High School demonstrating a particular talent for the pursuit of a good time and driving the open road between Corpus and St. Mary’s Hall.

He studied Finance at the University of Texas in Austin, where he met his “first wife” on a blind date as a favor to a SAE fraternity brother, a story he loved to re-tell with exaggerated details, just like all of his stories. David and Susan married in April of 1971 and moved to New York City, where he began his career in the surety bond business with Chubb. Over the next five years they lived in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, and then back to Houston after the birth of his first and favorite child in 1976, followed by the birth of Susan’s favorite child in 1979.

In 1980, with his business partners Sam Bowen and Mike Descant, they founded their own insurance agency, and in 1992, they merged with Ed Britt’s insurance agency and became Bowen, Miclette & Britt, which today is one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the country. He was extremely respected by everyone in the surety industry and his genuine interest in his clients' success turned many of them into lifelong friendships. “Ask about our kickbacks,” he would always say.

He served on many advisory boards for insurance and construction companies, banks, and at First Presbyterian Church. He volunteered at WorkFaith, training applicants how to interview, he was also a mentor at the Jericho House which helps men transition from addiction to a life of recovery through the teachings of Christ. David’s faith grew deeper while studying the Bible in his Thursday small group which was a priority in his life. It was that faith that sustained him in his battle with cancer.

His greatest joy was time spent with family, whether in Crested Butte, on special trips all over the world, or simply sharing Jose's dip at Molinas on Sunday nights. David was larger than life, his legacy, wit, and sense of adventure will surely live on through his family. Per his request, he was cremated with his beloved iPhone, his favorite speaker, and his Yeti cup. As David would have said, “It’s been a slice of Heaven.” It sure has been, and it’s fitting that is where he is now.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Normand Miclette; father-in-law, Shackelford “Bill” Reeder; and brother-in-law William Shackelford “Shack” Reeder. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 52 glorious years, Susan Reeder Miclette; daughter, Lacy Miclette Price and her husband Philip; son, Toby Miclette and his wife Rachael. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Madison Elizabeth Price, Peyton Miclette Price, Hunter Holden Miclette, Ford Taliaferro Miclette, and Layne Christen Miclette; his sisters, Nancy Miclette-Toelle, and Chrissy Miclette-Cowan and her husband Travis; his mother-in-law, Sally Erwin Reeder; as well as many other extended family who all knew and loved him.

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WHO HAS...

Robert Oncken Where do you work?

Oncken Insurance Agency What sound do you love?

The sound of poker chips being shuffled in a poker room If you could paint a picture of any scenery, you’ve seen before, what would you paint?

Sunrise over the bay water from a fishing boat What was the first thing you bought with your own money?

It had to be a comic book. I made some quarters for pulling weeds at my aunt and uncle’s house.

If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

My age right now … so 58.

What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?

I snuck in to see Saturday

Night Fever.

What is something you learned in the last week?

I learned how to smoke a pork roast Weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

Beef Tacos de Lengua … aka Cow Tongue

Tacos. Such a strange texture.

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THE LAST WORD What is your pet peeve in traffic?

Impatient drivers … Chill out and relax. We’ll

all get there.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Well now, it wouldn’t be hidden if I told

everyone.

What is your favorite flavor of jellybeans?

None … I don’t like jellybeans. Every

time I eat one I regret it.

What is your LEAST favorite electronic device?

I kind of a geek out over electronics … so I can’t think of any that I dislike.

What is the longest car trip you have ever taken?

To and from Washington D.C. to

drop off my daughter for a summer internship.

Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?

Only if they start with the head.

Ninjas or pirates?

Ninjas … I was always a sucker for

Kung Fu Theater as a kid.

What was your favorite childhood television program?

I had a pretty big celebrity crush on

Barbara Eden in I Dream of Jeannie.

Are you a collector of anything?

I’ve got a pretty extensive collection of Comic

Books.

At a movie theater, which arm rest is yours?

Ah all the theaters have wide recliner

seating now … which is awesome … so BOTH!!

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