Texas Border Business
Clarence Thomas “Chuck” McKasson passed away peacefully on October 13, 2009, surrounded by family members at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Jim Schaedler, in Boerne, Texas.
Chuck was born to Sidney and Rulia McKasson on January 18, 1923 in Evansville, Indiana. He was the youngest of six children.
He graduated from Evansville High School and went on to receive schooling in business, sales and radio. He married Mary Alice Cowgill on April 11, 1944 in Boonville, Indiana. They lived in Indiana for several years and then moved to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where they raised their family.
They established a home in McAllen where Chuck and Mary were very active in church and civic affairs. They were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities over the years.
Chuck began his professional career as a country musician and entertainer. He performed in the tri-state area of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana with his band. He met Mary at one of the performances. He loved the radio business and worked as an announcer, newsman, and country radio host at KRGV in Weslaco, Texas from 1944-1947 and at WGBF in Evansville, Indiana from 1948-1951.
After returning to South Texas, he became an announcer, salesman and manager at KRIO Radio in McAllen from 1951-1961 and was general manager of all operations at KIRT – KQXX Radio in Mission, Texas from 1961-1985. He finished his radio career by serving as Sales Manager for KGBT Radio in Harlingen, Texas, from 1985-1987.
His civic activities over several years included serving as McAllen Chamber of Commerce President, Mission Rotary Club Presidentwhere he was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow award, Commissioner of McAllen Little League Baseball, McAllen City Council PTA President, the first President of the McAllen International Spring Fiesta, Chairman of McAllen’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, President of the McAllen United Fund, Chairman of the Hidalgo County March of Dimes, Chairman of the Hidalgo County Red Cross, Hidalgo County Disaster Chairman, President of the Hidalgo County Heart Fund, Director, McAllen Salvation Army Board, member of the McAllen Civic Center Advisory Board, Chairman of Civic Center Dedication Committee, Director, Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of Mission Chamber of Commerce. He was the master of ceremonies on a regular basis for many civic events in McAllen and Mission for years.
As a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as South Texas District President, Branch President, Area Public Communications Coordinator, High Council member, Bishop of the McAllen Ward, and Patriarch of the McAllen Texas Stake. Over his many years of service, he made many friends who hold him in high esteem. He was a popular speaker at church and civic meetings and conferences.
Chuck and Mary moved from McAllen to Boerne, Texas in 1992. They loved the beauties of the “Hill Country” of Texas. Their family enjoyed visiting them there and having family reunions. Chuck could always be depended on to tell stories and sing his favorite songs while accompanying himself on the piano as the whole family joined in.
Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice, his daughter, Judith Kay Davis, and a great-grandson, Hunter Davis. He is survived by his son, Stephen D. McKasson and wife, Carol, of Twin Falls, Idaho, his daughter, Nancy J. Schaedler and husband, Jim, of Boerne, Texas, his son, Marcus R. McKasson of Draper, Utah, and a son-in law, Robert A. Davis, of Omaha, Nebraska. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were in the care of Williams Funeral Home in Garland, Texas. Services were held at the funeral home on Friday, Oct. 16, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. Bishop Carlos Villarreal officiated at the service. Burial was at Restland Cemetery in Richardson, Texas.
