Deane R. Burks Espensen (Plainview)

Deane R. Burks Espensen, of Plainview Texas passed away at the age of 93. Cremation arrangements is under the direction of Korner Stone Funeral Directors in Plainview, Texas. Celebration of Life and interment will be held by the Family at a later date. Mrs. Burks-Espensen was born on July 19, 1930 in Lockney, Texas to Davis Thornton “D.T.” and Lenora Waddell Richardson. She grew up on several well-known West Texas Ranches as the only daughter of a ranch foreman and teacher. She graduated from Whiteface High School She received her BS & M.S. Degrees Education from Texas Tech University in 1953. She and her husband Robert Smith Burks, both started their careers in the Levelland School System. They were instrumental in the development and start of the 1st evening courses at South Plains College. Her outstanding career as an educator continued in 1960 as a teacher at Crockett Elementary School in McAllen, Texas. She served as a Principal at Wilson and Bonham Elementary Schools. She was the McAllen ISD, Curriculum Director & Special Projects Director. Retiring in the early 1980’s. She then served 2 terms as President of the McAllen School Board. She received several state wide awards as a Public School Educator & Principal. She was co-owner of The Copy Shop with her2nd husband Dr. L. L. “Doc” Espensen. She was active on a State Level in A.A.U.W. and P.E.O. & Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, played a instrumental part in founding St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal church in Mission, Texas. She was a Crucillo Leader for the South Texas Episcopal Diocese. She served as a Eucharistic Minister & Hospital Counselor. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church & President of the Daughters of the King, in the Woodlands, Texas She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. L.L. “Doc” Espensen. She is survived by her daughter, Marka S. Dempsey of Hale Center, TX and Synda K. Wilson and Husband Terry of The Woodlands, Texas. She was close to Dr. Espenson’s children and grandchildren 3 Grandchildren, Carrie Riggs and Husband Matt of Shertz, TX. Erin Paige Dempsey. of San Antonio, TX. Justin Dean Wilson and wife Trish of Richardson, TX. Great grandchildren Matthew Riggs Jr. and Jackson Riggs. Memorials can be made to : Camp Capers Scholarship Fund- P.O. Box 8 Waring, TX 78074 or camp.capers@dwtx.org – Attn: Lisa