In Memoriam

Lonnie Beasley Jr., retired Army colonel from Killeen, passed away Feb. 22. Beasley graduated from SFA in 1963 and entered the U.S. Army. He was a master Army aviator, qualifying to fly numerous helicopters. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with “V” Device for valor, 36 Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, three Meritorious Unit Awards, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and several Vietnam unit gallantry awards. Beasley was assigned to Vietnam from 1966-67 with the 335th Assault Helicopter Company, where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. After returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at Hunter Army Air Field in Savannah, Georgia. He was a helicopter instructor pilot and instrument examiner. Beasley returned to Vietnam in 1970 with the 227th Aviation Unit, where he served as a commander. He later returned to the states, where he eventually served at Fort Sam Houston as the assistant president of the Physical Disabilities Board.

Dr. Sarah C. Canterberry, an associate professor of biology at SFA, passed away May 4. Canterberry was born in Nacogdoches and received her doctoral degree in genetics from Texas A&M University. Canterberry began teaching at SFA in 2008. In spring 2018, she received the SFA Teaching Excellence Award for the College of Sciences and Mathematics. A black belt in Yoseikan Budo, Canterberry served as the faculty advisor for the SFA Yoseikan Budo Club, as well as for the Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society and Women in STEM. She also served as the president of the Texas Genetics Society.

Thomas C. Mitchell of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away April 27. Mitchell graduated from SFA with a degree in biology in 1941. He taught briefly before World War II started, and he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Mitchell shipped out and later arrived in New Guinea on the B25 Medium Bomber Squadron as an instrument specialist. In November 1944, he was on a transportation ship in Leyte Gulf when a kamikaze attacked. Mitchell was injured in the attack and awarded a Purple Heart. During his time in the war, he participated in the Battle for New Guinea, Battle of Leyte Gulf, Battle of Bismarck, Battle of Archipelago and Battle of Southern Philippines. As a result, he was awarded a Good Conduct Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon and Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with three battle stars. He was discharged from the military in 1946. Mitchell went on to have a successful career with Dun & Bradstreet as a credit analyst.

SFA Professor Emeritus of Theatre Dr. Alan W. Nielsen passed away March 26. After earning his doctoral degree from City University of New York, Nielsen began his teaching career at SFA in 1990. Nielsen taught and directed 25 productions at SFA. He also performed in several shows and created a traveling musical troupe, The Original Cast. He composed and produced its shows until his SFA retirement in 2011. Nielsen’s work as a teacher, advisor, mentor, director, actor, composer and puppeteer was unparalleled, and he inspired many young artists to go forward into their careers, spreading the love of theatre that he instilled in them.

Dr. Dwane Russell, former director of continuing education at SFA, passed away Jan. 15. Russell served in the U.S. Navy and began his employment at SFA in 1966 as head of a cooperative endeavor involving SFA and area school districts. In 1969, he was appointed director of the newly created Division of Continuing Education. He served in this capacity until his retirement in 1982.

Leon J. Schultz, former SFA coach and professor, passed away Feb. 5. Schultz was born in Niagara Falls, New York. At age 16, he won the New York State Championship in archery. Schultz joined the Air Force in 1961. He flew missions out of Yokota Air Base, Japan, and Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam. Before his voluntary transition from military duty in 1967 to pursue an academic career, he was awarded numerous citations, including the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. He completed his doctoral degree in 1977 and came to SFA in 1978 to teach all levels of English literature and poetry, specializing in Native American literature and poetry. After retiring from SFA, Schultz spent his final years exploring the works of familiar and new artists in music and poetry.