George Nokes
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Obituary for George O. Nokes Jr.

George O. Nokes, Jr. was born in Navarro County, Texas, on November 19, 1923, the only child of George Nokes, Sr. and Maggie Nokes, deceased. He died in Austin, Texas on November 18, 2011.
George is survived by his wife, Virginia Nokes, of Austin; three children: Jim Nokes and wife Carrol of Arlington, Jack Nokes and wife Jill of Austin, Laura Nokes Pattillo and husband Denny of Waco; six grandchildren: Callan Nokes and wife Kelli of Austin, Cameron Nokes and wife Hannah of Austin, Wren Nokes of Austin, and Claire Nokes of Austin, Chuck Plumhoff and wife Corinne of New York City and Jamie Plumhoff and wife Susan of Waco. Also, four great-granddaughters: Carter, Hunter, Presley and Eloise Nokes of Austin.
George was a student in Baylor University when WWII began. He later entered the University of Texas and joined the Army Air Corps and served as a bombardier on a bomber in the 8th Air Force in England. After WWII, he returned to the University of Texas where he graduated from UT Law School in the class of 1948. He practiced law in Corsicana and later in Waco.
He was a member of the Texas House of Representatives and later in the Texas Senate. George had a life-long interest in politics. He started supporting President Lyndon B. Johnson while a student in 1948 and was a delegate to several Democratic national conventions. He ran unsuccessfully for Lt. Governor of Texas in 1958.
George was active in Waco and in Tarrant County in development of commercial real estate and residential subdivisions. In addition, he organized a bank and a savings and loan association.
He and his wife both became multi-engine pilots and flew to the cities where they had business interests. The couple owned a chain of Hallmark card shops in a number of cities in Texas and Oklahoma.
In Waco, George was partner in the development of Lake Air Shopping Mall and the Lake Air Tower, a ten story condo.
George and Virginia retired in January of 1985 and moved to Austin. They became active in UT programs. George served on the U.T. Women's Athletic Council. He also is a life member of the Longhorn Foundation and of the Advisory Board of the Texas Union.
George and Virginia have established a number of scholarships for UT students in the Communications Department, through the Texas Ex-Students Association, and the UT Women's Basketball program (this in honor of Virginia).
George and Virginia were active in the continuing education program at the University of Texas and helped organize the program called LAMP (Learning Activities for Mature People). The program has grown over 22 years from 100 members to over 1,500 members.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2011 in the Chapel of Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, officiated by Dr. Doug Keenan. Burial will follow on Monday, November 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Waco Memorial Park.
His sons and grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to People's Community Clinic, 2909 North IH-35, Austin, TX 78722-9901. www.austinpcc.org.

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