George William "Bill" Ceverha's Obituary
“The journey is over, but oh, what a ride it was! From the streets and playgrounds of the south side of Chicago to the halls of government in the most beautiful State Capitol of the best State in the country: Texas. Along the way, a Journalism degree and commissioning as a U.S. Army officer from the University of Missouri, which opened the door to four years of military service, most of it in Germany - including jumping out of airplanes five times... That first step was the hardest!
A broadcast career that started in an unexpected place: Dallas, Texas, in 1962, which set the stage for a long involvement in important issues of the day: six national political conventions, coverage of the aftermath of the Kennedy assassination, hundreds of events in the pages of Dallas and Texas history. Along with it, entry into a sports production role which included 18 years of NFL football and major league baseball, working with all the famous voices in those areas and present for many memorable sports moments of the day.
Even more unlikely, election to the Texas House of Representatives in 1976, stepping onto the House Floor in January, 1977, as one of 18 Republicans out of a House of 150 members. While serving six terms in the House, elected by my peers as National Chairman of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), an organization of state senators and representatives from all 50 states. Along the way, the opportunity to meet Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush (41) and Bush (43), along with service as a presidential elector and national Republican delegate.
Like most lives, it has had its peaks and valleys, but one truly blessed by God.
Married to my high school sweetheart Jan Ceverha, for 31 years, a marriage that produced a daughter, Linda, and a son, Paul, until breast cancer stole her from us in 1989.
God had something else in store; proving that you can be twice-blessed, and Mary Doerr Churchill became that blessing as my wife in 1993, bringing along with her an angel named Courtney and an expanded family.
I had the bonus blessing of being a grandfather to six, great grandfather to three, and step-grandfather to three who have added incredible enjoyment to my life. As one who never knew a grandfather, it was my ultimate late in life mission to be the best there is. Hopefully, I succeeded.
And, now, Lord, I'm coming home!
‘Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, dwell on these things’ Philippians 4:8
Please pray for the end of abortion, which claimed the lives of more than 60 million babies during the 50 years of Roe v. Wade.” - Bill Ceverha
Born October 28,1936, Chicago, Illinois to George and Anna (Plesko) Ceverha
Survived by wife Mary Ceverha, daughter and son-in law, Linda and Mark Montie, son and daughter in law, Paul and Mary Ceverha, Stepson and wife, Bill and Apryl Churchill, Stepdaughter Jenny and husband Tim Stobaugh, Stepdaughter Courtney Churchill, Grandchildren Blake and wife Holly Montie, Travis and wife Erin Montie, Grace and husband Arya Karjooy, Anna Montie, Henry Ceverha and Jack Ceverha, Step granddaughters Emery and Delia Stobaugh and Chamberlain Churchill, Great grandsons Bauer and Evan Montie, George William Montie.
Served as Chairman, Board of Trustees, State of Texas Employees Retirement System; Commissioner Texas Research Laboratory Commission; Commissioner, Texas Military, Military Preparedness Commission.
Service Wednesday August 9th at 12pm, St. Rita Catholic Church, with a reception and remembrance following. Visitation on Tuesday, August 8th, 6-8pm at Restland Funeral Home.
Much gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at UTSW Clements hospital 8th floor neurology unit for their loving kindness to him and his family.
Donations may be made to Grace Christian School, Chicago, IL. www.gcachicago.org 4106 W. 28th Street Chicago, IL 60623
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