Frederick J. March of San Marcos,beloved and cherished father and grandfather, passed away on Monday, August 6, 2012, at the age of 73. He was born to Joe Murphy and Sybil (Gardner) March in Hollis, Oklahoma, February 18, 1939.
Fred served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1965.
He served as a Professor Emeritus and Theatre Arts Academic Advisor at Texas State University, San Marcos. After receiving his M.A. from Texas Tech University, Fred joined the faculty at then Southwest Texas State College, where he served as technical director for 16 years. Later he was named Director of Theatre and then became Chairman of the Department of Theatre and Dance and served in that capacity for 11 years.
Professionally, he has twice received the Award for Outstanding Scenic Design at the American College Theatre Festival and since 1971 has been an active member of the United States Institute for Theater Technology, Inc. In this capacity, Fred has served as a member of the National Board of Directors for USITT and was one of the ten founders for USITT - Texas in 1971.
A member of TETA since 1967, Fred has served on the board of directors for many years and as president from 1995 to 1997. He also chaired the University/College section of TETA and has served as a UIL Critic Judge for over 25 years. He continued to provide enormous energy and support to Theatrefest. He served as convention director twice, as project chairman and presenter for at least 30 convention workshops. He received TETA’s College/University Educator of the Year Award in 1989 and TETA’s Founders’ Award in 1983.
His parents, his wife Claudia Chesshir March (2010), brother Arch March and sister Doris McGill preceded him in death. He is survived by two sons, Joe March and wife Ann of Hoover, Alabama, and David March and wife Joyce Griffith of Durango, Colorado; daughter Wendy March Mueller and husband Larry of Denver, Colorado; and three grandchildren Madison and Caelan March, and Gemma Mueller.
In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions be made to the Sunshine Kids Foundation, 2814 Virginia St., Houston, TX 77098. www.sunshinekids.org
A Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, August 11, 2012, at Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos. Guestbook online at www.penningtonfuneralhome.com
