O'RAND

James A. “Pat” O’Rand of Linden, Texas passed away on this 19th day of December, at the age of 86. Mr. O’Rand was born March 19, 1930. Pat was raised in Bear Creek, Texas and made Linden, Texas his home.

Mr. O’Rand was a 32nd Degree Master Mason, Shriner and A Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He was a former member of the Young Farmer’s Association and Cass County Cattleman’s Association. He was honored by the American Legion for his honorable service in the United States Armed Forces and for his Outstanding Service and Loyalty to the United States of America. Mr. O’Rand was a member of the VFW Post 6968 and was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in Japan and Korea and the U.S. Army National Guard. Staff Sergeant James A. O’Rand received numerous Certificates of Achievement from the Commanding General for his outstanding athletic ability.

Mr. O’Rand was retired from Red River Army Depot and was presented with numerous awards for implementing new ideas and procedures for his department. He also worked nine-and-a-half years at Lone Star Steel and was a life-long livestock farmer. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Linden and a former Sunday school teacher, a former member of the Truth Seekers Sunday School Class, the secretary of the Adult (4) Sunday school department, an Usher and a teacher for several years at the Linden Nursing Home.

Pat completed the 26 mile Dallas White Rock Marathon with record time at the age of 51. He also played semi-professional basketball. Pat graduated from Avinger High School in 1947 and was inducted in to the Avinger Hall of Honor for Outstanding Achievements. His athletic achievements lasted a lifetime receiving numerous awards, trophies and recognitions in basketball and running. His hobbies were raising and buying cattle and country dancing. He always showed support for the Linden Future Farmers of America, Linden- Kildare Schools and the Linden softball and baseball teams and local youth athletics.

His donations in life were many. He provided life-long strength, love and care for his beautiful wife, Wilma A. O’Rand.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Wilma A. Self O’Rand, of Linden, two daughters, Tena Harrison of New Boston, TX and Jamie A. O’Rand of Linden, TX and four grandchildren, Carl Patrick Barthel of New Boston, TX, Morgan Tyler Stone of Linden, TX and Adam Conner Stone of Linden, TX and one great grandson, Harrison David Barthel and one great grandaughter Hattie Grace Bartherl of New Boston, TX. and a number of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sneed O’Rand and Allie Faye Gilbert O’Rand, three brothers Wayne, Donald “Buddy”and Sidney “Red” O’Rand and two sisters, Christine O’Rand Johnson and Aline O’Rand Bennett.

Services were held at 10:00 a.m. on the 22nd day of December, at the First Baptist Church of Linden with Bro. Jackie Stanfield officiating. Visitation was held December 21, 2016 at Reeder Davis Funeral Home.