Jack Patton Mabray

Jack Patton Mabray died peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 27, 2014, in Monroe, LA. He was born in Muldrow, Oklahoma, September 26, 1922, the son of Helen Loucille Mabray and Ewell Edgar Mabray. His family moved to El Dorado, Arkansas when he was a young child. He was preceded in death by his parents and the love of his lifetime, Bettie Trimble Mabray, his wife of 62 years. He is survived by two daughters: Melinda Mabray Wright and her husband, John H. Wright, III, of McAllen, Texas; and Mary Amanda Mabray Hardwick and her husband Jon W. Hardwick, of Monroe; two sons: Jack Patton Mabray, Jr. and his wife Jan M. Mabray, of Newellton; and John T. Mabray and his wife Catherine S.C. Mabray, of Monroe; eight grandchildren: John H. Wright, IV, and his wife Edie, of San Antonio, TX; Dr. Amanda Wright Daschbach and her husband Brian Daschbach, of Mandeville, LA; William Mead Hardwick and his wife Felicia, of Dallas, TX; Jon Marshall Hardwick and his wife Kendall, of Newellton; Wilson Trimble Mabray and his wife Tallie, of Shreveport; Cole Mabray Harbert and her husband Raymond Harbert, Jr. of Birmingham, AL; Michal Patton Mabray of Birmingham, AL and John Trimble Mabray, Jr. of Bonita, LA; seven great-grandchildren: John H. “Jack” Wright, V, Whitson Lanier Wright, Sydney Trimble Wright, William Mead Hardwick, Jr., Caleb Carr Hardwick, Helen Cole Harbert, and Mary Mabray Harbert; one brother-in-law: John D. Trimble, Jr. of El Dorado, AR; one sister-in-law: Jean Turner Brewer of Jackson, MS; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. 
He attended Hendrix College, Stanford University, and graduated from the University of Arkansas where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He served in the army during WW II. In 1947, Jack and his family moved to Somerset Plantation near Newellton, LA and he became the managing partner of Somerset. During that time he was an active member of the Newellton Union Church and served on the Tensas Parish Police Jury, Tensas Parish School Board, and Tensas-Concordia Soil and Water Conservation District board. He was a longtime director of the Tensas State Bank, Farm and Livestock Farm Credit, Inc. and a current director of Newellton Gin Co., Inc. Jack and his family moved to Monroe in 1960 and he became a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church and later Covenant Presbyterian Church, while continuing to manage Somerset Plantation. 
He was above all a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who instilled in his family a trusting faith in God. Nothing gave him more happiness than to be surrounded by his adoring and ever growing family. He was widely known as the ultimate southern gentleman, always charming and impeccably dressed. Jack led Somerset Plantation for 65 years, from the days of farming with mules to what it is today, a highly efficient plantation using the latest technology. He loved the land, specifically Somerset Plantation, and his heart was always there. He was a faithful steward of God’s many blessings to him and he touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. 
The family is most appreciative of the many years of love and loyalty from Gracie Smith, and the faithful service of Jonas Ervin. The family also expresses deep appreciation to those who helped Jack in these last months, Shannon Slack, Charles Smith, and Gloria May. 
Funeral Services are under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Monroe. Interment will be Monday, March 3, 2014, 10:00 A.M., at the Somerset Plantation Family Cemetery, Tensas Parish. The Memorial Service will follow on Monday, March 3, 2014, 2:30 P.M. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1901 Milton Street, Monroe, LA, with the Reverend John Trimble Mabray officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. 
Pallbearers will be: John H. Wright, IV, William Mead Hardwick, Jon Marshall Hardwick, Wilson Trimble Mabray, John Trimble Mabray, Jr., James Berry Trimble, Raymond Jones Harbert, Jr., and Brian Daschback. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1901 Milton Street, Monroe, LA 71201 and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065. 
Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com 
Mulhearn Funeral Home
Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA

Graveside Service
10AM Monday, March 3, 2014
Somerset Plantation Family Cemetery
Tensas Parish

Memorial Service
2:30 PM Monday, March 3, 2014
Covenant Presbyterian Church
Monroe, LA