In Memoriam

Marian McKeever Millican

On January 13, 2010, Marian McKeever Millican, lost her long battle with cancer. A beacon of light to everyone she met, she was an ASID Chapter Medalist, served on the ASID Texas Chapter Board of Directors from 1988-91 and again in 1993. Marian had been Associate Professor of Architecture at UTA and taught at TCU for many years. She was given the 2006 Texas Star Achievement Award by the Greater Ft Worth Commercial Real Estate Woman's Network and was an honorary member of the Texas Society of Architects. She also served on the Heritage Trails Task Force, and served on the Streams & Valleys, Inc. Executive Committee, which benefits Mayfest and the Trinity River. Her husband, Kirk, and her son, Carter, have been helping her fight cancer for over 11 years. Even in her last months she had the most positive of spirits. You can read more about her accomplished life in her UTA bio and in her obituary.

Stacy Barnett, Student Member ASID

The Texas Chapter would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family of Stacy Barnett, Student Member ASID, 22. Stacy, a recent interior design graduate from the University of Texas in Austin and a member of the program’s ASID Student Chapter, suffered an untimely death on Tuesday, June 21, 2009. UT ASID Student Chapter 2008-2009 President, Kendra Horn, Student Member ASID, stated, "She was an amazing person. She was always smiling and always in a good mood and really fun to hang out with." She will be missed. Go here to read an article about the indicident in the Austin American-Statesmen.

Donna Fowler, ASID

Donna McCarty Fowler, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2009, in Abilene following a sudden illness. Her vibrant love of life, family and friends was contagious. Her outward beauty mirrored the inward beauty of her flamboyant , free-spirited personality, bringing a joyful response to all who knew her.

Donna graduated in 1977 with a degree in interior design from the University of Texas. She returned to Abilene to work with Tittle, Luther, Loving Interiors, and never cutting her ties with Tittle Luther Partnership, later opened her own business, Donna Fowler Design.

Donna was a Texas Registered Interior Designer. She served the Abilene Association of ASID in leadership roles for many years, and the Texas Chapter of ASID as a board member and treasurer. Donna enjoyed an impressive career making a profound impact on interior design through her many years of fulfilling the dreams of her clients. Donna's designs can be seen at Abilene Christian University; the Williams Performing Arts Center; the Bob Hunter Welcome Center; Hendrick Medical Center; Cisco Junior College; Hardin-Simmons University; The Tommy Morris Agency; and numerous homes and offices in Abilene and the surrounding area.

Her clients soon became her friends, and Donna worked at all of her friendships. A card or note meant so much more than an e-mail, and a hug meant so much more than a handshake. Her spirit will be missed in this world by her husband, family and many friends.

A memorial fund has been established to honor Donna’s many years of service and friendship to the interior design community and especially to the interior design program at Abilene Christian University. Memorial donations may be mailed to:

Kitty Wasemiller, ASID
Abilene Christian University
Donna Fowler, ASID Memorial Fund
ACU Box 27987
Abilene, TX 79699-7897

Amy Partner Yager, Student Member ASID

Please join the Texas Chapter of ASID to offer its heartfelt condolences to the family of Amy Partner Yager, Student Member ASID, 26. Amy suffered an untimely death on September 12, 2008 in Amarillo. Amy was enrolled in the interior design program at Amarillo College, but was transferring to West Texas A&M University in Canyon to purse a business degree. Originally from Virginia, Amy had served three years in the U.S. Navy as a petty officer pursuing a career as an EOD diver and underwater welder, but a hip injury led to her honorable medical discharge. We mourn her premature death and wish peace for her family. Go here to read an article about the indicident in the Amarillo Globe-News.

A memorial fund has been established to honor Amy. Memorial donations may be mailed to:

Kathy Dowdy
The Amarillo Foundation
Amy Yager Memorial Scholarship
PO Box 447
Amarillo, TX 79178