Another near $1 million dollar gift to Lamar

[Guest abovetherim]

Estate Leaves $900,000 to Lamar University

posted by: Scott Lawrence

February 19, 2008 - 3:49PM

NEWS RELEASE FROM LAMAR UNIVERSITY:

Kay Lefler bequeathed more than $900,000 to the M.L. Lefler, Sr. and Bessie Lefler Memorial Scholarship as a final token of her lifelong support of Lamar University. This and other scholarships have provided countless students the opportunity to achieve their dreams and earn college degrees from Lamar University.

The M.L. Lefler Sr. and Bessie Lefler Memorial Scholarship was established in 1978 by Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Lefler Jr. (Buddy and Kay) in memory of his parents.

The bequeathal came after Kay died May 1, 2006, in Houston. Buddy preceded her in death on April 28, 1994. With this bequest, the endowment is now valued at $1.1 million.

“Buddy was known for being three things: honest, giving and highly intelligent. We grew up taking care of people, so it was an easy decision for Buddy and Kay to support Lamar,†said Beaumont attorney and long-time friend Lindsay Walker.

“Lamar University scholarships enable future generations of students to receive the benefits of higher education, which opens doors and offers the opportunity to create a better life, “ said Janice Trammell, executive director of the Lamar University Foundation. “Many undergraduate scholarship recipients go on to pursue advanced degrees, either at Lamar or other academic institutions and become more viable contributors to their communities and professions.â€

M.L. Lefler Sr. and Bessie Lefler are wonderful examples of entrepreneurship, community involvement and philanthropy for Buddy, his siblings and others, Walker said.

Lefler Sr. practiced law in Beaumont for many years and became the city attorney in 1934. He received his bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University in 1903 and worked his way through Chicago-Kent Law School and, later, the University of Texas Law School. Before becoming an attorney, Lefler Sr. worked for several colleges and served as the president of Alexander College in Jacksonville, Texas. He was a member of Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, the Methodist Church, the Knights of Phythias and was a Mason. He was also active in the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club.

Lefler Sr. married Bessie May Walley in 1909. Mrs. Lefler earned her degree from Grandbury College and served as dean of women at Alexander College. The couple had three children: Buddy, Virginia and Eugene Lewis.

M.L. “Buddy†Lefler Jr. was born in Beaumont, graduated from Beaumont High School in 1931 and spent the majority of his life here. He graduated from the University of Texas Law School in 1939 and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Buddy met Catherine “Kay†Marie Beck in Pittsburgh, Pa., and the couple married in 1943.

Upon the conclusion of his job as an expediter for the U.S. Navy during World War II, the Leflers moved to Beaumont. He opened a law firm with his brother and another partner. In 1946, he began a successful career as a builder, developer, insurance agent, real estate appraiser, property manager and investor. Kay supported the business by doing the book work. Buddy was known for putting together multimillion-dollar deals in 15 minutes, according to Walker. At his peak, Buddy was running nearly 4,000 apartments in the area. The couple liquidated the business in 1986 and spent their later years touring the U.S. and Europe.

Buddy and Kay were both active members of the community. Buddy was a member of El Mina Shrine and a Mason. He served as a charter member and past president of the Sabine Area Home Builder’s Assoc. and the Sabine Area Society of Real Estate Appraisers. Buddy was a past president of the Beaumont Board of Realtors and charter member and past president of B.P.M. Club of Beaumont. Kay often volunteered at Hotel Dieu and at the Beaumont Day Nursery. Both were devout members of the First United Methodist Church of Beaumont and great supporters of Lamar University.

The scholarship is available to Lamar’s full-time undergraduate and graduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The Lamar University Foundation works with past, present and potential

donors to establish scholarships and endowments that benefit students, faculty and all of Lamar University.

For more information about this scholarship or to make a donation to the university, contact Janice Trammell at (409) 880-8422.

http://www.kfdm.com/news/buddy_24803___article.html/lefler_university.html

[Guest mffl]

My grandma knew Kay Lefler, she was a real nice lady.

[DP#1FAN]

A great Lady.