Mr. Willie Baum "Dub" Dwire

Funeral services for Mr. Willie Baum “Dub” Dwire, 86, of Henderson, will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 5, 2026, in the chapel at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home with Rev. David Luckert and Dr. Joe Frank Thornton officiating. A private, family burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time on Saturday, at the funeral home. Mr. Dwire passed from this life on September 1, 2026, in Tyler. He was born on August 12, 1940, in Groveton to the late Willie & Pauline (McBride) Dwire. He was very proud of the fact that his family had settled in Trinity County as early as the 1830s and of his membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. Dub began piano lessons at a young age and showed great promise. As his talent was developed, he also learned how to play the pipe organ and began playing as the full-time organist every Sunday at First Baptist Church of Groveton from the age of 12. He later filled in at weddings and funerals and was called on quite often. He graduated from Groveton High School in 1958 where he was the Valedictorian of his class. He would go on to Baylor University where he graduated with his BBA in 1962. Mr. Dwire would further his education at the Louisiana State University School of Banking and with banking classes from Ohio State University and Harvard. His education led to a successful career in finance where he had worked as a bank President and CEO, served on the Board of Directors and as a bank examiner, establishing several banks with new charters. Dub’s career in banking would bring his family to Henderson in 1970. It was in this first residency in Henderson where he would receive the John R. Alford Young Man of the Year award. A few years later, he was transferred to Kilgore, and the family would also live in Lufkin and Crockett before returning to Henderson. The family would join First Methodist Church where they were long-time members. Mr. Dwire would also attend Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service and became a licensed Funeral Director in the state of Texas. In the late 90’s, he bought the long-established Rayford Florist and operated it for nearly 20 years until his retirement. Dub had a green thumb so the floral business just made sense. He enjoyed being active and stayed so until his health prevented him from doing so. Dub had been a member of the Rotary Club and was a twice daily attendee of the Strong-Hurt Coffee Club. Like many others, he had his challenges in life. By the grace of God and with the help of those that knew his struggle, he was able to overcome and was a proud, 20-year member of AA. As grandchildren came along, he so enjoyed watching his grandsons play in whatever sport they were involved with at the time. He didn’t miss one game and was there cheering them on and rooting for their success. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Jimmie Dwire Boyd. Survivors include his wife of 60 years Betty Terry Dwire of Henderson; daughters Melissa Jane Dwire of Longview, and Rebecca Dwire Merritt and husband Loyd Vaughn Merritt II of Arp; brother and sister Terry Dwire and wife Duanna of Georgetown, and Ann Dwire Biscamp of Crockett; brother-in-law William R. “Bob” Terry of Shoreline, Washington; grandsons Christian Vaughn Merritt and wife Michele of Whitehouse, and Ford Rainey Merritt and wife Hannah of Tyler; great-granddaughters Eleanor Frances Merritt and Delilah Jane Merritt; nieces and nephews Sean Boyd, Megan Boyd Cook & husband Chris, Blake Dwire, Whitney Dwire, Adam Dwire and wife Jennifer, Andy Biscamp, Ashley Biscamp and wife Melissa, Ellen Terry Scheidt and husband Joe, Lauren Terry, and Allison Terry Arnold along with numerous great-nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins, other family and many friends. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Strong-Hurt Coffee Club, Hollis Yates, Dr. Joe Frank Thornton, and Rick Hill. Dub was also close to and missed his dear friends Dr. David Craig, Wilbur Yates, and Jack Ward. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mr. Willie Baum "Dub" Dwire

August 12, 1940 - September 1, 2026