William Backhaus

William Clyde “Bill” Backhaus, 59, passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 20, 2018.

He was buried at Gentry’s Mill on Friday, Oct. 26, as he wished.

Mr. Backhaus was born Nov. 5, 1958, in Dallas. He moved with his family to Wichita Falls in 1968 where he made lifelong friends. He attended Wichita Falls High School, received a degree from Midwestern State University and moved to Washington DC to attend Georgetown University but his desire to become an attorney prevailed and he enrolled in St. Mary’s University Law School in San Antonio, graduating in 1987. Bill was a licensed attorney until his death, his time spent defending the discriminated.

Bill will be remembered most by his huge heart, his compassion and his laughter. He was talented. He played the piano and loved to play hymns. Bill loved his family. He was influenced deeply by his grandparents, Helen and Clyde Weaver of Lamkin, who preceded him in death. Bill spent countless hours near Lamkin in the beautiful Leon River valley helping on the ranch. His ancestors lived there; in his heart, it was his home.

On Dec. 26, 1997, his only child Jennifer Brooke Backhaus was born. From that point forward, his life revolved around Jennifer. The joy she brought him transformed him and gave him new purpose. He was a good father. Jennifer’s life was touched by countless good memories of time with her father. The most precious memories and time spent with her father was spending her whole pregnancy making memories, bonding and getting excited to become a new grandfather to his only grandson, baby Luke. When he first saw baby Luke he could not stop staring in adoration. Jennifer loved her father, and he will be missed most by his only daughter. Jennifer and her mother enjoyed their last sweet times visiting and laughing and spending time with Bill.

Survivors include his mother, Adrienne Backhaus; daughter Jennifer; brother Stephen and wife Kelly; grandson Luke Liu; and many adoring nieces, nephews and cousins.