Memorial Scholarship Biographies

Most knew him as "Doc Baker." A Navy veteran who served in the Philippines, he earned his Veterinarian Degree from Texas A&M University. He established his lifelong practice in Edinburg in 1953. As one of the founders of the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Posse, Doc was instrumental in initiating the Rio Round-up. He was president of the Rio Grande Valley Mounted Quadrille in the 50s and 60s. Assisting with the Hidalgo County Youth Show for decades, many were fortunate to know his caring and love of life. Doc mentored many new associates in the veterinarian field. Friend, husband, dad and grandfather — never meeting a stranger and taking immense pride in our youth are truly the testimony left by Doc Baker.

Gerald was raised in Poth, TX and worked at his family business, Lyssy & Eckel Feeds, from the time he could push a broom. He did a three-year stint as teacher/coach in Kenedy, TX after graduating from Texas State University. Gerald was passionate about supporting all children — from stock show projects across South Texas, to announcing Poth football games for 23 years, to supporting all athletics at Texas State University. His true calling was as an advocate for Driscoll Children's Hospital, with 26 years of involvement with the South Texas Cattleman's Roundup helping many children in South Texas.

Mr. Guerra served in the U.S. Army from 1941–1946. He represented one of South Texas's pioneer ranching families with cattle brands dating back to the 1870s. Together with Mundo Margo, he created the Starr County Soil Conservation District. He was a founding board member of the Hidalgo County 4-H Foundation and a large contributor to the 4-H Country Hoedown. Mrs. Guerra was Postmaster at the Linn Post Office and a devoted housewife and partner. She was active with Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, and the Cancer Society. Their legacy of giving and community service continues with their children and grandchildren.

Dutch served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division in Ireland, England, Africa and Italy, discharged as Major. He earned his B.S. from Texas A&M and a Master's from Colorado State. He retired in 1973 after 34 years with the Agricultural Extension Service, the last 16 as County Agricultural Agent of Hidalgo County. Dutch organized the Hidalgo County 4-H Youth Development Foundation in 1967. Under his leadership, 5 members went to National 4-H Conference, 1 to the 4-H Report to the President, and 14 to National Farm City Week. He received the USDA Superior Service Award in 1973 and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 1969.

Mr. Keller farmed and ranched in McCook for over 50 years. He served several terms as President of the Parish Council at Immaculate Conception Church of McCook, on the board of First State Bank of Edinburg, and the FSA board. He was named Outstanding Conservation Farmer and "Muy Grande" Rancher of the Year in 2001. Tony instigated the "Longhorn Auction" by donating a Longhorn steer to the Foundation's live auction. Every year the steer sold for $1,000 but the bidder never took it home — the same steer was redonated for several years. He served as a board member for the Hidalgo County 4-H Foundation. His five youngest grandchildren are all proud recipients of the Anthony Keller Memorial Scholarship.

A World War II veteran who served in North Africa and Italy. Mr. McQueen dedicated 48 years as a 4-H Club Leader and was named Adult Leader of the Year in 1972. He was founder and director of the South Texas Lamb and Sheep Exposition — the coliseum was named in his honor. He served 50 years with the Southwest Football Officials Association. He was the first president of the Hidalgo County A&I Alumni Club, president of the Rio Grande Valley Audubon Society, and a host father for foreign exchange students for 30 years. In 1973, the City of Donna declared a James Carlton McQueen Day. He was an Honorary Board Member of the Foundation.

Mrs. Larralde worked as a secretary and administrative assistant at UT-Pan American for 22 years. She was active as an Edinburg North High School Cougar Band Booster. Mrs. Larralde was a 4-H leader for 15 years, serving the Town & Country 4-H Club as project leader for foods & nutrition, horticulture, recreation and arts & crafts. She served as County Leadership Camp Chaperone and "Camp Mom" for over 12 years. In 1997 she was honored as Hidalgo County 4-H Adult Leader of the Year.

Mrs. Solether was a mid-valley resident for 60 years, known as the "flower lady" to a generation of Weslaco residents. She grew roses at her home, placing hundreds in bud vases at downtown eating establishments. After her husband's death, she took over farming operations in cotton and citrus. In 1980 the Foundation received $33,459.81 from her estate. As noted in her will, the money was to be distributed to participants in the Weslaco area with emphasis on those with extreme financial need. Over a ten-year period, 57 scholarships totaling $32,000 were awarded from her gift.

Mrs. Looney served as a 4-H club leader for over 20 years and was a charter member of the Foundation's board of directors. She coached a state-winning method demonstration team. She was president of the Edinburg Improvement Association, founding member of the Edinburg Junior Service League, organizer and board member of the Hidalgo County Historical Museum, and longtime board member of the Edinburg Public Library where the children's wing bears her name. She and her husband J.C. Looney were named Mr. & Mrs. Edinburg in 1969.

Will was a natural leader. While at Edinburg High School, he was elected Texas State 4-H President. He went on to Texas A&M where he became president of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. At the time of his passing, Will was enrolled in the McCombs School of Business MBA program at the University of Texas. He traveled from New York to Boston to the Amazon, with his greatest interest in Mexico — mastering the language, studying the culture, and becoming part of its future.

Mrs. Smith was one of the founders of the Hidalgo County 4-H Foundation and served on the board for many years. She was named an Honorary Member in 1991. Along with Mrs. J.C. Looney and Mrs. C.E. Townsend, she was instrumental in getting the Edinburg 4-H Clubhouse built. She coached two state-winning beef demonstration teams. In 15 years she had three state winners and the rest were in the top ten. She attended the National 4-H Forum in Washington D.C. in 1970 where she first heard the idea of a 4-H Foundation.

Carroll was the South Texas Regional Manager for Holt Cat. He was president of the Weslaco Beef Club for many years and volunteered at the Mercedes Livestock Show. He and his wife ran the Weslaco 4-H Club, working with rabbits, sheep, cattle and dairy projects. Carroll was awarded Adult Leader of the Year. He was there for the 4-H kids at shows and projects.