Jack Albert Price

Jack Albert Price, the fourth child of John Price and Effie Hughes Price died on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. No services are scheduled at this time.

Jack's father died when Jack was only four years old, so he grew up in a single parent home. During the Great Depression, the family struggled financially. They survived with everyone contributing as best they could. Jack worked summers as a butcher's helper and the rest of the year as an "Extra boy" on Saturdays at the local Safeway store. He graduated from Cleburne High School in 1940, worked at a local grocery store for a bit and then as a machinist's apprentice at the Santa Fe Railroad Shops. In September 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. He remained in service until February 1946.

In the spring of that year, Jack's life took a dramatic turn. He asked the 'pretty little redhaired Bicknell girl' for a date. A spark was ignited that night and in July when Jack left Cleburne to attend classes at the University of Houston, the couple was engaged. The nuptials took place at LaMonne's parents' home on September 2, 1946. The knot was tied so tightly that night that the couple were inseparable for 68 years seven months and twenty-two days.

Jack continued his education at TCU where he earned his BA degree in 1949, and a Master's degree in 1951. In the fall of 1949 he was employed by the Weatherford school system as a teaching principal. Four years later, eager to be a full-time principal, he resigned his position in Weatherford, taught a year in Dallas, then moved to Fort Worth where he taught at Crestwood Elementary until his appointment as principal at East Handley Elementary. In 1967 Jack was selected to be the first principal at Atwood McDonald Elementary School. A year later he was promoted to Assistant Director of Personnel. A few years later, he was promoted to Director of Staffing. In 1964, Jack set his sights on a Doctor of Education degree. Five years later, he achieved his goal after many night classes, summer school, and hours spent in libraries.

In 1975 Jack took up woodcarving as a hobby. He specialized in carving small human figures. Two years later he wrote and published his first book, Carving Compact Characters. Two years later he wrote and published 50 Character Patterns for Woodcarvers. A few years later he updated the first book and published Carving Small Characters. The books sparked interest in Carving 'Little People'. As the books became well known, Jack was invited to teach seminars in Texas and other states. He was especially popular in New England, New York, Colorado and California.

For Jack and LaMonne the greatest reward of being a woodcarver was the friendships that were formed with their woodcarving friends. Some of whom became very dear to them both, as dear as family.

During his woodcarving years, Jack was founding member if two carving clubs: The Nolan River Chippers and the Caricature Carvers of America. He was a charter member of the Texas Woodcarver's Guild and served as president of the guild for two years. After his term of office was over, Jack served as a director for several more years. He was treasurer of Caricature Carvers of America for ten years.

In 1984, after Jack's retirement, he and LaMonne (aka Miss Willie) moved back to Cleburne to enjoy being with family and friends but continued to participate in carving activities.

Jack will be remembered in the carving world for introducing many people to the delightful hobby of woodcarving. For causing untold numbers of carvers to carve small human figures, for having a good heart, and for being a good husband to his 'Precious' Miss Willie.