Wanda Carroll Eidson

Wanda Carroll Eidson, 81, surrounded by her loving family passed away peacefully Sunday, June 20, 2004 at her home in Weatherford, Texas, following a long and valiant fight against breast cancer. She was born August 15, 1922 in Weldon, Texas, the only daughter of Ira Lee and Wera Keeling Carroll. At a young age, Wanda moved with her family to Trinity, Texas and graduated as valedictorian of her 1939 High School class. She continued her education at Texas State College for Women with a BS degree in Music Education and Voice, and earned a Masters of Music Degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1945 researching and writing her thesis on industrial music. In lieu of a career in opera, Wanda married "Doctor Jack" on March 17, 1944 and they selected Weatherford as their "post army" home in 1950 embarking upon lifelong careers of community service.Wanda was a member of the Cecilian Club, a musical performance section of the Women's Club of Fort Worth. She was a member of Grace First Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir for over 50 years. The church recognized her commitment by commissioning the anthem "O Sing To The Lord A New Song" in her honor.She was active in politics for over 20 years serving as Republican County Chairman, State Committeewoman, and organizer of the Parker County Republican Women's Club. In 1968 she was recognized as one of the ten outstanding Republican women by the state organization and was listed in Who's Who in American Politics that year. She and her husband Jack attended many state conventions, a number of National conventions, and three Presidential Inaugural celebrations in Washington, DC.Wanda was presented with a life membership in the Texas PTA in 1963 and Den Mother's Award in Boy Scouting in 1964. All four of her sons received Boy Scout Eagle awards, while Wanda and her daughter received the Girl Scouts highest award, the Curved Bar.She had a passion for genealogy and researched the Eidson name for more than thirty years. During this time, she organized a family network, wrote a biannual newsletter, and started the tradition of national family reunions. Three volumes of her genealogical research have been published. Other interests included gourmet cooking and handcrafts.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Emil Carroll, MD of Albuquerque, NM; her youngest son, Scott Lee Eidson, and her son-in-law, Roy Gene Hobbs. Wanda is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jack L. Eidson, MD; her only daughter, Carroll Eidson Hobbs of Weatherford; and three sons, Jack Leigh Eidson, Jr. and wife Judy of San Antonio; Mark Carroll Eidson, MD and wife Sarah of Weatherford; and Jon Keeling Eidson and wife Stephanie of Weatherford. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Chris Pipes, Eric Pipes, Nicole Eidson Goodman and husband Joshua, Weston Eidson, Jack "Leigh" Eidson III and wife Kristy, Beau Eidson, Marti Eidson, Barrett Eidson, Tiffany Hobbs and Maggi Eidson and step-grandchildren, Scott Hobbs and Angela Hobbs Archinal and husband Jason. Additional survivors include her sister-in-law, Jane Carroll, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.A memorial service will be held at Grace First Presbyterian Church in Weatherford, Texas on Saturday June 26th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception in the Great Hall. The family suggests that memorial gifts be made to the Music Fund at Grace First Presbyterian Church, 606 Mockingbird Lane, Weatherford, TX 76086 or to a charity of your choice.