Timothy M. La Vergne, Sr.

Timothy M. La Vergne Sr. was born on June 21, 1957 in Glens Falls, New York to Phillip G. La Vergne and Joan B. La Vergne. From birth Tim lived in Warrensburg, New York until moving to Dallas, Texas in 1981. Tim moved to Bonham, Texas in 1983. He has two sons: Timothy II and Tyler. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bonham, Texas.

In 1975, Tim graduated from Warrensburg Central School after which he attended Adirondack Community College, Queensbury NY, and in 1977 he graduated with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Police Science. In 1979, he graduated from SUNY College of Technology at Utica/Rome, Utica NY, Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Professional Studies Degree in Criminal Justice. In 1977, Tim enlisted with the National Guard at which time he attended and graduated from the U.S. Army Military Police School, Ft. McClellan AL. Tim served with the 105th Military Police Company (NYARNG), Troy NY, transferring to the 149th Military Police Company (TXARNG), San Antonio TX. He was honorably discharged in 1983 with the rank of Sergeant.

Tim has been a Police Officer for the past 32 1/2 years, having worked for the Saratoga Springs NY Police Department, Lake George Village NY Police Department, and Honey Grove TX Police Department. For the past 31 years Tim has been employed by the Bonham Police Department, and holds the rank of Captain. Tim holds a Master Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

Tim was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on July 8, 1989 in Constantine Lodge No. 13, AF & AM. He served as the 154th Worshipful Master of Constantine Lodge in 1993-1994. He served as Treasurer of Constantine Lodge from 1994 to 2007 and 2009 to Present. He served as Secretary in 2007 and 2008. In 2002, he received the Golden Trowel Award. Tim served as the District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District No. 3 in 2003.

Tim was exalted in Bonham Chapter No. 52, RAM in April 1990, and served as High Priest in 1993, 1994, and 1995. He has served as Secretary since 1996. He received the Order of High Priesthood in 1993. He served as District Deputy Grand High Priest of Capitular District No. 52 in 1995. In addition, he served as District Deputy Grand High Priest of Capitular District No. 12 in 1996 and 2001. He received the Cornerstone Award in 2002 and the Stephen F. Austin Pioneer Award in 2007. Tim served as Grand Royal Arch Captain in 2003 and Grand Senior Steward in 2006. He has served as the Grand Chapter Regional Coordinator-Region 1 in 2007 and 2008. He has served on the following Grand Chapter Committees: Membership Committee- District No. 12 2007-2008, Grand Officers’ Reports 2011-Present. Tim has served as the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Wisconsin near the Grand Chapter of Texas from 2003-2010, and is currently serving as the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of the State of New York near the Grand Chapter of Texas since 2010. Tim is an Honorary Member of the Grand Chapters of New York, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Tim was elected Right Excellent Grand Scribe in 2007, Right Excellent Grand King in 2008, and Most Excellent Grand High Priest in 2009.

Tim was greeted in Bonham Council No. 37, R&SM in April 1990, and served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1993, 1994, and 1995. He has served as Recorder since 1996. He received the Order of the Silver Trowel in 1993, and received the Super Excellent Master Degree in 1995. Tim served as District Deputy Grand Master of Cryptic District No. 12 in 1997 and 2002. He received the Cryptic Triangle Award in 2002. He served on the following Grand Council Committees: Finance 2004-2007, Fraternal Correspondence in 2004. He served as the Grand Council Regional Coordinator-Region 1 from 2006 to 2008. He served on the Grand Council Membership Committee, District No. 12 in 2007 and 2008. In 2012, he was appointed as the Grand Representative of the Grand Council of the State of New York near the Grand Council of Texas. Tim is a Honorary Member of the Grand Councils of Louisiana and Oklahoma. Tim was elected Right Illustrious Grand Principal Conductor of the Work in 2011 and Most Illustrious Grand Master in 2012.

Tim was knighted in Denison Commandery No. 24, KT in April 1990, and served as Commander in 1999 and 2004. He has served as Recorder in 2002, 2003, and 2005 to Present. In 2008, he became a dual member of Indivisible Friends Commandery No. 13, served as Commander in 2011. He received the Order of Knight Preceptor in 1999. Tim has served on the following Grand Commandery Committees: Membership in 2004, Printing 2007 to 2011, History 2011-2012, and Jurisprudence in 2012. He served on the 2008 and 2013 Grand Conclave Executive Committees. Tim received the Commander’s Knights Templar Distinguished Service Medal-White Shield in 1999 and 2011, as well as the Recorder’s Knights Templar Distinguished Service Medal in 2003, and 2006 to 2010 inclusive. Tim is a Honorary Member of the Grand Commandery of Louisiana. Tim received the Excalibur Award in 2006. Tim was awarded the Knight Commander of the Temple in 2008. He received the Knight Crusader of the Cross Order in 2012.

Tim became a member of the Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies in 1995. He is a member of the Grayson County Scottish Rite Club, and was a charter member of the Fannin County Scottish Rite Club where he served as President in 2006 and 2007. He served on the Fannin County Scottish Rite Club’s 18th Degree Team from 2004 to 2007. He is Second Vice President of the Grayson County Scottish Rite Club in 2013. He was elected to the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 2009.

Tim became a member of North Texas York Rite College No. 118 in 1996 and served as Governor in 2003, and was elected to receive the Order of the Purple Cross in 2005. He is currently serving as Secretary since 2007. In 2001, he became a member of Rose of Sharon Council No. 49, KM, served as Excellent Chief in 2011, and elected Scribe in 2012. In 2001, he was elected to receive the Knights of the York Cross of Honour and is a member of North Texas Priory No. 73, and served as Prior in 2009-2010. He is currently serving as Registrar 2007-2009 and 2011 to present. He received from Convent General the Knight York Grand Cross of Honour with two quadrants on October 9, 2012. In 2004, he became a member of Col. William B. Travis Council No. 344, AMD, served as Sovereign Master in 2009, and is the current Secretary 2011-present. He received the Knight Commander of the Red Branch of Eri in 2011. In 2008, he was elected and received as a member in Tejas Chapel No. 47, Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon, and appointed as Cellar. In 2007, he was the Charter Secretary/Treasurer of Goodnight-Loving High Twelve Club No. 760, High Twelve International, served as President in 2010, and serving as Secretary/Treasurer since 2011. In 2011, he was inducted into St. Austin Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine and appointed First Aide in 2013. In 2013, he was inducted into the Texas State Capitol Assemblage (Operatives), and the Royal Order of Scotland.

Tim is an Endowed Member in the following Masonic Bodies: Constantine Lodge No. 13, Bonham Chapter No. 52, Bonham Council No. 37, Denison Commandery No. 24, Indivisible Friends Commandery No. 13, Dallas Scottish Rite, North Texas York Rite College No. 118, Rose of Sharon Council No. 49, and Royal Order of Scotland. Tim is the Webmaster for Constantine Lodge, Bonham York Rite Bodies, Denison Commandery, North Texas York Rite College, North Texas Priory, Rose of Sharon Council, Col. William B. Travis Council, Texas Priory, and Dallas Chapter & Council. In addition, Tim has been the Editor of the following newsletters from 2003 to 2008: The Masonic Informer-Constantine Lodge, the York Rite Journal-Bonham York Rite Bodies, and the Knights Templar Journal-Denison Commandery.

Tim is active in all the Masonic Bodies of which he is a member of and he has a genuine love and appreciation for the Craft.

Obituary

Captain Timothy Michael (Tim) La Vergne

(June 21, 1957 – February 9, 2015)

U.S. Veteran Funeral services for Captain Timothy Michael “Tim” La Vergne, Sr., 57, of Bonham, will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, Feb. 16, 2015 at First United Methodist Church, 801 Star St., Bonham, Texas under the direction of Wise Funeral Home. Rev. Stuart P. Courtney and Rev. Dyan Dietz will officiate. Masonic graveside rites with military and police department honors will follow in Willow Wild Cemetery in Bonham, Texas. Tim passed away Monday morning, Feb. 9, 2015 at his residence. Tim was born June 21, 1957 in Glens Falls, New York to Phillip G. La Vergne and Joan Bennett La Vergne. He lived in Warrensburg, New York until moving to Dallas, Texas in 1981. Tim moved to Bonham, Texas in 1982. In 1975, Tim graduated from Warrensburg Central School and attended Adirondack Community College, Queensbury, NY, and in 1977 he graduated with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Police Science. In 1979, he graduated from SUNY College of Technology at Utica/Rome, Utica, NY, Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Professional Studies Degree in Criminal Justice. Tim enlisted with the National Guard in 1977 and attended and graduated from the U. S. Army Military Police School, Ft. McClellan, AL. He served with the 105th Military Police Company (NYARNG), Troy, NY, transferring to the 149th Military Policy Company (TXARNG), San Antonio, TX. He was honorably discharged in 1983 with the rank of Sergeant. Tim has been a Police Officer for over 35 years, having worked for the Saratoga Springs, NY Police Department, Lake George Village, NY Police Department, and Honey Grove, TX Police Department. Since Oct. 16, 1982, Tim has been employed by the Bonham Police Department, and held the rank of Captain. In 2007, the men and women of the Bonham PD proudly selected Tim as the Police Officer of the Year. Tim held a Master Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Tim was instrumental in implementing the county wide 9-1-1 system in 1990 and has been the County 9-1-1 Coordinator since the inception. He has also served as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Bonham. He was known to go above and beyond the call of duty both to the police department and his community. Tim acted as a liaison for City of Bonham, coordinating the efforts of local agencies, churches and volunteers to provide shelter and meet the needs of the Hurricane Katrina evacuees. In 2006, Tim was awarded the Public Servant of the Year by the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce. Tim was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on July 8, 1989 in Constantine Lodge No. 13, AF & AM and served as the 154th Worshipful Master in 1993-1994. Tim was exalted in Bonham Chapter No. 52, greeted in Bonham Council No. 37 and knighted in Denison Commandery No. 24, KT in April 1990. He received the Order of the Silver Trowell in 1993, the Cornerstone Award, the Golden Trowel Award and the Cryptic Triangle Award in 2002, and the Stephen F. Austin Pioneer Award in 2007. He also received the Commander’s Knights Templar Distinguished Service Medal-White Shield in 1999 and 2011, the Recorder’s Knights Templar Distinguished Service Medal in 2003 and 2006 to 2010, and the Excalibur Award in 2006. He was awarded the Knight Commander of the Temple in 2008 and received the Knight Crusader of the Cross Order in 2012. He was elected Right Illustrious Grand Principal Conductor of the Work in 2011 and Most Illustrious Grand Master in 2012. Tim became a member of the Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies in 1995 and was a member of the Grayson County Scottish Rite Club as well as a charter member of the Fannin County Scottish Rite Club. He was elected to the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 2009. Tim was an Honorary Member of the Grand Chapters of New York, Louisiana and Oklahoma and the Grand Councils of Louisiana and Oklahoma. Tim became a member of North Texas York Rite College No. 118 in 1996 and served as Governor in 2003, and was elected to receive the Order of the Purple Cross in 2005. He received from Convent General the Knight York Grand Cross of Honour with two quadrants on Oct. 9, 2012. He also received the Knight Commander of the Red Branch of Eri in 2011. In 2011 he was inducted into St. Austin Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine and appointed First Aide in 2013. In 2013 he was inducted into the Texas State Capitol Assemblage (Operatives), and the Royal Order of Scotland. Tim was an Endowed Member in the following Masonic Bodies: Constantine Lodge No. 13, Bonham Chapter No. 52, Bonham Council No. 37, Denison Commandery No. 24, Indivisible Friends Commandery No. 13, Dallas Scottish Rite, North Texas York Rite College No. 118, Rose of Sharon Council No. 49, and Royal Order of Scotland. He was the Webmaster for Constantine Lodge, Bonham York Rite Bodies, Denison Commandery, North Texas York Rite College, North Texas Priory, Rose of Sharon Council, Col. William B. Travis Council, Texas Priory, and Dallas Chapter & Council. In addition, Tim has been the Editor of the following newsletters from 2003-2008: The Masonic Informer-Constantine Lodge, the York Rite Journal-Bonham York Rite Bodies, and the Knights Templar Journal-Denison Commandery. He held numerous elected offices and was active in all the Masonic Bodies of which he was a member. Tim had a genuine love and appreciation for the Craft. Tim was preceded in death by his father, maternal grandparents, Ken and Ethel Bennett, and brother, Terry S. La Vergne. Tim is survived by two sons, Timothy La Vergne, II (Shaterra) and Tyler La Vergne (Sarah Leann), all of Bonham, Texas; stepson, Casie Partridge of Bonham, Texas; stepdaughters, Cathie Patton (Randy) and Crystal Hewett Caldwell, all of Bonham, Texas; mother, Joan Bennett of Patagonia, Arizona; brother, Todd La Vergne (Linda) of Summerville, South Carolina; sister, Michelle Randle (Bill) of Summerville, South Carolina; granddaughter, Teagan La Vergne; step Granddaughters, Kylie Hewett, Kelsey Hewett and Parker Patton Memorials may be made to Constantine Masonic Lodge No. 13, 517 N. Main St., Bonham, TX 75418 or the Bonham Police Officer’s Association, 301 E. 5th St., Bonham, TX 75418. The family will receive friends at Wise Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday night. Online guest register www.wisefuneralhome.com If Captain Timothy M. “Tim” La Vergne’s life could be summed up in a word – it would be service. Whether it be to his family, his profession, his community or the Masonic Bodies of which he was a dedicated member, he gave unselfishly 100%.