Newton Isaac “Ike” Tennison

Newton Isaac “Ike” Tennison, PhD., 86, passed away on March 21, 2022.

He was born to Rev. R.C. and Grace (Cagle) Tennison on Oct. 16, 1935, in Lubbock. His childhood included moving from town to town as his family followed his father’s Baptist preaching career. The family landed in Hamilton, where they lived for ten years, and then to San Saba where Ike graduated high school. He then went to Baylor University, on a track scholarship as a high hurdler, where he held a school record for many years.

In 1958, he married Nancy Helen Lengefeld in Hamilton and they welcomed two children into their family, Kris and Rachel. Ike had a love for languages and received a master’s degree and PhD in the Classics (Greek and Latin) from the University of Texas. As a teacher, from the junior high level through college, he loved sharing his knowledge with students. Known affectionately as “Dr. T,” he taught Greek and Latin in the Dallas and Fort Worth area.

His love of teaching also included pastoral duties as interim pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Hamilton for eight years.

After the death of his wife, Nancy, Ike later married Verna Mills Tennison in 1987. They lived in Arlington and then Glen Rose, where they enjoyed traveling and watching sports (especially football) during their 33 years together. He was always one for a good laugh, and because of his language background, he was the master of “the pun”. Ike was a member of First United Methodist Church of Glen Rose and often taught Sunday School.

Ike was a true humanitarian, through his actions, he let God’s grace and love for others shine through.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Verna Mills Tennison, of Glen Rose; sister, Ramona and husband Ferris Akins, of Ballinger; son, Kristopher Tennison, of Keene; daughter, Rachel Smith and husband Matt, of Tuscola; stepsons, Lynden Tennison and wife Sue, of Dallas, and Scott Tennison, of Keene; stepdaughter, Teresa Weldon and husband David, of Arlington; 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephew, and loved ones.

Ike was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Nancy, and four brothers.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 26 at Wylie Funeral Home in Glen Rose followed by burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Services, 623 S Henderson St., Fort Worth, TX 76104.

Arrangements directed by Fry-Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola.