Oliver Cardwell “Putter” Jarvis joined the hallelujah chorus Wednesday morning, July 1, 2015, with his family by his side. He fought hard to stay with us until his wife and all three of his daughters were with him in his Brownwood home and then he went peacefully into eternity with his Savior. O.C. was known by a lot of names, but most endearingly as “Putter” — not a name gained from his love of golf, but the name his mom gave him because of the noises he made in his crib.
Putter was born September 5, 1931, to O.T. and Cordya Jarvis in May, Texas. Growing up, Putter was an active member of 4-H and upon graduating from Brownwood High School in 1949, he attended Texas A&M University and earned a degree in Animal Husbandry. Putter was a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie class of ’53, and instilled his love for A&M into his children and grandchildren. During his time at A&M Putter was elected president of his sophomore class, editor of Agriculturist Magazine, served as the Chaplain for the student body, and was a member of the Ross Volunteers honor guard. Upon graduating, Putter married the love of his life, Roxie Moore, in July of ’53. Roxie could always be found by Putter’s side, up until he breathed his last. The two raised three beautiful daughters, Pam Orr, Terry Shankle and Jamie Munson. Jarvis loved his country and served in the 10th Infantry Division as a U.S. Army officer from 1954-55. He continued to serve his country as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and the National Guard.
Next to his family, Jarvis’ pride and joy was co-founding Landmark Life Insurance Company in 1964 with his father-in-law. Putter began his career in the insurance business in 1956 and was greatly involved in the industry, serving three terms as president of the Texas Association of Life Insurers. He was also a member of Texas’ Mutual and Stipulated Premium Guaranty Board.
Jarvis served on the Texas ’65 Commission and on the planning committee for the Texas Rangers’ 150th Anniversary Celebration. Additionally, he served on the United Way Board and was a member of the Brownwood Jaycees and the Brownwood Rotary Club. Jarvis provided leadership to the Brownwood Industrial Foundation, Brownwood Chamber of Commerce, Brownwood Country Club and the Brownwood Manor. Additionally, he served two terms on the Board of Brownwood Regional Hospital and as a director of Citizens National Bank.
For a number of years, Jarvis served on the Brown County Fair Association board and as a member of the Steering Committee responsible for construction of the Earl Q. Wilson Rodeo Arena.
In 2012, he was recognized as a “Life Time Supporter of the BCYF.”
Jarvis served two terms as a member of the Brownwood City Council, helping to pass 11 bond issues and providing the city with the Coliseum, two new fire stations, a new Carnegie Library and a new city hall.
His civic work included chairing the bond committee for the construction and renovation of Coggin Avenue and extension of Center Avenue from Main Street to Belle Plain. He co-chaired the committee to pass a Brownwood ISD bond issue for renovation and new construction of Brownwood Intermediate School.
In 1957, Jarvis was recognized as Brownwood’s “Outstanding Young Man under 35,” and he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Howard Payne University and was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.
The Brownwood Chamber of Commerce honored Jarvis’ service in 2007 naming him as the recipient of the “Groner Pitts’ Life Time Achievement Award.”
Putter was preceded in death by his parents; and brother Oscar T. Jarvis, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Roxie Moore Jarvis; three daughters, Pam Orr and husband Mike of Crockett, Terry Shankle of China Spring, and Jamie Munson and husband Tom of Brownwood; five grandchildren, Katie Orr Culpepper and husband Bryan of Crockett, Matt Munson and wife Ashley of Ft. Worth, Chris Munson and fiancé Claire Rhodes of Dallas, Alexis Shankle of Dallas, and Courtney Munson of Huntsville; one great-granddaughter, Charlee Jaye Culpepper; sister-in-law, Faye Jarvis of Austin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Winston and Carol Hardman of Sylva, NC. He also had many wonderful other family members and dear friends.
A memorial service in honor of Putter will be held at 3:00pm at Brownwood First Baptist Church, Thursday, July 2, 2015. Reception to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home. Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Putter Jarvis TAMU Scholarship Endowment, Western Bank 1110 Clements Brownwood, TX 76801.
The family of Putter wishes to thank all of the great friends who have shared their love and condolences during this time, and who helped to weave the fabric of life that Putter so richly enjoyed on a daily basis, and that caused him to remark regularly, “If you have been fortunate enough to be blessed with good friends as we have, then you can count your life a success.”
