Emil Eugene OgdenCOLLLEGE STATION, TXEmil Eugene Ogden passed away at his home in College Station on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at the age of 89. He was born on September 15, 1927 in Blackwell, OK, the only son of Homer E. and Mary S. Ogden. He married Clementine Theresa Lindeman on September 23, 1947, who survives him. Clementine was Emil's heart and home for over 69 years. Her support and encouragement - as well as the occasional and indispensable reality check - centered and sustained him. Emil and Clementine's love and commitment to each other, their Catholic faith, and the values on which they built their life endure in his surviving children and their spouses: Stephen and Beverly Ogden of Bryan; Mary Katherine (Kathy) and Jimmy Buttry of Colleyville; Dr. Paul and Beth Ogden of College Station; Michael and Sarah Ogden of Dallas; Joseph and Karen Ogden of Fort Worth; and Laura and Dr. Warren Young of Spring. He also leaves 23 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren to mourn his loss and cherish his memory.Emil's childhood was marked by family instability and economic hardship, but with a good wife, fierce resolve, abiding faith, intellectual curiosity, and an engaging personality, he wrought an exceptionally full and fruitful life. He was a veteran of World War II, licensed peace officer, licensed pilot, professional ball player, professional musician, oilman, civic leader, investor, philanthropist, philosopher, and, at the young age of 60, magna cum laude graduate of Texas A&M University, Class of '53. Emil developed a strong moral compass which was the foundation of his immaculate integrity. He knew what he believed and his actions were driven by his values. His innate fair-mindedness caused him to deplore injustice and motivated his life.Emil was a member, along with his wife, of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in College Station and his Catholic faith was deeply rooted and intentionally lived out. He believed that each human life is sacred, formed in the image of God from conception. He devoted much of his time and treasure to the Church. Emil was a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus, and served the order as Grand Knight, District Deputy, State Deputy, and Vice Supreme Master. He was a Knight Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem and was awarded the Holy Trinity Medal of Honor.Emil was an independent oilman for 28 years in Abilene, TX, where he also served on the city council. He was a real wildcatter - undeterred by his personal record of 14 consecutive dry holes - and that spirit sustained him through the boom and bust cycle of the oil patch. Emil and Clementine moved to College Station in 1979, where he was instrumental in developing the Bryan Woodbine field. John (deceased) and Anne Brown Heyburn, cherished lifelong friends and essential business partners, greatly contributed to the success of his endeavors. He earned the respect, loyalty and affection of his associates and employees, especially Mike Crocker and Liz Zemanek.An authentic philanthropist, Emil was a compassionate and effective pillar of support for many organizations and the people they served. He gave away a large part of his fortune because he never forgot where he came from, what it was like to be without, and how his money could make a real and lasting difference in someone's life. He also gave generously of his time, serving in volunteer leadership positions including Reserve Criminal Investigations Deputy with the Brazos County Sheriff's Office, President of the West Texas Oil & Gas Association, President of the Brazos Valley Symphony Society, Chairman of the Arrow Moon District of the Boys Scouts of America, Board Member of the Brazos Valley Boys & Girls Club, Life Member and Bugler of VFW Post 4692, Vice Chairman of the Governor's Energy Advisory Council; as a member of the Texas Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, the United States Foreign Investment Advisory Committee, the Texas A&M University Health Science Center Foundation, Scott & White Board of Visitors, Director's Circle of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library; and as a Republican Eagle.He never really retired, though failing health recently curtailed his regular inspection of local oil and gas wells and other accustomed stops including daily lunch at Fish Daddy's. All his life, Emil sought out and thoroughly enjoyed the company of a wide variety of people, with a special affinity for Aggie students and veterans. A gentleman of the old school, always attired in shirt and tie, he particularly relished a lively discussion of politics, religion, or current events.Emil Ogden had a remarkable determination to live, to learn, and to make a difference. While the impact of his public life is noteworthy, his most enduring legacy is his family. His influence on his children was profound and much of the success they have enjoyed is owed to his guidance, faith, love and high expectations. Emil Ogden was an honest man who made things better wherever he went. He fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. May he rest in peace.Visitation will be at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 2541 Earl Rudder Freeway in College Station, on Thursday, July 27th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. Funeral liturgy will take place at St. Thomas at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017. Committal will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the St. Thomas Aquinas Building Fund, Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity (119 Lake St., Bryan TX 77801) or another of the many charitable organizations that Emil supported.