Douglas Garth Priddy, 71, of Desdemona, passed away Monday, August 18, 2014, 12:35 a.m., with his family by his side. He was born September 12, 1942, to Maxwell Harris Priddy and Mary Delma Peterson in Gorman, Texas. Garth married Nelda Koonce on September 7, 1963, in the Robinson Springs community.

Garth lived in the Comanche County area most of his life. He graduated from Dublin High School in 1961. He attended Tarleton College and then Texas Tech University where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1965 and Masters of Science Teaching from Tarleton in 1974. After graduation from Texas Tech, Garth and Nelda moved to Quail, Texas, where he taught Agriculture for two years. In the fall of 1967, he took the Ag teaching position at De Leon ISD where he would later retire after teaching for 32 years. He was presented the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award of Excellence in 1999 by the Masonic Lodge recognizing him as De Leon ISD Teacher of the Year. He was a dedicated teacher and an advocate for Agriculture education. He enjoyed all aspects of teaching Ag including judging teams, raising livestock projects, competing in stock shows, and teaching parliamentary procedure. He also dedicated many years of service to the Texas 4H Program in Comanche County. He was a proud member of the Texas Shorthorn Association and received the Pioneer Breeder of Texas award with Nelda in 2007. Garth also served on the De Leon Peach and Melon Festival Committee for several years.

Garth was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of De Leon where he joined in 1967. He was a member of the FUMC Open Door Sunday School Class and faithfully served his church in various capacities. Always light-hearted, he enjoyed joking around with friends and family and often was the prankster in the crowd. He was extremely witty and almost always designated nicknames for his students and friends. He was sure to make people laugh and never met a stranger.

Garth enjoyed vacationing with their children, raising show hogs, fishing, and gardening. From a homegrown crop of tomatoes, he would make his family homemade green colored ketchup or green plum jelly. Over the years, he collected thousands of marbles varying in size, color, and style. Garth leaves behind a legacy of friendship, love for teaching, and humor. He will be immeasurably missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nelda, of Desdemona; sons, Marlin Priddy and wife, Laura Ann, of Stephenville, and Greg Priddy and wife, Sally, of Trent; daughter, Annette Cummings and husband, Robert, of Desdemona; grandchildren, Camron Cummings, Shayla Hoffman, Ashton Polley, Miranda Jones, Sheridan Priddy, Landon Priddy, Ragan Cummings, and Everett Priddy; brother, Charle Max Priddy and wife, Netta, of Abilene; sisters Betty LeBrecht of Garland and Linda Zelle Humphreys and husband, Bill, of Lake Worth; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family as well as a host of friends. Garth has gone home to join his parents, Max and Delma and brother-in-law, Rev. Martin LeBrecht.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, De Leon, Texas, with Rev. Judy Richmond and Rev. Eddie Smart officiating. Graveside services followed in Desdemona Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Arnold Pair, Jimmy Mahan, Dr. Mike Burk, Don Ballard, Chuck Jordan, Don Halbrook, Grady West, and C.M. Caraway, Jr. Honorary pallbearers were FUMC Open Door Sunday School Class, Sam Sparger, Weldon Whitehead, Danny Prater, Daryl Hirst, and Gerald Lewis.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to FUMC at 616 South Houston Street, De Leon, Texas 76444, or to the charity of your choice, in memory of Garth.