Carl Cawthon (1913-1993) *80

Carl "Chico" Cawthon was born in New Caney, Texas. He moved to Houston with his mother, Viola Pitts Cawthon, as an infant and became the son of Kirby Henry Cawthon. Carl and his parents moved to Plainview Texas where his parents started Kirby's Jewelry. Carl attended Texas Tech University. After the university, Carl became a "Pioneer" Directional Drilling Engineer for Lane Wells Oil Company. While employed there, he met Martha Elizabeth "Betty" White. In the Oil Field, Carl was given the nickname " Chico" that he became known as in the oilfield business. Carl and Betty were married in Galveston in 1938. Carl worked for Lane Wells and invented many tools used in Directional Drilling today. He invented the "Whipstock" among others.

On February 24, 1945, Carl and Betty had their only child, Kathleen.

In 1950, Carl moved his family to Alice, Texas in South Texas to start his own Company, Directional Drilling Specialists. Many of the oil and gas wells in South Texas today were discovered through Carl's Directional Drilling skills! After 10 years if tremendous success with his Company, Carl bought two Drilling Rigs and formed Tejas Drilling Company! I slump in the oil unfortunately soon hit thereafter, oil drilling allowable days dwindled down to 8 abd the rest is History. Fortune lost, Carl was hired by Dowell Schlumberge to head out their Mid East Directional Drilling and moved to Jakarta where he lived very happily for 10 years. In the 70's Carl was sent to head out the Durectional Drilling in Abu Dabi, United Arab Emirits. After 8 rather strict government ruled years in Dubai, he moved back to Texas and retired happily in Spring, Texas until his death.

Carl was an avid Gardner and amazing cook. He was the life of any party and had many friends.

Carl was very active in his Masonic Lodge and received his 32nd Degree as well as hus Scotish Rite credentials. Carl was very active in fundraising for the Shriners.

Larger than life, Carl had a huge heart, was generous all his life and was a very loving tender man! He is very missed.

Left to grieve his absence is his only child, Kathleen Cawthon and her sons, his grandsons,James Carl Keliehor and John David Keliehor and his Nephew who was like a son to him, Dr. James C. "Jim" Curry.