Tributes

Dr. Clyde M. Gott, 95, well known educator, scholar, athlete, adored husband, father, and grandfather passed away December 5, 2007 at his home in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX. His wife of over 70 years, Louise Marie Kneuper Gott, and his son were at his side. He was born September 21, 1912, in Anahuac, TX, to James William Gott and Stella Palmer Gott who preceded him in death. Clyde grew up in the oil fields of East Texas and graduated from Hull-Daisetta High School. He quickly excelled as a scholar and an athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. He entered Southwest Texas State University on a football scholarship. Continuing to excel in athletics, he lettered every year in both football and basketball from 1931 through 1934. He was later inducted into the Southwest Texas University T Association Hall of Honor. After earning a Bachelor of Science at Southwest, he returned to coach and teach at Hull-Daisetta High School where an amazing high school record was compiled there. Dr. Gotts 1936 and 1937 football team went undefeated 11-0-0 and 12-0-0, respectively. In 1938, Clyde moved to coach and teach in Smithville, his successor Coach Bill Stages kept the Hull-Daisetta winning steak going in 1938 and 1939 to a grand total of 43 consecutive wins. After Smithville, his career took the following path: Vice Principal, Burbank High School, San Antonio; Vice Principal, Jefferson High School, San Antonio; Principal, Jefferson High School, San Antonio; Principal Jefferson High School, Port Arthur; and finally, Superintendent, Port Arthur Independent School District. In all, Clyde served as an educator for nearly five decades before retiring to Fair Oak Ranch. During his transition Dr. Gott also completed a Master of Arts and an Education Doctorate at University of Texas, Austin. As a Superintendent, he was listed in Whos Who in the Southwest and South, Whos Who in Texas Today and Community Leaders of America. During his long education career, he belonged and participated in many professional organizations such as Phi Delta Kappa President; Texas State Teachers Association President of Alamo District San Antonio and District 5; Port Arthur YMCA President of Board of Directors; Port Arthur Lions Club President; and Port Arthur Shrine Club Mason. He was also a professional referee for football and basketball, officiating at the high school, college and professional levels. In 1982 he became a member of University United Methodist Church and served on various boards and was a Sunday school teacher until approximately 2002. Dr. Gott was described by his peers and employees as an energetic, resourceful, hardworking man who spent 50-80 hours a week on the job often drinking a Coke for lunch. He was also described as extremely loyal and supportive of his employees. Those who worked for him as a Superintendent said he was a professional who has the strength to make recommendations even if they were unpopular. He was extremely honest and takes responsibility for what happens. Dr. Gott is survived by his wife, Louise M. Gott; son, Deene Gott and wife, Ruth; sisters, Edith Gott White, Mary Ruth Gott Reese; granddaughters, Kim Gott Judin and husband, Hank; Kay Gott Weatherford and husband, Mark; and great granddaughter, Grace Evelyn Judin. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bevil Gott, E.B. Gott and Harley Gott. Dr. Gotts family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to Mrs. Maria Espino for always being there for Clyde in his time of need and to the staff of Vital Hospice for the care they provided.

Tributes

Dr. Clyde Morris Gott

September 21, 1912 - December 5, 2007