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Captain Karl Fanning
1944-2007
It is with
great sadness that we must report the death of Captain Karl
Fanning. Captain Fanning died in his sleep on Sunday,
May 20, 2007.
A visitation
and vigil were held on Thursday, May 24, 2007 at Malloy and
Sons in Galveston. The funeral mass was held on Friday,
May 25, 2007. Two of his recent students served a
pallbearers. A copy of the Eulogy is available
here.
Captain Fanning earned his
bachelor's of science degree in 1967 and a master's of arts
degree in 1977, both from Texas A&M University. He held
a United States Coast Guard License - Master, Steam and Motor
Vessels, Any Gross Tons, Ocean.
For more than 30 years, Captain
Fanning served aboard U.S. Merchant vessels and school ships
as Cadet, 3rd Mate, 2nd Mate, Training Officer, Chief Mate,
and Master Mariner. He sailed with Lykes Brothers S.S.
Company Incorporated from 1967 to 1995. He was an
assistant professor at Texas A&M University in Galveston from
1970 to 1975. He retired from the sea in 1995, from real
estate in 2000, and from ranching in 2001. After he
returned to Texas from Colorado, he took hi post as senior
lecturer in Maritime Administration at Texas A&M University at
Galveston.
Captain Fanning was well
respected by his colleagues and students. To show their
respect, he was nominated by his peers to receive the William
Paul Ricker Distinguished Faculty Award. Captain Fanning
accepted that award on Saturday, May 12, 2007 to the applause
of his family, students, and colleagues.
Captain Fanning and Dr. William
McMullen spoke about that honor, "I know that gave him the
greatest pleasure. We talked about it during the week
and reminisced a bit about the early days of the Academy.
I can tell you all that, apart from his family, the things
that were closest to his heart were those associated with the
Academy, his former and present students and Texas A&M
University at Galveston." The many nominations for the
award described his passion, care, knowledge, effectiveness,
and dedication. His unique gifts will be missed.
He is survived by his wife Judy;
daughters Leslie and Antoinette "Toni"; sons Trevor and
Travis; and his grandchildren. |
