Miles Capehart of Whitesboro entered into eternal life on Saturday, August 29, 2020. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro, officiated by Pastor Mike Flanagan. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro. A time of visitation for friends and family will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
Miles was born December 25, 1928 in Whitesboro to Jack and Hazel Lewis Capehart. He graduated from Whitesboro High School and North Texas State College (UNT in Denton). Miles married Betty Elaine Brown on December 22, 1967. He worked on a seismograph crew in Grayson County in the early 1950’s as well as working at the City of Whitesboro power plant. In 1955 Mr. Capehart began teaching Industrial Arts at Whitesboro High School. His teaching career of 32 years included classes in woodworking, drafting/mechanical drawing, electricity and aviation and World History. A man of many talents, Miles was a master craftsman who was always building things that included go carts, hot rod, sailboat, motor boat, two homebuilt airplanes and numerous items of woodworking projects to inspire his students. Having been raised in the Post- Depression era, he inherited the motto of his parents to “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” Therefore, he became the ultimate “fix-it” man who loved the challenge to work on anything, especially with a motor or moving parts. Miles was a member of the First Baptist Church of Whitesboro.
Following his retirement from the classroom, he enjoyed building black powder muzzle loading rifles, and built a scaled down version of a Civil War cannon. Building and flying model airplanes was another challenge and most recently he enjoyed HO scale model railroads as he constructed the buildings and scenery to create a realistic layout of a small city that featured a replica of Whitesboro’s former depot.
Miles is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty Elaine Brown Capehart; daughter Crystal Barnes and her husband, Vito; 3 grandchildren, Caleigh, Harlee and Jackson Barnes all of Whitesboro and cousin Sherrill Simpson Murray of Kingfisher, OK.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jackie Capehart.
If desired, donations may be made to Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke and Fannin Counties, 316 S. Chestnut, Gainesville, TX 76240; First Baptist Church Kingdom Mission Fund, 124 Center St, Whitesboro, TX 76273; or the Whitesboro Alumni Association, PO Box 949, Whitesboro, TX 76273 for graduating senior scholarships.
In support of our local, state, and federal government including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, social distancing and the wearing of masks while attending the funeral services and visitation will be observed.
Miles & Betty:
Miles, you were a great mentor to me as it pertains to fixing things. You set a very high standard for being able to fix anything and I admired you for that ability. In fact, I have spent much of my life mimicking your ability. You found Betty after our paths diverged in the late1950s and then later you found Jesus. Because of that, I look forward to seeing you again someday. I’m blessed to have known you!
Quiet a man at making things. While a teacher at Whitesboro High, he outdid everyone at the 1962 Western Day event. He made his own buckskin shirt with fringe, trousers, a coon-skin cap, moccasins, powder horn and probably the flintlock rifle he carried. He was an original Davy Crockett that day. He was always demonstrating his remarkable talents and they were many. Remember the “little green man”? Another of his creations. RIP Mr. C.
This man was an amazing MAN ! What he could do with his hands was second to none . I’m proud to have had you in my life ! R.I.P. Mr. Capehart . Until we meet again
Miles made another all
Leather period dress of a mountain man when he was building muzzleloaders and black powder rifles for a while after he retired. He even built and decorated a tepee. It was quite impressive.
Prayers to the family. I enjoyed having Mr. Capehart as a teacher.
Miles was one of a kind. He was my high school world history teacher, and later, I was blessed to teach in Whitesboro while Miles was still teaching. Oh, the stories he could tell, and when Crystal was born, his stories showed the love he had for her and Betty. I’ll never forget the day he told us that he just didn’t know what else he could do. Crystal was five, and he would bring her to the parking lot behind the old football stadium and let her drive his Bug. Since she could drive at five, he just couldn’t think of anything to top that. Such an amazing man who will be missed by many.
Betty Elaine and Crystal,
Miles was true son of Whitesboro and a treasure to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a delightful teacher, a historian of not only World History but of Whitesboro lore to thousands of students. His curious and inventive mind, his dry wit and his gentle, kind demeanor will be his legacy. I feel honored to have spent time with your family and enjoyed a fellowship as adults. One of my prize possessions is a dulcimer made by Miles from an airplane propeller. It is one of a kind as was he. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fred and I have so many memories of “Mr. C” from our high school days. His name has been in many stories we have shared with friends as we have moved over these 50+ years. Folks always said they wished the had had a man like him in their school years. We were blessed to have him share his life and experience with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family and friends. A life well lived and loved
Mr Capehart touched so many lives in the classroom at WHS including mine. He made history interesting by adding stories and humor. I enjoyed him so much. He will be remembered as one of the best.
Betty, my deepest sympathy to you and Crystal and your family. You will be in my prayers and hugs until I can see you again.
Betty, our heart aches for you and your family today in the loss of your dear Christian husband, Miles. ??
God is your refuge and strength and will surround you with His loving presence.
Love, hugs and prayers for you and your family. ???????
Hugs and prayers I’m thinking about y’all. I’m so sorry.
Betty Elaine, our hearts go out to you and your family. Love from your cousins, Peggy & Ron Bailey. Pensacola, FL
What a wonderful man! So sorry for your loss. Praying for Mrs. Capehart and Crystal and her family.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family. He was a wonderful man.
My condolences to Betty and family over the loss of Miles. It’s been awhile since we’ve spoken, but I remember years and years ago we all had nice day trips to the mountains and some black powder meets! God be with you especially during this grief
Good man with a talent for constructing young hands and minds. He was solid as oak and will be remembered as making a big difference in the youth of Whitesboro!
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers James and I love you and Miles and your family . We have a lot of good memories that we will always cherish . With our love , James and Mary Nell
We love you Betty, Crystal & family -What a wonderful human. Touched so many lives! I’m for you He meant a lot to our family. My brother just told me a story about him Several months ago. We love you – Brenda & Chris, Stacey & Aaron
Betty, Our prayers are for your comfort as you remember the blessings Miles was in your life, what a wonderful, talented man He was. I pray Gods peace for you.
J.D. and I are so very sorry for your loss. May he rest in piece.
A one of a kind teacher! I remember in one of his classes, I don’t remember which one, I mentioned a hand pump sucking water from a well. Mr. Capehart spent the better part of the rest of the class explaining how the hand pump created a vacuum and the atmospheric pressure forced the water in the well up the pipe into the pump. That was over 60 years ago and I have always remembered that about the guy. RIP.
Betty I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. Try and find peace in knowing others care
Betty and family, I am so sad for your loss. My husband, Loyd, told many stories of Miles, especially during his high school days. Maybe they will meet again now in heaven. Please be comforted by the fact that he influenced so many people.
I had Miles in woodworking class. He was probably the most impressive teacher that I had in school. He always had something interesting going on in class.
Betty our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. Miles will be missed by all. May God bless and comfort you. Dr. and Mrs. David Bertino
Betty, my prayers are with you and the family in this time of loss and sorrow.
He is in a better place now. May God comfort you, Deloris Bertino
Betty and family, our prayers are with you in this time of your sorrow and lost.
Miles will be missed but take comfort that he is in a better place. May the good Lord continue to comfort you and yours. Dr. and Mrs. David Bertino
Betty, Crystal, and family. What an amazing man we had the privilege to know! I will always remember him as being kind and gentle, and always giving tips on fixing things. You are in our prayers.
Lynda and I were saddened to learn of Miles’ passing. As every one knew, he was without doubt, one of the most talented individuals. However; during our time with WHS, he was a valued friend. We have many great memories of late night fish fries at our home. Myles provided the fish; Lynda did the cooking and I enjoyed their talents. We spent many nights in the backyard of Mr. Estes’s rent house watching the Sputnic go over. Teachers pay entertainment. But mostly, we value the memories of the friendship. Betty, you and your family are in our prayers.
Miles was special. And unique. He and my brother George were great friends so I grew up hearing Miles Capehart stories. Some of his work that I saw included a diving belI, snow sculptures and a combination of a soda straw, kitchen match and firecracker that could be thrown a distance. The firecracker would go off when it landed on concrete. Oh, I loved that.
I took a history class from him but not a shop class. After hearing the stories and seeing some of his work. I didn’t think I could preform at the level I thought expected. My loss.
Such creativity combined with the talents to give it expression! I cannot think of another individual that I have known with that combination. He was a splendid man, one who added richness to life.
What fond memories I have of Mr. Capehart in shop class and in World History.
Praying for the family.
When you think
of Miles,
remember your
Love of God and His Word had its source
in your loving marriage.
May that source
be inner strength
to know there’s a loving God
watching over you,
and that, throughout
this time of need,
He’ll stay close by your side.
Dear Betty, Crystal and family,
I just learned of Miles’ passing today. I am so sorry and know that he will be missed. BLESSINGS TO YOU, CRYSTAL AND ALL OF YOUR FAMILY AS YOU ADJUST TO THIS LOSS, Blessings,Helen Hayes
I am so very sorry. I know he was loved and will be missed!
Mr. Capehart was truly a special teacher and person. He and my dad were kindred spirits that doubtless would have grown close had we lived in Whitesboro longer. Probably the most valuable skill I learned in his classes was mechanical drawing. Of course, like everyone else, I was in total awe of his own projects – the gunstocks and crossbows, especially. Betty, Nancy and I send our love and heartfelt condolences to you and your loved ones. We’ll all catch up with Miles on the other side and have a great reunion.
To all your family I am sorry for your personal loss. I praise our great God that Miles was a godly man who cherished his family and students and friends. He will live on the hearts of many who were blessed to know him. He was so kind and multi-talented and I am thankful to have known him.
Martha Hood Gessick a 1960 WHS graduate
I’ll always remember Mr. Capehart for the Little Green Man creature he and Kenneth Wheeler had crossing country roads at night just beyond the headlight beam. Only Miles would think of something light that. He was a mighty good man.
Because Sherrill and I were best friends in school and she was Miles’ cousin, I reaped the best benefits of his talents, jokes, tricks, knowledge and friendship first hand. I will always remember the igloo we made on the football field one year that we had a big snow. It was authentic and we could go inside of it. What a treat that was! Miles was a blessing to all that were fortunate to cross his path. He will be missed, but remembered by so many of us that loved him. My prayers for all of his beautiful family!
Sending sympathy to you all from the children of O.B. (Buddy) Randles, Jr., and wife Dorothy (both deceased).
Oldest Son, O.B. (Benny) Randles, III, and wife Bridget, Pottsboro, Texas, and
Son, Randy Randles, and wife Tammy, Pottsboro, Texas, and
Daughter, Tracy Randles-Orrick, Sherman, Texas.
I had a great visit with Sherrill at Betsy Lydes’ (also from Whitesboro who was my next door neighbor in Sherman) funeral several years ago. Following our visit Sherrill mailed me a copy of his book. I was able to share Sherrill’s book with Janie Whitten (also from Whitesboro) prior to her death.
Through the years of stories shared the talents, jokes, tricks, knowledge and friendships were very evident in all of the cousins.
Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.