Albert S. Agnor Sr. passed away October 8, 2013, in Shreveport, LA. He was born in Marshall Nov. 12, 1925 to Harry S. Agnor Sr. and Dee Patillo Agnor, one of 6 children. He graduated from MHS in May 1943. He enrolled in Texas A&M University in College Station in May 1943. His college career was interrupted when he was called on to fight on behalf of his nation in "the big war". He was drafted into the U.S. Navy in May 1944 at the age of 18. After training he finished his military service on board the minesweeping ship U.S.S. Facility, where he spent 18 months of his life, experienced the bombing of Nagasaki, and the end of World War II. He was honorably discharged May 20, 1945. Agnor was 21 years old when he returned from the war.

After the war Albert returned to Texas A&M to continue his studies, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950. By his side was his young bride. Albert married the love of his life Elizabeth Ann Morris March 28, 1948.
The couple returned to Marshall where Mr. Agnor worked for SWEPCO for many years. They purchased Millstone Farm east of Marshall in 1952. Over the years they raised turkeys, chickens, cows and always had horses.

In 1962 Mr. Agnor started Farm City Week, which has become an annual tradition in our community. In 1970, he organized the Marshall Ambassador's Club. He was involved with the Agriculture Committee, 4-H, and Future Farmers of America.
In 1968 Albert left SWEPCO and became an Insurance Agent, starting by selling life Insurance and gradually building a full service agency which his son Stuart joined in 1977, and still owns, Agnor Insurance Agency in downtown Marshall.
As a sideline, Albert enjoyed cooking. He dabbled in chili cook-offs until his chili recipe was the winner of the "World Championship Chili Cook-off" in Terlingua, Texas in 1976. This was one of several wins, and led him to start a family –run business selling dried mixes and seasonings, named The Chili House, the same name as the restaurant he opened with his family in 1978 in the Ginocchio Hotel. His chili recipe, passed down from his mother, was featured in Southern Living, and Albert Agnor's Championship Chili inspired the Texas Legislature to declare Chili the "Official Dish of Texas" in 1977. To commemorate this, he cooked chili for the State Legislature on the steps of the State Capital, proudly displaying a very large Texas A&M banner beside his chili-wagon.

For 66 years he shared his life with his beloved wife Elizabeth, his partner through many years of supporting his second love, Texas A&M University. Together they attended almost every home football game, as well as many baseball, softball and basketball games. He was always quick to help any young student interested in attending Texas A&M, by making phone calls, counseling and advising future Aggies, or by doing whatever it took.

Albert is survived by his wife of 66 years Elizabeth Agnor, his son Stuart Agnor, '76, daughter Dottiedee Agnor, '80, daughter-in-law Patti Furrh Agnor, '80, and four grandchildren: Cally Elizabeth Agnor of Marshall, Alex Anne Agnor of Dallas, Albert S. Agnor III of Houston, '12, and Andee B. Agnor, set to graduate from Texas A&M in Dec. 2013.

Friends and Family are invited to attend Mr. Agnor's graveside service at Millstone Farm and, as he wished, a "tailgate" celebration in his honor, at Millstone Farm at 3:00 pm Saturday. Burial will be in the Agnor Family Cemetery. Dress is casual. A viewing will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, October 11, 2013, at Downs Funeral Home in Marshall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to Harrison County A&M Club, P.O. Box 1204, Marshall, TX 75671, or to Harrison County A&M Mother's Club, P. O. Box 1204, Marshall, TX 75671.

(This obituary appears here with the permission of the Agnor family.)