George Alcorn ’53, former Tau Trustee and Tau Man of the Year (2009), passed away on October 10 at age 85.
“George was a class act in every respect,” said Tau brother and lifelong friend Mac Thompson ’54. “He was in a league with Frank Erwin, Dan Burck and Denton Cooley. Always the consummate gentleman and soft-spoken leader, he was a cut above the rest and a Kappa Sig every day of his life.”
Mr. Alcorn served as president of Alcorn Exploration, Inc., an oil and natural gas exploration and production company, was past chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, and a founding member and past chairman of the Natural Gas Council. In 1997, he was awarded his industry’s highest honor, the Chief Roughneck Award.
A visionary, decisive leader, and diplomatic negotiator, George personified the best qualities of a successful independent Texas oilman. He also generously shared his time, talents and resources to help make the Tau Chapter one of the finest Kappa Sigma Chapters in the nation. He served as co-chairman of the Tau 125 Campaign, the capital campaign that funded construction of the Kappa Sigma Lodge, and was presented the John G. Tower Award by the Supreme Executive Committee of Kappa Sigma Fraternity in 2009.
“George was uniquely the ‘multigenerational Tau Kappa Sigma,’ loved by all ages,” said Joe Bailey ’73. “He touched all of us with his soft, yet stern voice of wisdom, speaking only after he so patiently listened. Tau Chapter would not be where it is today without his timely leadership, support, and the Alcorn spirit he brought with him. We will miss him.”
He is survived by his wife, Libby, four sons, all Tau Chapter Kappa Sigs, and one daughter.
Tau brothers and friends are invited to join the Alcorn family to honor his memory this Sunday, October 15, at 5 P.M. at the Houston Country Club, 1 Potomac Drive in Houston.
The memorial service is scheduled for Monday, October 16, at 2 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street in Houston.
