Brownwood Educator and Arts Patron Edward Yantis Dies at 59

Yantis was a longtime teacher and technology director who supported local arts programs.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:51am

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Edward Henley Yantis, a 59-year-old educator and arts patron from Brownwood, Texas, passed away on March 20, 2026. Yantis had a 30-year career in education, including roles as a business manager, technology director, and classroom teacher at Early ISD and Brownwood ISD. He was also an avid supporter of the local arts scene, particularly the Brownwood Lyric Theatre, where he and his family established an endowment to support summer camps and programs.

Why it matters

Yantis' passing is a loss for the Brownwood community, where he was known as an influential educator and a dedicated advocate for the arts. His work in education and his family's endowment of the Brownwood Lyric Theatre have left a lasting impact on the region.

The details

Yantis was born in Brownwood in 1966 and graduated from Tarleton State University in 1990 with a degree in Business and Finance. He married Lorenna (Ren) Bird in 1990, and they had two daughters, Marjorie (Maggie) and Kathleen (Kate). Yantis spent 30 years in education, holding various roles at Early ISD and Brownwood ISD. He was also a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge, holding leadership positions in DeMolay, Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, Commandry, and Shriners.

  • Edward Henley Yantis passed away on March 20, 2026.
  • A Celebration of Life will be held on March 28, 2026 at 11:00 am at First Methodist Church in Brownwood.

The players

Edward Henley Yantis

A 59-year-old educator and arts patron from Brownwood, Texas, who had a 30-year career in education and was a dedicated supporter of the local arts scene, particularly the Brownwood Lyric Theatre.

Lorenna (Ren) Bird Yantis

Edward Yantis' wife of 36 years, with whom he had two daughters, Marjorie (Maggie) and Kathleen (Kate).

Brownwood Lyric Theatre

A local arts organization in Brownwood, Texas, that the Yantis family supported through the establishment of an endowment to fund summer camps and programs.

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What they’re saying

“Edward was a beloved educator and arts patron who made a lasting impact on the Brownwood community. He will be deeply missed.”

— Kathleen Brandon, Edward Yantis' sister

What’s next

The Yantis family is accepting donations to the Brownwood Lyric Theatre Yantis Family Endowment in Edward's memory.

The takeaway

Edward Yantis' dedication to education and the arts in Brownwood left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit the community for years to come.