Brownwood Educator and Arts Supporter Edward Yantis Dies at 59

Yantis was a longtime teacher and administrator who also championed local theater programs.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:28am

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Edward Henley Yantis, a 59-year-old educator and arts supporter 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 Brownwood Lyric Theatre, where he and his family established an endowment to support summer camps and programs.

Why it matters

Yantis' passing marks the loss of a beloved community member who dedicated his career to education and championed the arts in Brownwood. His work in local schools and involvement with the Lyric Theatre made him an influential figure, and his family's endowment will help ensure the theater's programs continue to thrive.

The details

Yantis was born in Brownwood in 1966 and graduated from Tarleton State University in 1990 with a business and finance degree. He married Lorenna "Ren" Bird in 1990, and they had two daughters, Marjorie and Kathleen. Yantis was active in Masonic organizations for 38 years and enjoyed hobbies like hunting, fishing, and playing trumpet. After retiring in 2023, he became more involved with the Brownwood Lyric Theatre, where his daughters participated in music and theater productions.

  • 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 supporter from Brownwood, Texas, who had a 30-year career in education and was an avid supporter of the local Brownwood Lyric Theatre.

Lorenna "Ren" Yantis

Yantis' wife of 36 years, with whom he had two daughters, Marjorie and Kathleen.

Brownwood Lyric Theatre

A local theater company in Brownwood, Texas, that Yantis and his family supported through an endowment to fund summer camps and programs.

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The takeaway

Edward Yantis' dedication to education and the arts left a lasting impact on the Brownwood community, and his family's endowment will help ensure the Lyric Theatre's programs continue to thrive in his memory.