LONE STAR STATE QUES

Hall of Fame Inductees

The Lone Star State Ques (LSSQ) Hall of Fame Award is dedicated to honoring Omega men in the state of Texas who have demonstrated sustained, exceptional service to both the fraternity and the community. Each year, up to four distinguished brothers are inducted into the Hall of Fame, celebrating their remarkable contributions and dedication to the ideals of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and LSSQ.

LSSQ Hall of Fame Committee

The committee is responsible for managing the Hall of Fame award process, including setting and enforcing deadlines for submissions. The committee meets annually to review nominations and select inductees.

Anthony Ford

Chairman

Terry Forrest

Co-Chairman

Frederic Mears

Bertrand Simmons

Lone Star State Ques (LSSQ) Hall of Fame Inductees

2017

Bro. Warren Lee

was initiated into Eta Theta Chapter in Fall of 1971 and has 46 years of sustained membership and leadership to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he has served as International Undergraduate Representative, 23 rd Second Grand Basileus, Grand Keeper of Finance, First Grand Basileus, and 38 th Grand Basileus from 2006-2020. A member of Theta Alpha Chapter in Dallas, TX, Bro. Lee provides dedicated service to his chapter, community, church, and family

Bro. Albert Benifield

was initiated into Nu Epsilon Chapter in 1976 and is currently a member of Rho Beta Beta Chapter. Through his efforts with the American Diabetes Walk the fraternity has awarded significant financial and volunteer contributions. He is the Immediate Past President of the Space City Quest Non-Profit Organization, Immediate Past President of the Ronald E. McNair Omega Scholarship Fund (which has awarded over $50,000 during the last 4 years), and the Immediate Past President of the Houston Alumni Chapter of Alabama A&M University. Bro. Benifield was instrumental in the establishing the Texas Omega License Plates Program; this effort has donated over $48,000 to Texas Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Bro. James E. Doss

is a charter member of Rho Gamma Chapter at Stillman College in Fall of 1962, a charter member of Rho Nu Chapter in 1971, a charter member of Rho Xi Chapter in 1977, and instrumental in chartering Nu Delta Delta at Texas A&M in 1991. He was a pillar in Southern Brazonia County Community, organizing Juneteenth Celebrations, Blood Drive, School Supply Drives, Thanksgiving baskets, and so much more. His passion was for the local, district and national Omega Talent Hunts, pushing talented students to strive to achieve their dreams.

Bro. Willie F. Hinchen

entered into the annals of Omega by way of Phi Beta Chapter at Jarvis Christian College in Spring of 1972. He served as the Lone Star State Ques President for 4 terms and still a loyal and dedicated supporter. Bro. Hinchen assisted with establishing partnerships with the Hawkins ISD to provide school supplies, holiday baskets and Christmas toys for families and the senior home to assist the residents’ day-to-day living activities and providing some toiletries to the residents. He has chaired the mandated High School Essay Contest to provide scholarship opportunities to Hawkings High School students. He was the 21 st 9 th District Representative and served on numerous International Committees.

Bro. Steven Braimer

was initiated into Psi Alpha Chapter (Alamo City Ques) in 1977. He served as the 1 st President of the Lone Star State Ques and served in that capacity for 3 terms. He has served as the KRS, Vice-Basileus, and Basileus. He was twice honored as the chapter’s Omega Man of the Year and is a recipient of the 9 th District’s Superior Service Award. Bro. Braimer served 5 years at the 9 th District Keeper of Finance and two years as 1 st Vice District Representative. As Chairman of the International History and Archives Committee, he initiated the process of identifying which records and artifacts were housed at IHQ and established effective means of their retrieval and preservation. He is the treasurer and trustee for the Mt. Zion First Baptist Church in San Antonio.

2018

Bro. Wendle Van Smith

was initiated into the Beta Epsilon Chapter in the Spring of !(&%> He received the Shelly Stewart Award from the Houston Coalition in 1991 and 1992 and received several Omega Man of the Year awards within the Rho Xi Chapter. He worked as the Ninth District Representative, 1 st Vice District Representative and District Counselor was impactful and supportive to the LSSQ. His international contributions where he served as Chairman of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, a Supreme Council Member, and Chairman of the Grand Tribunal. He served as an elder at Westbury Church of Christ in Houston, Texas

Bro. Dr. Kenneth Terrell

was initiated into Lambda Alpha Chapter in the Spring of 1983. He served as Omicron Gamma Gamma Basileus, First Vice Basileus and Keeper of Finance. He is currently the Mighty Ninth District Representative who has reactivated a number of chapters such as Mu Mu Nu (Graduate Chapter, Houston TX) and Mu Gamma (old Bishop College). He served as the LSSQ President for two terms where is worked and pushed the efforts to implement scholarship awards through the state license plate program. He is a member of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship where he serves as a leader of the Kingdom Men’s Group.

Bro. John Cooper

was initiated at Beta Theta Chapter in the Fall of 1971. His contributions ranged from his service as the 9 th District Southwest Region MSP Chairman. His service as the Vice Basileus and Basileus of Psi Alpha Chapter, He spearheaded a Quality Assurance Evaluation for all mandated programs and committees that launched swift strategic planning and best practices to build solid foundations for future chapter success. Bro. Cooper is an active member of West End Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas Trustee and Assistance Treasurer/Finance Ministry. Bro. Cooper served in several positions within the Lone Star State Ques organization (President/Secretary) which focused on continuing education and training to the brotherhood of members graduate and undergraduate Texas chapters to become future leaders within Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.,

2019

Bro. Donald “Teflon” Davis

was initiated into Pi Kappa Chapter in 1976 on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is currently a member of Omicron Gamma Gamma Chapter in Grand Prairie, Texas. Brother “Teflon” Don Davis was the 19th Ninth District Representative from 2002 – 2004, and the Ninth District Keeper of Records & Seal from 1999- 2002. Brother “Teflon” has found a great sense of joy by giving back as a Mentor at an After School Program at the Mesquite, Texas Boys and Girls Club, and also mentoring at his Chapter’s After School Program in Grand Prairie, Texas. As Life Member #4587, Brother “Teflon” has received his Chapter’s Lifetime Achievement Award and several Unsung Hero Awards during his fraternity tenure. Faith is paramount and impacts every area in Brother Teflon’s life, and he is a committed member of Concord Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.

Bro. Anthony Whitaker

was initiated into the Theta Theta Chapter in 1989 on the campus of East Texas State University and is International Life Member #4749. Brother Whitaker is a dual member in the Delta Xi Chapter of Greenville, Texas and the Eta Lambda Lambda Chapter of Red Oak, Texas. Brother Whitaker serves as the Ninth District Membership Selection Process Chairman. He has also previously served as the North Texas MSP Chairman and the North Texas Area State Representative. In 2016 and 2018 Brother Whitaker won the Brother James L. Wise State Representative of the Year for his outstanding leadership and service to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex as a State Representative. As an Undergraduate, Brother Whitaker was a registered attendee at the 1st Lone Star State Ques meeting.

2020

Bro. Raymond “Raybo” Bourgeois (LM

(LM #1591), a native Houstonian, was elected the youngest Basileus of Nu Phi Chapter (Founded 1926), proudly serving 7 consecutive terms. For over 39 years, Raymond has served as advisor and trainer to 9 th District State Representatives and Brothers to recruit members into the Fraternity. As the Ninth District’s MSP trainer, his vital input was utilized on the National level to initiate progressive changes to the Selection and Education, Intake, and M.S.P. Programs. He has been a recipient of numerous Chapter, District, and National awards: The Founders Award, Most Spirited Award, Citizen of the Year, the prestigious Houston Area Coalition Shelly Stewart Award, along with the Ninth District’s Omega Man of the Year Award, and Grand Basileus Award. Founder of Eta Mu Chapter, Sam Houston State in Huntsville, Texas, Mu Delta Delta Chapter, Texas A&M Austin, Texas and Co- Founder of the Houston Coalition of Chapters, Raymond has served as advisor to numerous undergraduate Chapters in the Houston area.

Bro. Hendricks Cunningham (Posthumous)

was initiated into Epsilon Alpha Chapter in September of 1975 and was active until he entered into Omega Chapter in 2015. He served as the North Texas State Representative and Intake Chair for over 25 years. Bro. Cunningham was active in Lone Star State Ques from its inception, attending most meetings until his health diminished. He was active in Fort Worth ISD and enjoyed mentoring young men at the local elementary school. He registered and attended every Leadership Conference and Grand Conclave since 1975.

Bro. Anthony Ford

was initiated into Gamma Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. on July 25, 1980, and has been an active and financial member since his initiation. Bro. Ford has served as Chapter KRS, Vice Basileus, and Basileus. He has chaired and served on several chapter committees. He was voted Chapter Omega Man of the Year on 6 different occasions. Bro. Ford served as the District Marshall and as a member of the District Election Committee. He is a Deacon at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, where he also serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee. Bro. Ford served on the American Little League Board of Directors and is President of South Texas Football Officials Association. Bro. Ford was selected twice as Citgo Refinery Community Volunteer of the Year and was recognized by NAACP for his work in the community. He served two (2) terms as Vice President and two (2) terms as President of LSSQ.

Bro. Rodney Johnson

was initiated into Beta Sigma Chapter (Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA) in 1976. As a member of Omicron Gamma Gamma he helped to create the Bridge Builders Program which empowered young African American males to achieve their goals through mentorship. The program’s aim is to improve self-esteem, social competence and avoid high-risk behaviors by providing relationships with caring, professional adults who work to help them reach their full potential. Bro. Johnson has been selected as Omega Man of the Year and received the Founder’s Award and Basileus Awards. Bro. Johnson served on the Board of the YMCA in Arlington for several years, where he mentored young students. He was key in the development of the Omicron Gamma Gamma Omega Gents and S.T.E.M. Programs. He served as the 2015 District Marshal for the Mighty 9th District meeting and

Bro. Herbert Charles Nance, Sr.

was initiated into Alpha Psi Chapter (Huston-Tillotson, Austin, TX) in 1968. He joined Psi Alpha in 1976 and has served on multiple committees including Constitution and By-Laws, Nominations and Elections, Christmas Ball, Hospitality, Social Action, Scholarship, and Achievement Week. Bro. Nance has served as Basileus, Vice Basileus, Chaplain, and Assistant Chaplain. Bro Nance is founding member of the Lone Star State Ques and served multiple times as chaplain. He served as Assistant 9 th District Chaplain from 1992 -94 and District Chaplain from 1994 -2004. Bro. Nance was instrumental in initiating the 9 th District Prayer Breakfast. His Awards include Chapter Superior Service Award, Life-time Achievement Award, Basileus Award, 9 th District Superior Service Award, 9 th District Dedication and Outstanding Service Award, 9 th District Appreciation Service Award, and 9 th District Superior Service Award.

2021

Bro. Dr. Charles A. Christopher, Sr., MD

was initiated into Alpha Psi Chapter (Huston- Tillotson, Austin, TX) in 1962. Brother Christopher has been a financial member of Epsilon Iota since 1984 and has served as Vice Basileus and Basileus of the chapter. Bro. Christopher founded and organized the Ronald E. McNair Golf Tournament, an entity used to provide assistance to students at local HBCU, Huston-Tillotson University. He has served as Secretary for the Epsilon Iota Foundation since its inception. He served as 9 th District Marshal for the 1990 meeting in Austin, Texas where he was elected as the 14th Ninth District Representative and served 3 consecutive terms. Bro. Christopher was sitting as District Representative when the concept of LSSQ’s was presented to Executive Committee for approval and currently serves as Parliamentarian for the group. He was appointed Omega Surgeon General under administrations of 37th and 38th Grand Basilei and served as Special Assistant for Executive Director, Brother Kenneth Barnes. He is a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and serves as Co-chair of the church’s Board of Trustees. He is a long-time member of the choir at his church and serves the congregation as a lay minister.

2022

Bro. Carl “JJ” Johnson (Posthumous)

was initiated into Psi Alpha Chapter in April 1996. Bro. Johnson was an International Life Member and was appointed the International Headquarters (IHQ) Chief of Protocol by the 37 th  Grand Basileus for his outstanding leadership qualities, demonstrated expertise and passion for good order and discipline. He served as the District Protocol Officer and attended all LSSQ state meetings. He provided sustained Texas protocol initiatives by volunteering to train and mentor all LSSQ Executive Teams during his tenure as Chief Protocol. He served as a key member of Psi Alpha Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors in developing scholarship fundraising incentives exceeding $25K in donations to help aspiring college bound students. He was an active member of Second Baptist Church and the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers (BCBS) for over 26 years maintaining engagement in church and BCBS community service projects and programs.

2023

Bro. Dr. Dyrren D. Davis

was initiated into Theta Sigma Chapter (Dillard University) in 1978. Through his advisement and mentorship, Mu Mu Nu Chapter was chartered in 2016 where he became a charter member. He also developed and implemented the Rho Beta Beta Chapter’s Life Membership Program and became Life Member #1 at the Rho Beta Beta Chapter. Bro. Davis is a dual financial member Mu Mu Nu Chapter, and the Rho Beta Beta Chapter where he has led numerous committees and served as KRS and Basileus. Because of his strong leadership abilities, Bro. Davis been awarded several Omega Man of the Year, Founders and Superior Service Awards. Through his community outreach efforts and entrepreneurship in the Healthcare Management Service industry, he was recognized by the Texas Department of Health & Human Services for his outstanding service. As the LSSQ President from 1999-2000, the organization successfully endorsed and supported candidates for International office from Texas. He also helped propelled the LSSQ support behind the 9 th District Life Membership Program. After serving several years in committee roles on the International and 9 th District levels as the International Reclamation Committee Chairman and the 9th District Reclamation Chairman, Bro. Davis was appointed to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Federal Credit Union (OPPFFCU) Board of Directors. Serving as the Marketing Committee Chairman, his efforts have led to a 40% increase in OPPFFCU Membership.

Bro. Glen “Rock” Gowans

was initiated into Phi Gamma Chapter (University of North Texas) in 1978. In 2008, he became a charter member and the first Basileus of the Eta Mu Mu Chapter in Denton, TX. Bro. Gowans has earned multiple chapter awards; Omega Man of the Year, Founders Lifetime Achievement Award, and Superior Service Award. Bro. Gowans continues to work hard for Omega on all levels as he serves as the North Texas Region Membership Selection Process Chairman, and was responsible for reclaiming (24) brothers in 2021 to help support the overall growth of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Bro. Gowans has served the local community by not only doing community service events with his local chapter, but also by serving the community as a Lake Dallas School Board member. He served on the school board for 15 years. He actively participates in the chapter’s mentoring program, Omega Seeds. Bro. Gowans is highly active within his church, the Historic Saint Emmanuel Baptist Church in Denton, TX where he serves as Treasurer on the Usher Board, Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Superintendent, and active within the Men's ministry (Men That Matters). Bro. Gowans also serves as the Chair for the Southeast Denton Usher Scholarship committee where they have provided over $75,000 in scholarships to the Denton community.

Bro. John Captain (Posthumous)

was initiated into the Phi Gamma Chapter (University of North Texas) in 1970. He returned to the Houston area and served as KRS of Nu Phi for three terms, Basileus, Housing Committee member and the South Texas Membership Chairman. As Chairman, Bro. Captain was instrumental for the establishment of the following chapters: Rho Xi - Freeport, TX; Rho Beta Beta - Houston, TX; Nu Delta Delta - College Station, TX - Texas A&M University; Eta Mu - Huntsville, TX - Sam Houston State University. Bro. Captain was the recipient of Nu Phi’s Omega Man of the Year (2x), Superior Service Award, Houston Coalition Award, and the Chapter Bridge Builder Award. Bro. Captain was a part of the LSSQ organization since the inception. He served on the 9 th District and International Credentialing Committee for over 20 years. Bro. Captain served as Omega’s representative to the UNCF Annual telethon, and as the First Chairman for the UNCF Walk for Greater Houston. Through his work on the fraternity’s international level, Bro. Captain provided training to brothers across the country in the numerous Membership programs of Omega: Lampados, Selection and Education, Intake, and the Membership Selection Process. Bro. Captain was highly respected among District Representatives and past Grand Basilei, as he was appointed to Special Projects by the 38 th Grand Basileus; Bro. Warren G. Lee, Jr.