Ethel McCarthy McLeod

Ethel M. McLeod departed from life on December 8, 2024.

Ethel was born to Marie and Walter McCarthy in Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 30, 1922. She met and married the love of her life, Robert (Don) McLeod in 1944 prior to his induction into the United States Navy. Following the war they lived in Dallas, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana before settling in Lubbock in 1949. Ethel worked as a court reporter at Reese Air Force Base and as a legal secretary for Service Title before she and Don purchased Stenocall in 1954. Don and Ethel added Lubbock Radio Paging Service to their company in 1959.

Ethel was active in civic and community affairs. She served as President of the Better Business Bureau and was their first woman president. For 32 years she served as Executive Director of the Lubbock-Crosby-Garza County Medical Society. She served on the Boards of Texas Commerce Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, and State National Bank. She was Chairman of St. Mary of the Plains Hospital (now Covenant Hospital) and following the merger of St. Mary’s and Methodist Hospital, she served on the Covenant Hospital board. She was Chairman of the Advisory Board of South Plains College and chairman of the President’s Council at Texas Tech University and the International Cultural Center. She was a member of the Athletic Council as well as a member of the Red Raider Club. She served as Secretary for many years to the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra and was the first woman to receive the Silver Medal from the Lubbock Advertising Club where she had served both as President and Secretary. As Chairman of the Advertising Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, her committee was responsible for the slogan “Lucky me, I live in Lubbock.” She also served as President of the International Association of Telephone Answering Services.

The College of Business at Texas Tech recognized Ethel as the Outstanding Entrepreneur. In 2010, she was recognized by the College of Human Sciences and awarded their Lifetime Distinguished Service Award. Ethel served as President of her National Association and was a leader in the industry. In December 2010, Ethel was awarded the “Friend of Medicine” award by the Lubbock-Crosby-Garza County Medical Society.

Ethel and late husband, Don, are remembered for their participation in community and civic affairs and the McLeods were responsible for the erection of the McLeod Tennis Facility at Texas Tech University, which is named for them.

Ethel was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years and is survived by Kathryn and Richard Hisaw of Dallas, Texas; Kelley and Jack Morawiec of San Antonio, Texas; and numerous other special nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Discretionary Fund at St. Paul’s on the Plains Episcopal Church, 1510 Ave X, Lubbock, TX 79401.

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