G. RONALD ALDIS (w∴m∴ 1981-1982)
(deceased)

Gilbert Ronald Aldis was born on October 12, 1931 in Houston, Texas. He was educated in the public school system of the city, graduating from John H. Reagan High School in 1950. After high school, he entered the United States Air Force, where he served until 1954, when he was discharged with the rank of Airman 1st Class.

After discharge, Brother Aldis continued his education at the University of Texas, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. During this period, he also took classes at Victoria College and the University of Houston.

He was employed as the Mental Health Coordinator at the Harris County Psychiatric Center.

As a young man, Brother Aldis was a member of the Order of DeMolay, having received the degrees in Reagan Chapter in February 1947. In Fall 1949, he served as that Chapter’s ninetyfourth Master Councilor. As an adult, he served as the Chapter Dad of Reagan Chapter, and was named as Chapter Dad of the Year in 1962. From 1983 to 1990. he was an Active Member of the International Supreme Council, having served the previous seven years as an Honorary member. Because of his devoted service to the Order of DeMolay, he was invested with the Degree of Chevalier in 1952, invested as a member of the Legion of Honor in 1958, and was awarded the Cross of Honor.

Brother Aldis received his degrees in Freemasonry from Reagan Lodge No. 1037. He was initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason on December 23, 1952; passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on February 7, 1953; and was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on March 28 of the same year. In October 1978, he affiliated as a dual member with Jacques DeMolay Lodge, and served as its twenty-second Worshipful Master for the masonic year 1981-1982. In 1983, he was appointed the Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Texas, and in 1985 served as the District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 30-E.

Brother Aldis was a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish of Freemasonry, having received his degrees from the Houston bodies in March, April and May 1963. He was also a life member of the Royal Order of the Duck. For his service and devotion to the Rite, including serving as General Secretary of the Houston bodies from 1969 to 1990, he was invested with the rank and decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 1969, and was coroneted an Inspector General Honorary of the Thirty-third Degree in 1973.

Brother Aldis passed away on February 12, 2008 at the age of seventy-six. He was laid to rest at Hollywood Cemetery. Masonic graveside services were performed under the auspices of Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 1390.