Dr. Nathan Cedars, a resident of Stephenville, Texas, since 1952, passed away at the age of 96. Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger of Beth-El Congregation in Ft. Worth officiated at services on Feb. 12, 2013.
Dr. Cedars was born April 26, 1916, in Brooklyn, NY. He completed his BA from Brooklyn College in 1939, followed by an MS from New York University.
He served in the US Army stateside.
He married Marie Meisel in 1943 in New York City.
Following the military, Dr. Cedars earned an MD from the University of Rochester in 1947 and completed his surgical residency at Ohio State University. He moved with his family to Stephenville in 1952.
A longtime associate of Stephenville Medical and Surgical Clinic, Dr. Cedars was a founder of H.O.P.E., a free medical clinic for the indigent. He continued treating patients at the clinic after his retirement in 1995.
Dr. Cedars professional accomplishments and service included Stephenville Man of the Year and Best Doctor Award, member and past president of the Tri-County Medical Society, member and chair of the council on Annual Sessions of the Texas Medical Assn., and chair of the Erath County Committee on Aging.
He served as team physician for both the Stephenville High School and Tarleton State University football teams, volunteered for the Boy Scouts of America, was Scout Master and Comanche Trail Council president, and a member and president of the Stephenville School Board.
Dr. Cedars and his wife were patrons of the arts at Tarleton State University.
Mrs. Cedars predeceased her husband.
Dr. Cedars community honors included the Texas Governors Volunteer Award, Brooklyn College Second Harvest Award and the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas Community Builder Award.
He traveled extensively and found joy in his family. He will be remembered for his warm smile, quick wit and commitment to helping others.
Dr. Cedars is survived by his five children, Dr. Chester (Kathryn) Cedars of Greenwood Village, Colo., Leonard (Susan) Cedars of Scottsdale, Ariz., Marjorie (Isaac Drucker) Pollack of Brooklyn, NY, Michael (Phyllis) Cedars of Orinda, Calif., and Marcelle (Anton Traub) Cedars of Tiburon, Calif.; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law Jacqueline Harmel and Bertha Santirocco.
Contributions may be made to the H.O.P.E. Clinic, 1617 E. Washington St., in Stephenville, TX 76401.
Copyright © 2013 by the Intermountain Jewish News
