Wilma Loader

Wilma Chaffin Loader, 100, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Lampasas on June 10, 2026.

Funeral services for Mrs. Loader will be held July 10, 2026 at 12:00 pm at the Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas, with Rev. Rick Willis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, Texas.  Preceding the funeral service, the family will be hosting a visitation at 11:00 am at the Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas.

Wilma Lena Chaffin was born May 20,1926 in Bosque County, the daughter of Lee and Irene Sparks Chaffin.

After graduating from Iredell Schools in 1944, Wilma attended John Tarleton Agricultural College at Stephenville. She then attended North Texas State Teacher's College in Denton where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree.

In 1946, she married Byron Loader, her high school sweetheart, with whom she spent two Army overseas tours of duty in Austria (1946-1949) and Germany (1951-1954). Upon returning from Europe in 1954, they lived in Norfolk, Virginia until relocating to El Paso, Texas in 1957.

Mrs. Loader taught three years in the Iredell Public Schools and 25 years in the El Paso School District. During her years in El Paso, she earned many honorary awards as a professional teacher. She co-authored a Social Studies Program used in the curriculum throughout the El Paso school district; served on state textbook committees; donated time and knowledge to several student teachers in the co-operative teaching programs; and chaired in-service meetings for teachers in the system. Mrs. Loader was also a past president of her local Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Teachers Sorority.

Following retirement, the Loaders moved to Lampasas in 1985 where Wilma was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her two sons, Michael and wife Susan of San Antonio, David and wife Marcey of Lakeway; six grandchildren, Brian, Cheryl, Kevin, Shawn, Cameron, and Cayman; eight great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Kyle, Caleb, Eli, Brennen, Denali, McKinley, and Breighten; her sister "Tink" Masters; as well as several nieces, nephews and very many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron; brother Nolan Chaffin and wife Eleanor of Iredell; and brother Alvin Lloyd “Buddy” Chaffin of Devine.

The family requested memorials be made to Iredell Baptist Church, Lampasas First Baptist Church, or the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements by Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel of Lampasas.