PALESTINE — The Palestine Public Library will honor former mayor, community leader and author Jack Selden during a special reception Tuesday.
“Among his many accomplishments, including distinguished military career, second career as a civil trial assistant, historian and author of several books including the acclaimed “Return: The Parker Story,” and mayor of the City of Palestine, Selden has devoted decades of service to Palestine Public Library,” Library Director Carol Herrington said.
The reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the library’s large meeting room.
“Even if you do not know Jack personally, come shake his hand and enjoy refreshments,” Herrington said.
A brief presentation will be made about 5:15 p.m.
Selden was born and received his early education in Palestine, graduating from Palestine High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950 where he served with distinction in Korea, England and various other foreign and domestic assignments as a navigator and as a writer of speeches and presentations.
He married Gloria Ann McCracken of Palestine in 1952. They had one child, Cynthia Ann, who gave them two grandddaughters, Margaret Elizabeth “Betsy” and Lucinda Ellen Herrington.
Selden retired from military service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years, and returned to his hometown of Palestine. Selden subsequently undertook career changes including teacher, engineering designer of water and waste-water installations, and business manager for local artist Ancel Nunn, before becoming a civil trial assistant, a profession that complemented his personality as a historian and researcher.
He wrote numerous scholarly articles for historical and professional journals and three books: “Texas Justice, The Life and Times of the Third District Court of Texas”; “Seven Score and Ten, One Hundred Years of the Presbyterian Church in Palestine, Texas”; and the highly acclaimed “Return, The Parker Story.” He also created a combined index of 32 publications about Palestine and Anderson County and currently is indexing all of the Arc Lights of every year of Palestine High School.
Selden served for three terms as mayor of the City of Palestine.
He became a much sought-after speaker and master of ceremonies, wrote and conducted the “Telling of the Tales,” the annual celebration of the Parker Family staged at the Pilgrim Church in Elkhart.
Selden is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Palestine. Over the years, he has served and continues to serve on numerous boards and committees.
A strong library advocate, he has many years of service on the Palestine Public Library Board.
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