Kingwood – Kingwood Park High School teacher Jeff Wilson is among the victims found dead in the devastating Hill Country Floods on Friday.
On Sunday night, students, teachers and friends of Wilson gathered at a prayer vigil at Kingwood Town Center park.
Dozens of people came together to share memories and pray for victims.
BACKGROUND: Prayer vigil tonight to honor Hill Country flooding victims, missing loved ones
Friends of Wilson tell KPRC 2 Wilson had been staying at a local RV park in Kerr County with his wife Amber and son Shiloh for a youth rodeo.
His wife and son are still missing.
Former students of Wilson said he taught auto collision at Kingwood Park HS.
“In his class, we would always joke around,” said former student Ethan Sopczak, who graduated from Kingwood Park HS in 2020. “He was definitely like a father figure to me.”
Sopczak said he kept in touch with his former teacher even after he graduated high school and said his big personality made him special.
“He was such a good leader and he would kind of become family to you," said Sopczak.
Sopczak was among several people who spoke at the vigil.
“I love you, Mr. Wilson,” said Sopczak at the end of the speech.
The vigil was largely organized by Monica Schultz, who is the assistant principal at Greentree Elementary School. The school is also part of Humble ISD.
She said she felt compelled to bring the community together after hearing the news of Wilson.
“There’s power in prayer,” said Schultz. “We love each other, we support each other in tragedy and we’re truly a family.”
If you would like to help families affected by the floods, there is a donation drive happening in Kingwood Monday and Tuesday at two locations.