Yearly Archives: 2018

Dec 14 2018

Waco Town Crier – December 2018

An adapted version of “The Town Crier” sent by Jeanne Harman on November 30, 2018.

Important Information on the California Fire known as ‘Camp Fire’

As of 11-25-2018: The rains have come…the fire is contained….but the current numbers of deaths and missing:
85 dead, 475 still missing and more than 13,000 homes destroyed

From Dick Tooker who lives in Chico, CA near the ‘Camp Fire’ (as of November 11th):
SHORT VERSION: We’re OK. Fire never got into Chico Proper where we live, and other than the God-awful smoke and long gas lines, no effect on us.

THE LONG VERSION: Somewhat more complicated.

When we moved here 13 years ago, we bought a house in the Sierra foothills, about ten miles from, and 1,500 feet higher than Chico. It was the place in the country I always wanted. Five acres, a great home, and a spectacular view that looked over a huge vineyard, then the lights of Chico at night, and forty miles further, the snow-capped coastal mountain range that separates the northern California valley from the Pacific ocean. Two years ago, we decided to leave my dream home and move into town, mostly because I simply couldn’t keep up with five partially-landscaped acres any more, and we needed to be nearer healthcare resources. Sad, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Well, that turned out to be a really good idea. The Camp Fire (way too benignly-named for such a Hell-on-earth phenomenon) turned that house into a smoldering pile of rubble, along with the homes of many of our old neighbors who are still friends. Our previous next door neighbors, who are still our best friends in California, lost their home as well. They’re on vacation in Australia. We’re keeping their dog, and Victoria is now busy clearing out a couple of rooms for them when they get back next weekend. They have no place to stay in Chico.

I should note that our new neighborhood is filling up with refugees from Paradise, CA. The folks directly across the street have taken in 4 people who are suddenly homeless. There are RVs parked everywhere. I can’t describe how bad I feel for all those folks.

It is the worst fire in California history. If you’ve been watching it on television, it’s way worse than it looks from a distance. Paradise, a great little town of 30,000 people, is about 25 miles from here as the crow flies. Fully 90% of the homes in that town have been completely destroyed, and many of the few that are left are badly damaged. 120 businesses burned to the ground, along with both hospitals and all the schools. Some of the dead were trapped and burned alive in their cars trying to escape. For all practical purposes, the town has been wiped off the map. I don’t see how it will be possible for all those people to rebuild.

Pray for California.
Richard N. Tooker

Aubrey Stringer was featured on the front page of the local section of Waco’s newspaper on  November 18, 2018, regarding his sawmill in Valley Mills, Texas. As you know, Chip and JoAnna Gaines of “Fixer Upper” have made Aubrey a familiar name all over the USA.  So….all credits of this month’s Show and Tell go to the Waco Tribune Herald article by Mike Copeland.  Read the article.

December Birthdays

9 & 10-  Sondi Nelson Pace
13-  Jerry Causey
14-  Peggy Wake Thyfault
16-  Chinky Johnson
24-  Howell Johnson
26-  Howard Dudgeon & Joan Beaty Settle
28-  Gayla Miller Webb
31-  Elizabeth Bentley & Gwen Ewing Hodges

Pictures

Tommye Ruth (Blair) Toler recently returned from a trip to Taos, NM.Here are some of the changing colors in that area.

  • Taos – 2018
  • Taos – 2018

Blast From The Past

Finally …

Here’s wishing everyone peace, good health and contentment in this Christmas Season.  Enjoy the holidays to the fullest w with your loved ones. Stay safe and healthy, and make some happy memories.

Dec 3 2018

Gene Carson – November 21, 2018


I have just received word from JoAnn Carson that Gene Carson has died.

From JoAnn Carson –
“Wanted you to know that Gene died on Wednesday, 11/21. He had been in hospital more than a month and tried hard to beat it but was just so tired. Gene always loved coming to Waco for the lunches to see old friends. He will be buried at DFW National Cemetery in about 2 to 3 weeks. I will let you know when I get the final word. Thanks for being such a good friend to Gene.”

UPDATE:
Eugene “Gene” Carson passed away Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, in Arlington, Texas, at the age of 78.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (at alz.org), or the charity of your choice.

Gene was born Nov. 7, 1940, in Hope, Ark., to George Davis Carson and Roy Sue Culp Carson. Gene was a fun-loving guy with an infectious laugh. He enjoyed going to his Tuesday Breakfast Club events and poker night with “the guys.”

SURVIVORS: Wife, JoAnn Carson; daughter, Suzanne FitzGibbon and husband, Mike; son, Eric; four grandchildren; and brother, James.

NEPTUNE SOCIETY OF DFW North Richland Hills, 817-838-5100 View and sign guestbook at www.star-telegram.com/obituaries

Dec 3 2018

SPECIAL EDITION – 58th Class Reunion

We certainly had a good time celebrating our 58th class reunion.  We missed all of you who were not able to make it.

A big, big thanks to Tim Lasseter Latta (our fearless leader), Malissa Starnes Baugh (our co-leader and one who continues to bless us with her organizational skills- name tags, keeping up with registration, all the money and our head-count, paying all the bills, ordering the cakes, napkins, etc.),  Howard Dudgeon (furnishing us with the Memorial Books of our dearly departed graduates) and Janet Hurta (our adopted graduate and wife of Glen Hurta who has kept our directory for more years than I can remember).  Special Thanks goes to Gayla Miller Webb and Linda Phelps McKee (who both have been responsible for our decorations for what must be every single reunion we have ever had and to David McPhail, Karen Shinault and all those who were on the telephone committee:  you did an awesome job!!  Without each of these folks, our reunion would not be what I have heard some folks say:  the “best reunion we have ever had”.  It takes a village….and unless you have ever worked on the reunion, you have no idea just how demanding it is.

A cold front came through Waco with rain….a lot or rain…. so much rain that golf was rained out.  Although the weather was cold and damp outside, inside the Phoenix room our graduates were wrapped in the warmth of love and friendship, reliving times when all of us were young and carefree.   Folks came as far away as from Buffalo NY,  Florence SC, Paris TN, New Mexico (5 different graduates from NM), Louisiana, and Indiana.

The food was wonderful, Ralph Sparks (class of WHS 59) entertained us with oldies on his keyboard, and the camaraderie of all was unsurpassed.  I could not believe that so many 76 year-olds could get out on the dancefloor and “cut a rug” as they did.  Ralph was supposed to play for about 15 minutes or so….but popular demand turned that into one hour.  In our hearts it was like we were once again enjoying our teen-aged classmates at a sock hop.  Sweet memories.

There are several who want a 60th reunion—especially since we are the class of ’60.  However, there is no leader so if you want a final reunion, someone is going to have to step up to the plate and organize it.  Otherwise, the 58th was our final hoorah.

Again, so glad to have seen everyone and so sorry we missed you if you were unable to make it.  Robert “Little Red” Wilson, has his take on the reunion which is in the comments sections.  Robert has always been so great to bless us and our food each and every time we meet.  It is only fitting for him to close this special edition with his AMEN.

Nov 6 2018

Barton Zachary – October 1, 2018

Wallace Barton Zachry, Jr., known as Barton, passed away Monday, October 1, 2018, after a short illness. Services will be 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 5, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room.

Barton graduated from Waco High School in 1960 and served honorably in the United States Army, after which he had a successful career in the tech industry. After working in Kansas for a while, Barton and his wife returned to Texas and lived in Arlington. They moved back to Waco last year. Anyone who knew him knows he loved a high stakes game of poker, or a no stakes game for that matter. He was also an avid reader, with a large collection of books, mostly westerns and mysteries.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his son, Pat Maxwell; his daughters, Denis Rogers, Kathy Baldwin and Jeannie Ryan; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; his sister, Lynn Reiman; his brother, Pat; his nephew, Josh Zachry; his nieces, Marra McElroy and Meredith Knight; four grand nephews; and one grand niece.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Disabled American Veterans. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall”

Nov 6 2018

Waco Town Crier – November 2018

An adapted version of “The Town Crier” sent by Jeanne Harman on October 30, 2018.

From Our Fearless Leader

What a fabulous time we all had at the 58th Reunion, even spouses who may have been pressured to attend. We had approximately 120 in attendance with some cancelling due to illness and some didn’t want to brave the less than perfect driving conditions.

The first night we met at The Phoenix Ballroom for delicious hors d’oeuvres and wonderful cookies collected by our resident cookie lady, Linda Phelps McKee. The table centerpieces were models of classic cars from our high school days filled with bright papers and candy. Malissa Starnes Baugh made sure there were WHS napkins and Spirit of Waco song sheets at every place. Pat Malone led us in our school song and Robert “Little Red” Wilson blessed us and our dinner. He gave thanks for us being there and prayed for our ill classmates. One of them, Aubrey Stringer, who had never missed a reunion, was in the hospital having surgery. Thankfully, the outcome is good.

The caterer, Danny at TCP catering, prepared some delicious food including shrimp and outstanding pork loin sandwiches. Lots of visiting, catching up and picture taking going on. Thanks very much to all the people who acted as greeters and registrars. We had a better reunion because of you.

Golf the next day was cancelled as Cottonwood Creek Golf Course was under water. Not really, but close.
Brunch was fun and delicious. More visiting and more picture taking. A couple of people came for the brunch only, Karon Shinault being one of them. Karon was a part of David McPhail‘s calling team, a huge part. She went above and beyond with her calling duties, and we are all grateful to her. The calling team, led by David, was directly responsible for the attendance we enjoyed. He took up the challenge started by Bob Easter and ran with it. David was a wonderful and hardworking phone chairman. We owe David and his callers a debt of gratitude for their hours on the phone.

Wednesday evening brought some new faces to the reunion. Our caterer, Danny of TCP Catering, came through for us again. The buffet dinner was delicious, and the cakes that Malissa Starnes Baugh designed for us were scrumptious. A part of the program had Howard Dudgeon reading the names of classmates we miss because they have passed on. Howard is so faithful to keep albums of our deceased classmates, many of whom left us way too soon. Tim Lasseter Latta who headed up the reunion thanked several people, the most important of whom was Malissa Starnes Baugh, the CEO, without whom the reunion would have been so lame. We thank her over and over. Gayla Miller and Linda McKee did a stellar job on the decorations, including changing them between Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. We thank them so much. Linda McKee was the Cookie Lady again this year. Yum!! Robert “Little Red” Wilson led the prayers on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Billy Markham was kind enough to bless the brunch, and Pat Malone with the beautiful voice led us in Spirit of Waco at all three gatherings. Everyone sang!

And now comes Janet Hurta, wife of Glenn, not even an actual member of our class, who year after year, kept up with us all and provided the information for the directory. She is certainly an honorary member, and we thank her for all of her great work over the years. Ralph Sparks, Class of ’59, husband of our own Kay Phillips Sparks, set up his keyboard and played oldies for our dancing pleasure, and dance we did. David and Janie McPhail are still in great form, Ken and Scoot Baker floated across the floor along with many more people dancing than we expected. Bob and Carolyn Easter and Little Red along with quite a few others, could not resist Ralph’s dulcet tones and nimble fingers on the keyboard.

Mostly, we want to thank everyone who attended, many from over a thousand miles away. It was so good to see Vince Tulsa and his wife from Paris, Tennessee; James Coone and his wife from Williamsville, NY; David Dibb and his wife from Florence, SC; Beverly Murphy Wells from Camby, IN; Rod Sommer and wife from Covington, LA; and from New Mexico: Steve Brown (Alto), Susan Harkness Hill (Edgewood), Jim Maxwell (Santa Fe), Babz Wester Muster (Ruidoso), and Sandra Wooten Overholser (Albuquerque.).

What a wonderful group of people we have in our class. For those of you who could not come, you were sorely missed. Here’s hoping we have a 60th.

Show and Tell – Janice (Player) Howell

This month features Janice (Player) Howell, another great! As you know, Janice is one of the “Player twins” (Janice and Joyce). Janice has had exhibits in Santa Fe, Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Albuquerque, and Denison. She has done many commissions, plus she teaches art in Colorado in the summer. Janice said that she has been painting for about 20 years. When she wanted to renew her creative side, the yen first began as a hobby after taking a college class course at night while she was still a State Farm agent during the day. Several classes later, Janice started hanging her paintings in her office and clients would ask if she sold them. Well, she decided to do so … and an artist was born.  She commenced to take many other painting classes in interesting places such as Spain, France, Italy and Mexico. She painted what she “felt” about the places she visited.

One of Janice’s teachers encouraged her to enter her works in competitions. Janice said it was only then that she discovered she had talent as she received over 20 awards in these competitions. Janice had a friend take her portfolio to Santa Fe, NM and the gallery owner there was so impressed with her work that she called Janice the next day. This became the beginning of what evolved into “one person shows” for the next 12 years at the Santa Fe gallery. She has been published in many magazines: Southwest Art, Watercolor Magic, Inside Santa Fe, Focus Santa Fe, and she made the cover of the DFW Art magazine. Janice said she chooses her subjects from things that give her joy…–travel, flowers, music,– in other words, the beauty of her surroundings and whatever her artistic eye sees. Her paintings are abstract impression in style. Janice’s summation of her talent: “It has been a fun exciting journey that I was fortunate to have.”

The photos below are some examples of Janice’s work. The first two pictures hang in her twin sister’s house. The other pictures are of Janice’s cityscapes, a musician, flowers, Aspen trees, and an elk. Also new is a photo of a ceramic angel she did.

November Birthdays


3- Jim Monnig,
Sissie (Blair) Shandalow
6- Barbara (Brunett) Hunt
Gary Roberts
7- Gene Carson
12- Carolyn (Wolf) Lloyd
18- Bob Easter
27- Nena (Hunt) Wallace

Pictures

Bev (Murphy) Wells has just returned from a trip of a lifetime! For her 76th birthday, her son merely told her to “pack a bag”. He made all the arrangements for this trip to Paris, Belgium, Amsterdam, Cologne Germany, Prague Czech, Vienna Austria and Munich Germany (for Octoberfest). She only returned home to Indiana on October 9th and then turned right around and headed to Waco for the reunion.
In the two pictures below, she reports: “Bonjour” and “Goede Dag.”

Paris, France Belgium

Steve Martin and Marty Short recently performed at WinStar Casino in Oklahoma. If you remember, Jack Martin was a first cousin to Steve. When Jack was alive, he and I had gotten tickets to attend.  Jack was with us ‘in spirit’, but after the show the first cousins and I got to visit with Steve backstage. It was a wonderful show and I encourage you to see it should you get the chance. I still miss watching Steve on Saturday Night Live playing the “wild and crazy guy.”

Steve Martin and Jeanne Harman The first cousins – Brenda Martin Jantz, Steve Martin, John Martin (Class of WHS 1962 and brother to Jack Martin)

If you were wondering why Russell Keeling was not at the reunion, here is the reason: Russ and his wife, Lloy, decided to celebrate their anniversary with an Alaskan cruise. Russ said he missed seeing all the graduates but this trip was one they did not want to pass up.

Eating crab in Ketchikan Glacier Bay (brrr) Formal Night
Oct 13 2018

58th Reunion … Last Minute Information


Details

Our 58th Reunion will be on Tuesday, October 16th, and Wednesday, October 17th, at The Phoenix Ballroom in Waco.

Tuesday Evening, October 16th 5:30-11:00 p. m.
5:30 EVENING MIXER
6:00-8:00 HEAVY HOR D’OEUVRES and DESSERTS

Wednesday Morning, October 17th 9:00-11:00 a. m
9:00 COFFEE/ TEA BAR
9:30-11:00 a. m. HOT BREAKFAST/BRUNCH BUFFET

Wednesday Evening, October 17th 5:30-11:00 p. m.
6:00-8:00 DINNER BUFFET (Roast Beef OR Tilapia)

(Cash Bar available at both Evening Events)

Cost

Cost per person for dinner ONE EVENING: (Tuesday OR Wednesday): $35.00 each
Cost per person for dinner TWO EVENINGS: (Tuesday AND Wednesday): $65:00 each
Wednesday BRUNCH (included at NO CHARGE with one or two day ticket). Brunch ALONE is $35 per person!

Confirmed Attendees (as of October 12, 2018)

Ken and Scoot Baker
Lynette (Muchow) and Jarod Baugh
Malissa (Starnes) and Rex Baugh
Louann (Hilton) Brady
Jeanell (Buida) Bolton
Crozier and Rita Brown
Steven Brown
Rita (Coates) and Ed Burnett
*Tom and Thylis Chambless (Tuesday evening only)
*George Compton (Tuesday evening only)
James and Gia Coone
Al Ctvrtlik
David and Anita Dibb
Howard Dudgeon and guest
Bob and Carolyn Easter
*Janice (Massengale) Foster (Tuesday and Wednesday evenings)
*Ken Freeman (Tuesday evening only)
Betty (Luedeker) Gatlin
Jeanne (Holland) Harman
*Anitra (Harrell) Henrion (Tuesday evening and Brunch)
Susan (Harkness) Hill
Gwen (Ewing) and Wayne Hodges
Kay (Albright) Hofer
*Sue (Welborn) and Bobby Hopper (Wednesday Brunch and evening)
*Karon Shinault Jackson (Brunch only)
*Hal Johnson (Tuesday evening and Wednesday Brunch)
George and Glenda Karahal
*Joy (Rogers) Keele and daughter Suzette Wofford (Wednesday Brunch and evening)
*Joyce Virginia (Brock) Kilgo and Lisa Frenette (Tuesday evening and Brunch)
Tom Kittlitz
Charlotte (Suttle) Kleibrink
*Cathey (White) Land (Tuesday evening
and Brunch)
Tim (Lasseter) Latta
*Mickey and Melody Lavy (Wednesday Brunch
and evening)
*Angie (Plemons) Lehman and Larry Hartsel (Wednesday Brunch and evening)
Pat and Carol Malone
Bill and Jeanette Markum
Don Matkin
Jim Maxwell
*Don McClellan and Carol Zwan (Wednesday evening only)
Dorothy (Bryan) McCook 		Linda (Phelps) and James McKee
*Mary Beth (Cash) and Don McMahon (Wednesday Brunch and evening)
Larry and Neysa McMurray
David and Janie McPhail
*Jim Monnig (Wednesday Brunch and evening)
John (Moon) Mullen and Guest
Judith (Hamff) Murphy
*Babz (Wester) and Larry Musser (Wednesday Brunch and evening)
Jane (Berry) and Art Neece
*Frank Neel (Wednesday evening and maybe Brunch)
Sandra (Wooten) and Don Overholser
David Peeples
Mickey (Lade) and John Perkins
*Terrell Reagan (Wednesday Brunch and evening)
Joe Riley
*Gary and Donna Roberts (Gary-all events and Donna-Brunch only)
*David and Lesley Rosen (Tuesday evening only)
Christian Ruebeck
Carol (Adams) Scarborough
Suzann (Bettencourt) Scott (cousin of Carolyn Taylor, Class of ’61)
Marvin and Ruth Schutza
Charles Sligh
Rod and Cheri Sommer
Norma (Cissell) and Wayne Smith
Kay (Phillips) and Ralph Sparks
Aubrey Stringer and Phyllis Wieser
Carolyn Taylor (Rayburn)
Tommie Ruth (Blair) Toler
*Randy Turner (Wednesday Brunch and evening)
Vince and Betty Tusa
Nena (Hunt) and Bob Wallace
*Mary Ann (Shilling) Watt (Brunch only)
Gayla (Miller) and Rodney Webb
Bev (Murphy) Wells
*Dorothy (Horton) and Raymond Wilcox (Wednesday Brunch and evening)
*Charles and Apala Wilson (Wednesday evening only)
Robert (Little Red) Wilson
*SuEllen (Golden) and John Wilson (Wednesday evening only)

* Ones not attending all events
Total: 121
Classmates: 75
Spouses and guests: 46

What if I’d like to attend but haven’t made a reservation?

You need to act quickly. Call Malissa (254-217-2918) by MONDAY, October 15th, and let her know. She’s already turned in the final numbers to the caterer and it’s not fair to him (or to Malissa) to keep adding people. Sometimes the caterer brings extra but that can’t be guaranteed.

Oct 1 2018

Waco Town Crier – October 2018

An adapted version of “The Town Crier” sent by Jeanne Harman on September 26, 2018.

From Our Fearless Leader

“Greetings to all of our WHS Class of 60 classmates. The countdown has begun. In less than a month, we will gather at the mothership (aka The Phoenix Ballroom) for our 58th class reunion. The excitement is building and the plans are final. There is still time to register, but it’s running out. If you still need a registration form, please let me know by phone or text (817-600-4734) and you do text, don’t you? Email Malissa Starnes Baugh or call (254-217-2918).

Malissa has been working so hard on name badges so that we will be able to identify each other! This is a huge group endeavor. Please join us for fun, news of friends and a stroll down memory lane.

Looking so forward to seeing each and every one of you.”
Tim Lasseter Latta

From Our Graduates

“It was wonderful to hear from Asa. She’s had a full and rewarding life. I admire all that she’s done.

It was great to hear from some of our classmates. Sondi, you are very talented. Thanks for sharing about your talent with us. Maybe you could share more with us if you sent a video or recording. How about it? I’d love to hear you play.

I’m looking forward to our 58th reunion. It may just be the last time we are all together at our ages and with our disabilities. I am blessed to be in surprisingly good shape for an old woman! 😊 I pray for all of you who are struggling with hardships. May you each find healing, peace, comfort, and strength.”
Tommye Blair Toler

“Our daughter, Lana, could use some prayers. She was in a car wreck, not her fault, and broke her arm above the wrist and the air bag seems to have caused her hearing to sound like a tunnel. This could be temp or permanent. Please pray for healing and return her hearing. Her arm is healing after surgery. She will be off work 3 to 4 months.”
Sandra Wooten Overholser

“Mickey (Lade) Perkins is in HEB HOSPITAL Room 203 due to pain under rib cage since Thursday night. (Sept 20). They have not been told from what source or when she will be released to return home. She does need our prayers.”
Phyllis Brook

“I will not be attending this year due to some pre-scheduled tests and doctor appointments and am sorry I cannot come to visit everyone.. Hopefully will be able to attend for the next one.”
Jeannie Dickerson

Regarding Hurricane Florence

“We were stationed in Raleigh NC, and we never had anything like that while we were there. We visited most of those coastal areas while there—and they were beautiful, with amazing beaches.”
Clara Sue (Griffis) Arnsdorff

Update on Massey Foundation

Formed by Jan Massey’s family, in accordance with her wishes

Check the website for upcoming events and attractions.
And
Follow on Facebook

Show and Tell

It is my distinct honor to recognize Jim Woodson this month. I cannot begin to tell you the talent that this man possesses; therefore, I am going to let his website do the job for me.

After graduating from Waco High, Jim obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, 1965 with a major in painting. In 1967, earned a Master of Fine Arts degree, major in painting, from The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas. Currently, Jim is Professor Emeritus of Art, Texas Christian University after having taught there for 39 years. Jim spends a lot of his time in New Mexico where he gets a lot of his inspirations.

Jim’s resume is absolutely mind-boggling! Give yourself plenty of time to check out his website. One of the most interesting things I learned in doing my research on Jim was the fact that he was one of the three private instructors for President George Bush when the President decided to try his hand at painting. The whole interview with all three instructors is at this link. It is an hour-long interview but I found it to be most interesting and it explains the part that Jim played in Bush’s artistic growth.

Jim sent me a picture of a portrait which he painted from a photograph of President Bush. I have included it with a few examples of Jim’s work. Jim explains that he is not a portrait painter (landscapes are his forte) but just how many times have you seen that little grin on the face of George Bush? I think Jim nailed it, don’t you? Jim told me that President George Bush included this portrait in an exhibition that was held to introduce Bush’s portraits of wounded warriors.

A TCU magazine in 2013 had a very good article about Jim. It mentioned that Laura Bush owns a Jim Woodson painting. The article also mentioned some of Jim’s life in Waco and beyond. You can read the whole TCU article at this link.

In the Ft. Worth, Texas Magazine in 2016, an article on Jim states that he was appointed Texas State Artist of the Year (2D) by the Texas State Legislature and the Texas Commission on the Arts. This designation is the state’s highest recognition for excellence in the arts. That article can be read here.

Jim’s life has surely been diversified, rewarding, and interesting. Jim says that “his health has been pretty good and his life has also been good.” Just like all of us, Jim wonders, “where has the time gone?” Now, go grab yourself a cup of coffee or a coke, sit back for a bit or a long time, and absorb yourself in the talent of our very own WHS 1960 graduate.

6- Randy Farrar
7- Gregory Howell
9- Marvin Schutza
15- Betty Barkley Flowers
16- Charles Edward Wilson
17- LuAnn Hanna Lund
Beverly Summey Gritter
18- John Ferguson
David Walsworth
21- Ken Baker
26- Anitra Harrell Henrion
29- Tim Lasseter Latta

Pictures


A “blast from the past” photograph. Tommye Ruth Blair Toler, on the right, recently found this picture taken in 1962 when she was a student nurse. You will recall she retired from nursing in 2005.

 

 

 

John and Tim Lasseter Latta have recently returned from vacationing in Big Bend. They visited the McDonald Observatory, hiked and were awed by the Chisos Mountains. Tim said they saw three bears up close (yikes!). They are already anxious to return. When they lived in California one of their favorite haunts was Yellowstone so I imagine they will become more and more familiar with Big Bend, but hopefully, not with the bears.

Sep 21 2018

Harold Dean Jobe – September 14, 2018

Harold Dean Jobe, 76, of Robinson, passed away in his home, September 14, 2018, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 18, at First Baptist Church of Robinson, 104 E Stegall Dr, Robinson, with Pastor Brooks Kimmey officiating. Burial will follow at Robinson Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 17, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Drive, Waco. Harold Dean was born March 3, 1942 in Waco, TX. He graduated from China Spring High School and later received a 4-year degree from TSTC as a machinist. Harold Dean married the love of his life, Lois Whitley, on December 14, 1963. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Robinson. He was a beloved husband, father, and papa, and will be missed by all.Harold Dean is survived by his wife, Lois Jobe, of Robinson; son, Larry Jobe and wife, Angie, of Eddy; son, David Jobe and wife, Lori, of Eddy; grandkids, Mike and Ashley Myers, Mark and Kayla Farwell, Caitlin Jobe, Justin and Debanhi Jobe, and Megan Jobe; nine great-grandkids; and one sister, Elaine Yarbrough. Online guestbook. Sign the Guest Book

Note from Jeanne Harman: In his younger years, Harold Jobe went to school with several of our WHS graduates. I know Harold was in the 6th grade at Crestview Elementary around 1954/1955. He graduated from West Junior High School in 1957 as I ran across a list of the graduating class not too long ago.

Aug 31 2018

Waco Town Crier – September 2018

An adapted version of “The Town Crier” sent by Jeanne Harman on September 1, 2018.

FELLOW GRADUATES– COULD THIS BE OUR LAST REUNION ?????

In trying to locate different graduates for the reunion, the callers have learned that several in our class have health issues. Some are in nursing homes while others remain at home with somewhat disabling health issues. Also, the callers are finding out that many of our graduates’ spouses are ill with issues that hinder or make it impossible for them to attend the reunion. As I have said before: If you are able to get up each morning without too much pain, can dress yourself and tend to your daily needs, you possess the greatest of wealth- HEALTH. Count your blessings if you are one of the fortunate ones and remember those who are not so lucky.

If you are one of the fortunate ones…..please make your plans to attend our 58th reunion, October 16, 17th. It very well could be our last. Hopefully, we the class of 1960, will have a 60th reunion, but due to all the health issues mentioned in the first paragraph, this 58th reunion might be the end of the road for our class reunions. Therefore, make plans to come to Waco and help ‘turn the lights on’ with us and celebrate our long-ago friendships. There may be some in attendance with whom you did not know or did not know well in high school. If that is the case (because our class was large), remember that it is never too late to make new friendships! Our class has always remained especially close with one another and we always seem to astonish others with our closely-knit ties to each other. Do not let the class of WHS 1960 ‘turn the lights off’ without you! Click on the attached registration form and mail to Malissa. SEE YOU THERE!

It is important to be familiar with our Website: www.whs60.org Our directory is on the website so anytime you need an address for a graduate, you are able to go there for the information. Elizabeth Bentley is doing a fantastic job of keeping our site current. A big THANKS goes to Pat Payne for his financial support of the site and another big THANKS to Janet Hurta who keeps our directory current. We have the opportunity to contact a graduate from our on-line directory because of the information Janet maintains. Please read the following correspondence below to see just how far away our website is enjoyed—about 4,984 miles away!!!

From Our Graduates

From Åsa (Söderberg) Holmstrand:
“Hi, ya’ll,
This is an update from Sweden. I’ve followed this homepage for many years and am sad to find that so many of my friends from miss Mattie Bess Coffield’s debate class are gone. Jan Herring and Carlton Harrell, Mignon Furqueron Rodrigues, Hariadne Johnson. We had so much fun in class and on debate tournaments. Glad to see that others are still here like my team mate Betty Barkley. Also a special ‘hi’ to David Pettus, my prom date.
I am a graduate (history and English) of Uppsala university (founded 1477), Been married and have a son who also has been an exchange student in the US. Switched career after divorce and got a degree in physiotherapy. Miss Coffield’s Speech class contributed to that I became President of the Swedish Association of PTs and a member of the board of World Confederation for Physical therapy. I still consider the year I spent at WHS as the most influential in my life though I have worked or studied in France, Germany, Israel, Austria and Spain when I was young. I retired in 2004 but have remained an eternal student which is easy when living in a university town. All higher studies are free in Sweden.
I have been to the US on business (DC) but never made it back to Texas. Will see in 2020. Hope to see you then!
Åsa Holmstrand née Söderberg
PS Directory correction, please. Souad Khoury was not an exchange student from Sweden. She was from Syria and lived with her aunt in Waco. I hope she stayed in the US knowing the fate of her native country.”

From Rik Spencer on a recent tumble:
“I stumbled over the curb while on the way to get the morning papers, couldn’t keep my balance & took a header. Landed on my face & left side. Ended up with a concussion & bruised (subcapsular hematoma) kidney. Trauma surgeon told me I couldn’t do anything involving bending, twisting or lifting for 6 weeks, & now all I think about is playing golf! He thought my body would dissolve the clot over time. Still am weak, but at least Judy is letting me go to the mail box on my own again & get the papers & mail. Recovering slowly. Getting a little better & stronger every day, but don’t think we’ll be up for a long October drive. Will plan for ’20. Thanks for caring & God Bless!”
Rik

From David Pettus regarding the rains from Hurricane Lane on the big island of Hawaii:
“We are okay. Thanks for asking. Hurricane Lane is still hanging around our part of the Pacific; but the winds have never gotten too strong in our neck of the woods, although we have received a tremendous amount of rain. Fortunately, our house sits on a hilltop, so we are ‘high and dry.’ It has been an extremely wet year in our district, in fact. We have had more rainy days then sunny ones in 2018 so far. However, the island has so many different microclimates that it takes only a little while to drive to a sunny spot if we want to enjoy some blue skies and sunshine. So far, so good…
We send greetings to all the classmates. Might see you in 2020…”
In gratefulness,
Dave

From Dick Tooker regarding the fires in California:
“There were a few small (one-day) fires fairly close to where we live in Chico, CA, but the big ones were elsewhere. The nearest one was the Carr fire in Redding, 70 miles north of us. When we first moved here, we lived in the country outside of town, but we moved into town a couple of years ago. One of the reasons we moved was the fear of fire potential (another reason was rattlesnakes). Where we live now, the nearest tree line that could create a fire danger like they saw in Redding this year is a good 2-3 miles away. We’ve had smoke- lots and lots of smoke. There’s no fire here, but you can surely tell that northern California has been ablaze. Most days the sun looks blood red until it gets high in the sky.
So we’ll be OK. We’re out of the fire zone, and there are no earthquakes or mudslides in this part of California. Plus, we’re way too far inland to worry about hurricanes. We leave the tornados to Texas and Oklahoma – none of those here.
But of course, Mt. Lassen, a semi-dormant volcano only 60 miles away that historically explodes violently every 1,500 years, last blew up 1,600 years ago…..”
Richard N. Tooker

From Bob Easter who shared a dream with Malissa, David McPhail, Tim, and me:
“I had the most wonderful dream last night (8-27-2018) about our upcoming reunion and wanted to share it with you. It was a long, beautiful dream full of laughter, hugs, and fun. I was surprised at how large it was in attendance. Some of the conversations in the dream were memory making and I just wanted to hold on to the scenes this morning. We all have dreams we do not want to end while we are sleeping. This one stirred such great emotions and had me remembering treasures of memories from so long ago. I truly love to see and visit with classmates at reunions and this dream helped me once again realize how far we have traveled together. Sure, we are old, our health is defining, but our smiles, laughter, and memories are precious to each of us. I could care less about our shapes, walks, and looks today. It is the sound of voices, smiles and touches from an old friend that I want to take into any future tomorrows. I want to be with each person to let them know how they helped shaped me as a person by their words, deeds, and time and to let them know they are so important. Reunions are more, much more than remembering WHS days. Leaving a reunion is bitter sweet. We all know we may never see our friends again, but we know we get to carry home more treasured memories.”
May you be blessed today.
Bob

From Mickey Lavy:
This Month’s Riddle: TAFKAP What does this stand for?
Mickey said you can respond to him by email. Answer will be posted next month.

Aubrey Stringer
As you are aware, Aubrey does a lot of work for Chip and Joanna Gaines. An interesting article about Aubrey is featured in the Fall 2018 of Magnolia Journal which is on display until November 13th.

 

 

 

 

Reminder

Our Quarterly Luncheon will be at 11:30 am on Thursday, September 13th at Casa de Castillo. Contact Sissy Blair.

 

 

 

Feedback on Sondi (Nelson) Pace’s Talent

“I enjoyed the newsletter so much—especially the piece on Sondi…..what a joy to know that her gift has been shared all these years. I wish I had continued my piano after my grandmother was unable to teach me….but, as with most kids, I didn’t want the bother of practice. Now I sit at the piano and can still play a bit—but just envy those who continue to study and learn music.”
Clara Sue (Griffis) Arnsdorff

“I never knew Sondi played the violin!”
Betty (Luedeker) Gatlin

“I wish we could hear Sondi play her violin. She looks great. Tell her to send us something to listen to.”
Linda (Shelby) Lyons

September Birthdays

3- George Compton
6- Shirley ‘Joy’ (Rogers) Keele
9- Mary Beth (Cash) McMahon,
Jenny (Easter) Miles
12- Linda (Shelby) Lyons
15- Bev (Murphy) Wells
26- Dana (Sauer) Keifer

Show and Tell – Tommye Ruth (Blair) Toler

This month features Tommye Ruth (Blair) Toler. Tommye said she does not know if her “hobby” can be called a talent but for the last few years she has been painting clay pots and cement figures.

Tommye’s profession was that of a Registered Nurse. It was a most enjoyable and rewarding profession. Tommye explained that her desire to become a nurse was instilled in her back during West Junior High School days when she signed up for a Future Nurses Club at Providence Hospital. Members met every Saturday morning and were taught a few basic procedures and terminology before they started doing volunteer work after school– 2 or 3 afternoons a week. These members primarily ran errands and visited with patients. Tommye was assigned to Crippled Children’s Hospital which was a part of Providence Hospital at that time.

During Tommye’s years at Waco High School, she worked as a nurse’s aide at Hillcrest Hospital. She applied and was accepted to Providence Hospital School of Nursing; however, just after high school graduation, this school was closed. Tommye then visited Temple Scott and White Hospital nursing school and knew this was where she wanted to attend. Prior to her enrollment there she was required to take college courses in English, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Sociology. After completing these requirements at Baylor University, she enrolled at Scott and White Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in February 1963.

After graduation Tommye worked in several different areas of nursing until 1968 when she went to work at Providence Hospital in their operating room. Tommye said the OR room had always been her favorite while in nursing school. She was working at Providence in Waco when the first heart program began and when the first open-heart surgery was performed. She also helped with joint replacement surgery. All of this was an exciting time for Tommye. In 1982, she felt she needed a change, so she went to work for Neurosurgical Associates, the office of three neurosurgeons. She stayed there until 1995. Her next ten years were spent at Hillcrest Hospital in their day surgery unit, the Surgicenter. She retired in 2005.

In retirement Tommye still wanted to stay busy so she and her dog, Freckles, (an Australian Shepherd) went to Lake Waco/Lake Air Montessori regularly and visited with the special needs students. Tommye and Freckles also visited nursing/retirement facilities. Freckles died in 2014. Tommye volunteered at Caritas for a short time and did a lot of work for her church, Lake Shore United Methodist. Tommye has a daughter, Robin Shaw, who is a realtor in Waco. Robin and her husband live in Woodway. Tommye does not have any grandchildren but does have a grand dog. Tommye likes to travel and has visited four of the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, and lots of places in the continental USA.

A few years ago Tommye had a friend who planned to give away some clay pots that were not looking too good. Because of Tommye’s interest in painting, she asked if she could paint them in hopes to refurbish them. That was the beginning of a new hobby. Since that time, Tommye has painted lots of clay pots and cement animals for her yard and for friends. Tommy said that clay, if not glazed, absorbs the acrylic paint well and also holds the color. I think you can see that Tommye lets no grass grow under her feet. I also believe that her “hobby”
shows a definite talent. See what you think. And Tommye….thanks for your dedication to your patients and your profession. We, as seniors, are finding out first-hand the importance of a great nurse!

List of Reunion Attendees

Ken and Scoot Baker
Lynette (Muchow) and Jarod Baugh
Malissa (Starnes) and Rex Baugh
Louann Hilton Brady
Jeanell (Buida) and Alexandra (daughter) Bolton
Crozier Brown
Rita (Coates) and Ed Burnett
Gene and JoAnn Carson
*Tom and Thylis Chambless (Tuesday evening only)
*George Compton (Tuesday evening only)
James and Gia Coone
David and Anita Dibb
Howard Dudgeon and guest
Bob and Carolyn Easter
*Janice Massengale Foster (Tuesday and Wednesday evenings)
Betty Luedeker Gatlin
Jeanne Holland Harman
*Anitra Harrell Henrion (Tuesday evening and Brunch only)
Kay Albright Hofer
*Sue (Welborn) and Bobby Hopper (Wednesday Brunch and evening)
*Karon Shinault Jackson (Brunch only)
*Hal Johnson (Tuesday evening and Wednesday Brunch)
George and Glenda Karahal
Charlotte Suttle Kleibrink
*Cathey White Land (Tuesday evening and Brunch only)
Tim Lasseter Latta
*Mickey and Melody Lavy (Wednesday Brunch and evening only)
Pat and Carol Malone
Bill and Jeanette Markum 		Dorothy Bryan McCook
Linda (Phelps) and James McKee
Mary Beth (Cash) and Don McMahon
David and Janie McPhail
*Jim Monnig (Wednesday Brunch and evening only)
John (Moon) Mullen and Guest
Judith Hamff Murphy

*Frank Neel (Wednesday night and maybe Brunch)
Sandra (Wooten) and Don Overholser
David Peeples
Mickey (Lade) and John Perkins
*Terrell Reagan (Wednesday evening only)
*Joe Riley (Tuesday evening and Brunch only)
*Gary and Donna Roberts (Donna-Brunch only)
*David and Lesley Rosen (Tuesday evening only)
Christian Ruebeck
Carol Adams Scarborough
Suzann Bettencourt Scott (cousin of Carolyn Taylor, Class of ’61)
Rod and Cheri Sommer
Norma (Cissell) and Wayne Smith
Kay (Phillips) and Ralph Sparks
Carolyn Taylor (Rayburn)
Tommie Ruth (Blair) Toler
Vince and Betty Tusa
Nena (Hunt) and Bob Wallace
*Mary Ann (Shilling) Watt (Brunch only)
Bev Murphy Wells
*Charles and Apala Wilson (Wednesday evening only)
Robert (Little Red) Wilson
*SuEllen (Golden) and John Wilson (Wednesday evening only)

Aug 12 2018

Waco Town Crier – August 2018

An adapted version of “The Town Crier” sent by Jeanne Harman on August 1, 2018.

Upcoming Reunion

I sincerely hope you will plan to come to the reunion. We are getting older every day and cannot be sure we will have the chance to visit with graduates again. The event is only about 2 months away. Get on board and register. Here’s the registration form. Malissa awaits!

Please help if you have any information on these graduates:
Contact: Bob Easter or Malissa (Starnes) Baugh

Grover & Sandra Rogers
Linda Ann Bailey Embry
Marian Lee Barnes Carson
Donald Allen Cook
Linda Marie Davis Rachui
Carole Fisher Clingman
M. Louann Hanna Lund
Bobby Hurst
Malachi J. Kelley
Anna Louise Logan
C. Tom Lowrey
Gerry Anne Parke Markham
Maxcine Reppold Moss		 Mary Ann Scott Honea
Doris Virginia Thrasher Gamboa
Douglas Harris
Leland Howard
Mary Pact Hogan
Ellen Conway Buckner
Guy Mitchell Collins, Jr
David Haferkamp-
Linda Lord Gentry
Linda Davis Rachui
Zeda Cosper Hopkins
Eugene Gaisser
John Danzeiser

Early Birds who have already registered:

Ken and Scoot Baker
Lynette (Muchow) and Jarod Baugh
Malissa (Starnes) and Rex Baugh
Louann Hilton Brady
Rita (Coates) and Ed Burnett
Gene and JoAnn Carson
James and Gia Coone
Howard Dudgeon
Bob and Carolyn Easter
Janice Massengale Foster
(Tuesday and Wednesday evenings)
Betty Luedeker Gatlin
Jeanne Holland Harman
Anitra Harrell Henrion
(Tuesday evening and Brunch only)
Kay Albright Hofer
Karon Shinault Jackson
(Brunch only)
George and Glenda Karahal
Charlotte Suttle Kleibrink
Cathey White Land
(Tuesday evening and Brunch only)
Tim Lasseter Latta
Mickey and Melody Lavy
(Wednesday Brunch and evening only)
Pat and Carol Malone
Bill and Jeanette Markum
Dorothy Bryan McCook
Linda (Phelps) and James McKee		 Mary Beth (Cash) and Don McMahon
David and Janie McPhail
Jim Monnig
(Wednesday Brunch and evening only)
John (Moon) Mullen and Guest
Judith Hamff Murphy
Sandra (Wooten) and Don Overholser
David Peeples
Gary and Donna Roberts
(Donna Brunch only)
Terrell Reagan
(Wednesday evening only)
David and Lesley Rosen
(Tuesday evening only)
Christian Ruebeck
Norma (Cissell) and Wayne Smith
Rod and Cheri Sommer
Kay (Phillips) and Ralph Sparks
Carolyn Taylor (Rayburn)
Tommie Ruth (Blair) Toler
Vince and Betty Tusa
Nena (Hunt) and Bob Wallace
Mary Ann (Shilling) Watt
(Brunch only)
Bev Murphy Wells
Robert (Little Red) Wilson
SuEllen (Golden) and John Wilson
(Wednesday evening only)

From Our Graduates

Last month, Mickey Lavy asked: “Why is there air?”
Answer: In 1965 Bill Cosby (not yet on TV) proclaimed that, There’s air to blow up volley balls, there’s air to blow up basketballs.”

**Side note from the editor: “Hmmm- my guess would have been: So the politicians could speak– since they all seem to be full of nothing but hot air.”

Updates

Bob Easter fell on Thursday afternoon July 12th, hit his head, had a concussion, and eventually had to get a pacemaker. Here is his account of the incident:
“After falling and not having any knowledge of the fall, I stayed in ER for 18 hours, lots of tests for bleeding brain and then decision to install pacemaker to prevent future falls. Saturday morning, July 14, Dr. David Kessler installed a pacemaker. Went home Saturday afternoon. Felt drained emotionally and physically. Not ready to go dancing if you know what I mean. The only issue is my head where I fell. It is still tender and has a raised area. That will go down soon. Carolyn is telling everyone ‘See I told you he was hardheaded.’

“I am taking it easy and plan to watch the recovery time carefully. I also know the emotional part of the head injury will resolve, as little things seem to bother me.

“Now, go tell someone you love them, not at a glance but look them in the eyes and say it slowly. We all need tender loving care. Thank you for your love and concern.”

August Birthdays


3- Angie (Plemons) Lehman
4- LouAnn (Hilton) Brady
9- Mary Frances Rodriquez
19- Dill Bailey
21- Charlotte (Suttle) Kleibrink
22- Pat (McGlaughn) Dooley
27- Bonnie (Burson) Chapman
29- Aubrey Stringer

Show and Tell – Sondi (Nelson) Pace

I began playing the violin in 1950 when we still lived in Kansas. Upon moving to Waco in 1952, I continued lessons and training, and was fortunate to play regularly at Austin Avenue Methodist Church and 2nd chair with the Waco Symphony during my teenage years. After taking a bit of time off during college and child-bearing years, I began playing again with our church orchestra, First Baptist of Richardson, and continued for 30 years. We were blessed with the opportunity to present The Easter Story to the community for all this time, to play at the Myers Concert Hall in Dallas, and to tour Germany, Austria and Switzerland in 1990 playing concerts.

When we moved to Fairview (near McKinney), I was privileged to play with their church orchestra for many years. Following that, I played with the Dallas Praise Orchestra all around the Metroplex area. My involvement now is mainly “fiddling” with the tiny country church near our lake cabin in Oklahoma.

Other highlights of my life have been the opportunity of working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for 24 years, serving in the Dallas, Regional and State offices, doing event planning for hundreds of athletes, supporters and staff, and serving on their National Board of Directors. I was also wedding coordinator for our church for several years, was involved in Camp Fire for over 50 years, working with kids and including service on the Local and National Boards of Directors.

We are the proud parents of two lovely daughters and four grandchildren … the oldest two grandsons are married and living in Nashville and NW Arkansas. Our granddaughter is married to an Irving police officer and teaching 4th grade in Mansfield. Youngest grandson is attending SFA in Nacogdoches and playing baseball.

Ray (class of ’59) and I have been blessed beyond belief … have travelled extensively and, on August 18, will celebrate 56 years of adventure! (58 years if you count the two years we dated and were engaged.)

Would love to list all of the Waco friends from the classes of ’59, ’60 and ’61 who meant so much to us, but am sure I would leave someone out. So to all of you: thanks for the memories and God bless!

Pictures

What a difference 70 years makes. Below is a picture of 1st grade – Ms. Bailey’s room- at Dean-Highland Elementary. Aubrey Stringer and Linda Shelby started first grade together in 1948. Aubrey is 4th from the left on the top row. Linda is 3rd from the left on the middle row.


(Can you recognize any of the others? Hint: Marvin Schutza, Vic Anderson, Rayburn Taylor, Poppy Early, Susan Stringer, Melissa Snell, Bobby Willingham, Malissa Starnes, Sharon McCarthy, Crozier Brown)

This new picture was taken a few days ago on July 29, 2018 — some 70 years later. Aubrey and Linda have not changed very much in all those years, have they?

“Make new friends but keep the old…
One is silver, the other is gold.”