It seems I always have more bad news than good. I have learned of the death of another graduate. I have no details other than the fact that Glenn Hurta informed me of David’s death this morning (February 12). I am aware that only in the past 10 years, David moved back to Waco. I think he was really enjoying living here.
jh

David Louis Daniel, of Waco, TX, died on February 5, 2021, at the age of 78.

David, born on August 6, 1942, in Waco, to Reverend Tom and Fay Daniel, was a lifelong educator who dedicated his life to improving public schools and the lives of people with disabilities. From driving a school boat on the Grand Bayou, to sharing his love of flowers as a Master Gardener, even schooling his friends in dominoes, David was a teacher at heart. He was an avid traveler, a tireless volunteer helping with everything from soup kitchens to plant sales, and a passionate Baylor Men’s Basketball and Lady Bears fan. Most importantly, he let friends and family know how very much he loved them.

David is survived by his wife and best friend since college, Fran Daniel; son, James Daniel and wife, Kristy; daughter, Francine Daniel Galko and husband, Joseph; stepchildren, Matt Carter and wife, Amie, Missy James and husband, Steve, Brad Carter and wife, Nancy; sisters, Ann Talley, and Mary McCauley and husband, Don; and diligently-walked shorkie, CJ. He was blessed with 12 beloved grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Pursue Enrichment) organization 595 S Ragsdale St., Jacksonville, TX 75766. Many thanks to loving neighbors. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Picture from 55th Class Reunion in 2015

Robert “Little Red” Wilson informed me that Cynthia Kirkland Mazza passed away peacefully at 2:49 a.m. on January 3, 2021. As he stated, “She fought the good fight.” Robert said while living in Waco, he and Cynthia had gone to the same church together since the 3rd grade.

As Cynthia lost her battle, her daughter was holding her hand while other family members were surrounding her. Cynthia’s faith was remarkable and her family was remarkably loving and attentive. Cynthia met Frank during her freshman year at Baylor, they married, and remained sweethearts all these years.

The 50th reunion in 2010 was the last one that Cynthia attended due to different issues.  Here are several pictures of Cynthia enjoying her time with graduates. A pretty smile was always on her face.

On December 31, Jeanne Harman received the following information from Bill Alexander:

“Rosemary, my love and center of my life for 50 years, has died. You can find her obituary at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/austin-tx/rosemary-alexander-9967986
Bill Alexander

Our deepest sympathies are extended to Bill and the family in their loss of such a special person.

“Randy” Turner was born Charles Redding Turner III to Vivian (Hickey) and Charles Redding Turner, Jr. on April 18,1942 in Waco, Texas. Randy passed peacefully from this life into Heaven on December 19, 2020 at 1:34 AM surrounded by his beloved wife Kathy and his daughters, Michelle and Stephanie.

Randy was a direct descendant of Texas earliest pioneers and loved his hometown. He was a proud graduate of Waco High School, Class of 1960. Randy matriculated to the University of Texas in Austin, Plan II to study Architecture but excessive revelry necessitated a transfer to Baylor University.

Within his first week at Baylor, Randy met the love of his life, Kathryn Lea Dunnihoo Young. They were happily married for almost sixty years.

Randy graduated from Baylor University with degrees in Economics and Finance; however, his love of architecture continued as a life-long passion. He became proficient with SketchUp and retained membership in the American Institute of Architects. Randy’s fascination with design influenced his vision as a residential and commercial developer and investor based in Dallas, with many projects across Texas. He served on the boards of several banks and a host of other businesses throughout his career.

Randy’s legacy continues through his devoted daughters, each with husbands who became like sons to him; Michelle (and Richard Unwin) and Stephanie (and Jon Schaeffer). He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren, David (and Emily), Alex and Knox; along with great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Luke and James.

Randy will be missed by precious members of his extended family and by an array of special, lifelong friends. We grieve but not without hope.

Some pictures of Randy in happy times with his fellow graduates

Circa 1954 (from Pat Payne) – “Randy sent me this photo from 1954 to use in my essay, “A Waco Boy.” This picture is of our dance class with was our mothers’ idea!

Charles Ray Miles passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020, in Arlington, Texas at the age of 78.

Charles was born March 11, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas, to Tommie Isaac Miles and Opal Mae Ramsey Miles. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Jack Miles.

Charles Ray grew up in Waco, Texas, and had many friends in Waco he enjoyed keeping up with. He attended Baylor and Arlington State College and found his niche in marketing which he enjoyed his entire career. During his career, he made many friends and served in many positions of benefit. In 1988-89 he served as President of Specialty Advertising Association Metroplex. He later was a member of the Board of Directors of the national Awards and Recognition Association and in 2005-06 served as President of the Association.

Charles was an avid golfer and sports fan but his true joy was in gardening for which he truly had a major green thumb.

Charles was very much a family man and adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, and enjoyed greatly his time spent with them all. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet Ellen Tune Miles, his son Charles Ray Miles, Jr., and his daughters Melissa Kay Henley and son-in-law Zane Henley, and Meredith Paige Young and son-in-law Preston Young. Grandchilden are Zane FitzGibbon, Jade Burrows and husband Ryan Burrows and India FitzGibbon, and special Granddaughter Mariah Blu Young. He had one great-grandson, Atticus Wade Burrows.

Jimmy Willard McDonald, 78, of San Marcos, Texas, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2020, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Alex McDonald and Laverne Barber, and his brother John McDonald.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Vivian Orndorff. He is also survived by his sons Jimmy McDonald, Jr. and wife Roni, Ron McDonald and wife Claire, Don McDonald and wife Staci, daughter Jennifer Hammersley and husband Eric, stepson Brian Baker and wife Ginny; brothers Jerry McDonald and Larry McDonald and wife Lou; grandchildren Krystin Ashley, Matthew Lynn, Mitchell Ryan, Harrison Carl, Grace Kathryn, Madison, Chase Jacob, Alexa Grace, Amelia Jane, Miles Ethan, and Kenna Elizabeth; great grandchildren Caden, Joey, Jackson and Heidi; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and dear friends.

Jimmy was born on February 7, 1942 in Waco, Texas. He graduated from Waco High School in 1960 and attended Baylor University. He worked for Stage Stores, Inc. as a retail manager for more than 30 years and retired in 1996. Jimmy moved to Wimberley in 1997 and enjoyed golf, reading, and drinking wine! He and his wife, Vivian, traveled and explored Italy, Croatia, the Greek Isles, and numerous island destinations. In 2002, he planned, designed, and built his amazingly beautiful dream home, Bella Vista. He loved landscaping and improving the 65-acre property during the 16 years that he lived there.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org/donate.

“Bull Dog” Bob Easter is at it again.  He located one of our graduates but unfortunately, this graduate died back in 2016.

Donald Allen Cook died September 27, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona.  An obit was not able to be located.

Donald was married to Margery Alice Cook in Travis County in 1964.

Bob said he thinks Margery Alice is now living in Pennsylvania, possibly to be near her children.

Martha Kay Hofer (78) of Fort Worth passed away on September 26, 2020 with her family foremost in her thoughts and prayers.

There will be a private memorial at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery where Kay will be with Ken and they are At Peace with God. Kay’s celebration of life service will take place on October 23rd at 10am and can be viewed by using the link located here. Her obituary can be found here.

In lieu of sending flowers or cards, memorials may be made to Meadowbrook-Poly UMC, 3900 Meadowbrook Dr, Fort Worth, Texas 76103. Peace be with you.

Note from Jeanne Harman:

Many sent comments about Kay. She was, indeed, a wonderful, sweet, kind, and intelligent individual. Our class will miss her greatly.

Growing up, Kay lived across the street from Jack Martin. She used to talk about how wonderful Jack’s parents were to her after her father had a heart attack. Mrs. Martin would go over and stay with Kay while her mother was at the hospital. She said the Martins would take her to church with them. Kay said she did not have a three-speed bike so Jack and his brother, Johnny, would sometimes let her ride their bikes. Kay said she used to be fast at running and could sometimes outrun the boys! In adult years, Kay said her root canal dentist had been a student of Jack’s. Small world, isn’t it!

Some Pictures of Kay at Past Reunions