Tommie Jo Burch Regian passed peacefully in Kingsland, TX on the morning of December 30, 2023, comfortably under hospice care while surrounded by her immediate family. She was 81 years old.

Born in Rosebud, TX in 1942 to Thomas Andrew Burch and Alma Elizabeth Robbins Burch, Tommie was raised in Waco, TX where she attended elementary, junior high, and graduated from Waco High School.  While in Waco, Tommie met and married her true love of 59 years, Burnie Regian, and later came to be the loving mother to four boys, Robert, Michael, David, and Stephen, before moving to Baytown, TX in the late 1960’s.

Tommie became very active in the Baptist Church as a Sunday school teacher and the youth group, PTA, and school functions as well as local and state politics in her 20 years in Baytown. She was employed by the late Constable James Douglas until relocating with her family to the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington area in 1989 for employment. She fell in love with the Pacific Northwest and all it had to offer.

In 2003, Tommie retired early and for the next 10 years traveled across America full-time in a motorhome with her husband and son visiting 43 states, Mexico, and Canada. During her travels, she discovered and fell in love with Cody, Wyoming, where she spent the summer while traveling back to the Pacific Northwest for winter for about 8 years. Cody, Wyoming and the friends that became family there were a huge part of Tommie’s life.

Many years later, she and Burnie settled in Buchanan Dam, TX where they were surrounded by the dearest of friends.

Tommie was an avid country and western dancer who loved George Strait and held a special place in her heart for Garner State Park, the Frio River in Concan, TX, the mountains of Wyoming and Yellowstone, and the Oregon Coast. She was also an activist for women’s and human rights, and participated in protests locally, statewide, and in Washington, DC to make her voice heard and to make a difference in her life and the lives of others.

She made and loved so many friends across the USA in her travels. She was a friend to all and an adopted mother to so many. Her sense of humor and wittiness was unmatched and will forever be missed.

Tommie is preceded in death by her father, Thomas Andrew Burch, mother Alma Elizabeth Robbins Burch, brothers James Burch and Jerry Burch, and her beloved eldest son, Robert Lynn Regian. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Burnie Regian of Buchanan Dam, TX; sons Michael Regian of Buchanan Dam, TX, David Regian of Highlands, TX, and Stephen Regian of Buchanan Dam, TX; daughters in law, Kelly Regian Butler of Baytown, TX and Heather Regian of Buchanan Dam, TX; sister Beth Burch of Poulson, MT; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

A very casual Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024, at The Baytown Community Center Auditorium, 2407 Market Street, Baytown, TX 77520 at 1pm. All are welcomed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Robert Regian Memorial Scholarship Fund at Lee College Baytown, TX online at  https://www.lee.edu/foundation/donate/named-scholarships/ or by calling the Lee College Foundation office at 281-425-6303

Rodger L. Felt, age 82, of Katy, Texas, passed away on March 4, 2024. He was born in San Diego, California on February 2, 1942 to Lawrence Willard Felt and Marion Olive Felt. Rodger had a career in oil and gas as an engineer for Shell and Abercrombie before eventually becoming self-employed when he opened Rodel Oil and Gas and Manufactured Pipehandlers. In his free time, he enjoyed writing poems, and cheering on his favorite teams including the Texas A&M Aggies, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Astros.

Rodger was preceded in death by parents, Lawrence and Marion Felt, as well as his son, Bradley R. Felt. He is survived by his wife, Delind Felt; son, Gregory Felt; daughter, Deema Mata and husband, Jeremy Mata; sister, Sally Felt; niece, Sarah Felt; niece, Olivia Mendoza and husband, Kevin Mendoza; grandson, Tyler Felt; grandson, Aidan Felt and his fiance, Temple Trapp; grandson, Mason Mata; and great nephew, Elijah Lee Michaelson Mendoza.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Katy Funeral Home, located at 23350 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX 77494, to be followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. A small family graveside service will occur on Monday, March 11, 2024 at Rodger’s final resting place in Waco, Texas.

 
 

Bev (Murphy) Wells informed me last night around 6:00 pm that Lynette (Muchow) Baugh passed away. Lynette was so faithful to help with all reunions and to attend any WHS function that she could as long as her health permitted.

In early January, Lynette fell and broke her vertebrae and had to be placed on Hospice. She was at home when she died with loved ones by her side: Jarod (Lynette’s husband) Lindy (her daughter) and Chris, (Lindy’s husband).

Lindy and her husband live next door to Jarod and Lynette. They bought the house next door which had belonged to Lindy’s grandmother. Chip and Joanna Gaines did the remodel, and their house was featured on the Fixer Upper TV show several years ago. Lynette and Jarod and whole family were featured in the home at the end of the original airing.

In case this link doesn’t work, it is titled: Hewitt Hideaway, April 10, 2017. Bing Videos

Jeanne

Bev, who was a dear, dear friend of Lynette has offered this wonderful heartfelt tribute for us. 

“Lynette Muchow Baugh and I went to Gurley Elementary together; we met in first grade. Every year our school would have a May Pole dance event and the girls would dress up like butterflies and dance around the May Pole. Lynette was a beautiful butterfly and now her spirit will continue on in my memory as a beautiful butterfly.

Lynette passed away this evening, Monday, January 22, 2024. She would have turned 82 on March 8th.

Lynette was a loving wife to Jarod, who loved her dearly, and she loved her three beautiful daughters (Leann, Lorie and Lindy), and her grand-children, and her little dog, Buddy. Lynette loved the wide-open spaces of their farm and would even help mow the acreage from time to time and enjoyed doing it. Lindy and Chris lived next door to Lynette and Jarod and that gave Lynette and Jarod great comfort.

Jarod had built Lynette a beautiful guest home right behind their home where guests would stay when visiting. It was decorated retro and was almost like a museum. She knew every detail about every item in that home. It brought back a lot of historical memories for me.

When we were girls in high school, she worked at McCory’s and I worked at Kresses both on Austin Avenue, right across from each other. We were making 50 cents an hour and thought we were rich!

Lynette was a historian. She was involved as a docent at the Earle-Napier-Kinnard House but was involved in some of the other historic homes too. She knew a lot about Waco history too. It was amazing how much history she remembered and related. Lynette was involved in other ladies groups including her sorority and other functions and involved in her church.

When I would visit Lynette and Jarod, we would watch old war movies or westerns together…what fun! Lynette was a great cook and one of her specialties was marinated pork tenderloin with vegetables, sooo yummy! And, she made a great banana pudding (nothing boxed, all from scratch) too! She would get up early and have breakfast for her guests. A true B&B! She loved having her guests visit.

I was so thankful that I got to see Lynette in October. She just hugged me and called out my name. What a thrill that was!

So my dear friend, Lynette, you will live in my heart and memory. And, some day, we will see each other again! I have no doubt that she is with her Lord! Please keep Jarod and their family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

Graveside service for Rita Jane Rogers Turner, 80, of Ferriday, LA were held at Greenlawn Memorial Park on Friday, October 7 at 10 AM, under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.

Mrs. Turner was born in Waco, Texas on April 7th, 1942, to Harold Rogers and Hazel Rogers. She passed away on October 2, 2022 in Ferriday, LA. Jane graduated from Waco High School in Waco, TX. After High School, she attended Kilgore College in Kilgore, TX. She was a Kilgore Rangerette and danced in the 1961 & 1962 Cotton Bowls. Jane was a homemaker who enjoyed spending time with her family, entertaining friends, and traveling with her husband, who competed in cutting horse events in the rodeo circuit. She also enjoyed gardening, tennis, and was a member of Sevier Methodist Memorial Church and the Panola Woods Country Club. She judged the South Natchez Colonial Ladies Try Outs and Co-Sponsored the Huntington Canine Cuties Dance Team with Penny Daye.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Rogers and Hazel Rogers, and her husband, Harry Arch “Sonny” Turner.

Mrs. Turner is survived by her son, Blake Turner and wife Elizabeth of Natchez, MS; daughter, Jill Turner Clark and husband Roger of Rogers, AR; grandchildren, Brittany Funderburg Rogel and husband Zach, Brooks Elizabeth Turner, and Megan Jones King; great grandchildren, James Campbell “Camp” Blunschi, Collins and Chloe Rogel, and Kaylee King; sister-in-law, Charlaine Turner Yerger of Tallulah, LA; brother-in-law, Charles “Bo” Edward Turner and wife Melody of Chattanooga, TN; and nieces and nephews, Nina Charlaine Yerger, Jason Arch Yerger,Jonathon “JT” Turner, and Rachel Turner.

Honorary Pallbearers were Camp Blunschi, Jason Arch Turner, Jonathon Turner, and Max Mullins, JR.

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Robert Collins (“Bob”) Easter, Sr. passed from this realm on August 11, 2023 while surrounded by his family. They know that he is now free of all pain and worry as he has been welcomed into Heaven as a good and faithful servant. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and intentional action that will continue to inspire all who loved him.

Bob was born November 18, 1941 in Waco, Texas and was the youngest of eight children born to his parents Christopher Columbus Easter and Essie Marie (Smith) Easter. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Carolyn (Castille) Easter, with whom he proudly shared a blended family. Surviving children are: son Robert C. Easter, Jr. and wife Lea (Anthony) Easter; son Christopher Easter and wife Lori (Elam) Easter; son Patrick Easter and wife Jennifer (Fowler) Easter; daughter Catherine (Bowyer) Dant; son John Bowyer and wife Irene Bowyer.

The grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him so much joy! All will remember their BeBe with love: Jordan (Easter) Taylor and husband Steele along with their children Samuel and Margaret; Will Easter and wife Ann Banks (Blackwell) Easter; Alden (Easter) Lopez and husband Max; Chloe Easter; Rylee Elam; Christopher Easter; David Easter; Amanda Easter; Madison Dant and fiance Kabryn Hodgson; William Dant and fiance Paige Bartok along with their infant son Alexander; and Christopherous Bowyer.

Bob worked continuously on genealogical research and he learned his family’s American story began with indentured servitude in 1664 in Virginia. Members of the family have served in every aspect of military and farming life since the beginning of our country, which Bob recognized as honorable work to form and support a great nation. He had high hopes for the United States to continue growth with integrity. The call of his ancestors led to amazing work restoring a family cemetery in Alabama and he has collaborated in publishing the stories as well. “May your thirst and understanding of this history fill your soul with a renewed hope for the future” was his inscription. The numerous family members whom he has connected over the years were all very special to him.

Work ethic was strong with Bob, and it is a value which he encouraged in his children. He worked from very early in his youth (picking cotton, delivering newspapers on a bicycle, helping on the family farm) and learned valuable lessons from each experience. His career in the newspaper business included his position as Director of Circulation at the Austin American-Statesman. He went on to the real estate business, where he owned and operated Easter and Easter, Realtors for many years and became known as “Mr. Sold Mine” during the 1980’s. He was always a consumer advocate and sought out creative ways to improve the industry.

With all of his professional accolades and accomplishments, he would most like to be remembered for his family and for his gardening. A proud certified Texas Organic Gardener, he was at his happiest when digging in the dirt. And what perfect dirt it is! (Texas A&M said so; yes his soil was tested.) His tomatoes and leafy greens are legendary, and he was proud to grow nutritious and heirloom food year-round for his family and for the local food pantries. While he thought no one was listening, those around him have absorbed countless insights into what makes a garden grow, what plants are best companions, and what foods our ancestors ate for best health. Friends and family will always remember him when using seaweed or planting garlic in their own gardens. Bob recently reminded us that the garden was the first gift from God to Man and Woman. He found spiritual connection in the garden and especially among his friends at Sunshine Community Gardens and the Grow Together Community Garden at Gateway. Bob also donated food to and lived the mission of the Micah 6 organization, which is based on Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Bob Easter was most definitely a humble man, and he constantly gave thanks to God and to all the people whom he encountered. No matter how he met each person, he was truly interested in their stories and he fostered connection at every opportunity. Hopefully his example can help others spread a bit more kindness throughout the world. With gratitude, the family would like to thank all those who have blessed his life with friendship and support.

In lieu of flowers, kindly contribute to Sunshine Community Gardens or Gateway Church in memory of Bob Easter.

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