Beth was born on January 8, 1943, in Waco, TX, to Oscar Grady Freeman and Ola Lee Smith. She grew up in Waco, Texas, and graduated from Waco High School in 1960. She earned her teaching degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1963 and taught the following year.

She married Dale Vance “Van” Holliday on June 1, 1962. Their loving marriage lasted for over 47 years. Beth and Van welcomed their first daughter, Kathryn Anne in November 1964. Shortly after, the family moved to San Diego, CA, where they remained until Van passed away in 2010. Beth loved Southern California, and especially loved being near the ocean.

They welcomed their second daughter, Karen Elizabeth in August 1968, and their third daughter, Mary Christine, in December 1974.

The family joined First Baptist Church of Pacific Beach where they formed lifelong friendships and were active members for over 46 years. Beth felt blessed to be able to serve God in various ways; including as an accomplished musician and as an educator. Beth played both the piano and organ for church services for nearly 45 years. She also served in various roles at the church’s affiliated Soledad Christian School. Over the course of 13 years she was a bookkeeper, office administrator, and principal. She officially retired in 1997.

In 2011, a year following the death of her spouse, Beth returned to her native Texas and settled in Waxahachie, in order to be closer to family. She soon joined Park Meadows Baptist Church where she enjoyed attending services and spending time with her new church family. Beth frequently commented on how happy she felt in her new home. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

She is survived by her three children and their families, Kathryn Bento of Waxahachie, TX, Karen and Jim Lindquist of Glen Mills, PA, and Christy and Corey Carroll of Corona, CA.

She is also survived by five grandchildren, Hannah, Sarah, and Joseph Bento, and Caleb and Corbin Carroll. On March 27, 2021, she found herself rejoicing in Heaven with her husband; two sisters; brother; and her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Lindquist. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made to the music funds of either First Baptist Church of Pacific Beach in San Diego, CA , or Park Meadows Baptist Church in Waxahachie, TX. Donations may also be made to support NOAA through Ocean Conservancy.

Perry Head, 79, of Gatesville, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021, in Waco.

Perry was born on April 24, 1941, in Waco, to the late William Perry and Willie Stelle Head. He grew up in Waco and graduated from Waco High School in 1960. He worked at Hercules in McGregor for many years, until he opened Unique Machine Shop in 1977, in Oglesby. He was married to Dolores Saffle Head for 25 years, until she preceded him in death. He later married Phyllis Caldwell Gellasch on June 18, 1994. For many years, he coached girls’ softball and was instrumental in bringing the softball program to Gatesville High School. He loved fishing, especially in south Texas and Mexico, hunting and the outdoors. He also enjoyed spending time on his ranch with his cattle and watching his grandchildren’s sporting activities. Perry supported his community and in 2009 was honored with having the Coryell County Youth Fair dedicated to him. He was very generous, patriotic, loving and “loved life” in general. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Perry had his “own sense of humor” and always wanted a large family to love. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Head; children, Deanna Lueckenotte and husband, Bryan, Trina Chamberlain and husband, Phil, Lisa Carothers and husband, Larry, Tara Jordan and husband, Todd, Richard Gellasch and wife, Jenny; sister, Carolyn Kline and husband, Jerry; grandchildren, Taylor Lueckenotte, Brad Carothers and wife, Amber, Justin Carothers and wife, Whitney, Christopher Erwin and wife, Ashley, Crockett Carothers, Justin Jaynes and wife, Sami, Lacy Gellasch, Taite Gellasch and wife, Kristina, Kipp Gellasch, Ty Jordan, Brookelyn Jordan; great-grandchildren, Curry, Darcy, Brady, Grace, Presley and Bailey Rae; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family has designated memorials be made to the Coryell County Youth Fair, P.O. Box 133, Gatesville, TX 76528.

Aubrey Stringer knew Perry quite well and had used Perry’s machine shop, which Aubrey reports is a very good shop. Aubrey and Perry had taken Industrial Arts in high school from Pop Werner and Fritz Linnstaedter when the shop room was located in the basement of Waco High School.

Aubrey also had another story about Perry. Aubrey told a friend who was needing some metal work done about Perry’s shop. One day, out of the blue, Aubrey opened a letter from Perry that also contained a nice-sized check. It was a “thank you” for the referral which had turned out to be good job for Perry.

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.
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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.