Dolores (Dee) Clifton Behringer Purcell Huggins passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 30, 2023. Graveside Services will be at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Waco Memorial Park with Pastor Tom Wagner officiating.

Dee was born on June 23, 1942, in Waco, Texas to Evelyn and Willard Clifton, Sr. at Hillcrest Baptist Hospital.  Dee graduated from Waco High School in 1960 and attended Baylor University for 2 years. In 1971 she became a Licensed Realtor and worked for Jim Stewart Realtors in Waco, Texas for 12 years. 

In 1985 in Waco, Texas she met the love of her life Dick Huggins, their love of traveling took them on wonderful cruises to England, London, and Paris, France during their 12 years of marriage. In 1990 they moved to April Sound on Lake Conroe. where she continued her Real Estate career with Pat Anderson Properties for 15 years and then Coldwell Banker United for 15 years.

On September 16, 1996, her life suddenly changed, Dick passed unexpectedly in his sleep. Her decision to remain at Lake Conroe was not an easy one but she had established her Real Estate career with many clients who became her friends and had a strong supporting group to help her through such a difficult time.

Health issues made her decision to hang up her realtor sign “Call Dee to See” In 2018, she moved back home to Waco to be closer to family and special friends. She resided at The Blake at Waco for many years before she passed.

Dee loved dancing, traveling, card games of any kind, and of course; Elvis Presley, she had a room in her home dedicated to Elvis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Willard Clifton, Jr.; husbands Tony Purcell, and Dick Huggins.

She is survived by her brother, Larry Clifton and wife, Denise of Leroy, Texas; their children, Crystal Rumer and husband, Rick of Richland Hills, Texas, Candyce Perry and Marshal of Richland Hills, Texas, Kamille Beims and husband, Josh of Hillsboro, Texas; sister-in-law, Cindy Clifton of Salado, Texas, her son, Ryon Clifton and wife, Lacey of Salado, Texas; nephew; Mark Clifton and wife, Linda of Dallas, Texas; niece, Stacy Miller and husband, Mark of Dallas, Texas as well and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Melynda Chatham posted the following on Facebook on May 8, 2023:

“The world lost the most wonderful, kindest, gentlest man ever last night.  Charles and I have been married nearly 62 years and we have known and been girlfriend/boyfriend since we were 10 years old.  My heart is shattered and I shall forever miss him…but he is free from the insidious disease of Alzheimer’s and for that I am grateful.  So goodbye, sweet husband,  till we meet again.”

The enduring love story of Charles Chatham and Melynda was featured in the September 2019 issue of the Waco Town Crier.

Mickey Annette Lade Perkins, 80 years old, passed away on August 25, 2022.

She was born in Waco, Texas on March 23,1942 to her proud parents of Otto Rudolf Lade and Evva Isabel Moses Lade.

Mickey graduated Waco High School 1960 from Texas Wesleyan College 1972, Bachelor of Science Elementary Education and from North Texas State University 1984 with Master degree in Public School Administration.

Mickey was married to husband Johnny Perkins on June 17, 2007.

Mickey taught in public school for 15 years. She opened 3 daycare and preschools before buying a turkey farm. Mickey was an adventurous woman riding horses, motorcycles and flying planes. She enjoyed country music, drawing, and writing poetry. Her life was full of pets including: alpacas, birds, cats,dogs, donkey, fish, goats, hamsters, horses, lizards. mice, mules, rabbits, rats, turtles, snakes and spiders

Mickey is survived by her husband Johnny Perkins, brother Don Lade, children, Marie Bishop Peel and Chris and Angie Bishop, Laura and Tommy Roberson, and grandchildren Taylor, Sydney, Beau, Makayla, Adam and Travis, Shawna and Bruce Haynie and their children Matthew and Elliegh, Karen and Dale Ganus and their children Amanda, Meagan and Brittany.

*****
Mickey was an accomplished artist. She did a lot of the artwork in our 45th reunion directory. These were made into 8×10 prints and later these prints were sold to make money for other reunions. Mickey liked acting crazy at times and she attended all the reunions that she possibly could. Here are some pictures of Mickey having fun at different reunions with fellow classmates:

2005 with Charlotte Suttle Kleibrink	2010 with Charlotte Suttle Kleibrink
2010 as Lady Gaga	2010 with hubby, John
2010 with Jack Smith	2010 with Mickey Lady
2010 with Linda Phelps McKee	2010 with Tim Lasseter Latta
2010 with hubby, John	2010 with Gayla Miller Webb and John
2018 with hubby, John	2018 with Betty Leudeker Gatlin and John

From Jeanne Harman …

I have learned that Jeri Anne Boren Guyton has recently passed away. She developed an infection that turned into sepsis. There were complications and on March 29, 2023, Jeri died.

I do not have any more information at the present but will pass along to you if and when I receive more info.
This much I know:

Jeri was born on February 19,1942 and graduated from WHS 1960. She was currently living in San Antonio with her hubby, Joe Guyton.

Jeri was a fantastic gardener … here’s an article about her gardens

I think the last time Jeri was at a reunion was our 25th. Here are some pictures that were taken at that time.

   

Margie Featherston of Ovilla passed away peacefully on December 31, 2022 with her daughters and husband by her side.

She was born in Cransfills Gap, TX as the fifth of six children.

She graduated from Waco High School, then moved with her parents to Fort Worth.

She married Jack Featherston and settled in Ovilla where they lived for over forty years. She was a faithful servant who worked at Holy Spirit Catholic Church for over twenty years making an impact on many.

She is survived by husband of 57 years, Jack, daughters Laura Featherston (Debbe Robinson) and Amy Featherston (Paul Gowan) and granddaughter Lucy Ciarochi. Brothers George Picha (Gladys), Albin Picha, and Robert Picha (Jo Ann). Sister Jean Ward and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A note from John Ferguson:
This is to let you know that following a lengthy illness, our dear friend Jim Maxwell died this morning in Santa Fe. There will be no obituary, and funeral plans are private.

For those wishing to send condolences:
Gary McLeod:
100 Rio Vista Place, Apt. 146
Santa Fe, NM 87501

Ernie was born on January 13, 1942, to the late Ernest Franklin Higginbotham and Margaret Helen Higginbotham. He grew up in Waco and graduated from Waco High School in 1960.

After high school he was recruited by Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas to play baseball, then a year later he was recruited by Baylor University in Waco to play baseball for them.

Ernie then joined the Marines on August 1, 1962 and was stationed in San Diego, California.

During this time, he earned numerous badges and other honors.

Ernie left the Marines on May 13, 1968. His discharge certificate was a testimonial of Honest and Faithful service. He was a Marine for Life!

After leaving the Marines he stayed in Southern California for many years and joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Ernie moved back to Houston, Texas in 1985. He started a construction company where he resided until he met Kim, and they moved back to Killeen.

They were married on February 14, 2000.

Ernie was a devoted Texas Longhorn fan, Dallas Cowboys fan, loved boating, Elvis Presley and Mickey Gilley.

Ernie was devoted to his family and loved helping and spending time with them.

He had a wonderful sense of humor, a loving heart, and a warm smile.

Ernie was a loyal husband and friend and will be greatly missed by many who consider themselves blessed to have had him in their lives.

Ernie was the best husband, dad, step-father, and Papa anyone could ever hope for.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Helen and Ernest Franklin Higginbotham, his brother, Robert Higginbotham.

He is survived by his wife Kimberly, two sons from a previous marriage, Craig and Eric Higginbotham, step-daughter, Tiffany Bralley, and her husband J.D. Bralley; brother, Donald Higginbotham; grandchildren, Hudson Bralley; Ashlee and Amanda Higginbotham; Kyle Higginbotham; as well as several nieces, Lori, Jennifer, Julie and Tanya; and his beloved cats, Sam and Sissy.