William Eugene Bullard, 1947-2008, DHS Class of 1965

Gene Bullard, of North Hollywood, Calif., precious only son of Bill and Birdie Bullard of Kerrville, passed suddenly from this life on the evening of May 7 while jogging in Los Angeles. He was 60.

 Gene was the son of a career Air Force officer and therefore grew up in various places during the postings of his father, including two overseas assignments. He attended Denison High School, graduating in the Class of '65. He then completed the course of study at Grayson County Junior College and attended North Texas State University, before choosing to join the United States Air Force. He was sworn in by his father in early 1968 and served his country four years as a meteorologist in Germany and in Spain, during which period he also participated in the Experiment in International Living in Switzerland.

Following his tour of duty he studied music and drama at the University of Texas. It was the call of a career in music which led him to Los Angeles in 1978, but he subsequently made his living there as a graphic artist and editor, working 27 years in the financial assets management sector. Gene had a lifelong interest in photography and produced an impressive body of work; in his last year he also returned to his love of music and spent much of his free time playing the piano. He is the author of one novel, "The Innocent."

Gene's golden voice, wry sense of humor, astute observations, infallible memory, gentle kindheartedness, his uncompromising commitment to excellence, joy in making others happy, and just plain goodness can never be replaced but will always light the hearts of those whose lives he touched. Gene never married and is survived by his parents and his sister, Linda Bullard.

Lilly Naomi "Frosty" (Foster) Scarberry Frost, DHS Class of 1937

On April 3, 2008 Naomi Frost, known as "Frosty" to many friends and gran-gran to her family, went to be with the Lord in heaven. Naomi was born to Horace and Ona Johnson Foster on Sept. 9, 1920 in Denison. She attended and graduated from Denison High School in 1937. In 1947 she married Doyle Frost; together they had two children.
Naomi's career was always secretarial. She worked in the secretarial pool at Perrin Air Force Base and retired civil service as wing commander secretary. She served 30 years in civil service, ending her career at Sheppard Air Force Base. She began another career at Safeway Brookside Division where she retired as secretary. After two retirements, she continued to work parttime for CPA Robert J. Dye.
Naomi became a devoted member of the Pythian Sisters in 1948, where she served as Grand Chief 1975-1976; she was a member of Lily Temple No. 3 in Denison; she was an original charter member of the National Association Retired Federal Employees; served as a volunteer for many years to Meals on Wheels, Denison SNAP Center; a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and Eastern Star. Naomi was an active volunteer at Texoma Medical Center, where she dedicated more than 4,000 hours of time that she truly enjoyed and looked forward to each week and she had many friends that watched over her that she loved dearly.
She was a very proud member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she was loved by many. But most of all she was a devoted mother and very special, loving gran-gran.
Naomi was preceded in death by her husband, mother, father and sister. She is survived by brother Earl Foster of Tulsa, Okla.; son, Doyle H. Frost of Durham, N.C.; daughter, Gayle and son-in-law, Claude Anderson of Denison; grandson, Sean Anderson and Carol Rubenstein of Denison; granddaughter, Heather and husband Joel Shilling of Denison; grandsons, Scotty and Steven Frost; great-grandchildren, Justin Anderson, Trisha and Benny Rubenstein. She was also survived by many cousins, nephews, nieces and dear friends.

 

                     Jackie Ray Walton, DHS Graduate

Jackie Ray Walton, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and faithful friend to many, died peacefully at the age of 75 on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at Wilson N. Jones Medical Center. He was born on May 22, 1932 and grew up in Denison, Texas, a special place to him, where friendships were made that lasted a lifetime.

 
After high school, Jackie served in the Navy during the Korean War, as a crew member on the Destroyer USS Cunningham. In 1955, he embarked on a 43 year long fire service career, starting with 29 years of service with the Dallas Fire Department, where he retired as a high level chief. The final years of his career were spent as Chief of the Duncanville Fire Department, and in 1999 he retired and moved to a special home on Lake Texoma with his beloved wife, Sonja.

Jackie earned a BA degree from Abilene Christian College in 1975. He was a member of the North Central Texas Fire Chiefs Association, serving as their president from 1990 to 1992. Throughout his career he was a strong supporter and frequent instructor at the Texas A & M Fire Academy. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Missing in Action Post 231, and a member of the VFW, the Denison Elks Lodge #238, and the George R. Reeves Masonic Lodge. During his 10 years in Duncanville, he supported the city in many ways through involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, and many other organizations. For recognition of his exceptional service, the City of Duncanville declared January 14, 1999 “Jackie Walton Day.”

Jackie was preceded in death by his mother, Pearl Seal Walton Cowherd. He is survived by his loving wife, Sonja Gary Walton, daughter, Dena and husband, Richard Martin; son, Gary Walton and wife, Tamara; his grandchildren, whom he loved deeply, Kyle Martin and wife Brooke, Katie Martin, Brianna Peirson, Jaclyn and Morgan Walton; his brother Kenneth Walton; and sisters Bettie Walton Watson and Betty Lou Cowherd Teachout.

In celebration of Jackie’s life, a service was held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2008 at First Baptist Church in Denison. Retired Chaplain of the Dallas Fire Department, Denny Burris,  officiated. Interment followed at Tioga Cemetery in Tioga.

Jerry L. Odell, DHS Class of 1958

Military graveside services for Jerry L. Odell, 68-year-old Mt. Pleasant resident, was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 at Georgetown Cemetery conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Officiating was Ret. Col. Rev. Carl Bilderback.

He died Thursday, Feb.14, 2008 at Titus Regional Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Mr. Odell was born on Oct. 30, 1939 in Denison, son of Pierce F. and Tennie Parker Odell. He graduated from Denison High School in 1958 and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He married Linda Eldredge on Oct. 3, 1964 in Denison.

Mr. Odell worked in the Airline Industry, as a city manager and was a member of the Cookville First Baptist Church in Cookville. He was in the U.S. Navy on the USS Swordfish (SSN-579) nuclear submarine.

Pallbearers were Mark Jones, Russell Parker, Steve Parker, Danny Kiler, David Potts and Robert Stumpf.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Eldredge Odell of Omaha, Texas; son, Jeffrey P. Odell and wife, Denise of Flower Mound; sister, Brenda Carsrud of Housto; and grandchildren, triplets, Jameson Odell, Gabrielle Odell and Madelyn Odell, all of Flower Mound.

He was preceded in death by his son, James F. Odell.

 

Melvin L. Reddick , DHS Class of 1969

Melvin Reddick went home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008.

Mr. Reddick was born Aug. 9, 1951 in Rogers, Ark., the son of J.T. and Virginia Reddick. He graduated from Denison High School in the class of 1969. He later married Brenda Stewart from Whitewright n 1971. They had two children, Brandon and Jason, both of Denison.

Melvin worked at Denison Industries for 33 years and was a member of Truth Tabernacle of Denison. He was a loving husband, father and grandpa. Melvin was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. We love you, Poppy.

Mr. Reddick is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Reddick of Denison; sons, Brandon Reddick and wife Cherri, and Jason Reddick and wife Shona, all of Denison; grandchildren, Josh and Chris Armstrong, Justin Reddick, Taran Shelton, Robert Shelton and Jada Shelton, all of Denison. He is also survived by his mother, Virginia Reddick of Denison; brothers, Monty Reddick and wife Jima of Denison, and Tony Reddick and wife Sandra of Mulvane, Kan. and numerous nieces and nephews. Melvin was preceded in death by his father, J.T. Reddick.

 

Joseph 'Tony' Anton Baecht, DHS Graduate

Joseph "Tony" Anton Baecht passed away a little after 2 a.m. on Jan. 12, 2008, at Wilson N. Jones Hospital. He was born on Dec. 30, 1937, in Grafton, Ill., to Myrl and Clarence Baecht. He graduated from Denison High School and earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southeastern University. He married his true love, Kawatha Sue Sweet, on June 3, 1966. They lived together on a farm near Ravenna for most of their married life and had two daughters, Katrina and Kathryn Baecht.

Tony dedicated more than 30 years of his life to teaching mathematics everywhere from Beaver, Okla. to Denison. In Denison, he taught at Golden Rule, McDaniel Junior High, and Denison High School. Rarely, could Tony go anywhere in the Sherman-Denison area without running into former students full of thanks and fond memories. Tony also owned a motorcycle shop in Denison, a continuation of his love for motorcycle racing. Tony began racing motorcycles when he was 14 years old, racing all over the southwest and collecting trophies with his brother Bobby. Shortly after the birth of his first daughter, he turned to his other passion: raising cattle and farming. He was proud of introducing a new breed of cattle to Fannin County: Penzgauer. He was happiest on the farm with his cows and in the house he and Kawatha built near Ravenna.

He imparted a love of nature to his two daughters, Katrina and Kathryn, taking them all over the farm teaching them the secrets and wonder of various plants and animals. He also blessed them with a love of story, not only reading to them often as they grew up, but also making up stories of his own. He always encouraged them in their own writing and education impressing upon them the importance of striving to be true to oneself.

After the death of Kawatha in June 2005, the last two years of Tony's life were a struggle. He was beset with stroke, leukemia, heart disease, and related complications. Despite his deep grief over loss of his wife, he never completely lost his sense of humor or his love for talking to others. He made friends easily wherever he went.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Myrl and Clarence Baecht, his sister, Alice Holcomb, as well as his wife, Kawatha Baecht. He is survived by his daughter Katrina Baecht of Austin, her husband Dustin Parks, his daughter Kathryn Baecht of New York, and her husband Chris Voss. Also surviving are his siblings Clarence "Buddy" Baecht, Rosie Dixon, Charles Baecht, Bobby Baecht, and Nancy Richards.
 

John 'Jack' Burrows, DHS Graduate

John "Jack" Burrows passed away Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 at his home. He was born on Nov.11, 1927 and was married to his high school sweetheart, Tees McMains Burrows for 53 wonderful years. He attended Denison High School where he was a letterman with the Yellow Jackets. He went on to obtain a bachelor of science degree in geology in 1950 from the University of Houston.

Prior to college Mr. Burrows proudly served his country in World War II and had been stationed in France and Germany. He was a member of the U.S. Army-1st Infantry Division. He was especially proud of his service during the Nuremberg War Trials where he served as a military guard. Mr. Burrows served a second round of service during the Korean War and returned home in 1953. Upon his return he entered into the oil and gas industry as a petroleum engineer. After working with the Phillips Petroleum company in Southern Oklahoma, Mr. Burrows and his family moved to Salvadore, Brazil where he worked as an exploratory geologist in the Reconcovo and Amazon Basin for a couple of years. Moving back to the states in 1963, he then set up as a geological consulting company and developed many oil operations within Texas. The family moved to Gainesville in 1970 after Mrs. Burrows had accepted a teaching position at the North Central Texas College. Mr. Burrows was very active with the V.F.W. Post 1922 in Gainesville and served as the Commander from 2000 to 2004.

He is survived by his wife and daughter, Nikki Sue and husband, Tim Addison of Coppell, and his sister, Donna Waddelow of Sherman. He had three grandchildren, Stacy Maxwell of Gainesville, Dylan and husband Shannon Gotcher of Denison, and Jordan Walker of Dallas. He had three great-grandchildren, Trace Maxwell, Brandi Anderson and James Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eunice and John A. Burrows and his sister, Janie Yeargan.
 

Sylvia Chloe Burgin, Class of 1944

Sylvia Chloe Burgin, 80, of Denison, music teacher, performer and song writer, passed away Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008 at Texoma Medical Center.

 Stella was born on Feb. 27, 1927 in Denison, daughter of Homer and Stella Combs Bothe Sr. and was a 1944 graduate of Denison High School. She received her associate’s degree in music and elementary education from Grayson County College and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. On July 4, 1946, she married J.L. Burgin in Denison.

She was a well known music teacher, performer and song writer throughout the North Texas area and Southern Oklahoma for a number of years. She was a member of Harless Methodist Church in Denison, and a lifelong member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 2773 and the American Legion Post 62. Sylvia and J.L. were inducted into the Texoma Music Association Hall of Fame in 1984-85. They gave numerous performances and received awards from “That Country Music Place” in Mead, Okla. In 1968-1969 they placed second in the national finals in the “Ted Mack Amateur Hour.” They also made an appearance on the “Merv Griffin Show” with their well known yodeling dog Hortense. J.L. and Sylvia performed with well-known artists such as Ernest Tubb and George Jones.

Surviving are her husband, J.L. Burgin of Denison; daughters, Kay Raper of Denison and Jan Pannell and husband, Keith of Gordonville; grandchildren, Clayton Cunningham, Holly Nunley and husband, Steve, Shandi Morris and husband Kennon, Jihl Davee, Jacob Mathews and wife, Mandi, all of Denison, Keith Pannell Jr. of Austin, Deidra Pannell of Lewisville, Angela Williams and husband, Troy of Denton; eight great-grandchildren, Asa Hall, Dylan Davee, Jada Mathews, Zadrian Morris, Chris Nunley, Jesse Nunley, Jorja Pannell and Evan Williams; numerous nieces and nephews; and two lifelong friends, Mary Williams and Janiece Wilson.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Bonnie Ainsworth and Bernice Russell; one brother, H.E. “Buddy” Bothe Jr., and son-in-law, Freddie Raper.

 

Michael D. West , Class of 1972

Mike was born on June 1, 1954 in Denison. He passed away on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, in Denison. He was the son of Aubrey and Evie West. Mike attended Denison schools and graduated from Denison High in 1972. He had been a truck driver for many years.

Mike loved fishing and hunting, being with family and visiting with his friends. He was a very special person that was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed. He is survived by sisters Teresa Martinez and husband John of Denison, Shirley Malone and Brenda Becknel of Denison, Barbara Grubbs and husband Bryan, Kensington, Ohio; brothers Steve West and wife Mary, Sherman, Jimmie West and wife Elizabeth, Denison; nieces Kelly Garrison, Kim Hudgins, Kathy Haines, Stephanie Graham, Pam Clark, Becky Watkins, Marcella Chapman, Mellissa Brown, Rhonda West, Brenda Robinson, Marsha Rutledge, Melody Lowery; nephews John Martinez Jr., Kenny Spears, David Spears, Terry Stowers, Rusty Grubbs, Michael Dean West and numerous great nieces and nephews; special friend Kim Scott and lots of good friends.
 

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