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Jack T. Ingram, DHS Class of 1948 Jack T. Ingram left us on the morning of Nov. 3,
2009. He was doing what he loved, walking. Jack worked for the Texas
Employment Commission before becoming a professor of law at East
Texas State University. It was in this capacity that he touched many
lives of his students and colleagues alike and formed lifelong
friendships.
Jack was born in 1930, and spent his childhood in
Denison. He graduated from the University of Texas and was a
lifelong UT fan, making all of the home games and many away games.
Jack served as a lieutenant in the US Army and saw duty in Japan
before earning his law degree from SMU.
He is survived by his cousins, Nancy Taylor and
husband Baxter, Laura Baxter and husband Jerry, Marilyn Barnett and
husband Jack, and Lonnie Legg and his wife Deb; and extended family
and many dear friends, including Martha Young and husband Tome.
 Robert
L. Oram "Bob" , DHS Class of 1947
Robert L. "Bob" Oram, 79, passed into the hands
of our loving Lord on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009.
Bob was born Jan, 11, 1930, in Denison. He was an Arlington
resident for over 50 years and a former resident of Denison. He
served in the Navy and spent 30 years at Vought (LTV Aerospace).
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Joan;
son, Kenneth; and daughter, Melinda.
Survivors: Daughters, Lisa Oram and Merrilee
Ebensberger and husband, Gary; son, Brian Murphy Oram and wife,
Jeannie; brother, Ben Oram and wife, Faye, all of Arlington;
eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Zoe McCoy Kostyniak, DHS
Class of 1951
Zoe McCoy Long Kostyniak, 75, passed away Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 in
Denison. She was born on March 25, 1934 in Denison to Clemens F. and
Mary Rebecca McCoy. She married Leo Long in 1953 and he preceded her
in death in 1971. She married Ed Kostyniak in Dallas in 1973.
Zoe graduated from Southeastern State in 1955 and
received a master's degree from Austin College in 1971. She worked
in the Denison ISD for 30 years, retiring in 1992. Zoe spent eight
years as an elementary teacher and 22 years as an elementary
counselor. She was also a licensed professional counselor and a
member of TSTA and Phi Delta Kappa.
Zoe is survived by her husband, son Marty Long and
grandson Ethan Scott Long of Denison; stepson Larry Kostyniak and
wife Gretchan of Arlington; stepgrandsons Brian and Michael of
Arlington; brother Clemens McCoy Jr. and wife Mary Evelyn of
Denison, Ted McCoy and wife Nora of Ft. Worth and sister-in-law Lil
McCoy of Evergreen, Colo. She was preceded in death by her parents,
son Tracy Long and brother Bill McCoy.
 Sharon
Jeanette (Jean) Cobb, DHS Class of 1984
Ms. Sharon Jeanette (Jean) Cobb was born to James
and Sharon Cobb of Denison on Sept. 24, 1964. She graduated with
honors in 1982 from Denison High School.
She was a cheerleader, student council officer,
NIKE club and track team member. She attended Grayson County College
and was an honors graduate from East Texas State University (Texas
A&M University-Commerce) with a bachelors degree in education and a
masters degree in guidance counseling. Sharon also earned a masters
degree in education administration from the University of North
Texas.
She became a teacher of reading at Hutcheson Jr.
High (Arlington) in 1988 and later accepted the job of assistant
principal at Gunn Jr. High (Arlington), moving to Arlington High
School in 1996 as assistant principal. Sharon continued her position
as a dedicated assistant principal at AHS, and in 2008 moved to
serve as a counselor due to failing health. The final of her 21
years, all spent in in dedicated service to the Arlington
Independent School District, was 2008-2009.
Sharon often wondered why she never had children, and then said, "I
guess the good Lord knew I would actually have hundreds of
children!" She loved working as a teacher and 'her' children became
her passion in service and purpose. She always said, "There are no
bad children, but there are some 'bad' parenting skills" - and she
loved each one of her students and the staff at her schools. Her
special saying was, "It Is What It Is!"
Everyone who knew Sharon knew she loved to go on
vacation. Her ideal getaway was checking in to a 5-star hotel,
sitting in a luxurious bed - reading a good book - looking at a
movie and having room service and playing board games
Sharon often opened her home to those in need and she donated to
every charity that came in the mail. She was as member of AKA
sorority; American Guidance Counseling, member of Big Brothers Big
Sisters of America and a dedicated member of Mt. Olive Baptist
Church (MOBC) in Arlington. She will truly be missed by all.
Ms Sharon J. Cobb is survived by her parents,
James and Sharon A. Cobb, Denison; sister, Triné Brown (Ulysses) of
Plano; brother, James Cobb Jr. (Carolyn) of Murphy; nieces, Courtney
Leazer (David) of Plano, and Mia Cobb of Murphy; nephew, Evan Cobb
of Murphy; grandmother, Ophelia Cobb of Denison; aunts, Belinda
Alexander of Arlington, Karen Simmons of Denison, Jennie Brown
(Hershel) of Denison; uncle, Thomas Cobb (Verlinda) of McKinney;
great-aunt, Alice McGee (Leroy) of Portland, Ore.; special cousins,
Ryan Alexander of San Antonio, Dr. Sonya Sloan (Tim) of Humble,
Tonya Cobb of McKinney, Dennis Alexander (Crissy) of McKinney, Jovan
Alexander (Lori) of Carrollton; godchildren, Avery Young of Houston,
Jonathan David Harrison-Holmes and a host of cousins, "special"
nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
 Robert
Lee Gilbreath, DHS Graduate
Robert Lee Gilbreath, 23, went to be with the Lord
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009.
Mr. Gilbreath was born Nov. 16, 1985 in Sherman,
the son of Kenneth or Mary (Hewitt) Gilbreath. Robert was a graduate
of Denison High School. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping
and riding motorcycles. He also enjoyed cooking. Robert was a loving
son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed
by his family and friends.
Mr. Gilbreath is survived by his loving family;
parents, Kenneth Gilbreath of Gainesville, and Mary Smith and
husband Robert of Sherman; brothers, Justin Gilbreath and wife Karla
of Gap, Pa. and Drew Gilbreath and wife Aimee of Denison, and their
children, Jordon and Payton Gilbreath; grandparents, Roy and
Christine Hewitt of Granbury; uncle, Cleddy Gilbreath and wife
Margaret of Gainesville; aunt, Nina Dalla of Kerrville; aunt, Anna
Sherrill of Ft. Worth, and uncle, Ricky Hewitt and wife Kathy of
Wyoming.
Virginia Dell Rushing, DHS
Graduate
Our beautiful mother, Virginia Dell Rushing joined our Lord
peacefully Sunday, August 30, 2009 after a lengthy illness
surrounded by her children and loved ones.
Mrs. Rushing was born March 14, 1932 in Waxahchie,
Texas the daughter of Clyde and Verda Mae (Price) Pitcock. Virginia
graduated from Denison High School, and until recently met with her
classmates for breakfast on Tuesday mornings. She loved children and
devoted her life to working with her children as well as others in
the community. Virginia retired from Camp Fire after 25 years of
service. She was awarded a lifetime member of the PTA in Denison for
her years of dedication to children. Virginia was a loving mother,
grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She was a vital part of
her community and will be missed greatly by many.
Virginia leaves to cherish her memory five
children, Priscilla Seabaugh Washington and husband, Russell of
Caddo, OK, Katherine Menta Studer and husband, Kenneth of Denison,
TX, Lorie Menta Tepera and husband, Bernard of Denison, TX, William
“Bill” Menta and wife, Tricia of Denison, TX and Gregory Menta and
wife, Gayle of Denison, TX; 20 grandchildren and 25
great-grandchildren; sister, Marcella Petta and brother, Kenneth Joe
Pitcock. She was preceded in death by her parents and six brothers.
Cole Richard Alexander - DHS
Class of 2003
1985-2009
Cole Richard Alexander, 24, passed away on Aug. 1, 2009 in
Fallbrook, Calif. He was the son of Don R. Alexander and Gina
Alexander.
Cole was born on April 16, 1985 in Sherman. He
graduated from Denison High School in 2003 and entered the U.S.
Marine Corps in 2005 where he achieved the rank of Lance Corporal.
Cole courageously served his country in Iraq in 2008.
He is survived by his parents, Don R. Alexander
and Gina Alexander of Denison; brother, Ryan Alexander of Denison;
niece, Gracie Alexander of Denison; and grandmother, Imogene Gilliam
of Denison.
 Mrs.
Raymond Judd Sr., DHS Class of 1921
Mrs. Raymond Judd Sr., 103, longtime Grayson
County resident, died in San Antonio on Friday, July 31, 2009;
graveside services will be held in Sherman at West Hill Cemetery on
Friday, August 7, at four in the afternoon. Porter Loring Mortuary
of San Antonio will be in charge.
Mrs. Judd, the former Glenna Robinson, was born in
Denison on Aug. 23, 1905, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. C.A.
Robinson. From a pioneering Grayson County family, her grandfather,
T.W. Robinson, came to Denison when it was organized, owned
Denison's first bakery and was active in musical circles in the
county. Mrs. Judd was a graduate of Denison High School, class of
1921, and of Sherman's Kidd Key College, class of 1925. She served
on the faculty of Our Lady of Victory School in Fort Worth.
In 1929 Mrs. Judd married Raymond E. Judd of
Denison in the First Presbyterian Church; the Judds later moved to
Sherman where they founded the Sherman Fuel and Feed Company. Mr.
Judd was active in Sherman and Grayson County organizations, serving
as chairman of Grayson County Red Cross, as mayor pro-tem of
Sherman, and on the Sherman City Council. Mr. Judd died in 1963.
Mrs. Judd was named First Lady of Sherman by the
Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in 1949. She served as organist of the
Trinity Presbyterian Church for nearly 50 years and was named
organist emerita by the congregation, now the Covenant Presbyterian
Church, which she joined in 1931. She was active in musical circles
of Sherman, serving as a past President of the Bomar Cramer Music
Club, the American Guild of Organists and as a Director of the
Sherman Community Concert Association and as a member of the Board
of Sherman Musical Arts. She was listed in "Music and Dance in the
Southwest" and for many years served as organist of the Waldo
Funeral Home. In 1989 she was named a life member of the Bomar
Cramer Music Club. On her 90th birthday Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Lunkley
sponsored a concert in her honor for the Sherman Community Arts
series.
Following Mr. Judd's death, Mrs. Judd served on
the library staff of the Arthur Hopkins Library at Austin College.
Later she served two years in the Peace Corps in Liberia in Africa
where she taught sewing and music and served as organist in the
Methodist Church of Cape Palmas where President Tubman worshipped.
Upon leaving Africa the entire town gathered at the airfield to
thank Mrs. Judd for her service and friendship in Cape Palmas during
her two years of service. In 1974 Mrs. Judd served as a volunteer in
mission for the Presbyterian Church at Sheldon Jackson College in
Sitka, Alaska. She traveled extensively in the United States, South
America, Africa, and Europe and made several European trips with the
Austin College Choir under the direction of the late Dr. Lunkley.
Mrs. Judd was long active in Sherman's educational
and civic affairs. She served as president of the Bryant School
P.T.A., as president of the Sherman High School P.T.A. and in 1955
was one of the first women jurors to be called for Federal jury
duty. She was active in the Tuesday Literary Club, the Current
Review Club, the Readers' Review, the Antique Club, and she served
as president of the PEO sorority of Denison and served as a founding
member of the Sherman PEO Chapter. In church affairs Mrs. Judd was
an elder in Covenant Presbyterian Church, named an associate in
Christian education of the national Presbyterian Church, served as
president of the district Presbyterial, sponsor of Westminster
Fellowship, as President of the Women of the Church and held various
office in the Synodical Society of Texas. In 1988 the Presbyterian
Women of Grace Presbyterial honored her as a Good News Woman, and in
1991 she was featured in a national publication, "Rooted In Faith:
Women Who Touched The Lives Of Others." In 1993 Mrs. Judd was
featured in the national publication "Horizons" in an article
entitled "Woman On the Go!" She is listed in
Who's Who of American Women and in 1976 she was named an Outstanding
Older Texan by the Governor's Committee on Aging.
Mrs. Judd was preceded in death by her husband and
her son, Charles T. Judd. She is survived by her son The Rev. Dr.
Raymond Judd Jr., and his wife, the former Mary Jane Grafton, her
granddaughter Jane Judd Deming, and her two great-grandchildren,
Reed and Blake Deming, all of San Antonio. In lieu of flowers the
family requests that memorials be made to a charity of choice. Mrs.
Judd cherished more than anything her God, her family, her church,
and her life in Denison and Sherman as well as her life in the world
which God created for her to enjoy.
D'Maris Sharpe MacPherson, DHS
Class of 1953
D´Maris Sharpe MacPherson, 73, passed away
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison.
D'Maris was a graduate of the Class of 1953, and
she will be missed by the Class of 1953 breakfast group. She
owned and operated Sharpe's Manufactured Park in Denison. Mrs.
MacPherson was cremated according to her wishes.
She is survived by her children, D'Anne McFarland
of Purvis, Miss., Danny Peterson of Sherman and Richard Petersen,
Debbie Rice and Andy MacPherson, all of Denison; six grandchildren
and one great-grandson.
D'Maris was preceded in death by her husband
several years ago.
 Chloe
Garoutte Diaz, DHS Class of 1959
Chloe Ann Diaz, 67 year old Denison resident,
passed away July 28, 2009 at the Homestead of Denison. Cremation
arrangements are under the direction of Bratcher Funeral Home.
Chloe was born on Oct. 14, 1941 in Kingsville to
Harry and Catherine Engel Garoutte. Both parents preceded her in
death along with her brother, Robert Garoutte.
Chloe was a graduate of Denison High School as
well as the University of North Texas with a BS degree in education.
She taught in public and parochial schools in Texas, Iowa,
California, France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Puerto Rico. She
married Edward John Diaz on April 2, 1969 in Solvang, California.
Chloe was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church,
loved to sing and sang in several church choirs in Belgium and
Puerto Rico. She also taught religious education in several parishes
and touched the lives of hundreds of children in several countries.
She participated in the annual Texoma Caregivers Celebration Walk
with her team raising the most funds three years in a row.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Edward
Diaz of Denison and son Troy and wife Becky Diaz of Sherman. She is
also survived by numerous nephews and nieces in California and
extended family throughout the U.S.
Dale Wineinger , DHS Class of 1946
1928-2009
Dale Wineinger, a Denison resident, passed away July 19, 2009 after
a lengthy battle with lung cancer.
He was born in Denison on Nov. 11, 1928. Dale graduated Denison High
School, class of 1946.
Dale was married more than 60 years to the love of
his life. He leaves behind many caring family members and many, many
friends, including the Denton Lunch Bunch.
His wishes were to be cremated and requested no
memorial service.
 Eddie Clark Pilkilton, Jr., DHS Class of
1947
Eddie Clark Pilkilton Jr., 78, went to be with the
Lord on Sunday, July 12, 2009, after a 23-year battle with heart
disease.
Born Dec. 26, 1930, in Denison, he was the son of Eddie Clark
Pilkilton Sr., and Ruth Ollie (Ashley) Pilkilton.
He graduated from Denison High School in 1947, and
started his career with Babcock's Auto Sales at age 14. He married
the love of his life, Jerry A. Poynor, on May 29, 1958. They started
their married life in Waxahachie where Eddie took the position of
manager of the Babcock's store there. Three children and 12 years
later, they moved back home to Denison where he managed the store
there for 30 more years. He was a member of the Denison Kiwanis Club
for many years and enjoyed taking part in serving his community. He
also served our country for 10 years, as a Master Sergeant in the
National Guard. He was a deacon of Calvary Baptist Church and dearly
loved his church family.
After his heart issues began in 1987, he focused
mainly on getting better after each surgery so that he could spend
time with his family and friends, enjoying traveling to Branson, Mo.
with family, baking his cakes and brownies, as well as playing cards
and dominos with his family and friends - to know him was to love
him.
Eddie Pilkilton is survived by his loving and
devoted wife, Jerry; son Denis Pilkilton of Denison; daughter Lori
Kremling and husband Larry of Gainesville; daughter Jana Dennis and
husband Dale of Denison; grandsons Cody Kremling and wife Megan of
Allen, Ryan Kremling of Gainesville and Zakariah Dennis of Denison;
granddaughter Ashley Beane and husband Randy of Dallas; and
great-granddaughter Audrey Mae Kremling of Allen; sister Dorothy
Chambers of Del Rio, as well as a host of nieces, nephews,
great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews along
with many cousins.
 Larry
Garvin, DHS Class of 1959
Larry Garvin, passed away Friday, July 3, 2009 at
the age of 68 into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
surrounded by his family and friends at Wilson N. Jones Hospital in
Sherman, TX after fighting a long and courageous battle with
Mesothelioma.
Larry was the son of Ida Garvin and adoptive father James W. Garvin,
Sr., biological father Joe Bob Vaughan, who was killed in the Bataan
Death March in the Philippines during World War II. Larry was born
in Sanger, TX on November 8, 1940. He married Sharon Main in Racine,
WI on June 11, 1960 and celebrated 49 years of marriage with a
surprise celebration at daughter, Trudy Cantrell's home in Pilot
Point, TX, with a carriage ride drawn by 2 Dutch Friesian horses.
Larry attended Denison schools and received his G.E.D. in the U.S.
Navy, where he spent 4 1/2 years. He worked for Johns-Manville and
retired from MKT/UP Railroad in 2000, after 38 years of service.
Larry was a great husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather.
He loved his grand and great-grandchildren so much and lived to
please them in every way. He loved to drive them to school and pick
them back up and always had a little treat waiting for them. He also
loved going to their ball games and school functions.
Larry was an avid golfer after he entered retired life at several
golf courses in the area and got his son, Scot, and other family
members interested in golfing too. He also loved fishing and shared
his fishing secrets and equipment with anyone who asked.
Larry is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his loving wife,
Sharon; mother-in-law, Myrtle Main; 3 children, Scot Garvin and
fiancé Lisa Coleman of Ft. Smith, AR, Trudy Cantrell and husband
Brent of Pilot Point, TX and Kelly Wheeler and husband Mark of
Denison, TX and Barbie Price of Sherman, TX, mother of Marcus and
Jennifer Garvin; 9 grandchildren, Marcus Garvin and fiancé Crystal
Burks of Pottsboro, TX, Jennifer Garvin and fiancé Trent Rogers of
Fayetteville, AR, Danielle Cantrell of Pilot Point, TX, Tyler Brooke
Cantrell and fiancé Jeff Minhinnett of Pilot Point, TX, Dakota
Cantrell of Pilot Point, TX, Bailey Cantrell of Pilot Point, TX,
Chase Wheeler, Colton Wheeler and Camden Wheeler all of Denison, TX;
great grandchildren, Jace Garvin and his mother Kourtni Long of
Denison, TX, Cason Cantrell of Pilot Point, TX, Brooklyn Vorhies of
Pilot Point, TX and Oliver Rogers of Ft. Smith, AR.; brother, Jim
Garvin, Jr. and wife Felecia and their daughter, Tracie of Denison,
TX. Also two special great friends, Gene Gharis and wife Judy of
Sherman, TX and Bob White and wife Bonnie of Denison, TX. He is also
survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends who he
loved dearly.
Larry was preceded in death by his biological father, Joe Bob
Vaughan of Sanger, TX, brother, Roger Lewis Garvin and stillborn
sister, Betty Denise Garvin; adoptive father, James W. Garvin, Sr.;
mother, Ida Garvin all of Denison; father-in-law, Harold Main of
Racine, WI.
Gretchen E. Fields, DHS Class of
1973
Gretchen E. Fields, 54, passed away Monday, June
29, 2009. at her home after a brave battle with cancer.
Gretchen was born in Jamestown, N.Y., the first daughter of James
Daniel and Ethel Virginia Furlong. She graduated from high school in
1973 in Denison, Texas, after which she attended Southeastern State
University in Durant, Okla. In 1977, she met and married William
George Fields of Fort Worth.
Gretchen was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and
friend to all who knew her. She loved to laugh and make people feel
at home. She shared a passion for travel with her husband and
children. Gretchen was instrumental in assisting her team, as well
as other teams, achieve their dreams of setting land speed records
on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Gretchen loved life and all it came with. She was
preceded in death by her father, James D. Furlong, in 2000; her
mother, Ethel V. Furlong, in 1976; her brother, Mark Furlong, in
2000; sister, Heidi Furlong, in 1993; and aunts and uncles.
Survivors: Her husband of 31 years, W. George Fields; sons, Lewis
and George and his wife, Michele, and their children, Hannah and
Alex; daughter, Lydia and her husband, lee, and their children,
Simon and Ellie Kate; sister, Lisa Burgess of Jacksonville, Fla. and
her husband Bruce, and their son, Ben; and brother, David Furlong of
Santiago, Chile, and his wife, Maria, and their children.
 Teresa
Gail Martinez, DHS Class of 1974
Teresa Gail Martinez, 53, passed away Monday, June
15, 2009 at her home in Denison. Graveside services will be held at
10 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2009 at Fairview Cemetery in Denison with
Rev. David Pettigrew officiating. Visitation will be from 7 -8 p.m.
Thursday, June 18 at Bratcher Funeral Home.
Mrs. Martinez was born on May 19, 1956 in Denison,
daughter of Aubrey J. and Evie M. West. On Sept. 10, 1973, she
married John Martinez in Denison. She graduated from Denison High
School in 1974 and was employed by Cigna for six years.
She is survived by children: John Martinez Jr. and
wife Carolina of Tulsa, Okla., and Stephanie Graham and husband Chad
of Denison; sisters: Brenda Becknel of Denison, Shirley Malone of
Denison, and Barbara Grubbs and husband Bryan of Kenningston, Ohio;
brothers: Jimmy West and wife Liz of Denison, and Steve West and
wife Mary of Sherman; brothers-in-law: Roy Martinez of Denison, and
Joe Martinez and wife Shelly of El Paso; sisters-in-law: Linda Neal
and husband Dennis of Sherman, Shirley Reynolds of Bells, and Mary
Harrelson and husband Ken of Denison; and grandchildren: Joel, Eisa,
Caleb, Erik.
 Jerry
W. LaLonde, DHS Graduate
Jerry W. La Londe, 73, passed away on Wednesday,
May 6, 2009 at Wilson N. Jones Hospital.
Jerry graduated from Denison High School and then,
from the University of Texas at Austin. He spent a remarkable and
prestigious career inventing and doing stress-analysis engineering
for many diverse military projects.
During his free time Jerry enjoyed offshore
coastal game fishing, boating, and wilderness camping. He loved to
be in the out-of-doors.
His parents, Robert F. La Londe and Edith La Londe
as well as his two older siblings, Anita Jacobs and Robert B. La
Londe, preceded him in death. He is greatly missed by his surviving
family.
 Ralph
Edmon Harlow 1926-2009
Ralph Edmon Harlow, 82, of Denison passed away
Wednesday, April 29, 2009.
Mr. Harlow was born Aug. 30, 1926 in Denison to
Olin Harlow and Ruby Davis. He married Gwendolyn Wright on December
10, 1955 in Denison. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20
years and the MKT and Union Pacific Railroad after 20 years. He was
a member of East Baptist Church in Denison.
He is survived by his wife of Denison; sons, Olen
Harlow of Howe, Tim Harlow of Denison, Edward Harlow of Galveston;
daughter Judith Jones and husband Kenneth of Sherman; brother,
Herbert Harlow of Casa Grande, Ariz.; grandchildren, Kenneth Baker,
Gary Baker, Sherman, Seth and Samantha Harlow, Marilyn and Priscilla
Harlow, Michael, Kimberly and Ashley Harlow; and five
great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and
brothers Jerry Harlow and Sonny Harlow.
Dwight Edward “Dee” Gaines,
DHS Class of 1952
Dee was born Nov. 16, 1934, in Denison, a son of Gladys M. Collins
and Harry L. Gaines. He passed away April 28, 2009 in the same room
of the family home where he was born.
He was a 1952 graduate of Denison High School. Immediately after
graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Charleston,
S.C. as a corpsman at the naval hospital.
He met the love of his life, Marie Petersen at the hospital where
she was also a corpsman. They married six weeks later and were
blessed to spend 54 years together.
Following their service in the Navy they returned to Texas and
Dwight graduated from North Texas State College in Denton, where he
earned a BS degree in Biology and worked in medical sales for many
years. He returned to college in the 1970s and became a registered
nurse, working in emergency rooms in Tulsa, Richardson and Irving.
He was an instructor for a short time at Grayson County College in
the LVN program.
His hobby and passion was bull fighting. He fought 14 bulls in
Juarez and Laredo, Mexico over the years.
He was predeceased by his parents, daughter, Deann Smith; and oldest
grandson, Charles Gaines Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Marie of the home; daughter, Denise
Jones of Denison; son, Charles Gaines and wife, Kathy of Granbury;
brother, Gary Gaines of Granbury; four grandchildren, David Jones of
Denison, Christopher Gaines of Nacogdoches, Morgan Gaines of
Whitesboro, and Mekyla Burt of Savoy; one great-grandchild, Britton
of Savoy, and his best friend of 60 years, Gunther Reins and wife,
Pat, of Plano
 Janice
Cornwell (1941 - 2009) DHS Class of 1959
Janice Cornwell, 68, of Carbon passed away Sunday, April 26, 2009.
She was born Jan. 22, 1941, in Greenville to Foy and Runelle Powell.
Janice was a retired escrow officer in the real estate business for
several years before retiring. After that, she spent much of her
time gardening and doing crafts. She and her husband, Glenn, also
enjoyed traveling together.
Janice was also active with Habitat for Humanity
and her Bible class, the Encouragers. She was a loving "Mammaw" to
her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be missed
greatly by all those who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her
first husband, Phinis Weaver, in 1992.
Survivors: Husband, Glenn Cornwell of Carbon;
sons, Neal Weaver and wife, Ellen, and Kevin Weaver; daughters,
Sharon Doar and husband, Tom, and Mindi Broyles and husband, Matt;
nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
 Louis
Sikes, DHS Class of 1941
Louis was born to Benjamin Sr. and Cecil Sikes on Jan. 20, 1924, at
the family's home, 2328 W. Bond, Denison. Louis attended Layne
Elementary and the beautiful, historic Denison Senior High School on
Main.
After graduating from DHS in 1941, he worked
for a short time at Tucker Lumber Yard. He enlisted in the U.S. Air
Force in 1943 and served as a radio operator and gunner and flew on
numerous missions. Louis served for two years in the Air Force and
returned to Denison. He married Elsie Kirschner on Jan. 3, 1948, at
Dripping Springs Baptist Church.
Louis was employed with Katy Railroad (Ray Yards)
as a Katy car man and wrecker engineer for 40 years, retiring in
1985. He accepted Christ as his Savior in 1947 at Dripping Springs
Baptist Church and was baptized on the shores of Lake Texoma. He
enjoyed several years on that same lake as the proud owner of an
original Yellow Jacket Ski Boat christened "Ski Cat."
Louis enjoyed many years raising cattle and
gardens. In 1954, he joined the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist
Church where he attended faithfully for more than 53 years before
his declining health prevented his attendance. He remained a "true
son" of his hometown. With the exception of 2 years in the service,
he lived his entire life in Denison and over eighty years on the
same block. He died peacefully at the same home in which he was
born, 2328 W. Bond.
Louis is survived by his loving wife, Elsie, and their children:
Karen Sikes Ferrier and her husband, Herb, J. Michael Sikes and his
wife, Diana Pipkin Sikes, Terry Sikes and his wife, Chris Noe-Sikes,
and Cynthia Sikes Sutton and her husband, Michael; grandchildren,
Jason Ferrier, Chris Sikes, Julie Ferrier Berghaus and her husband,
Oliver, Brian Sikes, Jennifer Sikes, Janet Sikes, Robert Noe,
Charles Noe, Jordan Sutton, Seth Sutton; great-granddaughter,
Melody; "special niece," Connie Sikes Johnston, her husband Herb,
their children; and numerous other extended family. He is also
survived by the following sisters-in-law/brothers-in-law: Mr. and
Mrs. Fred Kirschner, Ms. Ethel Forisha, Bro. and Mrs. Lester Scally,
Ms. Eleane Kirschner Lovell, and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother,
Benjamin Sikes Jr.; sister, Diana Sikes Aldridge. He was also
preceded in death by the following brothers-in-law/sisters-in-law:
Richard Forisha, Willard and Evelyn Samuel, Ted Kirschner, and Jerry
Lovell.
 Pastor
Roy Kuykendall, DHS Graduate
Pastor Roy Kuykendall, 53, of Denison went home to
be with His Lord Wednesday, March 18, 2009. Pastor Roy was at home
surrounded by family and friends.
Roy was born Aug. 2, 1955 in Denison to Royce Lee
Kuykendall and Peggy Dunaway Kuykendall (who preceded him in death).
On March 22, 1975 Roy married the love of his life, Paula Kimbrell.
Roy was a retired paramedic firefighter who spent his entire career
with the Denison Fire Department. In 1995, God called Roy into the
ministry where he worked with youth for three years and was ordained
in 1998. He served churches in Pottsboro and Sherman.
Roy was currently serving as an associate pastor at Victory Life
Church in Sherman.
Roy is survived by his wife Paula; one brother, Paul Wilson Jr. of
McKinney; sisters, Pam Wilson McCuan and husband, Rick of Frisco and
Debbie Kuykendall Flood of Fairview; brothers-in-law, Kenny Kimbrell
and wife Mary Lou of Denison and Mike and Carie McMorris of Savoy.
Roy is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and
cousins.
 Audrey
Moye Smallwood, DHS Graduate
Audrey Moye Smallwood, 87 was born on June 1, 1921
the daughter of John Walter and Amy Susie McKeever Moye. She was a
graduate of Denison High School and Draughon's Business College. On
Sept. 24, 1951 she married Clinton Smallwood in Denison. He preceded
her in death on October 11, 1970.
At the time of her retirement in 1975 from M.K.T.
Railroad she was administrative assistant to the comptroller.
Mrs. Smallwood is survived by her children, son
Robert Smallwood of Fort Worth and daughter Debra Sikes of Fort
Worth. She is also survived by three grandchildren Rick Sikes, Jr.,
Mark Sikes, Amy Morrison and six great-grandchildren, Alexis and
Brett Morrison, Lane and Gwyneth Sikes, Kaleb and Sophia
 David
Ray Smith, DHS Class of 1962
David Ray Smith, 65, of Edmond, Okla. went to be
with the Lord on Sunday, March 8, 2009.
David was born June 28, 1943 in Denison, where he
played football for the Denison Yellow Jackets. His love for
football did not stop there. After graduation he went to play
football for Henderson County Junior College and then for Oklahoma
State University. David married the love of his life, Adrienne
(Roberts) Smith on Aug. 1, 1970. They had their only daughter,
Elizabeth Ann Smith on Dec. 18, 1972.
David's greatest joys were spending time with his
family, keeping up with Oklahoma State athletics, and NASCAR.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Henry
and Gertrude Smith of Denison; his sister Marilyn, and his beloved
wife, Adrienne Smith. He is survived by his daughter, Liz Smith and
grandson, Hunter Todd of Edmond, Okla.; his sister, Martyne Revelle
of Oregon and many friends that loved him dearly.
Nils (Sandy) Alexander Rutherford,
DHS Class of 1948
Nils (Sandy) Alexander Rutherford, 79, of Oklahoma
City, formerly of Corsicana, passed away March 7, 2009, in Oklahoma
City. He was born January 29, 1930 in Denison, Texas, the son of the
late William Thomas and Zoe Ella Calvert Rutherford.
Mr. Rutherford was a retired teacher-coach at
Corsicana Junior High School. He was a member of St. John’s
Episcopal Church and a 32nd degree mason and a member of East Dallas
Lodge # 1200 A.F.&A.M. He was also a member of the Texas Teacher
Retirement System. Mr. Rutherford also worked as a cashier for the
Dallas Farmer’s Market.
Mr. Rutherford is survived by many nieces and
nephews, and was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers,
Charles Calvert, Nicholas C. and W.T. Rutherford, Jr. and by two
sisters, Charlsie (Budd) and Zoe Ella Rutherford.
 Martha
Joyce (Young) Campbell DHS Class of 1948
Martha Joyce Young Campbell, 78, was called home by her Lord and
Savior on Feb. 21, 2009. Joyce was born Feb. 28, 1930 in Denison to
Talmage and Martha Young. She married the love of her life, Belmont
Charles "B.C." Campbell on Dec. 10, 1947.
Joyce was a woman of deep and radiating faith. She
was a member of Bethesda Community Church for more than 30 years and
a member of the choir for more than 20 years. Joyce was a
kindergarten and first grade teacher at Christian Center School.
Survivors: daughter-in-law and husband, Lennie and Morgan Hillman;
granddaughters and husband, Brittni and Kevin Cox, Bianca Campbell;
great-granddaughters, Belyn Beville and Belicia Cox; brother-in-law,
Bob Campbell; several nephews and cousins.
James Brannon - Class of
1949
Jim Brannon died Thursday, January 15, 2009 in Denison. Since moving
back to Denison several years ago, he suffered with COPD. No
memorial service was planned. Jim's ashes and Ruth's ashes were
returned to Oklahoma to be interred together.
Eva Hopper Vincent Smith
Eva B. Smith, age 100, went home to be with the
Lord Thursday, January 8, 2009 at the Homestead of Denison.
Mrs. Smith was born July 21, 1908 in Pilot Grove, Texas the daughter
of Sam and Ada Hopper. Eva attended school in the Cherry Mound
community and during WWII she drove a Railway Express delivery
truck. She lived her entire life in Grayson County, working at
numerous businesses here such as Newberry’s, Avon and Gibsons. Eva
was a member of First Baptist Church, then a charter member of
Parkside Baptist Church and in later life, Woodlawn Missionary
Baptist Church. She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend who
will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Smith is survived by her loving family, son, Marvin Vincent of
Pottsboro; four grandchildren, Joy Sargent and husband, Johnny of
Mesquite, Jinger Bibbee and husband, Wade of Allen; Vincent Hays and
wife, Terry of Denison and Cheryl Emerson of Sherman; 16
great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. Preceded in
death by her parents, beloved daughter, Barbara Hays, sister, Alma
Hicks and brother, Vernie Hopper.
 Patricia
Joyce Corcoran, DHS Class of 1945
Patricia
Joyce Corcoran, longtime Denison resident, passed away Thursday,
Jan. 8, 2009, at Texoma Medical Center at the age of 81.
Mrs. Corcoran was born Oct. 1, 1927 in Denison, the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Ralph Tucker. She graduated from Denison High School in
1945 and graduated from Draughon's Business School in Dallas. Pat
married Tim Miller Corcoran on Sept. 30, 1950 in Sherman. She was
employed with the Katy Railroad in the accounting department for
over 20 years before retiring in 1986.
Pat was a member of the First Baptist Church in Denison, a Master
Degree member of the Beta Zeta Phi sorority with more than 50 years
of service, a member of the Denison Service League for many years
giving of her time to the Bargain Box and Meals on Wheels. Pat was a
loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. A devoted Christian
with a heart of gold. She will be remembered and truly missed by
many.
Mrs. Corcoran is survived by her loving family: son, Kenneth
Corcoran and wife, Nivea of Mexico City, Mexico; son, Curtice
Corcoran of Denison; daughter, Deborah Corcoran Todd of Arlington,
and son, Ronald Corcoran and wife, Kristi of Denison; grandchildren,
Dana and Lisa Todd of Arlington, Elizabeth and Ian Corcoran of
Denison and Olivia Corcoran of Mexico City, Mexico; sister-in-law,
Joyce Corcoran of Dallas. Pat was preceded in death by her parents,
beloved husband, Tim, brother-in-law, Russell Corcoran;
sister-in-law, Theresa Hopkins, nephews, Mike Corcoran and Bill
Hopkins.
|
Mayes, Rose Marie, DHS Class
of 1936
Rose Marie Katherine Riddle Mayes, who lived in Denison
from the early 1930s to 1998, died in Wilmington, Del., on Dec. 31,
2008. She was 90 years old. Rosie, as she was known to many friends,
was born May 11, 1918, in Kansas City, Mo. She moved to Denison when
she was about 12 years old.
Her father Arthur J. Riddle, was sent to Denison
to open and manage the southwest division of Kraft Foods, the fourth
largest Kraft plant in the U.S. Rose Marie graduated from the
beautiful old Denison High School on Main Street in the class of
1936 and was the first queen of DHS's fall festival, Neewollah.
Her mother, Marie Denny Riddle, was a founder of
the Denison Public Library. After Arthur Riddle died, Marie Riddle
married Jacob Thomas McCall. She moved back to Denison after his
death in the 1950s in order to be close to her only child, Rose
Marie. At Christian College in Columbia, Mo., Rose Marie won
creative writing prizes. She graduated from Southern Methodist
University in Dallas where she was named to Theta Sigma Phi,
national honor society for women in journalism. She was a member of
Kappa Kappa Gamma social sorority.
On Dec. 7, 1940, she married architect and
life-long Denison resident Donald Mayes, for whom Mayes Elementary
School is named. He designed the house at 7 Ridgeway Circle where
Rosie eventually lived for nearly 50 years. Donald died in 1966.
Rose Marie helped found the Denison Service League and served as its
third president. She served on the Denison Public Library Board and
the board of the Sherman Community Players. She was active in the
Monodrama Club and Saint Luke's Episcopal Church Altar Guild. She
had many delightful experiences acting in the Denison Community
Players. After Donald's death, Rosie taught English at Denison High
School and at Grayson County College. She studied French cooking at
La Varenne Cooking School in Paris, France and then taught cooking
courses at Austin College, both on campus and in her home.
As a senior citizen, Rosie authored columns in the
Denison Herald and the Herald Democrat. At the age of 80, Rose Marie
moved to Cokesbury Village, a retirement and nursing care community
in Hockessin, Del., just a few miles from the home of her daughter's
family in Wilmington, Delaware.
After a fall in 2005, in which she broke a hip,
her health declined. However, less than a week before her death, she
joined the family for the annual Christmas reading of Dylan Thomas'
"A Child's Christmas in Wales." She read her passage with the same
joy she always showed when reading poetry.
To the very end, she remembered Denison and her
old friends there with great affection. Rosie's family will remember
her tremendous vitality and keen interest in others, her love of
reading and teaching and her pleasure in entertaining and cooking.
Rose Marie Mayes' survivors include her son, Lee
Riddle Mayes and his wife Junie Henderson Mayes of Santa Monica,
Calif., and their son Matt of Los Angeles, Calif.. Her daughter,
Melinda Mayes Penn and husband Robert E. Penn live in Wilmington,
Del. Their son Robert M. Penn and his wife Rosanne, along with Rose
Marie's great-granddaughter Emily Penn, live in Swarthmore, Pa.
William (Bill)
Darr - Class of 1949
Bill Darr died December 25, 2008. William (Bill) Darr, 76, of Las
Vegas, passed away December 25, 2008. He was born July 22, 1932 in
Moberty, Missouri . He was preceded in death by his beloved parents,
John and Faye Darr, his brother Leslie Darr and his sister, Virginia
Alexander.
He is survived by his wife of 58
years, Olivia Gail Darr, son William and Maria Darr, brother Weldon
and Peggy Darr, sister Peggy Casavant, brother in law Guy Andrus,
sister in law Ernie Cox, four grandchildren and five
greatgrandchildren.B ill graduated from Denison High School in 1949.
He served in the navy for 22 years
and retired in 1971. He moved to Arlington, Tx and was the
Administrative Manager for Dixie Yarn for 23 years. He then moved to
Las Vegas, NV in 2004 where he had his long battle with cancer. He
is buried at the Southern Nevada Memorial Veterans Cemetery at
Boulder City, NV.
Mary Ruth Mears Wall - 1949
Mary Ruth Mears Wall died
December 15, 2008. Mary Ruth was living with her daughter, Cathy,
and Husband, Mike Potts, of Yukon, OK since the passing of her
husband in 2001. Mary had heart problems and died from
complications.
Mary is survived by son, Howard
C. Wall, Jr., Seattle, WA, daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Mike
Potts, Yukon, OK, sister, Wanda Jean Mears Colella and husband,
Chet, St. Peter, MO, and niece Patsy and Jerald Maxwell, Apple
Valley, MN, a grandaughter and a great-grandaughter. Mary was buried
in Seattle, WA. She would have been 78 on December 27, 2008.
 Janet
"Jan" Carol Thomas, DHS Class of 1967
Denison-Janet “Jan” Carol Thomas, age 59, went home to her Lord
Thursday, December 11, 2008 after a long courageous battle with
cancer.
Ms. Thomas was born September 2, 1949 in Denison, Texas the daughter
of George and Janie Thomas. Jan attended Denison High School and
graduated in 1967. She went to Grayson County College and East Texas
State in Commerce, where she received her Masters Degree in Library
Science. Jan worked at several schools as a librarian in the
Arlington school district for 37 years. Finally retiring this year
in May from Bowie High. Over the years she had served on many
committees and associations for the advancement of education. Jan
loved to travel, but her main passion was books. She was a loving
and caring person, who will be greatly missed by her family and
friends.
Ms. Thomas is survived by her loving family, brother, Donald Thomas
and wife, Wanda of Denison, TX; brother, Bobbie Lee Thomas and wife,
Bobbie Dean of Colbert, OK; sister, Ellen Thomas of Denison, TX;
cousin, Judy Sanders of Denison, TX and numerous nieces, nephews and
beloved friends.
 Bill
"Sonny" Allison, DHS Graduate
Bill "Sonny" Allison, 66, of Pottsboro went to be
with our Lord on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008 at Texoma Medical Center,
Denison, Texas.
He was born in Denison on Feb. 20, 1942 to Bill and Lorace Allison.
Sonny graduated from Denison High School and attended Arlington
State College. When he joined the U.S. Air Force, electronics was
his specialty. Being stationed in North Africa was very rewarding;
enjoying his passion for bowling and chosen to go to a tournament in
Italy. On March 9, 1963 he married Marsha K. Cottingame, his wife of
45 years.
While working for IBM for 35 years, he traveled throughout the
U.S.A. and was rewarded with trips abroad. Family and community were
of great interest, staying active by coaching baseball, Lake Dallas
School Board member and a leader in the building of a new school.
Bill designed their retirement home in Preston Peninsula in 2000. He
was a very generous person, giving of his time and resources to Toys
for Tots and Pottsboro Chamber of Commerce. Operating two
businesses, Allison's Boat Storage and Bill's Quality Services,
planting trees, left time to cook for others. The Resale Barn, VFW
and Elks Lodge 238 will fondly recall the huge surprise meals. He
graduated in 1990 from the Golfsmith Center in Austin, Texas, and
expertly made golf clubs while enjoying the game.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Allison and mother
Lorace (Shorty) Allison; grandmother, Rose Lovell and grandfather,
William Lovell. Survivors are his wife, Marsha Allison; son, Tony of
Pottsboro; daughter, Becky Bucher; son-in-law, Daniel G. Bucher of
Denison; grandsons, Harley Allison, Sam Bucher, Ada Bucher and
granddaughter, Dani Bucher; mother-in-law, Reeda Cottingame Burk of
Pottsboro; cousins, Vikki Bullock of Denison, Hoyt Pilkilton of
Pottsboro, Fred Pilkilton Jr., Roger Pilkilton, Mark Pilkilton, Greg
Pilkilton and their dear mother, Cathy Pilkilton of Denison.
 Kenneth
Don Arthur, DHS Graduate
Kenneth Don Arthur, 68, went peacefully home to be
with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008 at Centennial Medical Center.
Mr. Arthur was born April 20, 1940 in Denison, the son of Earl and
Alma (Farmer) Arthur. Kenneth married Barbara Jean Landers on June
13, 1959 in Denison. Kenneth worked as an engineer for the Katy and
Union Pacific Railroad before retiring with more than 28 years of
service. He loved his family and spending time with them. He was a
loving father and poppie and will be greatly missed by all who knew
and loved him.
Mr. Arthur was survived by his loving family: daughters, Shelly
Schumacher and husband, Jay of Frisco, and Kristin Arthur of Dallas;
son, Kenny Arthur and wife, Suzie of Saginaw; poppie to Emily and
Haden Schumacher, Kaetlin, Gracie and Paige Arthur. Kenneth was
preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife of 48 years,
Barbara.
Grace Jennings Newland - Class
of 1925
Grace Newland was born Aug. 1, 1906 and died
December 5, 2008 at the age of 102. She graduated from Denison High
School in 1925. She married Cecil Newland in 1926. The couple owned
and operated Newland Furniture Store in Gainesville, Tx for more
than 40 years.
Grace was active in the Rebecca Crockett Chapter
of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Order of the
EasternStar and the Gainesville Lions Club auxiliary. She enjoyed
participating in the telecast of the Sunday School lesson for the
homebound from First Baptist Church.
Grace Newland is survived by her brother, Henry
Jennings, Jr. of Lubbock; daughter Joann Cravens and husband, Joe
Cravens, of Nederland; six grandchildren, 15 great- grandchildren
and four great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her
husband, Cecil Newland; daughters, Joyce Fisher and Jean Blagg and
granddaughter, Julie Davis.
Mary Lou Redwine Winkowski,
Attended Denison Schools
Mary Lou Redwine Winkowski, 61, passed away Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008,
in Fort Worth.
Mary Lou was born in Denison on Feb. 26, 1947, to Valton and
Geraldine Redwine. She attended Denison High School and later Baylor
University.
Throughout her life, she demonstrated a strong
desire to help others. This was shown throughout her years as a
teacher, first in Nashville, Tenn., and later in the
Hurst-Euless-Bedford school district in Texas. After retirement, she
continued to help others by volunteering and mentoring. Generous to
a fault, she was never happy unless the people around her were also
happy.
Survivors: Her husband of 24 years, David Winkowski of Bedford; her
brother, Thomas Redwine and his wife, Donna, of Denison; her niece,
Karla McConnell and husband, Mark, of Fort Worth; and her nephew,
Spence Redwine and wife, Sabrina, of Denison.
Published in the Star-Telegram on 11/20/2008
David Ray Allen, DHS Class
of 1968
David began his timeless sleep on Nov. 10, 2008. He was born on June
22, 1949 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the only child of Ray and Olga Starr
Allen. The family moved to Denison in the mid 1950s and while his
parents owned and operated the Allen Bait Shop, David cultivated his
love of music, magic and cooking.
A graduate of Denison schools, (he was first chair flute at DHS,
class of 1968), he traveled to St. Louis to further his studies.
While attending the St. Louis Institute of Music, he met the love of
his life, Janis Lynne Hardgrove. After a learning trip to Paris,
Nice and Monte Carlo, David returned to this country and reconnected
with Jan. They were married in the Garden of the Gods on June 7,
1975 in Colorado Springs, Colo., Jan's birthplace.
In 1979 the couple moved to Denison and David became the chef/ owner
of David's, a wildly popular restaurant with a French emphasis. The
high end "Bistro" received critical acclaim in Dallas and became THE
place for director Mike Nichols and stars Meryl Streep, Kurt Russell
and Cher (for whom David made a birthday cake) during the filming of
the movie "Silkwood" in the early '80s. At this point the disease of
diabetes took hold of David and became part of his life. The
restaurant was closed and David devoted his time to taking care of
his family. With limitless compassion, patience and love he was well
suited to this task.
David is survived by his cousins, Norma in Denison, Gene in
California and Bill in South Carolina, friends for life, Donnie Ray
and Richard, "The Angels", Sandra, Howard and Justin, and of course
Jan, who is nursing a tear in her heart that will never mend and her
mourning the loss of the unbelievable love of her life, her
beautiful boy David Ray Allen.
 Kenneth C. Cordell, DHS
Class of 1949
Funeral services for Kenneth C. Cordell, 76, of
Sadler, were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008, in
Johnson-Moore Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Paul Brooks officiated, and burial was in Akers Cemetery.
He died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, at his residence.
Kenneth graduated in 1949, was
an outstanding member of the 1948 Semi Finals Yellow Jacket football
team and played for Angelo State after high school. As one team
member, who was himself a star in high school, college, and later a
very successful coach, described Kenneth-"He was little but tough as
they come on the football field."
After college, Kenneth made
some outstanding contributions to his country and in retirement
renewed his friendships with his Denison buddies by attending the
Denton meetings. He and Marvin Vincent became very close after
retiring to the Denison area and Marvin has provided a lot of
support to Kenneth when his health began to decline.
Surviving are his sons, Steven Glen Cordell of Omaha, Neb., and Jeff
Cordell of Andrews; daughters, Mary Katheryn Ferguson of Round Rock,
Janis Carol Cordell of Arlington, Marci Ann Kelly of Joshua, Lynette
Chastain of McKinney, Angi Proctor of Plano and KayCee Cordell-Pinales
of Denison; and 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Denison Alumni Association, 1201 S.
Mirick Avenue, Denison, TX 75020, Attn. Lisa Crawley.
Published in The Herald Democrat on 11/17/2008
 Clyde
Sherman Brinkley, DHS Class of 1946
Clyde Sherman Brinkley, 80, passed away Saturday,
Nov. 1, 2008 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison.
Mr. Brinkley was born June 15, 1928 in Shannon Community, near
Sherman the son of Daniel and Ester (Zuver) Brinkley. He graduated
Denison High School in 1946. Clyde married Betty Louise Brown Sept.
30, 1950 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He worked as a lineman for the Katy
Railroad and for Texas Telephone and Telegraph Company. He later
served his country proudly in U. S. Army, a member of the 412th
Engineering Battalion. Following his military service, he joined his
father and brother, forming D. O. Brinkley & Sons Paint Contractors.
Mr. Brinkley is survived by his loving family, wife of 58 years,
Betty Brinkley of Bells; sons, James Brinkley and wife, Ann of
Whitesboro, and Michael Brinkley of Bells; daughters, Betty A.
Brinkley, Carol Brinkley, and Barbara Williams and husband, Sam all
of Bells; grandsons, Robert Williams and wife, Leandra of Howe,
Brian Williams and wife, Amber of Denison, Kevin Forsythe of
Sherman, and Matthew Forsythe of Cartwright, Okla.; granddaughters,
Rachel Park of Bells and Crista Droz and husband, Ed Junior of
Bells; great-grandchildren, Joshua, Jacob, Nicholas and Sarah
Williams all of Howe, Brenna and Isabella Williams, both of Denison,
Grace and Abigail Park of Bells; brother, H. L. Brinkley and wife,
Mildred of Burleson; and sister, Ruth Thornhill of Pasadena.
James Earl Riley, DHS Class of 1942
1925-2008
Lieutenant Commander, USN (Retired) James Earl Riley, 82, of
Pensacola, Florida, died Wednesday, October 15, 2008.
James Earl Riley (JJ. to friends and family) was born November 6,
1925 in Sherman, Texas to Carrie Woodruff Riley and Earl Riley. He
graduated from Sherman High School and Austin College in Sherman,
Texas.
His military career began in the United States Navy in September,
1943. Jim participated in the 1944 D-Day invasion piloting a landing
craft at Utah Beach after WWII, Jim had a long distinguished navy
career with tours of duty in the Korean & Vietnam Conflicts. He was
a recipient of the Korean service medal, Vietnam campaign medal,
National defense medal and Vietnam service medal.
His last tour of duty brought him to NCTC (Corry Field), Pensacola,
Florida, Retiring in 1970. After Retiring from the Military, Jim
worked with Leonard Bros. Trucking Company for 10 Years. Upon
Retiring from Leonard Brothers, he spent time playing golf with his
many friends and traveling with his wife, Wanda.
Jim was a member of the Warrington United Methodist Church, The
Corpus Christi Masonic Lodge, The Warrington Elks, Avant Guarde
Board, The Stardusters Dance Club and Hadji Shiners.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Earl Riley and Carrie
(Woodruff) Riley and sister, Doris Jean (Riley) Vaught.
Jim is survived by his loving & devoted wife and best friend of 60
years, Wanda Lorraine (Cullum) Riley; his daughter, Pamela N.
(Riley) Gilmore and husband Lonnie of Pensacola, Florida; his son,
James Earl Riley, Jr. and wife Dorit of Franklin, TN; his sister,
Mary D. (Riley) Thompson of Coatesville, PA; grandchildren, Aaron
Scott Mears of Colorado Springs, CO, Connor and Patrick Riley of
Weston, Florida, Caroline, Daniel and Liam (Riley Family) of
Franklin, TN; great grandchildren, Michael E. Mears and Rheanna S.
Mears of Colorado Springs, CO.; Nieces, Mary D (Thompson) Elvin and
Husband Richard of Coatesville PA; Sheryl (Vaught) Sherbrook and
husband Phillip of Spring Branch , Texas; his nephews, Karl Vaught
and wife Pam of San Antonio, Texas and Lynn Vaught of San Antonio,
Texas; as well as numerous great nieces and nephews; and a host of
dear friends.
 Elizabeth
Geraldine Kimberling-Morrow, DHS Class of 1950
Elizabeth Geraldine Kimberling-Morrow, 75, went to the Lord on
Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 surrounded by her children in Whitesboro,
Texas.
Mrs. Morrow was born Dec. 17, 1932 in Forney, the daughter William
and Beatrice (Wilson) Kimberling. Elizabeth graduated in 1950 from
Denison High School. She was a professional seamstress and had a
great love for music. Elizabeth loved to play the piano and spend
time with her family. She leaves behind a legacy to her children of
music and being a good person. She was a loving wife, mother,
grandmother and sister who will be greatly missed by all who knew
and loved her.
Mrs. Morrow is survived by her loving family: daughters, Diann
Goings and husband, Bud of Whitesboro, and Janice Taggart and
husband, Jerry of Manhattan, Kan.; sons, Gerald Carender and wife,
Teri of Edmond, Okla., Darrel Carender and wife, Melanie of Norman,
Okla., Richard Carender and wife Joni of Henryetta, Okla. and
Michael Carender and wife Roxanne of Hampton, S.C.; brothers, Bill
Kimberling and wife, Clover of Denison, and Charles "Dude"
Kimberling and wife, Martha of Lancaster; sister, Juadeen Wright of
Denison; 22 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren and husband,
Earnest Morrow of Denison. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her
parents, and grandson, Jon Carender.
 Justin
Glen May, DHS Class of 2005
Justin passed away on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008 in
Denison, due to the result of an accident.
Justin Glen May was born on Oct. 12, 1986 in Denison, to Gerry Glen
and Wanda Melody (Reeves) May. He graduated from Denison High School
in 2005. Justin was employed for Packers Sanitation Services. He
loved to draw, listening to music, riding dirt bikes, but most of
all he loved to go camping and fishing with his friends.
Justin is survived by his parents; Mother Wanda May-Jacobs and
stepfather Tony Jacobs of Denison and father and stepmother, Gerry
and Tammy May of Woodbine; grandparents, Clarence and Erma Reeves of
Sadler; God-parents, Loyde and Judy Vaughan; aunts and uncles, David
and Barbara Holcomb of Gordonville, Charles and Jane Simmons of
Bonham, Mike and Sharon Reeves of Gordonville, Dan and Brenda Reeves
of Gordonville, John Reeves of Sadler, Danny and Cindy Carney of
Denison and Ricky and Carolyn Jacobs of Denison, and Angel and Mary
the family dogs. Justin also is leaving behind many cousins and
friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Frank and
Louise May.
 Ronald
"David" Atnip, DHS Graduate
Ronald ''David,'' age 70 of Moore, OK passed away
on Thursday, August 28, 2008. He was born January 28, 1938 in
Denison, TX to Tommy and Anna (Christman) Atnip.
David married
Ann Ard and they had 3 children. He proudly served his country in
the US Army. David went to work for the civil service in 1966 and
retired in 1992. He loved to work on cars especially street rods.
David was a member of NRA, CC Riders, OHRA, NSRA and attended the
First Methodist Church of Oklahoma City. David was much loved by all
that knew him and the street rod association will not be the same
without him.
He is survived by his wife, Ann and children, David Atnip, Kristi Baker and Tim Atnip, 8 grandchildren, 10 brothers and
sisters and many, many friends. ''We love you David and will miss
you very much.''
 Benton
Ross, DHS Graduate
Benton R. Ross, 73, went home to be with the Lord
Monday, July 28, 2008 at his residence.
Mr. Ross was born Oct. 14, 1934 in Greenville, the son of Jesse Ely
and Ruby Lovita (Carter) Ross. Benton married Janet Mauldin on Aug.
22, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He served his country proudly in the
U.S. Navy during Vietnam, retiring as Chief Petty Officer after 20
years. While serving, he and his family lived in many states, and in
Japan, for two years.
Mr. Ross worked for Texas Instruments for 17 years and retired
again. Benton was a member of Parkside Baptist Church and involved
with the Pacesetters class and Ray Smith's Sunday School Class. He
was also a very skilled craftsman, building his own home and
involved in the mission construction group of Parkside Baptist
Church. Benton was also a member of Lonestar Masonic Lodge. He was a
loving husband, father and grandfather. Benton will be greatly
missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mr. Ross is survived by his loving family: wife of 46 years, Janet
Ross of Denison; daughter, Angie Smith of Denison and her son,
Joshua Smith of Mesquite; son, Greg Ross and wife, Donna and their
children, Scott, Lisa, Katie and Rachel Ross, all of Wichita Falls;
daughter, Kimberly Streun and husband, Steve and their children,
Sarah, Gabriel, and Rebekah Streun, all of Denison; sister, Ouida
Lewis and husband, Chuck of Tulsa, Okla.; brothers, James Ross and
wife, Mary of Las Cruces, N.M., David Ross of Dallas; sister, Pamela
Ross of Minturn, Colo.; aunt, Maude Ross Johnson and husband, E.F.;
uncles, A.C. Ross and J.D. Ross and wife, Betty; numerous nieces and
nephews.
Benton was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Ruby Ross;
twin sister, Betty Faye Ross Pyle; first wife, Bobby Jo (Kinnamon)
Ross and their beloved children, Leigh Ann and Anna Marie Ross;
uncles, Sam Ross, H.C. (Butch) Ross and Earl Ross.
 Patsy
Franks Ferguson, DHS Graduate
Patsy Ferguson, 66, went home to be with her Lord
and Savior Friday, June 13, 2008 in Broken Bow, Okla. while
vacationing with her beloved family.
Mrs. Ferguson was born Sept. 15, 1941 in Denison, the daughter of
Grant and Elizabeth (King) Franks. Patsy married the love of her
life J.B. Ferguson Sept. 6, 1957 in Denison. She was a member of
Southside Baptist Church. Patsy loved spending time with family and
friends. She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and sister.
Patsy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mrs. Ferguson is survived by her loving family, son, Jim Ferguson of
Denison; daughters, Terri McCrary and Nikki Burger and husband, Ron
all of Denison; grandchildren, Cheyenne and Tyler Ferguson, Garrett
and Payden McCrary and Justin Ferguson all of Denison;
step-granddaughter, Anana Burger of Tulsa, Okla.; sister, Kim
Johnson of Denison, and brother, Charles "Bubba" Franks and wife,
Pat of Sherman. Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Grant
and Elizabeth Franks, husband, J.B. Ferguson; brother, Harlan
Franks, sisters, Jeannie Cook and Kathy Watson, son-in-law, Keith
McCrary and brother-in-law, Frankie Johnson
 Kathryn
Hix, Attended Denison Schools
Funeral services for Kathryn Hix, 57, of Allen
were held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2008, in Johnson-Moore Funeral
Home Chapel. The Rev. Michael Daniels and the Rev. Jeffrey
Cottingame officiated, and burial was in Cedarlawn Memorial Park.
She died Thursday, June 12, 2008, at her residence.
Mrs. Hix was born March 1, 1951, in Whitesburg, Ky., the daughter of
Jimmie and Gladys Tyree Combs. She attended Denison schools and was
on the drill team and also was a first chair French horn player at
Denison High School. She married John W. Hix Jr. on Feb. 18, 1972,
in Denison.
Mrs. Hix was an employee at T.I. in Sherman before her marriage when
she became a homemaker. She was a member of the Christian Church in
Allen. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in
McKinney. Kathryn was a kind and loving wife and mother and also a
friend to many.
Surviving are her husband, John W. Hix Jr. of Allen; mother, Gladys
Dudley of Denison; daughter, Kim Annette Jones of Allen; sisters,
June Cottingame of Denison, Elana Stanley of Tennessee, Jina
Whitaker of Tennessee and Donna Hayes of Viper, Ky.; daugter-in-law,
Rhonda Hightower of Louisville, Ky.; and six grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren.
 Evans,
Jo Ann, DHS Class of 1941
Jo Ann Evans, 83-year-old Denison resident, passed away Saturday,
June 7, 2008 in Houston. Memorial services were held at 11 a.m.
Thursday, June 12 at Calvary Baptist Church.
Rev. Sam Cotter and Donald Wilkins officiated,
followed by burial at Cedarlawn Memorial Park.
Mrs. Evans was born on Oct. 22,1924 in Denison,
daughter of Guy S. and Emma Malone Baggett. She was a 1941 graduate
of Denison High School and graduated from Austin College in 1969,
with a BA degree in accounting and English. She married Jack Q.
Evans on May 2, 1947 in Denison and he preceded her in death on June
17, 1976.
Mrs. Evans was an English teacher in the
Denison Independent School District for many years. Before her
teaching career, she worked for Kraft Foods in Denison where she was
a plant accountant. She also worked with her husband as an
accountant for his electrical contracting business.
 Rowland,
Walter Fredrick "Wally," Attended Denison Schools
Walter "Wally" Fredrick Rowland, 55, of Denison passed away June 5,
2008 at Brentwood Place Nursing Home in Denison. A memorial service
was held on Sunday, June 8 with a visitation prior at Bratcher
Funeral Home. Chaplain Doyles Ives officiated.
Wally was born on Nov. 24, 1952 in Denison to Clarence Lee and
Nadine Waymire Rowland. He attended Denison schools. Wally attended
Denison Family Karate under Sam Perez and achieved several belts
during his training. He loved country and gospel music, playing
guitar and watching videos with Brother Bill, and friends Bill Oreck
and Bryan Tate.
He loved going to dances with his girlfriend Mary. Wally will be
remembered by his family as the most wonderful son, brother and
uncle we could ask for. One of his favorite pastimes was attending
his great-nephew Cody's ball games. Wally loved and was committed to
his family and friends. He especially enjoyed his family gatherings.
Wally also loved his favorite cat "Sambo".
Survivors include his father, Clarence Rowland of Denison; sisters,
Katie Hamrick and husband, Charles of North Carolina, Linda Poulter
and husband, Tom of Greenville, and Rosemary Householder and
husband, Bobby of Denison; brothers, Bill Rowland of Denison and
Tommy Rowland of Connecticut. Seven nephews, five nieces and 20
great-nieces and nephews also survive him. Wally will also be missed
by his girlfriend Mary Hamill; special friends, Bryan Tate, Marge
and Bill Oreck and family and special cousins Rachel and Johnny
Means.
 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.
Billy Joe Harris - Class of
1949
Billy Joe Harris died April 7, 2008. He was born December 5, 1931
and was married to Wanda Ruth Rutledge in 1952. In Decemb er of
1952, Billie Joe joined the U.S. Army where he served his time in El
Paso, Tx and at Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers, Europe in
Paris, France. He graduated from Bethany Nazarene College in 1957.
He taught school in western Oklahoma for ten years and received his
Masters degree. He then moved to the State Department of Education
where he was the Director of Accreditation for 25 years. Then he
served as superintendent of the local school system until retirement
in 2002. He was the loving father of three daughters and an
"awesome" grandpa to five grandchildren and one great grandchild.
 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.
J. Oliver Jackson, DHS 1939 Graduate
J. Oliver Jackson, a member
of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame who coached track and field
athletes from Abilene Christian University who set or tied 15 world
records and won four gold medals in the Olympic Games, died Dec. 26,
2007 at 87 years of age.
Jackson's survivors include his wife, Bridget Marie (Biddie) Rowland
Jackson, of Abilene, and three daughters and their husbands, Sara
Brumit of Hutto, Rolanda Fulham and husband Paul of Abilene, and
Lola Barnes and husband Terry of Comanche.
Survivors also include grandchildren Wes Anderson of Hutto, Blaine
Anderson of Arlington, Paul David Fulham, III and his wife Lindsey
of Houston, Jackson Fulham of Plano, Bridget and Zane Barnes of
Comanche and Lubbock and great-grandson Karsen Macias of Arlington.
Several nieces and nephews including Otis Williams and Sheryl Clapp
of Denison also survive Coach Jackson.
Born in Denison on July 17, 1920 to O.I. and Jo Moore Jackson, he
was the eighth of nine children. Preceding Jackson in death are his
parents and siblings. His
siblings included three brothers and five sisters: Roy, Robert and
Hulen Jackson, Elsie Williams, Lula Mae Pogue, Lottie Beggs,
Adelaide Alpha and Lena Lovelace. Jackson and Biddie Rowland,
a 1939 graduate of Denison High School, were married Dec. 14, 1944,
in Denison and were married 63 years prior to his death.
Jackson graduated from Denison High School in 1938. A three-sport
letterman, he played basketball and football and won the Texas high
school state championship in the long jump as a senior in track and
field. He held that record for more than 50 years. In 2002, he was
inducted into the Denison High School Hall of Fame.
He was a member of the Class of 1942 at Abilene Christian
University, but his graduation was delayed until 1946 (bachelor of
science degree in education) because of four years of service in
World War II. Entering military service in January 1942 in Lubbock,
he served as a USAF captain and as a combat intelligence and
executive officer of the 321st Bombardment Group in the 12th Air
Force in Africa, Sicily, Italy, Corsica and France.
He also received a master of education degree from University of
North Texas in 1953. Jackson served on many national boards and was
a life member of the Old Guard.
Jackson also served as a coach for the U.S. team on its pre-Olympic
tour in 1964.
After his coaching career ended in 1963, he served 20 years as
senior vice president and director of Marketing for American
Founders Life Insurance Co. in Austin after managing its agency in
Lubbock.
An honorable Christian family man, coach and business executive, he
was known for his positive attitude and as an encourager to achieve
greatness. His infectious smile and twinkle in his blue eyes will be
remembered by all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.
 Franklin
W. Lawrence, DHS 1950 Graduate
Funeral services for
Franklin W. Lawrence, 74, were held Monday Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. at
Bratcher Funeral Home in Denison with Rev. Mark Mitchell and Jim
Cragg officiating. Graveside Masonic service followed. Family
visitation was Sunday Dec. 30 at Bratcher Funeral Home. Frank went
to be with the Lord on Dec. 27, 2007 after a brief illness.
Frank was born April 5, 1933 to Adeline Harvey Lawrence and Wade
Lawrence. Frank married Jo Karlene McCraw on Sept. 12, 1953. She
preceded him in death on August 12, 2004. Frank wed Barbara Ratliff
on Oct. 13, 2006 in Denison Texas. Frank was a 1950 graduate of
Denison High School. He played trumpet with the band for 4 years.
After graduation Frank joined the Air Force where he was a mechanic
on C-130s. On his departure from the Air Force Frank went to work
for the United States Postal Service retiring from Richardson in
1990 as a supervisor.
Frank was an avid fly fisherman and was a member of the Red River
Fly Fishers. Frank was a Master Mason and member of Billie Mosse
Masonic Lodge No. 1152 in Denison. Frank was a tinkerer of cars and
enjoyed going to the car races and custom car shows. Frank also
enjoyed hunting.
Frank was known as Frankie to his longtime friends, and later in his
life was known affectionately as Pops.
Frank is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Nancy Lawrence and
son Curtis Dain and wife Stephanie of Denison and grandchildren
Cheyenne and Jenna Lawrence. Stepdaughter and husband, Valerie and
Bob Followell, stepgrandchildren Eddie Christman and wife Kristine,
Kathy and Alisa Christman and great-grandchildren Savanna, Samantha
and Kaden, all of Denison.
Charles
N. Knight, DHS Teacher
Funeral services for Charles N. Knight, 82, of Denison, were held at
2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, in Bratcher Funeral Home Chapel.
The Rev. Greg Smith officiated, and burial was in Union Chapel
Cemetery in Van.
He died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007, in Brentwood Place. Mr. Knight was
born April 4, 1925, in Whitesboro, the son of William Ross and
Lettie Knight. He married Virginia Hines on Nov. 27, 1946, in Grand
Saline. He was a former member of Denison Kiwanis. He was a life
member of Vocational Agriculture Association and Toast Masters Club.
He graduated from Texas A&M and received his master’s degree from
A&M in 1952.
Mr. Knight was an agriculture teacher at Denison High for 36 years.
Surviving are his wife, Virginia Knight of Denison; daughter, Charla
Specht and husband Steve of Lindale; brother, W.A. Knight Jr. and
wife Peggy of Luella; sister, Velma Mayo of Whitesboro; and
grandchildren, Preslie Specht and Jordan Specht.
Ronald (Ronnie) Henson, Class of 1954
Ronnie Henson, 1954 graduate of
Denison High School
died Sunday after a lengthy illness. Funeral was held Dec. 12
in Denison with burial at Cedarlawn Memorial Cemetery.
Ronnie married Donis Kay McBee, a 1954 graduate of DHS, on Jan. 31,
1957 in Denison. He retired in 1996 from the Texas Department of
Human Services after 35 years. He received a BA degree in sociology
from
Texas Wesleyan University in 1968, Master of Public
Administration from Texas A&M Commerce in 1979 and a
Masters of Religious Studies from Nations University in 2004.
He was a minister for 50 years, serving churches in Troy, Sherman,
Denison and Gober, Texas and
Achille, OK. He was a member of Hyde Park Presbyterian
Church.
He is survived by his wife, Donis Kay; daughter, Melanie Suzanne
Hartford of
Georgetown; and grandsons, Ryan Matthew Hartford and Alex
Steven Hartford of Austin.
 Vincent
De'Paul Moore, DHS Class of 1983
Vincent De’Paul Moore was born in Denison, Texas on February 17,
1965. His parents are Lucille McShan-Edwards of Denison, Texas and
Frank Moore of Los Angeles, Calif. He was educated in the Denison
public school system and graduated from Denison High School in 1983.
He was called home to be with God on Nov. 9, 2007 in his home in Los
Angeles, Calif. at the age of 42 years old. While attending Denison
High School, he was a 6’5” star, slam dunking basketball player that
always motivated the basketball fans and players. He still holds the
track and field high jump record for highest jump in DHS history at
6-8. He was a member of the Mount Olive Baptist Church where he was
a member of the Sunday School Department, the Sheppard Boys, and a
soloist in the youth choir, which his grandmother was very proud of.
He received a basketball scholarship to Ranger College and then
transferred to West Angeles College in Los Angeles where he met and
married Adrianne Wooten. They have five children, La’wren Moore, age
19; Vincent Moore Jr., age 16; Arianna Moore, age 15; Blake Moore,
age 13; and Adrian Moore, age 8. Vincent graduated magna cum laude
from ITT with a 3.9 GPA. He attended the Los Angeles Police Academy
and became a Los Angeles County Sheriff, and then retired from duty
after 13 years. He then became a basketball mentor for children
under the Los Angeles Clippers and also in his neighborhood where he
started a Pro-Club Mentorship and even handed out T-shirts to the
children. When his mother asked him what the children called him, he
said, “Mom, they call me 'Coach’.” She said that she then wondered
if they even knew his name. He always strived to keep the
neighborhood safe for the children.
He also owned and operated their family cookie company, “Vincent
Moore-Cookieman”, where he perfected his own chocolate-chip cookies
and the neighborhood favorite, his mom’s chess cake from an old
family recipe that she made for her children. He became a member of
the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, where he worked in the
children ministries.
He truly loved his Denison High School classmates and they loved him
as well. He was fun and a true joy to be around. His last visit to
Denison was Christmas of 2006. His mother said he could light up a
room just by walking in with his great, big smile.
Vincent, we will miss you so much and will send you hugs and kisses
to heaven until we meet you there. Your love will always warm our
hearts.
Honorary pallbearers will be Keith McShan, Lyndon Butler, Barry
Malvern, Ronnie Wimbush, Reggie Cameron, Ronald Wilson, Tommy
Roberts and Richard “Catnip” Roberts.
He leaves in love his parents; his wife; his children; his sisters,
Tasha Moore-Mitchell of Denison, Texas and Kristen Moore of Los
Angeles, Calif.; his brother, Stacey “Tiger” Moore of Sherman,
Texas; his grandmother, Louise McShan-Williams of Denison, Texas and
a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and five nieces, who still call him
their hero. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Evelyn
Moore and his grandfathers, John McShan and Charlie Moore.
 Mary
Frances Rutherford, DHS Class of 1944
Mary Frances (Little)
Rutherford, 81, died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007. She was born May
30, 1926 in Denison, Texas to Robert E. Little and Lillian Stevens
Little. Mary graduated from Denison High School in 1944. In 1964,
she received her LVN license and worked 25 years as a medication and
charge nurse, including 18 years with the Katy Hospital, and later
with local nursing homes.
She was married to Nicholas
C. Rutherford Aug. 10, 1952 until his death in December 1991. Their
infant son, N.C. Rutherford Jr. and her brother, R.E. Little Jr.
preceded her in death.
Surviving her are brother, Eugene H. Little of Denison and
brother-in-law, Nils (Sandy) Rutherford of Corsicana, Texas and many
nephews and nieces.
 Justin
Dea Wayne Easley, DHS Class of 2007
Justin Dea Wayne Easley, 18,
of Denison, Texas passed away October 6, 2007 in Van Alstyne, Texas.
Justin was born on May 28, 1989 in Denison to Garland and Misty
McGee Easley. He graduated from Denison High School in 2007 and was
attending DeVry Institute of Irving. Justin was working as a
customer service tech for Verizon. He was a member of Calvary
Baptist Church in Denison. He enjoyed playing computer games and
playing in his band.
Justin is survived by his father, Garland “Ernie” Easley and Laura
Gray of Denison; mother, Misty Watson and husband, Ron of Denison;
grandparents, Garland E. and Ellen Easley and Sue McDonald of
Denison, Dewayne Johnston of Oklahoma and Sharon Watson of
Midlothian, Texas; sisters, Ashlyn Flinn and Krista Houston of
Denison, Tarryn Russey of St. Charles, Mo. and Shelbi Easley of
Austin; brothers, Anthony Hess. Chris Gray, Michael Gray, all of
Denison; aunts and uncles, Tammy and Butch Cole of Denison, Gene and
Lisa Easley of Pottsboro and Larry and Debbie Hitesman of Union
City, Tenn., Gay and Randy Watson and Tracy and Russell Hays, both
of Arlington, and Heather Clark of Achille, Okla.
 Carl
Robert Linsteadt, DHS Graduate
Carl Robert Emil Linsteadt
went to meet the Lord on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at his home after
an extended battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 10
a.m. Friday, October 5, 2007 at First Baptist Church in Denison with
Rev. Mark Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview
Cemetery in Denison. The family will be at the funeral home from 7-8
Thursday. Pallbearers will be Horace Groff, Dale Gouge, Joe Clapp,
Daniel Linsteadt, Don Herd, Bill Pyle and David Maddox.
Carl is survived by his wife Carole of 46 years and two sons Chris
Linsteadt and his wife Anne and their two children Luke and Allison
all of Richardson and Chad Linsteadt of Dallas. Carl is also
survived by his brother Terry Linsteadt and his wife Sandy and
nephews Daniel, Dean and Davis. Other nieces and nephews include
Charlotte, Ginger, Henry and Robert. Carl was born on February 18,
1940 in Denison, Texas to Thomas Carl and Juanita O’Neal Linsteadt.
While in school Carl lettered in every sport every year and was
voted Best All Around Athlete. He continued his love of sports
throughout his life by playing baseball for Safeway, basketball for
Gouge Contractors, Tennis at the Racquet Club and golf at Rod and
Gun Country Club.
Carl dearly loved the First Baptist Church and all of its members.
He found great happiness in doing work for the church and was always
uplifted by the wonderful fellowship. After graduating from Denison
High School he attended Grayson College and SOSU majoring in
business administration. Carl actively participated in a variety of
civic activities and organizations during his lifetime including:
President and coach of Boy’s Club football and basketball, President
and coach of Little League, Cub Master for Layne Cub Scouts pack
604, Lions Club and De Molay. Carl enjoyed these activities for at
least 20 years and he felt truly enriched from the experiences of
working with young children.
Carl’s working career included a long stint as transportation
manager for Safeway, Conway Oil and Nabisco. After retiring, Carl
enjoyed working part time in Food Distribution and Marketing for
Wal-Mart and Frito Lay and Mrs. Baird’s Bread. He always looked
forward to staying active and busy every day. Carl loved to be
around his many friends and family. Some of Carl’s proud moments in
life were: marrying his high school sweetheart, Carole, the birth of
his sons, Chris and Chad and his two grandchildren, Luke and
Allison.
Carl, Poppy, to his grandchildren, was a devoted husband, father and
grandfather. He dearly loved his family and some of his greatest
joys in life included the time he was able to spend with his
grandchildren. His grandchildren visited him often and they spent
many hours playing together, fishing, bike riding and traveling. He
counted this time as some of the happiest days of his life. He will
be truly missed by his family and friends.
 Joseph
E. Duggan - Class of 1949
Joseph Emmett Duggan, age 75, passed away Friday
afternoon, September 28, 2007 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison.
Joe was born February 16, 1932 in Columbus, Ohio the son of Joseph
and Delorous (Sharp) Duggan. After graduating in the class of ’49
from Denison High School, he entered Southeastern Oklahoma State
University in Durant, graduating in 1953. While attending
Southeastern, he served as president of three national fraternities:
Blue Key, Phi Sigma Epsilon and Alpha Phi Omega. He was also
president of the Interfraternity Council at the school. As an art
major, he won first place for his mural at the Beaux Artes Ball. Joe
married the love of his life, Jacquelyn McKay on February 21, 1953
in Denison, Texas. In 1953, he was also selected for “Who’s Who
Among Students in American Colleges and Universities” and won the
Lion’s Club Award for Outstanding Student.
He resided in Richardson, Texas from 1958 to 1981. He was one of the
original members of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and
designed the cross that still stands in front of the church. He was
involved with the church sports program and coached the “Packers” to
a very successful season. He served as President of the Men’s Club
at the church.
He always had an interest in politics and served as the regional
campaign manager for Frank Crowley in his first run for the U. S.
Congress in the 1960’s. Joe was elected to the Richardson City
Council in 1975 and served until 1981. During his tenure on the
Council, he had a leading role in planning the present City Hall.
His interest in art led him into a 34 year career with Sears,
Roebuck & Co. where he served at first as a store designer and
planner. In the concluding years of his career, he was assigned a
similar position in Chicago. He was asked to return to Dallas in
1971 where he served as Facilities Planning Manager (involving the
selection of shopping center sites, designing the interior and
exterior of the stores in 11 southwestern states). When the
Southwestern division closed in 1981, he assumed the same position
of Facilities Planning Manager in theWestern Territory of Sears
located in Los Angeles, California (serving 20 states). He retired
from Sears in 1987.
This gave him more opportunity to serve in many important volunteer
positions for Goodwill Industries. He was Chairman of the Board of
the Southern California Agency in 1996-1997. In 1999 he was invited
to sit on the Board of Directors of the International Goodwill in
Bethesda, Maryland.
He and his wife returned to live in Denison in 2005. His
volunteerism continued here where he served on the Board of
Directors of the Denison High School Alumni Association and also, on
the Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries of Northeast Texas,
Inc.
Joseph is survived by his loving family: wife of 54 years, Jacquelyn
of Denison, Texas; children, Debra Duggan Gregg and husband Ronald
of Los Angeles, California, Patricia Duggan Eassa and husband
Charles of Boston, Massachusetts and Julia Dian Duggan, who preceded
her father in death. He is also survived by four grandchildren,
Ashley Gregg and Reggie Gregg of Los Angeles, California, Hannah
Eassa and Grace Eassa of Boston, Massachusetts. His beloved brother
Dr. Jerome L. Duggan and wife Nancy of Denton, Texas and beloved
sister, Patricia Duggan Davey and husband Tom of San Antonio, Texas.
Eight nieces and nephews and eleven great nieces and nephews also
survive him.
His family is a very close and loving large group of people who
always cherish their time together.
 Walter
H. ‘Gabe’ Clark, DHS Graduate
Walter H. “Gabe” Clark died September 14, 2007 in Denton Regional
Medical Center at the age of 90. He was born August 2, 1917 to John
H. Clark and Della Dee (Dunn) Clark in Denison, Texas. He was
preceded in death by his parents, his wife Pauline, and his
son-in-law Tom Joslin.
Walter graduated from Denison High School. In 1936 he went to work
for the Cox Oil Co. driving a gasoline truck out of the
“Sugarbottom” warehouse. A few years later he became the owner of
the service station at that location. On September 24, 1939 Walter
married the love of his life, Pauline Sykes. They had one daughter,
Paula. He served in the U.S. Army and was sent to the Philippines in
1945-47. After returning home he continued operating his service
station until 1977. After his retirement he continued to work for
Southwestern Bell Telephone and Automotive. Walter never met a
stranger, he loved to talk and joke, he would help his customers any
hour of the day or night, and most of all, he loved his family.
Walter also loved his church family at First Presbyterian Church in
Denison, and for the past four years, his church family at Trinity
Presbyterian Church in Denton. Over the years he served as a Deacon
and an Elder at First Presbyterian.
After almost 64 years of marriage, Walter’s beloved wife died in
2003. Walter lived in Denison for over 86 years, but following
Pauline’s death, he moved to Lake Forest Good Samaritan Village in
Denton to be near his daughter.
He is survived by his daughter Paula Joslin Blind and son-in-law,
Walter Blind of Denton; his sister, Margaret Ganter of California;
three grandchildren, Mark Joslin of Houston, Michele Joslin Adams
and her husband, Jimmy of Sanger and Scott Blind and wife, Jenifer
of Euless. He is also survived by his six great-grandchildren,
Tanner, Hayes and Haley Adams of Sanger, Jordan and Haylee Blind of
Euless, and Dakoda Rollins Joslin of Tennessee.
Jeanette Wallis
Dennis, 1931 graduate
Jeanette W. Dennis, 92, died Aug. 19, 2007,
in Denison. Memorial service was held Aug. 23 in Kerrville with
burial in Fairview Cemetery in Denison at a later date. She was born
in Denison and graduated from Denison High School in 1931 and from
Austin College in
1935 with a BA degree in chemistry.
She married Joe Dennis and they live in
Galveston before moving to Lubbock in 1938, where he taught
chemistry at Texas Tech. They moved to Kerrville in 2000 to be near
family.
She served 30 years as a volunteer in the
Presbyterian Center at Lubbock She was a member of the First
Presbyterian church of Lubbock, where she was a deacon.
Survivors include three daughters, six
grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
 Laura
Jane Fish Letz, DHS Graduate
Laura Jane Fish Letz went home to be with the
Lord, August 14, 2007. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday,
Aug. 17 at Southside Baptist Church with Pastor Keith Taylor
officiating.
Laura was born February 28, 1935, in Denison, Texas. Laura was God’s
gift to Sidney L. Fish and Zella M. Fish and she had one brother,
Wilson Claude Fish. Laura graduated high school in Denison, Texas.
She became a nurse’s aide before she married Walter Letz Sr.,
becoming a military wife and mother to four children. Laura served
as a nurse’s aide at Madonna Hospital and some other nursing homes
in our community. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church of
Denison.
She is survived by Walter Letz Sr. of Denison, Texas; brother,
Wilson Fish and his wife, Carmen of Denison, Texas; daughter, Donna
and her husband, Randy Starks of Brookston, Texas; son, Keith Letz
and his wife, Valerie of Denison, Texas; son (Chip) Walter Letz Jr.
of Denison, Texas; son, Lee Letz of Forest Hill, Texas.
Grandchildren are Jenice and Carrie Starks of Brookston, Texas,
Douglas, Vanessa and Jarod Letz and Amanda Malaney of Denison, Teas
 Alex
C. Morales, Class of 2005
Funeral services for Lance
Corporal Alex Clay Morales will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 13
at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison, Texas. Alex passed away on
August 4, 2007 in Fairfax, Va. Burial will follow at Cedarlawn
Memorial Park.
Alex was born on September 18, 1986 in Sherman, Texas. He attended
Denison schools and graduated from Denison High School in 2005,
where he participated in the band and was a member of the photo
journalism team. Alex followed his dream and enlisted in the Marines
before graduation. At the time of his death he was assigned as a
member of the Special Guards Unit, stationed in Washington D.C.
Alex’s kind heart left an impression on everyone who met him.
He is survived by his
parents, Cathy Booher of Denison, Texas and Rafael Morales,
presently of Fairfax, Va.; one sister, Rachel Morales of Austin,
Texas; grandparents, Bill and Josephine Booher of Sherman, Texas and
Maria Morales of Denison, Texas; aunts and uncles, Raul and Dala
Morales of Kaufman, Maria Wells of Sherman, Anna and Charlie Wolfe
of Denison, Ginger and Ronnie Lansdell of Florence, Ala., Rhonda Jay
of Sherman, and Becky Ragland of Pottsboro; 15 cousins ; and a host
of friends of which he treasured. He was preceded in death by his
grandfather, Raul Morales.
 Jerry
Don Montgomery, DHS Graduate
Memorial service for Jerry Don Montgomery, 23-year-old Denison
resident, was held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 2 at Cedarlawn
Memorial Park. Jerry died Monday, July 30, 2007 at Baylor Medical
Center.
Jerry Don was born October 7, 1983, in Denison, son of Donna
Dalrymple and reared by Don and Florence Hix. He was a graduate of
Denison High School.
Surviving are his fiance, Vanessa Wester of Denison; mother, Donna
Dalrymple of Sherman; aunts and uncles, Debra and Don Thomas Hix Jr.
of Sadler and Cheryl and Hal Hargis of Denison; uncle, Henry Wren of
Dallas; cousins, Don Thomas Hix III, Timothy Hix, Jessica Hix,
Baylee Hix, Hallie Hargis and Heryl Hargis.
 Sharon
Gray Nicholson - Class of 1962
Sharon Gray Nicholson,
formerly of Denison, passed from this earth on July 29, 2007 in the
comfort of her home due to complications of lung cancer.
Sharon was born on March 8, 1944 to Evelyn and Ray Gray and preceded
in death by her parents. Sharon was raised in Denison, Texas and
graduated from DHS in 1962.
She lived in Carrollton with her husband for the past 43 years. She
worked for Coldwell Banker in Irving.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Gerald; son and daughter-in-law,
Chad and Jennifer Nicholson of Farmersville, Calif.; brother and
sister-in-law, Charles and Bernice Gray of Sherman and a host of
aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, which she loved dearly.
She is also survived by her loving caregiver, Jennifer Adams.
A celebration of her life was held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 2,
2007 at Rhoton Funeral Home in Carrollton with the Rev. Kevin
Higgins officiating. Burial followed at Hilltop Cemetery.
 Joe
Cox Burtis Jr., Class of 1975
Joe
Cox Burtis Jr., 50, of Denison passed away July 24, 2007 at TMC.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2007 at
Cedarlawn Memorial Park. A visitation was held Thursday from 7 to 8
p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers were Ricky Bates, Terry
Wright, Brian Hicks, Joseph Monfette, Clint Evans, Danny Conner and
Dennis Conner. Honorary pallbearer was Kenny Early.
Jody was born on November 17, 1956 in Denison, Texas to Jeanne and
Joe Cox Burtis Sr. He graduated from Denison High School in 1975.
Jody spent 30 years in the construction and roofing business and the
last 20 years as co-owner of B&B Roofing and Sheetmetal. Jody is
survived by his mother, Jeanne Burtis; father, Joe Burtis and wife,
Terry Burtis of Denison; daughters, Kristen and Katie Joe Burtis of
Denison; stepdaughter, Nicole Garza of Denison; sisters, D’Ann Ellis
and husband, Larry of Pottsboro, Dana Farley and husband, Kevin of
Denison; stepsister, Kelli Gobel of Savoy. Jody was deeply loved by
his nieces and nephews, Cole Gatlin, Emilee Ellis, Canaan Farley and
wife, Katrina, Christopher Gatlin, Candace Farley and Larry Ellis
Jr.; uncles, John Austin Burtis and wife, Pam of Irving and Don E.
Lankford of Sherman; aunts, Jean Dunkle and husband, Dave of Irving,
Annette Tilley of Fredricksburg, Donna Lankford of McKinney. Also
surviving him are cousins, Julie Green and husband, Stacy, Kathy
Spann and husband, David, Austin Burtis and wife, Michelle, Ginger
Burtis, Karen Jones and husband, Bobby, Jeff Cantrell, Kelly Hamon,
Lisa, Leanne, Gaynel and Michael Lankford, Melanie Farmer and
husband, Chuck.
Jody was preceded in death by grandparents, L.E. and Coke Lankford,
P.W. “Boots” and Mildred Burtis and Uncle Pleasant Word Burtis.
 Franklin
"Dean" Bryant
Franklin “Dean” Bryant,
age 53, died Monday, July 23, 2007 in Houston. Services will be held
at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28 at Bethel Community Baptist Church in
Denison. Officiating will be the Rev. Micheal Braxton, pastor of the
church. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.
Dean was born on Feb. 19, 1954, in Denison, son of Milk Thomas and
Aline Bryant and attended Denison Public Schools.
He was employed in grounds maintenance for the City of Lufkin. He
was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Denison.
Left with precious memories are his sons, Jerry Robbins of Sherman,
Chris Edwards of Denison and Joseph Wallace of Houston; daughters,
Enga Bryant, Franchesca Bryant and Marva Bryant, all of Houston;
brother, Steve (Francenia) Bryant of Denison; sisters, Claritha
Bryant of Marshall and Darline Waddles of Sherman; special friend,
Angela Roberts of Lufkin; and three grandchildren
 Audra
Fae Crowell
Funeral services for Audra Fae Crowell, 75, of Denison, were held at
10 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2007, in Woodlawn Baptist Church. The
Rev. Kevin Higgins officiated, and burial was in Cedarlawn Memorial
Park. She died Monday, July 16, 2007, in Texoma Medical
Center.
Mrs. Crowell was born May 8, 1932, in Ambrose, the daughter of
Jessie and Mamie Horner Stapp. She attended school in Bells and
graduated from Denison High School. She married Calvin Crowell on
Nov. 26, 1949, in Durant, Okla. Mr. Crowell died March 21, 1992.
Mrs. Crowell was homemaker and a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church.
She was a member of Gate City Chapter No. 77, Order of the Eastern
Star.
Surviving are her stepmother, Ethel Stapp of Fort Worth; sons, Tommy
Crowell of Denison, Tim Crowell and wife Leaneasha of Ector;
daughters, Donna Moody and husband Garry of Denison, Lawanna Hagan
and husband Kenny of Allen and Debra Blevins and husband Jamie of
Howe; brothers, Thomas Stapp and wife Rosie of Destin, Fla.;
sisters, Hattie Baugh and husband Steve of Pottsboro, Retha Perdue
of Savoy, Geneva Griffith and husband Ronnie of Grandbury;
grandsons, Brian Ross and wife Marcy of Howe, Michael Ross and wife
Shellie of Sherman, Johnny Moody and wife Melanie of Allen, Jeffrey
Crowell of Denison, Jacob Crowell of Ector and Zachary Blevins of
Howe; granddaughters, Tammy McCord of Allen, Lori McCord of Allen,
Jennifer Crowell of Denison, Morgan Crowell of Ector, Jami Blevins
of Howe, Brittney Crowell of Ector and Isabell Blevins of Howe; and
five stepgrandchildren, Brian and Michael Hagan, Kimberly Carmichael
and Missty Squyres; 21 great-grandchildren; and one stepbrother and
three stepsisters.
She was preceded in death by her brother, James Stapp.
 Jewel
McKnight , DHS Teacher
Jewel McKnight, long-time English teacher in the Denison Independent
School District, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 14,
2007.
Mrs. McKnight was born July 25, 1928 in Houston, Texas to Paul and
Thelma Adams. She attended Jack Yates High School, then went to
Prairie View University where she earned her B.A. degree in English.
To further her education, she earned her M.E. degree from
Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Her 48 years of teaching
included instruction at Terrell High School, McDaniel Jr. High, and
Denison High School. Honors she received during her tenure were:
Secondary Teacher of the Year — 1989-1990, and Teacher of the Month
in 1993.
Jewel married D.D. McKnight on June 19, 1949 at Williams Temple
Church of God in Christ, Houston, Texas. Out of this union two
children were reared in a Christian home. She was virtuous woman who
loved God, her church, and her family. Her price was far above
rubies, according to her husband. Jewel served most of her married
life as church secretary, Sunday School teacher, and gifted pianist.
Jewel is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Drewey D.
McKnight, Jr.; Beloved daughter and son, Pamela Polk (Ben) and
Steven McKnight, both of Sherman; Grandson, Ben Steven Polk (Kim) of
Dallas, and a host of relatives and friends.
Mrs. McKnight is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Thelma
Adams; Sister, E. Elizabeth Murphy; Grandmother, Priscilla Yancy;
and her brother, Paul Lawrence “Bubba” Adams, Jr.
Claude Clift , DHS Graduate
BELLA VISTA — Claude Clift, 84, of Bella Vista died July 14, 2007,
at Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville. He was born March 30, 1923,
to Marion A. and Jessie Cook Clift.
He graduated from high school in Denison, Texas. After the bombing
of Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to be a
gunner on a merchant ship. After his discharge from the Navy he went
to school to become a photo engraver for a newspaper. He married
Martha Hatchell on March 30, 1957. He moved to Bella Vista in 2003.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha, in 1985, his brothers,
Robert Clift Sr., Gene Clift and John Clift, former employee of the
Denison Herald.
 Mary
Elizabeth Morrison, DHS Graduate
Mary Elizabeth Morrison, 91, of Denison, died Saturday, June 30,
2007, at Wilson N. Jones Medical Center of Sherman. Preceded in
death by her parents, Chester and Bertha Tignor, brother, Alvin
Tignor and sister, Marguerita Tignor Borum.
Wife of philanthropist Ray Morrison of Denison who died in January
of 2005, Mrs. Morrison was born on May 29, 1916, in Denison, Texas,
daughter of Chester and Bertha Tignor. She was a life-long member of
the First Presbyterian Church of Denison.
After graduating from Denison High School, Mrs. Morrison worked for
several retail businesses, primarily Madden’s Department Store in
Denison. She married Ray Morrison in 1945, and they operated a
grocery store at 1530 W. Morton for many years. During the 1960s,
the couple sold the grocery store and moved seven miles east of
Denison, eventually building two homes on the property. They moved
into one, and in 1974, Mrs. Morrison’s sister, Marguerite and her
brother-in-law, Paul Borum, the retired Denison Chief of Police,
moved into the other. Mr. Borum helped Mr. Morrison with his farming
and ranching businesses until his death in 1978.
Mrs. Morrison was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian
Women’s Circle Four. Along with her husband, she created the Ray and
Mary Morrison Endowment at Texoma Medical Center for the benefit of
the Morrison Medical Building. The couple also created the Ray and
Mary Morrison Scholarship Fund at Grayson County College.
Surviving are a niece, Elayne Tignor Vick of Irving; two nephews,
Bill Borum of Tulsa, Okla. and Jerry Borum of Cape Coral, Fla.; Mr.
Morrison’s niece, Norma Allen of Denison; nephew, Gene Allen of
Rolling Hills Estate, Calif.; nephew, Ron Burleson of Denison; and
Betty Lacy of McKinney.
James David Hester, Class of
1960
Services for James David Hester, 65, of McKinney were held at 10
a.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Sherman,
TX with Dr. Kris Segrest officiating. Mr. Hester passed away on June
30, 2007 in McKinney, TX. Burial was at the Friendship Cemetery in
Sherman, TX.
James was born on Sept. 21, 1941 in Denison, TX the son of William
and Bertie Hester. He lived most of his life in Denison before
moving to West Texas and later to McKinney. He married Patsy Sue
Hester. She preceded him in death in 1998 and he later married Sue
Hester.
He is survived by his wife Sue Hester; five sons, William Charles
Hester of St. Louis, MO., James David Hester Jr. of Kansas City, MO,
John Timothy Shafik of Plano, TX, Matthew George Shafik of Plano,
TX, William Wagdy Shafik of Plano, TX; two daughters, Angela Lynn
Medrano of Wylie, TX, Lori Leigh Posey of Sachse, TX; one brother,
Andy Hester of Raytown, MO. He is also survived by four sisters,
Doris Smith of Hugo, OK, Fleta Duncan of Lee Summit, MO, Juanita
Wood of Dallas, TX, Betty Modica of Beaumont, TX, 10 grandchildren,
two great-grandchildren and a host of other friends and family.
James was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Patsy Sue
Hester, and one sister Billie Jean Reynolds.
Wanda Mae Murray James, DHS graduate
A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 29, 2007 at St.
Stephen’s Episcopal Church for Wanda Mae James, 76, of Howe, Texas
who passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at the Meadowbrook Care
Center in Van Alstyne. Chaplain David Petrash of Grayson County Home
Hospice officiated.
Mrs. James was born on August 24, 1930, the daughter of Ernest
Murray and Anna Andrews in Denison, Texas. She was a graduate of
Denison High School. On September 13, 1947 in Denison, Texas she
married Robert James. He preceded her in death on December 22, 2004
after 57 years of marriage.
Mrs. James was an avid reader and shopper. She worked for Littles
Pharmacy in Sherman. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and
great-grandmother.
She is survived by her children: Kathy Rivard and Michael of Howe,
Texas, Steve James and David of New York, New York, Richard James
and Julie of Pensacola, Florida; three grandchildren: Christine
Frazier, Jennifer Eads, Chris Suttlehan; three great-grandchildren:
Katie, Emma and Brendan.
Bevan Vaughan - DHS graduate
Bevan Vaughan, 52, died on Father's Day, June 17, 2007, after a long
illness. Funeral was Thursday, June 21, 2007,in Denison with burial
in Fairview Cemetery. Bevan graduated from Denison High School
in 1974 and married Roeann West in Denison. He worked for Safeway
Corp. for 10 years and TXU for 18 years. He was an avid Harley
Davidson man and riding his Harley was his therapy.
Survivors include his wife, daughter, Christy Ann, and son, Bevan
Caden and mother, Peggy Vaughan Hahnel of Denison, twin sister,
Davon Ann Armstrong, brother, Ed Griggs of Pottsboro and sister,
Ellen Willis of Denison.
Larry E. Ertel
Larry Edward Ertel, 63 year old owner and operator of Larry's
Liquor, died June 13 at Baylor Hospital in Dallas of CLI Leukemia.
Funeral was June 16 and burial was at Fairview Cemetery.
Ertel attended Denison High School and at American High of
Barcelona, Spain. He served on the USS Enterprise with the U.S. Navy
during the Vietnam War and received an electronics degree from DeVry
Institute in Dallas. Survivors include his wife, Sallie, one daughter and one son.
John C.
Johnson, DHS Class of 1959
TUCSON, Ariz. — John C. Johnson died June 6, 2007 in Tucson.
Memorial services were held June 22 at St. Jude Catholic Church in
Allen. Ashes will be in columbarium at that church.
Surviving are sister, Pat Wilke of Port Lavaca, Texas; sons, Charles
F. Johnson and John C. Johnson Jr. of Plano; daughters, Anita
Sheridan of Parker, Texas and Alice Rosales of Wylie, Texas; five
grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
B.R. "Bill" Kinamon, DHS Class of
1953
B.R. "Bill" Kinamon, 71, or Denison died June 4,
2007 at Homestead of Denison. Graveside service was held June
5 at Fairview Cemetery.
Bill was born in Denison and graduated from Denison High School with
the class of 1953. He attended Southeastern State University in
Durant and served in the 101st Army Airborne for six years,
obtaining the rank of sergeant.
He was self-employed with Kinamon Service Center in Denison for
about 35 years and was a Baptist.
Survivors include his mother, Thelma Kinamon ofDenison; son, Perry
Mark Kinamon of Denison; and sister, Lucille Shelton of Denison.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Betty June Samford, DHS Class of
1944
Betty June Samford, 79, died June 4, 1007, in Galveston. Funeral was
June 7, 2007 in Galveston. She was born in Denison and graduated
from Denison High School in 1944. She taught preschool in Galveston
from 1970 to 1982, then was employed by UTMB in the Physician
Billing Service from 1982 until she retired in 1991. She was the
daughter of Lloyd and Mae Rich of Denison. Survivors include
three sons.
 Joe
Neal Lewis
Joe Neal Lewis, age 73, went home to be with the
Lord Thursday, May 24, 2007 at Texoma Medical Center surrounded by
his loving family. Joe was born on September 28, 1933 in
Allen, Oklahoma son of R. V. and Orvetta (Trowbridge) Lewis.
Joe married Mary Lou Wilson on March 9, 1953 in Portland, Maine. He
served his country in the Coast Guard and National Guard. Joe had a
great love for children. He enjoyed working at camps, serving as
house parent and other activities with children. Joe will be greatly
missed by all who knew and loved him.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Lewis of
Pottsboro, TX; sons, James Lewis and wife, Cynde of Denton, TX and
Dennis Lewis and wife, Mary Jane of Dallas, TX; grandchildren,
Christi Gideon and husband, Jeremy of Denton, TX, Diana Lewis of
Denton, TX and Jessica Lewis of San Antonio, TX;
great-grandchildren, Ashley and Kaylee Gideon and Abrum Mitchell all
of Denton, TX; sister, Linda Cooper of Runaway Bay, TX; three nieces
and three nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jimmy and
grandson, Michael Lewis on May 26, 1996.
Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 26, 2007 at
Fisher Funeral Chapel with Pastor Carl Bilderback officiating. The
ashes will be buried at DWF National Cemetery at a later date.
 Herbert
Richard Gentry, Class of 1936
Herbert Richard Gentry died on Saturday, May 5,
2007 at the age of 88, in Austin, Texas. A beloved husband, father,
grandfather and great-grandfather, he was born in Denison, Texas, to
Lula (Richard) Gentry and Herbert Lee Gentry. He graduated from
Denison High School in 1936. He later attended Southeastern Oklahoma
State University in Durant, Oklahoma. In addition to his parents, he
was preceded in death by his brother Harold Paul Gentry and wife
Maxine, and sister Hazel (Gentry) Fawcett.
After having "aced" the Civil Service exam in
1938, he boarded a bus with $10 in his pocket, and headed to Del
Rio, Texas to work for the U. S. Border Patrol. After the end of
World War II, he moved his family to Austin. It was a beautiful city
with libraries, tennis courts and the University of Texas. For the
next 36 years, he worked for the Internal Revenue Service where he
retired as a section chief at the Data Processing Center. In a
governmental career of some 41 years, he won the admiration of his
colleagues and numerous service awards. An avid reader and story
teller, he lived a vigorous life of intellectual curiosity. His love
for writing was resumed upon his retirement and culminated in his
leadership of a writing class of his fellow seniors. He had a great
appreciation of his family and his love for them was obvious each
and every day. As a child of the depression, he learned early in
life the value of a dollar and encouraged his children to obtain as
much education as they possibly could. His advice to his family was
simple and practical and included such admonitions as "you don't
want to grow old and be poor," "learn to type and you'll never be
without a job," and "love to read and you can go anywhere in the
world." He leaves behind many friends and a legacy of kindness and
civility for which he will be long remembered. In sum, he was an
honorable man who was loved by many and in so many ways played his
own important role as a member of "the greatest generation."
Surviving him is his wife of 67 years Emma Gene
(Seale) Gentry; daughter Barbara Ann Sunday; son Rick Gentry and
wife Sharon, all of Austin; and son David Gentry and wife Liza of
Lago Vista. He is also survived by grandchildren: Karen (Sunday)
Gillum and husband Dub of Granbury, Steve Sunday and wife Michelle
of Fort Worth, and their father Michael B. Sunday of Fort Worth;
Paul Gentry of Sterrett, Alabama; Mark Gentry and wife Stacey of
Lubbock; Mary (Gentry) Salakka and husband Mika; and Richard Seale
Gentry and John Shadid Gentry of Austin, and their mother Martha E.
Smiley; and great-grandchildren Erica and Lauren Gillum of Granbury.
He is also survived by niece Gloria (Fawcett) Watson and husband Dr.
Clyde Watson of Charlottesville, Virginia and nephew Ed Fawcett and
wife Donna (Roach) of McKinney, Texas.
 Christopher
Paul Epley, DHS class of 2006
Christopher Paul Epley, 19, a 2006 graduate of Denison High School,
died April 24, 2007, in an auto accident on East Main Street Road.
Christopher played trombone in the high school marching band. He was
employed at DeVolli's Restaurant and had planned to enlist in the
Army as an Intelligence Analyst.
Survivors include his parents, Harold and Michele Epley III of
Denison and two brothers, Mike and Jeff Epley.
 Edward
Gene Crouse, DHS graduate
Edward G. Crouse, 75, died April 22 in Haslet, TX. An honor guard
from Fort Hood conducted military honors. He was a two-time
POW during the Korean War and had four Bronze Stars along with an
honorable discharge. He received a Bachelor's degree in
accounting from North Texas State and had a 20-year career with the
Office of the Inspector General for Housing of Urban Development. He
was a candidate twice for mayor.
Survivors include four children and a number of
grandchildren.
 Edwardine
Cordell McCoy Fox, DHS Teacher
Edwardine Cordell McCoy Fox, formerly of Denison,
Texas, died at the age of 88 on April 15, 2007 at her Dallas home
after a lengthy struggle with cancer.
"Dena" was born in Colbert, Oklahoma, on April 1, 1919, the daughter
of the late Arling Lyndon Cordell and the late Lela Hill Cordell.
She touched the lives of thousands of public school and college
students during her 47-year teaching career, which she began at the
age of 18 in a one-room school near Colbert. She was an elementary
teacher, principal, and basketball coach at Platter and taught
English and speech at Colbert High before moving to Denison's
Central Elementary School. In 1953, she became Denison Senior High
School's speech teacher and drama and debate coach, where she and
her students maintained an active schedule of drama productions and
successful speech, drama and debate competitions. She became
elementary supervisor for Denison ISD in 1963, remaining in that
capacity until 1969, when she joined the faculty of Southeastern
Oklahoma State University (SOSU) at Durant, where she became a full
professor and Head of the Elementary Education Department.
During this period, she also served as an education columnist for
The Denison Herald. She retired from teaching in 1984. A lifelong
learner, she graduated valedictorian of Colbert HS at the age of 15,
subsequently earning a BS from SOSU, an MS from North Texas
University, and an Ed.D from Texas A&M University, Commerce. She
earned her last degree, a BS in criminal justice, from SOSU at the
age of 65. After retirement, she continued her long-standing
interest in owning and racing quarter horses and participated in a
wide variety of community activities and projects.
She became active in Denison city politics, and was elected to the
City Council, subsequently serving as Denison's Mayor Pro Tem. An
avid golfer, she was a long-time board member and supporter of the
Denison Country Club and an officer of the DCC Women's Golf
Association. She was an Elder in Denison's First Presbyterian Church
and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years.
She was married to Charles Edward McCoy from 1941 until his death in
1972. She was married to James B. Fox, Jr., from 1977 until his
death in 1988. She is also preceded in death by her brothers Arling
L. and Sylvester B. Cordell and her sisters Loretta Cordell Phelps
and Mabel Cordell Scott.
Survivors include daughters Charla and Melanie McCoy of Dallas; son
Robert A. McCoy of Denison; and stepchildren Charles E. Beckelman of
Denison and Tony Fox and Carolyn Fox Beckham of Houston.
 Shirley
Taylor Ridinger, DHS Class of 1962
Shirley Ridinger age 63, of Denison, went to her heavenly home on
Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007, while surrounded by her family and her
familiar treasures, at her residence. She was born in Denison to
Sherwood and Peggy Wilson Taylor on October 24, 1943.
Shirley married William (Bill) Ridinger, December 9, 1961, in
Madill, Okla. They had one son, Troy Don Ridinger. She graduated
from Denison High School in 1962. She was a member of East Baptist
Church. Shirley worked 24 years at State National Bank, later known
as Bank of America. She later worked for Pro-Med Diversified.
Shirley loved her family and friends, and especially enjoyed her
association with the NewComers Club. She loved to entertain and was
known for the seasonal changes of decor in her home. She invited
friends, individually, each season for lunch and to enjoy the
beautiful array of her collections and seasonal decorations. She
loved crafts and attending craft shows everywhere.
She collected many things. It was not unusual to find her table set
with beautiful dishes and table linens. She will always be
remembered for the vast number of rooster and chicken displays in
her home. Also, an entire room in her home was set aside for her
doll collection. She loved candles and to enter her home, one was
surrounded by wonderful fragrances. Shirley was known for her love
of the color red, her beautiful manicured fingernails, and her
beautiful hair (always done to perfection).
Shirley is survived by her husband of Denison; one son, Troy and
wife Melodye of Allen, Texas; grandson, Dennis Tittle of Ft. Smith,
Ark.; one sister, Brenda and husband Dave Darling of Ripley, N.Y.
and their two daughters and families; Uncle Paul and wife Dovey
Wilson of Denison, Aunt June and husband, Jack Carroll of San Diego,
Calif.; aunts, Betty and Marilyn Taylor of Denison; three
brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law, and their families, as
well as numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends. She
was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
Dickey Thomas, Denison High
graduate
Charles Richard "Dickey" Thomas, 47, formerly of Denison, died at
his home in Taylor April 5, 2007. A private family service was held
Aptil 16 at the home of his parents, Charley and Treva Thomas in
Denison. While in high school Dickey was a member of the Civil
Air Patrol. He joined the Navy when he was 18 and also served in the
Merchant Marines. He was a plumber by trade and most recently worked
in Austin.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Aubrey
Charles Thomas Jr., of Denison and Audrey Thomas Flood of Round
Rock.
 James
S. "Jamie" Cassidy, DHS class of 1974
James S. (Jamie) Cassidy, 50-year-old Denison
resident, died Monday, March 26, 2007 at Texoma Medical Center.
Mr. Cassidy was born on July 31, 1956, in Denison, son of Jimmy Lee
and Mary Buccigrossi Cassidy. He was a 1974 graduate of Denison High
School. Jamie was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in
Denison. He was an avid sports fan. He loved his Denison Yellow
Jackets, Texas Longhorns, Notre Dame and Dallas Cowboys. He also
loved his animals Majic, Dee Dee and C.J.
Surviving are his mother, Mary E. Butcher of Stuart, Florida;
sister, Mary Ellen Kessler and husband, Charles of Roebling, N.J.;
two nephews, C.J. and Chad Kessler of Roebling, N.J.; very special
aunts, Patsy Owens and Ellen Rinaldi; uncles, Puggy Cassidy and
Freddie Cassidy; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in
death by his father, Jimmy Lee Cassidy.
 Stanton
V. Wimbish, DHS Class of 1998
Services for Stanton V. Wimbish, 28-year-old Denison resident, were
held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 30 at New Hope Christian Fellowship
Church in Denison. Mr. Wimbish died Saturday, March 24, 2007 at
Texoma Medical Center. Mr. Wimbish was born on Aug. 7, 1978,
in Denison, Texas, son of Rev. Stanley Brown and Nelda Wimbish. He
was a Denison High School graduate, class of 1998. He married
Jessica White on Feb. 28, 2004 in Denison. He was a former
member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Jessica Wimbish of Denison; grandmother,
Larena Wimbish of Denison; father, Rev. Stanley Brown of Denison;
mother, Nelda Wimbish of Denison; brothers, Lester Hunter of
Sherman, Trent Brown and Tristan Brown, both of Denison; sisters,
Tara Wimbish, Fanchon Wimbish, Shanice Wimbish and Brooklyn Brown,
all of Denison; and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and
other relatives and friends.
Evelyn Cornell Carletti, DHS Class of
1933
Evelyn Cornell Carletti, 91, died March
19,2007. Funeral was in Grand Prairie with interment in the
Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens. She was born in Denison Feb.
19,1916,to Edna Baucom Cornell and Albert Lee Cornell. She graduated
from Denison High in 1933 and from Southeastern Oklahoma University
in 1937 with a BA in math. She taught high school in Oklahoma
and completed her Master's degree in math at TWU, then moved to
Texas in 1958 and joined the Grand Prairie High School staff as a
math teacher. She taught there for 25 years. An avid traveler
and visited all 50 states, Europe four times and completed an
extensive trip through Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong. She is
survived by two daughters, Kay Hendrix of San Antonio and Christi
Austin of Austin; two granddaughters, three great-grandchildren,
sister, Dr. Frances C. Willis of Denison and brother, Leland Cornell
of Mesa, AR.
John "Mike" Wheeler - 1941 DHS
graduate
John "Mike" Wheeler, 81, of Denison died March 16, 2007, in a Flower
Mound nursing home. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery in Denison.
Mike was a 1941 graduate of Denison High School and attended North
Texas and Texas A&M. He served in the U.S. Air Force in World War
II, where he flew B-24s, then went on to serve in the Korean War. He
retired from the MKT Railroad after 41 years. His wife, the former
Sophie Elizabeth Redondo, died in 2004.Survivors include his
daughters, Carolyn Phillips of Mason, Susie Killough of Denison and
Annett Phillips of Hurst; sons, Mickey of Arlington and Mark of San
Antonio, 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Mickey Murphy Wood - 1947 DHS
graduate
Mickey Jean Murphy Wood,76, of Sadler died March 6,2007. Burial was
in the Sadler Cemetery. Mickey was born in Hoover, TX and was
so tiny she wasn't named for three months because doctors didn't
think she would life. The family returned to Grayson County in 1935
and she attended school through the eighth grade in the Sadler area.
She graduated from Denison High in May 1947 and married Norris
Kinion Wood that summer. They resided on the Wood family farm near
Sadler. Survivors include a daughter, Brenda Stanberry of
Whitesboro, a sister and three grandsons, two granddaughters and
eight great-grandchildren.
Louise Gregg Painter - Denison graduate
Virginia "Louise" Gregg Painter died March 5, 2007, in Denison. She
was born in Denison and married Billy C. Painter here in 1956. She
was a life-long resident of Denison. Survivors include
two sons, Dennis Gregg and Steven Gregg and a daughter, Lisa McBride
and Rhonda Youngblood, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren
and one sister, Mary Frances Gladen. Burial was in Cedarlawn
Memorial Cemetery.
SFC James F. Hogan - Denison High
graduate
SFC James F. Hogan, 50, died Feb. 27, 2007 in an Oklahoma City
Veteran's Hospital.Burial was at Cherry Mound Cemetery with full
military honors conducted by the Fort Hood Honor Guard. James
was a graduate of Denison High School. He was a retired sergeant
first class with the U.S. Army and served two tours of duty during
Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Desert Calm. Survivors
include three sons, Jimmy of Birmingham, AL, Kurt of Waller, TX and
Eric of Fairbanks AL, and the mother of his children, Marsha Henson
Cook of Sherman.
 Terry
Hall Rodgers, 1966 DHS Graduate
Terry Hall Rodgers,
58-year-old Denison resident, died Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007 at his
home. Memorial services were held Wednesday, Feb. 28 at the
Denison Church of the Nazarene. Officiating was Rev. Dave Pettigrew,
pastor of the church, and Larry Eastman, a lifelong friend.
Mr. Rodgers was born on June 17, 1948 in Denison, son of Harold and
Dickie Rodgers. He was a 1966 graduate of Denison High School. He
also graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant
and did graduate studies at East Texas State University in Commerce.
On March 21, 1970, he married Floretta Buckner in Denison. He
had lived in New Jersey and California and returned to Denison in
April 2006.
Surviving are his mother, Dickie Rodgers of Denison; wife, Floretta
Rodgers of Plano; two daughters, Valerie Rhea Rodgers of Elk Grove,
Calif. and Whitney Michelle Rodgers of West New York, N.J.; and one
brother, Donald Rodgers and his wife, Sherry of Beaumont, Calif.
 Marvin
F. Hunt Sr.
Marvin F. Hunt Sr. of Denison passed away Friday morning, February
23, 2007 at the Mullican Nursing Home after a lengthy battle with
Alzheimer’s. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday,
March 3, 2007 at Bratcher Funeral Home.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dorothy York Hunt of
Denison; children, Dusty Hunt and wife, Ann of Denison, Joe Lee Hunt
and Paulette Williamson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Noel Hunt and
wife, Renee of Plano, Patricia Hunt Matthys and husband, Michael of
Lyons, New York, Kelly Hunt McClafferty and husband, Kevin of Flower
Mound; 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; and brother, J.J.
Hunt and wife, Mary of Dallas; one sister, Wilma Hunt Creech and
husband, Louis of Pottsboro; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Marvin was born January 22, 1929, the 11th of 13 children born to
Luke and Zelma Hunt. He attended Denison schools before serving a
two-year stint in the U.S. Army as a military policeman.
Subsequently, he was employed by three railroads — MKT, Union
Terminal and Amtrak for over 30 years.
For 18 years, he devoted every possible hour as a Reserve Deputy for
the Grayson County Sheriff’s office, serving in many capacities and
he particularly enjoyed his duties as transportation officer. He was
a member of Southside Baptist Church.
Marvin was loved and cherished by many people throughout his active
life, and he continued to impact people after his illness. His
family, in particular, will always miss his devotion and humor. To
us, he was truly larger than life.
 Scott
Thomas Badgett , Class of 1978
Scott Thomas Badgett 47, of Denison passed away Tuesday, February
20, 2007 at TMC. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Friday,
February 23, 2007 at Fairview Cemetery in Denison. Rev. Greg Smith
officiated. Scott was born on January 6, 1960 in Denison,
Texas to Larry and Jeanette Winnett Badgett. He was a member of
Calvary Baptist Church and also worked in the Maintenance Department
at Wilson N. Jones.
Scott is survived by his mother, Jeanette Badgett; daughter, Morgan
Badgett both of Denison. Scott is also survived by a sister, Mitzi
Massie of Oklahoma City, Okla. Scott was preceded in death by his
father and a sister, Jill Carpenter.
Jimmie Gray Lorentzen - Class of 1949
Jimmie Gray Lorentzen died February 19, 2007. Jimmie was a loving
wife, mother, sister and friend to many. She was born November 8,
1931 in Arkansas, grew up in Denison, Texas and was a long-time
resident of South Milwaukee, WIS before moving to Sun City, AR. She
married her Air Force sweetheart, Fritz, of Perrin Field in 1954.
Jimmie was a graduate of Methodist School of Nursing in Dallas. She
was a dedicated Registered Nurse and loved helping others.
Jimmie was active in the American Lutheran Church and was elected
the first woman President of Trinity Lutheran in South Milwaukee.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Fritz; sons,
Christopher of West Milwaukee and Mark and wife of Cudahy, WS;
sister Billie Smith and husband and brother Roy Gray, all of
Denison.
 Fred
R. Pilkilton - DHS graduate
Fred R. Pilkilton, 81, long-time Denison businessman and president
of Fred Pilkilton Motors, died Feb. 7, 2007 in Denison. Burial was
in Cedarlawn Memorial Park. Mr. Pilkilton was born Feb. 3,
1926, in Denison, Texas, son of Willie and Rosa Lee Pilkilton. He
graduated from Denison High School and attended Austin College in
Sherman. He and his wife, Cathy, had been married 55 years. He
was a member and deacon at First Baptist Church in Denison. He was a
World War II U.S. Navy veteran and was stationed in Siapan. He had
been president of Fred Pilkilton Motors since 1955, following in his
father’s footsteps. He was a member of Billie Mosse Lodge #1152 in
Denison, Dallas Consistory of Scottish Rite and Grayson County
Scottish Rite Association. He was a life member and past president
of North Texas Shrine Association and member of Eastern Star Gate
City Chapel.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy; two sons, Fred Jr., and Roger,
both of Denison; three grandchildren, a brother and a sister.
Steve Garner - 1973 DHS graduate
Stephen Eugene “Steve” Garner, age 52, passed away
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at his residence. Steve was born
on October 6, 1954 in Tacoma, Washington to Arther and
Frances(Coble) Garner. He was a 1973 Denison High School graduate
and attended Grayson County College and Southeastern University.
Steve currently was employed by Ruiz Foods and had previously
retired from Pillsbury after 27 years of service. At Pillsbury he
was known as “Pard.” He also enjoyed working two years for the
Federal Courthouse in Sherman. Steve was a kind, loving man with a
wonderful sense of humor although he could be a little stubborn at
times. Since he could repair anything, he was also affectionately
known as Mr. Fix-It.
Steve was a natural computer “Geek” because he loved the challenge
and was willing to try anything at least once. He was a gifted
musician and his guitars were his prized possessions. In his younger
years, he was a member of a Rock-n-Roll band at Ft. Campbell,
Kentucky called “Pheasant Under Glass.” Later when he moved to
Denison, he was a part of another band known as “Boogie Blues Band.”
He loved fishing, was a huge Cowboys fans and was devoted to his
family. Steve was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father,
grandfather, uncle and brother-in-law and will be dearly missed by
all.
Steve is survived by his wife “The Love of His Life,” Jana Garner of
Denison, Texas; children, Maury Garner Rodgers and husband Kim of
Denison, Texas, Lindsay Garner and Jason Thompson of Oklahoma City,
Okla., Callin Rosenow of Denison, Texas and Dalen Rosenow of
Denison, Texas; his mother, Frances Coble Garner of Denison, Texas;
sisters, Donna Garner LaPee and Mike Christian of Louisville, Ky.,
Suzann Garner Montgomery and husband, Dennis of Denison, Texas;
nieces, Alyssa and Taylor Reedy of Denison, Texas; nephew, Trevor
Montgomery of Sherman, Texas; grandchildren, Riley Degraffenreid of
Oklahoma City, Okla., Jaxon Hale of Denison, Texas and Austin
Rodgers of Denison, Texas; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ruby and
Sam Moran of Denison, Texas and brother-in-law, Brian Hicks of
Denison, Texas. Steve was preceded in death by his father,
Arther Garner, his grandparents, Rachel Coble Norris, John Coble,
Dan Norris and Willie and Ruth Tollison Garner.
 Joyce
Newland Fisher - DHS graduate
Joyce Newland Fisher died Jan. 28, 2007, in Brenham. Burial
was in Prairie Lea Cemetery there. Joyce grew in Denison and
at the age of nine learned to drive a 12-geared family farm
truck. As a youth she piloted a passenger boat for her
father's summer business and performed with his magic shows. She
excelled in oil painting, flower arranging, sewing, knitting and
embroidery. She married John Clinton Fisher on Dec. 28, 1947, at the
First Baptist Church in Denison. For the past 19 years they
had been owners of Seek and Find Antiques, The Lamplighter Shop and
Texas story in downtown Brenham.
Survivors include her husband; her 102 year old mother, Laura Grace
Newland of Gainesville; three daughters, nine grandchildren, six
great-grandchildren and three more great-grandchildren expected; and
sister, Joann Cravens and husband Joe of Nederland.
The Rev. James Douglas Knight, Class of 1958
Reverend James Douglas Knight, 66, of Prague, Okla. died Friday,
Jan. 12, 2007, in Norman, Okla. A Prayer/Vigil was held at 7 p.m.
Monday evening, Jan. 15, 2007, at Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual
Help, 3214 N. Lake Ave., Oklahoma City, Okla. A Mass of Christian
Burial was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007 at St. Mark the
Evangelist Catholic Church, 3939 W. Tecumseh Road, Norman, Okla.
Services were under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home of
Norman.
Father Knight was born March 7, 1940, in San Antonio, Texas to
Joseph D. and Rachel Augusta (Hollingsworth) Knight. He attended and
graduated from Denison High School in Denison, Texas. In June of
1961, he married Dolores Elizabeth Knight in Corpus Christi, Texas.
He later attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C.,
where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1975. In 1978, he
received a Master of Science from the University of Arkansas, in
1989, a Bachelor of Arts from Kansas Newman College and a Master of
Divinity from Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in 2001. He
received his Ordination on May 25, 2001, at the Cathedral of Our
Lady of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City. Father Knight served in the
United States Navy 20 years before retiring on Nov. 1, 1979. From
2001 until 2002, he worked as administrator for Saint Peter Church
in Woodward, Oklahoma, Saint Frances Church in Beaver, Okla., Saint
Joseph Church, in Buffalo, Okla., Sacred Heart Church in Mooreland,
Okla. and Holy Name Church in Shattuck, Okla. He served as Pastor of
Saint Peter Church in Woodward, Okla. and Missions, Saint Frances
Cabrini Church in Beaver, Saint Joseph Church in Buffalo, Sacred
Heart Church in Mooreland and Holy Name Church in Shattuck from June
2002 until 2006. He served as Administrator of Sacred Heart Church
in Alva, Okla. and Missions Saint Cornelius Church in Cherokee and
Our Mother of Mercy Church in Waynoka, Okla. from 2002 until 2006.
He was currently serving as Pastor of Saint Wenceslaus Church in
Prague, Okla. and Saint Michael Church in Meeker, Okla. Father
Knight held the offices of Chaplain for Knights of Columbus Council
2974 and Mother Teresa Assembly 2572 in Woodward and Vicar of Region
VI . He was also Chairman of the Board of the Catholic Foundation of
Oklahoma.
Father Knight was preceded in death by his parents; wife, and son,
Daniel Terrance Knight. He is survived by sons, Roger C. Knight of
Noble, Okla. and Peter D. Knight and wife, Rhonda of Norman, Okla.,
daughter, Georgia D. Knight, of Norman, Okla.; brothers, William R.
Knight and wife, Jane, of Frisco, Texas and Michael Graham Knight
and wife, Valerie, of Amarillo, Texas; grandchildren; Joseph D.
Knight and Cassandra Knight, of Noble, Okla.; and Daniel J., Hannah
N. and Chloe E. Knight, of Norman, Okla.; nephews, Cristopher Knight
and wife, Kimberly, of West Hills, Calif., Michael Graham Knight,
Jr. and wife, Jennifer, of Commerce, Texas, Kevin Knight and wife,
Sarah, of Spring, Texas and Brian Knight and wife, Donna, of Canyon,
Texas and nieces, Sunnye Childers and husband, Ryan, of Carrollton,
Texas and Jennise Ann Knight of Rock Hill, S. C.
John Sullivan Bishop - 1955 DHS
graduate
John Sullivan Bishop died Jan. 10, 2007. A memorial service
was held at St. Michael & All Angels Church in Dallas on Jan. 13.
John was born in Denison to a pioneer Texas family. His
great-grandmother was the first recorded birth in Grayson County.
He graduated from Denison High School in 1955 and from the
University of Texas at Austin. He was a long-time Dallas property
and casualty insurance agent, owning J.S. Bishop and Co., IMA
Insurance Agency and IMS Mortgage. Survivors include his wife,
Barbara, sister, Carol Ross Bishop of Houston, and two step-sons.
Charles Gerard, Class
of 1959
GERARD, CHARLES, Born October 10, 1940 in Denison, TX and passed
away December 25, 2006 in Dallas, TX. Memorial service was held
3:00PM, Saturday, December 30, 2006 at Restland Abbey Chapel.
Ronald Gene Griffith,
1965 Terrell High graduate
Ronald "Ronnie" Gene Griffith died Dec. 24, 2006 in DeSoto, Texas.
He was the son of Timothy and Vivian Griffith and a 1965 graduate of
Terrell High School. After school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy
and served from 1965 to 1969, traveling the world He was a head chef
at Wyatt;'s cafeterias for a number of years. Funeral was held
Dec. 29, 2006, with burial in the DFW National Cemetery.
Survivors include his parents, four sisters and two brothers.
Marion Carl
Cunningham, Denison student
Marion Carl Cunningham, 63. died Dec. 10, 2006, in Carrollton. He
was born Dec. 31, 1942, in Grayson County and lived most of his
early life in Denison. Known as M.C., he lost his eyesight due to a
retina disease. He attended Houston School as long as his sight
allowed. He taught himself to read and write Braille and
earned his GED before attending Grayson County College. He went on
to North Texas State University and received his Bachelor degree and
an M.B.A. He worked for the Internal Revenue Service almost 30
years. He was a member of the American Council of the Blind
and in spite of numerous health issues in recent years, he traveled
alone to several ACB National Conventions. He was a member of
Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas, where a memorial service will
be held at a later date. He was buried at Fairview Cemetery in
Denison.
Connie Louise Davis Ard, Class of 1966
Funeral for Connie Ard, 58, of Denison was held Dec. 14, 2006, at
St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery.
She was the daughter of Andy and Betty Martin Davis and was an honor
graduate from Denison High in 1966. She received her Associate of
Science degree from Grayson County College and her BA in Education
and Master of Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
She taught art from 1979 to 1986 in Denison schools. She
married Timothy David Ard II in 1976 and he died in 1994.
In 1986 she organized the Denison Chapter of Recovery Inc., and
served as Group Leader and an active member for the last 20 years.
Jerry Whitfill -
Class of 1949
Jerry K. Whitfill died November 13,
2006. Full military honors were accorded to Mr. Whitfill at
D.F.W. National Cemetery. Jerry was born August 23, 1932 and served
in the U.S. Air Force for over 26 years, retiring in October, 1976,
as Master Sergeant. He married Philene Harris February 2, 1952.
After retiring from the military, he farmed at his home in Denison.
Jerry is survived by his wife,
Philene, son Jerry K. Whitfill, Jr and wife of Dallas, son Gerald
Robert Whitfill and wife of Humble, Tx; daughter Phyllis Ann
Hamilton and husband of Edna, Tx and daughter Patricia Sue Fox and
husband of Houston; brother Kenneth Whitfill and wife of Houston,
brother James Ray Whitfill and wife of Pasadena and brother John
Whitfill of Dallas; sister Mary Reesby of Sherman and sister Billye
Burke and husband of Dallas. He is also survived by six
grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.
Evelyn Irene McGuire, Class of 1933
Evelyn Smith McGuire died Nov. 17, 2006, in Denison. Funeral was
Nov. 21 and burial was in Hagerman Cemetery. She graduated
from Denison High School in 1933 and attended Southeastern State
Teachers College in Durant, then North Texas State Teachers College.
She was an elementary teacher and taught in the Basin Springs School
in Grayson County. She also taught kindergarten and retired from the
cotton testing lab of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They
returned to Denison in 1984. She married Nathan Bedford
Forrest McGuire in 1937 and they were married 62 years before his
death in 1999.
Robert A. Gatley II, Class
of 1986
Robert A. Gatley II (Rosenow), 39-year-old
Denison resident, died Nov. 20,2006, at Cancer Treatment Centers in
Tulsa, OK. Funeral was Nov. 24, 2006, in Denison with burial at
Fairview Cemetery with military honors by the Marine Corps.
Robert was the son of Robert and Peggy Gill Gatley. He was a 1986
graduate of Denison High School and attended college while in the
U.S. Marine Corps. He married Kathy Pierce in Denison. He
worked for Ratheon as a technical engineer for four years and was a
sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and nuclear biological specialist.
He was stationed in Okinawa for four years. Survivors include
his wife of Denison, parents, grandmother, two daughters, and two
sisters.
Carolyn (Carrie) Monroe, Class of 1934
Carolyn (Carrie) Monroe died Nov. 17, 2006. She was the daughter of
Elva and Violet Preston and graduated from Denison schools in 1934.
Carrie married Sam D. Turner Jr., a pilot instructor for student
pilots during World War II. After his death in 1974 she married
Robert E. Monroe. Survivors include her husband, daughter,
Carolyn Keitz Ratcliff; son, Samuel D. Turner; stepchildren Nancy
Wall and Bobby Monroe, seven grandchildren 20 great-grandchildren
and 23 great-great-grandchildren. According to her wishes
there was no funeral or memorial service.
Helen Wineinger, 1934 graduate
Helen Wineinger, 90, a 1934 graduate of Denison High School, died
Nov. 17, 2006, in Denison. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery.
Mrs. Wineinger, a daughter of Robert and Mamie Howard Young, was a
homemaker and taught Sunday school for many years. She is
survived by a son and a daughter, two brothers and one sister,
Mildred McCune of Denison.
David Witts, DHS graduate
David Witts, a Dallas attorney who helped start the
famed Terlingua Chili Contest, was reared in Denison and graduated
from Denison High School .
Witts and his friend, Carroll Shelby tried to market the 150,000
acres of land they owned in the middle of nowhere along the Rio
Grande River in Brewster County and held their first chili cook-off
there in 1967. The Terlingua Chili Cooking Contest has become a
tradition. Witts, 85, died Oct. 25 in Dallas .
He had said that at the age of 16, he worked as a day laborer
helping build the Denison Dam and decided right then that he didn’t
want to do that the rest of his life, so he decided to go to school
and become a lawyer. After graduating from DHS as Aaron Witz, he
went to the University of Texas and earned a bachelor’s degree then
worked as an agent in the FBI before going into military service.
He later wrote a book, “Forgotten War, Forgiven Guilt” about his
experiences in the South Pacific with the 13th Air Force during
World War II.
After graduating first in his law school class as SMU in 1948, he
built a prestigious law career in Dallas and was one of 14 people
selected by former Dallas Mayor Erik Jonsson to draft Goals for
Dallas .
His father was Phillip Witz, who owned a department store in Denison
as David was growing up. His mother worked as a saleslady at K.
Wolen’s Department Store here.
Roy Clark, DHS Class of 1955
Roy Clark, 69, of Little Elm died Oct. 13, 2006, in Carrollton.
Burial was in Cedarlawn Memorial Park at Sherman. Roy was born
in Denison, the son of George LeRoy and Amy Opal Clark. He graduated
from Denison High School in 1955 and later earned his degree in
electronics. He served in the Air Force from 1961 to 1965 and owned
and operated Clark Motel until 1977. An avid bowler, he bowled
two 300 games in his career and in 1955 was televised in the finals
of a bowling tournament along with Hall of Famer Earl Anthony.
He is survived by his son, Russell, of Little Elm and daughter, Amy
Clark of Howe.
Albert W. Brown, Class of 1935
Albert W. Brown, 88, died Oct. 2, 2006. Funeral
was held Oct. 4 at the First Baptist Church. A Denison
CPA, Brown was very active in the Lion's Club, having served in
almost every capacity on the local and district level. He was a
founder, director, president and life member of Lion's District
2-E-2 Organ and Eye Bank and the Lion's Julian C. Hyer Youth
Camp. He and his wife, Viola, in 2003 were honored when a
Humanitarian Award was established in their honor, recognizing
50 years of service to the Lions. He is survived by his
wife, Viola, son, Al, who carries on the business, and daughter,
Carol Brown Light, administrator in the Plano Independent School
District. He also is survived by four grandchildren.
 Virginia
Simms Norman, DHS graduate
Virginia Ann Simms Norman
DENISON — “Ginny” Norman passed away peacefully at
Texoma Medical Center surrounded by her family and friends Thursday
September 21, 2006. Mrs. Norman was born November 16, 1928 to B.B.
and Martha (Armstrong) Simms, Jr. in Denison, Texas. Ginny grew up
in Denison and finished High School in Denison after being a
majorette with the Denison High School band for 2 1/2 years. Ginny
married Herman K. Norman Jr. September 3, 1946 and had two sons.
Mrs. Norman is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Herman K.
Norman Jr. of Denison, Texas; son, Ken Norman and wife, Sue of
Lenexa, Kansas; son, Jerry Norman of Denison, Texas; sisters, Martha
Jane Lewis of Houston, Texas and Joanna Drennan and husband, Dave of
Denison, Texas; sister-in-law, Peggy Stephenson of Fort Worth,
Texas; three brother-in-laws, W.F. Norman of Houston, Texas, M.E.
Norman and wife, Betty of Stringtown, Texas, and E.A. Norman and
wife, Paula of Florida and numerous nieces, nephews, and a four
legged friend named, Kacey. Ginny also left her dearest friend, Mrs.
Imanelle Howell of Denison, Texas to cherish her memories.
 Nick Ciaccio - 1935 graduate of
St. Xavier's Academy
Nicholas ‘Nick’ Francis Ciaccio
DENISON — Nicholas (Nick) Francis Ciaccio joined
his Heavenly Father on September 21, 2006 at TMC surrounded by
his family. Mr. Ciaccio was born Sept. 15, 1922 in Denison,
Texas, the son of Guiseppie (Joe) Ciaccio and Lena Siragusa
Ciaccio. He married Aletha Mae O’Bar on July 28, 1951, and was
married for 51 years until her passing Feb. 14, 2003. He
graduated from St. Xavier’s School in 1935. He was self-employed
and operated Nick Ciaccio & Son Sand Plant for 53 years. He was
a very active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Knights
of Columbus and a veteran of WWII.
Nick was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He
was well known throughout Grayson County for all of his
involvement in the community. He participated in and taught the
Dale Carnegie seminars held in the county from 1979 through
1993. He was also known as the Sandman who wrote heart-touching
articles in the “Weekend Bandit.” He was a musician and actor at
heart. He participated several years in the Follies. He loved
county music and singing.
Surviving are his son, Mike and Judy Ciaccio; daughters, Carol
Gibson, JoAnn Ciaccio Nichols and Teresa and Gary Hall of
Denison, Nicki and Scott Wedell of Sherman. Grandchildren are
Justin and Nicholas Gibson, Shane Nichols, Adam and Emily
Ciaccio, Ryan and Tana Hall, Jordyn and Walker Wedell and
great-grandchild, Taylor Gibson; brothers, Bonnie Ciaccio and
Salvador Ciaccio; and sisters, Josephine Hutchman and Georgia
Schmidt, also of Denison.
Preceded in death by his wife; parents; brothers, George Ciaccio,
Phillip Ciaccio, John Ciaccio; sister, Carmen Hood; and
son-in-law, Frank M. Gibson.
James Allen Crabtree - DHS graduate
James Allen Crabtree, 48 of Denison died Sept. 8 in
Parkland Hospital in Dallas. Burial was in Oakridge Cemetery.
He was born in 1958 in Denison and was employed at
Kaiser Aluminum in Sherman. He was an auctioneer and loved Denison
High School football. He is survived by his wife Bessie
Donihoo Crabtree of Denison, and his mother, Alice Crabtree of
Denison.
Lue Corbett Nicholson - DHS graduate
1954
Funeral was held Sept. 7 in Sherman for Lue
Corbett Nicholson, 70 of Sadler, who died Sept. 4, 2006 after a
battle with cancer. She and her husband, J.B. Nicholson,
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary earlier this year.
Lue had a paper route in the west Denison,
Pottsboro, Sadler, Whitesboro and Gordonville area for nearly 18
years. She only missed one day of work during that time.
She and J.B. have three daughters.
Mary Pat
Ross Craft - DHS Class of 1959
Mary Patricia Craft of Denison passed away Tuesday, Sept. 5,
2006 at Texoma Specialty Care. She was 65. A memorial service will be
announced at a later date. Surviving are her daughters, Jayme
Craft of Denison and Carolyn Hester of Dallas; sister, Donna Garrett of
Denison; brother, Billie Allison Ross Jr. of Denison; eight
grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Marjorie Nell Lovett - DHS graduate
Marjorie Nell Lovett died Sept. 4, 2006 in Tyler of
congestive heart failure. Funeral was Sept. 7 in Denison with burial
in the Georgetown Cemetery. Marjorie was the daughter of Henry
L. and Alma Ruddell. She was born in 1918 in Pottsboro and graduated
from Denison High School and Draughan's Business College.
 Paul
D. James, DHS Class of 1959
PAUL DEURALL JAMES, JR., Age 65, passed
away Saturday, August 26, 2006 at his residence in Plano. Mr. James was
born on March 25, 1941 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Paul and Mary (Hundley)
James, Sr. Paul graduated from Denison High School in 1959. He attended
Paris Junior College and North Texas University. Paul enjoyed the
outdoors, especially golf and hunting with his buddies. Paul owned his
own roofing company. Paul was a loving son, father and grandfather. He is survived by his mother, Mary E. James of Denison, Texas;
daughters, Faith Baker and husband, Anthony of Bowling Green, KY and
Hope Erickson and husband, Jeff of Mission Viejo, California;
grandchildren, Tyler, Payton, Griffin and Garrett Baker and baby
Erickson due in October; sister, Joyce Cobb and husband, John of
Collinsville, Texas. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 2, 2006 at Waples Memorial United Methodist Church
with Dr. Jim Bowden officiating. There was a short reception after
the service until 2:30 p.m. with interment following at Cedarlawn
Memorial Park in Sherman. In lieu
of flowers, memorials may be made in Paul's name to Waples Memorial
United Methodist Church, 830 West Main Street, Denison, TX 75020.
 Ruth Simmons
Richardson, DHS Class of 1926
Ruth Simmons Richardson, 98, died August
15, 2006. She was a 1926 graduate of Denison High School and married D. A.
(Jack) Richardson. Geology was her primary interest for 35 years, and
she also loved writing. Her stories are included in five of Dr. Jerry
Lincecum's books. Ruth was a "Real Granddaughter"
of the American Revolution and a member of the United Daughters of the
Confederacy and the Huguenot Society of South Carolina.
She is survived by her daughter Jean , two grandsons, six great-grandchildren
and four great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held August 19 in Denison.
Billie Lee
Moore, 1931 - 2006
Bill Moore, 74, a retired systems analyst, died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006, at a
Fort Worth hospital.
Funeral: 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 2006, at White's Chapel of Memories in
Weatherford. Burial: Memory Gardens Cemetery, Weatherford. Visitation: 6 to
8 p.m. Wednesday at White's Funeral Home in Weatherford.
Billie Lee Moore was born Sept. 15, 1931, in Denison, the son of Emery and
Bethel Jackson Moore. Mr. Moore received an MBA from North Texas State
College, now the University of North Texas. He served in the U.S. Air Force
during the Korean War and was a long time employee with the General Services
Administration working as a systems analyst. Mr. Moore attended the Senior
Singles group at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth and was an avid
square dancer, belonging to many square dance organizations in the area. He
was also a volunteer for the Parker County Meals on Wheels program.
Mr. Moore was preceded in death by Doris
Stringer Moore, his beloved wife
of nearly fifty years, in
July of 2000.
Survivors: Daughter, Sondra Petit and husband, David, of Fort Worth; son,
Jimmy Moore and wife, Flo, of George West, Texas; grandchildren,
Kristi, Michael, Steven, Jonathan, Cameron, Mason, and Colton; brother,
Thomas Moore and wife, Mattie, of Arlington; sister, Ann Baransy and
husband, Marvin, of Pensacola, Fla.; and special friend, Rose Ann Crawford
of Fort Worth.
Published in the Star-Telegram on 8/16/2006.
James "Buzz" Busby, DHS
Class of 1969
James Franklin "Buzz" Busby, 55, died August 4, 2006, in Denison.
Burial was in Fairview Cemetery. Buzz graduated from DHS in 1969 and
completed Grayson County College and El Centro College. He was a chef and
skilled restaurant manager at the Hyatt Regency and Century Crown Plaza
Hotels in Dallas and was affiliated for years with Tanglewood Resort on Lake
Texoma.
He is survived by a brother, Benny, and two sisters, Charlotte Maggard and
Diana Bruno.
Ralph Mosley Jr., DHS Class of
1965
Ralph T. Mosley Jr., 59, died July 24, 2006.
Burial was in Fairview Cemetery. Ralph was born Nov. 28, 1946, in Denison
during the Thanksgiving Day Sherman-Denison football game. He graduated from
DHS in 1965 and played the organ for the first graduating class in Eisenhower
Auditorium in 1964. He married Elaine Milliken in 1969 in Denison. He
worked for the U.S. Postal service for over 37 years and part-time for the
Herald Democrat for 28 years. He drove the TAPS bus for the last two years.
He was a devoted Yellow Jacket fan and was active in school activities with
his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, two children and
four grandchildren.
Bill Holt, Denison High alumni
Bill Holt, 82, life-long Denison resident died Friday, July 21, 2006 in Denison.
Burial was in Cedarlawn Memorial Park. Bill was born in Denison on June
14, 1924, a son of William Grady and Nellie Holt. He married Ruby Rowland. He
was a World War II Army veteran and retired from the M-K-T Railroad. He is
survived by his wife, Ruby, three sons, three brothers, eight grandchildren and
four great-grandchildren.
Alma "Amy" Rowland Bryant, Denison High alumni
Amy Rowland Bryan, 81, died July 19, 2006, at her home in Denison. Graveside
service was held at Fairview cemetery. She was born Aug. 26, 1924, in Denison to
James Arthur and Stella Elmore Rowland. She was a Denison High graduate
and married Harold Bryan on Feb. 21, 1942. He died Oct. 17, 1991.
Survivors include one daughter, Ellen Bryan Volezke, sister, two grandchildren
and five great-grandchildren.
Jamie Scott Walker - Denison High
alumni
Jamie Scott Walker, great-granddaughter of
pioneer Denisonians, died June 29, 2006, in Denison. Jamie was born July 18,
1920, at her parents home at 601 West Chestnut. She married Mickey Walker in
1937. She and Mickey made many trips with the Denison High band on trips
to football games and contests. She worked with her husband as business manager
and in sales for the advertising agency he started, Southwestern Associates that
published Texoma Holiday, Southwest Holiday and All Outdoors magazine. A
gifted poet, she received the Golden Poet Award for a 1988 poem, The Great
Northwest" in a ceremony in Washington D.C. Survivors include one son, one
daughter and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
 Ronnie Brooks, Class of 1959
Ronald Stuart Brooks was born April 7, 1941 and
passed away June 28, 2006. Ronnie attended Central Ward school and was a graduate of
the DHS Class of 1959, where he was a member of the school's golf team. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carolyn Brooks;
son, Jon Brooks and wife, Claire; daughter, Jennifer Brooks. Grave side services
were at 10:00AM, Monday, July 3, 2006 at Restland Memorial Park. The family received
friends from 2:00 until 4:00PM, Sunday, July 2, 2006 at Restland Funeral Home.
Connie Swenson Mihalakis- Class of 1977
Connie Swenson Mihalakis, 47, of Sherman died June 28,
2006, at her home. She was born in Grand Rapids, MN and was a 1977 graduate of
Denison High School. She married Allen Mihalakis in Sherman. Connie rescued and
raised animals and had seven Dachshunds. She is survived by her husband,
daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, brother and four grandchildren.
O.D. Bretches - Class of 1949
O.D. Bretches died June 24, 2006 of an apparent heart attack. He was born in OK
and was a 1949 graduate of Denison High School. He attend Texas A&M University,
where he was a Commanding Officer his senior year.
After graduation, he married Elizabeth Davis, class of 1948 at DHS, his high
school sweetheart, and went into the Air Force as a second lieutenant. He served
in Korea for one year. After his discharge, he began working for ARCO Oil and
Gas as a petroleum engineer, where he worked for 32 years. O.D. and Elizabeth
have lived in Midland for over 30 years.
O.D. is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, two daughters and four grandchildren,
brother, Lanny Bretches, class of 1954, and sister, Beverly Bretches Arnold,
class of 1947.
Forrest H. Taylor, Class of 1938
Forrest H. Taylor, 85, died June 21, 2006, in Denison. He was born in Bonham and
graduated from Denison High School in 1948 and married Marilyn Housley in 1942.
He was retired owner/operator of Taylor Printing Company in Denison. He was a
combat engineer for the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the Pacific
Theater. He was awarded the Bronze Star and attained the rank of Battalion Sgt.
Major.
Survivors include his wife, one son, a sister, two grandsons and one
great-granddaughter.
Tommy Martin, DHS graduate
Tommy Martin passed June 15,
2006 at his sister’s residence. As Tommy requested, there will be no formal
services. Bratcher Funeral Home, 401 W. Woodard St., Denison, Texas 75020 will
handle all arrangements.
Tommy was born August 30, 1943 in Denison, Texas to Frank and Martha Martin.
Tommy was a graduate of Denison High School. Tommy grew up and lived in Denison
and always said this area left nothing to go seeking. Tommy was dearly loved by
his family and many friends, several of them life long. Tommy loved life and
people and nature, hunting, fishing, swimming and music. A man of many talents.
Tommy is survived by sisters, Jerry Muth Sr. and husband, Gordon of Lubbock,
Texas and Frankie Whaley of Denison; niece, Stormie Caplinger and husband, James
of Gober, Texas and many other friends, especially our new friend, Raija Peippo,
RN of Home Hospice who was a comfort to Tommy and family these past few months
Mildred Ethel Stapp, DHS graduate
DENISON — Mildred Ethel Stapp, age 67, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, June
14, 2006 at her residence surrounded by family. Miss Stapp was born on
March 15, 1939 to Marion and Eunice (Hollowell) Stapp in Denison, Texas where
she had lived all of her life and graduated high school. Mildred was a
member of the Business and Professional Women. Also, she was a secretary and
treasurer for Truth Tabernacle Church, where she was a member for many years.
She had a great love for the Lord and loved her Pastor and church family.
Mildred loved her family dearly. Although she never married and had no children
of her own, she was like a Mother to her many nieces and nephews. She stayed
close to her brothers and sisters. She was a very giving, kind and compassionate
person who made a huge impact in our lives. We will miss her greatly.
She is survived by three brothers, Carl Stapp and ex-wife, Betty Catherine Stapp,
Richard Stapp and wife, Linda, Donald Stapp and wife, Saundra; two sisters,
Nadine Woods and Velma Watkins and husband, Frank; sister-in-law, Lois Stapp.
She was Mil Mil to 14 nieces and nephews and their spouses, many great-nieces
and nephews and one great-great-nephew. She has a large host of family and
friends that loved her dearly. Preceded in death by her Dad, Marion Stapp and
Mom, Eunice Stapp; her brother, Leslie Stapp and brother-in-law, Tom Woods.
Lillian Hamblett Jones, DHS
graduate
Lillian
Hamblett Jones, 92, died May
17, 2006, at The Homestead
of Denison. Burial was at
Georgetown Cemetery in
Pottsboro. Mrs. Jones was
born in Riverton, LA and
graduated from Denison High
School and Draughon's
Practical Business College.
She married Harold Jones in
Durant and he died April 9,
2003.
She worked for the Corps of
Engineers at Perrin and
retired as a secretary for
the MKT Railroad. She is
survived by her daughter,
Frances Bayman of Dallas,
four grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren.
Sue Campbell Langdon - 1950
DHS graduate
Sue Nelle Campbell Langdon,
73, died May 16, 2006, at
Texoma Medical Center in
Denison. Graveside service
was held May 18 at
Georgetown Cemetery.
Sue was born in Sherman and
graduated from DHS in 1950
where she lettered in
basketball. She had worked
for Denison Realty and
Coldwell Banker Benchmark
Realtors until she retired
in 1999. She is
survived by her daughter,
Vivki, of Denison.
Mary Ida Stanberry - DHS
graduate
Mary
Ida Bobbit Stanberry, 85, died
April 30, 2006, in Denison.
Burial was in Fairview Cemetery.
Mary was born in Denison, a
daughter of Robert and Ida
Bobbitt and graduated from
Denison High. She married Alford
Stanberry in 1969 and was a
lifelong Baptist. Survivors
include her husband, son, two
daughters, three stepdaughters,
12 grandchildren, 12
great-grandchildren and one
great-great-great grandchild.
Edward A Butler Jr., Terrell
High graduate
Edward A. Butler Jr., 74 of
Union City, CA, died April 26,
2006, at the VA hospital in Palo
Alto, CA. Edward was inducted
into the Denison Alumni Sports
Hall of Fame in 2003. He was
born in Denison in 1931, the son
of Edward A. and Louise Butler.
He was a multi sports star of
the Terrell High School Dragons
in the late 1940s and graduated
with the class of 1949. He was
an avid fisherman. Edward was a
Navy veteran of the Korean
conflict and a retired postal
and auto parts employee.
Survivors include three sons.
two daughters one brother, five
sisters. He was known as "Lil
Ed" by some and "Junior" by
most.
 Arthur Melton, DHS Class of 1959
LTC
Arthur Robert Melton, U.S. Army
(ret), age 65, passed away April
15th, 2006. He was born in
Denison, TX on September 18th,
1940 to Leo and Doris Melton.
"The Colonel" was a decorated
20-year veteran of the US Army,
having served in Viet Nam, and
received numerous commendations
and medals, including the Bronze
Star. He shall be remembered as
a loving husband and father who
immensely enjoyed life,
laughter, and the company of
friends and family. He is
survived by his wife, Regina,
his mother, Doris, his sister,
Doris Anne, his daughter,
Shannon Lyn (Harris), son, Ryan
Arthur, grandson Riley Harris,
stepsons, Henning Kennedy, James
Kennedy, Sr., SFC Terry Kennedy,
stepdaughter Petra Seipert,
step-grandsons Florian Seipert,
James Kennedy, Jr., Jeremy
Kennedy, Brandon Kennedy, and
step granddaughters Nichol
Kennedy, Jasmine Kennedy, and
Caitlin Kennedy. The Graveside
Service with military honors was
at 10:15 AM, Wednesday, April
19th, 2006 at Ft. Sam Houston
National Cemetery. In lieu of
flowers, contributions may be
made the to the ALS Association,
6800 Park Ten Blvd. San Antonio,
TX 78213, http://www.alsa-south-tx.org/alsa.html.
Please visit www.mem.com to
leave the family a personal
tribute. Sunset Funeral Home.
Nancy Sue Scott Crown, former
DHS teacher
DENISON — Former Denison
resident Nancy Sue Scott Crown,
59-year-old school teacher,
passed away Monday, April 17,
2006 in San Antonio, Texas.
Services will be held at 3 p.m.
Friday, April 21 at Fairview
Chapel with Rev. Joan Humphries
officiating. Burial will follow
at Fairview Cemetery. Mrs. Crown
was born on Dec. 25, 1946, in
Denison, daughter of James Dick
and Marguerite Bemis Scott. She
had a master’s degree in library
science from East Texas State
University in Commerce. On July
16, 1994, she married Basil
Crown in Pottsboro, Texas. She
taught second grade at Golden
Rule School for 27 years. She
was Past Worthy Matron of the
Gate City Eastern Star and held
several offices in the Classroom
Teachers Association. Mrs. Crown
was a Methodist.
Surviving are her husband, Basil
Crown of Bandera, Texas;
brother, John Scott and his
wife, Linda of Denison; nieces,
Debra Noyes and Laura Broseh,
both of Bells, and Cathey
Hanners of Poplar Bluff, Mo.;
and nephews, David Scott of
Bells and Matthew Bryant of
Illinois.
Charles W. Powell, DHS graduate
Charles
W. Powell, 74, died April 3,
2006, in Granbury. Funeral was
held there on April 6. Charles
was born in Sherman and married
Pauline Lee in 1949 in
Gainesville. He was an Army
veteran of the Korean War. He
earned his BA from Texas A&M
University at Commerce and his
Master's and Doctoral degrees
from the University of North
Texas in Denton. He was dean of
students for five years,
director of student services for
10 years and director of
veterans' and handicapped
services at Texas A&M University
in College Station. Survivors
include his wife of Granbury,
three sons, one daughter, seven
grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren.
Marcella Coffmen - DHS graduate
Marcella
Mosse Coffman, a graduate of
Denison High School, died
Friday, March 24 in Denison.
Burial was in Coffman-Layne
Cemetery. Marcella was the
daughter of Arthur and Maude
Stout Mosse. She married Lee
Coffman July 4, 1938. He died in
1994. She is survived by her
sons, Jerry Coffman and John
Coffman and families.
Brandon Scruggs, attended
Denison High
Brandon Scruggs, 23, of Denison
died March 20, 2006, at TMC in
Denison. Funeral was March 25
and burial was in Magnolia
Cemetery. Brandon attended
Denison schools and Kilgore
Junior College. He was a member
of the Golden Glove Boxing Team
at West Academy and an All State
Defensive Football Player at
Denison High. He is survived by
his parents Karen Simmons of
Denison and Joe Scruggs of
Sherman, grandparents and two
brothers.
Carl "Cotton" Hill, 1948 DHS
graduate
Carl
"Cotton" Hill, died Wednesday,
his 75th birthday, after being
hospitalized since December when
he fell and broke his hip.
Funeral was held March 5, 2006
and burial was at Fairview
Cemetery in Denison. Cotton was
born in Dallas, a son of Carl
and Nobie Hill of Garland. He
married Virgil Dean McVay and
she died in June 2003. He is
survived by a son and daughter,
six grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren. He
graduated from Denison High,
where he played football. He
also played football at Texas
A&M and the Air Force. He worked
his entire career for Kraft
Foods.
Mary Moody - former Denison
teacher
Mary
Meador Moody, 86, died Feb. 22,
2006, in Denison. Burial was in
Columbus, MS, Mrs. Moody, a
graduate of Mississippi State
College for Women and Austin
College, where she received her
Master's degree, taught in
Denison schools. She is
survived by one son, John M.
Moody Jr., six grandchildren and
one great-grandchild.
Marion Edward Harris - DHS
graduate
Marion
Edward Harris, 85, died Feb. 22,
2006 in Denison. He was the son
of Lester and Mary Dodderer
Harris and married Jeanette Jay
Glesin in 1944. He graduated
from Denison High School where
he played football. He was a
Denison Police officer and later
retired from Lockheed as a
security guard. He and Jeanette
were the parents of a son and a
daughter, three grandchildren
and five great-grand children.
Funeral was Feb. 25 with burial
in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in
Farmersville.
Danny Ray Polk - attended
Denison High
Danny
Ray Polk, 52, died Feb. 13. He
was the son of Eluster and Cleo
Polk of Denison and attended
Denison High School. He formerly
was employed by Texas
Instruments and TXU and
presently was an independent
contractor. Survivors include
his wife, Juanita Polk and five
daughters.
Sarah Jean Phillips - DHS class
of 1948
Sarah
Jean Phillips, 74, of Denison
died Feb. 13, 2006 in Sherman.
Burial was in Ceorgetown
Cemetery. She was the daughter
of Irvington and Liddie Lindsey
and married Howard Dewey
Phillips in 1948 in Denison. She
was employed for 20 years at the
Citizens National Bank, where
she retired in 1980. Survivors
include her husband, and two
grandchildren.
Terry Glen Shelby - 1967 DHS
graduate
Terry
Glen Shelby, 56, died Feb. 5 at
his home in Waxahachie. He was
born in Denison, a son of Jimmy
Leroy and Doris Louise Perrin
Shelby. He graduated from
Denison High in 1967 and served
in the U.S. Army 173 Airborne
during the Vietnam War. He was
an Emergency Management
Supervisor for TXU Energy.
Among survivors are his son,
Jason, who officiated at the
celebration of his life, and two
grandchildren.
Mary Lou Clay - DHS graduate
Mary
Lou Clay, 77, died Jan. 28,
2006, at her home in Denison.
Burial was in Cedarlawn
Cemetery. Mary Lou was born in
Denison, a daughter of Robert
and Vera Mae Ware Bippus. She
married James E. "Buddy" Clay
and worked with him for many
years in the family convenience
store business then helped her
daughter Barbara at Kiddie
Kampus, where she was lovingly
known as Nana. She is survived
by her husband, stepfather, son
and and daughter.
Mike Walker - DHS graduate
Mike
Walker 58, died January 23 in
the Dallas VA Hospital. Burial
was in Fairview Cemetery in
Denison. Mike was born Oct. 15,
1947 in Denison, a son of W.T.
and Wilma Lee Fain Walker. He
graduated from Denison High and
Southeastern Oklahoma State
University, then received his RN
degree from Grayson County
College. He was working as a
registered nurse at Texoma
Medical Center at the time of
his death. Survivors include two
sons and one daughter.
Alma Janetta Bates - former
Denison student
Alma
Janetta Bates died Jan. 15,
2006. Burial was in Georgetown
Cemetery. She was born Oct. 12,
1918, in Tupelo, OK and the
family moved to Denison when she
was five years old. She attended
Denison schools until her dad
was laid off from the Katy
Railroad during the Great
Depression and the family moved
to the mountains of Northeastern
Oklahoma. When he was called
back to work the family moved
back to Denison and Alma went
back to school here. She married
Amos William Bates in Denison.
She worked for Levi Strauss
Company for 25 years before
retiring in 1972. She is
survived by three sons and many
other relatives.
Fred Finke, 1943 Denison High
graduate
Fred
Leon Finke, 81, of Canyon, TX.,
died Jan. 4 in Amarillo. He was
born Oct. 17, 1924, in Pottsboro
to Fritz George and Hattie Kyker
Finke. Fred served as a pilot in
the Navy for two years and later
graduated from Texas A&M with a
BS degree in dairy
manufacturing. He married Ruth
Darlene Fisher in 1947 in
College Station. She died Nov.
21, 2005.
Maxine Petty Stonecypher - DHS
graduate
Maxine Petty Stonecypher, 58,
died Jan. 2, 2006, at the
Homestead Nursing Center in
Denison. Burial was in Cedarlawn
Memorial Park. Maxine was born
in Denison, the youngest child
of Coy and Ruby Petty. She
graduated from Denison High and
married A/1C Calvin Stonecypher
of Toccoa, GA in 1965 in
Denison. Most recently she was a
Coffin Street crossing guard for
Golden Rule School for several
years. She is survived by her
husband, mother, daughter and
sister, Louise Singleton.
Delbert Loyd Duncan - 1949
Delbert Loyd Duncan died
December 17, 2005, after a
lengthy illness with emphsema.
Delbert was an Arlington
resident since 1963 where he
worked for Richmond Lumber until
retiring. He was a loving
husband, father and grandfather.
Delbert loved travel, hiking,
reading history, big band and
jazz.
Survivors: Wife Darlene Duncan
of Arlington; daughters, Debbie
Nelson and husband of Mansfield,
Cindy Knott and husband of North
Richland Hills and Heather
Thompson and husband of Newman,
Georgia; brother, Truman Duncan,
sisters, Lavonia Lepard, Linda
Carr, Carlene Leatherwood and
Sharon Parker; and nine
grandchildren.
Celia Sue Raridon Bathurst - DHS class of 1969
Celia Sue Raridon Bathurst, 54, of Denison died Dec. 17, 2005. Burial was in Cedarlawn Memorial Park. Celia was the daughter of Clyde and Dixie Nelson Davis. She married Delbert Raridon Sept. 1, 1979. He died Oct. 4, 1997. She married Jay Bathurst Sept. 23, 2000, in Denison. She was a practice administrator for Texoma Health Care Systems. She is survived by her husband, one son and one daughter.
Terri Ann Lamb - Denison High graduate
Terry Ann Blackburn Lamb, 59, of Sherman died Dec. 17, 2005, in a Sherman hospital. Burial was in Willow Wild Cemetery. She was the daughter of Boyd and Virgie Perkins Blackburn and was a graduate of Denison High School. She worked at the Burlington Factory for over 30 years. Survivors include her husband, John, one son and three daughters.
Richard Taylor - Denison High graduate
Richard Taylor, 64, a native of Denison, now living in Rockwall died Dec.13, 2005, in Rockwall. Burial was in Cedarlawn Memorial Park at Sherman. Taylor's late father, William Richard Taylor Sr., was a long-time principal at Peabody Elementary School. He was the step-son of the late Claud Easterly, long-time editor of The Denison Herald. His mother, Ophelia Easterly, resides in Durant. She taught at Peabody School for many years. He is survived by his wife, Carol, two sons and three grandchildren in addition to his mother and sister, Carolyn Arnett of Durant, and stepbrother, David Easterly of Atlanta, GA.
Roy Louis Ross - Denison High graduateRoy Louis Ross, 56, died Dec. 11, 2005, in Denison. Burial was in Cedarlawn Cemetery. Ross was born in Denison Apil 1, 1949, a son of Louis and Eloise Ross. He worked at Safeway Brookside in Denison until he retired with 24 years service. He was financial secretary of the Mathinist's Union for 16 years. Survivors include two sons.
Jimmie Phillips Delara - DHS class of 1958 Jimmie Phillips Delara, 65, of Glenn Heights, TX was called home to be with her Lord, loving husband Ben and precious daddy James Phillips on November 21, 2005. She was raised in Denison, TX, was a Realtor in the Dallas area for over 30 years and was voted as one of the best Residential Realtors in the Dallas area by her peers. Jimmie was creative and full of flair, a skilled artist, poet and song writer. As an active member at Southwest Baptist Church, she was a Children's Church teacher and lover of children of all ages. Funeral services were held November 23, 2005.
Pauline Natgrass Smith - DHS class of 1937
Pauline Natgrass Smith, 86, who lived in Denison for 85 years, died Nov. 12, 2005, in Springtown, where she resided with her daughter. Graveside service was held Nov. 15, 2005, at Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Sherman. She was born in Denison and graduated in 1937 from DHS and married the "love of her life" Loyd Robert Smith in 1940 in Denison. She lived at 2401 Juanita Drive for most o the 60 years she was married. She is survived by one daughter, Judy Wise of Springtown.
Yolanda Payne Littlejohn -
Class of 1949
Yolanda Payne Littlejohn died November 12, 2005
from a heart condition. Her service was at the
Dallas and Fort Worth National Cemetery on
November 17, 2005.
Mildred Glynn Dishman - DHS graduate Mildred Glynn Dishman, 98, died Nov. 11, 2005, in Denison and burial was in Fairview Cemetery. Miss Dishman attended Pottsboro Elementary and graduated from Denison High School with the highest grade point average but was denied Valedictorian because she had only attended DHS for three years. Lingo Leeper Lumber still awarded her $25 for the highest grade point average. She taught school for 28 years, after starting her career at Layne Community School, finishing her career in West Texas.
Joyce Lanelle Cherry Crawford - DHS graduate Joyce Lanelle Cherry Crawford, 68, a graduate of Denison High School, died Oct. 19, 2005, in Denison. Funeral was Oct. 21 and burial was at Hope Cemetery in Henrietta, TX. She was the daughter of Robert Loyd and Mildred Turpin Cherry and was a self-employed paperhanger.
Sister Mary Charles Payne, St. Xavier's alumniSister Mary Charles Payne, 91, a retired educator, died at Our Lady of Victory Center Oct. 19, 2005. Funeral Mass was held in Fort Worth on Oct. 22. Born Hortense Ruth Payne in 1914, Sister Mary Charles attended St. Xavier Academy in Denison. Inspired by the example of the Sisters of Saint Mary, Hortense entered the Novitiate in 1934, joining the community of which her sisters, Sister Theresa Maarie and Sister Mary Elizabeth were members. They taught at St. Mary's School for 25 years, retiring together in 1991. She was honored during the 2004 Jubilee Celebration at Our Lady of Victory School for her faithful 70 years as a Sister of Saint Mary.
Elmer James Smathers - DHS graduate Elmer James Smathers died Oct. 15, 2005, after a lengthy illness. He was born June 4, 1930, in Pottsboro and married Zelta Ruth Jennings in 1950. Funeral was Oct. 20 at Calvary Baptist Church. Elmer was employed by the Frisco Railroad from 1950 to 1969 and was an agent for Farmer's Insurance. He owned and operated a franchise for Hale Trailer Sales in Billings, Mont., then sold real estate in Sherman until he retired in 2002.
Jack W. Shelton - DHS class of 1942 Jack W. Shelton, 80, president of Cole Lumber Company in Denison, died Oct. 12, 2005, at his home. Jack was a 1942 graduate of Denison High School and attended Mississippi Southern College and Army Administration School. He was a tireless worker at the Lions Club toy shop. He was an Army veteran, having served in Pelileu, Leyte and Okinawa during World War II. He married Lola McEver in Denison on April 20, 1946. Funeral was Oct. 14, 2005 and burial was in Fairview Cemetery.
Mary Eva Ross - 1939 DHS graduateMary Eva Wade Ross died Oct. 11, 2005, in Denison. Burial was in Cedarlawn Cemetery. Mary was born Dec. 17, 1921, and married Billie A. Ross in 1939. She was a charter member of Parkside Baptist Church. Carrie Ann Brown Hicks - DHS class of 1972Carrie Ann Brown Hicks, 52, died in Paris, TX Oct. 8, 2005, after battling a serious lung disease. Funeral was Oct. 11 and burial was in Goodland Cemetery near Hugo. Carrie graduated from Denison High in 1972 and Grayson County College in 1974. She was an accomplished artist and designed the cover for the 1972 Denison High annual. She also sang with the school's "Hanson's Headaches."
Roy Garvin - 2000 graduate of DHS Roy Garvin, 23, of Denison died Oct. 3, 2005 at Texoma Medical Center of injuries received in a one-vehicle accident. Roy was born in Fort Smith, AR, a son of Dr. David and Barbara Garvin. He was a 2000 graduate of Denison High and was attending Grayson College. Funeral was Oct 7, 2005 and burial was in Fairview Cemetery at Denison.
Danny Allen Crouse - 2000 class at DHS
Danny Allen Crouse, 23, died Oct. 2, 2005. Graveside service was Oct. 6 at Oakridge Cemetery in Denison. Danny was born in Denison, a son of Danny Glenn Grouse and Julie Ann Cowden. William Charles Petty - DHS Class of 1969 Bill Petty died Oct. 2, 2005, at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas after a brief illness. A memorial service was held Oct. 5 at Wesley Village in Denison. He graduated from Austin College in 1973 and was employed at Golfsmith and then was employed at Sign Warehouse until the time of his death.
Charles Sheppard Sherrard - attended Denison Schools Charles Sheppard Sherrard died Sept. 22, 2005, at his home in McKinney after a two year battle with cancer. Memorial service is to be held Oct. 2 at the Inn of Many Faces in Denison. The family has requested that friends stop by The Inn of Many Faces, 412West Morton, Denison, Sunday, Oct 2 at 7PM to share stories of Charles. Charles grew up in Denison and attended Denison High and Kemper Military Academy. He attended Texas A&M and graduated from East Texas State University in Commerce before entering the Navy. He operated the family business, Sherrard Motor Co., and Sherrard R. V. and KOA for 25 years. He married Jerri Jane Treadway of Denison, and they had been married for 47 years. They have two sons and a daughter, all born on Feb. 5. Memorials are suggested to M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston.
Jennie F. Perrin - DHS Graduate Jennie F. Perrin died Sept. 18, 2005 in Denison. Interment was in Fairview Cemetery. She was born Jan. 15, 1920 in Pottsboro, the daughter of Thomas H. Brown and Edna B. Hodges and married Robert L. Perrin in 1942 at Hagerman. She was a homemaker.
Jimmy Lee Cassidy - Class of 1949 Jimmy Lee Cassidy, 75, died Sept. 17, 2005, at his home in Denison. Burial was in Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Sherman. Jimmy, a 1949 graduate of Denison High School, was the son of Tom and Ruth Cassidy. He was a retired switchman or the M-K-T Railroad and a Navy veteran. He was an avid Yellow Jacket fan with season tickets on the 50-yard line for 40 years.
James (Jim) W. Brown - DHS
alumni James (Jim) W. Brown,
80, died Sept. 9 in
Celina, TX. He was the
son of Clyde and Zelda
Brown and served in the
Army during World War
II. He was a technician
in communications with
AT&T. Funeral was Sept.
13 in Celina and
interment was at Walnut
Grove Cemetery in
Prosper.
Thomas Justin Barr - Class of 2002
Thomas Justin Barr,
21, died Aug. 29, 2005 at his residence
in Denison. Funeral was Thursday with
burial in Garden of Memory in Colbert.
Thomas was the grandson of Denison
School Superintendent Henry and Inez
Scott. He was the son of Suzanne M.
Holley. Thomas was very artistic and
loved to draw, write stories and poetry.
He liked to hunt, fish and collect
things. Doyle Kerley - Class of
1950 Doyle Kerley, 73, died
Friday night, August 26, 2005 in an accident
on his farm on DesVoigne Road. Funeral was
held Wednesday at the Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum
with burial in Cedarlawn Memorial Park.
Doyle retired from Johns-Manville and Kaiser
Alumninum as a maintenance mechanic. He was a member
of the Denison Alumni Association, Cushman Club of
America and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from
1952 to 1956, having served during the Korean War.
He married Gladys Thomas in Denison in 1956.
W. T. "Dub" Walker - Attended Denison schoolsFuneral was Aug. 22, 2005, in Denison for W.T. "Dub" Walker. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery. Dub attended
Denison schools before joining the army in 1936. He went to work
for the MKT Railroad in 1932 as a coal shoveling fireman and was
a fireman on the troop trains and the train that brought
President Franklin D. Roosevelt through Denison. He was promoted
to engineer and served until he retired in 1981. He was active
in Masonic organizations. He married Frankie Guynes in Denison
in 1986. Gerald "Jerry"
Meador - Class of 1955
Jerry Meador of Pottsboro died Aug. 16 at
Medical Center of Plano. Funeral was Aug. 20 in Denison with
burial at Fairview Cemetery. Jerry was a custom home builder and
an Army veteran. He was the son of Leon and Helen Johnson ad was
born July 23, 1937, in Bells. Joe Stephen Marchant - Son of Joe
Frank Marchant - Class of 1951 Joe Stephen Marchant, 46,
formerly of Denison, succumbed to an automobile accident during a heavy
rainstorm on Monday, August 15, 2005, in Dallas. With him was his
beloved constant companion and service dog, "Princess". They
slipped the surly bonds of this earthly life and into the safe and
loving arms of Jesus. He was residing in Carrollton at the time of
the accident. Funeral services were held at the Fairview Cemetery Chapel Denison at
1 p.m. Thursday, August 18 with his friend, Rev. David Gilbert of Truth
Tabernacle of Denison officiating. Interment was at Fairview
Cemetery. Joe Stephen was born on December 5, 1958, in Okinawa, Japan. He
graduated from Uniondale High School, N.Y. and attended Tyler Junior
College, Tyler, Texas. He recently had received training to become
a Minister and had almost completed online courses for a degree. He was an entrepreneur in Lubbock, St. Louis, Mexico and Florida.
He currently had a charity-based computer ministry in the Dallas area,
dedicated to helping the homeless and medically needy children. He is survived by his parents of Richardson, Joe Frank (DHS Class of
1951) and Clara Marie Marchant, daughters Jennifer Holly Marchant and
Jessica Stephanie Marchant, sister Loumay Marchant of Richardson,
brother Michael Drew Marchant of Grapevine, aunt Patty Melander of
Bowdoinham, Maine, uncle John Jeanes of Richardson, maternal grandmother
Clara Mae Perkins of McKinney, aunt and special mentor Mary Lou King of
Denison, a niece, Brianna and nephew, Cody of Richardson and a number of
cousins and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his much-loved grandparents A.D. (Drew)
and Nanie Lou Marchant of Denison and Tom Perkins of McKinney, aunt
Sally Jeanes of Richardson, and uncle Roy L. King of Denison. Services are under the direction of Bratcher Funeral Home of Denison.
- Clifton Weaver Robert Potts - DHS GraduateRobert Potts died Aug. 5,
2005 in Community Specialty hospital in Sherman. Burial was in Cedarlawn Memorial Park.
Robert was born in Bonham, the son of Grady Lee
and Zenobia Allen Potts. He married Maurine
Cottrell, also a DHS graduate and a member of
the Denison Alumni Board of Directors.. He was
active in many Masonic groups. He was a
veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in World
War II. Robert and five of his Army buddies and
family visited the WWII Memorial in Washington
D.C. in 2004. Jerry Carroll - Class
of 1959Jerry Carroll, a 1959 DHS graduate, passed away
this morning, August 5, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He
was 64 and a long time friend of mine and next
door neighbor when we were kids growing up. He
requested that he be cremated, but a memorial
service may be held here in Denison at a later
date. It is not known for certain at this
time. Ron Ballou
Billie
Louise Dixon Westbrook - Class of 1943
Billie Louise Dixon
Westbrook, 78, died July 26, 2005. Graveside
service was held in Greenwood Memorial Park in
Fort Worth. Billie was born in Little Rock, AR
to Thomas and Marie Dixon. She married her
Denison High School sweetheart, James R.
Westbrook. She worked for 20 years for the
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort
Worth as a secretary.
Lois Buford Calamas - DHS Graduate
Lois Buford Calamas, 73, died July 24, 2005, at Lexington, S.C.. Burial was in Bush River Memorial Gardens. Memorials are suggested to the American Breast Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, S.C. 20210. She was born in Denison, a daughter of the late Carl T. and Flossie Buford and was married to Peter J. Calamas.
Virginia Clayton Douglas - Class of 1935
Virginia Clayton Douglas died July 19, 2005
in Denison. She was the daughter of W. H. and Elizabeth Clayton.
After graduating from Denison High School in
1935, she earned a BS from Texas Woman’s University in 1941 and
a Master’s of Education degree from North Texas State University
in 1957, and a degree from Duke University as a Medical Records
Librarian. She worked as a medical records librarian and
elementary school teacher and was an accomplished pianist and
organist.
Luther Irvy Tatum - Class of 1957
Luther Irvy "Bud"
Tatum, 66, Denison High graduate of
1957, a nuclear engineer with the
Navy and the Energy Department, died
of brain cancer July 12 in
Arlington, VA. Interment was in
Columbia Gardens Cemetery at
Arlington. Bud moved to
the Washington D.C. area in 1961 as
a Navy officer on the staff of Adm.
Hyman G. Rickover. He was an
engineer who helped design nuclear
reactors for submarines. In
1966 he left the Navy with the rank
of lieutenant, but continued to work
for the Navy as a civilian nuclear
engineer. Later in his career,
he held a duel appointment with the
Navy and Energy Department. He
retired in 1999. His honors included
the Energy Department Exceptional
Service Award. He graduated in
1961 from the University of Oklahoma
and received advanced training at
the Navy's Bettis Reactor
Engineering School in Pittsburgh in
1962. He lived in Arlington
for more than 30 years. He is
survived by his wife of 39 years,
Sally Tuomaia Tatum.
Joe C. Young - Terrell High
graduate Joe C. Young, educator, principal and director of
transportation for the Fort Worth ISD, died July 12, 2005 in
Fort Worth. Funeral was July 18 in Fort Worth, burial at Cedar
Hill Memorial Park. A graduate of Terrell High School, he
earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master's degrees from Prairie
View A&M. He retired from Fort Worth schools after 47
years of service.
Claude H. Organ
Jr., MD, Class of 1944 - Terrell High graduate
Dr. Claude
H. Organ Jr., prominent surgeon and medical educator, died June
18, 2005 of heart-related problems in Berkeley, CA. Dr. Organ
was born in Denison and attended Anderson School before
graduating from Terrell High in 1944. He was president of
the American College of Surgeons and Emeritus professor,
Department of Surgery, University of California at San
Francisco. He was named a Distinguished Alumni by the
Denison Alumni Association in 2004. A private memorial service
was held in California.
Reba Joyce Isaacs - Class of 1958
Reba died
June 3, 2005, at Texoma Medical Center. Funeral was at Calvary
Baptist Church and burial was in Fairview Cemetery. She was born Sept. 29, 1939, in Denison to John and Frances
Choate Isaacs. She retired from Grayson Motor Co. She was a
life-long member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she taught
Sunday school.
Billy Eugene Whaley - Class of 1953
Bill died May 31, 2005, and graveside service was held in
Georgetown Cemetery at Pottsboro. He was born April 26, 1935, to William Clarence Whaley and Oleta Littleheart Hardy Whaley in Pottsboro. He went to
Pottsboro schools in grades 1 through 8 and was valedictorian of
his 8th grade class. He graduated from Grayson County
College in 1974. He was stationed with the U.S. Army in
Waynesville, MO and was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and
a Mason. He worked for Johnson & Johnson in Sherman for 38 years,
retiring in 2000. He married Frankie Martin Cox on Jan. 17, 1992
in Denison until his illness of leukemia and congestive heart
failure when he moved back to Pottsboro.
Margaret Bush Sampson - DHS graduate
Margaret died May 31, 2005, at her home. Funeral was at
Fairview Cemetery Chapel with burial in Fairview Cemetery. She was born in Denison April 5, 1917, a daughter of Walter Hewett and Fannie Pearl Tibbetts Bush. She married A.Z. Sampson
Sept. 2, 1938, in Durant. She was a nurse’s aide at TMC for 16
years and retired in 1982. She was a Baptist.
Cleo
Crittenden - Class of 1942Cleo Crittenden died
Dec. 12, 2004, in Arlington where he was cared
for by a daughter after suffering from
Alzheimer's. Graveside service was held at
Fairview Cemetery. Cleo was publisher of
The Denison Herald after serving as business
manager, advertising director and general
manager. He served in many Denison leadership
positions through the years. He was married to
Joyce K. Hale of Denison ih 1945. Bill Herriage - Class of
1953 Bill Herriage died Dec. 8, 2004 in
Oklahoma City. He was born July 5, 1935 in Denison to Cliff and
Roetta Vincent Herriage. He was employed with Oklahoma Drug Sales for
30 years and Anderson Wholesale for over 20 years as a salesman
before retiring in 1997. Funeral was held Dec. 10 in Oklahoma City
with interment in Resthaven Memory Garden. Gaylene Huffman Mawrey - Class of 1949 Gaylene Huffman Mawrey died November 14, 2004. She would have
been 73 on November 27th. Gaylene (Gay) was the Denison High
School mascot in 1940 and 1941 when Mr. Neal Shirley was the
band director. Gay grew up in Denison and graduated from DHS
with the class of 1949. She was married to Charles Mawrey in
Dallas, and they had two girls and one boy.
 Ruth Moore Thompson -
DHS Class of 1947 Thompson, Ruth Moore Born in
Denison, Texas on November 5,1929 to Emery and Bethel Moore. The sister of
Bill Moore of Weatherford, TX, Thomas Eugene Moore of Arlington, TX and
Julia Ann Moore Baransy of Pensacola, Florida. She is missed by numerous
friends and family and special friend, Bob Early of Dallas, Texas. Ruth was
a member of Dallas Arboretum and Dallas Museum of Art. Services were held at
Grove Hill Chapel 10-27-2004.
Betty Ross Pyle – Class of 1952 Betty Ross Pyle died Sept. 6, 2004, at her home in Denison.
She was born Oct. 14, 1934, in Greenville, a daughter of Jesse
and Ruby Carter Ross, who moved to Denison in the early 1940s.
She earned varsity letters in both tennis and basketball at
Denison High School. She married James R. Pyle in 1956. In 1968 Betty began her
lifelong passion for art and studied under some outstanding
artists while she was showing and selling her work. Carl W. Nichols – Class of 1953 Carl W. Nichols of Irving and Beaumont, died July 31, 2004.
He was born Feb. 14, 1935, in Denison. In 1959 he graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science and moved to Beaumont
as a partner in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery. He
resided in Beaumont until 2001 with his service for the funeral
home spanning 54 years. At the time of his death he was active in management at
Brown’s Memorial Funeral home in Irving. He married Lois Hughes,
who died in 2000, then married Jeanne Brown of Irving. Ralph Oscoe Raper - DHS graduate Ralph Oscoe Raper died July 30 2004, at the Denison Manor
Nursing Home. Private graveside services were held at Oakwood
Cemetery. Ralph was born Aug. 3, 1942, in Marfa, the son of Orbie T.
and Virginia Watts Raper. He worked for Johns-Manville Pipe for
24 years, then for K Mart Super Center until it closed. Dorothy Ann Floyd – Class of 1953 Dorothy Ann Floyd of Irving, a retired elementary teacher,
died July 12, 2004, in Fort Worth. Funeral was held in Irving
and graveside service was held at Fairview Cemetery in Denison. Dorothy was born July 3, 1935, in Denison, a daughter of
Robert and Esther Richard. She lived in Brazil for several
years, but spent most of her adult life teaching in West Texas
for 41 years. She retired in 2001 and moved to Irving. Max Wright – Class of 1953 A memorial service was held in Richardson for Max Wright, who
died July 10, 2004, at his home in Richardson. Max was married
to Shirley Burns. He was retired from sales and marketing. Jackie Edwin Smith – Class of 1953 Jackie Edwin Smith, died suddenly May 26, 2004, in Arlington.
Funeral was May 29 in Springtown with burial at Jaybird
Cemetery. Jackie was born Feb. 8, 1935, in Denison to Carl and Ruth
Bulloch Smith. He was a graduate of the University of North
Texas and was an Army veteran. He was employed with GMAC for 29
years and retired in 1992. Dr. Bill
Jacobs - Class of 1947Dr. Bill Jacobs, long-time superintendent and
educator in Denison, died April 27, 2004, from
complications of cancer Dr.
Jacobs graduated from Denison High in 1947. He
taught at Layne and Raynal elementary schools
before becoming principal of his alma mater at
Denison High. He was instrumental in developing
the school's first remedial reading program in
1966. He was named superintendent in 1981 and
served in that post until he retired in June
1993. He married Laura Payne Jacobs, also a
Denison High graduate. Robert Andy Duckworth – Class of 1953 Robert Duckworth died Jan. 15, 2004, at the Dallas VA
Hospital. Graveside service was held at Fairview Cemetery in Denison.Robert was born July 29, 1935, in Jacksboro, a so of Jackson
Tidwell and Beulah Stratton Duckworth. He was an air
conditioning repairman and served in the Air Force during the
Korean War. Bonnie Faye Beasley - DHS graduate Bonnie Faye Beasley died Jan. 2, 2004, at The Homestead of
Denison. Funeral was Jan. 5 at Cedarlawn Memorial Park. She was born March 17, 1900, in Denison, a daughter of Bruce
Fletcher and Lucy Mozelle Hyde Mauk. She married Fred Beasley on
Dec. 31, 1921 in Denison. Jennifer I. Guthrie - DHS graduate Jennifer I. Guthrie died Jan. 1, 2004, at Texoma Medical
Center. Funeral was Jan. 6 in Denison with burial in Fairview
Cemetery. Jennifer was born Jan. 8, 1981, in McKinney to Pamela Owens.
She attended Grayson County College for two years and married
Nicholas Lee Guthrie in Sherman. Lynn Bailey Holland – Class of 1970 Lynn Holland died July 11, 2003, at her home in Sherman.
Memorial service was held July 15 at Grace United Methodist
Church in Sherman. Lynn was born May 7, 1952, in Denison, a daughter of Robert
E. Bailey Jr., and Frances Johnson Bailey. She graduated from
the University of Texas in 1974 with a BA in English and
Journalism. She was a reporter at The Denison Herald and the
Galveston Daily news then graduated from SMU School of Law in
1985 and went on to practice law for 15 years. She taught
English at Grayson County College. David Lloyd Scoggins – Class of 1968 David Lloyd Scoggins died June 22, 2003, in Denison.
Graveside service was held at Cedarlawn Memorial Park. David was born Dec. 31, 1949, in Denison, a son of L.A. and
Dorothy Scoggins. Helen Everheart - Class
of 1939 Military graveside service was held for
Helen Hodges Everheart, 81, of Sherman who died May 23, 2003 and
was buried in Fairview Cemetery. She died May 20, 2003 at her
home. She was born Dec. 12, 1921 in Denison, a
daughter of William Everett and Ruth Reynolds Hodges. She
graduated from Denison High, North Texas University and New York
University. She was a gym teacher at DHS in the 1950s and
retired as vice principal and dean of girls in 1979 from J.I.
Carter Junior High School in Arlington. She served in the
Women’s Army Corp as a staff sergeant and worked at Perrin Air
Force Base as a civilian employee, where she managed the service
club. Shirley Jo Leth - Class
of 1953 Shirley Jo Jackson Leth, of Sherman died May
14, 2003 in a Sherman hospital. A memorial service was held at a
later date. Shirley was born July 5, 1935 in Denison, a
daughter of Mainess and Blanche Pence Jackson. She was employed
by Amoco Oil from 1963 until her retirement in 1996.
Robert L. "Bob" Cherry, DHS Graduate
Robert
L. “Bob” Cherry passed away February 23, 2003, at Texoma Medical
Center.
Bob
was born Luther Fount Cherry, Jr., on May 23, 1926 in Sherman, Texas
to Luther Fount and Mary Elisabeth (Alexander) Cherry but chose the
name Robert Luther Cherry at age 16. He was christened on Easter
Sunday, 1927, in the First Presbyterian Church of Denison by Rev. J.
S. Hodges, and, as his mother said, “Behaved beautifully.” Four
years later, his brother, Dawn Milliken Cherry, was born, but died
the same day. Bob attended Denison Public Schools, graduating from
Denison High School in 1942.
Bob’s
mother was a great cook, and took great joy in feeding him. This
resulted in his being very overweight. As a matter of fact, he was
picked-on at Central Ward School for being fat. He soon got tired
of this, and discovered the “Charles Atlas course” in a magazine.
He sent off for the course and in no time lost the extra weight and
became very strong and fit.
Bob
did not tell his mother when he started boxing in high school. In
1941, at age 15 and technically not old enough to box, he fought an
exhibition match during the Golden Gloves tournament. Impressed
after watching Bob fight, Denison’s football coach, Pat Patterson,
approached him and said, “Bobby, I will guarantee you a letter
jacket if you will come out for football in the fall.” Bob
regretted telling him “no” but said his mother wouldn’t let him play
football. She thought it was "too rough."
Bob
went on to become a Golden Gloves champ, as well as the Corps
champion at Texas A&M. He also boxed for the US Navy. He never
lost a fight in his boxing career.
In
1942, the entire A&M football team left school to serve their
country during World War II. Legendary A&M coach H. H. Norton
announced to the student body that he needed a replacement football
team, and Bob was among the 30 Aggies that responded. This team was
known as the “Kiddie Korps” because of the youth of the majority of
its volunteers. They performed so well that they played in the
Orange Bowl on January 1, 1944.
Bob
served two years, two months and 13 days active duty in the United
States Navy receiving an American Theater Ribbon and Victory Medal.
He was discharged with an Honorable Discharge on July 4th
1946. He returned to A&M and graduated in 1948 with a bachelor of
science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. At his mother’s
request, he came back to Denison to help with the family business,
Snow White Laundry, and has been a prominent figure in Denison ever
since.
His
dedication to the community was evidenced by his service to the
citizens of Denison. He was elected to the Denison City Council for
two terms, from 1969 to 1972, and served as Mayor for both terms. He
was also elected to the Denison School Board, serving as President.
He was on the Board of Directors for the Retail Merchants
Association, serving as President for two years, and was an original
“Gold Coat” for the Denison Chamber of Commerce.
In
1999, the Denison Business & Professional Women’s Club selected him
to receive their Distinguished Service Award. He received the
Denison High School Alumni Service Award in 2002, and was a member
of Rotary International for almost 50 years.
A few days before his death, when asked how many children he had, he
said, “I have three kids that I am very proud of.”
He is
survived by his son Steve Cherry of Denison, and two daughters, Lisa
Cherry Wright and husband Larry of Centerville, Utah and Catherine
Cherry Wenger and husband David of Austin, Texas. He was also very
proud of his 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Bob's outward expressions of love and service to his family,
friends, neighbors and community, reflected his inward commitment to
live a Christ-like life. In Saint Matthew, Chapter 25, verse 40 we
read, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have adone
it unto one of the bleast of these my
cbrethren, ye have done it unto me."
Jacqueline Largent - DHS
graduate Jacqueline Barbara Hughes Largent of Dallas died April 16, 2003. Graveside service was April 19 at Calvary Cemetery in Denison. She was born Jan. 25, 1938 in Pottsboro. Billy
Jack McKee - Class of 1953 Billy Jack McKee was
born Feb. 9, 1935, in Sherman. He died July 17,
2002, in Roseville, CA. A memorial service was
held in Sacramento, CA on July 21. A second
memorial service was held for relatives and
friends at Loy Lake Park where Bill spent many
happy days growing up. Bill served in the U.S. Navy
and worked for many years in California as an
appliance salesman.
James Hunt - Class of
1957
"Our beloved James was called home after fighting a hard fight and
running a good race to be with his Lord and Saviour on June 14, 2002 at
his home. We will miss you dearly, but we will see you again someday."
He was born Oct. 8, 1938 at Gunter, Texas, the son of James M. and Ann
Morrison Hunt. James graduated from Denison High School in 1957 and
graduated from the Southwestern School of Banking at Southern Methodist
University. He played on the 1956 Yellow Jacket football team that beat
the Sherman Bearcats, 49-0. This was the worst defeat for Sherman during
the Sherman/Denison rivalry. He was quarterback for the Denison Yellow
Jackets in 1955 and beat the Sherman Bearcats 14-28. These were special
memories for our dad. In 1955 he threw three touchdown passes and ran
for a touchdown, making a total of 28 points.
James started as a Street Runner for State National Bank in 1957,
working his way up to be Senior Vice President of the Bank. He
married Lois Means on Dec. 6, 1958 in Denison. He served on the Planning
and Zoning Commission; the Denison Yellow Jacket Board; the Chamber of
Commerce Board; Served as one of the original directors of the Boys and
Girls Club, serving as president for the Girls Club for several years.
He was elected to the Board of Trustees for DISD for 12 years, four
years as president. He also served as Chaplain for the Denison Jaycees.
After a career in banking he secured his Real Estate License, working in
this field until his health failed.
James was a member of East Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School
in his early years. He thought his Church was the sweetest and most
loving church family in the world.
James is survived by his wife, Lois Hunt of Denison; mother, Ann Hunt of
Denison; daughters, Leslie Nunley and her husband, Charles of Denison,
Cari Ricks of Denison, Kellie Doshier and her husband, Doss of Caddo,
Okla.; brothers, Jackie Hunt, Bobby Hunt, Roger Hunt, all of Denison;
sister, Reba Hunt Odle of Denison; aunts, Edna Ferguson of Van Alstyne,
Janice Smith of Howe; grandchildren, Justin Pennington, Emily Nunley,
Tabitha Ricks, Amber Doshier, D.J. Doshier.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 17, 2002, at East Baptist
Church under the direction of Johnson-Moore Funeral Home. The Rev. Brett
Castle, Rev. Danny Wood and Rev. Carol Manrey officiated. Burial
followed at Cedarlawn Memorial Park.
Claud
Easterly - Class of 1925Claud Easterly, editor of The
Denison Herald for 30 years,
died March 15, 1999, after a
brief illness. He was 91. Burial
was in Fairview Cemetery.
During his 47 years in the
newspaper business he covered
many of Grayson County's biggest
stories of the century,
including John Phillip Sousa,
the Red River Bridge war,
construction of the Denison Dam
and the Denison butane explosion
that killed 13 people. He
interviewed five U.S.
presidents, Speaker of the House
Sam Rayburn, magician Harry
Houdini, Father Flanders of Boys
Town, New York Mayor LaGuardia,
heavy weight boxing champion Joe
Louis and many other state and
national dignitaries. Yvonne Taylor Pitman - Class of
1953Yvonne
Taylor Pitman died Nov. 8, 1997,
in Methodist Hospital in Lubbock
. Burial was in Resthaven
Crematory in Lubbock.
She was born Sept. 24, 1934, in
Mena, Ark., and married
her high school sweetheart and
1953 classmate, Bob
Pitman. She had been
employed by Service Air, Inc.,
in Lubbock.
In remembrance of
one of our fallen soldiers killed in action during the Viet Nam
war. Sent in by his loving sister, Linda Garland.
Larry D. Neasbitt,
1963 DHS graduate
Larry Neasbitt was my brother. He was Killed in Action in Viet
Nam Fighting for your Freedom in 1968. He was 22. He graduated
from DHS in 1963. He was married to Vonna Ramey. She was a
graduate from DHS in 1962.
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