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.



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.

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.