|
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. |