Pough - 65th

Lovey and Girdalean Pough of Denison celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last week. The Poughs were married on Sept. 14, 1946 in Denison.

The Poughs were raised in Denison, attended Terrell High School, and are members of Hopewell Baptist Church. Girdalean Pough is a housewife, and Lovey Pough is retired from the Safeway Plant in Denison. They have one son and daughter-in-law— Lovey Jr. and Stephanie Pough, of Denison — four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

 

Harvey - 50th

Jerry and Danna Harvey of Houston will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner party on Sept. 3 at their son’s home in Spring.

The Harveys were married on Sept. 1, 1961 at the First Christian Church in Denison. Officiating was the Rev. Daniel Morgan.

Danna Harvey was born in Sherman, the daughter of Daniel Burns and Ruth Jennings Burns. She graduated from Denison High School in 1960. She is an artist, (tap here to see article on her work) and enjoys painting, reading and exercising.

Jerry Harvey was born in Sherman, the son of Marion Dain Harvey and Margaret Harvey. He grew up in Denison and graduated from Denison High School in 1959. He enjoys fishing.

The Harveys have three sons — Dr. Bryan Harvey of Rogers, Ark., Dr. Ben Harvey and his wife, Dawn, of Spring, and Abe Harvey and his wife, Kara, of Evans, Georgia — and one daughter, Susan Harvey, of Rochester, Mich. There are 10 grandchildren.

 

 

Thompson-50th

Dean and Shirley Thompson of Denison were honored July 16 with a 50th anniversary celebration. A dinner was held at Devolli’s Italian Restaurant in Denison, followed by refreshments at the Thompson’s home. The celebration was hosted by the couple’s children and friends.

The Thompsons were married July 15, 1961 in Denison. The Rev. A.W. Blaine of North Park Baptist Church in Sherman officiated. Harold Cundiff and Barbara O’Neal were attendants.

Shirley Thompson was born in Sherman, the daughter of Myles and Eva Gibbs. She graduated from Sherman High School, worked for Sears for five years, and retired from Sonoco in 2003 after 30 years of service in the administrative office.

Dean Thompson was born in Dallas, the son of Johnny and Lillian Thompson. He graduated from Denison High School, attended Southeastern State College, and served four years in the United States Air Force, stationed in Germany. He was employed with Johns-Manville for 26 years in customer service, and was later a rural mail carrier at the Van Alstyne Post Office.

The Thompsons have two children — John Thompson of Denison and Lisa Allison of Coppell. There are four grandchildren.

Greenleaf-50th

Obie Sr. and Sylvia Joann Greenleaf of Denison celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in April with a family gathering.

The Greenleafs were married April 5, 1961 in Chapel 7 at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Officiating was a United States Army chaplain. Attendants were the Obie Greenleaf's Advanced Individual Training-Engineering Squad and his mother.

Joann Greenleaf was born in Platter, Oklahoma, the daughter of Mary Ellen and Dillard Ruth. She attended Colbert, Oklahoma schools and is retired from Varo Semi-Conductor in Garland and Sky Chef Catering in Austin.

Obie Greenleaf was born in Jefferson, the son of Essie Mae Greenleaf and Arbrie Lee Gaderson. He graduated from Terrell High School in Denison and earned a bachelor's degree in general business with an emphasis on real estate from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce). He retired from the United States Army after more than 20 years of service and from the Texas State Comptroller's office after more than 17 years of service. He serves on the Denison City Council, and is a member of the Texas Workforce Board, the Minority Educators Recruitment Foundation, the Grayson County Historical Commission, the Terrell High School Memorial Foundation, the Texoma Ambassadors for Christ, and the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 973.

The couple are members of Hopewell Baptist Church where each holds multiple positions. They are also active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of which Obie Greenleaf is a life member.

The Greenleafs have three children -- Obie Greenleaf Jr. of Carrollton, Alnetta Hill and her husband, Russell, of Camp County, Texas, and Carlota Greenleaf of Cedar Hill. There are three grandchildren.

 

Joe and Sheryl Clapp 50th

Joe and Sheryl Clapp of Denison were honored April 17 with a 50th wedding anniversary reception and dinner. The celebration was held from 6 -10 p.m. at the Best Western Hotel & Suites. Hosts were their children. Later this year, the couple will also be treated by their children to a trip with family and friends to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

The Clapps were married on April 14, 1960 at the Denison home of Sheryl Clapp. Officiating was the Rev. Hulen Jackson. Attendants were Darrell and Yvonne Burnett of Denison.

Sheryl Clapp was born in Denison, the daughter of Otis and Elsie Williams. She graduated in 1960 from Denison High School, was employed at American Bank in Denison for eight years, and is a homemaker.

Joe Clapp was born in Durant, Okla., the son of Johnnie and Willena Clapp. He graduated in 1958 from Denison High School and earned his bachelor of science degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. He was a supervisor at Oscar Meyer, retiring after 20 years of service, and then retired as an oil and gas regulatory compliance director in the oil and gas industry after 20 years of service. He continues to do consulting work in the oil industry and is a 35-year Mason and member of the Billie Mosse Masonic Lodge 1152 in Denison.

Both are members of Parkside Baptist Church and enjoy traveling.

The Clapps have three children, Joe Clapp Jr. of Denison and Joanna Daniels and Letha Frame, both of Plano. There are eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

 

 

Jim and Carol Jones 50th

Jim F. and Carol L. Jones of Sherman were honored Dec. 19, 2009 with a 50th wedding anniversary reception. The surprise celebration was held at the Denison Country Club and hosted by their children. They also celebrated with a trip to Maui, Hawaii.

The Joneses were married Dec, 19, 1959 at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison by the Rev. Merriman.

Carol Jones was born in Denison, the daughter of Bessie M. Jackson and the late Vernon L. Jackson. She graduated from Denison High School and is now retired after working at Layne Elementary School, the Denison school administration building, and at the family-owned Gemco National Industrial Security, LP.

Jim Jones was born in Poteau, Okla., the son of Helen Louise Martin and step-son of the late Leon Drumb. He is a graduate of Denison High School, Grayson County College, and East Texas State University, and worked for Johns-Manville in Denison, Reedrill in Sherman, and L&M Radiator, Inc. of Hibbing, Minn. In 2000, he and the couple's two sons founded Gemco National Industrial Security, LP, a security camera service and installation company.

The Joneses are Baptist, and enjoy traveling and cooking. Jim Jones also plays golf. They have two sons -- Steve Jones and his wife, Patty, of Denison and Randy Jones and his wife, Barbara, of Simi Valley, Calif. There are six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

 

Gene and Judy Gohlke 50th

Gene and Judy Gohlke of Denton were honored Sept. 3, 2009 with a 50th wedding anniversary dinner. The family gathering was hosted by their children. The couple continued their celebration on Sept. 4 with a trip to Denison and on Sept. 5 with a trip to Ranger for an extended family gathering.

The Gohlkes were married Sept. 4, 1959 at Waples Memorial United Methodist Church in Denison by the Rev. W.E. Peterson. Attendants were Helen Sizer, the bride's sister, of Victoria, Bess Cofer of Krum, Dr. Luther Gohlke, the groom's brother, of Ranger, and Grady McEuin of Denton.

Judy Gohlke was born in Denison, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hoover. She worked at Moore's Drive-In, the A &W Root Beer Stand, and the Rialto Theater. She is a 1958 graduate of Denison High School, and then graduated from the University of North Texas. She taught second grade at Sam Houston Elementary School and Ronald McNair Elementary School and retired from the Denton Independent School District. She is now involved in substitute teaching, tutoring children, volunteering and reading. She has served on the board of directors of the Denton City-County Day Nursery, served as president of the Opti-Mrs. Club, and has been active in many other organizations.

Gene Gohlke was born in Washington County, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold H. Gohlke. He then moved to Denison where he worked for the Denison Herald in junior high and high school. He graduated from Denison High School in 1953 and, later, the University of North Texas. He is president of Gene Gohlke Building Products, Inc., owner of Denton Masonry Supply, and founder of Gohlke Pool Supply and Gohlke Custom Pools. He is a charter member of the Evening Optimist Club in Denton, serving in several capacities including president and district lieutenant governor. He is a charter member of the Denton Home Builders Association, serving as president and in other capacities. He served several times as chairman of the board for the Denton Campus Christian Council which serves Texas Woman's University and the University of North Texas. He also has served on the board of directors for the Denton Chamber of Commerce. He enjoys hunting, fishing and gardening.

While their children were in school, the Gohlkes were active in school activities of all types. Both are members of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, in Denton and have served as youth sponsors, Sunday School teaching, and the church board. At present, he is a church elder and she serves on the diaconate.

The Gohlkes have one daughter and three sons -- Gina Wicker and her husband, Brian, of Sanger, Matt Gohlke and his wife, Whitney, of Aubrey, Mark Gohlke and his wife, Keri, of Dripping Springs, and Luke Gohlke and his wife, Stephanie, of Denton. There are six grandchildren.
 

Corky and Linda Armstrong 50th

Lewis "Corky" and Linda Armstrong of Denison were honored May 24, 2009 with a 50th wedding anniversary reception. The celebration was held from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Park Avenue Church of Christ. Hosts were the Armstrong's children.

The Armstrongs were married on May 26, 1959 at Madill, Okla. Attendants were Johnny and Gloria Unerfusser.

Linda Armstrong was born in Sherman, the daughter of John A. and Ruby Monday. She attended school in Sherman and Denison, graduating from Denison High School. She is a Denison Independent School District employee, currently working at Denison High School.

Corky Armstrong was born in Denison, the son of Clyde and Mae Armstrong. He attended schools in Ambrose, Bells and Denison. He was employed for the former Johns-Manville Corporation, was a business owner, and is now retired.

Both attend Park Avenue Church of Christ.

The Armstrongs have two children -- Bryan Armstrong and his wife Melissa of Pottsboro, and Brett Armstrong and his wife Zella of Denton. There are three grandchildren.

 

Mike and Nelda Perdue 50th

Mike and Nelda Perdue of Denison marked 50 years of marriage on Saturday. They were married May 16, 1959 at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Denison by the Rev. Carl Bilderback.

Nelda Perdue was born in Denison, the daughter of George D. and Olive B. Dunning Phillips. She graduated from Denison High School and was employed in the accounting department of the MKT Railroad in Denison.

Mike Perdue was born in Pottsboro, the son of Willie D. and Euleene McKinney Perdue. He graduated from Denison High School and attended the University of North Texas and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He was employed by the former Johns-Manville Corporation of Denison.

The couple are now semiretired after owning Texoma Kennels for 20 years, raising and training English Pointers.

The Perdues have one son and one daughter -- Brian Perdue of Sherman and Valerie Jernigan of Flower Mound -- eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

 

Raymond and Lois Jordan 60th

 Raymond and Lois Jordan of Denison were honored March 21, 2009 with a 60th wedding anniversary reception. The celebration was from 2 -4 p.m. at Southern Point Living Center in Colbert, Okla. Hosts were their children -- Richard Jordan of Colbert, Okla., Linda Sims of Rockledge, Fla., Ted Jordan of Pottsboro, and Kathy Kidwell of Trenton.

The Jordans were married on March 12, 1949 at the Denison home of Fred and Cassie Jordan. Officiating was Lon Jones.

Lois Jordan was born in Telephone, the daughter of Marion R. and Vada Hill. She attended Golden Rule, Peabody and McDaniel schools in Denison with worked for the former Kingston's Drug, Texoma Medical Center, Texas Instruments and the Katy House.

Raymond Jordan was born in Bonham, the son of Fred and Cassie Jordan. He attended Lamar, Peabody, Sam Houston and McDaniel schools in Denison. He worked in construction and for Safeway Foods for 30 years.

The Jordans have two sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. They are members of the Colbert First Baptist Church.
 

Darrell and Yuvonne Burnett 50th

Darrell and Yuvonne Burnett of Denison were honored Saturday with a 50th wedding anniversary reception. The celebration was held in the home of Ronald and Cynthia Bassermann. Hosts were the Bassermanns and Kurt and Audra Burnett, all of Denison, and Dustin and Laci Burden of Forney.

The Burnetts were married Feb. 21, 1959.

Yuvonne Burnett is the daughter of the late A.W. Waller and his wife, Hope, of Sherman and Marie Clayton of Denison.

Darrell Burnett is the son of the late B.G. and Patty Burnett of Denison. He is the owner/operator of Burnett Dozer Service.

The Burnetts have three children -- Charles Burnett, Debra McGee and Kurt Burnett -- five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
 

 

John and Gloria Unerfusser 50th

John and Gloria Unerfusser of Denison were honored Feb. 21, 2009 with a 50th wedding anniversary reception. The celebration was held in the home of their son and daughter-in-law, Johnny and Deanna Unerfusser with 40 people in attendance. Hosts were Tom and Cindy Unerfusser and their children, James and Dawn, and Johnny and Deanna Unerfusser and their children, Hunter, Chris, Jon-Marc and Stephanie.

The Unerfussers were married Feb. 21, 1959 at the Church of Christ in Ardmore, Okla. Officiating was O.J. Russell. Marla Toothman was matron of honor and Don Toothman was best man.

Gloria Unerfusser is the daughter of Marshall Lutrick and the late Mildred Lutrick of Denison. She retired from the Bank of America in 1988 and then retired from American Bank in 2007.

Johnny Unerfusser is the son of the late John and Ethel Unerfusser of Lake Jackson. He is employed by the American Bank of Texas.

The couple have two sons and six grandchildren.

 

Clifton and Kay Lewis 50th

Clifton Franklin and Kay Lewis of Pottsboro marked 50 years of marriage on Saturday. A celebration was held with their children during Christmas.

The Lewises were married Feb. 14, 1959 at the Central Church of Christ in Denison. Officiating was Bill Parson. Wedding attendants were Virginia (Holland) Cherry and Haskel Bowers.

Kay Lewis was born in Denison, the daughter of Imogene and Winfield Branham. She graduated from Denison High School in 1954 and worked for the former Citizens National Bank and the MKT Railroad prior to marriage.

Clifton Lewis was born in the Hagerman community, the son of B.C. and Myrtle Lewis. He graduated from Denison High School in 1944, served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years, and worked for Oscar Mayer for 14 years.

The Lewises have three children -- Douglas Lewis of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dale Lewis of Colorado, and Dawn Vinso of San Diego, Calif. There are four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.


 

Paul and Carol Jennings 50th

Paul Ryon and Carol Joy Jennings of Denison will be honored Nov. 28 with a 50th wedding anniversary reception. The celebration, open to friends and family, will be from 2 -6 p.m. at DeVolli's Italian Restaurant in Denison. Hosts will be the couple's children.

Paul Ryon and Carol Joy Jennings of Denison will be honored Nov. 28 with a 50th wedding anniversary reception. The celebration, open to friends and family, will be from 2 -6 p.m. at DeVolli's Italian Restaurant in Denison. Hosts will be the couple's children.

The Jennings were married Nov. 28, 1958, the first couple to married in what was the newly-constructed First Baptist Church in Denison. Officiating was Dr. Bob Ramsey of the church and Frank Jennings Jr., the groom's uncle. Wedding attendants were: Paul Jennings, best man; Noel Jennings and Bob Watkins, groomsmen; Kay Isaacs, matron of honor; Wanda McKee and Chloe Hall, bridesmaids; and Cathy Hall, flower girl.

Carol Jennings was born in Tipton, Okla., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O.R. Hall of Denison. She graduated from Denison High School in 1957 and from Grayson County College. She was employed for 11 years at the former Citizen's National Bank and for 17 years as an internal auditor for the American Bank of Texas, retiring in 2003. She was a Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church for more than 40 years and was active in the Women's Missionary Society, serving twice as president. She has also, through the years, been active in many service organizations and is still active with the Denison Service League's Bargain Box resale shop. She also is a member of the LaTea Dolls Chapter of the Red Hat Society, Lions International, and the Book Chatters Book Club.

Both are now members of Grace Bible Church in Sherman.

Paul Jennings was born in Denison, the son of Paul and Eva Jennings. He graduated from Denison High School in 1951, earned his bachelor of arts degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and his master of arts degree from Austin College. He was employed for 36 years as a principal with the Denison Independent School District and served for six years as headmaster at St. Luke's School in Denison. He is now employed with Fisher Funeral Home. He served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church for 38 years, serving one term as chairman, and is a member of Lions International.

The Jennings have three children -- David Jennings and his wife, Eileen, of Dallas, John Mark Jennings and his wife, Julie, of Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Joy Jennings of Dallas. There are two grandchildren.
 

 

Ruenell and Bob Jarriel 50th

Ruenell and Bob Jarriel of Denison were honored Nov. 15 with a 50th wedding anniversary reception. The celebration was held at Stonebrook and hosted by the couple's children and grandchildren.  The Jarriels were married Nov. 15, 1958 at the Durant, Okla. home of Judge Sam Sullivan who officiated over the ceremony.

Ruenell Jarriel is past president of the Denison High School Stingerette's Moms and Pops Club, past president of the Grayson County M.A.D.D. Chapter and past president of the Denison Service League of which she is still an active, sustaining member. She is a 30-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and has served three terms as Worthy Matron of the Gate City Chapter. She also has held many Grand Appointments and is currently the Grand Representative of Kentucky in Texas. During her time as Deputy Grand Matron of Texas, a proclamation naming the day as "Ruenell Jarriel Day" was issued by former Grayson County Judge, Horace Groff. She has owned and operated "Ruenell's Victoriana" gift and decor shop in Denison for 20 years.

Bob Jarriel retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He then worked 20 years with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1995. He assists his wife in operating her shop and is active in many civic organizations. He is a member of the Billie Mosse Masonic Lodge and is a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Retired Enlisted Association. He is active in the Gate City Chapter 77, Grand Chapter of Texas, Order of the Eastern Star where he has served as Worthy Patron four times as well as holding other posts in the chapter. He has also received numerous Grand Appointments during his 11 years in Eastern Star.

Both are members of Victory Life Church in Durant, Okla.

The Jarriels have four daughters -- Deborah Colleen McAdoo and her husband, Ronnie, Marsha Lynn Holder and her husband, Jerry, Repsie Rhea Boone and Cynthia Renae Duncan and her husband, Doug. There are eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

 

Wayne and Brenda Ruble 50th

Wayne and Brenda Ruble of Denison were honored July 23 with a 50th anniversary dinner party. The celebration was hosted by Aleta Oppermann and Ann Mooney.

The Rubles attended Denison High School and were married on July 23, 1958 in Durant, Okla. They have resided in Denison all of their 50 years of marriage. Wayne Ruble is retired from the City of Denison and Brenda Ruble worked for Blue Cross-Blue Shield, and later owned and operated a hair salon.

The couple have one son, Scott Ruble, and two daughters, Denise Ruble and Rhonda Clark, all of Denison. They have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
 

 

Dwight & Dorothy Grimes 60th

Dwight and Dorothy Grimes of Pottsboro recently marked their 60th wedding anniversary with a family celebration. They were married Sept. 11, 1948 in the home of the Rev. C.J. Graves of Sherman. Honor attendants were Mary Thompson, sister of the bride, and L.A. Grimes, Jr., brother of the groom.

Dorothy Grimes was born in Sherman, the daughter of Albert and Sallie Brown of Pottsboro. She attended Pottsboro Schools and graduated as valedictorian of Denison High School. She also graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and East Texas State University and was a teacher at Pottsboro.

Dwight Grimes was born in Pilot Point, the son of L.A. and Luna Grimes. He graduated from Collinsville High School and attended Texas A&M University and North Texas State University. He retired from the Texas Highway Department as a draftsman after 32 years.

Besides their professions, the Grimes have kept busy with their farming and ranching. They also enjoy deer hunting together, and attending their grandchildren's sports activities. Both are active members Of Hagerman Baptist Church where they have participated in the missions building projects over the years.

The couple has three children -- Linda Hart and her husband, Ron, of Denison, Karen Bond and her husband, Bert, of Sherman and Rick Grimes and his wife, Nancy, of Pottsboro. They have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 

Ray and Pat Harman 50th

Ray and Pat Harman celebrated 50 years together on Saturday. As an anniversary gift, the Harman's children are treating them to a trip to Niagara Falls, Toronto and French Canada.

The Harmans were married in Denison on Aug. 9, 1958 by the Rev. Wayne Imboden at Southside Baptist Church.

Patsy (VanKirk) Harman was born in Denison and graduated from Denison High School. She attended Long Beach City College in California and was employed by the Denison Herald at the time of their marriage. She was a full-time military wife and mother and was a realtor in Alabama and Texas. She is retired and enjoys backyard, herb and vegetable gardening.

Raymond A. Harman Jr. was born in Colorado Springs, Colo. He graduated from Culpeper County High School in Culpeper, Va., attended the University of Virginia and was undergoing F-6 interceptor pilot training at Perrin AFB when the two met. During the next 18 years, the Harmans lived and raised their family in Minnesota, Florida, Alaska, New Mexico, Texas, Alabama and Germany while he continued his military career. After retiring from the air force, he worked for Grayson County College, Anderson Clayton, Monsanto, El Dorado Chemical Co. and part-time at McCoy's Building Supply before retiring. He enjoys aviation and is a volunteer tour guide at Cavanaugh Flight Museum at the Addison Airport.

The Harmans have two children -- Jeff Harman and his wife, Caroline, of Lake Lavon and Anne Ray (Harman) Carlisle and her husband, Karl, of Shelbyville, Ind. -- and two grandchildren.
 

 

 

 

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Jack and Betty Bond - 60th

Jack and Betty Bond of Denison marked their 60th wedding anniversary Aug. 24 with a celebration with family and friends. The couple married in 1947 in Denison after he returned from World War II.

Betty (Young) Bond graduated from Denison High School in 1945. She worked both outside and inside the home for many years. W.E. “Jack” Bond, a Grayson County native, was in World War II in Europe, serving in Gen. George Patton’s 739th Tank Battalion. He retired from Southern Pacific Railroad in 1986, is a member of the Elks Lodge, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and enjoys golfing.

Both are active in World War II veterans’ groups and attend the First Presbyterian Church in Denison. They have three children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

 

Wayne and Bobbie Iafelice - 50th

Wayne and Bobbie Iafelice of Denison were honored July 19 with a surprise 50th wedding anniversary celebration at Kelly Square in Sherman. The party, themed “This Is Your Life,” was hosted by the couple’s children. Family and friends attended from Texas, Tennessee, Illinois, California and Washington.

The couple married July 19, 1957 at Emmanual Baptist Church in Denison. Officiating was the Rev. A.P. Skaggs. Attendants were Carolyn (Moncrief) Wright of Denison and Billy Mack who was stationed at Perrin Air Force Base. Bobbie Iafelice is the daughter of Arthur and Mary Ford of Denison and graduated from Denison High School in 1956. She worked at the Old Dixie Dog Restaurant and the Denison Cotton Mill office and was a bookkeeper for Lilley’s Department Store. She then was a full-time homemaker and mother until her husband’s retirement from the military and the couple’s return to Denison. She returned to work, serving for more than 22 years as a church secretary, first for Calvary Baptist Church and then for Trinity Baptist Church in Sherman from which she retired in 2002.

Wayne Iafelice is the son of the late Roy Iafelice and Onda Eldred of Cleveland Ohio. He attended Cleveland schools and graduated in 1955 from Collinwood High School. He served 22 years in the United States Air Force, followed by 15 years with Gene Ford Plumbing, 10 years at Sam’s Club and five years at Bratcher Funeral Home, retiring completely in 2006.

The couple has been active members of Parkside Baptist Church for more than 23 years where he serves as an ordained deacon and teacher for the Men’s Fellowship Bible Class. Both have served on various committees and she is currently active in the church’s Intercessory Prayer Ministry and serves as secretary for the Pacesetters’ Leadership Team.

The Iafelice’s children are Stephen and Donna Iafelice of Peoria, Ill., Trudy and Frank Wells of Murfreesboro, Tenn. and Penny and Greg Andrews of Denison. There are seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and three step great-grandchildren.

 

Ray and Kay Fritts - 50th

Ray and Kay Fritts of Pottsboro were honored July 14 with a 50th wedding anniversary party. The celebration was held at Tanglewood Resort and Conference Center and hosted by their children.

The Fritts were married July 10, 1957 in Denison. Kay Fritts was born in Denison, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.K. Sampson. She attended Denison Schools.

Ray Fritts was born in Denison, the son of Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Fritts. He attended Denison schools and is employed with Fritts Concrete Construction.

The couple have one son, Toby Fritts, of Pottsboro, and two daughters, Brenda Stewart of Cooper and Debbie Henderson of Pottsboro. There are eight grandchildren.

 

Ray and Patsy Morrison - 50th
Ray and Patsy Morrison of Pottsboro were honored Saturday with a reception marking their 50th wedding anniversary. The celebration was held at East Baptist Church in Denison.

Hosts for the reception were the couple’s children and grandchildren — Tammie and Steve Anderson, Alfred and Terri Morrison, Alicia and Eddie Gossett, Justin Anderson and Savannah, Michael and Kristiffer Morrison and Jarrett Anderson. Both the Morrisons were born and raised in Denison. They were married April 13, 1957 in Durant, Okla. and lived in Denison until 1964 when they moved to Pottsboro. Ray Morrison retired from Kwikset in 2004 and Patsy Morrison retired from the Pottsboro School cafeteria in 1990.

 

Chuck and Judy Schuessel - 50th
Chuck and Judy Schuessel of Denison were honored with a surprise 50th wedding anniversary dinner party Jan. 19. The celebration was held at T-Bones in Denison. Hosts were the Schuessel’s son and daughter-in-law, Marty and Natalie Schuessel of Arlington, and Judy Schuessel’s niece, Angela Clute, of College Station. The Schuessels were married Jan. 19, 1957 in the chapel at the former Perrin Air Force Base. Officiating was Father John Cmiel. Attendants were Sherry Franklin and William Willette.

Judy Schuessel was born in Denison, daughter of the late Leonard and Ruby Overturf. She graduated from Denison High School in 1957 and has held various jobs through the years.

Chuck Schuessel was born in St. Louis, Mo., son of the late Charles and Elizabeth Schuessel. He served in the United States Air Force for 23 years, retiring in 1976. The couple then moved to Denison and he was employed by Texas Instruments for 17 years.

In addition to a son, the Schuessels have two granddaughters.
 

Jim and Ellen Burger - 50th

Jim and Ellen Burger of Denison marked their 50th anniversary with a renewal of wedding vows and a reception on Feb. 3, 2007. The celebration was from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Southside Baptist Church in Denison. Hosts were Ron Burger of Denison, Ariana Burger of Tulsa, Okla. and other family members and friends.

The Burgers were married Feb. 1, 1957 by the Rev. Wayne Imboden.

Ellen Burger was born in Pottsboro, the daughter of Arthur and Graccie Nicholas. She attended Layne Elementary in Denison, Denison High School, Grayson County College and the University of Texas at Arlington. In 1970, she became the first woman to be hired on to the Texas Tech University police force. She retired from Texoma Medical Center after 20 years of service and is employed part time by Dr. O.H. Habal. She is a member of the Gate City Chapter Eastern Star.

Jim Burger was born in Akron, Ohio, the son of Richard and Edna Burger. He attended Schumacher Elementary School, Buchtel High School, Hartford Community College, the University of Maryland and Grayson County College. He was in the United States Air Force for 20 years. For his service in Vietnam, he received the Air Force Accommodation Medal and the Bronze Star. He also received an award for inventing a safety device for the ejection seats of airplanes. After the Air Force, he worked at LOF for 17 years, retiring in 1997. He is a memer of the Lone Star Masonic Lodge in Denison.

Both are members of Southside Baptist Church and the church’s Senior Saints group.

The Burgers have two children, Ron Burger of Denison and the late Jim Burger Jr., and one grandchild.
 

Carl and Doris Bilderback - 50th

Carl and Doris Bilderback of Pottsboro were honored Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, with a 50th wedding anniversary reception. The celebration was from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Calvary Baptist Church, 300 W. Acheson in Denison. Hosts were their daughters and sons-in-law. The Bilderbacks met while both were students at East Texas Baptist College in Marshall. They were married at the Grand Bluff Baptist Church between Marshall and Carthage where Carl Bilderback was serving as pastor.

Doris Bilderback was born in Port Arthur, the daughter of Frank and Myrtis Feltman. She graduated in 1956 from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur and, later, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii. She is a housewife, mother and grandmother and aids her husband in his pastoral duties.

Carl Bilderback was born and raised in Denison, the son of Earl and Mary Bilderback. He is a 1954 graduate of Denison High School, attended East Texas Baptist College and earned degrees from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Southwestern Theological Seminary. He served as a military chaplain in the United States Air Force for 26 years, retiring in 1994 as the Command Chaplain for the Air Force Intelligence Command at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio. While in the service, the Bilderbacks were stationed in a variety of locations, stateside and abroad. Since his retirement, Carl Bilderback has served as interim pastor for six churches including Calvary Baptist and Hyde Park Baptist, both of Denison, and Georgetown Baptist and First Baptist of Pottsboro. He is now the full-time pastor for the First Baptist Church of Pottsboro.

The Bilderbacks have two daughters and sons-in-law — Deborah and David Clark of Monroe, Ga. and Sheila and Steve Richardson of Whitehouse — four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

The reception is open to friends and family.


The couple will continue the anniversary celebration later this year with a trip to Hawaii where Carl Bilderback was stationed for several years during his military service. Their daughters and sons-in-law will accompany them.
 

THE PIRKLES CELEBRATE  58^th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 

Rodney and Rosemary Jones Pirkle, 1947 DHS Graduates, celebrated their 58^th Wedding Anniversary on September 4, 2006.  They married at the First Baptist Church in Denison on September 4, 1948, with the former Dr. Guy D. Newman officiating.  Their close friends, Carl Ray Hill and Virgil Dean McVay Hill, also DHS graduates, were their best man and maid of honor.  Other DHS graduates in their wedding party were John Hicks, Martha White Travis and Marjorie Bridgefarmer Wilburn. Their overnight honeymoon was spent at the Grayson Hotel in Sherman, Texas. They lived in Denison for one year and then moved to Dallas after Rodney was layed off from the KATY Railroad in Denison.  Rodney went then went to work in Dallas for the KATY Railroad and retired in 1991 after 42 years of service. 

Rodney and Rosemary are retired and live in Arlington.  Rodney plays golf with Arlington Senior Men's Golf Association,  and plays softball with Arlington Senior Softball Association.  Rosemary is a volunteer at the Arlington Memorial Hospital and is a member of the Arlington Woman's Club. They are members of Lamar Baptist Church in Arlington. 

They have one daughter, Darlene, married to Jim Berry of Murphy, Texas and two grandsons, Brian Berry and his wife Shelley, of Rockwall, Texas, and Steven Berry of Rowlett, Texas.  Their son, Rodney, Jr., is deceased.

Clemens "Clemo" and Mary Evelyn McCoy - 65 years

 

Clemens "Clemo" and Mary Evelyn McCoy of Denison celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept. 14. They were married at her parents' home by Rev. L.R. Lamb with Wanda Ransom Wilson attending.

Mary Evelyn, formerly Forisha, graduated from Denison High School. Clemo also graduated from Denison High and was owner of McCoy's Auto Parts for 30 years.