Lamar High School Class of 1959
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
we will remember them." - Laurence Binyon, 1914.
note: Provided obituaries follow. The most recent compilation (PDF) of known deceased members of the Lamar High School Class of 1959 is here.
Virtual Cemetery [FindAGrave.com] for Lamar Class of 1959
David Adams
David
Campbell Adams: David's
widow Lynn Reed
(now of Augusta, GA) tells us: "David died in
1969 and I thought
you might want to know as sad as it was. His uncle was Red
Adams,
a famous Houston lawyer. His father Fisher Adams was Regional
manager for Bell South; his mother was Alva Campbell Adams. David went into the Air
Force and
served in the Vietnam War, came
home, married and then committed suicide. He was 29 years
old.
He had been Manager of Pier One Imports after returning to the states."
Our
Classmate John R. Ames died
October 7, 2019 in Houston, TX. He had attended our 60th Reunion in March 2019 but suffered a stroke in June. Born
June 3, 1941, in Denver, Colorado, he moved to Houston with his family
in 1946.
John was a graduate of Lamar High School and University of Oklahoma. He
was
predeceased 
by his parents, Curtis
B. Ames and Florence
Mead Ames, and his brother Richard C. Ames. John is survived
by his
wife Carol,
brothers Steve Ames and Doug Ames, and wife Amy, sister Honey Ames
Ashworth,
daughter Kristen Ames Lovelace, and husband Mark, son John R. Ames,
Jr., and
wife Nicha, and several nieces and nephews. He spent his life outdoors
fishing,
hunting, building, and creating spaces that harbored special memories
for the
people he loved. John had a wicked sense of humor and very big heart
and will
be missed by his many, many friends and family. A memorial service will
be held
in the chapel at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer,
on
Saturday, October 26, at 1:30 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:30.
Rev.
Katie Montgomery Mears and David Long will officiate. If
desired, memorial gifts may be made to Nora's Home, 8300 El
Rio Street, Houston, Texas 77054, www.norashome.org.Published in Houston Chronicle on Oct. 13, 2019
Andy Anderson
Andy
Anderson: Our
Classmate Jim McDugald reports that ANDREW
GEORGE ANDERSON
JR. died on
8/2/2005. Andy was in the Navy ROTC at
University of
Texas, graduating in 1963. At UT Andy was selected into the honorary
organization Cowboys whose members are chosen based on their leadership
ability, campus accomplishments, and scholastic standing.
Andy
later worked for Kentwood Real Estate Company in Englewood,
CO.
He left behind his wife Sandy and two daughters, and one son. Andy was
an avid photographer, specializing in landscape pictures. [This information is from the
Beta
Headquarters of the Univ. of Texas]
Kenny
Anderson: Betsy
Anderson has informed the class that Kenny (James Kenneth "Ken"
Anderson Sr.) died on Thursday 3 Nov 2016 from a heart attack.
Services were held on Wednesday 9 Nov 2016 at St.
Martin's
Episcopal Church, Houston. From the Chronicle of 7 Nov:
Ken Anderson, of Houston, passed away suddenly on Thursday, the 3rd of
November 2016 at the age of 75. He was born on the 8th of
February 1941 in Houston.
Ken graduated from Lamar High School in 1959 before advancing to TCU where he graduated in 1963 with a degree in Business Administration. While there he was a member of Phi Delta Theta, ROTC, president of his freshman and sophomore class, baseball catcher and letterman. Upon graduation Ken served in the US Army, European Theater/Germany attaining the rank of captain. Honorably discharged in 1970, he co-founded Anderson Fitzgerald Giammalva and thus began his lifelong career in real estate.
Ken was actively involved in the Houston Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, TCU ex-lettermen's association, St Martin's Episcopal Church and Episcopal High School Dads Club. He also loved his role as a father. He was always involved in his children's sporting events and activities. His biggest joy came from coaching on the fields of Post Oak Little League. His impact and involvement benefitted area youth over an eleven-year period.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents Betty and Andy Anderson; and his brother, Buddy Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Diane S. Anderson; his children, Jimmy Anderson and wife Renee, Robert W Anderson, Julie Anderson Bundick and husband Mark; and their mother, Betsy Anderson; his brother, Thomas F. Anderson and wife Bibbi; and sister-in-law Charlene Anderson; his grandchildren, Katie Collins Miller and husband Nate, Walker Anderson, Chandler Anderson, Luke Anderson, Lexi Anderson, Jackson Bundick, Will Bundick, Clara Bundick; numerous nieces and nephews; and step-children, Julie Gautier and Todd Gautier and his wife Brigitte.
The family would like to express their thanks to the City of Houston's first responders, specifically Houston Fire and EMS, as well as the doctors and nurses at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital.
A memorial service celebrating his life is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 9th of November, at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston.
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall.
Prior to the service the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in his name be directed to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY, 10004; to Amazing Place at 3735 Drexel Dr., Houston, TX, 77027; to TCU Lettermen's Legacy Fund, TCU Box 297140, Fort Worth, TX, 76129; or to the charity of one's choice
.
Published
in Houston Chronicle from Nov. 7 to
Nov. 8, 2016-
See more here.
February 1941 in Houston.Ken graduated from Lamar High School in 1959 before advancing to TCU where he graduated in 1963 with a degree in Business Administration. While there he was a member of Phi Delta Theta, ROTC, president of his freshman and sophomore class, baseball catcher and letterman. Upon graduation Ken served in the US Army, European Theater/Germany attaining the rank of captain. Honorably discharged in 1970, he co-founded Anderson Fitzgerald Giammalva and thus began his lifelong career in real estate.
Ken was actively involved in the Houston Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, TCU ex-lettermen's association, St Martin's Episcopal Church and Episcopal High School Dads Club. He also loved his role as a father. He was always involved in his children's sporting events and activities. His biggest joy came from coaching on the fields of Post Oak Little League. His impact and involvement benefitted area youth over an eleven-year period.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents Betty and Andy Anderson; and his brother, Buddy Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Diane S. Anderson; his children, Jimmy Anderson and wife Renee, Robert W Anderson, Julie Anderson Bundick and husband Mark; and their mother, Betsy Anderson; his brother, Thomas F. Anderson and wife Bibbi; and sister-in-law Charlene Anderson; his grandchildren, Katie Collins Miller and husband Nate, Walker Anderson, Chandler Anderson, Luke Anderson, Lexi Anderson, Jackson Bundick, Will Bundick, Clara Bundick; numerous nieces and nephews; and step-children, Julie Gautier and Todd Gautier and his wife Brigitte.
The family would like to express their thanks to the City of Houston's first responders, specifically Houston Fire and EMS, as well as the doctors and nurses at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital.
A memorial service celebrating his life is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 9th of November, at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston.
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall.
Prior to the service the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in his name be directed to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY, 10004; to Amazing Place at 3735 Drexel Dr., Houston, TX, 77027; to TCU Lettermen's Legacy Fund, TCU Box 297140, Fort Worth, TX, 76129; or to the charity of one's choice
Ronnie Armer
Ronald Kent Armer passed away Thursday, December
8, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas. He
was born February 20, 1941, in Houston to Leon Magill and Francine
Armer. He graduated
from University of Houston with a degree in Pharmacology. Ronald's
career as a
Pharmacist spanned over 40 years. After graduation, he purchased his
first pharmacy in
Houston. In 1976, he relocated to the New Braunfels area and opened the
very first
pharmacy in Canyon Lake. He continued his career at Wal-Mart Pharmacy
and finally
LifeChek Pharmacy in La Vernia, Texas.
Ronald's favorite pastimes included spending time with his beloved wife, Brenda, and enjoying a good laugh with friends and family. His greatest passion, however, was his love of our Lord. He was a student of God's Word and was never ashamed to share what God's presence in his life meant to him. Ronald's warm and compassionate personality touched everyone he met and his love knew no boundaries.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Armer; his children Ron Armer, Mary Katherine Armer, Kent Armer and Cindi Smith and her husband Steve and 3 step children; Lisa Dudley and her husband Matt, Kristen Thelander and Gunnar Thelander. He is survived by his sister Sharon St. John and her husband Don; and his brother Bill Armer and his wife Maedene. He is also survived by lifelong friends, Chris Black, Richard Bass, Jimmy Hubbard, and Bill Bennett and numerous other family members. Finally, he is survived by his beloved Pug, Buster Armer.
A memorial service was scheduled for Ronnie for Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 10:00 am at Zoeller Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be given to New Braunfels Christian Academy or Oakwood Baptist Church.
Bill Armstrong
Ronald Kent Armer passed away Thursday, December
8, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas. He
was born February 20, 1941, in Houston to Leon Magill and Francine
Armer. He graduated
from University of Houston with a degree in Pharmacology. Ronald's
career as a
Pharmacist spanned over 40 years. After graduation, he purchased his
first pharmacy in
Houston. In 1976, he relocated to the New Braunfels area and opened the
very first
pharmacy in Canyon Lake. He continued his career at Wal-Mart Pharmacy
and finally
LifeChek Pharmacy in La Vernia, Texas. Ronald's favorite pastimes included spending time with his beloved wife, Brenda, and enjoying a good laugh with friends and family. His greatest passion, however, was his love of our Lord. He was a student of God's Word and was never ashamed to share what God's presence in his life meant to him. Ronald's warm and compassionate personality touched everyone he met and his love knew no boundaries.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Armer; his children Ron Armer, Mary Katherine Armer, Kent Armer and Cindi Smith and her husband Steve and 3 step children; Lisa Dudley and her husband Matt, Kristen Thelander and Gunnar Thelander. He is survived by his sister Sharon St. John and her husband Don; and his brother Bill Armer and his wife Maedene. He is also survived by lifelong friends, Chris Black, Richard Bass, Jimmy Hubbard, and Bill Bennett and numerous other family members. Finally, he is survived by his beloved Pug, Buster Armer.
A memorial service was scheduled for Ronnie for Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 10:00 am at Zoeller Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be given to New Braunfels Christian Academy or Oakwood Baptist Church.
Bill Armstrong
William
P. Armstrong: Our
Classmate Murray Davis reports that WILLIAM P. ARMSTRONG died in the early
1960s. He was married to
Betty
Mclendon (Lamar Class of 1960), and they had two children. Note: This FindAGrave Memorial is thought to be for our classmate Bill Armstrong.
Don Baty
Donald Eugene Baty: Our classmate Donald lost his fight with the Covid Virus, December 16, 2020. He was born June 1, 1941.
Donald enjoyed life growing up in Houston and attending Lamar High School. After graduating,
he went on to the University of Texas which was an orange and white passion he shared with his
dad and brother. Donald was a proud member of the Beta Theta Phi Fraternity where he enjoyed
college life and the Longhorn tradition.
After graduating in 1963, Don followed his father and brother's footsteps in the Insurance
industry. Don's passion was always helping people and that is just what he did. He placed
complicated risks for Insurance brokers in Texas and all around the world while working for
Phoenix, Cravens and Wentzel Insurance Companies. Published in the Houston Chronicle on 24 December 2020. Please see the full
obituary here.
Bill Bennett
BENNETT, William
"Bill" Foster passed
away at the Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe [Ontario, Canada] on
Monday, November 24th, 2014 in
his 74th
year. 
Cherished
husband of Jan Hunt of Simcoe. Loving father &
grandfather of Diane White (Doug) of Midland, Michigan, their children
Kevin
& Katie; and Pam Anderson
(Elvis)
of Houston, Texas, their children Cameron
& Collin. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his
sister Babs Willis, also
of Texas. Friends are invited to share their memories
of Bill
with his family
at the JASON
SMITH FUNERAL CHAPEL ,
689 Norfolk St. North Simcoe for visitation
Friday, November 28th, 2014 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. A memorial service
will
follow visitation in the chapel at 11:00 a.m with a private interment
of ashes
to be held in Texas at a later date.Those wishing to donate in memory of Bill are asked to consider St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church or the Cancer Support & Resource Program. Personal online condolences at www.smithfuneralchapel.com (519) 426-0199
Katherine Berberian
(Gerson) passed away at home on June 20, 2018, in Houston,
TX. Graveside services were held in
Emanu El Memorial Park in Houston on Friday, June 22, 2018.
She is survived by two sons and a sister, Mrs. Jean
Carney, Lamar class of 1964. Please visit the full on-line
memorial here
and here.
Our classmate Kimball McMahon adds these memories:"Kathy was in a youth group at St. Paul's Methodist Church. That group had such class stars as Frank Jones, Frank Kelly, Letitia Kinzbach and a few other dim bulbs like me. Kathy's parents were Armenian Americans. Her father owned a rug repair and cleaning store and her mother taught in St. Paul's day school and was beloved by several generations of kids, mine included. After graduation I lost touch with Kathy and only became aware of her when her sister rejoined our church and joined our Sunday School class. Kathy converted to Judaism upon her first marriage and also married again after her first husband's death. She was widowed twice. She had a major stroke several years ago which limited her severely."
Barbara
Bergstrom
Lumsden (October 5, 1941 - May 6, 2005) -
On the early morning of Friday, May 6, 2005, Barbara joined our Lord.
Barbara was born in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Lamar High School in Houston and Southern Methodist University, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After being voted Most Beautiful three successive years at SMU, she married her college sweetheart, Jerry. Nothing pleased her more than to serve and care for others. She was a teacher, a youth group leader, a committee member for Young Life at Memorial High School in Houston, a spouse, a parent, a grandparent, and a friend. She was loved by all that came into contact with her. Her priorities were her Savior, family, and friends. Her best friends were made while serving others through church, bible study, The Settlement Club of Austin, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and her card group.
Barbara was devoted to loving and spending time with her precious grandchildren. She was the grandmother every child should have and in the time of need, she was a surrogate grandmother to others. She was placed on this earth to love and care for people.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gladys Bergstrom. She so dearly loved and missed them that she longed to be with them again. Although the family is saddened by their loss, they are joyful that she is with her Savior.
Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Jerry Lumsden; her two daughters, Cinda Brown and her husband, Anthony of The Woodlands, Tex., and Stacey Odom and her husband, H.T. (Trey) Odom, III of Houston, Tex.; grandchildren, Travis, Madeleine and Tinsley Brown and Blake and Adair Odom; her brother, Charles (Dick) Bergstrom and his wife, Janet.
Thanks to Texas Oncology and Hospice Austin for their support through Barbara's illness. A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 10, 2005, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive, Austin, Texas. Memorial gifts may be made to The Settlement Home, 1600 Payton Gin Rd., Austin, TX 78758-6506 or Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com
Published
in the Austin American-Statesman
on 5/8/2005.
Tribute
Page for Barbara
Classmate tributes:
"Barbara was one of this world's really superb human beings." - Jon Hugh Fleming
"She was as sweet as they come and will be missed, especially by those of you who were very close to her." - Larry Hitt
"What a truly sweet person she was. My heart goes out to her family and close friends who will miss her most." - Joanne Edmunson.
Classmate tributes:
"Barbara was one of this world's really superb human beings." - Jon Hugh Fleming
"She was as sweet as they come and will be missed, especially by those of you who were very close to her." - Larry Hitt
"What a truly sweet person she was. My heart goes out to her family and close friends who will miss her most." - Joanne Edmunson.
Kirk Bilbo
Our
classmate Roger Kirk Bilbo was born in 1940, lived in Houston all his
life, and died in his apartment there following surgery in Feb 2015.
Kirk graduated with us in 1959 and went to Univ. of Oklahoma
for
two years. His main occupation was as an accountant.
He was
divorced and had one surviving son, James Kirk Bilbo. Thanks to Rick McDowell, a good friend of Kirk's at Lamar and much later in Houston, for providing this information.
Our classmate Chris Black died on 2 February 2019 from the effects of Parkinson's Disease. A Celebration of Life was held on 11 February 2019 at the Goode Company Armadillo Palace on Kirby Blvd in Houston. From his obituary as published in the Houston Chronicle on 9 Feb 2019:
Rufus Christopher "Chris" Black returned to his heavenly home on February 2, 2019, after a valiant battle with Parkinson's disease. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. As one of his Vaquero brothers said, Chris was a man who did not have to talk about his faith because he lived it, and it
showed in the manner in which
he conducted himself.Chris was born in Houston, Texas, on February 12, 1941. He lived most of his life in Houston, and after graduation from Lamar High School, he attended the University of Texas, followed by his enlistment in the Marine Corps. He had a long career in Houston's construction industry in roof deck construction, Perlite manufacturing, and building material sales. He retired as Vice President of Marton Roofing Industries on December 31, 2018.
Chris is survived by his wife of 36 years, Dona; his sons Brandon and Owen Black; daughter Kelly Black; brother Richard Black; cousin Ben Brollier; in-laws Debra and David Brown, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Please see the full obituary here.
Natividad "Tiva" Blancas (Macks)
Natividad
“Tiva” Blancas Macks, 75 of Houston passed away
on February 17, 2016. Tiva was born in
Houston, Texas on February 24, 1940 to
Tomasa Salazar and Homero Blancas Sr. She attended Mirabeau
B. Lamar High
School and University of Houston.Tiva worked at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center with loving friends and enjoyed spending time with family, golfing, gardening, baking and sewing. Tiva was preceded in death by her loving parents, Tomasa and Homero Blancas Sr. Tiva is survived by daughter Melissa, her husband Michael, and their children Brianna and Mikayla; daughter Melanie, her husband Mohamed Amir, son-in-law Pedro, and their children Peter, Philip and Sophia; brother Homero, his wife Noel, and their children Tommy and Jerry; sister Santos, and her son John; sister Gloria and brother Lupe.
The family wishes to offer special thanks to the doctors and staff at West Houston Medical Center.
A memorial service with reception celebrating Tiva’s life held at six o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 23rd of February 2016, at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home located at 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77077.
Elizabeth Blundell (Carlton)
Elizabeth Blundell
(Carlton) passed away on May 17, 2020, in Bedford, NY. A loving
and devoted grandmother, mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend,
Elizabeth was born in Saginaw, Mich. to the late Norman and Jean
Blundell. Raised in Kansas City, MO and Houston, TX, she attended the
Lamar High School and earned her undergraduate degree at Randolph-Macon
Woman's College in Lynchburg, Va. Shortly after moving to Boston to
start her advertising career, she met and later married Richard E.
Carlton, a partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. The couple lived in
London and Brooklyn before settling in Bedford, NY where they raised their two daughters. Bari Bodden
Ms. BARI BRYCE
BODDEN - On May
17, 1941, a beautiful soul was born named Bari Bryce Bodden. Her
childhood came to a close when she graduated from Lamar High school in
1959. She continued her education at the University of Houston where
she earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism in 1963. Ms. Bodden worked
at KTRH radio, and then she moved on to become assistant editor and
illustrator at Gulf Publishing. In her personal life, she adored her
Scotties and had a passion for knowledge and people. She traveled the
world always looking for her next adventure. She always had a smile and
a story for her friends and loved ones. On Sunday, February 13, 2011,
Ms. Bodden went home with the Lord after a long fight with heart
failure. She will truly be missed by all her friends and loved ones. In
lieu of flowers, Please donate to the charity of your choice or any
local animal shelter. Thank you and God Bless.
Her funeral will be held Friday, February 18, 2011 at 2pm.
Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos Parker Blvd. North West, Taylor, TX 76574.
Her funeral will be held Friday, February 18, 2011 at 2pm.
Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos Parker Blvd. North West, Taylor, TX 76574.
Published
in Houston Chronicle on February 16, 2011
GARRY
BOGGS, (not
pictured in 1959 Orenda but
appears in our
Class Panorama Photo; possibly mid-year graduate, 1960) of Wimberley,
died on Friday, December 3, 2004. Some musician friends
informed
Larry Hitt and Tony Ulrich that Garry had a stroke some time back that
really slowed him down, but Garry still played at the Friday night jam
when he could. He died of a heart attack while taking out his
trash at his home in Wimberley on Friday about 3 pm. [see Tony Ullrich's account
under his Memory
Album entry.]
Barbara
Breedlove Seiler, 72, of Saluda, North Carolina, left this planet on
March 28, 2014. Barbara,
daughter of Iverson and Sara Breedlove of Texas and loving wife of
Robert Lewis Seiler, passed away at home facing the beauty of the woods
and mountains of North Carolina. She leaves behind a loving family that
includes Robert, Martha and David Riley, Michael and Marcia Seiler,
Sarah Seiler and four grandchildren - Scott, Tanner, Anna and Kate.
Barbara's
energy had no bounds, and she truly loved life. She was driven by a
passionate belief that there was room at the table for everyone. She
supported causes and organizations to help those less fortunate. She
worked locally to create a world that treasured the environment,
community, and justice for all.
A founding member of the Saluda Business Association, she served on the board for many years as a strong voice for the community, small business, and the arts. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We will be holding a service at St. James Episcopal Church at 766 North Main St., Hendersonville, NC, on Saturday, April 5th, 2014, at 2 pm. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Sunday, April 6th, at 3 pm at the Purple Onion at 16 Main St, Saluda, NC. This will be a pot luck event with music and laughter.
Donations
in Barbara's memory can be made to The North Carolina chapter of The
Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org)
and Four Seasons Hospice (www.fourseasonscfl.org/donate/).
An
online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos.
Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center
is in charge of arrangements.
TNC - North Carolina Chapter
334 Blackwell Street, Suite 300
Durham NC 27701
Four Seasons Development Office
571 South Allen Road
Flat Rock, NC 28731
Bette
Teachworth Brieger (Lamar '60) reports that her husband and our
classmate Ron Brieger died peacefully in the company of two of his sons
and Bette on Tuesday morning, 9 June 2020 at St. Luke's The Woodlands, TX, following 22 years with
Parkinson's disease, the end of a long journey.Paul Brindley
Our classmate Paul Brindley died 27 August 2020 on Tiki Island (Galveston), TX . Born on 9 January 1941 in Cameron, Texas, his obituary can be viewed here. This obituary appeared in the Houston Chronicle and the Galveston Daily News. Richard Browning
Richard Marion Browning, 73, passed away at home
Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. Memorial service: 11
a.m. Monday at St. Barnabas United Methodist Church in Arlington
following private interment in Emerald Hills Memorial Park in
Kennedale. Visitation: The family will receive visitors 3 to 5 p.m.
Sunday at Wade Family Funeral Home in Arlington. Memorials: Memorials
are suggested to the St. Barnabas scholarship fund or the River Legacy
Foundation. Richard was born Nov. 13, 1940, in Houston to Ralph and
Betty Browning. He graduated from Lamar High School in Houston in 1959
and received his bachelor's degree in chemistry and biology from
Southwestern University in Georgetown in 1963. He earned his Ph.D. from
the University of Florida in
1970.Richard worked for the Trinity River Authority in Arlington from 1972 until his retirement in 2011. He served on the board of directors of the River Legacy Foundation for many years and as past president of the Friends of the UTA Library. Richard was a longtime active member of St. Barnabas United Methodist Church. He loved classical music and opera and was deeply interested in military history and cartography. Survivors: His wife, Jeanie; son, Adam of Arlington; daughter, Brigette Vinton, husband, Kelly, grandson, Jake, and granddaughter, Whitney, all of Dallas; sister, Rita Mayfield and husband, James, of Austin; and brother, Baron Browning and wife, Carol, of Fond du Lac, Wis. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dfw/obituary.aspx?pid=169150791#sthash.yx9Drtem.dpuf
B. E. "Bud" Buschardt
B.E. Buschardt - Our
classmate B.E. "Bud" Buschardt was born in 19 September 1941 and died 15 March 2021 in Dallas, TX. A
well known TV and radio personality in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. You can view this video
of Bud hosting a
tour at the UNT campus and media center. His book on his TV show
Sump 'n Else is still listed on Amazon.com. Donations can
be made to a scholarship fund in Bud's name at the University of North
Texas as noted in his UNT obituary. You can read of Bud's
long teaching career at the University and his dedication to his craft
at these online memorials - probably our only classmate with a credit
in The Buddy Holly Story.Robert Eugene Callaway
ROBERT
EUGENE (Bobby) CALLAWAY,
of Houston, died on July 20, 2011, after a long battle with cancer of
the esophagus and pancreas. The family just wanted to be left
alone, and accordingly no funeral or memorial service was held, and no
obituary was published. Bob was a Lamar Redskins baseball
player. Michael Bettis, one of his friends from Lamar Class
of
1958 offered this remembrance of Bobby: "I knew
Bobby Callaway
ever since we were playing baseball during junior high school in the
old Coca Cola League. Bobby pitched for the Sam Montgomery
"Rockets" and was the most dominant pitcher in the league. I
know
I never came close to getting a base hit off him, probably striking out
every time I faced him.
Carolyn Carothers (Doege)
Our classmate Carolyn Carothers (Doege) passed away August 13, 2023.
We were informed by her brother Richard Carothers, Lamar Class of 1969.
Obituary and Memorial Video
Johnny Carothers
Our classmate Rollo Storey informs us that our classmate Carol Childress Turner passed away early Wednesday
morning, 15 December 2021 after suffering a massive stroke at 4 am,
followed by heart failure a few hours later. Carol had been
admitted to Hospital Joya (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico) a few days
earlier, diagnosed with Covid. Rollo: "Carol was a
wonderful friend to all of us. We will miss her and her
dedication to making contacts with friends." No memorial services
have yet been announced.
India Chrone (Fleming) (Seeman)
India Chrone Fleming Seeman:
Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice
Our classmate Carolyn Carothers (Doege) passed away August 13, 2023. We were informed by her brother Richard Carothers, Lamar Class of 1969. Obituary and Memorial Video
Johnny Carothers
John Henry "Johnny" Carothers,
a big-hearted and devoted father, husband, and friend, passed away
peacefully on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, with family and
friends
at his side. Johnny was born in Houston, Texas on 23
September
1941.
Johnny's kindness and love for adventure defined him. He lived life to the fullest and certainly got the most out of his 76 years, enjoying time with friends and family most of all. Always welcoming, Johnny never met a stranger and brought life to every room. Many fond memories were made as he traveled to explore his passion for hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time on the water, particularly Port Aransas. His spirit and legacy will live forever in the hearts of many. His obituary said that he attended St Stephens Episcopal High School but he graduated with the Class of 1959 of Lamar Senior High School. He attended the University of Texas where he served as rush captain of Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he met many of his closest friends. The Cadillac Bar Houston was his legacy project.
He was proceded in death by his parents, Grace and Durell Carothers, his son Patrick, his sister Drusilla, and many faithful laboradors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 5433 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77056.
Johnny's kindness and love for adventure defined him. He lived life to the fullest and certainly got the most out of his 76 years, enjoying time with friends and family most of all. Always welcoming, Johnny never met a stranger and brought life to every room. Many fond memories were made as he traveled to explore his passion for hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time on the water, particularly Port Aransas. His spirit and legacy will live forever in the hearts of many. His obituary said that he attended St Stephens Episcopal High School but he graduated with the Class of 1959 of Lamar Senior High School. He attended the University of Texas where he served as rush captain of Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he met many of his closest friends. The Cadillac Bar Houston was his legacy project.
He was proceded in death by his parents, Grace and Durell Carothers, his son Patrick, his sister Drusilla, and many faithful laboradors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 5433 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77056.
Obituary
published in Houston Chronicle on 11 Nov
2017.
Our classmate Rollo Storey informs us that our classmate Carol Childress Turner passed away early Wednesday
morning, 15 December 2021 after suffering a massive stroke at 4 am,
followed by heart failure a few hours later. Carol had been
admitted to Hospital Joya (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico) a few days
earlier, diagnosed with Covid. Rollo: "Carol was a
wonderful friend to all of us. We will miss her and her
dedication to making contacts with friends." No memorial services
have yet been announced.India Chrone (Fleming) (Seeman)
Houston Chronicle (TX) - Friday, February 3, 2006
Deceased Name: India Chrone Fleming Seeman
INDIA
CHRONE FLEMING SEEMAN, born September 29, 1941, went home to be with
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, January 27, 2006. A loving
wife, mother, "Grammy" and friend, India is survived by her adoring
husband, Jack Seeman; her son, Tom Fleming and wife Janet; her daughter
Dia Moore and husband Shannon; her 5 granddaughters, who were her
delight and joy, Lauren, Natalie, Jennifer, Katie and Jackie; and her
step-mother Vincentia Chrone. A Celebration of Life service will be
held Saturday, February 4th at 3:00 PM in the River of Life
International Worship Center, 541 Pin Oak Road, Katy, TX 77429. In lieu
of flowers, contributions may be made to Amigos de Dios Ministries,
P.O. Box 2503, Stafford, TX, 77497-2503 or the National MS Society,
P.O. Box 4585, Houston, TX 77210-4585.
Sally Clay
Sally
Clay of Lake Placid, FL passed away
April 4, 2016. Sally S. Clay was born
August 5, 1941 in Mt. Sterling,
KY, the daughter of William B. Clay, Jr. and Elizabeth Eastman Clay.
She
graduated from Lamar high school in 1959 with a scholarship to Sarah
Lawrence for her talent as a writer.Her writing and editing abilities served her well. Other beneficiaries of her great writing and editing skills were the consumer, survivor, ex-patient movement for persons with mental illnesses as well as KTD, the Buddhist Monastery in Woodstock, New York. Among her publications are Take Horses for Instance, a book of poetry, On Our Own Together, SAMHSA’s research to validate the importance of participation in consumer-run programs and translating/editing a book by the Karmopa, the spiritual leader of all Tibetan Buddhists.
A more complete obituary can be found on her Facebook page and here.
Gene Clements
J.
EUGENE CLEMENTS,
of Houston, died unexpectedly
Saturday, November 20, 1999 as a result of injuries received in a car
accident while returning from Austin. Mr. Clements
was from
a longtime Houston family.
Gene was born August 12, 1941 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston. He graduated with numerous high honors in 1959 from Lamar High School and graduated magna cum laude in 1963 from Harvard University. He was also a 1966 honors graduate of The University of Texas School of Law. Mr. Clements was the only person to ever win the National High School Debate Championship, National Collegiate Debate Championship and the National Moot Court Championship - all with different partners.
After law school, Gene was chosen to work with the law firm of Baker & Botts in Houston, where he was selected to be a partner in 1974. He then successively became a partner at the law firms of Sewell, Riggs; Porter & Clements; and Clements, O Neill, Pierce, Nickens & Wilson, L.L.P., which he co-founded in 1993. In 1974, Mr. Clements was selected by the State Bar of Texas as the Outstanding Young Lawyer in Texas. He also served as the principal litigation council for the Northern Companies in the merger that created the Enron Corporation in 1983.
Gene Clements was involved in widespread charitable and benevolent activities and also devoted much time free-of-charge to causes such as the Southhampton Civic Association, River Oaks Civic Association, Junior Bar Association and State bar Association throughout his legal career. He was one of the most respected legal advocates and also a well loved friend of many. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends and by the legal community of the City of Houston.
Mr.
Clements was preceded in death by his father Verne O. Clements, his
mother Sylvia Shields Clements and his brother Dr. Richard Owen
Clements, M.D. He is survived by his adopted son
Everett
Moore of Houston, his sister Barbara Lee Clements McCall and husband
Todd of Houston, four nieces and nephews: Richard
Owen
Clements, Jr. and wife Barbara Ann of Alexandria, Virginia; Susan
Houchins and husband James O. of Austin, Texas; Carol Clements
Whitermore and husband Brad of New York City; and William Headrick
Clements and wife Debbie of Bolton, Maine; his sister-in-law Mary
Martha Headrick Clements of Houston; and Dorwayne Clements Avery, also
of Houston.
Arrangements:
Friends
were able to call at Geo. H.
Lewis
& Sons, 1010 Bering Drive from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday,
November 23, 1999, where the family was present for
visitation. A funeral service was held at 2:00 P.M.
Wednesday, November 24, 1999 at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, 6221
Main, with The Rev. James W. Nutter, officiating. Interment
followed at Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were Edward J. O
Neill, John E. O Neill, Jesse R. Pierce, J.C. Nickens, Todd McCall,
Michael Wilk, Frost Henschon and Robert Hall.
Honorary
pallbearers were Judge Elizabeth Ray, Judge Sharolyn Wood, Evelyn
Keyes, Ruth Downs, Dorothy Marsh and the partners and employees of the
law firm of Clements, O Neill, Pierce, Nickens and Wilson.
Obituary information
for Gene Clements provided
by Alma Rosas, Online Subscriber Services Representative, Houston
Chronicle
http://www.HoustonChronicle.com
713.220.2700
online@chron.com
Our
classmate Chris Black
informed us: Dr. Jack B. Coleman, Lamar 59, passed away from cancer September 27, 2008 in Silver City, NM.
Baca's Funeral Chapels of Silver City, NM, provided only a preliminary obituary as follows; no full obit was ever published in the Silver City Press:
JACK B. COLEMAN, JR., 66 of Silver City, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at Gila Regional Medical Center.
Dick Cooksey
Richard
Lee "Dick" Cooksey
of Houston passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, 25 Sept 1994
at age 53. Dick was born on 28 Feb 1941 in Council Bluffs,
Iowa.
Dick was a graduate of Lamar High School and an alumnus and
member of the Corps of Texas A&M University, Class of 1970.
He was also a U.S. Navy Veteran and a partner in Cole-Gross
Commercial Real Estate Brokers.
The
full obituary
for Dick Cooksey is found in The Houston Chronicle,
Sept 27, 1994, Sec A, page 18.FindAGrave.com (on-line memorial).
Jo Anne Cowden (Harris)
Jo Anne Cowden was born December 9, 1941 in Jackson Mississippi to the Union of Bonnie May (Helms) Cowden and James Arthur Cowden. Jo Anne died in Willis, Texas in October 2018. She was proceeded in death by her mother Bonnie May, father, James Cowden and eldest sister, Marlynn Sue Welch.
Her family moved to Houston Texas in July 1953 where she attended Houston public schools, Lanier Junior High and Lamar High School and united with the First United Methodist Church.
She met Kennedy Lee Harris Jr. the love of her life, they joined in holy matrimony on May 13, 1961. From their union came three devoted children, Kennedy Lee Harris III, Dawn Yvette (Harris) Shelton, Michelle Lea (Harris) Flaherty. She leaves a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends to celebrate her living.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m, First United Methodist Church, 200 N Thomason St., Willis, TX 77378
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite Alzheimers Organization.
Buzzy Creekmore
Our classmate Wynne "Buzzy" Creekmore
of Houston passed away Sunday 15 June 2025 from complications resulting
from dementia, as reported by Kenny Hardin. Buzzy and '59 classmate
Carolyn Williams Hogwood lived in Danville, Kentucky for the past 25
years. Carolyn related that Buzzy had an active and rewarding
career in Family Law practice and was well-liked and respected in the
Danville community. There are no plans for a memorial service. Any provided obituary will be posted or linked here.
Nancy Culbertson (DeLorenzo)
Our classmate Nancy Culbertson (DeLorenzo) died peacefully on Sunday, 26 November 2023. Nancy graduated from the University of Texas and led a full life as documented in her obituary
which ran in the Houston Chronicle, Nov 29 - Dec 1, 2023. Below
provides one of our many memories of Nancy, this one with her at far
right as captured at our Galveston Reunion, 2014.
Bob Cumming
The
death of our classmate Bob Cumming was reported by Don Grimes and
Johnny Dull. Robert Martin "Bob" Cumming, born December 14, 1941,
passed away on November 11, 2007. He is survived by his son
Robert (wife, Carrie), his son Charles, grandchildren Kristin and
Reece, and cousin Chari. He will be deeply missed. Obituary published in Houston Chronicle on 18 Nov 2007.
Our classmate Elizabeth Vinson "Betty" Dabney (Charles), died peacefully at her home in Houston on 28 December 2021. 
Elizabeth Vinson Dabney Charles died unexpectedly but peacefully at home in Houston on Tuesday, the 28th of December 2021, from a heart attack. She was 80 years of age. Betty was born on the 6th of March 1941, in Houston, to Charles William Dabney, Jr. and Julia Vinson Dabney. She grew up in Houston and was educated at River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Middle School, and Lamar High School, attended Randolph-Macon Women's College, Lynchburg, Virginia, and graduated from The University of Texas with a BA in history where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. Upon graduation she taught history in H.I.S.D. After retiring from teaching, she worked as the executive director of the Friends of Fondren Library, Rice University. She met her husband of 35 years, Ernest Meadow Charles, through a mutual friend and they were married on the 12th of October 1985. As Ernest was British, they made many trips to England to visit his family and friends. Yearly they stayed several months in England and Wales where they maintained a residence. They enjoyed gardening and making trips around the countryside.
She also traveled to many places including Israel, Russia, Egypt, East and West Europe though her favorite was the United Kingdom, especially Scotland. Having no children of her own, Betty doted on her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed needlepointing ornaments for each one every year. Betty was an active docent at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens and was a member of the Ima Hogg Ceramic Circle, The Silver Study Society, National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Texas, the John McKnitt Alexander Chapter of the DAR, The Junior League of Houston, and St. Claire's Needlepoint Guild at St. Martin's. She especially enjoyed reading and going to lunch with the Lunch Bunch.
Betty was a gracious lady with a strong Christian faith which penetrated everything she did. Betty and Ernest attended St. Martin's Episcopal Church and she became an Episcopalian last year after a long relationship with the Presbyterian Church since birth.
Betty was predeceased by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her sister, Anne Dabney Moriniere and her husband Jack; her brother Charles William Dabney III and his wife Judy all of Houston; her nephew, David C. Moriniere and his wife Kimball of Houston; her niece, Dabney Moxham and her husband Eric of Park City, Utah; and her nephews, William Dabney and his wife Julie, and Andrew Dabney all of Houston. She is also survived by six grand-nieces and nephews, Cate and Frances Moriniere, Blake and Elise Moxham, and Charles and Emily Dabney; along with numerous cousins and friends.
A memorial service was conducted at three o'clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 11th of January, at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston. You may watch the livestreaming accessible at https://stmartinsepiscopal.org/funerals/. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in Bagby Parish Hall.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Betty's honor be directed to St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX, 77056 (stmartinsepiscopal.org); or to The Virginia Vinson Lawhon Education Fund of the Bayou Bend Garden Endowment, or Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, PO Box 6826, Houston, TX, 77265-6826.
Published by Houston Chronicle on Jan. 9, 2022. Betty's obituary on-line via Legacy
Linda Rebecca Darnell (Dull)
Linda Rebecca Darnell Dull
of Houston passed away March 14, 2011. Mrs. Dull was born December 5,
1940 in Hallettsville
TX to Jack and
Constance Darnell.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Mike Darnell. She
is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Johnny Dull; her
children, John W. Dull, Jr. & wife Christy of Houston, Deborah
A. Dull of Houston and Chris Dull
& wife Christie of Atlanta, GA.; her 5 grandchildren, Megan,
Caddie, Kathryn Mae, Conlee and Cotton; brother, Jack Darnell and
sister Bonnie K. Darnell Font as well as numerous other loving family. Linda graduated from Lamar High School in Houston and continued her education at the University of Texas and the University of Houston where she attained a Bachelors Degree in Education. She taught school at the secondary and high school levels in Houston for many years. After a few years of teaching she focused on raising her family. She was an avid sports fan, you could see her at many a sports field over the years watching her children and grand children participate in sports. She loved a good movie and singing for her family, and most of all she loved being a wife, mother and grandmother.
- FindAGrave.com On-Line Memorial Houston Chronicle Obituary 19 March 2011
Richard "Dickie" Davis
Davis, Dick age 69, of Blaine, MN,
died July 2010.
Preceded in death by parents, Malcolm and Elizabeth
Davis; and
sister, Joy. Survived by sons, Chuck, Brian (Jennifer) and Aaron;
grandchildren, Michael, Michaela and Rubyrose; sister, Charlotte
and
brother-in-law,
Bill Schmidt. Memorial visitation Monday 5-8 PM, Totino
Grace Retreat Center, 1350 Gardena Ave. NE, Fridley, MN. Dick
was a
Navy Vet,
managed DomeVision at HHH Metrodome for 25 years with a great group of
professionals. The
"GM" was a special friend of T-G Football, filming for 17 years and
a fan of
girls basketball. Memorials preferred to the family c/o of Totino Grace High School. Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000.
Published in Star Tribune on July 11, 2010
Tony Ullrich adds: "We track guys knew him as "Dickie"........ Richard ran on our 440 yd relay team... (Tony Ullrich, Dickie Davis, Pat Foley, Frank Udemi). See page 50 in our Orenda."
Our
classmate Arthur Faris informs
us: Roland
died
in a one-car accident on
Richmond just west of 610 (Windsor Plaza). He had been working as a
Chevrolet car salesman. He was a passenger in a Corvette going fast. He
was not using a seat belt; the driver was and survived. I think the
accident was in the spring of 1967. Roland sustained a massive
head injury. I remember going with his Mom to the ICU 1-2 days later
when the decision was made to discontinue the respirator. He is buried
in Memorial Oaks Cemetery on I-10. FindAGrave Memorial
Jack
Drummond
excerpts from the Houston Chronicle, published 8-10 March 2012:
JOHN
JENNINGS (JACK)
DRUMMOND, was born June 21, 1941 and passed away on Tuesday, February
28, 2012 after a year of cancer treatment.
He was a member of the class of 1959 at Lamar High School. Jack enlisted in the US Navy, serving aboard the carrier USS Antietam (CV-36) in Pensacola, FL, through 1961.
Jack and wife Betty lived in Houston, TX, and Danville, CA, during his career of more than 40 years with Gulf Oil and Chevron. He retired to Katy, TX, in 1996.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was always willing to help others, especially in his field of information technology. Jack was meticulous in everything, yet known for his good humor and fun-loving nature. He enjoyed fishing with his daughter Jennifer, and birding with his friends. He retained close friendships with many of those with whom he had grown up in Houston.
Jack will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. He is survived by daughter Jennifer Drummond and husband Joseph Lockett; sister Diane Reeves; brother Mike Drummond and wife Jean; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Jack was preceded in death by Betty Sterrett Drummond, his wife of nearly 40 years.
A memorial service in Jack's honor will be Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM in The Morrow Chapel, at The Settegast-Kopf Funeral Directors @ Sugar Creek, 15015 Southwest Frwy (Williams Trace exit), Sugar Land, 77478.
Paul Duggan
Johnny Dull
Our
classmate Johnny Dull died on 1 June 2021 in Houston. Born John
William Dull on 15 January 1941 in Kansas City, MO to William Lee and
Wilma Kearns Dull, he attended both University of Texas and University
of Houston. He started his own company John Dull & Company in
1973 to further his real estate business. Johnny had many
lifelong friends from his time at Lamar. The Alzheimer's Association of
Houston has this special page for donations in Johnny's name. His obituary is posted here and his memorial services at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church on 11 June 2021 may be viewed here.
Kirby
Dupree
Following
is one of two articles from
the NASA
Manned Spacecraft Center ROUNDUP (internal newsletter) from 1972 on the
death of Kirby Dupree in a battery explosion [Houston, TX]:
_____________
Battery Design Blamed in Blast That Killed Man
Faulty design of a water-tight battery enclosure used in underwater astronaut training has been pinpointed as the primary contributing factor to an explosion which killed one man and injured another.
The accident investigation board said that the battery enclosure was not designed to eliminate explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen and ignition sources, but rather to withstand high internal pressures.
In reconstructing the events leading up on the accident, the investigation board determined that an explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in the battery was detonated when a switch was closed.
The [Tuesday] February 29 [1972] battery explosion killed Kirby C. Dupree [31] and injured James E. Scott, both employees of Brown & Root-Northrop.
Dan Durst
Our
classmate Larry Hitt
informs us:
We
learned today [29
Feb 2012] that our
good friend
and classmate Jack Drummond passed away last night around 6 P.M.
following a year
long battle with prostate cancer and B cell lymphoma. He was
so
optimistic
during his chemo treatment and confident he could beat it. If
the
outcome
could have been determined by attitude alone, he most certainly would
have.
Unfortunately an infection set in several weeks ago that could not be
overcome. His daughter Jennifer is planning a memorial
service
for this weekend
or next, probably at a funeral home in Sugarland – details to follow
later.
excerpts from the Houston Chronicle, published 8-10 March 2012:
JOHN
JENNINGS (JACK)
DRUMMOND, was born June 21, 1941 and passed away on Tuesday, February
28, 2012 after a year of cancer treatment.He was a member of the class of 1959 at Lamar High School. Jack enlisted in the US Navy, serving aboard the carrier USS Antietam (CV-36) in Pensacola, FL, through 1961.
Jack and wife Betty lived in Houston, TX, and Danville, CA, during his career of more than 40 years with Gulf Oil and Chevron. He retired to Katy, TX, in 1996.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was always willing to help others, especially in his field of information technology. Jack was meticulous in everything, yet known for his good humor and fun-loving nature. He enjoyed fishing with his daughter Jennifer, and birding with his friends. He retained close friendships with many of those with whom he had grown up in Houston.
Jack will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. He is survived by daughter Jennifer Drummond and husband Joseph Lockett; sister Diane Reeves; brother Mike Drummond and wife Jean; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Jack was preceded in death by Betty Sterrett Drummond, his wife of nearly 40 years.
A memorial service in Jack's honor will be Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM in The Morrow Chapel, at The Settegast-Kopf Funeral Directors @ Sugar Creek, 15015 Southwest Frwy (Williams Trace exit), Sugar Land, 77478.
Paul Duggan
Paul Duggan
passed away in January 2018 afte
r
a 5-month battle with bone marrow cancer. He died, with his wife Karen,
and his two daughters Kelly and Shannon, by his side at Palomar
Hospital in Escondido California.
Paul was truly loved by so many, which was shown during his Celebration of Life on April 3, 2018, at Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The nine speakers all mentioned that Paul "was the smartest person they had ever known" -- his love for all music, cooking, reading, and his Electrical Engineering degrees, made Paul a very interesting and loved man.
Paul was born and raised in Houston, Texas, before earning his Electrical Engineering degree from Texas Tech in Lubbock in 1963. He married Sally Stuart in 1961, and they moved to The Bay Area in San Jose/San Francisco where Paul worked for IBM for 20 years. They divorced after 5 years. In 1969 Paul married Susan Haigh of Port Townsend, Washington. They raised their two daughters, Kelly and Shannon, in the San Jose area, until their divorce 10 years later. In 1989 Paul met Karen Meyer of Vista, California, and they married on November 24, 1990. After leaving IBM, Paul was a co-founder of a start-up in San Jose, "CalNet". In 1987 Paul moved to Irvine, California, working for Western Digital, where he met Karen in December 1988. In 1990 Western Digital sold Paul's networking division to Standard Microsystems Corporation in New York.
r
a 5-month battle with bone marrow cancer. He died, with his wife Karen,
and his two daughters Kelly and Shannon, by his side at Palomar
Hospital in Escondido California. Paul was truly loved by so many, which was shown during his Celebration of Life on April 3, 2018, at Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The nine speakers all mentioned that Paul "was the smartest person they had ever known" -- his love for all music, cooking, reading, and his Electrical Engineering degrees, made Paul a very interesting and loved man.
Paul was born and raised in Houston, Texas, before earning his Electrical Engineering degree from Texas Tech in Lubbock in 1963. He married Sally Stuart in 1961, and they moved to The Bay Area in San Jose/San Francisco where Paul worked for IBM for 20 years. They divorced after 5 years. In 1969 Paul married Susan Haigh of Port Townsend, Washington. They raised their two daughters, Kelly and Shannon, in the San Jose area, until their divorce 10 years later. In 1989 Paul met Karen Meyer of Vista, California, and they married on November 24, 1990. After leaving IBM, Paul was a co-founder of a start-up in San Jose, "CalNet". In 1987 Paul moved to Irvine, California, working for Western Digital, where he met Karen in December 1988. In 1990 Western Digital sold Paul's networking division to Standard Microsystems Corporation in New York.
Paul continued on as a Senior Vice-President for SMC's networking
division out of Irvine. In 1996 Paul retired from the computer and
networking industry. He and Karen moved from Irvine to Truckee,
California, in the Sierra mountains, and lived there for 17 years from
1996-2012. In 2012 Paul and Karen moved to San Diego, Karen's hometown.
Paul is survived by his wife Karen, and his two daughters: Kelly (Lake Stevens, WA) and Shannon (Edmonds, WA), and his three grandchildren: William, Emma and Hayden.
Paul is survived by his wife Karen, and his two daughters: Kelly (Lake Stevens, WA) and Shannon (Edmonds, WA), and his three grandchildren: William, Emma and Hayden.
Johnny Dull
Our
classmate Johnny Dull died on 1 June 2021 in Houston. Born John
William Dull on 15 January 1941 in Kansas City, MO to William Lee and
Wilma Kearns Dull, he attended both University of Texas and University
of Houston. He started his own company John Dull & Company in
1973 to further his real estate business. Johnny had many
lifelong friends from his time at Lamar. The Alzheimer's Association of
Houston has this special page for donations in Johnny's name. His obituary is posted here and his memorial services at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church on 11 June 2021 may be viewed here.Following
is one of two articles from
the NASA
Manned Spacecraft Center ROUNDUP (internal newsletter) from 1972 on the
death of Kirby Dupree in a battery explosion [Houston, TX]: _____________
Battery Design Blamed in Blast That Killed Man
Faulty design of a water-tight battery enclosure used in underwater astronaut training has been pinpointed as the primary contributing factor to an explosion which killed one man and injured another.
The accident investigation board said that the battery enclosure was not designed to eliminate explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen and ignition sources, but rather to withstand high internal pressures.
In reconstructing the events leading up on the accident, the investigation board determined that an explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in the battery was detonated when a switch was closed.
The [Tuesday] February 29 [1972] battery explosion killed Kirby C. Dupree [31] and injured James E. Scott, both employees of Brown & Root-Northrop.
Dan Durst
Dan
Durst: Classmate Rollo Storey has informed us that
Dan Durst died in San Antonio on 1 July 2009 after living
many
years with severe back pain.
"Dan died at the home he was in in San Antonio where they had moved him
when his apt. flooded in the hurricane last year.....he had a fairly
tragic number of years but was always a very loyal friend to me so I
cannot help feeling very sad about it......I know he was very lonely in
San Antonio not knowing anyone and it was a strange city to him but he
is out of his pain now.....just thought you would want to
know...." Larry Hitt adds that Dan had
debilitating
back problems for many years and was on Social Security
Disability. Roberts
Elementary
Susan Ellis (Cooper)
Born
in Houston on 20 January 1942, Susan Ellis (Cooper) died peacefully
in Dallas on 14 April 2023. Susan attended TCU in Ft Worth where
she met Charles M. Cooper III, her husband of 53 years until Charlie's
death in 2015. Obituary: Published by Dallas Morning News on Apr. 23, 2023.
Stephen Engberg
Stephen
Bernhardt
Engberg
was born May 31, 1941 in Mineole, New York.His family moved to Houston, Texas in 1948. He graduated from Lamar High school with honors in 1959, and went on to Rice University. In 1964, he graduated with honors with a Masters in Architecture. Then he joined the Peace Corps.
He was first sent to East Pakistan. The day before he was going to visit Lahore, West Pakistan to see the dentist, was the day the Civil War between the 2 Pakistans began with the bombing of Lahore. Stephen traveled to the Philippines until the Peace Corps decided where to send him next. The night before he was to climb a volcano, it erupted & the villagers ran for their lives! Next Stephen went to Teheran, Iran where he was to design a luxury hotel for the Shah's family's 500 Anniversary Celebration.
Upon
returning to the United
States after the Peace Corps, Stephen enrolled in the University of
Texas Law School. Upon completion of his first year, Uncle
Sam
asked him to join US Aid for International Development. He
was
sent to Putney, Vermont to learn Vietnamese for a year. Then
he
was sent to the Mekong Delta region to deliver chickens to the village
people, and determine who were the people with real power in the
villages. Then he was sent to Saigon, where he ran
informative
weekly polls of the countryside to discover the movements of men
&
materiel. The information was forwarded on to the Ambassador
& the American military. Stephen left Vietnam on one
of the
last helicopters to leave the embassy roof at the fall of the South
Vietnamese.
Back in the US, Stephen worked for the Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. When he left the State Department, he moved to San Francisco to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. After his father died and his mother needed help, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to help her through her last years. Stephen died February 23, 1993. [This information was provided by Marion Johnson (Engberg), Stephen's sister, August 19, 2009.]
Back in the US, Stephen worked for the Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. When he left the State Department, he moved to San Francisco to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. After his father died and his mother needed help, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to help her through her last years. Stephen died February 23, 1993. [This information was provided by Marion Johnson (Engberg), Stephen's sister, August 19, 2009.]
Lana Feagin (Stripling)
Risë Finch (Stewart)
Jon Hugh Fleming
Our classmate Jon Hugh Fleming died on 27 March 2025, as reported in the Texas Journal of Philosophy. His wife Cheryl Fleming provided the following:
"Dr. Jon H.Fleming died peacefully at home on March 27 after a difficult recovery from surgery. A private family memorial service is planned. Instead of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to hospicebv.org Hospice Brazos Valley, in Jon's honor.
Jon loved the legacy of Lamar: his lifelong and Lamar specific friends. Many of those who went on to continue friendships at Southern Methodist University and beyond. The time he and I gathered with this group were always fine times. Please know those friendships and times of fellowship were significant to him."
Neta Lois Frazier (Seiber)
Born
in Houston on 17 June 1941, Lana Feagin Stripling died peacefully
in Dallas on 12 December 2020. Lana led a full and accomplished
life while teaching at the June Shelton
School in Dallas, writing several books on the subject of Developmental
Motor and Handwriting Programs. Prior to our 50th Reunion, she
submitted these memories of Lamar. Obituary: Dallas Morning News Obituary 20 December 2020
School in Dallas, writing several books on the subject of Developmental
Motor and Handwriting Programs. Prior to our 50th Reunion, she
submitted these memories of Lamar. Obituary: Dallas Morning News Obituary 20 December 2020 [Lana's obituary link was provided
by our Roberts Elementary classmate Ellen Rothermel (Stewart), December 20, 2020.]
Risë Finch (Stewart)
Risë
Landi Stewart, 63, a loving wife, daughter,
mother, grandmother and friend, passed away
Tuesday, April 27, 2004, at home [in Fort Worth, TX],
surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with ovarian
cancer.
Risë was born in Opelousas, La. She moved to Fort Worth, where she raised her family. In 1981, she married the love of her life Bob "BJ" Stewart. Her passion for the mountains lead her and her husband to Colorado, where they shared a beautiful life together, hiking with their dogs, reading and watching sunsets together. Rise attended Stevens College in Missouri and graduated from Texas Christian University with degrees in theology and philosophy. She retired from Finger Furniture Company, where she was an interior designer. A woman of extraordinary spirituality and intellect, she was an inspiration to all who knew her. She taught us what love is and what kind of energy we should give to the universe. She was a genuine, sincere, nonjudgemental, kind spirit. She imparted in us all a quest for life and knowledge. She was know as "Bobbie" to her six grandchildren, whom she cherished with all her heart. Her spirit will live on for an eternity in all who have had the privilege of knowing such a truly loving soul.
Survivors:
Husband, Bob Stewart; mother, Pat Finger Goodall of
Houston; daughter, Teddi, and husband, Doug, of Fort Worth, Peppi and
husband,
Fred, of Bellaire; son, Kevin and wife, Ember, of Glen Rose; and
grandchildren,
Landi, Leigh, Sam, Rivers, Ben, Tegan.
Published in Star-Telegram from Apr. 29 to Apr. 30, 2004
Risë's
Celebration
of Life was held Friday, 30 April 2004 at 11:30
a.m. in Greenwood Chapel.
Burial: Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday 29
April 2004 at Greenwood
Funeral Home.
Jon Hugh Fleming
Our classmate Jon Hugh Fleming died on 27 March 2025, as reported in the Texas Journal of Philosophy. His wife Cheryl Fleming provided the following:"Dr. Jon H.Fleming died peacefully at home on March 27 after a difficult recovery from surgery. A private family memorial service is planned. Instead of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to hospicebv.org Hospice Brazos Valley, in Jon's honor.
Jon loved the legacy of Lamar: his lifelong and Lamar specific friends. Many of those who went on to continue friendships at Southern Methodist University and beyond. The time he and I gathered with this group were always fine times. Please know those friendships and times of fellowship were significant to him."
Neta Lois Frazier (Seiber)
NETA
FRAZIER SEIBER
is being brought home to rest beside her parents, Dr. Bazelle &
Lois Frazier. Neta was born January 2, 1942 and passed away
on
July 13, 1998 in Alabama. She is survived by her husband, Don
Seiber; sister, Jane Frazier; nieces, Jeanie & Gavin Bengel
&
daughter Brooke, Jill & Randy Milkovisch & daughters
Ava &
Macy; nephew, Glen & Michelle Frazier; numerous cousins and
friends. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM on
Friday,
June 15, 2007 at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.
Obituary
from Houston Chronicle , 2007 Beth Gainey (Gay)
Our classmate Beth Gainey (Gay) died
peacefully on 16 March 2024 in a Memory Care Unit in Tyler, TX. Beth
was a graduate of both SMU (undergrad) and Texas (Masters) and taught
elementary school for many years before retiring as an
assistant
principal in Beamont. A dear friend to many, Beth will be remembered and
missed.
A well-written obituary and beautiful remembrance video can be viewed here.
Don Gartner
DONALD
H. GARTNER JR., 45 of Houston, died September 8, 1986. Mr.
Gartner was a native and lifelong resident of Houston.
Graduate
of Lamar High School and University of Texas. Mr. Gartner was
formerly associated with University Savings and San Jacinto
Savings. He was President of and member of the Board of
Directors
of Sun Savings Association and was Elder and Deacon of St. Philip
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gartner was a member of The Board of
DePelchin Childrens Center, the Houston Homeowners Association, and a
member of the Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas, District
4-D. He was a member of the Board of Houston Achievement
Place
and was Treasurer of the Board of Oaks at Briargrove School.
He
was a member of the Finance Committee of The Houston Club and Lee High
Parents Advisory Committee. A member of the Paul Revere
Middle
School Parent Advisory Committee. Mr. Gartner also served on the
Grievance Committee of the Greater Houston Builders Association.
Survivors: Wife, Meredith Ingram Gartner; daughters, Kelly and Susan Gartner; parents Donald M. (Budde) and Dorothy Jean Gartner; sister and brother-in-law, Glen and Blair Waltrip; brother, Harvey Gartner brother and sister-in- law. Gary and Susan Gartner, all of Houston; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Survivors also include beloved friends. George and Mary Jalonick of Dallas. Friends may call at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive after 1 00 p.m. Tuesday. Private graveside services will be held for the family only. Memorial services l1:00 a.m: Wednesday, St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe with Rev. William Ross Forbes and Rev. .Joseph O. Rand Jr. officiating. For those desiring, contributions may be made to the DePelchin Children's Center or the Houston Achievement Place. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 00 p.m. until 9;00 p.m. Tuesday evening. [obituary printed in Houston Chronicle]
DONALD
GRIMES, 75 of Argyle, TX die
d on the evening of
December 7, 2016.
His wife Stephanie
reports that she drove him to the hospital after
dinner, and he died there from a
massive heart attack. Don's body was cremated, and Stephanie
held a Celebration of Life for
him at their home in Argyle, just
outside of Denton, which is
what Don wanted, in early
January 2017 - the program is shown at right. Their two
granddaughters returned to the Grimes home from Kansas to be
with
Stephanie at that time.
Barbara Pickard reports on the program: "Stephanie held the celebration at their home in Argyle on January 14, 2017. I did talk to her, but did not get to Argyle. Don and I were very close and we talked for some time the night before he died. I am going to miss him very much as we spoke several times during a week. I hope to stay in touch with Stephanie, this has been very hard on her. She provided the program for me."
John
(born
June 27, 1941) would have been a member of the class of 1959.
However, he contracted liver cancer and died after a long illness on
August 9, 1958. His funeral was at Bethany United Methodist
Church. He is buried in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in
Houston. He was survived by his parents, Carmon L. and
Frances
Greenwood, and a brother, Robert Greenwood.
(Information provided by our classmate Kimball McMahan, who
adds: "John will be remembered
by
many. My parents and his parents were friends and John and I
knew
each other as small boys and later at Lamar. My next door
neighbor, Mrs. Mira Sanders (taught geometry and solid geometry at
Lamar) thought John was a brilliant boy (he was) and was devastated on
his death.")
Our classmate Beth Gainey (Gay) died
peacefully on 16 March 2024 in a Memory Care Unit in Tyler, TX. Beth
was a graduate of both SMU (undergrad) and Texas (Masters) and taught
elementary school for many years before retiring as an assistant
principal in Beamont. A dear friend to many, Beth will be remembered and
missed. A well-written obituary and beautiful remembrance video can be viewed here.
Don Gartner
DONALD
H. GARTNER JR., 45 of Houston, died September 8, 1986. Mr.
Gartner was a native and lifelong resident of Houston.
Graduate
of Lamar High School and University of Texas. Mr. Gartner was
formerly associated with University Savings and San Jacinto
Savings. He was President of and member of the Board of
Directors
of Sun Savings Association and was Elder and Deacon of St. Philip
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gartner was a member of The Board of
DePelchin Childrens Center, the Houston Homeowners Association, and a
member of the Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas, District
4-D. He was a member of the Board of Houston Achievement
Place
and was Treasurer of the Board of Oaks at Briargrove School.
He
was a member of the Finance Committee of The Houston Club and Lee High
Parents Advisory Committee. A member of the Paul Revere
Middle
School Parent Advisory Committee. Mr. Gartner also served on the
Grievance Committee of the Greater Houston Builders Association.Survivors: Wife, Meredith Ingram Gartner; daughters, Kelly and Susan Gartner; parents Donald M. (Budde) and Dorothy Jean Gartner; sister and brother-in-law, Glen and Blair Waltrip; brother, Harvey Gartner brother and sister-in- law. Gary and Susan Gartner, all of Houston; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Survivors also include beloved friends. George and Mary Jalonick of Dallas. Friends may call at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive after 1 00 p.m. Tuesday. Private graveside services will be held for the family only. Memorial services l1:00 a.m: Wednesday, St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe with Rev. William Ross Forbes and Rev. .Joseph O. Rand Jr. officiating. For those desiring, contributions may be made to the DePelchin Children's Center or the Houston Achievement Place. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 00 p.m. until 9;00 p.m. Tuesday evening. [obituary printed in Houston Chronicle]
Mrs. Rosamond Glosup
Don Grimes
Mrs.
ROSAMOND GLOSUP died
October 8, 1993. Mrs Glosup was one of our favorite teachers,
directing Mixed Chorus at Lamar for many years. She was born
on 7
Nov 1906 in Alamo, Crockett County, Tennessee to Troy H. Avery and
Sarah L. Smith. She is interred in Alamo City Cemetery,
Alamo,
Crockett County, TN. Her FindAGrave memorial is found here.
Our
classmate Tony
(Anton) Ulrich had great memories of Mrs. Glosup: "Having
come from Pershing Jr. High, my first experience with group
singing was the mixed chorus, there, under the direction of Mrs.
Virginia Perkins. I loved that class, that first time of singing with
others, in an organized group. That love of group singing carried over
to Lamar, and the mixed chorus under Mrs. Rosamund Glosup, a great
lady, and a huge influence on my high school life. Most of my
specific memories are faded, but I do count those class times as some
of my happiest times in school. One memory that I’ll never
forget, and someone else might also remember; Mrs. Glosup had chosen a
really hard piece, that I believe was titled; “Ho Spo Dee Po
Milwee.” Not sure what language that was, but it was difficult to
perform. We practiced and we practiced ……. The musical piece was
accapella, and it modulated many times. Well, We performed it one time,
in the Lamar auditorium, at some function ( someone help me, here), and
we got off, off-timing, off-key, off- everything. It was
tough
going, for what seemed eternity. Mrs. Glosup just stood there
and
pulled us along, and somehow, near the end, we got back on track and
finished, on-key, together. Whew !!!! Mrs. Glosup was a great lady."
Our classmate Larry Hitt may have been the last member of our class to visit with Mrs. Glosup. Larry tells us: " I remember taking her to dinner and a performance of the Brahms Requiem not too long before she died. So glad that I did. We had a great time going down memory lane that night."
David H. Goncharoff died unexpectedly on 22 March 2004 in San Mateo, CA. "Wonderful, warm, caring man" who worked at SRI International for many years. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 34 years, Barbara J.; his son Daniel (wife Erin); and sister Marlene Goncharoff. A longtime resident of San Mateo County, CA, he was born in Philadelphia, PA on 1 July 1940. He was a member of Temple Beth-El in San Mateo, where a private service in his memory was held. His colleague Carolyn Terrill of San Jose, CA spoke kindly of him, and stated that he had attended High School in Texas.
Funeral services: Sneider & Sullivan Funeral Home, 650-343-1804.
Obituary published in the San Mateo County Times, 3/25/2004.
Note:
Our classmate Larry Hitt may have been the last member of our class to visit with Mrs. Glosup. Larry tells us: " I remember taking her to dinner and a performance of the Brahms Requiem not too long before she died. So glad that I did. We had a great time going down memory lane that night."
David H. Goncharoff died unexpectedly on 22 March 2004 in San Mateo, CA. "Wonderful, warm, caring man" who worked at SRI International for many years. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 34 years, Barbara J.; his son Daniel (wife Erin); and sister Marlene Goncharoff. A longtime resident of San Mateo County, CA, he was born in Philadelphia, PA on 1 July 1940. He was a member of Temple Beth-El in San Mateo, where a private service in his memory was held. His colleague Carolyn Terrill of San Jose, CA spoke kindly of him, and stated that he had attended High School in Texas.
Funeral services: Sneider & Sullivan Funeral Home, 650-343-1804.
Obituary published in the San Mateo County Times, 3/25/2004.
Note:
Don Grimes
DONALD
GRIMES, 75 of Argyle, TX died on the evening of
December 7, 2016.
His wife Stephanie
reports that she drove him to the hospital after
dinner, and he died there from a
massive heart attack. Don's body was cremated, and Stephanie
held a Celebration of Life for
him at their home in Argyle, just
outside of Denton, which is
what Don wanted, in early
January 2017 - the program is shown at right. Their two
granddaughters returned to the Grimes home from Kansas to be
with
Stephanie at that time.Barbara Pickard reports on the program: "Stephanie held the celebration at their home in Argyle on January 14, 2017. I did talk to her, but did not get to Argyle. Don and I were very close and we talked for some time the night before he died. I am going to miss him very much as we spoke several times during a week. I hope to stay in touch with Stephanie, this has been very hard on her. She provided the program for me."
John
(born
June 27, 1941) would have been a member of the class of 1959.
However, he contracted liver cancer and died after a long illness on
August 9, 1958. His funeral was at Bethany United Methodist
Church. He is buried in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in
Houston. He was survived by his parents, Carmon L. and
Frances
Greenwood, and a brother, Robert Greenwood.
(Information provided by our classmate Kimball McMahan, who
adds: "John will be remembered
by
many. My parents and his parents were friends and John and I
knew
each other as small boys and later at Lamar. My next door
neighbor, Mrs. Mira Sanders (taught geometry and solid geometry at
Lamar) thought John was a brilliant boy (he was) and was devastated on
his death.")
Sabra Hall (Gill)
Sabra
H. Gill, a prominent public relations executive and civic
leader
who helped establish scholarships for Houston-area students of
communications, advertising and marketing, has died. She was 68.
Bill Hamlett
Robert Hammann
William
Robert "Bob" Hammann Jr died in College Station, TX on 12 May 2023.
His wife Betty and Bob had moved from Houston to College Station
in 2015 to be closer to family. Bob
was on the Debate Team with Gene Clements and Mike Hall, and on the
Lamar baseball team that played for the State Championship in 1959.
During the summer he was a lifeguard at the Shamrock Hilton Hotel. Please see Bob's full obituary.
Obituary
Barbara Hoffman Johnson
Barbara Hoffman Johnson
passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on
Friday, November 16, 2018 after waging a courageous battle with cancer.
Barbara was a 
beautiful
person inside and out, talented, thoughtful, adventuresome, and dearly
loved her family and
friends. She also held a special place in her heart for all animals.
Barbara was born on September 25, 1940 in Orange, New Jersey. She moved with her family to Houston in 1952 and attended Lanier Junior High and Lamar High School. Barbara then attended Stephens College and SMU and majored in music. While attending SMU, she was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Barbara was a gifted and talented professional singer and performer. She had a beautiful voice and presence. She shared her beautiful gift and brought great joy to many with her voice. After college in 1962, Barbara headed to New York City to pursue her singing career. While in New York, as an oratorio and concert soloist, she performed leads in several summer stock musicals and operettas in the New England area. She also performed leading roles with the Metropolitan Opera Studio with credits including Musetta (La Boheme), Lauretta (Gianni Schiccii) and Cio Cio San (Madame Butterfly). Barbara was also chosen as a soloist to sing with Placido Domingo in concert at Carnegie Hall and as the principle soloist on the National Tour with the Whit/Lo Singers. Barbara returned to Texas in 1976 to be near her family and sang with The Houston Grand Opera. She was a featured soloist at the Great Caruso for 20 years, performed Broadway Operetta Reviews at Ovations and she was the lead singer with The Jr. League Singing Sustainers.
Barbara was an avid volunteer. She was a member of the Junior League in both New York City and Houston. She was a member of the Magic Circle Republican Women's Club and served as a volunteer for many Republican campaigns and a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Barbara was a past chairman and vice president for the Houston Grand Opera Guild where she served tirelessly. She was a patron of The Moores School of Music at the University of Houston and The Houston Zoo. She was a member of The Houston Tuesday Musical Club and was often a soloist for them. Barbara loved to travel and had a great sense of adventure. She enjoyed the Texas Hill Country with her close friends and traveling throughout Europe and the U.S.
Her passionate love of animals took her twice to Africa for photo safaris. However, her favorite place was her treasured beach house in Galveston. There she took many heartfelt and long walks on the beach with her sister June. There she spent many hours relaxing on the beach and swimming in the Gulf. And it was here, where she watched her nephews and their families play and grow-up. She celebrated holidays and events and created special memories with her family, friends and her beloved cocker spaniels.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Herrick Hoffman and Beth Boggess Olsen, her loving husband of 18 years, James Merritte Johnson, and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Anthony Kangieser. She is survived by her love of 16 years, Carl Ahrens, her sister and best friend, June Hoffman Kangieser, her three nephews who loved and cherished her; Ken and Julie Kangieser, Brad and Melissa Kangieser, and Jeff and Faith Kangieser. Barbara was also blessed with grand nieces and nephews; Morgan Kangieser, Drew Kangieser and wife Kassandra, Kendall Kangieser, Zachary Kangieser, and Thomas Kangieser. She also leaves behind her loving dog, Bentley, who she absolutely adored.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 2540 River Oaks Blvd. Special thanks go out to Dr. Michael Beavers and his team at MD Anderson Cancer Center and the companionate caregivers. The family asks that any donations can be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) or the charity of your choice.
Bill Holman
Miss Hollingsworth
Our
chemistry teacher and one of our best remembered teachers, Miss Marcile
Hollingsworth, died 26 Sept 2014 at age 90.
Miss Hollingsworth
was born April 4, 1924 in Limestone County, Texas.
She was a
longtime teacher and administrator in the Houston Independent School
District, and highly respected and loved by our Class. She
was
interred in the Houston National Cemetery.
Her obituary was
published in the Houston Chronicle on 8 Oct 2014, and can be viewed
here. Her FindAGrave memorial is here.
The HISD blog on her passing can be found here.
Miss Hollingsworth had a remarkable career. What we didn't know: Following her graduation as a chemistry major from the Univ of Texas in 1943, she entered military service in the Navy WAVES, and had the responsiblity of teaching trigonometry to Navy Ordance units. Miss Hollingsworth served within HISD as Director of Science for all grades. In this position, she wrote HISD's curriculum guides and laboratory guides for chemistry and physical science, and it was because of her efforts that HISD created the Oceanography Department, which later grew into the Living Resource Center . She helped to establish a program at UT called UTeach which combined the science side of the house with the school of education, allowing students to graduate with a Teachers Certificate in addition to their science degree. She retired in 1980. The HISD created the Hollingsworth Science Center, named in her honor in October 2001 and operated on 2.4 acres in the south region of the Houston metropolitan area, adjacent to Butler Stadium out South Main. Despite failing health at that time, Miss Hollingsworth attended the opening ceremony, along with her family. On 20 Nov 2014, her brother Grant and former colleague and Lamar Chemistry teacher Florine Carr presented the US flag from Miss Hollingsworth's interment ceremont at the National Cemetery to the Science Center for display in the case beneath her portrait. Information courtesy of Miss Hollingsworth's brother Grant of Grapevine, TX and Florine Carr of Houston.
Our classmates all seem to remember Miss Hollingsworth. Joanne Edmundson recalls, "I remember her well as a big, imposing, no-nonsense teacher. Reading the obituary, I realize she would have had to be younger than she appeared to me." Larry Hitt remembers, "She was one of our favorite teachers and a positive influence on so many Lamar kids." Three classmates specifically mention her in our Memory Album, including Jere Wicker who states, "Ms. Hollingsworth was great - so great that not long after we graduated, HISD bosses kicked her upstairs to the administrative head office. Such a shame to deprive students of her brilliance."
In her honor, we have added her to our Electronic Orenda, the first teacher so honored.
Linda Hudson
Linda Hudson died
peacefully in her sleep on October 7, 2023 after a length stay in a nursing care unit in Kyle, Texas. Linda lived a full life, being inducted as a Houston Debutante before heading
off to Newcomb-Tulane University in New Orleans. She later pursued her Masters Degree
in Psychology at the University of Houston to launch her career as a
therapist with the Houston Independent School District. Orenda page Obituary
Meredith Ingram (Gartner)
Meredith
Ingram
Gartner died on the 19th
of October 2012 in
Houston, Texas. She was 71. Meredith was born in
Houston on
the 15th of May 1941, the only child of Ernest Willie and Mary Doll
Oldham Ingram. She graduated from Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in 1959
and obtained a degree in English from Rice University in 1963. She
married Donald H. Gartner, Jr. in 1964, and they had two daughters,
Kelly and Susan. Before having children, Meredith taught first grade at
Rummel Creek Elementary; later, she taught third grade at Briargrove
Elementary, retiring in 2001.
Meredith loved and cared deeply about her family and friends. She was a grammar advisor, consummate list-maker, and champion shopper. She delighted in finding just the right gift for a new baby or a friend's birthday. Meredith instilled an ardor for reading and learning in her daughters, who promise to continue her legacy with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling, cherishing recent trips to Paris and Hawaii. An elder at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Meredith volunteered with Kids' Meals and coordinated the annual Christmas gift drive for low-income families.
Preceded in death by her parents and husband, Meredith is survived by her daughter, Kelly Gartner of Houston; and her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Pete Leonardson and their children, Anna Jane and Luke of Seattle. Her little dog, Coco, was her devoted companion.
"We adored our mother. She was thoughtful, generous, courageous, and resilient. She was a two-time cancer survivor before succumbing to peritoneal cancer after a three-year battle. Mom participated in a research study at MD Anderson; we knew her disease was incurable, but the study drug and Mom's determination enabled her to live almost three years after her diagnosis, granting her precious time with her grandchildren. We are indebted to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at MD Anderson, particularly to Dr. Jennifer Wheler and Forlisa Nauling, RN, in the Clinical Center for Targeted Therapy and to the Palliative Care team for their commitment to finding new ways to treat difficult cancers and to manage the symptoms of treatment. Houston Hospice was invaluable during Mom's last days. So many friends and family members sustained our mom and us during her illness, but we are especially grateful to Susan Gartner, Jane Lee, Ariel Washington, and Margie Johnson."
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six until eight o'clock in the evening on Monday, the 22nd of October, in the drawing room at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The memorial service will be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 23rd of October, at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe Road in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. John W. Wurster is to officiate.
Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial donations may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX, 77210-4486, www.mdanderson.org/gifts.
John B. Jamison
Dr.
John Bryant Jamison was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty
while serving as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in Coconino Co. (Flagstaff),
Arizona on 6 Sept 1982, at the age of 40. The report on that
tragic slaying can be found at his FindAGrave.com
memorial. At the time of his death, he was a radiologist
(M.D.) with Northern Arizona Radiology.
John Bryant Jamison was born on 24 Nov 1941 in Houston. After graduating from Lamar, he attended the University of Texas and went into their medical school program in 1962. He married the former Terry Lynne Cooper on 22 Jun 1968 in Houston. John's obituary is here.
John's tragic death was extensively covered in the SUN paper of Flagstaff. Please click here for a page of tributes to John with images of some articles from the (Flagstaff) Arizona Sun.
JAMES FREDERICK JANSSEN, a lovingfather
and
brother, born in Magnolia, Arkansas in 1940, passed away on
September 30, 2004. He is preceded in death by his parents Lurene
Emilie Janssen and Bruce Henry Janssen. Jim is survived by his two
daughters Jennifer Leah Janssen and Adrian Michele Lewis and his
brother Bruce William Janssen. He graduated from Lamar High School
in Houston, Texas. He was a Navy veteran and graduated from Sam
Houston State University. Jim loved fishing, hunting, history,
astronomy,
and reading. He will be loved and missed dearly by many friends and
family. Burial Service was held at
Veterans' Houston National Cemetery- Pavilion, 10410 Veterans
Memorial Parkway with reception following. In lieu of flowers, please
make donations to the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical
Center, Attn: Volunteer Dept., 2002 Holcombe Blvd.
Gail Jordan (Brown)
GAIL
JORDAN
(BROWN), of Houston, passed away on March 25, 1997. Gail was
a
graduate of Lamar High School and the University of St. Thomas in
Houston. She performed as a big band singer in the Houston
area
for a number of years. Gail often sang with Eddie Gerlach's
orchestra and also with the Roberto Compean Quintet. She was
also
a school teacher, a substance abuse counselor and, most recently, the
operator of the family oil and gas business, Jordan Drilling Company.
Her Lamar '59 classmate Jon Hugh Fleming recalled, "Gail
was a great girl and no doubt an even greater
woman. Her
voice is probably greater in "unrecorded memory" than it would sound
now on a scratchy record. Her renditions of "Birth
of the
Blues" were simply outstanding. They could even get Mr.
Keding to
quit smiling and shed a tear."
Jon Kalb
Jack Kamrath
Our classmate Jack Kamrath died 13 August 2025.
Jack was born in Houston on June 3, 1941, at St. Joseph Hospital. He
attended River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Junior High, and Lamar High
School. In 1964, he earned a BBA from the University of Texas.
Patsy Kennedy (Paine)
Our
classmate Patsy Kennedy (Paine) died on 14 July 2023 at her home in
Garland, TX
surrounded by family. A viewing was held in Houston on 22 July. She will be
missed.
Patsy was born to Murry D. and Emily J. Kennedy on May 21, 1941, in Houston, TX. She graduated from Lamar and received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Houston.
The full obituary for Patsy, as well as a 20 minute tribute photo show, are available at the link below.
Obituary as published
in the
Houston Chronicle on July 21, 2023
Letitia Lee Kinzbach (Keller)
Letitia
Keller was
born January 19, 1942 and passed away on May 24, 2012. She grew up in
Houston, Texas, but spent most of her life in Austin. Letitia was an
accomplished musician. She led an active life. She loved outdoors
activities, folk dancing, and teaching. In her late 40s she earned a
Masters degree in Nursing; in her mid 60s she earned a second Masters
in System Information Technology.
Letitia also was a good friend to many people, including her Austin Community College students. She was an amazing person,
and will be greatly missed by many.
Her surviving family include her beloved three children, Rev. Fr. Aidan Keller, Katherine Flores, and Michelle Godeski; Michelle's husband, Jaret; beloved grandchildren, Sarah and Arturo Flores; her best friend and sister, Cynthia Magrill; Cynthia's husband, Don; two nephews; and numerous cousins.
Letitia will lie in state at Holy Protection Russian Orthodox Church, 1701 Peridot in Pflugerville, Texas, beginning at nine o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 25th of May 2012. Prayers will be offered continuously until service time. Friends may pay their respects at the church.
Her funeral will be held at Holy Protection Russian Orthodox Church, 1701 Peridot in Pflugerville, Texas, on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at ten o'clock in the morning.
Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
Steve
Ley
Steve Ley died in Houston on the morning of 15
December 2017.
Cynthia Lindsey (Salvato)
Our classmate Cynthia Lindsey died on the morning of 13 May 2022. Her obituary, as published in the Houston Chronicle on 22 May 2022, is here.
Fred Lipscomb
Thomas Fred Lipscomb
was born
in Houston on February 1, 1940.
Butch Looney
Our classmate Butch Looney
died in Austin on the evening of Saturday 17 December 2022 follow
ing
a
fall at his home that resulted in a brain bleed. Services held on
Saturday 14 January 2023. Butch was beloved by his Lamar
classmates, several of
whom shared their fond memories:
My memories of Butch are still very vivid: positive, warm, full of energy. He was a real friend for me during our Lamar years. I have been saddened by his later difficulties. God bless his soul. - Billy Conner
At my age remembering much about high school and the great people and times is difficult. Not so with Butch, as he was one of those people that formed the enjoyable heartbeat of Lamar. He will be missed. - David Wight
Butch was a good friend to me. He dropped by our house often and enjoyed visits with my Father. The friendships we made in our years at Lamar have been lasting for us, a special time in our lives. I will always remember him with a smile, a funny comment and that light red hair! - Maria Burke Butler
Butch was a great guy and a good friend. He was an outstanding linebacker and we had lots of good times playing football at Lamar. He also had a successful business career, and my condolences go out to his family. - Lynn Zarr
Obituary
Memorial Services for Butch will be held Saturday, January 14th at 2 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive, Austin, Texas 78757.
Joe
Lovelady
Joe Robert Lovelady
was born
on Jan. 6, 1941, in Crockett, Texas, to the Rev. Byron Lee and
Marguerite (Rembert) Lovelady. He attended schools in Houston and East
Texas, graduating from Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in 1959.
After high school, Joe attended Southern Methodist University, where he
earned a degree in music before going on to graduate from Perkins
School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
Following
college, Joe served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines from
1967-69, became a Peace Corps Fellow in 1970, and then served as the
Peace Corps Director for the Eastern Caribbean. In 1975 he became the
Montana director for Action,
the federal program that oversees all volunteer programs, a post he
held until his retirement.
Throughout his life Joe actively pursued his great passions: social justice, music, conversation, sailing, building, renovation and participation in the Walk to Emmaus community. Following his retirement from the federal government, he and his wife, Mary Jane Fay, moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, in 2001, where they both became a
ctive
members of the
First United Methodist Church. Joe especially loved teaching the
Koinonia Sunday School class, working on Community of Shalom, church
development and providing special music. He was nominated for a
District Discipleship Award in the late summer of 2008. Joe was an
exceptional man, loving father and devoted husband, finding joy in his
daily activities and humor where others seldom thought to look. He was
always ready to lend a hand to anyone that asked, an ear to someone
with a problem, or to simply bring a smile to those who knew him. The
world is a lesser place for his passing. Those of us who were
privileged to know and love Joe will never forget his love, kindness
and generosity.
Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; Sons, Ben and Michael; daughter, Molly; and dog, Lucy. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Corpus Christi. The family requests memorial gifts in lieu of flowers to the First United Methodist Church of Corpus Christi, www.ccfwnc.com, or Southern Poverty Law Center, www.splcenter.org. Our classmate Wes Sokolosky obtained the above obituary which was posted: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 12:00 am on Helena Star web site. Joe died on 22 September 2008 in Corpus Christi, TX. His obituary was published in Corpus Christi, TX and in Helena, MT.
Harper Mahan
HARPER
NORMAN MAHAN,
JR. of Austin, Texas passed away on November 6, 2008. He was born on
February 21, 1941 in Houston, TX to Harper Norman, Sr. and Emalynn
Smith Mahan. Harper graduated from Lamar High School in Houston and Sam
Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. He proudly served his
country as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1963 to
1969. In 1987, he married the love of his life, LeAnn Bunch Mahan, in
Round Rock, TX.
Harper had a career in the financial industry offering trust, pension, commercial banking and community development services. He most recently worked in Long Beach, CA for 16 years before returning home to Austin in 2005. His greatest pleasures were spending time with family and friends, RV traveling, boating on Lakes Austin and Travis and skeet shooting. He loved America and supported her liberties and freedoms as a Benefactor Member of the National Rifle Association, a Charter Member of the NRA Heritage Society and a life member of the Texas Rifle and Pistol Association.
Harper was predeceased by his parents and mother-in-law Lois Burich. He is survived by his wife, LeAnn; brother, Robert L. Mahan of Suffren, New York; father-in-law, Donald A. Burich, of Creston, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Lana Zoch of Austin, TX and Linda Coen (husband Craig) of Oskaloosa, Iowa; former sister-in-law, Ann Mahan (Tommy Clark) of Houston, TX. Surviving nieces and nephews that also held a very special place in Harper’s heart are Susan Mahan Martin (husband John) and children Kaitlyn, Rowan and Aidan Parker; Daniel G. Zoch (wife Amy); Jeffrey M. Zoch; Matt Coen (wife Suzy) and son, Ian; Lexi Coen Faber (husband Matt) and daughter, Lilia. He is also survived by aunts, an uncle and numerous cousins and friends.
A graveside service celebrating Harper’s life will be held Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston, TX, Reverend Andrew Stepp officiating.
_______________
The above obituary appeared in the Houston Chronicle and was provided by classmate James Davis.
Steve Mahood
Cynthia Lee Mallet (Bass-Morales)
Note:
The obituary notice for Cynthia Lee Mallet
Bass-Morales appeared in the Houston Chronicle on 10/15/2006.
The
full text is available on Chronicle microfilm. The
following bio information was provided by Cynthia in April 2004:
"After Lamar graduation in 1959, I attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX for a year, and finished at University of Houston. I went to Washington, D.C. in 1962-65 to work for U.S. Senator Ralph Yarborough, (D-Texas) and switched parties to work for U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, (R-Arizona) where I was his personal secretary and also when he ran for U.S. Presidency in 1964. Also, I worked for the National Republican Committee in Washington, D.C. I met and married Raymond H. Bass, Jr., from California, who worked as a Special Assistant for U.S. Senator John Tower (R-Texas) in Washington, D.C. in 1964. We moved back to Houston in 1965, after the Presidential election, where I worked for Philanthropist Gus Wortham. Then, in 1969, I formed my own talent booking agency licensed by the Music
ians Union Local 65, and teamed
with Bob
Smith Orchestras in the Warwick Hotel in Houston, under the name of
Cynthia Bass Entertainment Agency. I booked and managed many big name
celebrities and stars all over the USA in concerts, posh hotels, and
clubs for over 10 years. After divorcing Raymond Bass in 1971, I
met and married a famous International Singer/Colombia
Recording
artist named Victor Fausto Morales. We have been married 30 years now.
We are both ordained ministers. God has blessed me with the
greatest blessings of all.....a wonderful and loving husband, Victor,
and 4 beautiful children of my own, Jennifer Bass Smith, (38); Trey
Bass (35); Luke Morales (22); Felicia Morales (18); and 3 beautiful
grandchildren - Christian and Bailey Bass (twins- 4 years old) and
Jamie Smith (2). My life has been so fulfilled. I can't thank
GOD
enough for this great life that HE has allowed me to live for him to
bring HOPE to so many. GOD BLESS YOU
ALL!
(April
2004)
John McCaskill
Our
classmate John McCaskill died suddenly on 4 August 2021as
the result of an accident at his second home in Galveston, TX. He
loved tinkering with his boats, fishing and crabbing in the bay with
his grandchildren. He attended Pershing Jr High and obtained his
Masters of Accounting from the Univ of Ho
uston in 1963.
Full Obituary
Steve McCleary
Our
classmate Steve McCleary died on 18 Oct 2015 at his home in Las Cruces,
NM. Steve was a widely recognized mathematician. His
biography is
captured in his FindAGrave Memorial.
Wilda McMenemy (Borrell) (Sept 23, 1941 - Dec 5, 2014)
Services Bio Handout FindAGrave Memorial
Doug McCorquodale
Our classmate Doug died
on July 28, 2010 at home in Sugar Land, TX. Details via his FindAGrave memorial.
Anne McCullough (Shallenberger)
Anne died
on Wednesday 13 August 2025. Obituary as published by Houston Chronicle on 7 Sept 2025.
Orenda page
Cathryn Meldrum
Our classmate Cathryn Meldrum (Conrad) passed away on January 16, 2022, after 
a long illness. She graduated from SMU and taught history in various public school systems until retiring in 1985. She was a longtime resident of Houston until she moved to Kerrville with her husband, Jeremy Wicker, in 2012. Cathryn was laid to rest January 27, 2022 in Forest Park Lawndale, Houston.
Jerry Mendell
Our
classmate Jerry Mendell died on Thursday 8 August 2019
in Tyler, TX at the Hospice of East Texas. His Celebration of
Life was planned for 15 October 2019 at Bullard First United Methodist
Church, Bullard, Texas.
Obituary
Dow
Mims (Feb 28,
1941 - Jan
20, 2009)
Clinton
Dow Mims, Jr.,
died on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 in the presence of his loved ones in
Chattanooga, TN.
"Sonny" to his family and friends in Texas, Dow came to Chattanooga in 1972 with a new family and a growing business. His life and work over the last three decades touched thousands of lives and shaped the face of the city he grew to love.
Mr. Mims' leadership allowed the realization of so many dreams in Chattanooga and around the country, namely the Tennessee Aquarium, Finley Stadium, the Boys Club of Chattanooga, The McCallie School, GPS, The Baylor School and numerous other schools, churches, hospitals and charitable organizations.
Dow retired from his professional life in 1994 and spent his time accomplishing a number of personal goals. Mr. Mims had a special place in his heart for all those in need, particularly stray dogs and cats, adopting and caring for a large number of them during his retirement.
Survivors include his daughters, Natalie Mims (Victor) Friese, Fort Worth, Tx., Tracy Mims (Pete) McPherson, Nashville, Tn. and Mary Megen Mims, Mobile, Al.; son, Andrew Dow Mims II, Chattanooga; brothers, William Garrett (Mary) Mims, Portland, Or., Robert Allen (Barbara) Mims, Sarasota, Fl.; cousins, Pamela Rhoads, Mark and Maureen Jones, all of Fort Worth, Tx.; nieces, Abigail Mims, Kari Mims (Frank) Tarr, all of Portland, Or.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at The McCallie School Chapel.
Mr. Mims requested that donations be made in his honor to The Salvation Army, The Boy Scouts of America, The American Red Cross, The Humane Society, the McKamey Animal Shelter or any other charitable organization he was associated with during his life.
To send the family a note of condolence, please visit their guestbook at www.lane-coulterchapel.com.
Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace.
Denny Reed
Dennis
Dale Reed, 80, of Kerrville, TX, passed away July 21, 2021 in
Kerrville. He was born in Houston, TX to Polly and Dale Reed on May
14,1941. He married Jean Teel on July 25, 1964 in Dallas.
He went to Lamar High School and attended Austin College. Dennis worked for Armco Steel for more than 20 years and then built a successful business with Farmer's Insurance. Dennis was an exceptional outdoorsman, catching a world record brown trout while fly-fishing in the White River of Arkansas, hunting white tail in the Hill Country and Mexico, and duck hunting in Matagorda Bay. He also enjoyed competing in precision bench rest shooting and bass tournaments. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Polly Reed, his brother Richard Reed and his nephew Jimmy Moriarty. Dennis is survived by his wife of 57 years Jean Reed, his children Jerry Reed and Jennifer Reed (Pam), his sister Cindy Moriarty, grandchildren Sarah Waits (Brian), Kaleb and Gavin, Leah, great grandson Crew, his sister-in-law Carolyn Teel, nieces Becky Davis (Greg), Melissa Moriarty and his nephew Steven Reed (Marylyn).
Memorial services will be held at 10:00am August 14, 2021 at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kerrville, Texas. A lunch reception will follow at 11:00am at the Dietert Center.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at Hilltop Village and Peterson Hospice.
Condolences may be sent at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com by selecting the "Send Condolences" link.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Kathleen C. Cailloux Humane Society of Kerrville. Their mailing address is P.O. Box 294810, Kerrville, Texas 78029.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.
Jim Riddle
Riddle III, James
Irvin 1-31-42 to 4-19-11 Loved and surrounded by family,
Jim
passed away peacefully at home. Born in Houston to James I. and Mattie
B. Riddle, he graduated from Lamar H.S. in 1959, proudly served in the
U.S. Army, was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and received two
bachelor degrees from The University of Texas. He was a
news
producer at WFAA-TV in the early 70s, an avid reader, carpenter,
handyman extraordinaire, photographer, gourmet cook, and "comedic
genius." He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy Greenwood
Riddle, and his children, of whom he was immeasurably proud, Christy
Cathleen Riddle, M.D. and James Irvin Riddle, IV. He is also survived
by his sister, Jane Lancaster, and her husband John L. Lancaster, III,
and their children, Delaney Rolfe (Charlie), John L. Lancaster IV
(Jewelee Ann), and James. R. Lancaster (Gigi), all of Dallas. Heartfelt
thanks to VNA Hospice; Home Helpers Crystal Carpenter, Krystal Price,
Victoria Logan, Leavella Hendricks; and his physicians Peter Stack,
Roger Camp, James Trotter, Jennifer Wells, and Grady Goodwin. A
memorial service will be held Saturday, April 30th at 11 o'clock in the
morning at St. Michael and All Angels Chapel, 8011 Douglas Avenue,
Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to North
Texas Food Bank, Attn: Accounting, 4500 S. Cockrell Hill Rd, Dallas, TX
75236-2028; the Salvation Army DFW Metroplex, P.O. Box 36006, Dallas,
TX 75235; or the charity of your choosing.
Audrey Riggs (South)
Our
classmate Audrey Riggs (South) died on Friday, 3 October 2025. A
friend of Sukey Fenoglio since kindergarten, Audrey has an obituary by Schmidt Funerals of Katy, TX. They will handle her service on Friday, 10 October 2025 at 2 pm.
Obituary
Reed Robinson
Dorothy Kay Rudisill
Nancy Smith (Stewart)
Nancy Smith (Stewart) - The New Braunfels paper lists this obituary for Nancy Smith
(Stewart) who died 11 Mar 2023. Nancy was a in our January Class
of 1959 but attended summer school in 1958 so she could graduate
early and
enter Texas Tech in Fall 1958. Thus Nancy is not in our '59
Orenda but is in our three earlier Orendas for our Class. Nancy
sang with the
Melodots and the Choralettes.
Patsy Smith (McClendon)
Our classmate Patsy Smith [Patricia
Jane Smith McClendon, 41] died at 2:10 pm Thursday, 3 February 1983, at Methodist
Hospital in Lubbock, TX after an illness. Services were held at First
Christian Church with Dr. Dudley Strain and the Rev. James W. Sutherlin
officiating.
Burial was under direction of Rix Funeral Directors.
Patsy was born in Houston and was an honor graduate of the University of Texas with a B.A. in English. She married Jack McClendon Aug 10, 1963, in Houston. She was a member of First Christian Church.
She was a member of the Lubbock Women's Club, was on the board and an officer of the Junior League, was past president of the Kappa Alpha T
heta
Alumnae and was
active in Lubbock Cancer-mount. She taught school in Lubbock
from
1965 to 1967.
Survivors include her husband, two sons, Tray and Mont, both of Lubbock, her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Burt B. Smith of Houston; two brothers, Dr. Ben Smith of Galveston and Ken Smith of Tokyo, Japan; and a sister, Mary Beth Fetzer of Houston.
The family suggested memorials to the Cancer Treatment Center at Methodist Hospital.
Pallbearers were Bill Russell, Terry Bickerton, Blair Cherry Jr., S.E. Cane. Jr., Don Gardner, Tom M. Richards, Dr. Eugene White, and Russell White.
Honorary pallbearers were members of the Junior League of Lubbock.
_______________________________________________
The above obituary is transcribed from the Lubbock Avalanche Journal of Friday 4 Feb 1983. It was provided by Mark, a volunteer of the South Plains Genealogical Society, on 28 Aug 2009.
Sparling, Honorable Jon:
The Honorable Jon Sparling passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Dallas on August 23, 2014, after a brief illness. He was born to The Reverend Jack and Vera Moseley Sparling on April 19, 1941, in Alvin, Texas. He grew up a handsome, intelligent, fun-loving boy, and graduated from Lamar High School in Houston, Southern Methodist University in Dallas where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and the S.M.U. Dedman School of Law. He fell in love with Dallas and made it his home. Mr. Sparling was a skilled lawyer in the District Attorney's office in Dallas County where he was founder and chief of the specialized crime division, organized to fight white-collar crime. He also distinguished himself as a judge on the Texas Court of Appeals. He concluded his career in private practice as a commercial litigator with Sparling and Zadina Law Firm, but he liked to say that working in the District Attorney's office was the best job he ever had. Jon was an avid traveler, fascinated by foreign cultures and unique experiences, but Dallas, Texas was undoubtedly his home. He enjoyed being on and below the water, and he always had a sailboat in his life. He built, and loved spending time at, his lake house, and found value raising cattle and working the land on a family farm near Corsicana. Jon was born into a long line of Methodist ministers and as an adult he was a member of University Park United Methodist Church. Without a doubt, his greatest joy was his family and raising his children whom he loved with everything. He leaves behind to mourn him his four children, Jon Jr. and wife Sarah, William, David, and Sarah, the mother of his children Helena Underwood Sparling, his sister Patty and husband Dr. Duane Andrews, two nieces and their husbands and children, and Terri Loney, his good friend who loved and cared for him in the final years. A memorial service will be conducted at University Park United Methodist Church, 402 Caruth Boulevard in Dallas on August 28, 2014 at 4:00 pm by his niece the Reverend Dr. Allison Andrews Thompson. A graveside service will be held by his niece The Reverend Susan Andrews Hageman at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 10:00 AM, where he will be buried with his parents under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SMU Dedman School of Law, Att: Janet White. P O Box 750116, Dallas, Texas 75275-0116, or to University Park United Methodist Church.
Glen Stanbaugh
from
the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Glen
Harry Stanbaugh,
Jr. was born in Houston in 1941 to the late Eva Burgi Stanbaugh and
Glen H. Stanbaugh, Sr. At the age of seven, Glen survived a year long
bout with rheumatic fever. The doctor who cared for him that year left
such an impression that Glen knew medicine would be his calling. He
graduated from Austin College in 1963 with a degree in biology. He was
accepted to the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and
graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1967. He completed an internship at D.C.
General in Washington D.C. He returned to Galveston for his residency
and fellowship training, which included a stint as Chief Resident. He
served as the Chief of Nephrology at Fort Bragg Womack Army Hospital
from 1972 through 1974.
Dr. Stanbaugh was the first Nephrologist in West Texas, arriving in Lubbock in 1974. He served as a full time faculty member at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center from 1974 through 1977 and part-time faculty member from 1978 until 1985. Dr. Stanbaugh was the medical director of South Plains Dialysis Center from 1974 to 85 and Co-Medical Director of the West Texas Dialysis Center and the South Plains Kidney Disease Center until he retired in 2003. Although retired, Dr. Stanbaugh continued to serve patients with renal disease as the Chairman of the Board of the Texas Renal Coalition, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board of the National Kidney Foundation- West Texas, and as a board member of Texans for the Advancement of Medical Research. Dr. Stanbaugh was recently recognized by the State Senate of Texas for his work in the prevention of end stage renal disease. He has authored many scientific articles and is the author/editor of a book, THE DEISS LETTERS. He was a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Society. Dr. Stanbaugh is survived by his wife, Linda; two daughters, one stepdaughter, three stepsons, and eight grandchildren. Memorials can be made to the Texas Renal Coalition, The Center for the Study of Addiction at Texas Tech University, and The Deiss Society at UTMB.
Charles
Dean Summers, a
wonderful and beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed away
peacefully about 3:00am on July 5, 2009. Charles was born January 22,
1940, in Houston, Texas; the second son of Elmer Lee Summers and
Elizabeth Buhler Summers, and grew up in Houston. While attending Lamar
High School, he worked for a local garage, and joined the neighborhood
volunteer fire department. He attended Tarleton College in
Stephenville, Texas, earning an associate’s degree before he
volunteered for the U.S. Army in late 1961. During his term of
enlistment, he served with B Company of the 144th Signal Battalion in
Goepingen, Germany.
Upon his discharge, Charles became a full-time fireman in West University Place, a Houston suburb. While there, he pursued a vigorous outdoor life of hunting, boating, fishing, and starting what became the great achievement and legacy of his lifetime: a Matagorda County cattle ranch carved from scratch out of the forested bottomlands of Caney Creek. This quickly became his full-time endeavor. Over the decades he cleared, drained, and improved “Caney” to his own preferences. For the past two decades, he also operated a rural land improvement business, Caney Conservation Company.
Charlie developed and pursued interests far too numerous to describe in this space. He kept up a vigorous paper and Internet correspondence with family, school and Army friends, and people he’d met while riding his Harley to nearly all the lower 48 states. He was extremely knowledgeable about English and American history in general and Matagorda County history in particular. He liked to entertain family and friends. He was a good host and outstanding cook. Only in very recent years did his health limit his activities, and especially so since heart valve replacement surgery in November, 2008.
A lifelong bachelor, Charles Summers was predeceased by his parents. He is survived, loved, and missed by his brothers and their wives, Edward and Kathy Summers and Jesse and Helen Summers; his nephews, Michael Summers and David Summers; his nieces, Jennifer Summers and Pamela Summers Parks; and his grand-nieces and nephews, Angelica Summers, Amanda Summers, Callum Parks, Kate Summers, Mason Parks, and Sophie Parks; and by many friends as well. To all of them, his passing creates a loss that cannot be erased in this life.
Funeral arrangements are by Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City, and will include visitation from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, July 10; a simple funeral service at 10:00am Saturday July 11; and burial in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston at 1:30pm Saturday. Charlie’s brothers encourage family and friends planning to attend the visitation or the funeral service to prepare oral and/or written memories of Charlie for mutual sharing.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (on-line memorial)
Jimmy
Tabb:
Classmate David Warren reports: "JIMMY TABB died of a heart attack at the age
of 41 in
Philadelphia Pa while working for Rhom and Haus
as a
labor relations representative. I think the year was
1982.
The obit was in the Chronicle."
Our classmate Addison Thorn died 8 February 2022 in Katy, Texas. He was born on April 25, 1941. A
Celebration of Life for Addison will be held at Houston's First Baptist
Church, 7400 Katy Freeway 77024 on February 25th, 2022, at 11 am in the
Morris Chapel.
Our
classmate Dan Tompkins died Wednesday 22 June 2022 in Los Altos,
California. Dan had been suffering from Parkinson's Disease for
over a year. His sister Mary Harris informed our classmate Vann
Phillips of Dan's passing.
Woody
Tottenham:
Cathryn
Conrad reports: "I just
talked to Carole Tomlinson ('60) and she said that Woody died
of
prostate
cancer yesterday [27 March 2012]. Carole and her
husband
Paul Duncan had visited with Woody in the hospital on Monday.
This comes as a great shock to all of us who cared for
Woody. Apparently he had this cancer for about 15
years."
From the Houston Chronicle, Friday, 30 March 2012: "Woodson M. Tottenham, Jr. , age 70, passed away March 27, 2012 in Houston, TX. Woody is survived by his niece, Tricia Tottenham Bragg & husband Bill; great-niece Kathryn Louise Bragg, great-nephew Miller "Tot" Tottenham Bragg and many loving cousins Tottenhams and Burnetts. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at St. Lukes United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77027. Private interment will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery."
Elizabeth
Towles Hostetler, 72, of Houston passed away
Monday, March 10, 2014.
Liz was born to the late LeRoy and Elizabeth Towles, August 13, 1941, and was a 5th generation Houstonian. She graduated from Lamar High School in 1958 and received a BA of Education from the University of Texas in 1962. She married James B. Hostetler on August 24, 1963, and except for a brief stint in Georgia, they lived together in Houston for the past 46 years.
Liz was a Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Texas where she met her husband Jim. She was an avid tennis and a member of Lakeside Tennis Club. She was also an active member of Al-Anon for over 30 years. Liz loved taking trips with her entire family and especially loved going to Kerville every summer to the family ranch and cabins on the Guadalupe River where she also used to go as a child.
Liz fought her brain cancer for two and a half years with grace and dignity and never once complained. She will be missed terribly by her family and all of her numerous friends who stayed with her during this journey. She was a wonderful wife and Mother and will be dearly missed.
Liz is survived by her three children: Beth Cole and her husband Mathew of Houston; James B. Hostetler, Jr. of Denver, Colorado; and John C. Hostetler and his spouse Susan of Denver, Colorado. Her greatest joy were her eight grandchildren: Elizabeth, Caroline, and Rachel of Houston; Abigail, Lillian, and Trey of Denver; and Samuel and Heidi of Denver.
The Memorial Service was held Monday, March 17th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ascension Episcopal Church located at 2525 Seagler Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Ascension Episcopal Church.
Susan
Twedell Hirschy died 11 Jan
2013 while undergoing surgery for heart problems. A memorial
gathering was held on Saturday 26 Jan 2013 from 1 to 3 pm at Forest
Park Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer, Houston 77077.
Susan was born in Springfield, Illinois on June 29, 1941. Her family moved to Houston, Texas, where she attended Lamar High School. She also attended Texas University. She married William Brogan, III and together they had two children William E Brogan IV and Patrick Brogan (deceased). In November, 1975, she married R. T. "Bob" Hirschy, who passed away in October, 2007. Susan pursued a career by working in the appliance distribution business for Earl McMillain, Inc., then Mischer Corp, and finally found her "home of 30 years" by working for the Trane Company as an Engineer's Assistant. She retired in October of 2012 and attended our Fredericksburg Mini-Reunion. Susan is survived by her son Wm. Brogan, IV; six grandchildren; siblings Michael H. Twedell, Peter B. Twedell, Sarah T. Paulsen, and Judith T. Denson.
A Memorial Gathering was held Saturday, January 26th, 2013 between 1 PM and 3 PM at the Forest Park Funeral Home,12800 Westheimer, Houston, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Susan's name to American Heart Association , 10060 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77054 (713-610-5000) https://www.heart.org
"Memorial
services
for James Edward (Jim) Vick, 61, of Willis were held at 5PM, Thursday,
October 3, 2002, at Metcalf Funeral Home with Dr. Jay Gross
officiating. Jim was born on August 9, 1941 in Houston and
passed
away on September 28, 2002 in New Waverly. He was preceded in
death by his father, James Hamilton Vick. Jim is survived by
his
mother, Ura Lee Vick of the Woodlands, his wife, Kathleen Vick of
Willis, daughter, Jennifer Lee Vick of Waco, and son, James Hamilton
Vick II, of College Station. He graduated from Lamar High
School
in Houston, attended Texas A&M and graduated from Texas
Tech.
He also served in the U. S. Army Reserves and was an avid sailor,
hunter and fisherman. He was a loving husband, daddy and
friend. Jim was fun loving, free spirited and touched the
lives
of many. He will be remembered by all that knew and loved
him."
This obit was in the Houston Chronicle on October
2, 2002. Additionally,our classmate Kimball McMahan
adds:
"Jim was a fine trumpet player in the Lamar Marching Band and a member
of THR, an organization of Lamar Band members."
Our
classmate Charlie Ward died on June 15, 2021 from complications of heart disease. He underwent a sextuple bypass in 2004, considered to be the most intricate and surgically challenging.
Born on December 27, 1940, the Houston native was preced
ed
in death by his parents Judy and Charles Ward, Sr., and by his
brother Jeffrey S. Ward, Sr. Married once to Cathy Covington
Ward, he had no children but enjoyed a family of friends and business
associates from across the globe.
A founder of Media Communications, and later, Idea Works Global in Dallas, he reached the pinnacle of success in luxury marketing. A private celebration of life will be held in Santa Barbara, California.
Full Obituary Legacy Obituary
MACK RANDALL WETMORE JR. "My brother's favorite good-bye was "I love you all". And what is remarkable about that is that he really did love us all. He really did. Mack Jr. was born in Houston,Texas at St. Joseph's Hospital on April 7, 1940 to Eve and Mack R. Wetmore Sr. He was a special child that with my parents love led a complete and full life. He graduated from Roberts, Lanier and in 1959 from Lamar High School, where he played cymbals in the band and belonged to the FFA club, beginning his true love for music and animals. Mack Jr. attended Sam Houston State University and served in the Navy at the Jacksonville, Florida Naval Air Station. Prior to starting his career, Mack Jr. studied voice with Michael Lawrence and worked for John Werler at the Houston Zoo. In 1969 he joined Wetmore & Company, a printing company founded in 1947 by our father. He was named associate of the year in 1993 and retired in 1997. Mack Jr. is survived by his father's wife Debbie, brother Jack Wetmore and wife Nancy, nephews Clint Wetmore and wife Kristie and their daugther Riley, and Chad Wetmore and his wife Kathy. Several years ago Mack Jr. was adopted in friendship and into the home and family of Barbara and Juan Naranjo. He loved them very much and remained in their love and care until Thursday, September 21st [2006], when cancer won. A memorial service will be conducted in his and our father's honor by our friends The Reverend J. Pittman McGehee and The Very Reverend Joe D. Reynolds at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 11 A.M. with a reception to follow in the Guild Hall. Mack Jr. will be interred in the Columbarium at the Cathedral next to his mother. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Houston Zoo or the charity of your choice." "I love you all."
Tim Wheatley
Doud Wible
Doud
“D.J.” Jordan Wible, Jr. passed away peacefully at home with his family
by his side on Thursday the 15th of February 2018. Doud was born in
Houston on the 14th of November in 1940 to Dr. Doud Jordan Wible and
Mildred LaVerne Wible.
He graduated from Lamar High School in 1959 and Sam Houston State College in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science. Doud was a charter member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and was active in the support of his fraternity brothers. He spent his career working for Shell Oil Company at the Bellaire Research Center and retired after 33 years.
Bain Williams
Our
classmate Bain Williams died on 6 March 2023 in Fredericksburg, TX
after a 12-year struggle with Parkinsons Disease. Our classmate
Jeremy Wicker knew Bain well: Bain and I were fast friends and playmates during our days at West U. Elementary. We were also in the same homeroom.
He lived on Arnold St. (between Auden St. and Edloe St.) While Bain and I always got along, I must say, in those days,
he loved a good fistfight! During the years 1992-2006, I lived half the time in my home in Wimberley and half the time on
Naughton, which is a small cul-de-sac near Gessner and Briar Forest. I lived at one end and Bain lived at the other end.
For years we didn't realize we were neighbors.
Bain's published obituary is replete with recollections and tributes from many friends:
Orenda page Published obituary
Linda Sue Williams (Raley)
Sabra
H. Gill, a prominent public relations executive and civic
leader
who helped establish scholarships for Houston-area students of
communications, advertising and marketing, has died. She was 68.She died Friday [March 20, 2009] of cancer.
A native Houstonian, Gill was born March 1, 1941, to James Augustus Hall and Susie Jageman Hall. She grew up in River Oaks and graduated from Lamar High School. At the University of Houston, she served as editor of the Houstonian yearbook and president of her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega.
After graduating from UH, she launched her public relations career at Houston Natural Gas. Over the years, she would also work for Fairmont Foods and the Metropolitan Transit Authority before founding her own company, Sabra H. Gill & Associates. At the time of her death, she was a consultant with Cargill Associates.
Gill had a reputation as a perfectionist, said her friend and colleague Dave Keith. “There were a lot of people who depended on her in the various jobs and responsibilities she had because when she took on a task, she was going to do it right, and you could count on that,” Keith said.
Gill’s high standards, combined with efforts to mentor others in her profession, made her “an icon” in the public relations industry, said Alice Brink, who met Gill through the Public Relations Society of America’s Houston chapter.
“Anybody who has hung around in the industry for a while knows her, or knows of her,” Brink said. “She was just a very smart PR strategist, a person who could take a tough public relations puzzle and solve it for a client.”
A community volunteer
Throughout her career, Gill donated her time and skills to numerous charitable projects and community organizations.
She was a founding member and president of the Advertising Education Foundation of Houston, which funds scholarships for college students studying advertising and marketing in Houston, and the Public Relations Foundation of Houston, which provides scholarships to local undergraduate or graduate students studying PR/communications.
“She really has provided a lot of inspiration not only to the students who are gung-ho and excited about beginning their new careers, but also for us professionals who are carrying on the mission of our profession and enriching it,” said Eydie Pengelly, president of the Public Relations Foundation of Houston.
Led area Red Cross
Gill also served as director of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross. Her work as chair of the Houston chapter’s Disaster Relief Committee earned her the National Clara Barton Award for Outstanding Service.
Gill is survived by her husband of 36 years, William Gill, and her siblings Ed Hall of Carbondale, Colo., Jamie Peebles of Fort Worth, and John Hall, Rose Marie Smith and Andrea Weiss, all of Houston.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. today [3/24/2009] in the A.D. Bruce Chapel on the University of Houston Campus.
lindsay.wise@chron.com
Published
in the Houston Chronicle on 3/24/2009
Bill Hamlett
William
F. "Bill"
Hamlett
who was born August 7, 1941 in Houston, passed away July 4, 2011 in
Houston
after a courageous battle with cancer. Known to his friends as
"Bill," he was preceeded in death by his parents, Bill and Elizabeth
Hamlett of Houston, and sister, Early H. Hammock, of Albuquerque, NM.
He is
survived by his wife, Ann Roe Hamlett, and her children and
grandchildren, all
of Houston. He also is survived by his brother, Commander John W.
Hamlett and
wife Eleanor M. Hamlett, and their children, Mr. and Mrs. John L.
Hamlett, and
Mr. and Mrs. David M. Fox, and his grandniece and nephews Haley, Ian
and Luke,
all of Richardson, Texas.
Bill, who
graduated from
Lamar High School and the University of Houston, was
an avid member of the Lamar '59ers and the U. of H. Alumnae
Association. An
outdoorsman at heart, for many years he was a prolific hunter and
member of
Ducks Unlimited and Quail Unlimited. He often participated in the Salt
Grass
Trail Ride. He worked with numerous companies in Texas and Florida,
eventually
returning to Houston and establishing a successful insurance business.
A
lifelong Christian, Bill
lived the life of one who was constantly doing for
others when in need and, as a Baptist, followed a long line of
grandfathers and
great-grandfathers who were Baptist ministers. He was a member of River
Bend
Baptist Church in Fulshear where his memorial service will be held on
Wednesday
July 6 with visitation at 9:30am and service at 10:30am. Burial will
follow the
service at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery at 12:15pm in Houston. In
lieu of
flowers, Bill's family asks that contributions be made in his name to
to River
Bend Baptist Church, P.O. Box 945, Fulshear , TX 77441, Buckner
International
Missions, 600 North Pearl St., Dallas, TX., or Hospice of your choice.
Robert Hammann
William
Robert "Bob" Hammann Jr died in College Station, TX on 12 May 2023.
His wife Betty and Bob had moved from Houston to College Station
in 2015 to be closer to family. Bob
was on the Debate Team with Gene Clements and Mike Hall, and on the
Lamar baseball team that played for the State Championship in 1959.
During the summer he was a lifeguard at the Shamrock Hilton Hotel. Please see Bob's full obituary. Obituary
Barbara Hoffman Johnson
Barbara Hoffman Johnson
passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on
Friday, November 16, 2018 after waging a courageous battle with cancer.
Barbara was a beautiful
person inside and out, talented, thoughtful, adventuresome, and dearly
loved her family and
friends. She also held a special place in her heart for all animals.
Barbara was born on September 25, 1940 in Orange, New Jersey. She moved with her family to Houston in 1952 and attended Lanier Junior High and Lamar High School. Barbara then attended Stephens College and SMU and majored in music. While attending SMU, she was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Barbara was a gifted and talented professional singer and performer. She had a beautiful voice and presence. She shared her beautiful gift and brought great joy to many with her voice. After college in 1962, Barbara headed to New York City to pursue her singing career. While in New York, as an oratorio and concert soloist, she performed leads in several summer stock musicals and operettas in the New England area. She also performed leading roles with the Metropolitan Opera Studio with credits including Musetta (La Boheme), Lauretta (Gianni Schiccii) and Cio Cio San (Madame Butterfly). Barbara was also chosen as a soloist to sing with Placido Domingo in concert at Carnegie Hall and as the principle soloist on the National Tour with the Whit/Lo Singers. Barbara returned to Texas in 1976 to be near her family and sang with The Houston Grand Opera. She was a featured soloist at the Great Caruso for 20 years, performed Broadway Operetta Reviews at Ovations and she was the lead singer with The Jr. League Singing Sustainers.
Barbara was an avid volunteer. She was a member of the Junior League in both New York City and Houston. She was a member of the Magic Circle Republican Women's Club and served as a volunteer for many Republican campaigns and a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Barbara was a past chairman and vice president for the Houston Grand Opera Guild where she served tirelessly. She was a patron of The Moores School of Music at the University of Houston and The Houston Zoo. She was a member of The Houston Tuesday Musical Club and was often a soloist for them. Barbara loved to travel and had a great sense of adventure. She enjoyed the Texas Hill Country with her close friends and traveling throughout Europe and the U.S.
Her passionate love of animals took her twice to Africa for photo safaris. However, her favorite place was her treasured beach house in Galveston. There she took many heartfelt and long walks on the beach with her sister June. There she spent many hours relaxing on the beach and swimming in the Gulf. And it was here, where she watched her nephews and their families play and grow-up. She celebrated holidays and events and created special memories with her family, friends and her beloved cocker spaniels.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Herrick Hoffman and Beth Boggess Olsen, her loving husband of 18 years, James Merritte Johnson, and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Anthony Kangieser. She is survived by her love of 16 years, Carl Ahrens, her sister and best friend, June Hoffman Kangieser, her three nephews who loved and cherished her; Ken and Julie Kangieser, Brad and Melissa Kangieser, and Jeff and Faith Kangieser. Barbara was also blessed with grand nieces and nephews; Morgan Kangieser, Drew Kangieser and wife Kassandra, Kendall Kangieser, Zachary Kangieser, and Thomas Kangieser. She also leaves behind her loving dog, Bentley, who she absolutely adored.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 2540 River Oaks Blvd. Special thanks go out to Dr. Michael Beavers and his team at MD Anderson Cancer Center and the companionate caregivers. The family asks that any donations can be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) or the charity of your choice.
Bill Holman
Bill
Holman was the tragic victim of a home invasion burglary gone wrong,
and died from that beating on 23 January 1981. Newspaper
clippings from the Houston Post and Houston Chronicle of that year
provide the story.
Miss Hollingsworth
Our
chemistry teacher and one of our best remembered teachers, Miss Marcile
Hollingsworth, died 26 Sept 2014 at age 90.
Miss Hollingsworth
was born April 4, 1924 in Limestone County, Texas.
She was a
longtime teacher and administrator in the Houston Independent School
District, and highly respected and loved by our Class. She
was
interred in the Houston National Cemetery.
Her obituary was
published in the Houston Chronicle on 8 Oct 2014, and can be viewed
here. Her FindAGrave memorial is here.
The HISD blog on her passing can be found here.
Miss Hollingsworth had a remarkable career. What we didn't know: Following her graduation as a chemistry major from the Univ of Texas in 1943, she entered military service in the Navy WAVES, and had the responsiblity of teaching trigonometry to Navy Ordance units. Miss Hollingsworth served within HISD as Director of Science for all grades. In this position, she wrote HISD's curriculum guides and laboratory guides for chemistry and physical science, and it was because of her efforts that HISD created the Oceanography Department, which later grew into the Living Resource Center . She helped to establish a program at UT called UTeach which combined the science side of the house with the school of education, allowing students to graduate with a Teachers Certificate in addition to their science degree. She retired in 1980. The HISD created the Hollingsworth Science Center, named in her honor in October 2001 and operated on 2.4 acres in the south region of the Houston metropolitan area, adjacent to Butler Stadium out South Main. Despite failing health at that time, Miss Hollingsworth attended the opening ceremony, along with her family. On 20 Nov 2014, her brother Grant and former colleague and Lamar Chemistry teacher Florine Carr presented the US flag from Miss Hollingsworth's interment ceremont at the National Cemetery to the Science Center for display in the case beneath her portrait. Information courtesy of Miss Hollingsworth's brother Grant of Grapevine, TX and Florine Carr of Houston.
Our classmates all seem to remember Miss Hollingsworth. Joanne Edmundson recalls, "I remember her well as a big, imposing, no-nonsense teacher. Reading the obituary, I realize she would have had to be younger than she appeared to me." Larry Hitt remembers, "She was one of our favorite teachers and a positive influence on so many Lamar kids." Three classmates specifically mention her in our Memory Album, including Jere Wicker who states, "Ms. Hollingsworth was great - so great that not long after we graduated, HISD bosses kicked her upstairs to the administrative head office. Such a shame to deprive students of her brilliance."
In her honor, we have added her to our Electronic Orenda, the first teacher so honored.
Linda Hudson
Linda Hudson died
peacefully in her sleep on October 7, 2023 after a length stay in a nursing care unit in Kyle, Texas. Linda lived a full life, being inducted as a Houston Debutante before heading
off to Newcomb-Tulane University in New Orleans. She later pursued her Masters Degree
in Psychology at the University of Houston to launch her career as a
therapist with the Houston Independent School District. Meredith Ingram (Gartner)
Meredith
Ingram
Gartner died on the 19th
of October 2012 in
Houston, Texas. She was 71. Meredith was born in
Houston on
the 15th of May 1941, the only child of Ernest Willie and Mary Doll
Oldham Ingram. She graduated from Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in 1959
and obtained a degree in English from Rice University in 1963. She
married Donald H. Gartner, Jr. in 1964, and they had two daughters,
Kelly and Susan. Before having children, Meredith taught first grade at
Rummel Creek Elementary; later, she taught third grade at Briargrove
Elementary, retiring in 2001. Meredith loved and cared deeply about her family and friends. She was a grammar advisor, consummate list-maker, and champion shopper. She delighted in finding just the right gift for a new baby or a friend's birthday. Meredith instilled an ardor for reading and learning in her daughters, who promise to continue her legacy with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling, cherishing recent trips to Paris and Hawaii. An elder at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Meredith volunteered with Kids' Meals and coordinated the annual Christmas gift drive for low-income families.
Preceded in death by her parents and husband, Meredith is survived by her daughter, Kelly Gartner of Houston; and her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Pete Leonardson and their children, Anna Jane and Luke of Seattle. Her little dog, Coco, was her devoted companion.
"We adored our mother. She was thoughtful, generous, courageous, and resilient. She was a two-time cancer survivor before succumbing to peritoneal cancer after a three-year battle. Mom participated in a research study at MD Anderson; we knew her disease was incurable, but the study drug and Mom's determination enabled her to live almost three years after her diagnosis, granting her precious time with her grandchildren. We are indebted to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at MD Anderson, particularly to Dr. Jennifer Wheler and Forlisa Nauling, RN, in the Clinical Center for Targeted Therapy and to the Palliative Care team for their commitment to finding new ways to treat difficult cancers and to manage the symptoms of treatment. Houston Hospice was invaluable during Mom's last days. So many friends and family members sustained our mom and us during her illness, but we are especially grateful to Susan Gartner, Jane Lee, Ariel Washington, and Margie Johnson."
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six until eight o'clock in the evening on Monday, the 22nd of October, in the drawing room at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The memorial service will be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 23rd of October, at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe Road in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. John W. Wurster is to officiate.
Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial donations may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX, 77210-4486, www.mdanderson.org/gifts.
Published
in
Houston Chronicle on October 21, 2012
John B. Jamison
Dr.
John Bryant Jamison was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty
while serving as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in Coconino Co. (Flagstaff),
Arizona on 6 Sept 1982, at the age of 40. The report on that
tragic slaying can be found at his FindAGrave.com
memorial. At the time of his death, he was a radiologist
(M.D.) with Northern Arizona Radiology. John Bryant Jamison was born on 24 Nov 1941 in Houston. After graduating from Lamar, he attended the University of Texas and went into their medical school program in 1962. He married the former Terry Lynne Cooper on 22 Jun 1968 in Houston. John's obituary is here.
John's tragic death was extensively covered in the SUN paper of Flagstaff. Please click here for a page of tributes to John with images of some articles from the (Flagstaff) Arizona Sun.
JAMES FREDERICK JANSSEN, a loving
GAIL
JORDAN
(BROWN), of Houston, passed away on March 25, 1997. Gail was
a
graduate of Lamar High School and the University of St. Thomas in
Houston. She performed as a big band singer in the Houston
area
for a number of years. Gail often sang with Eddie Gerlach's
orchestra and also with the Roberto Compean Quintet. She was
also
a school teacher, a substance abuse counselor and, most recently, the
operator of the family oil and gas business, Jordan Drilling Company.
Her Lamar '59 classmate Jon Hugh Fleming recalled, "Gail
was a great girl and no doubt an even greater
woman. Her
voice is probably greater in "unrecorded memory" than it would sound
now on a scratchy record. Her renditions of "Birth
of the
Blues" were simply outstanding. They could even get Mr.
Keding to
quit smiling and shed a tear."Gail is
survived by her husband Ferris,
her
children, Danny Gillespie of Austin, TX and Allison Gillespie of Miami,
FL.
Jon Kalb
Our classmate
Jon Ervin Kalb died in his home in Austin, Texas on Friday, October 27,
2017 at the age of 76 after a two-decade battle with Parkinson's. He
will
be deeply missed by his family and people whose lives he touched with
humor and
grace, and by those fortunate enough to have accompanied him on at
least one of
his epic adventures. He was born on August 17, 1941 in Houston, TX, to
parents
June Greer Kalb and Bernard J. Kalb. He grew up in Houston, exploring
the
blackberry bushes along the railroad tracks
through Brae's Bayou and beyond.
Following
his passion for discovery, he went on to
become a research geologist with the Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory
(Texas
Memorial Museum) at the University
of
Texas at
Austin. He
received a pre-doctoral fellowship from the Carnegie Geophysical
Laboratory in
1968, a graduate fellowship from Johns Hopkins University in 1969, and
a B.Sc.
from American University in 1970. He had extensive field experience in
Central
and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and West Texas.
He wrote
numerous
scientific publications and a memoir on his time in Ethiopia's Afar
Depression.
The memoir, Adventures
in the Bone Trade, (Copernicus Books, 2001) describes
his work in Ethiopia from 1971 to 1978. He was a founder of the
expedition that
recovered the 3.2 million year-old Lucy skeleton, and later, director
of the
Ethiopia-based team that discovered some of the most prolific deposits
in the
world bearing early hominid fossils and artifacts.
In
2002, Adventures in the
Bone Trade was awarded the Robert W. Hamilton Award for
Non-Fiction from the
University of Texas at Austin, and the Violet Crown Award for
Non-Fiction, from
the Texas Writers League. Terry Harrison from New York
University wrote
that
the book was: "A wonderfully engaging personal account of how science
is
shaped as much by sociology, politics, and
historical events as it
is by important discoveries"
His second
memoir, Hunting Tapir
During the
Great Flood, takes a longer view, tracing Jon's life of
exploration from
boyhood to the fossil surveys he undertook in West Texas despite
illness. When
asked recently if he had any thoughts about his obituary, he responded
with
characteristic dry wit, "I wrote a book."
He was a
generous mentor
and teacher, helped train a generation of students, and always offered
sage
advice about where to go to find fossils. He is fondly remembered by
the many
Ethiopians whose lives he touched. A resident of Austin for 39 years,
Jon was a
familiar figure around town driving a succession of beat-up field
jeeps. He was
a warm and friendly character known in Austin and West Texas. He was
blessed with
a remarkable passion for his work that carried him through more than
twenty years of
life with Parkinson's.
He is
survived by his wife Judith R. Kalb, his daughters
Justine Kalb Costello of Brooklyn, NY, and Spring Kalb Utting of San
Francisco,
CA and four grandchildren, Redd and Greer Costello and Astrid
and
Sasha Utting. His brother and sister, Peter Kalb and Claire Kalb Morgan
are
predeceased. A memorial service was held on January 27, 2018, at the
Umlauf
Sculpture Garden in Austin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made
to The
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Our thanks to Malcolm Bell for providing this obituary, published in Austin American-Statesman Nov.12 - Nov.13, 2017
In addition
to his books and articles, Jon wrote a blurb for his classmates
[submitteed 1994] which is available here.
Jack Kamrath
Our classmate Jack Kamrath died 13 August 2025.
Jack was born in Houston on June 3, 1941, at St. Joseph Hospital. He
attended River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Junior High, and Lamar High
School. In 1964, he earned a BBA from the University of Texas. He then joined Brown and Root Construction Co., serving as an internal auditor and Assistant Budget Director. From 1966 to 1970, he completed six contracts during the Vietnam War construction buildup. While in Vietnam, Jack met and married Jeanne.
Full online obituary.Patsy Kennedy (Paine)
Our
classmate Patsy Kennedy (Paine) died on 14 July 2023 at her home in
Garland, TX surrounded by family. A viewing was held in Houston on 22 July. She will be
missed. Patsy was born to Murry D. and Emily J. Kennedy on May 21, 1941, in Houston, TX. She graduated from Lamar and received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Houston.
The full obituary for Patsy, as well as a 20 minute tribute photo show, are available at the link below.
Letitia Lee Kinzbach (Keller)
Letitia
Keller was
born January 19, 1942 and passed away on May 24, 2012. She grew up in
Houston, Texas, but spent most of her life in Austin. Letitia was an
accomplished musician. She led an active life. She loved outdoors
activities, folk dancing, and teaching. In her late 40s she earned a
Masters degree in Nursing; in her mid 60s she earned a second Masters
in System Information Technology. Letitia also was a good friend to many people, including her Austin Community College students. She was an amazing person,
and will be greatly missed by many. Her surviving family include her beloved three children, Rev. Fr. Aidan Keller, Katherine Flores, and Michelle Godeski; Michelle's husband, Jaret; beloved grandchildren, Sarah and Arturo Flores; her best friend and sister, Cynthia Magrill; Cynthia's husband, Don; two nephews; and numerous cousins.
Letitia will lie in state at Holy Protection Russian Orthodox Church, 1701 Peridot in Pflugerville, Texas, beginning at nine o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 25th of May 2012. Prayers will be offered continuously until service time. Friends may pay their respects at the church.
Her funeral will be held at Holy Protection Russian Orthodox Church, 1701 Peridot in Pflugerville, Texas, on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at ten o'clock in the morning.
Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences may also be sent to Letitia’s sister, Cynthia Magrill, at 9631 Pagewood, Houston 77063 or to Letitia’s home address, 1509 Cullen Ave., Austin 78757.
Cynthia
learned that Letitia
was very
fond of ARC, a center for people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. Donations
may be made to ARC
in her memory through their
website: http://www.
Steve Ley died in Houston on the morning of 15
December 2017.Following is a tribute to Steve
posted on Facebook by his first wife, Sharon
Ley Lietzow, who also went to SMU and knows many of our classmates:
Dear Friends and Family,
Steve Ley passed away yesterday morning at sunrise and the windows opened to send his spirit to heaven. He has been released after 13 years of Alzheimer's and could not speak. My memories of the wonderful young years of my life with him and our children Katherine, David and Kevin will live in me always. My husband Bob Lietzow and I have been blessed with good times with the Ley family through the years to this day when we share their sweet sorrow. A visitation at Geo Lewis Funeral Home is Monday from 5 until 7pm. A memorial will be held next summer in Colorado. His life tribute [also below] from the Houston Chronicle. Rest in eternal grace to Steve, O Lord, and let Light perpetual shine upon him.
From the Chronicle Dec 16-18 2016:
He is survived by his beloved mother, Audrey Moody Ley of Houston, his daughter, Katherine O'Neill (Bill) of Chicago, Illinois, his two sons, David Ley (Gisela) of Houston and Kevin Ley (Julie) of Austin, Texas, and the mother of his children, Sharon Ley Leitzow (Bob) of Houston. His four grandchildren include Chris, Charlie and Billy O'Neill and Elizabeth Ley. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Judy Ley Allen of Houston and Diane Ley Espinoza (Antonio) of Asuncion, Paraguay, niece Susan Espinoza Piatkowski (Marc) of Austin, nephew Jorge Espinoza (Maureen) of Boulder, Colorado, and grand-nieces and nephew, Sylvia and Carmen Espinoza and Mia and Maximo Piatkowski. He will be missed by many supportive cousins from the Dan Moody and Homer Ley families. He is predeceased by his dear father, Wendel Duer Ley, his brother, Robert Moody Ley, sister-in-law, Margaret "Peggy" Ley, and brother-in-law, Robert H. Allen.
Steve loved his children dearly and enjoyed many good times with them at the family home in New Braunfels, Texas as well as at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. He had a strong passion for SMU football, especially during the "Pony Express" years. Later in his life he spent much of his time at his second home outside of Winter Park, Colorado hiking, fly fishing and playing golf. In fact, Steve enjoyed doing anything outdoors that improved his properties, including clearing brush and planting flowers. He was a voracious reader of history and a "master" jigsaw puzzler.
Steve's family would like to thank his long-time assistant, Phyllis Lindquist, his caregiver Wesley Bagot and previous caregiver Terrence McClanahan for their service and support over the years.
Friends are cordially invited to gather and share remembrances of Steve with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Monday, the 19th of December 2016, in the grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The family will hold a private memorial celebration of Steve's life this summer in Tabernash, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Wendel D. Ley Family YMCA, 15055 Wallisville Road, Houston, TX 77049 or charity of your choice
.
Dear Friends and Family,
Steve Ley passed away yesterday morning at sunrise and the windows opened to send his spirit to heaven. He has been released after 13 years of Alzheimer's and could not speak. My memories of the wonderful young years of my life with him and our children Katherine, David and Kevin will live in me always. My husband Bob Lietzow and I have been blessed with good times with the Ley family through the years to this day when we share their sweet sorrow. A visitation at Geo Lewis Funeral Home is Monday from 5 until 7pm. A memorial will be held next summer in Colorado. His life tribute [also below] from the Houston Chronicle. Rest in eternal grace to Steve, O Lord, and let Light perpetual shine upon him.
From the Chronicle Dec 16-18 2016:
Stephen Wendel "Steve" Ley
1941-2016
Stephen Wendel "Steve" Ley,
died at sunrise on Thursday, the 15th of December, 2016, in Houston,
Texas after a long battle with dementia. He was born in Houston, Texas
on the 7th of May, 1941 to Wendel Duer Ley and Audrey Moody Ley. Steve
graduated from Lamar High School in 1959 and Southern Methodist
University in 1963, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity
and where he made many of his life-long friends. Upon graduation he
entered the Marine Service, and successfully accomplished the rigors of
Camp Quantico and Parris Island training. Steve felt his
Marine
experience gave him great life lessons and was very proud of his
service. He returned to Houston and served in the Marine
Reserves. Meanwhile, he entered the land development business where he
developed numerous partnerships and joint ventures that developed
single and multi-family residential communities as well as retail
centers. He had great judgement and earned the respect of his many
business associates. He was instrumental in developing The
Fairways at Pole Creek community outside of Winter Park, Colorado, a
1,000 acre, 27-hole golf course development with magnificent views of
the Rocky Mountains. Steve also served on the Board of the
Bank
of Harris County.He is survived by his beloved mother, Audrey Moody Ley of Houston, his daughter, Katherine O'Neill (Bill) of Chicago, Illinois, his two sons, David Ley (Gisela) of Houston and Kevin Ley (Julie) of Austin, Texas, and the mother of his children, Sharon Ley Leitzow (Bob) of Houston. His four grandchildren include Chris, Charlie and Billy O'Neill and Elizabeth Ley. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Judy Ley Allen of Houston and Diane Ley Espinoza (Antonio) of Asuncion, Paraguay, niece Susan Espinoza Piatkowski (Marc) of Austin, nephew Jorge Espinoza (Maureen) of Boulder, Colorado, and grand-nieces and nephew, Sylvia and Carmen Espinoza and Mia and Maximo Piatkowski. He will be missed by many supportive cousins from the Dan Moody and Homer Ley families. He is predeceased by his dear father, Wendel Duer Ley, his brother, Robert Moody Ley, sister-in-law, Margaret "Peggy" Ley, and brother-in-law, Robert H. Allen.
Steve loved his children dearly and enjoyed many good times with them at the family home in New Braunfels, Texas as well as at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. He had a strong passion for SMU football, especially during the "Pony Express" years. Later in his life he spent much of his time at his second home outside of Winter Park, Colorado hiking, fly fishing and playing golf. In fact, Steve enjoyed doing anything outdoors that improved his properties, including clearing brush and planting flowers. He was a voracious reader of history and a "master" jigsaw puzzler.
Steve's family would like to thank his long-time assistant, Phyllis Lindquist, his caregiver Wesley Bagot and previous caregiver Terrence McClanahan for their service and support over the years.
Friends are cordially invited to gather and share remembrances of Steve with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Monday, the 19th of December 2016, in the grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The family will hold a private memorial celebration of Steve's life this summer in Tabernash, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Wendel D. Ley Family YMCA, 15055 Wallisville Road, Houston, TX 77049 or charity of your choice
Cynthia Lindsey (Salvato)
Our classmate Cynthia Lindsey died on the morning of 13 May 2022. Her obituary, as published in the Houston Chronicle on 22 May 2022, is here. Fred Lipscomb
Thomas Fred Lipscomb
was born
in Houston on February 1, 1940.
Thomas
Fred Lipscomb,
78,
died October 14, 2018 at home in Memphis, TN. He was born in
Houston, TX to the
late Norris Ivy Lipscomb and Leon Brewer Lipscomb.
He
attended Lamar High School and Sam Houston State
University where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
He graduated
from Hull of Aviation School and was an airline pilot 31 years with
Southern
Airways which then became Republic Airlines and finally Northwest
Airlines. He
was a member of the Rotary Club of Hernando, volunteered with Community
Foundation of North Mississippi and went on multiple mission trips to
Honduras
with Living Waters Mission.
He
enjoyed attending NASCAR races, riding motorcycles, snow
skiing, hunting, camping and most of all, flying. He enjoyed monthly
luncheons
with other retired pilots and enjoyed spending time with friends. He
also owned
and operated a farm for many years in Abbeville, MS.
He
is survived by his daughter Michelle Lipscomb (Gary
Hutcherson), his son Thomas Lipscomb, Jr (Holly), grandchildren Cameron
Dooley,
Henry Lipscomb and John Lipscomb, his brother Norris "Bubba" Lipscomb
and his special friend, Gladys Jenkins.
Funeral
services will be held Friday, October 19, 2018 at
2:00pm at Hernando United Methodist Church, 1890 Mt. Pleasant Rd in
Hernando,
MS with visitation beginning at 1:00pm. He will be laid to rest in
Hempstead,
TX.
In
Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made
to Rotary Club of Hernando, MS "Honduras Water Well" P.O Box 231
Hernando, MS 38632 or Hernando Methodist Church.
Butch Looney
Our classmate Butch Looney
died in Austin on the evening of Saturday 17 December 2022 following
a
fall at his home that resulted in a brain bleed. Services held on
Saturday 14 January 2023. Butch was beloved by his Lamar
classmates, several of
whom shared their fond memories:My memories of Butch are still very vivid: positive, warm, full of energy. He was a real friend for me during our Lamar years. I have been saddened by his later difficulties. God bless his soul. - Billy Conner
At my age remembering much about high school and the great people and times is difficult. Not so with Butch, as he was one of those people that formed the enjoyable heartbeat of Lamar. He will be missed. - David Wight
Butch was a good friend to me. He dropped by our house often and enjoyed visits with my Father. The friendships we made in our years at Lamar have been lasting for us, a special time in our lives. I will always remember him with a smile, a funny comment and that light red hair! - Maria Burke Butler
Butch was a great guy and a good friend. He was an outstanding linebacker and we had lots of good times playing football at Lamar. He also had a successful business career, and my condolences go out to his family. - Lynn Zarr
Obituary
Memorial Services for Butch will be held Saturday, January 14th at 2 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive, Austin, Texas 78757.
Joe Robert Lovelady
was born
on Jan. 6, 1941, in Crockett, Texas, to the Rev. Byron Lee and
Marguerite (Rembert) Lovelady. He attended schools in Houston and East
Texas, graduating from Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in 1959.
After high school, Joe attended Southern Methodist University, where he
earned a degree in music before going on to graduate from Perkins
School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
Following
college, Joe served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines from
1967-69, became a Peace Corps Fellow in 1970, and then served as the
Peace Corps Director for the Eastern Caribbean. In 1975 he became the
Montana director for Action,
the federal program that oversees all volunteer programs, a post he
held until his retirement. Throughout his life Joe actively pursued his great passions: social justice, music, conversation, sailing, building, renovation and participation in the Walk to Emmaus community. Following his retirement from the federal government, he and his wife, Mary Jane Fay, moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, in 2001, where they both became a
ctive
members of the
First United Methodist Church. Joe especially loved teaching the
Koinonia Sunday School class, working on Community of Shalom, church
development and providing special music. He was nominated for a
District Discipleship Award in the late summer of 2008. Joe was an
exceptional man, loving father and devoted husband, finding joy in his
daily activities and humor where others seldom thought to look. He was
always ready to lend a hand to anyone that asked, an ear to someone
with a problem, or to simply bring a smile to those who knew him. The
world is a lesser place for his passing. Those of us who were
privileged to know and love Joe will never forget his love, kindness
and generosity. Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; Sons, Ben and Michael; daughter, Molly; and dog, Lucy. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Corpus Christi. The family requests memorial gifts in lieu of flowers to the First United Methodist Church of Corpus Christi, www.ccfwnc.com, or Southern Poverty Law Center, www.splcenter.org. Our classmate Wes Sokolosky obtained the above obituary which was posted: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 12:00 am on Helena Star web site. Joe died on 22 September 2008 in Corpus Christi, TX. His obituary was published in Corpus Christi, TX and in Helena, MT.
Harper Mahan
HARPER
NORMAN MAHAN,
JR. of Austin, Texas passed away on November 6, 2008. He was born on
February 21, 1941 in Houston, TX to Harper Norman, Sr. and Emalynn
Smith Mahan. Harper graduated from Lamar High School in Houston and Sam
Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. He proudly served his
country as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1963 to
1969. In 1987, he married the love of his life, LeAnn Bunch Mahan, in
Round Rock, TX. Harper had a career in the financial industry offering trust, pension, commercial banking and community development services. He most recently worked in Long Beach, CA for 16 years before returning home to Austin in 2005. His greatest pleasures were spending time with family and friends, RV traveling, boating on Lakes Austin and Travis and skeet shooting. He loved America and supported her liberties and freedoms as a Benefactor Member of the National Rifle Association, a Charter Member of the NRA Heritage Society and a life member of the Texas Rifle and Pistol Association.
Harper was predeceased by his parents and mother-in-law Lois Burich. He is survived by his wife, LeAnn; brother, Robert L. Mahan of Suffren, New York; father-in-law, Donald A. Burich, of Creston, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Lana Zoch of Austin, TX and Linda Coen (husband Craig) of Oskaloosa, Iowa; former sister-in-law, Ann Mahan (Tommy Clark) of Houston, TX. Surviving nieces and nephews that also held a very special place in Harper’s heart are Susan Mahan Martin (husband John) and children Kaitlyn, Rowan and Aidan Parker; Daniel G. Zoch (wife Amy); Jeffrey M. Zoch; Matt Coen (wife Suzy) and son, Ian; Lexi Coen Faber (husband Matt) and daughter, Lilia. He is also survived by aunts, an uncle and numerous cousins and friends.
A graveside service celebrating Harper’s life will be held Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston, TX, Reverend Andrew Stepp officiating.
_______________
The above obituary appeared in the Houston Chronicle and was provided by classmate James Davis.
Steve Mahood
Cynthia Lee Mallet (Bass-Morales)
Note:
The obituary notice for Cynthia Lee Mallet
Bass-Morales appeared in the Houston Chronicle on 10/15/2006.
The
full text is available on Chronicle microfilm. The
following bio information was provided by Cynthia in April 2004:"After Lamar graduation in 1959, I attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX for a year, and finished at University of Houston. I went to Washington, D.C. in 1962-65 to work for U.S. Senator Ralph Yarborough, (D-Texas) and switched parties to work for U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, (R-Arizona) where I was his personal secretary and also when he ran for U.S. Presidency in 1964. Also, I worked for the National Republican Committee in Washington, D.C. I met and married Raymond H. Bass, Jr., from California, who worked as a Special Assistant for U.S. Senator John Tower (R-Texas) in Washington, D.C. in 1964. We moved back to Houston in 1965, after the Presidential election, where I worked for Philanthropist Gus Wortham. Then, in 1969, I formed my own talent booking agency licensed by the Music
ians Union Local 65, and teamed
with Bob
Smith Orchestras in the Warwick Hotel in Houston, under the name of
Cynthia Bass Entertainment Agency. I booked and managed many big name
celebrities and stars all over the USA in concerts, posh hotels, and
clubs for over 10 years. After divorcing Raymond Bass in 1971, I
met and married a famous International Singer/Colombia
Recording
artist named Victor Fausto Morales. We have been married 30 years now.
We are both ordained ministers. God has blessed me with the
greatest blessings of all.....a wonderful and loving husband, Victor,
and 4 beautiful children of my own, Jennifer Bass Smith, (38); Trey
Bass (35); Luke Morales (22); Felicia Morales (18); and 3 beautiful
grandchildren - Christian and Bailey Bass (twins- 4 years old) and
Jamie Smith (2). My life has been so fulfilled. I can't thank
GOD
enough for this great life that HE has allowed me to live for him to
bring HOPE to so many. GOD BLESS YOU
ALL!
(April
2004)[photo:
Cindy Mallet Bass-Morales with an orphan at Christmas time.]
"In 1977,
I became a "Born -Again" Christian, and
completely turned my life around having a personal
relationship
with Jesus Christ and serving Him. In 1978, my husband, Victor
Morales, followed suit, dedicating his life and heart to serve a Risen
Savior. In that same year, 1978, we formed an Evangellistic Ministry to
reach hurting people all over the world with the message of
HOPE
in JESUS CHRIST. In 1982, we formed an IRS non-profit organization
(Non-denominational), Victor Morales Ministries, Inc./"Bridge of Love".
We help feed,
clothe, and minister to many
orphanages (hundreds
of orphans) and abandoned children of Mexico, and also
thousands
of very poor families and hungry children along the border areas of
Texas/Mexico all year." John McCaskill
Our
classmate John McCaskill died suddenly on 4 August 2021as
the result of an accident at his second home in Galveston, TX. He
loved tinkering with his boats, fishing and crabbing in the bay with
his grandchildren. He attended Pershing Jr High and obtained his
Masters of Accounting from the Univ of Houston in 1963. Full Obituary
Steve McCleary
Our
classmate Steve McCleary died on 18 Oct 2015 at his home in Las Cruces,
NM. Steve was a widely recognized mathematician. His
biography is captured in his FindAGrave Memorial. Wilda McMenemy (Borrell) (Sept 23, 1941 - Dec 5, 2014)
Wilda died
on December 5, 2014 at home in Richmond, TX. Details via the links
below.
Services Bio Handout FindAGrave Memorial
Doug McCorquodale
Our classmate Doug died
on July 28, 2010 at home in Sugar Land, TX. Details via his FindAGrave memorial. Anne McCullough (Shallenberger)
Anne died
on Wednesday 13 August 2025. Obituary as published by Houston Chronicle on 7 Sept 2025.Orenda page
Cathryn Meldrum
Our classmate Cathryn Meldrum (Conrad) passed away on January 16, 2022, after a long illness. She graduated from SMU and taught history in various public school systems until retiring in 1985. She was a longtime resident of Houston until she moved to Kerrville with her husband, Jeremy Wicker, in 2012. Cathryn was laid to rest January 27, 2022 in Forest Park Lawndale, Houston. Our
classmate Jerry Mendell died on Thursday 8 August 2019
in Tyler, TX at the Hospice of East Texas. His Celebration of
Life was planned for 15 October 2019 at Bullard First United Methodist
Church, Bullard, Texas.Obituary
Clinton
Dow Mims, Jr.,
died on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 in the presence of his loved ones in
Chattanooga, TN. "Sonny" to his family and friends in Texas, Dow came to Chattanooga in 1972 with a new family and a growing business. His life and work over the last three decades touched thousands of lives and shaped the face of the city he grew to love.
Mr. Mims' leadership allowed the realization of so many dreams in Chattanooga and around the country, namely the Tennessee Aquarium, Finley Stadium, the Boys Club of Chattanooga, The McCallie School, GPS, The Baylor School and numerous other schools, churches, hospitals and charitable organizations.
Dow retired from his professional life in 1994 and spent his time accomplishing a number of personal goals. Mr. Mims had a special place in his heart for all those in need, particularly stray dogs and cats, adopting and caring for a large number of them during his retirement.
Survivors include his daughters, Natalie Mims (Victor) Friese, Fort Worth, Tx., Tracy Mims (Pete) McPherson, Nashville, Tn. and Mary Megen Mims, Mobile, Al.; son, Andrew Dow Mims II, Chattanooga; brothers, William Garrett (Mary) Mims, Portland, Or., Robert Allen (Barbara) Mims, Sarasota, Fl.; cousins, Pamela Rhoads, Mark and Maureen Jones, all of Fort Worth, Tx.; nieces, Abigail Mims, Kari Mims (Frank) Tarr, all of Portland, Or.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at The McCallie School Chapel.
Mr. Mims requested that donations be made in his honor to The Salvation Army, The Boy Scouts of America, The American Red Cross, The Humane Society, the McKamey Animal Shelter or any other charitable organization he was associated with during his life.
To send the family a note of condolence, please visit their guestbook at www.lane-coulterchapel.com.
Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace.
obituary
from
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_142993.asp
Frank
B. Nelson II, 18, of 2327 Dunstan, died
instantly when his small foreign car collided with a larger auto Sunday
morning on a slick highway near Cleburne. Nelson was driving
north on Highway 81 when his auto collided with a car which had skidded
out of control after passing a truck. Six persons in the
other
car received only minor injuries. Nelson, a Lamar High School
graduate, was a former member of the Lamar Astronomy Club and served as
an acolyte at Saint Stephens Episcopal Church for six years.
He
was survived by his father, Howard P. Nelson Sr. and his mother,
Mildred Shaw Nelson, a former Houston Post music and arts editor, and a
brother, Howard P. Nelson, Jr., all of Houston. Services were
held at St. Stephen's Church and burial was in Victoria,
Texas.
This
information is from an
article in the Houston Post in the summer of 1959 as provided by our
classmate Kimball
McMahan who adds: I kept the article as
Frank was a
friend, but don't have the actual date. However, I believe it
was
the summer of 1959. Frank was probably the first class
casualty.
I am almost sure that his death was in late July or August,
1959.
He had gotten a 4 door Renault sedan for graduation which he was
driving at the time of the accident.
Our classsmate Charlie Newton died 11 May 2019.
From his
obituary: Charles Alton Newton Jr., was born
September 24, 1941 in Houston, Texas, to Charles Alton Newton and Nina
Belle Newton.
Mr. Newton ran a very successful CPA office in Houston. His tax customers were very fond and loyal to him and stayed with him through an extended time of ill health.
Obituary Orenda page Online Memorial
John O'Quinn died in a
fatal
single-vehicle accident in Houston on the morning on Thursday, 29
October 2009. The following are excerpts from the
obituary posted in The Houston Chronicle, 1 Nov
2009:
JOHN M. O'QUINN, dedicated and extremely successful trial lawyer, generous benefactor, and devoted friend to those who loved him, has ended his earthly journey far too soon. John's journey was always exciting because he demanded so much of himself. Born on the 4th of September 1941, he passed away Thursday, the 29th of October 2009. John spent his professional life as a powerful advocate for the powerless - he was the courtroom champion of the ordinary person. He seemed bigger than life with his dynamic personality and folksy presence, which cleverly masked a giant intellect. He believed that the courtroom was the great common denominator: this was where each person was truly equal. John was the "difference maker" in so many major cases. He considered the courtroom much like the athlete considers the playing field. John took each and every case seriously and personally. As the "people's champion," even those who opposed him in court soon realized his unflinching commitment to his clients, and that even they were enhanced by his presence. Each client was unique; each case special.
John was very much the home-town boy - he loved the city of Houston which helped create his legendary skills: both were robust, confident, extremely successful, with an unyielding attitude. Recognized publicly as a legal icon, he was named one of the 100 Legal Legends of the Law by the Texas Lawyer and recognized by the National Law Journal and Harvard Law Review as one of the Best Lawyers in America, receiving four of the largest verdicts in Texas legal history. An honors graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, he served as a Regent for the University of Houston, as well as a trustee of the UH Law School Foundation. He truly loved the UH Law School and all UH athletic activities. John used his fame and fortune to assist not only the University of Houston with the John O'Quinn Law Library and the John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium, but also the Children's Assessment Center, the Women's Center, Baylor College of Medicine, the End Hunger Network, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, the South Texas College of Law Advocacy Center, and so many more endeavors of equal importance. He was a man who was determined to give back to the city, which had been so very good to him. He once said, "The only things you get to take with you are those things you give away."
John was a proud member of the 12-Step Fellowship, a group known as the "Motley Crew." Only one woman was invited into this group, Darla Lexington, and together with these men, the group helped one another to fight the monster called alcoholism. John's friends made him stronger and he them. His sobriety was nearing eleven years. He truly loved these guys.Standing by his side was Darla Lexington, the love of his life. They shared a passion for philanthropy, the arts, and classic cars. Their dream was to build an automotive history museum in Houston and Darla intends to build that legacy in John's name. All are invited to the funeral service to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 4th of November, in the Sanctuary of Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive in Houston, where Dr. H. Edwin Young, Pastor, is to officiate. A reception is to immediately follow the service in the adjacent Deacons' Parlor. The entombment services are to be privately conducted on the O'Quinn River Ranch in Wimberley, Texas. For those desiring, contributions in memory of John M. O'Quinn may be directed to the University of Houston John O'Quinn Memorial Fund, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204-5016.
The following are excerpts from the news article posted at KHOU.com on the date of John's accident:
Thomas J. Rankin, Jr.
April 21. 1941 September 14, 2012
Thomas Joseph Rankin, Jr. ran through heaven's gates on September 14, 2012. Thomas was born to Thomas Joseph Rankin, Sr. and Margaret Eugenia Bryan in Houston on April 21, 1941. He graduated from Lamar High School and attended The University of Texas where he was a member of the SAE fraternity. He also proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy. Thomas was a master of electronics and for 40 years the proprietor of Oliver Armature Works of Houston.
Thomas is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Sharon Ropp Rankin. He leaves behind his dear sister, Beverly Underwood Mahoney. Thomas is survived by his son, Thomas Joseph Rankin, III and his adoring daughters, Sheryl Rankin Mosier and husband, Trey, Laurie Rankin Carl and husband, Paul, and Bethelyn Kepke Dawson and husband, Steven. "PaPa" will always be alive in the hearts of his eight grandchildren and will be sadly missed by his numerous relatives and friends.
A celebration of Thomas' life was held at 11:00 a.m. on September 26, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church, Schulenburg, Tx.
Dan Moody
Our classmate Dan Moody died 10 Oct 2025 in Houston. Dan attended Lanier prior to Lamar, then the Univ of Texas. His obituary published by the Houston Chronicle on 21 Oct 2025 is impressive. 
Frank Nelson
Our classmate Dan Moody died 10 Oct 2025 in Houston. Dan attended Lanier prior to Lamar, then the Univ of Texas. His obituary published by the Houston Chronicle on 21 Oct 2025 is impressive. Frank Nelson
Frank
B. Nelson II, 18, of 2327 Dunstan, died
instantly when his small foreign car collided with a larger auto Sunday
morning on a slick highway near Cleburne. Nelson was driving
north on Highway 81 when his auto collided with a car which had skidded
out of control after passing a truck. Six persons in the
other
car received only minor injuries. Nelson, a Lamar High School
graduate, was a former member of the Lamar Astronomy Club and served as
an acolyte at Saint Stephens Episcopal Church for six years.
He
was survived by his father, Howard P. Nelson Sr. and his mother,
Mildred Shaw Nelson, a former Houston Post music and arts editor, and a
brother, Howard P. Nelson, Jr., all of Houston. Services were
held at St. Stephen's Church and burial was in Victoria,
Texas.
This
information is from an
article in the Houston Post in the summer of 1959 as provided by our
classmate Kimball
McMahan who adds: I kept the article as
Frank was a
friend, but don't have the actual date. However, I believe it
was
the summer of 1959. Frank was probably the first class
casualty.
I am almost sure that his death was in late July or August,
1959.
He had gotten a 4 door Renault sedan for graduation which he was
driving at the time of the accident.Our classsmate Charlie Newton died 11 May 2019.
From his
obituary: Charles Alton Newton Jr., was born
September 24, 1941 in Houston, Texas, to Charles Alton Newton and Nina
Belle Newton.Mr. Newton ran a very successful CPA office in Houston. His tax customers were very fond and loyal to him and stayed with him through an extended time of ill health.
Obituary Orenda page Online Memorial
Don Noble
Our
classmate Don Noble died on 5 February 2024. After Lamar, he
attended University of Texas and pledged Sigma Chi. Later, he
transferred to TCU where he graduated, then returned to Houston to work
in the oil business with his father. A memorial will be held in
Houston on 1 March 2024, and guests are kindly requested to wear casual
western attire, no ties. Please see the obituary for time and
place.
Obituary
Orenda page
Paul Norwood
Our
classmate Paul Norwood died 12 March 2009 in New Braunfels. He
was born in Houston on 26 April 1941 to Lloyd Leggett Norwood and Rose
Hancock. He attended the University of Texas and earned his
business degree at the University of Houston. Paul served as a
2nd Lieutenant with the Air Force in Biloxi, MS. Paul and his
family moved to New Braunfels in 1980.
Paul's obituary as published in the Houston Chronicle on 14 March 2009 is found here.
Charles Oldham
Our classsmate Charles Oldham died 23 April 2022. From his obituary: Charles Ashe Oldham peacefully passed away on April 23,
2022, at Houston
Hospice in Houston, TX. He was born on June 26, 1941, in Houston, TX, to
the late Beatty Oldham and Marjorie Ashe Oldham. He graduated from Lamar
High School in Houston and went on to work for Eastern Airlines during the
70s. Charles discovered his true passion working in the real estate industry,
where he developed his talents and became extremely successful.
Charles was immensely proud to be not only a 6th generation Texan, but also
the great-great-grandson of Dr. Anson Jones, the last President of the
Republic of Texas. While proud of his Texas heritage, Charles had many fond memories of his time while residing in Hana, Maui, Hawaii.
Charles is survived by his loving partner of 60 years, Ted Guyton, his beloved
niece Carol Ann Oldham, his beloved nephew Russell Gribble, his niece and
nephew's mother, Carol Henslee, and many loving friends.
Charles is preceded in death by his father Beatty Oldham, his mother
Marjorie Oldham, and his brother Richard Oldham.
The family would like to thank Houston Hospice for the loving care they
provided Charles.
Funeral services for Charles Oldham will be held on Thursday, April 28 at
3:30 PM at Croley Funeral Home, 305 W. Harrison, Gilmer, TX 75644.
Interment will follow the services at Chilton Cemetery, Big Sandy, TX.
Published by Houston Chronicle on Apr. 27, 2022
Obituary FindAGrave memorial Orenda page
John O'Quinn
Our
classmate Don Noble died on 5 February 2024. After Lamar, he
attended University of Texas and pledged Sigma Chi. Later, he
transferred to TCU where he graduated, then returned to Houston to work
in the oil business with his father. A memorial will be held in
Houston on 1 March 2024, and guests are kindly requested to wear casual
western attire, no ties. Please see the obituary for time and
place.Paul Norwood
Our
classmate Paul Norwood died 12 March 2009 in New Braunfels. He
was born in Houston on 26 April 1941 to Lloyd Leggett Norwood and Rose
Hancock. He attended the University of Texas and earned his
business degree at the University of Houston. Paul served as a
2nd Lieutenant with the Air Force in Biloxi, MS. Paul and his
family moved to New Braunfels in 1980.Paul's obituary as published in the Houston Chronicle on 14 March 2009 is found here.
Charles Oldham
Our classsmate Charles Oldham died 23 April 2022. From his obituary: Charles Ashe Oldham peacefully passed away on April 23, 2022, at Houston
Hospice in Houston, TX. He was born on June 26, 1941, in Houston, TX, to
the late Beatty Oldham and Marjorie Ashe Oldham. He graduated from Lamar
High School in Houston and went on to work for Eastern Airlines during the
70s. Charles discovered his true passion working in the real estate industry,
where he developed his talents and became extremely successful.
Charles was immensely proud to be not only a 6th generation Texan, but also
the great-great-grandson of Dr. Anson Jones, the last President of the
Republic of Texas. While proud of his Texas heritage, Charles had many fond memories of his time while residing in Hana, Maui, Hawaii.
Charles is survived by his loving partner of 60 years, Ted Guyton, his beloved
niece Carol Ann Oldham, his beloved nephew Russell Gribble, his niece and
nephew's mother, Carol Henslee, and many loving friends.
Charles is preceded in death by his father Beatty Oldham, his mother
Marjorie Oldham, and his brother Richard Oldham.
The family would like to thank Houston Hospice for the loving care they
provided Charles.
Funeral services for Charles Oldham will be held on Thursday, April 28 at
3:30 PM at Croley Funeral Home, 305 W. Harrison, Gilmer, TX 75644.
Interment will follow the services at Chilton Cemetery, Big Sandy, TX.
Published by Houston Chronicle on Apr. 27, 2022Obituary FindAGrave memorial Orenda page
John O'Quinn
John O'Quinn died in a
fatal
single-vehicle accident in Houston on the morning on Thursday, 29
October 2009. The following are excerpts from the
obituary posted in The Houston Chronicle, 1 Nov
2009: JOHN M. O'QUINN, dedicated and extremely successful trial lawyer, generous benefactor, and devoted friend to those who loved him, has ended his earthly journey far too soon. John's journey was always exciting because he demanded so much of himself. Born on the 4th of September 1941, he passed away Thursday, the 29th of October 2009. John spent his professional life as a powerful advocate for the powerless - he was the courtroom champion of the ordinary person. He seemed bigger than life with his dynamic personality and folksy presence, which cleverly masked a giant intellect. He believed that the courtroom was the great common denominator: this was where each person was truly equal. John was the "difference maker" in so many major cases. He considered the courtroom much like the athlete considers the playing field. John took each and every case seriously and personally. As the "people's champion," even those who opposed him in court soon realized his unflinching commitment to his clients, and that even they were enhanced by his presence. Each client was unique; each case special.
John was very much the home-town boy - he loved the city of Houston which helped create his legendary skills: both were robust, confident, extremely successful, with an unyielding attitude. Recognized publicly as a legal icon, he was named one of the 100 Legal Legends of the Law by the Texas Lawyer and recognized by the National Law Journal and Harvard Law Review as one of the Best Lawyers in America, receiving four of the largest verdicts in Texas legal history. An honors graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, he served as a Regent for the University of Houston, as well as a trustee of the UH Law School Foundation. He truly loved the UH Law School and all UH athletic activities. John used his fame and fortune to assist not only the University of Houston with the John O'Quinn Law Library and the John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium, but also the Children's Assessment Center, the Women's Center, Baylor College of Medicine, the End Hunger Network, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, the South Texas College of Law Advocacy Center, and so many more endeavors of equal importance. He was a man who was determined to give back to the city, which had been so very good to him. He once said, "The only things you get to take with you are those things you give away."
John was a proud member of the 12-Step Fellowship, a group known as the "Motley Crew." Only one woman was invited into this group, Darla Lexington, and together with these men, the group helped one another to fight the monster called alcoholism. John's friends made him stronger and he them. His sobriety was nearing eleven years. He truly loved these guys.Standing by his side was Darla Lexington, the love of his life. They shared a passion for philanthropy, the arts, and classic cars. Their dream was to build an automotive history museum in Houston and Darla intends to build that legacy in John's name. All are invited to the funeral service to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 4th of November, in the Sanctuary of Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive in Houston, where Dr. H. Edwin Young, Pastor, is to officiate. A reception is to immediately follow the service in the adjacent Deacons' Parlor. The entombment services are to be privately conducted on the O'Quinn River Ranch in Wimberley, Texas. For those desiring, contributions in memory of John M. O'Quinn may be directed to the University of Houston John O'Quinn Memorial Fund, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204-5016.
The following are excerpts from the news article posted at KHOU.com on the date of John's accident:
Attorney John O'Quinn among 2 dead in crash on Allen Parkway
12:34 PM CDT on Thursday, October 29, 2009
HOUSTON—
Two
people, including one of Houston’s most prominent attorneys, were
killed Thursday morning in a single-vehicle crash on Allen
Parkway.
Famed
trial lawyer
John O’Quinn was traveling westbound on Allen Parkway in a black
Suburban with another man around 8:15 a.m. when the crash occurred. Police
at the scene
said the SUV lost control, jumped the curb, went airborne and crashed
into a tree on the eastbound service road.
The tree
nearly cut the SUV in half, and both O’Quinn and the other man died at
the scene. O’Quinn,
founder
of the O’Quinn Law Firm in Houston, made a name for himself handling
plaintiff’s litigation, including lawsuits against breast implant
manufacturers and tobacco companies. More
recently, he
represented Anna Nicole Smith’s mother, Virgie Arthur, in a battle over
the fate of the body of the late actress. According
to
his official law firm bio, O’Quinn has been named one of the “100 Most
Influential Lawyers in America” by the National Law Journal and among
the five best trial lawyers of the past century by the Houston
Chronicle, among other honors. [see this 1998 Profile
which ran in the Houston
Chronicle at
that time.] "I am
stunned. Most of you know that I
was one of John's law partners 1989-1994. He was
the smartest attorney I have ever known - a master of the law and
imbued with an over abundance of street-smarts. A giant in the
courtroom. His opponents feared, but respected him. His clients loved
him. Every jury appreciated him because he never talked down
to
them. Even when the issues were difficult and
convoluted, he
could simplify them for any jury so they always understood
them. To a jury, he was just one of them - just one of the
folks."
- Jeremy
Wicker
Classmate tributes:
"John
O'Quinn has just been killed in a car wreck on Allen Parkway. God rest
his soul. Could not have been a sweeter guy." - Lee
Chatham Seureau
Kay Patton
Charlotte
Kemp "Kay" Patton
died suddenly on 13 May 1991 while she and her husband were in Norman,
OK. They had attended their
daughter's graduation ceremony at the University of Oklahoma, and were
helping the daughter move out of her apartment when Kay felt ill and
returned to her motel room.
This obituary ran in The Houston Chronicle, Thursday, May 16, 1991, section B, page 9: CHARLOTTE KEMP "KAY" JONES, a native Houstonian, born February 15, 1942 to the late Charlotte Kemp Maer and Adrian I. Patton, Jr, died May 13, 1991. Kay was a graduate from Lamar High School and received her B.S. Degree in Education from the University of Texas. She was a member of The Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, The Junior League of Houston, and the River Oaks Country Club. She was a member of the Westminster United Methodist Church, and belonged to the Wesley Sunday School Class. She was a first grade Teacher at William B. Travis Elementary School H.I.S.D. She is survived by her husband, Bart L. Jones III, her children, Bart L. Jones IV, Blake Jones, Polly Kay Jones, and Patton Jones; her father Adrian Patton and wife Jan, her father and mother-in-law, Bart and Polly Jones. Sister, Connie Welsh and husband Hugh; brother, Adrian Patton and wife Susan. Many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 3:00 pm Thursday May 16, 1991, Westminster United Methodist Church, 5801 San Felipe at Bering Drive with Rev. Charles W. Anderson officiating, assisted by Rev Richard L. White. Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. [Geo. H. Lewis & Sons 1010 Bering Dr. 789-3005]
Kay was born on 15 February 1942 to Sybil Charlotte Maer and Adrian Ivan Patton Jr in Houston. She married Barlow Lee Jones III on 8 June 1963 in Houston.
Kay was interred on 16 May 1991 in Glenwood Cemetery (formerly the Washington Cemetery) on Washington Ave., Houston, TX: Section OD, Lot Number 009. FindAGrave Memorial
Kylene Perry (Nelson)
Kylene
Nelson, age 73, went to heaven on Wednesday, Oct. 22,
2014. She was
born on Sept. 5, 1941 in Houma, Louisiana, to the late Kyle and Dorothy
(Brant) Perry. She lived in Holly Lake Ranch with her husband of 52
years, Bruce Nelson.
Kylene was an only child, a graduate of Lamar High School in Houston, she attended The University of Texas at Austin, and was a proud Delta Gamma. Kylene was also an incredibly talented artist in many mediums, but she loved the flexibility and vibrancy of pastels the most. She won many awards in fine art shows, was one of the original members of the Pastel Society of the Southwest in Dallas, and received the distinction of being elected into the Pastel Society of America in 1983.
She was best known for her portraits and her hope was to create a piece of art that would last for many years and remind people of a special time or person in their life. Kylene was the most loving and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother and friend to both people and all of God's little critters. She was a true gift to those who knew her and were blessed by her vibrant personality and smile. This said, we know she would love for friends and family to wear colorful attire to celebrate her life and memory.
A celebration service was held at Holly Tree Ranch Chapel, 1620 South Farm-to-Market Road 2869, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, on Nov. 9, 2014, at 2 p.m. [Note: Our classmate Martha Hansen Dinwiddie attended the service and provided this program. Martha noted: "Her death was a big shock. She had a serious stroke. Her memorial service was beautiful though. They had some of her paintings displayed. She was a fabulous artist. I didn't realize how talented she was." You can view a slideshow of Kylene's portraits here.]
Kylene is survived by her husband, Bruce, of Holly Lake Ranch; her son, Brett Nelson, of Murphy; her oldest daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Michael Cobb, of Colleyville; her youngest daughter and son-in-law, Paige and Rick Murphy, of Austin; two grandchildren, Ryleigh Cobb and Kyler Murphy; and three stepgrandsons, Cody Cobb, Jared Cobb and Cole Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, those friends and family wishing to honor the memory of Kylene's life may make a donation to Operation Kindness at www.operationkindness.org or any local No Kill Animal Shelter.
Tommy Rankin
Charlotte
Kemp "Kay" Patton
died suddenly on 13 May 1991 while she and her husband were in Norman,
OK. They had attended their
daughter's graduation ceremony at the University of Oklahoma, and were
helping the daughter move out of her apartment when Kay felt ill and
returned to her motel room.This obituary ran in The Houston Chronicle, Thursday, May 16, 1991, section B, page 9: CHARLOTTE KEMP "KAY" JONES, a native Houstonian, born February 15, 1942 to the late Charlotte Kemp Maer and Adrian I. Patton, Jr, died May 13, 1991. Kay was a graduate from Lamar High School and received her B.S. Degree in Education from the University of Texas. She was a member of The Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, The Junior League of Houston, and the River Oaks Country Club. She was a member of the Westminster United Methodist Church, and belonged to the Wesley Sunday School Class. She was a first grade Teacher at William B. Travis Elementary School H.I.S.D. She is survived by her husband, Bart L. Jones III, her children, Bart L. Jones IV, Blake Jones, Polly Kay Jones, and Patton Jones; her father Adrian Patton and wife Jan, her father and mother-in-law, Bart and Polly Jones. Sister, Connie Welsh and husband Hugh; brother, Adrian Patton and wife Susan. Many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 3:00 pm Thursday May 16, 1991, Westminster United Methodist Church, 5801 San Felipe at Bering Drive with Rev. Charles W. Anderson officiating, assisted by Rev Richard L. White. Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. [Geo. H. Lewis & Sons 1010 Bering Dr. 789-3005]
Kay was born on 15 February 1942 to Sybil Charlotte Maer and Adrian Ivan Patton Jr in Houston. She married Barlow Lee Jones III on 8 June 1963 in Houston.
Kay was interred on 16 May 1991 in Glenwood Cemetery (formerly the Washington Cemetery) on Washington Ave., Houston, TX: Section OD, Lot Number 009. FindAGrave Memorial
Ray Poage Jr, was
one of the great athletic talents of Lamar's Class of 1959.
He is profiled in Historic
Houston a
s follows:
Poage, Raymond “Ray” Coy (1940-1997) – Professional Football Player – Marks first met Ray Poage in 1960 on a Saturday morning during a football scrimmage at St. John’s School. Our coaches told the team that Poage was one of the best players we would ever see. That day he was playing fullback for the Lamar High School Redskins. Early in the scrimmage the Lamar linemen opened a hole big enough to drive a semi-truck through. The next thing Marks knew, he was laying on the ground, knocked out of breath. When he opened his eyes, Poage was kneeling beside him to see if Marks was hurt. That was the start of a long and wonderful friendship. Poage was born in Plainview but the family soon moved to Happy, Texas. He played fullback there and was recognized as one of the best players in Texas high school football. Lamar recruited Poage who helped the school win the state championship. Upon graduation in 1960 he signed with the University of Texas where he became an All-American with his photo on the cover of Life magazine.
Poage
was a 2nd round draft choice of the Minnesota Vikings as a tight end in
1963. He was 6”4” and weighed 208 pounds. Poage
went on to
play for the Philadelphia Eagles (1964-6), New Orleans Saints (1967-70)
and the Atlanta Falcons (1971). worRetiring
from football Poage joined a brokerage firm where Marks worked. He
later
moved
to the Coors Brewing
Company’s Houston distributor. Regretfully,
Poage died a tragic death at age 57.
s follows:Poage, Raymond “Ray” Coy (1940-1997) – Professional Football Player – Marks first met Ray Poage in 1960 on a Saturday morning during a football scrimmage at St. John’s School. Our coaches told the team that Poage was one of the best players we would ever see. That day he was playing fullback for the Lamar High School Redskins. Early in the scrimmage the Lamar linemen opened a hole big enough to drive a semi-truck through. The next thing Marks knew, he was laying on the ground, knocked out of breath. When he opened his eyes, Poage was kneeling beside him to see if Marks was hurt. That was the start of a long and wonderful friendship. Poage was born in Plainview but the family soon moved to Happy, Texas. He played fullback there and was recognized as one of the best players in Texas high school football. Lamar recruited Poage who helped the school win the state championship. Upon graduation in 1960 he signed with the University of Texas where he became an All-American with his photo on the cover of Life magazine.
Poage
was a 2nd round draft choice of the Minnesota Vikings as a tight end in
1963. He was 6”4” and weighed 208 pounds. Poage
went on to
play for the Philadelphia Eagles (1964-6), New Orleans Saints (1967-70)
and the Atlanta Falcons (1971). worRetiring
from football Poage joined a brokerage firm where Marks worked. He
later
moved
to the Coors Brewing
Company’s Houston distributor. Regretfully,
Poage died a tragic death at age 57.Kylene Perry (Nelson)
Kylene
Nelson, age 73, went to heaven on Wednesday, Oct. 22,
2014. She was
born on Sept. 5, 1941 in Houma, Louisiana, to the late Kyle and Dorothy
(Brant) Perry. She lived in Holly Lake Ranch with her husband of 52
years, Bruce Nelson.Kylene was an only child, a graduate of Lamar High School in Houston, she attended The University of Texas at Austin, and was a proud Delta Gamma. Kylene was also an incredibly talented artist in many mediums, but she loved the flexibility and vibrancy of pastels the most. She won many awards in fine art shows, was one of the original members of the Pastel Society of the Southwest in Dallas, and received the distinction of being elected into the Pastel Society of America in 1983.
She was best known for her portraits and her hope was to create a piece of art that would last for many years and remind people of a special time or person in their life. Kylene was the most loving and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother and friend to both people and all of God's little critters. She was a true gift to those who knew her and were blessed by her vibrant personality and smile. This said, we know she would love for friends and family to wear colorful attire to celebrate her life and memory.
A celebration service was held at Holly Tree Ranch Chapel, 1620 South Farm-to-Market Road 2869, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, on Nov. 9, 2014, at 2 p.m. [Note: Our classmate Martha Hansen Dinwiddie attended the service and provided this program. Martha noted: "Her death was a big shock. She had a serious stroke. Her memorial service was beautiful though. They had some of her paintings displayed. She was a fabulous artist. I didn't realize how talented she was." You can view a slideshow of Kylene's portraits here.]
Kylene is survived by her husband, Bruce, of Holly Lake Ranch; her son, Brett Nelson, of Murphy; her oldest daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Michael Cobb, of Colleyville; her youngest daughter and son-in-law, Paige and Rick Murphy, of Austin; two grandchildren, Ryleigh Cobb and Kyler Murphy; and three stepgrandsons, Cody Cobb, Jared Cobb and Cole Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, those friends and family wishing to honor the memory of Kylene's life may make a donation to Operation Kindness at www.operationkindness.org or any local No Kill Animal Shelter.
Obituary
published in Tyler Morning Telegraph on Oct. 26, 2014
Tommy Rankin
Thomas J. Rankin, Jr.April 21. 1941 September 14, 2012
Thomas Joseph Rankin, Jr. ran through heaven's gates on September 14, 2012. Thomas was born to Thomas Joseph Rankin, Sr. and Margaret Eugenia Bryan in Houston on April 21, 1941. He graduated from Lamar High School and attended The University of Texas where he was a member of the SAE fraternity. He also proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy. Thomas was a master of electronics and for 40 years the proprietor of Oliver Armature Works of Houston.
Thomas is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Sharon Ropp Rankin. He leaves behind his dear sister, Beverly Underwood Mahoney. Thomas is survived by his son, Thomas Joseph Rankin, III and his adoring daughters, Sheryl Rankin Mosier and husband, Trey, Laurie Rankin Carl and husband, Paul, and Bethelyn Kepke Dawson and husband, Steven. "PaPa" will always be alive in the hearts of his eight grandchildren and will be sadly missed by his numerous relatives and friends.
A celebration of Thomas' life was held at 11:00 a.m. on September 26, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church, Schulenburg, Tx.
Published
in the
Houston Chronicle on September 19, 2012
Denny Reed
Dennis
Dale Reed, 80, of Kerrville, TX, passed away July 21, 2021 in
Kerrville. He was born in Houston, TX to Polly and Dale Reed on May
14,1941. He married Jean Teel on July 25, 1964 in Dallas.He went to Lamar High School and attended Austin College. Dennis worked for Armco Steel for more than 20 years and then built a successful business with Farmer's Insurance. Dennis was an exceptional outdoorsman, catching a world record brown trout while fly-fishing in the White River of Arkansas, hunting white tail in the Hill Country and Mexico, and duck hunting in Matagorda Bay. He also enjoyed competing in precision bench rest shooting and bass tournaments. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Polly Reed, his brother Richard Reed and his nephew Jimmy Moriarty. Dennis is survived by his wife of 57 years Jean Reed, his children Jerry Reed and Jennifer Reed (Pam), his sister Cindy Moriarty, grandchildren Sarah Waits (Brian), Kaleb and Gavin, Leah, great grandson Crew, his sister-in-law Carolyn Teel, nieces Becky Davis (Greg), Melissa Moriarty and his nephew Steven Reed (Marylyn).
Memorial services will be held at 10:00am August 14, 2021 at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kerrville, Texas. A lunch reception will follow at 11:00am at the Dietert Center.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at Hilltop Village and Peterson Hospice.
Condolences may be sent at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com by selecting the "Send Condolences" link.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Kathleen C. Cailloux Humane Society of Kerrville. Their mailing address is P.O. Box 294810, Kerrville, Texas 78029.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.
Jim Riddle
Riddle III, James
Irvin 1-31-42 to 4-19-11 Loved and surrounded by family,
Jim
passed away peacefully at home. Born in Houston to James I. and Mattie
B. Riddle, he graduated from Lamar H.S. in 1959, proudly served in the
U.S. Army, was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and received two
bachelor degrees from The University of Texas. He was a
news
producer at WFAA-TV in the early 70s, an avid reader, carpenter,
handyman extraordinaire, photographer, gourmet cook, and "comedic
genius." He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy Greenwood
Riddle, and his children, of whom he was immeasurably proud, Christy
Cathleen Riddle, M.D. and James Irvin Riddle, IV. He is also survived
by his sister, Jane Lancaster, and her husband John L. Lancaster, III,
and their children, Delaney Rolfe (Charlie), John L. Lancaster IV
(Jewelee Ann), and James. R. Lancaster (Gigi), all of Dallas. Heartfelt
thanks to VNA Hospice; Home Helpers Crystal Carpenter, Krystal Price,
Victoria Logan, Leavella Hendricks; and his physicians Peter Stack,
Roger Camp, James Trotter, Jennifer Wells, and Grady Goodwin. A
memorial service will be held Saturday, April 30th at 11 o'clock in the
morning at St. Michael and All Angels Chapel, 8011 Douglas Avenue,
Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to North
Texas Food Bank, Attn: Accounting, 4500 S. Cockrell Hill Rd, Dallas, TX
75236-2028; the Salvation Army DFW Metroplex, P.O. Box 36006, Dallas,
TX 75235; or the charity of your choosing. Remembered as "...
this very kind and courteous gentleman." [Ellen
Rothermel Stuart]
Published
in Dallas Morning News from April 21 to
April 29, 2011
Audrey Riggs (South)
Our
classmate Audrey Riggs (South) died on Friday, 3 October 2025. A
friend of Sukey Fenoglio since kindergarten, Audrey has an obituary by Schmidt Funerals of Katy, TX. They will handle her service on Friday, 10 October 2025 at 2 pm. Obituary
Reed
Robinson died
on Thursday morning, June 4, 2015 in Houston. He had
numerous medical issues in recent years
including several strokes and had been
in assisted living for
some time. Reed's
obituary appeared on 5 July 2015 and
is linked
below.
Orenda Page Obituary
The Class held an inurnment service to celebrate the life of Reed Winslow Robinson on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 9:00 am. Rev. Tom Stults '59 officiated. It was held at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Blvd, Houston, TX, 77023. Reed would have liked it to be casual.
A special thanks to those who contributed to the fund for covering the cost of fulfilling Reed's last wishes regarding his remains.
Note: In addition to providing compassionate care and much of Reed’s support in recent years, our classmate Chris Black assumed responsibility for Reed’s final expenses. He committed to covering the cost of cremation, opening of the family plot for interment of the urn, a grave marker, the obituary and other expenses. The total cost will be almost $5,000. After learning about this, a number of our classmates together with some of Reed’s former students and neighbors have pledged almost $2,000 to help offset Chris’s expenses, and other friends and classmates have since contributed the remainder to offset these expenses. Thank you to all!
Orenda Page Obituary
Dorothy Kay Rudisill
RUDISILL
-- Dorothy Kay Rudisill,
60, of Lenox, Massachusetts, and Houston, Texas, died on
Easter
Monday evening, April
16, 2001,
at Berkshire Medical Center, after a courageous 30-year battle with
multiple sclerosis.
Miss Rudisill was born on Dec.18, 1940, in East Barnard, Texas, near Houston, to loving parents, Paul Lester and Dorothy Guthrey Berry Rudisill, who predeceased her. She graduated from Lamar High School, Houston, and earned her B.A. degree from Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches (home of her grandparents and father), and her M.A. degree with honors from Southern Methodist University, Dallas. She was a licensed speech pathologist and enjoyed her work in Wichita Falls, Midland, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Largo Vista in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. She especially liked working with deaf children, who called her "Miss Roo." Retiring in 1997 because of her illness, she moved to Lenox to live with her devoted brother, Clifford Rudisill. She loved her apartment in her brother's home and the Berkshires, which reminded her of the Smokies. She enjoyed going to New York for Broadway shows and concerts at Carnegie Hall, and attended many concerts at the Berkshire Tanglewood Music Festival and the nearby South Mountain Chamber Music Series.
Kay was an accomplished sportswoman in her youth. For seven consecutive summers she attended Camp Junaluska for Girls in Waynesville, North Carolina, where her family had a summer cottage. She won blue ribbons in every sport and was an exceptionally gifted equestrian. She loved animals, especially horses and her cat, Simba. Last fall, Kay celebrated her 60th birthday at the Argyle in San Antonio, in the company of her closest high school and college friends.
All who knew Kay admired her indomitable, cheerful spirit and courage. She was an inspiration especially to her church family at St. James' Episcopal Church in Great Barrington, where she was the "poster girl" for the handicap accessibility campaign.
Clifford Rudisill wants to thank Joanne Poston and the health care aides from the Lee Regional Visiting Nurses who cared for Kay with empathy, and Fr. Ray Wilson who nourished her body as well as her spirit.
A Burial Service and Holy Eucharist will be held at St. James' Episcopal Church, Great Barrington, on Thursday, April 19, 2001, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Ray Wilson, rector of St. James', and the Rev. Jeffrey H. Walker, rector of Christ Church, Greenwich, Conn., officiating.
Memorial
contributions
may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Humane Society for
Animals, or the Handicap Accessibility Fund at St. James' Church in
care of the Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St.,
Great
Barrington, Ma 01230.
This obituary appeared in The
Berkshire
Eagle on 4/20/2001
Jane Rulfs
From
the Houston Chronicle, 23 April 2012: Jane Rulfs, age 69,
of Houston,
passed away on Wednesday evening, the 18th of April 2012.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from three o'clock until five o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 22nd of April, in the Drawing Room of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The funeral service is to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Monday, the 23rd of April, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, where Dr. Linda Christians, Executive Pastor of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, is to officiate.
The interment is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, kindly consider a donation in her memory to the Rulfs Family Scholarship Fund, c/o Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX, 77005.
Photo Gallery for Jane Rulfs as of May 2012.
Jim Sartwelle
Our
classmate Jim Sartwelle died unexpectedly on 5 November 2021 in Sealy,
TX. A private family-only funeral was held on Tuesday 7 November.
Bio: Texas A&M Honor Registry
Charles Shirar
Jane RulfsFrom
the Houston Chronicle, 23 April 2012: Jane Rulfs, age 69,
of Houston,
passed away on Wednesday evening, the 18th of April 2012.Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from three o'clock until five o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 22nd of April, in the Drawing Room of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The funeral service is to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Monday, the 23rd of April, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, where Dr. Linda Christians, Executive Pastor of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, is to officiate.
The interment is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, kindly consider a donation in her memory to the Rulfs Family Scholarship Fund, c/o Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX, 77005.
Photo Gallery for Jane Rulfs as of May 2012.
Jim Sartwelle
Our
classmate Jim Sartwelle died unexpectedly on 5 November 2021 in Sealy,
TX. A private family-only funeral was held on Tuesday 7 November.
Bio: Texas A&M Honor Registry
Charles Shirar
Services
for Charles Rupert Shirar III, 42, of 5207B 73rd St were held by
Singleton Funeral Directors following Shirar being found dead in his
garage on Monday. Born in Houston, he was in the Marine
Reserves.
He received a bachelor of science degree from Texas Tech University and
a master's from Mississippi State University. He was a
Methodist.
FindAGrave Memorial
Margaret SinclairFindAGrave Memorial
Margaret Lee (Sinclair) Laney, age 79, of Riverside CA, passed away
peace
fully on May 27, 2021. She was born on July
19, 1941, in Houston TX, to Mary Kate (Crow) and William Stanley Sinclair Jr. She attended high school at Lamar High in
Houston (class of 1959) and the University of Arizona. Her career was in education and nursing. She is survived by her
husband, Francis Phillip Laney and his children from a former marriage, Laura Laney, Jennifer (Laney) Myers and Phillip
C. Laney, and her child from her former marriage, William J. Carter IV, and her brother, William S. Sinclair. She had
seven grandchildren. She was proceded in death by her sister, Adrian (Sinclair) Balch, her previous husband, William J
Carter III, and their second child, Matthew S. Carter.
The photo shows (L to R) Margaret with her son Bill Carter and her brother William Sinclair (also a Lamar graduate). Photo was taken at the Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, c. October 2020. https://www.jlevyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Margaret-Laney
peacefully on May 27, 2021. She was born on July
19, 1941, in Houston TX, to Mary Kate (Crow) and William Stanley Sinclair Jr. She attended high school at Lamar High in
Houston (class of 1959) and the University of Arizona. Her career was in education and nursing. She is survived by her
husband, Francis Phillip Laney and his children from a former marriage, Laura Laney, Jennifer (Laney) Myers and Phillip
C. Laney, and her child from her former marriage, William J. Carter IV, and her brother, William S. Sinclair. She had
seven grandchildren. She was proceded in death by her sister, Adrian (Sinclair) Balch, her previous husband, William J
Carter III, and their second child, Matthew S. Carter.The photo shows (L to R) Margaret with her son Bill Carter and her brother William Sinclair (also a Lamar graduate). Photo was taken at the Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, c. October 2020. https://www.jlevyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Margaret-Laney
Nancy Smith (Stewart)
Nancy Smith (Stewart) - The New Braunfels paper lists this obituary for Nancy Smith
(Stewart) who died 11 Mar 2023. Nancy was a in our January Class
of 1959 but attended summer school in 1958 so she could graduate
early and
enter Texas Tech in Fall 1958. Thus Nancy is not in our '59
Orenda but is in our three earlier Orendas for our Class. Nancy
sang with the
Melodots and the Choralettes.Patsy Smith (McClendon)
Our classmate Patsy Smith [Patricia
Jane Smith McClendon, 41] died at 2:10 pm Thursday, 3 February 1983, at Methodist
Hospital in Lubbock, TX after an illness. Services were held at First
Christian Church with Dr. Dudley Strain and the Rev. James W. Sutherlin
officiating.Burial was under direction of Rix Funeral Directors.
Patsy was born in Houston and was an honor graduate of the University of Texas with a B.A. in English. She married Jack McClendon Aug 10, 1963, in Houston. She was a member of First Christian Church.
She was a member of the Lubbock Women's Club, was on the board and an officer of the Junior League, was past president of the Kappa Alpha T
heta
Alumnae and was
active in Lubbock Cancer-mount. She taught school in Lubbock
from
1965 to 1967.Survivors include her husband, two sons, Tray and Mont, both of Lubbock, her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Burt B. Smith of Houston; two brothers, Dr. Ben Smith of Galveston and Ken Smith of Tokyo, Japan; and a sister, Mary Beth Fetzer of Houston.
The family suggested memorials to the Cancer Treatment Center at Methodist Hospital.
Pallbearers were Bill Russell, Terry Bickerton, Blair Cherry Jr., S.E. Cane. Jr., Don Gardner, Tom M. Richards, Dr. Eugene White, and Russell White.
Honorary pallbearers were members of the Junior League of Lubbock.
_______________________________________________
The above obituary is transcribed from the Lubbock Avalanche Journal of Friday 4 Feb 1983. It was provided by Mark, a volunteer of the South Plains Genealogical Society, on 28 Aug 2009.
Sparling, Honorable Jon:
The Honorable Jon Sparling passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Dallas on August 23, 2014, after a brief illness. He was born to The Reverend Jack and Vera Moseley Sparling on April 19, 1941, in Alvin, Texas. He grew up a handsome, intelligent, fun-loving boy, and graduated from Lamar High School in Houston, Southern Methodist University in Dallas where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and the S.M.U. Dedman School of Law. He fell in love with Dallas and made it his home. Mr. Sparling was a skilled lawyer in the District Attorney's office in Dallas County where he was founder and chief of the specialized crime division, organized to fight white-collar crime. He also distinguished himself as a judge on the Texas Court of Appeals. He concluded his career in private practice as a commercial litigator with Sparling and Zadina Law Firm, but he liked to say that working in the District Attorney's office was the best job he ever had. Jon was an avid traveler, fascinated by foreign cultures and unique experiences, but Dallas, Texas was undoubtedly his home. He enjoyed being on and below the water, and he always had a sailboat in his life. He built, and loved spending time at, his lake house, and found value raising cattle and working the land on a family farm near Corsicana. Jon was born into a long line of Methodist ministers and as an adult he was a member of University Park United Methodist Church. Without a doubt, his greatest joy was his family and raising his children whom he loved with everything. He leaves behind to mourn him his four children, Jon Jr. and wife Sarah, William, David, and Sarah, the mother of his children Helena Underwood Sparling, his sister Patty and husband Dr. Duane Andrews, two nieces and their husbands and children, and Terri Loney, his good friend who loved and cared for him in the final years. A memorial service will be conducted at University Park United Methodist Church, 402 Caruth Boulevard in Dallas on August 28, 2014 at 4:00 pm by his niece the Reverend Dr. Allison Andrews Thompson. A graveside service will be held by his niece The Reverend Susan Andrews Hageman at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 10:00 AM, where he will be buried with his parents under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SMU Dedman School of Law, Att: Janet White. P O Box 750116, Dallas, Texas 75275-0116, or to University Park United Methodist Church.
Mark Spears
Avery
"Mark" Spears
passed away peacefully
surrounded by friends and family in Houston, Texas on January 4, 2013
after a brief illness. He was born in Houston on August 8, 1941, to Dr.
Avery M. and Juliette Spears. He called Houston home his entire life.
Graduated from Lamar High 
School
in 1959, and worked initially in
retail and automobile sales. He subsequently enjoyed a long career as a
sales representative and account manager with Chemical Waste
Management, Inc. When not working, he enjoyed golf, hunting, gardening
and travel, but most of all being in the company
of good friends and
family. He was a long-time member of the congregation of Memorial Drive
United Methodist Church in Houston, and participated in their mission
program, most recently in Cuba in early 2012. He is preceded in death
by his parents, and is survived by his daughter Jennifer Spears, step
son Corky Barker, sister Ann Hudson, and nieces
Jackie
Lynn Cate and
Evelyn Sheeran, and nephew Don Hudson and their respective families, as
well as many dear friends.
Avery
"Mark" Spears
passed away peacefully
surrounded by friends and family in Houston, Texas on January 4, 2013
after a brief illness. He was born in Houston on August 8, 1941, to Dr.
Avery M. and Juliette Spears. He called Houston home his entire life.
Graduated from Lamar High School
in 1959, and worked initially in
retail and automobile sales. He subsequently enjoyed a long career as a
sales representative and account manager with Chemical Waste
Management, Inc. When not working, he enjoyed golf, hunting, gardening
and travel, but most of all being in the company
of good friends and
family. He was a long-time member of the congregation of Memorial Drive
United Methodist Church in Houston, and participated in their mission
program, most recently in Cuba in early 2012. He is preceded in death
by his parents, and is survived by his daughter Jennifer Spears, step
son Corky Barker, sister Ann Hudson, and nieces
Jackie
Lynn Cate and
Evelyn Sheeran, and nephew Don Hudson and their respective families, as
well as many dear friends. A Memorial Service was
held Thursday, January
10, 2013 at 2:00 PM
at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Dr, Houston
TX 77079. A private burial ocurred at Forest Park Lawndale
Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Mark's
memory to Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org).
Visit www.DettlingFuneral.com
to leave online tributes.
Glen Stanbaugh
Dr.
Glen H. Stanbaugh
Dr.
Glen H. Stanbaugh
Saturday,
July 04, 2009
Celebration
of life services
for Dr. Glen H. Stanbaugh will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2009
at Resthaven's Abbey Chapel with Dr. Carl Anderson
officiating.
Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. A visitation will be
held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2009 at Resthaven Funeral Home.
Dr. Stanbaugh was the first Nephrologist in West Texas, arriving in Lubbock in 1974. He served as a full time faculty member at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center from 1974 through 1977 and part-time faculty member from 1978 until 1985. Dr. Stanbaugh was the medical director of South Plains Dialysis Center from 1974 to 85 and Co-Medical Director of the West Texas Dialysis Center and the South Plains Kidney Disease Center until he retired in 2003. Although retired, Dr. Stanbaugh continued to serve patients with renal disease as the Chairman of the Board of the Texas Renal Coalition, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board of the National Kidney Foundation- West Texas, and as a board member of Texans for the Advancement of Medical Research. Dr. Stanbaugh was recently recognized by the State Senate of Texas for his work in the prevention of end stage renal disease. He has authored many scientific articles and is the author/editor of a book, THE DEISS LETTERS. He was a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Society. Dr. Stanbaugh is survived by his wife, Linda; two daughters, one stepdaughter, three stepsons, and eight grandchildren. Memorials can be made to the Texas Renal Coalition, The Center for the Study of Addiction at Texas Tech University, and The Deiss Society at UTMB.
JOHN PAUL STANFORD
(1941- 2017) beloved husband,
brother, father, and grandfather passed
into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September
5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. He was born April 10,
1941, in
Navasota, Texas to William McIntyre (Bill) Stanford and Mary Stanford
Shatto. His father was killed in the Normandy Invasion in
France
in 1944, and he was raised by his mother. He joined the
United
States Marines in 1961, and served in the Vietnam War from
1962-1965. Following the war, he completed his undergraduate
degree in Psychology at the University of Houston. He then
attended the University of Houston School of Law where he graduated in
1973. He also obtained his CPA during this time. He
specialized in tax law. John served with a variety of
companies
using his expertise in tax law. In 1987, he joined the AGIP
Petroleum Co. as the Tax Manager, and continued working for AGIP until
they outsourced the tax department. He then worked for
Conklin
Hruzek CPA firm before being recruited by the Mitchell Family
Corporation where he managed the George Mitchell account until his
death. He had a strong work ethic and loved what he did.
John’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Cypress United Methodist Church where he served our Lord by ushering. He served on the Finance Committee as Treasurer, and taught classes in Financial Peace.
John deeply loved his family. He was a dedicated father and husband who instilled in his children values, morals, and ethics. John loved his country, and wore his Marine hat proudly. He was a deep thinker and had a witty sense of humor.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Gail. He is also survived by his 4 children: Kathryn Stanford Jedlicka (Gary), William (Bill) McIntyre Stanford (Laura), Alice Nance Jansen (Erick), and Emily Nance Fitts (Brian), brother William (Billy) McIntyre Stanford (Mary) and granddaughters, Ayla Jansen and Samantha Jansen.
Visitation will be at the Klein Funeral Home, 9719 Wortham Blvd Houston, Texas 77065 on September 10, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Services will be held at Cypress United Methodist Church on September 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm. Dr. Tony McCollum will officiate. Following the service there will be a reception in Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cypress United Methodist Church 13403 Cypress North Houston, Cypress, Texas 77429, Wounded Warrior Project, or the American Cancer Society.
Medford Stuckey
Our classmate Medford Wright Stuckey
was born in Houston on the 16th of December 1940, the son of Wiley
Wright "Buddy" Stuckey Jr. [FindAGrave memorial #59728776]
and Vera Lucille Schultz. He died there on Saturday the 11th
of
June 1994 at the age of 53 yrs, 6 months. His
obituary was
published in the Houston Chronicle on Sunday 12 June and on Tuesday 14
June 1994.
Charles Summers
Our classmate Medford Wright Stuckey
was born in Houston on the 16th of December 1940, the son of Wiley
Wright "Buddy" Stuckey Jr. [FindAGrave memorial #59728776]
and Vera Lucille Schultz. He died there on Saturday the 11th
of
June 1994 at the age of 53 yrs, 6 months. His
obituary was
published in the Houston Chronicle on Sunday 12 June and on Tuesday 14
June 1994. Charles Summers
Charles
Dean Summers, a
wonderful and beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed away
peacefully about 3:00am on July 5, 2009. Charles was born January 22,
1940, in Houston, Texas; the second son of Elmer Lee Summers and
Elizabeth Buhler Summers, and grew up in Houston. While attending Lamar
High School, he worked for a local garage, and joined the neighborhood
volunteer fire department. He attended Tarleton College in
Stephenville, Texas, earning an associate’s degree before he
volunteered for the U.S. Army in late 1961. During his term of
enlistment, he served with B Company of the 144th Signal Battalion in
Goepingen, Germany.Upon his discharge, Charles became a full-time fireman in West University Place, a Houston suburb. While there, he pursued a vigorous outdoor life of hunting, boating, fishing, and starting what became the great achievement and legacy of his lifetime: a Matagorda County cattle ranch carved from scratch out of the forested bottomlands of Caney Creek. This quickly became his full-time endeavor. Over the decades he cleared, drained, and improved “Caney” to his own preferences. For the past two decades, he also operated a rural land improvement business, Caney Conservation Company.
Charlie developed and pursued interests far too numerous to describe in this space. He kept up a vigorous paper and Internet correspondence with family, school and Army friends, and people he’d met while riding his Harley to nearly all the lower 48 states. He was extremely knowledgeable about English and American history in general and Matagorda County history in particular. He liked to entertain family and friends. He was a good host and outstanding cook. Only in very recent years did his health limit his activities, and especially so since heart valve replacement surgery in November, 2008.
A lifelong bachelor, Charles Summers was predeceased by his parents. He is survived, loved, and missed by his brothers and their wives, Edward and Kathy Summers and Jesse and Helen Summers; his nephews, Michael Summers and David Summers; his nieces, Jennifer Summers and Pamela Summers Parks; and his grand-nieces and nephews, Angelica Summers, Amanda Summers, Callum Parks, Kate Summers, Mason Parks, and Sophie Parks; and by many friends as well. To all of them, his passing creates a loss that cannot be erased in this life.
Funeral arrangements are by Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City, and will include visitation from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, July 10; a simple funeral service at 10:00am Saturday July 11; and burial in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston at 1:30pm Saturday. Charlie’s brothers encourage family and friends planning to attend the visitation or the funeral service to prepare oral and/or written memories of Charlie for mutual sharing.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (on-line memorial)
Jimmy
Tabb:
Classmate David Warren reports: "JIMMY TABB died of a heart attack at the age
of 41 in
Philadelphia Pa while working for Rhom and Haus
as a
labor relations representative. I think the year was
1982.
The obit was in the Chronicle."Our classmate Addison Thorn died 8 February 2022 in Katy, Texas. He was born on April 25, 1941. A
Celebration of Life for Addison will be held at Houston's First Baptist
Church, 7400 Katy Freeway 77024 on February 25th, 2022, at 11 am in the
Morris Chapel.Our
classmate Dan Tompkins died Wednesday 22 June 2022 in Los Altos,
California. Dan had been suffering from Parkinson's Disease for
over a year. His sister Mary Harris informed our classmate Vann
Phillips of Dan's passing. Woody
Tottenham:
Cathryn
Conrad reports: "I just
talked to Carole Tomlinson ('60) and she said that Woody died
of
prostate
cancer yesterday [27 March 2012]. Carole and her
husband
Paul Duncan had visited with Woody in the hospital on Monday.
This comes as a great shock to all of us who cared for
Woody. Apparently he had this cancer for about 15
years."From the Houston Chronicle, Friday, 30 March 2012: "Woodson M. Tottenham, Jr. , age 70, passed away March 27, 2012 in Houston, TX. Woody is survived by his niece, Tricia Tottenham Bragg & husband Bill; great-niece Kathryn Louise Bragg, great-nephew Miller "Tot" Tottenham Bragg and many loving cousins Tottenhams and Burnetts. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at St. Lukes United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77027. Private interment will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery."
Elizabeth
Towles Hostetler, 72, of Houston passed away
Monday, March 10, 2014.Liz was born to the late LeRoy and Elizabeth Towles, August 13, 1941, and was a 5th generation Houstonian. She graduated from Lamar High School in 1958 and received a BA of Education from the University of Texas in 1962. She married James B. Hostetler on August 24, 1963, and except for a brief stint in Georgia, they lived together in Houston for the past 46 years.
Liz was a Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Texas where she met her husband Jim. She was an avid tennis and a member of Lakeside Tennis Club. She was also an active member of Al-Anon for over 30 years. Liz loved taking trips with her entire family and especially loved going to Kerville every summer to the family ranch and cabins on the Guadalupe River where she also used to go as a child.
Liz fought her brain cancer for two and a half years with grace and dignity and never once complained. She will be missed terribly by her family and all of her numerous friends who stayed with her during this journey. She was a wonderful wife and Mother and will be dearly missed.
Liz is survived by her three children: Beth Cole and her husband Mathew of Houston; James B. Hostetler, Jr. of Denver, Colorado; and John C. Hostetler and his spouse Susan of Denver, Colorado. Her greatest joy were her eight grandchildren: Elizabeth, Caroline, and Rachel of Houston; Abigail, Lillian, and Trey of Denver; and Samuel and Heidi of Denver.
The Memorial Service was held Monday, March 17th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ascension Episcopal Church located at 2525 Seagler Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Ascension Episcopal Church.
Susan
Twedell Hirschy died 11 Jan
2013 while undergoing surgery for heart problems. A memorial
gathering was held on Saturday 26 Jan 2013 from 1 to 3 pm at Forest
Park Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer, Houston 77077.Susan was born in Springfield, Illinois on June 29, 1941. Her family moved to Houston, Texas, where she attended Lamar High School. She also attended Texas University. She married William Brogan, III and together they had two children William E Brogan IV and Patrick Brogan (deceased). In November, 1975, she married R. T. "Bob" Hirschy, who passed away in October, 2007. Susan pursued a career by working in the appliance distribution business for Earl McMillain, Inc., then Mischer Corp, and finally found her "home of 30 years" by working for the Trane Company as an Engineer's Assistant. She retired in October of 2012 and attended our Fredericksburg Mini-Reunion. Susan is survived by her son Wm. Brogan, IV; six grandchildren; siblings Michael H. Twedell, Peter B. Twedell, Sarah T. Paulsen, and Judith T. Denson.
A Memorial Gathering was held Saturday, January 26th, 2013 between 1 PM and 3 PM at the Forest Park Funeral Home,12800 Westheimer, Houston, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Susan's name to American Heart Association , 10060 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77054 (713-610-5000) https://www.heart.org
"Memorial
services
for James Edward (Jim) Vick, 61, of Willis were held at 5PM, Thursday,
October 3, 2002, at Metcalf Funeral Home with Dr. Jay Gross
officiating. Jim was born on August 9, 1941 in Houston and
passed
away on September 28, 2002 in New Waverly. He was preceded in
death by his father, James Hamilton Vick. Jim is survived by
his
mother, Ura Lee Vick of the Woodlands, his wife, Kathleen Vick of
Willis, daughter, Jennifer Lee Vick of Waco, and son, James Hamilton
Vick II, of College Station. He graduated from Lamar High
School
in Houston, attended Texas A&M and graduated from Texas
Tech.
He also served in the U. S. Army Reserves and was an avid sailor,
hunter and fisherman. He was a loving husband, daddy and
friend. Jim was fun loving, free spirited and touched the
lives
of many. He will be remembered by all that knew and loved
him."
This obit was in the Houston Chronicle on October
2, 2002. Additionally,our classmate Kimball McMahan
adds:
"Jim was a fine trumpet player in the Lamar Marching Band and a member
of THR, an organization of Lamar Band members." Robert Wagner
The
brother of our classmate Robert "Bob" Wagner has informed us that Bob
died in mid-December 2021. We will post additional information
when available to us.
Rick Lilliott recalls Bob in his accounting class at Rice and went on to an early career with a national accounting firm.
Dianne Wall (Nail)
Our
class has learned that Dianne Wall (Nail) died on Friday, 5
February 2021 in her home in Broken Arrow, OK. Dianne and
her husband were both veterinarians in Broken Arrow and Dianne was well loved in her community.
Obituary
Charlie Ward
The
brother of our classmate Robert "Bob" Wagner has informed us that Bob
died in mid-December 2021. We will post additional information
when available to us.Rick Lilliott recalls Bob in his accounting class at Rice and went on to an early career with a national accounting firm.
Dianne Wall (Nail)
Our
class has learned that Dianne Wall (Nail) died on Friday, 5
February 2021 in her home in Broken Arrow, OK. Dianne and
her husband were both veterinarians in Broken Arrow and Dianne was well loved in her community. Obituary
Charlie Ward
Our
classmate Charlie Ward died on June 15, 2021 from complications of heart disease. He underwent a sextuple bypass in 2004, considered to be the most intricate and surgically challenging. Born on December 27, 1940, the Houston native was preced
ed
in death by his parents Judy and Charles Ward, Sr., and by his
brother Jeffrey S. Ward, Sr. Married once to Cathy Covington
Ward, he had no children but enjoyed a family of friends and business
associates from across the globe.A founder of Media Communications, and later, Idea Works Global in Dallas, he reached the pinnacle of success in luxury marketing. A private celebration of life will be held in Santa Barbara, California.
Full Obituary Legacy Obituary
Anne Watts (Morris)
Our
classmate Anne Watts died in Austin on Sunday, 26 February
2023.
Anne was an excellent writer, and plied her craft at Lamar, at Rice,
and finally out in the world. Well captured in her obituary in
the Austin American Statesman. A gentle soul with great wit and talent, a superb representative of our Class.
From the Rice write-up on Anne:
Anne Weaver (Goodwin)
Our
classmate Anne Weaver died on Friday 9 August 2019 after an extended
stay in a Memory Care Unit and Hospice in College St
ation,
Texas.
Her daughter Amy has transcribed Anne's autobiography and
compiled
numerous historic photographs. The collection can
be found at two
locations and two
formats on the Internet: as
three Shutterfly albums, and under archive.org
- additionally, her obituary as published in the Houston Chronicle is
here.
Asa Weldon
Our
classmate Asa Weldon died on Wednesday 23 October 2024 after an extended stay at Holly
Home Retirement Center in Houston, under Hospice care.
Mack Wetmore
Our
classmate Anne Watts died in Austin on Sunday, 26 February
2023.
Anne was an excellent writer, and plied her craft at Lamar, at Rice,
and finally out in the world. Well captured in her obituary in
the Austin American Statesman. A gentle soul with great wit and talent, a superb representative of our Class.From the Rice write-up on Anne:
Anne Weaver (Goodwin)
Our
classmate Anne Weaver died on Friday 9 August 2019 after an extended
stay in a Memory Care Unit and Hospice in College Station,
Texas.
Her daughter Amy has transcribed Anne's autobiography and
compiled
numerous historic photographs. The collection can
be found at two
locations and two
formats on the Internet: as
three Shutterfly albums, and under archive.org
- additionally, her obituary as published in the Houston Chronicle is
here. Asa Weldon
Our
classmate Asa Weldon died on Wednesday 23 October 2024 after an extended stay at Holly
Home Retirement Center in Houston, under Hospice care. John Asa Weldon went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
Asa grew up in Houston and graduated from Lamar High School in 1959. He then went to SMU and graduated from the University of Houston. He had a long career in commercial real estate.
He served in the United States Navy Reserve as a petty officer 3rd class from June 1967 to November 1968 working at Defense Intelligence School in Washington D.C. with honorable discharge.
He was known as an encourager, a loyal friend and faithful prayer warrior. He loved the Lord and was known by his Beholding His Glory Bible class at Second Baptist Church proclaiming, "Praise God!"
Asa
was preceded in death by his parents, John Asa and Alma Weldon and his
sister, Margaret Bates. He is survived by his long loving
stepson, Rev. James Scarborough.
Mack Wetmore
MACK RANDALL WETMORE JR. "My brother's favorite good-bye was "I love you all". And what is remarkable about that is that he really did love us all. He really did. Mack Jr. was born in Houston,Texas at St. Joseph's Hospital on April 7, 1940 to Eve and Mack R. Wetmore Sr. He was a special child that with my parents love led a complete and full life. He graduated from Roberts, Lanier and in 1959 from Lamar High School, where he played cymbals in the band and belonged to the FFA club, beginning his true love for music and animals. Mack Jr. attended Sam Houston State University and served in the Navy at the Jacksonville, Florida Naval Air Station. Prior to starting his career, Mack Jr. studied voice with Michael Lawrence and worked for John Werler at the Houston Zoo. In 1969 he joined Wetmore & Company, a printing company founded in 1947 by our father. He was named associate of the year in 1993 and retired in 1997. Mack Jr. is survived by his father's wife Debbie, brother Jack Wetmore and wife Nancy, nephews Clint Wetmore and wife Kristie and their daugther Riley, and Chad Wetmore and his wife Kathy. Several years ago Mack Jr. was adopted in friendship and into the home and family of Barbara and Juan Naranjo. He loved them very much and remained in their love and care until Thursday, September 21st [2006], when cancer won. A memorial service will be conducted in his and our father's honor by our friends The Reverend J. Pittman McGehee and The Very Reverend Joe D. Reynolds at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 11 A.M. with a reception to follow in the Guild Hall. Mack Jr. will be interred in the Columbarium at the Cathedral next to his mother. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Houston Zoo or the charity of your choice." "I love you all."
Published
in Houston Chronicle
from September 22 to September 23, 2006
Tim Wheatley
Timothy Stephen Wheatley Sr.,
74, of Houston, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2015.
Tim
was a 1959 graduate of Lamar High School and a 1968 graduate of Stephen
F. Austin State University, where he was also a member of Phi Kappa
Alpha. He served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965 in the
331st Fighter Interceptor Squadron.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 29 years, Donna Wheatley and his parents, Thompson T Player Jr. and Kathleen Berthold Player. He is survived by his sons, Timothy S Wheatley Jr. of Katy and Philip P Wheatley (Kim) of Frisco, his daughter, Laura Wheatley Hughes, of Katy, his stepdaughter, Diane Grace (Jim) and stepson, Bill Scoggins (Tara), both of Houston. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Kara Wolfe (Jake), Autumn Hughes, Dillon Wheatley, Kaitlyn Hughes, Hunter Wheatley, Kate Wheatley, Caroline Wheatley, John Patrick, James Patrick, Conrad Scoggins and Savannah Scoggins.
Tim will be greatly missed by many relatives, friends, and associates. He loved studying and talking about his family history and was a proud member of Sons of the American Revolution, General Society of the War of 1812 and Sons of the Confederate Veterans.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center for their wonderful attention that they gave our Dad over the last year.
Visitation will be on Thursday, July 23rd at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home from 6p-8p and a Graveside service will be conducted at 11am on Friday, July 24th at Glenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the Family requests a donation be made in the name of Tim Wheatley to the MD Anderson Cancer Center or the Leukemia And Lymphoma Society .
1940-2015 Published on-line from July 23, 2015 on, and in the Houston Chronicle on July 23rd.
Doud Wible
Doud
“D.J.” Jordan Wible, Jr. passed away peacefully at home with his family
by his side on Thursday the 15th of February 2018. Doud was born in
Houston on the 14th of November in 1940 to Dr. Doud Jordan Wible and
Mildred LaVerne Wible.
He graduated from Lamar High School in 1959 and Sam Houston State College in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science. Doud was a charter member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and was active in the support of his fraternity brothers. He spent his career working for Shell Oil Company at the Bellaire Research Center and retired after 33 years.
Bain Williams
Our
classmate Bain Williams died on 6 March 2023 in Fredericksburg, TX
after a 12-year struggle with Parkinsons Disease. Our classmate
Jeremy Wicker knew Bain well: Bain and I were fast friends and playmates during our days at West U. Elementary. We were also in the same homeroom.
He lived on Arnold St. (between Auden St. and Edloe St.) While Bain and I always got along, I must say, in those days,
he loved a good fistfight! During the years 1992-2006, I lived half the time in my home in Wimberley and half the time on
Naughton, which is a small cul-de-sac near Gessner and Briar Forest. I lived at one end and Bain lived at the other end.
For years we didn't realize we were neighbors.
Bain's published obituary is replete with recollections and tributes from many friends:
Orenda page Published obituary
Linda Sue Williams (Raley)
LINDA
SUE WILLIAMS RALEY, of Dallas. Linda Sue Williams Raley
died
August 30, 2002, after a car accident in Dallas. She is
survived
by her husband of 39 years, James E. Raley, and her three children -
Jennifer Crowder, her husband, Glenn, and their children Kimberly and
Alex, Arlington; Lesley Carver, her husband, Jeff and
daughter
Grace, Flower Mound; and Scott Raley, Atlanta, GA. Other
survivors include her father, Robert Williams, and his wife, Ann,
Houston; her sister Kay Gilbert and husband, Ken Gilbert of
Weatherford; and her mother-in-law, Myra Raley, Amarillo. Linda was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, December 8, 1941, the daughter of Helen and Robert Williams. She received an education degree in l963 from Texas Tech University where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. On February 16, l963, she married James E. Raley and after living in several cities in the Texas Panhandle, settled in Dallas in 1978. Linda was active at St. James Episcopal Church where she was director of the Altar Guild, helped with the outreach program to the Austin Street Shelter and needlepointed altar cushions.
A breast cancer survivor, she volunteered with the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She also participated in neighborhood stitchery, book and women's groups and was one of the founders of a local chapter of the Red Hat Society. Linda loved life, her family, friends, gardening, painting, needlework, shopping, angels, bunnies, fountains, chocolate and decorating her home.
Arrangements: In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorials to the altar fund at St. James Episcopal Church, 9845 McCree Rd., Dallas, TX 75238 or contributions to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 765 NorthPark Center, Dallas, TX 75225. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. James Episcopal Church 9845 McCree Road, with the Rev. Bubba Dailey conducting the service. A reception followed the services at the church.
(Information provided in Sept 2002 by her good friend and our classmate, Ginny Allen (Hamlett), along with this note: "Linda (Sue Williams Raley) and I transferred to Lamar right before the beginning of our junior year. We had been childhood friends in El Dorado, Arkansas and, to make a long story short, because our fathers both worked for Monsanto Chemical ended up together again in Houston. We began that year knowing only each other and clung tight for dear life. When her husband and she moved to Dallas, we instantly resumed our friendship and remained close.")
Phyllis Winford (Lee)
Phyllis Jean Winford (Lee):
Thursday,
May 19, 2011, 4:47 pm, Phyllis passed away from multiple
health
complication that had been building
odds against her for a number of
years. Her last year, as many may know, has
been been very
challenging for her. Her last 3 1/2 weeks was spent in an ICU
unit in a Houston hospital. We all know she was a fighter but
this battle would be her last. She
will be
greatly missed by family and friends.
In Loving Memory of Phyllis Winford Lee March 6, 1941 - May 19, 2011. Mrs. Phyllis Winford Lee, 70, of Cedar Park, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2011. Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Angel Funeral Home in Austin, Texas. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, also at Angel Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Texas State Cemetery. Mrs. Lee was preceded in death by her husband, former Texas Insurance Commissioner, Doyce R. Lee, father, Dr. Albert C. (Doc) Winford, and mother, Phyllis A. Winford. She is survived by her brother, A.C. (Clem) Winford, Jr., and wife, Martha, step-mother, Shirley Winford, sister-in-law, Phyllis Robinett and husband, Charles, brother-in-law, Kenneth C. Lee and wife, Mary, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Phyllis was born and raised in Houston, and was a longtime resident of the Austin area. She earned an Undergraduate and a Masters Degree from the University of Texas. The majority of her career was with the Education Service Center, Region 13 as a Special Education Consultant. She was a member of the Riverbend Baptist Church of Austin, Texas. Services under the direction of the Angel Funeral Home, 1600 S. First St., Austin, Texas (512) 441-9738
Published
in Austin
American-Statesman on May 22, 2011
Phyllis's visitation was held Tuesday night, May 24, 2011, 6 to 8 pm, and her funeral service was Wednesday morning May 25, 2011, 10 am, burial services followed in the Texas State Cemetery where she will rest by her husband Doyce R. Lee.
[provided
by Charles
Robinett, brother-in-law to Phyllis Jean Winford Lee; 21 May 2011]
Our
beloved classmate Lynn "Papa" Zarr had moved permanently to New
Braunfels in 2008. Lynn died on 1 September 2024 and his services
were held in Houston. Please see his excellent published
obituary, as linked below.
Our
beloved classmate Lynn "Papa" Zarr had moved permanently to New
Braunfels in 2008. Lynn died on 1 September 2024 and his services
were held in Houston. Please see his excellent published
obituary, as linked below.For the list of all known deceased members of the Lamar High School Class of 1959 (as compiled in 2019) in PDF format please check here.
| updated 22 October 2025 | Return
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Class of 1959 Home Page |
Continuing
Efforts to Locate Classmates
Lamar High School Class of 1959
Return to Class Directory page
Lamar High School Class of 1959
| We continually reach out
to classmates
to help us locate information on our 'missing' classmates. A
PDF
file of our classmates for
which we knew nothing as of Nov 2011 (no e-mail, no postal address, no
known
friends/family) is here.
Since then, we have obtained info for a few on the list (for example,
we now know Joe Robert Lovelady died
in Sept 2008) and these updates are recorded in our Electronic Orenda
as the information comes to us. Can you help
us with information on any of these classmates? Please contact Wendell Mendell with any information: Wendell@Lamar59.org |