MAIL CALL
from Nancy Trimble (TJ ’70) in Groves
Nov. 23
Thanks for sending me your class website updates. I get a big kick out of it, even though it’s not my class. I do remember some of the people.
tmyer@gt.rr.com

from Billy Jordan in Decatur, AL
Nov. 23
Hope all my high school friends have a Merry Christmas and we all should pray a New Year of normalcy, if there is such a thing anymore.
Jwj6872@aol.com

from Fred McCarty in Kingwood
Nov. 24
I love getting Mike's notification that our website has just been updated. I immediately stopped what I was doing and logged into the website! I am encouraged by the recent positive news about the development of the Covid-19 vaccines. I am feeling well and doing fine, and fortunately I have avoided Covid-19 so far. My oldest son Matt and his family are coming from San Antonio for Thanksgiving which my youngest son will be hosting at his home in Kingwood. So, we will all get to be together.
fmccrun@aol.com

WEBSITE DONATIONS
The following donations were received to help with our expenses for maintaining and updating the class website:
Cynthia Marshall Devlin
Janis Hamilton Lee
Linda DeCuir McFadden (in memory of Charlotte Pace Thurston)
Many, many thanks.
Donations to be sent to:
Linda McFadden
7699 Boardwalk, Lumberton, TX 77657

MILITARY SECTION
We have a wonderful armed forces section to view on our website. Check it out. If you have a family member currently or formerly in the military, we would love to honor them by including them in this section. I know more of our classmates served but are not included at this time. Pull out those photo boxes, take a picture of a photo hanging on the wall. We don’t care. We are here to please.
We have added Debbie Borres’ grandson’s picture and information to the ARMY section, page 4, in this update.

CLASSMATE IN THE HOUSE!!
Kenny Bragg has been re-elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives. I know our homeroom teacher, Lionel Rowland, would be so proud of our classmate.
(a note from Kenny)
I am beginning my fifth two-year term. This will also be my last. That will complete ten years in the Arkansas House of Representatives. I could actually serve another six years by the term limit rule. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience but it is time to move on. I have enjoyed leadership roles serving as Majority Leader and Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore. It has opened the doors to make a lot of contacts and friends. The legislative part of passing laws is only a small part of the position. The most rewarding aspect of serving has been helping constituents with various issues, especially this year with so many COVID related issues with the medical systems and unemployment claims. I'm looking forward to these next two years, but also looking forward to a "real" retirement. Would love to see you and Murphy again for another Capitol visit - or anyone else that would like to take a tour. That is also one of my favorite activities - showing constituents our Capitol and explaining how our system works. Hopefully we can get to PA sometime this summer.

CHRISTMAS TREES
I “decorated” 5 Christmas trees this year. I say “decorate” because all I do is put ornaments on and then lights are already on the artificial trees. My biggest tree is my 7-foot one with my MEMORY ornaments. So, that tells you it doesn’t look fancy like those trees in the magazines or the ones posted on FB. But, it means everything to me as I put up each ornament and remember who it came from, why it is on the tree, and what it meant when I got it. I have a 4-foot tree in my guest bedroom with my KIDDIE ornaments that include fun ones like Disney and old classic ones like games, Howdy Doody, Toy Story characters, Harry Potter, lunchboxes, box of crayons, etc. I have two 4-foot trees in my office; one with just BASEBALL ornaments (Mickey Mantle is my topper) and the other tree with various OTHER SPORTS. I still need curling and other weird sports ornaments. The den has a 4-foot tree with ornaments I have bought during our years of TRAVELING. I took my Christmas decorations down the first week in January. I took my 4 small trees down the second week of January (after Epiphany) but the large tree doesn’t come down until after Valentine’s Day. Why, you ask? Many, many years ago Murphy happened to notice that the tree wasn’t put up in HIS timely manner. So, he said in an unkindly voice, “What are going to do? Leave the tree up until Valentine’s Day?” Now, you know the rest of the story! Case closed. Moral: Don’t tick off a Cajun Gal. Well, it really started way back in 1983. I always got real trees from tree farms. But that year I needed to put up my tree before Thanksgiving since I was having a large gathering from church for a party that weekend. All went well for a while but the tree started drying out by the second week in December. So, I took it down and went to the tree farm and got another one. Well, of course, by then they were all picked over and not many were left. I found one and brought it home. The trunk was really curvy and the tree wouldn’t stand up straight. So, Murphy built a large wooden stand and NAILED the tree to it. Then attached wires to the wall to hold it up straight. No water bowl!!! You probably know what happens next. The tree was so dry the week before Christmas and I was COMPLAINING and GRIPING. Next thing I hear is the sound of a CHAIN SAW! Murphy proceeded to come in the house and CUT down the tree, ornaments and all! I can hear all of you male classmates clapping for him, but I also know that my lady classmates have a look of horror on their faces while reading this!!! I sent him and my 6 year old daughter out of the house to my mother in law’s house while I cried and picked up broken ornaments. I later got a call from my little daughter and all she said was “TIMBER”! When they returned home that afternoon I had already purchased a 7 foot ARTIFICIAL tree!

NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT
Since the last newsletter in right before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I have watched 327 Christmas movies on UP, Hallmark, BET, Lifetime, etc. Well, it feels like that many. We had Thanksgiving lunch for 7 at my daughter’s home. We had 5 at our Christmas dinner at her home, also. Keeping everything small.
Murphy had a lackluster deer season at the “beer” lease. Nothing, nada, zip, zilch. He gained 5 pounds, though. He had lots of fun times around the fire pit at night. No meat in the freezer but thousands of dollars spent to have guy time. It seems to be worth it. He enjoys it. You only live once.
Soccer season has begun for my two granddaughters at Hardin Jefferson High School in Sour Lake. So, we sit covered in blankets like we should be during football season. It is so fun to watch them play, though.
Murphy and I are still recovering from our eye surgeries. I am going Tuesday to tweak one of my eyes with Lasix to help the vision.
There is only ONE good thing about this pandemic….ZOOM visits with my doctor don’t require a WEIGH-IN!!! Yippee.
I have a new golden retriever grand dog, Remi, who is now 5 1/2 months old. I go over to my daughter’s home each day around 1:00 to let her out and play with her for a couple of hours. I have scratched up arms to prove it. I have to bring band aids to cover the wounds to my paper-thin skin. Other than that, she is so fun to play with.
We are patiently waiting to get our Covid vaccinations. We are on several lists.

SUPPORT
Ricky Bradley in Mustang, OK
Health issues
Rbradley73064@yahoo.com
9221 SW 99th St
Mustang, OK 73064

Cheryl Richey (wife of Tillman Richey) in Orange
Dec. 4
Recovering from emergency surgery for detached retinas

Tillman Richey in Orange
Jan. 15
Recovering from rotator cuff surgery for the second time on same shoulder.
drtarichey@aol.com
9055 Creek Rd
Orange, TX 77630

Debbie Borres Desmond in Nederland
Jan. 11
She received a good report on her pet scan and good blood work results during her check-up for her leukemia. She is still in remission.
rgdesmond@att.net
503 – 37th St.
Nederland, TX 77627

Jim Snoek in Boerne
Dec. 4, 2020
For months now I’ve been dealing with a problem foot. It started off with unusual swelling that led to self-diagnosis as gout initially confirmed as such by my primary physician. I had a follow up a week later with no improvement. My primary decided it was an infection and called in a podiatrist. The MRI said septic arthritis with podiatrist calling for amputation, which we resisted. The Infection specialist put me on IV infused antibiotics with a dual picc line in my arm for twice daily infusions lasting ninety minutes each. Another podiatrist performed a surgery to clean out the affected joint taking sample tissues for biopsy that showed no infection. So, the infusions worked in clearing the infection it seems but there is still inflammation. A second surgery was to have been completed this morning to remove bone debris from a destroyed joint repaired with plate and screws. To our disappointment the surgeon scrubbed the procedure at the last minute, still too much inflammation. We are waiting for his decision on how to proceed after he consults specialist and primary. Good news is I still have my big toe and foot.
jmsnoek@gmail.com
112 Roadrunner Trail
Boerne, TX 78006
(I don’t have an update.)

Billy Jordan in Decatur, AL
Nov. 24, 2020
My oldest daughter got Covid and I was really concerned. She has Rheumatoid Arthritis and the medication she takes suppresses the immune system. She is a mental health therapist and does in-home therapy for the North Alabama Mental Health Agency. She has around six clients she sees a couple of times a month. She sees primarily adolescents in their homes. None of them had Covid but another person in the office had it and did not know it.
She had a rough couple of days but got through it in about 10 days. Nobody else in the family got it. Her 5-year old stayed with her and she has been fine.
Today I turned 71 but still feel great with no significant health issues. Had a skin cancer removed last Spring from my forehead but it was caught early. My grandkids keep me going and I think it is one reason I don't feel old.
Jwj6872@aol.com
2351 Tinagel Dr. SW
Decatur, AL 35603

Fred Hollier, Jr. in San Antonio
Jan. 17
My 97-year old dad, Fred, SR., is in the ICU at the VA hospital in Tennessee with the Covid. My brother, Paul Hollier (TJ, ’69) and his wife, Kim are very sick at home in Tennessee with it, also. Prayers requested.
sonahollier@gmail.com
22030 Tower Terrace
San Antonio, TX 78259

Katie Gaspard in Beaumont
Recovering from Covid
Kag-op@gt.rr.com
925 Parson Dr.
Beaumont, TX 77706

Danny Licatino in Baytown
Jan. 15
At home with Covid
dlicatino@yahoo.com
2709 Cedar Bayou
Baytown, TX 77520

Janice Hebert Boudreaux and Barry Boudreaux in Kingwood
Both recovering from Covid
mbsjanice@aol.com
bwboudr@yahoo.com
3319 Highland Laurels
Kingwood, TX 77345

Kay Campbell Netherland in Burkeville
Dementia
d.netherland@sbcglobal.net
198 Tall Timbers
Burkeville, TX 75932

CONDOLENCES
CLASSMATES GONE TOO SOON
Charlotte Pace Thurston
Dec. 4, 1949 – Nov. 27, 2020

Stephanie Thurston Gaspard
658 E. Kitchens
Port Neches, TX 77651

from Martha Fontenot Lewis in Manvel, TX
My condolences to the family and friends of our classmate, Charlotte Pace.

From Linda DeCuir McFadden in Lumberton
I have so very fond memories of my sweet friend, Charlotte. I was lucky enough to share them with her over the last 6 ½ years as she battled cancer. Miss you, friend.

George C. Collins
Jan. 11, 1950 – Dec. 10, 2020

Donna Collins
2339 North Boulevard
Houston, TX 77098

From Jan Russell in Houston
I was in a few classes with George in junior high and senior high. He was genuinely one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known. I remember once in ninth grade Spanish class George made a rare mistake. The teacher told him to translate “tener” which means “to have.” But George translated it “to have and to hold” as one might say in a wedding vow. His face got the reddest red that I think I’ve ever seen because for a 14-year-old to say something as romantic as that made everyone laugh. Yes, George Collins was extremely intelligent but he was also a really good guy and he will be really missed.
From Pat Trahan Knox in Beaumont
George was in many of my classes. He had the driest sense of humor and he seemed to lift everyone's spirits. He was so extremely smart, but he never dwelled on that and never let that define him. I'm so sorry to lose such a wonderful man and I will pray for his family. George, what a special friend you were..........RIP!

From Bill Richey in Orange
All TJ band members lower your instruments and hear the lone Trombone.... we’ve lost a Great One!! God bless you George!

From Leonard Hilliard in Stonewall, TX
George was one of the finest people I’ve ever known. We all knew he was a smart guy and had a heart of gold. Sounds trite but it’s just the truth. He will be missed, but all of who knew him were made better by it.
 
Rodney “Glenn” Wigginton
June 11, 1950 – Jan. 5, 2021

Joyce Wigginton
377 Brewer Cemetery Rd.
Leesville, LA 71446

PA Notable Musician
Harry Vaughn
Dec. 7, 1927 – Dec. 30, 2020

PA Businessman
Elias Hernandez
Mar. 2, 1934 – Jan. 7, 2021

Joyce Marceaux Abate
(death of her sister, Betty Marceaux Manuel)
June 17, 1945 – Dec. 13, 2020
Abate.joyce@yahoo.com
6305 Marble Falls
Lumberton, TX 77657

Josephine Martinez
(death of her brother, Alfredo Martinez)
Aug. 12, 1952 – Dec. 14, 2020
Jomama6758@yahoo.com
1014 Gale St.
Houston, TX 77009

Carmen Babin Hardy
(death of her sister, Cheryl Clark)
July 26, 1960 – Jan. 2, 2021
carmen@gt.rr.com
7677 S. Boardwalk
Lumberton, TX 77657

Jo Ann Duplant Larson
(death of her brother, Lloyd Duplant)
Nov. 20, 1945 – Jan. 4, 2021
Starparty1950@yahoo.com
PO Box 163
Chriesman, TX 77838

Dale Guidry
(death of his wife, Marilyn Borel Guidry, BBHS ’69)
Dec. 25, 1950 – Jan. 6, 2021
Deg916@yahoo.com
1304 Travis
Nederland, TX 77627

Paul Lona
(death of his wife, JoEllen Lona)
Sept. 17, 1951 – Jan. 7, 2021
3731 - 7th St.
Port Arthur, TX 77642

Alma Menchaca Lopez
(death of her sister, JoEllen Lona)
Sept. 17, 1951 – Jan. 7, 2021
Almamenchaca1950@gmail.com
PO Box 1607
Groves, TX 77619

Linda Clause Glenn
(death of her mother, Wilma Clause)
Oct. 8, 1924 – Jan. 11, 2021
Glennlinda50@yahoo.com
752 Bourbon Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Jane Lippincott Koerth
(death of her husband, Kent Koerth)
Mar. 24, 1948 – Jan. 12, 2021
jlkoerth@gmail.com
2707 Miller
Port Neches, TX 77651
 
I had so many illnesses and deaths to report on that I know I have forgotten some that should be included. So, please be kind!
The obituaries for the classmates who passed away may be found in the MEMORIAL section. The other obituaries provided may be found in the OBITUARY section listed at the top of the website front page. Thanks to all the classmates who passed on news of a death or illness for me to share with our classmates. I couldn’t do it all without you. PLEASE contact me with others that might need to be mentioned in the next update. Don’t forget, we also would like HAPPY NEWS.
I know that I probably have typos on some of the dates and addresses listed in this newsletter. I apologize in advance. My eyes, my eyes, oh my eyes!

Stay in touch and contact a classmate,
Linda DeCuir McFadden
lindadmcfadden@yahoo.com
www.tjhs1968.com

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