MAIL CALL
Oct. 2
from Linda Davis Fitzpatrick in Au Sable Forks, NY
Charlie and I had a wonderful time tonight!! It was so great to visit with my high school classmates, Felicia (Hiatt) and David Petit after too much time!!
lfitzpatrick13@gmail.com
Oct. 6
from Felicia Hiatt Petit in Texas City
I just wanted to touch base with you and let you know we have been to so many places on this East Coast trip. Maine was beautiful, but loved Nova Scotia. We took a six hour ferry ride over to Newfoundland, watched the huge tidal change at The Bay of Fundy, 45 feet change from low to high tide. Then, we traveled towards Lake Placid, NY, (where we are currently), and have been able to get together with Linda Davis Fitzpatrick and her husband Charlie. It was so much fun to get together and just talk, talk, talk. I don't know where we are headed next. I guess towards home eventually.
Retirement is not the end of the road, it's the beginning of the open highway.
texteach@yahoo.com
Oct. 21
from Felicia Hiatt Petit
We just finished up the final blog chapter for our East Coast trip. After 10,615 miles, 23 states and 5 Canadian Provinces, we made it home. You can check out our trip here:
www.davidandfelicia.blogspot.com
(They went out of their way to go into West Virginia, their 49th state to have visited over the years. They are one away to make it all 50...Hawaii.)
Oct. 23
from Jan Russell in Spring, TX
I always enjoy reading the website updates and the Newsletter and "News from the Home Front." I wanted to share some of my news.
I was honored and thrilled to be introduced as an Emeritus member of the Houston Symphony Chorus. I sang with the Chorus for 25 years and retired from the group in 2004. Twenty five of us were recognized during the Houston Symphony Concert on October 4. Our names were in the program, we stood up for applause as our names were called in the 2nd part of the concert, and our names were projected on the screen. First time I've ever had my name in lights! We received complimentary tickets to the concert and there was a champagne reception afterward. This will become an annual event. It was so good to see former colleagues, some who are still with the Chorus and some who have retired. I so loved singing with the Symphony Chorus. Wonderful memories!! ♪ ♫ ♪
On a totally different note, I had a major reality check the other day. I went to the drive through at Jack in the Box for a Diet Coke. The lady quoted me the price, but when I got to the window, she took one look at my face and gave me the senior citizen discount! Major humbling experience, but I took the discount anyway! ☺
jlrussell49@comcast.net
from Billy Fowler in Gladewater, TX
Nov. 2
Well, it finally happened. The economic downturn hit home with layoffs on many levels in this area; mostly oilfield related industries and, in my case, manufacturing. I was the second shift superintendent at Anvil International in Longview, Texas when the hammer dropped. At 65 1/2 years old, I had no desire to go looking for employment again, so I retired.
Leaving things in God's hands, I ventured into an era that frightened me some. I knew I had to do something to keep busy or die. I've seen it happen too often to others. Trusting Him with the future has proven again to have been the right choice. The door was opened at just the right time for an opportunity that I could not have dreamed of, and had I still been employed, I would not have even been aware of this option.
At the end of August, the start of the fall semester, I began my new role as adjunct instructor in the engineering and technology department at LeTourneau University. I am teaching the manufacturing engineering labs in the evenings, three days a week. LeTourneau is a private university that is ranked among the top in the country in engineering and is the premier program for those looking for careers in aviation.
Now, I asked you, for those who have known me for a long time, would you have ever thought it possible? I know I surely did not. Finally, at 65 years old I'm doing something worthwhile that could actually make a difference in the world. Now, I know this has to cause some of you to take pause and ponder the reality of these young minds being molded by the likes of me, but rest easy. Things are going great and I'm having the time of my life.
(I am so happy for you, dear friend. Lucky students! Thanks for sharing this NEWS.)
fowler.wm@gmail.com
CLASS OF '66 REUNION
from Fred Schneider
The agenda is set for our 50th reunion! Friday night, June 3, 2016, social held at Sombrero's on Hwy 69, next to the airport from approx 6:30 until approx 10:30. In order to have a free room, they ask us to eat and drink to our hearts content.
Saturday afternoon, ( times to be announced), we will tour the museum on Procter Street. This is a special treat!
Saturday night, approx hours 7-11 PM , social and dance at the Port Acres KC Hall. A buffet spread will be provided. You may bring your own booze, but they will sell the beer.
Sunday morning breakfast will be served at Luby's at 8:00 AM until we are all full.
A more complete and formal itinerary will be provided soon, probably in January. All of the functions, times and prices will be described then.
Please start setting your time aside and plan to attend YOUR 50th Class reunion - not just another Prom!
This will be a " no air-hug zone "
jacket66@sbcglobal.net
MILITARY INFO AND PICTURES
I happened to see Bob Sandoval's military pic on FB on Veteran's Day. I wrote to him and asked for more info. He was nice enough to respond. He mentioned that Horace “Tinker” Brown was in the Army. Also, Van Thigpen was in the Coast Guard way back when. It would be so nice if you all could dig through your boxes and send in a pic of your military days and include some info. We also would like pics of your kids and grandkids that have spent time or are presently in the military.
WEBSITE DONATION
Letter from Sharon Lewis Forrest in Nederland, TX
Nov. 9
I hope you and Mike can put this donation to good use for maintaining the class of '68 website. I am sorry it's taken me so long to get around to donating—getting old and procrastinate a lot!
Thanks for all you do to keep the site going and a big thanks to Mike, as well.
sharonaforrest@yahoo.com
NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT
We went on a short cruise on the Carnival Freedom with a stop in Cozumel. We traveled with our niece, Laurie and her husband and 6 other friends. It was a present to Murphy and I for supporting her through Dental Hygienist school! We had a great time including swimming and diving with the dolphins on a VIP All-Inclusive resort excursion. Sad to say, I think I might have OVER INDULGED on the “free” cocktails because I ended up not being able to shop or even enjoy the rest of the evening on the ship! Obviously, I don't drink very often and a little goes a long way! Okay, maybe not “a little”! Bummer. Well, Murphy said we saved some money that might have been spent SHOPPING! Murphy and I were lucky enough to get in on a 2 day trivia team contest. We came in 3rd! We were grouped with 3 other couples. Part of the contest was to try to “steal” when a contestant didn't answer correctly. One of our group members ran up so fast to the stage that she knocked over 3 other contestants and then hit the stage and BROKE her toe. Okay, it really was funny. It actually looked like “bowling for dollars”. You had to be there to appreciate it!
Dad has been doing really well and even went TRICK or TREATING while I was cruising. He will do ANYTHING for chocolate! Two weeks later he went on an excursion to eat at The Schooners Restaurant in Nederland. I had told the aides in advance that he like fried shrimp. When they asked him how many he wanted, he replied, “Nine Jumbo”! Geez. I was told he didn't leave a thing on the plate!
Thanksgiving lunch is here this year. My niece is bringing my sister to spend a few days. I'll pick up my dad that morning. My daughter and the two grand girls will be here, also. Probably about 10 or so.
As per tradition, Black Friday will have Martha Lipe Bodin ('69) spending the day. We will sit around catching up, then peddling around the antique shops here in Lumberton and then a bite to eat at a small eatery. NO SHOPPING or driving into Beaumont among the millions of crazies! Back here for dessert and a hug and a goodbye. Next year will be her year to have me to her home in Bridge City.
I'm taking my sister back to the assisted living on Sunday morning then coming home to start a Colonoscopy PREP at noon. At least I will get rid of the Thanksgiving feasting that had occurred. Wish me luck that everything comes out ok! (Punny)!
My 70 year old brother, “Danny Boy” went to the beer lease with Murphy Thursday afternoon until Sunday at noon. It was his first time EVER to deer hunt. He has been like a little kid. I think he has OVERSHOPPED getting ready, but that's not MY problem. He had a ball. He is coming back Thursday after his family Thanksgiving lunch and they will head back again. That will allow time with Martha, Gerry, daughter Stacy and grand girls. We are all going to Beaumont Community Theatre Saturday to watch “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
SUPPORT
Florence “Sissie” Woods Kilcrease was in an auto accident on Nov. 20. The following was posted on FB by her son, Corey Cox:
11-20-15 at 6pm, my mom hit a deer and lost control and hit a car head on. She has a long road ahead to mend from many broken bones but no brain or internal injuries was detected. She is in the ICU at Christus St. Elizabeth hospital in Beaumont doing well. God was definitely watching over her. Please keep her in your prayers.
(If you wish, you can see a pic of her wrecked vehicle on FB under “Sissie Kilcrease”.
sissiekilcrease@aol.com
525 Magasco Dr.
Pineland, TX 75968
I saw Cathy Melancon Perio at church last Sunday. She said that Dennis O'Quinn's sister, Connie O'Quinn Melancon (TJ '75) is battling pancreatic cancer and that all prayers are needed.
lperio@gt.rr.com
Oct. 29
A note about Miss Nancy McClain, pe teacher:
Just wanted to let you know that a friend in Port Arthur told me that the retired gym teacher, Miss Nancy McClain, who will turn 80 soon, just
had surgery in Houston for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. At first, the
doctor did not want to do the surgery for fear she would not survive it,
but the aneurysm was getting so big surgery became more necessary.
Nancy came through it with flying colors and is recovering. If any of
you remember Miss McClain and would like to send her a card, her address
in Port Arthur follows. If you would, please share this with anyone
else who knew Miss McClain and might be interested. Her address is:
Miss Nancy Lee McClain
2244 Wignall
Port Arthur, Texas 77642-1869
BTW, Nancy McClain has been leading an active life. She loves to work
in her garden and visit with and eat out with friends. So, she has a
LIFE to which she may enjoy returning.
(Miss McClain is a follower of our website and also has attended the last two of our reunions!)
Her e-mail is:
bkmac@gt.rr.com
Oct. 26
(update on knee replacement)
from Amy Latiolais Kidder in Bridge City
Well, I want to thank everyone for the unspoken prayers. I am 1 week post op and it looks like I have a way to go. It has been rough but GOD and all of you will bring me through. Thanks again and love all of you.
amyk77611@yahoo.com
CONDOLENCES
Fred McCarthy
(death of his wife, Sandy)
5611 Royal Creek Trail
Kingwood, TX 77345
fmccrun@aol.com
A note from Fred:
My dear wife Sandy passed away on Sept 6th after a short but courageous fight against cancer. We had celebrated our 26th Anniversary earlier this year.
At the end of June, Sandy was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer which had already metastasized to a second organ by the time it was discovered. We spent most of July and August in three different hospitalizations ending at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She completed a series of 15 radiation treatments and was about to begin chemotherapy in late August when a follow-up PET scan showed multiple tumors involving most of her organs and the lymph nodes.
Consistent with the Advanced Directives we put in place years ago, Sandy chose to discontinue any further treatments and instead go into hospice care at an offsite location. She peacefully passed away a few days later. In accordance with her wishes, her body was cremated and a private burial service was held with family members only in attendance.
(Sandy was a very sweet and kind soul. She accompanied Fred several times to TJ events including our classmate “dinner and a movie” get togethers. She will be missed.)
Bill Horton
(death of his mother, Dovie Horton)
2427 Trail of the Madrones
Austin, TX 78746
billh814@gmail.com
Lana Oliver Baker
(death of her sister, Shanna)
8813 S. 92nd E. Court
Tulsa, OK 74133
lanbak@yahoo.com
Nov. 21
My sister Shanna's funeral was yesterday at 3:00 pm. She looked absolutely beautiful. The pastor that spoke did a wonderful eulogy. He spoke about the Proverbs woman, as well as other precious stories about mothers. My sister's favorite color was red, and her daughter found the most beautiful red suit in her closet for her to wear.
It is very sad to know that I can't hear her laugh again, or hear her tell her friends at the nursing home how she practically raised me when I was born, or hear her little frail voice tell me how much she loved me, and want to know when was I going to come back and see her. But I know she is in a better place now and was welcomed into heaven with her husband, Buddy and her precious son, Johnny.
Now I must pray for her daughter, Kathy. She hasn't been well herself, and my prayer is that she gets herself back to health and begins to live her life as her mom would want her to.
Thank you for all your prayers. It's crazy how life can just change overnight, but with God we can make it through.
(Side note. Shanna passed away on the first day of Lana and Al's vacation to Paris. Lana and friends were in Paris packing to go home on the day that the city was bombed. They arrived home safely two days later. Bless them all.)
Linda Carlsen Chapman
(death of her husband, Harold)
1526 El Cielo
Leander, TX 78641
lchapman650@att.net
I apologize for not having a NEWSLETTER in October. I actually didn't have enough news to write one. Two months between NEWSLETTERS has been the MOST ever. It started twice a month, then once a month. Please consider sending me NEWS of any type to add.
HAPPIEST of THANKSGIVINGS to all. “Pray for peace, people everywhere.”
Stay in touch and contact a classmate,
Linda DeCuir McFadden
lindadmcfadden@yahoo.com
www.tjhs1968.com