The Class  NEWSLETTER                                                                         04/02/16
         
   

 

 

MAIL CALL

from Fred McCarty in Kingwood

Feb. 27

Edison friends, I was in the old neighborhood this afternoon and noticed that at the site of our former school, there are now a number of duplex single-story small houses being built. According to the sign posted, this is going to be a development of Senior Living apartments. Other homes in the area are in relatively poor condition, so it remains to be seen if this development will be a success. Anyway, if you want to move back to the old 'hood...here's your chance.

fmccrun@aol.com

 

from Ruelle Parker in Groves

Mar. 2

Officially Retired. Today was my last day at the Port Arthur Refinery.

Gulf, Chevron, Clark, Premcor and Valero. 45 yrs, 7 months and 3 days.

wparker423@aol.com

(Congratulations!!!  Enjoy)

 

from Cherlyn Hebert in Houston

Mar. 9

Well, after almost 30 years, I have moved from my townhouse here in Houston to a one-story (yay!) house.  I am sitting right now enjoying a fire on a cold and dreary evening. I also have gone landline-less. (21st century, here I come!) I am really enjoying not having to trudge up and down the stairs whenever I want or need something, which was always where I wasn't. But I definitely realize why I only move every 30 years. It's a lot of work!!  I am still cleaning out my old house before having an estate sale and putting it on the market.  Wish me luck.

 

On a side note, my brother Jere' (class of '67), sister Nancy (class of '72) and I took a cruise together in February on the Carnival Triumph. It was our first time to travel together as adults; and we had a great time, although I think my brother is hopelessly addicted to room service. It was their first cruise, and it was a great experience for them both.

hebert1220@att.net

 

from Loretta LaLonde Myers in League City

Mar. 16

On Saturday, March 12th. I was shopping at Steinmart and heard someone call my name. It was Becky Bivens Clarke! We had a nice chat and found out that we live near each other and plan to meet for lunch or dinner soon. Yesterday, Tuesday, March 15th. Tommy & Linda Romero came to League City for a surprise visit with Glynn & I. We all went to eat at Joe Lee’s in Kemah and had a wonderful visit! Linda and I went to Cosmetology school together and became instant friends. While here yesterday, we took her to say hello to one of her classmates from PNG, Lynda Dupuis Phillips, that lives behind us.

 

(Update)

Mar. 30

Glynn and I had dinner this evening with Becky Bivens Clarke, one of my high school classmates, and her husband John at La Familia Mexican restaurant. We had so much fun catching up!

lorettamyers@verizon.net

(See, connecting with old classmates can be fun.)

 

from Jenny Rhodes Hamilton in Lumberton

Mar. 27

Harold is smiling because he has another volunteer bee swarm in a young oak tree in our back yard. He collects the bees into a swarm box. He makes it look easy but it's not! Lifting the wooden box up there and literally brushing the bees into that box while perched on a ladder is not for sissies! AND all of the bees aren't delighted about being swept! I'm thinking maybe I'd better get more insurance on this guy.

jenhamilton@live.com

 

from Linda Blanton Murski in Montgomery

I woke up this morning to a beautiful day here in the country. Two deer grazing in the back garden, Gypsy letting them know she is not happy having those big things in her garden, birds returning to build a new nest and repair an old one from last year to raise more baby Eastern Phobes, hummingbirds returning from the north and buzzing around my head while I hang their feeder and all of the migrating birds and beautiful cardinals waiting in the crepe myrtle tree for me to hang their feeder and clean the bird bath!!! A start to a wonderful day!
lbmurski@gmail.com

 

ROAST honoring Coach Wade Phillips

Ernie (Castaneda) and Ron Bullion and Murphy and I are attending this event on June 3.  Bob West (former sports writer of the PA NEWS) will come out of “roasting retirement” to host this.  Headline speakers and fellow roasters will be Coach Jimmy Johnson and JJ Watts from the Houston Texans among other notable guests.  Sounds like fun. 

 

 Peyton Manning Retirement

Peyton Manning, quarterback of the 2016 Super Bowl Champions, announced his retirement from the NFL in early March.  Matt Bryant, kicker of the Atlanta Falcons who also happens to be a Bridge City homeboy, was quoted on FB:

 

My Peyton Manning story.

In 2004 I was sort of a short term gun for hire. I got hurt in preseason so I wasn't with a team and basically would be filling in for guys that got hurt themselves or weren't doing their job. Indy's kicker got hurt and I was called to fill in for a game. I showed up for practice on Wednesday and sat down at a table to eat breakfast in the team dining hall. As usual, I sat at a table by myself because I'm comfortable that way and since I didn't really know anyone at the time and knew I would be leaving later that week. Peyton came in and sat at the table with the "new guy" and had breakfast with me. He earned my respect that day because he sure didn't have to do it.

 

MONCEAUX'S DINER

Good news for those of you who have missed the good eats at Monceaux's that was located on 16th Street when we were growing up in PA.  It has “reopened” in Groves.  I haven't tried them yet.  It certainly would be worth the try to see if it can bring back those memories and smells that had us going back again and again. 

 

It is located on the corner of 39th and Main Ave. in Groves.  The phone # is

(409)548-5492.

 

TEXAS/LOUISIANA FLOODING

Many homes and areas were flooded in the recent floodings.  I did not receive news of any classmates that were affected.  Please let us know if you know any differently.

 

NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT

It is FINALLY here.  The month that my Dad turns ONE HUNDRED!!!  Dad is going to have a small party at his Assisted Living on his actual birthday on Friday, April 22.  But, I have been frantically trying to plan a get together at my daughter's home in Lumberton for two days later.  Her house is much larger than our little humble abode and the yard is a beautiful and peaceful 7 acres.  I sent out invites to the family and some of the old neighborhood friends.  I hope Dad keeps his eyes opened.  He will probably be exhausted from me shaking him to stay awake.   

 

If you would like to send him a card or drop a note to his assisted living any time this month, that would be GREAT!!!!  I remember ya'll coming through and sending my mom dozens of cards for her 85th birthday in 2008. She saved all her cards from 1940-2008 when she then lost them during Hurricane Ike.

 

Dad's address is:

Denis “Dan” DeCuir

109 7th Ave.

Nederland, TX 77627

 

Can you believe my luck?  The Boston Red Sox are playing the Houston Astros on the same weekend as the party.  Our friend from Lumberton is scheduled to pitch on Saturday while we are decorating for the party and getting all the food prepared.  WHAT?  I think I am going to just tell Dad that his birthday is not until some other time. What's another few days when you have hanging around 100 YEARS!!  He won't know!  Okay, maybe I won't.  Bummer.

 

Dad dyed Easter eggs at his home and had a great time.  We finally had to give him some punch in a glass.  He kept trying to drink the dye that was in the coffee cups in front of him!

 

Murphy and I record a lot of shows to watch commercial-free when we are having down time at home.  One of our favorite channels is the ID channel.  It is all about forensics, true crime, etc.  Well, I think I might have been watching “a little” too many of them.  I went to the Beaumont Community Players production of Jesus Christ Superstar recently by myself.  I parked under a parking lot light to be extra safe and walked a short way to the theatre entrance.  Well, as it worked out, I was one of the very first ones to leave when it was over and walked to my car with only a couple of others in the parking lot.  I turned my head back and forth as I walked and tucked my “baseball” purse tightly under my arm.  As I approached Murf's Tundra truck, I lpeeped into the backseat just in case.  I then opened the door and placed my foot on the running board.  My sciatica has really been bothering me lately and I couldn't lift myself up on the first try.  So, I tried again.  No luck.  One more time and I finally made it.  Now, I placed my hand on the door to close it and it wouldn't budge.  I turned and screamed bloody murder.  A MAN WAS HOLDING IT OPEN!!!  He said, “Lady, calm down” about three times while I continued to scream.  My heart was beating out of my chest!  I finally was able to speak and told him, “I'm sorry.  I have been watching too many murder shows lately.”  How dumb did that sound?  I don't know if he had been seeing me struggle to get in but Murphy had probably the CORRECT answer.  The man didn't want me to hit his car with my big truck door!!!  Did I tell you that he was dressed really dapper?  He had a vest and treed suit on with a cute fedora with a small feather on the side.  But, I have seen enough MURDER shows to know that many of the BAD GUYS can really FOOL YOU!  My heart slowed down by the time I got home but LINDA took a shot of TEQUILA before heading to bed.  I didn't read that crime book on my nightstand, either!! 

 

BEACH BOYS CONCERT

Murphy and I (he came this time) recently went to see The BEACH BOYS at the Julie Rogers Theatre in Beaumont.  Boy, did the music bring back a ton of memories especially from my Junior High days at Woodrow Wilson.  Joe Breaux was my best guy friend and we spent many hours listening to their music.  We wore SURFER CROSSES and wore the bleeding MADRICE jackets.  How cool.  I thought of him off and on the whole night while listening to the songs.  Come to find out, he was in the audience!  It was his birthday weekend and he came in from Bryan/College Station to attend with his son, Will who surprised him with the tickets.  How cool.  Wish we could have met there and reminisced.  Love you, Joe.

 

SUPPORT

Feb. 28

from Cheryl Thibodeaux Pitre

Danny is still going through chemo treatments 5 days a month. Tires easily afterwards, but remains strong in faith!

9672 Beverly

Orange, TX 77630

dypitre@yahoo.com

 

Mar. 16

from Loretta LaLonde Myers

Tommy Romero had surgery to have stints put in this morning.  This was his second round in the past 6 weeks.  His wife, Linda called this morning and said all went well.  He will stay in the hospital tonight and return home tomorrow. 

2919 Azalea

Groves, TX 77619

tromero5@gt.rr.com

 

Mar. 21

from Donnie DeLee

I am out of the hospital and now in Nix physical rehabilitation center for a few days before going back home. These last couple of weeks have been like a medical roller coaster from hell, but at least I didn't have to stay on dialysis. I hope I can stay off it. We will see.

100 Lorenz Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78209

dondelee@gmail.com

 

Mar. 23

I talked to Dianne Dupre on the phone today. This is her update:

She came home from the hospital tests and rehab without having to have a pacemaker put in this time.  Also, her daughter, Maggie Powell has finished taking chemo for her Lupus.  She is now in remission.

diannedupre68@gmial.com

 

Mar. 25

update on Debbie Thompson Saide

Her sister notified us that she has been in Magnolia Manor Nursing Home in Groves.  She had a brain bleed over two years ago.

4400 Gulf Ave.

Groves, TX 77619

 

Mar. 29

update sent in by Cynthia Duplantis Roberts

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you all for your well wishes, kind thoughts , prayers and chants that you have supported me with. Made a big difference. I didn't post about it but since some of you have asked, I had a preliminary procedure at MD Anderson to see if I would be a good candidate for Y90 procedure on my liver. The results were very good so I will be back in April for the first of 2 procedures on my liver where they go through my hepatic artery to plant radioactive beads that should close blood veins that are feeding the tumors thereby shrinking them and diminishing the severity my symptoms.
MD Anderson has been amazing and have fed my positivity and faith in fighting this disease.

Many thanks again. My girls are with me and supporting me every step.

I am truly blessed and loved....love you all!

500 Saddle Horn

Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657

ckdroberts@gmail.com

 

Mar. 29

Richard Flores, husband of Sandra Tauzin Flores. 

Five weeks after a quadruple bypass, Richard had extensive surgery on several discs in his back.  Surgery went well.  In ICU now.

Apr. 1

I am having a hard time controlling my excitement. Dr. Silva came in and said he predicts Richard will walk again. He has been approved for rehab at Dishman. He should be moved there today. Hopefully will start rehab tomorrow for 3 hours a day. My prayers have been answered. He has the best doctors in the area. God has been good to both of us. Thank you all for your prayers. They were heard. If you don't believe in the power of prayer, you can come watch my husband walk in a few months.

6118 17th St.

Port Arthur, TX 77642

 

CONDOLENCES

Another classmate gone too soon

 

LINDA JOYCE GREGORY

January 13, 1950 – March 8, 2016

May she Rest in Peace

 

follow up from Steve Bertrand's brother, Paul '70

I saw Steve's obituary and poem that was added on the website. I'm glad I finally got it to you. Thanks for putting it on there. I don't know how many people remember Steve because he quit school and joined the Army before he graduated.

 

He and I were friends with Phillip Bodin and Raymond Blakeman.  There is a strange coincidence on the Memorial page that I noticed.  Steve, Ray, and Philip are listed in order one after another on the page. Steve was, of course my brother and friend with a physic connection. Philip was a good friend that I always visited when I went to PA. Ray Blakeman, aka (Wildman) was also a friend I hung out with in my younger days. Ray lived in Griffing Park a couple of blocks from Tyrrell Elementary.

blu6betelg9@gmail.com

 

death of Luther Odom, Jr., TJ '62

brother of Linda Odom Thibodeaux

730 Caney Creek Dr.

Livingston, TX 77351

richlin2@sbcglobal.net

 

death of Donna Caillier Cox, TJ '70

sister of Dianna Caillier

912 E. 6th St.

Port Arthur, TX 77640

 

death of Steve Verret, TJ '71

brother of Vickie Verret

2409 Sinclair Ave.

Midland, TX 79705

(no e-mail address listed on spreadsheet)

 

death of John K. Levy

father of Joel Levy

5534 Hummingbird St.

Houston, TX 77096

docjkl@msn.com

 

death of Donna Blanchard Hebert, TJ '61

sister of Randy Blanchard

3810 Lexington

Port Arthur, TX 7764

 

Please show your support in contacting the classmates that are on our SUPPORT and CONDOLENCE lists.  I also hope some of you will remember my Dad and honor him for hitting the BIG 100!!!  Thanks so much for the ones who took the time to drop a line to add to this NEWSLETTER and also news that I sent to Mike to add to the front page.  Check everything out.  You are the ones that keep us connected.

 

                        Stay in touch and contact a classmate,

                        Linda DeCuir McFadden

                        lindadmcfadden@yahoo.com

                        www.tjhs1968.com

 

  


                      

 
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