The Class  NEWSLETTER                                                                         2/04/17
         
   

 

 

 

MAIL CALL

from Sharon Lewis Forrest in Nederland

I have a couple of updates for the Class of '68 Military section. First, our grandson, Andrew Forrest, is currently in U.S. Army Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC. In one of his recent letters he said "I think of my dad and PawPaw every time I put on my uniform. Carrying on the family tradition! I like being a part of something bigger than myself, especially being the 3rd Floyd in a row to have a go at it!" (My husband's name was Floyd James-he was a retired Army Helicopter Pilot, his Dad's name is Floyd Christopher-currently active duty in the U.S. Army and Andrew's name is Floyd Andrew). After Basic Training, Andrew will be assigned to Ft Eustis, VA for training as a Helicopter Avionics Repairman.

Second, effective 1-1-2017 our son, the aforementioned Christopher Forrest, was promoted to Lt Colonel in the U.S. Army. He is currently stationed at The Pentagon. I think you can understand why I'm so proud of my soldiers!

(You certainly need to be proud. Hope we get some pictures to add to this story. Tell them “Thanks for their service” from the TJ, class of 68)

sharonaforrest@yahoo.com

 

from Gail Wilson Felker in Marion, TX

Ross, my husband, is retired from the military, but he now works for Booz Allen Hamilton Defense Contractors doing the same thing he did when he was active duty (with the same people). He's in Vegas right now doing a training exercise. We have moved from Alexandria, VA to Marion, TX.

(Glad you moved back to Texas where you belong.)

gwilson.felker@yaoo.com

 

from Carolyn Hebert, wife of Alfred Hebert (faculty)

My website is back online. There you will find photos of Alfred at the World Triathlon Finals in London in 2013. And there is a Happy New Year page which is linked at the top of my links page. It will drop to the proper alphabetical listing in a few weeks. But, I also created a New Year blessing graphic. Please share it.

God bless you all and thanks for such a fantastic class website.

Moonlightflower.org

 

HOLIDAY MIRACLE

(The following story was told to me so that I could share it with our classmates)

Port Arthur

Late 60's

Classmate, Joyce Marceaux (19) was dating a Bishop Byrne guy, Ronnie Abate when an unplanned pregnancy occurred. At the time, marrying and trying to raise a newborn wasn't in the best interest for the baby.  Joyce sought the advice and counsel of her pastor at St. James Catholic Church.  This led to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Groves where they had an adoption agency .  A couple was found that matched with Joyce and Ronnie's story for giving up their daughter.

 

Joyce and Ronnie were no longer dating after awhile but kept in touch and Ronnie even helped with Joyce's rent, etc.  After another couple of years, Ronnie realized that Joyce had been the woman he was looking for all along!  They married in 1971 and had another daughter in 1973 and and their third daughter in 1975.  Joyce and Ronnie thought about their first-born for years and Joyce said that she often looked in crowds and wondered if any of the girls might be theirs.  Many failed attempts at finding their “baby” happened even after hiring an attorney.

 

Last 6 years

Ronnie's health was deteriorating and it was found that he had LIVER CANCER. 

Many visits to the doctors, many days that were painful.  The doctors put Ronnie on the transplant list .  Time went by and Ronnie's health worsened. He said that he couldn't stand the pain anymore and wanted to give up if it wasn't for his girls and Joyce.  Joyce was his biggest cheerleader and tried to keep his spirits up when Ronnie felt like all hope was lost.  Several times they received a call from Methodist hospital thinking that they had a donor for him and it wasn't what they needed and Ronnie had to turn around mid-trip and wait and wait some more .  Ronnie's health became so poor that he was not going to make a few more months without a new liver.  Ronnie wanted to give up and Joyce kept telling him that God wanted him here for a purpose.  She just knew it in her heart.

 

Sept. 7, 2016

After years of waiting, Ronnie and Joyce got the call that a donor liver was available.  The surgery lasted 6 hours and was successful but not without several setbacks in the days and months to come.  Ronnie was so thankful for another chance but still felt unworthy of receiving it.  He had received a liver from an 81 year old woman.  What a gift for him and his family.  Prayers were answered.

 

Groves

fall of 2016

Lisa Laird, raised in Buna but now married, was given a DNA kit bought online as a birthday present from her husband who knew how much she was wanting to find out about her birth parents.  She patiently traced her family history after sending in a swab with her DNA and getting the results.  She learned a lot but couldn't find exactly who she was looking for.  She went on the website mentioned on the kit and began working with a lady detective that helped her get to some possible matches.

 

November (close to Thanksgiving)

Joyce's brother got a call from a lady detective who had narrowed down the search and eventually finding several MARCEAUX'S on Facebook.  After answering several inquiries and assuring her that Joyce and Ronnie would WHOLEHEARTEDLY accept the call from their daughter AND would readily accept her presence in their lives, a call was then made between the ABATE and LAIRD homes. 

 

Lumberton

A reunion was held reuniting two parents with their first born!  Tears, hugs, excitement, glances back and forth realizing that you are seeing a piece of your heart in the form of a grownup daughter and a set of parents that you thought you might not ever see.  It just didn't seem real.

 

Holidays

Catching up as much as possible with brandnew siblings, nieces, nephews, son-in-law, brother and sister-in-laws, cousins and GRANDCHILDREN!  The Abate grandchildren grew from 5 to 11 grandchildren in ONE phone call.  Lisa and her husband have a blended family of 6 children!!!!

 

Present time

Calls and visits are made often between the homes and memories are being made and the past stories are being traded around.  The sisters are already close and do sisterly things!!  The parents are OVER THE MOON and can't stop smiling.  Oh yeah, and neither can their grown-up baby girl!!!

 

What if...Ronnie passed away without receiving his new liver?

What if...Lisa didn't want to find her birth parents?

What if...Ronnie and Joyce didn't marry and went their separate ways?

Miracles DO happen!!!

 

P.S.  Joyce and Lisa look a lot alike and even have many mutual mannerisms!!

(Check out the photo of Joyce, Ronnie and their three daughters that Mike has posted.)

abate.joyce@yahoo.com

(My apologies to Joyce and Ronnie if I got any of the little details mixed up.)

 

MARDI GRAS in SE Texas

The 25th season of Mardi Gras in downtown Port Arthur will be held February 23-26 this year.

This event seems to have something for everyone; parades, food, petting zoo, concerts, fishing tournament, Clydesdales, FLOATS with participants throwing tons of brightly colored beads and parades every day.  The Hussars march and for the first time this year the Swingsters will be an added treat!  Security is always great and fun is to be had by all. 

For more info go to mardigrasportarthur.com

 

51st Super Bowl

What an exciting event to be held right close in Houston!  It is a downer that my COWBOYS aren't in it this year, though.  Well, I will be rooting for the Atlanta Falcons instead.  Matt Bryant was a presence in the little town of Bridge City graduating in 1993.  He grew up there and his parents worked in the school system.  He was seen year-end and year-out kicking a football against the high school gym wall.  Well, it seems that all that practice put him on the path to the NFL after starring at Baylor University.  He bounced around teams for a few years and finally landed on the Atlanta Falcons roster as a KICKER in 2009.  What he has done is phenominal! 

 

These NFL stats speak for themselves:

Field goals made:        329

Field goals attempted:  384

Goals %                      85.7

Longest field goal:        62 yards

 

Elected PRO BOWL -  2016

NFL Scoring Leader -  2016

Atlanta Falcons All-Time Scoring Leader – 812 points

 

Matt and his wife have 7 kids.  He is also very active with the USO, Wounded  Warriors and the Red Cross. 

 

I will be rooting for #3 on Sunday!  Go, Falcons!

 

A Face Book note from Matt Bryant

I want to take some time to thank everyone for the well wishes and support leading up to the Super Bowl. It's still somewhat out of reality for me. It's been a subject over my career where it always seemed like I would just read about or watch on tv. I guess that goes for the Pro Bowl as well. Maybe it's only fitting that both have come in the same year and oh, what a year it has been. So many thoughts go on about the upcoming game and it can be a little overwhelming to say the least. At the end though I will try to treat it like any other game and realize that the field goal I kick in the Super Bowl is the same field goal I kicked at Larry Ward Stadium in Bridge City many years ago. It hurts that my dad isn't here to see what we started so long ago and what it has led to. Also my son, Tryson, isn't here to experience this with his family as well. But, on the positive side, I will have family in the stadium cheering me on along with other family and friends at home that have supported me along the way. Again, I want to say thank you.

 

MINI REUNION

I am hearing rumblings from some of you that you think it is about time to have another one of those mini-reunions.  I have planned three, and Marilyn Jackson Williamson and Ernie Castaneda Bullion spearheaded the last one that we had last fall. Marilyn has expressed interest in getting another one organized.

marilynsjw@yahoo.com

        MORE INFO TO FOLLOW WHEN DETAILS ARE IRONED OUT

 

Our 50th CLASS REUNION in 2018

Late summer is when the reunion committee will begin the task of organizing our 50th reunion to be held in 2018.  We will need NEW members to help due to life throwing us all curves!  It is always nice to have new blood to give us a different slant on things.  Please consider and contact me if you might be interested.  We don't meet often, mostly once a month until we get closer to the actual date of the reunion.  It is fun. Try it.

 

Now, starting this spring (or sooner) I will contact you personally to update your contact information for the class spreadsheet.  I will need spouse names physical address, landline and/or mobile numbers, and e-mail addresses.  Mike and I are getting many back each time we send the monthly website and newsletter updates.  Some are because you are no longer working and no longer have your work e-mail address. 

 

TJ class of 1967

Plans are finalized for the 1967 class for their reunion this summer.  Contact Gene Christian gec127r@aol.com or Buddy Fields  bigbuz2@hotmail.com if you know of someone from this class that might not have received information.

 

BASEBALL

It is ALREADY time for the major leaguers to show up for SPRING TRAINING camp in Florida and Arizona.  You might already know that I am a lifetime YANKEE fan but also enjoy pulling for the ASTROS and pull really hard for the Boston RED SOX.  A Lumberton player has pitched for the Sox since 2007 and we know him and all his family.  But, NOW I have to order Philadelphia PHILLIES apparel!!  He got TRADED.  I don't even look good in RED!!!  At least with the SOX, I ordered jersies and t-shirts in dark blue.  Also, BOSTON and the YANKEES games are often televised on the tv.  NOT so much with the PHILLIES!  That means I will have to sit in front of my desktop to watch the games.  Let me start practicing cheering for my new “favorite” team....Go, Phillies. 

 

NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT

Me- the same.  I'm tired of talking about it and I know you are tired of reading about it.  Good news, though!  I got a NEW pair of glasses (been 4 years) and I can actually see the print on the class spreadsheet that I have to look at daily.  I was having to use a big magnifying glass each time I looked someone up.  I can see the desktop computer and my phone better.  Don't know why I waited so long to get new ones.  Oh, yes I do!  The PRICE!!!  Stupid on our part....Murphy also needed new ones! By the way, I celebrated my 37th year since I was diagnosed with throat cancer.  I guess I SURVIVED that one!!!

 

Murphy is determined to get a hog at the “beer” lease!  Usually the hogs bothered all the deer feeders but they didn't hardly see any this year. 

 

Dad is happy, happy in his recliner, winning at BINGO, enjoying this “spring” weather sitting on the patio, and EATING!!! 

 

Gerry is Gerry.  Dementia is tough but she is doing pretty good.

 

The granddaughters are busy doing what middle school kids do; texting, homework, sports, texting, drill team, church activities, StuCo, texting, chores.  Oh, did I mention texting?  But, they are heartbroken.  They had a 3 day trip planned to Harry Potter World in Orlando and Bailey came down with the flu and strep throat the night before they were to leave!  Hope they get to go soon.

 

Stacy is trying to learn how to co-parent.  Still tough, but she is trying hard to mend her broken heart while giving her all to her daughters. 

 

SUPPORT

Connie O'Quinn Melancon, sister of Dennis O'Quinn. 

(a note from her sister-in-law, Denise O'Quinn)

Connie is doing pretty good.  She is taking chemo for pancreatic cancer.  She was diagnosed 2 years ago.  Shis is blessed that the chemo does not make her real sick, only feels bad for a few days and she tries to stay busy.  She is a real fighter.

conniemelancon@yahoo.com

 

Randy Blanchard tripped at the Community Home in the dark while visiting a neighbor's mother.  He broke one of his fingers and dislocated another one.  He ended up having surgery.

3810 Lexington

Port Arthur, TX 77642

Alfred and Carolyn Hebert

We are still recovering from the Carbon Monoxide, sewer gases and mold issues we had last year and on into this year. Our home is not back to normal yet. It took many months to get the cabinets in the kitchen and in the master bathroom to be built, then painted and new counter tops installed. The Carbon Monoxide nearly killed me. The furnace was the culprit for the CO. Warn out toilet seals was part of the sewer gas issues. But, still our gases tester is finding fault in the bath tub drain and the high sink in the master bathroom and the sink in the guest bathroom. The MB is mine and the GB is Alfred's. But, for now we are both using my bathroom. Financial wise, this has taken a toll, but we are in the progress of recovery.

moonlightflower.org

 

Irene Protas Heath is recovering from having a knee replacement on January 3rd.  She did so well that her friends and family are calling her WONDER WOMAN! 

(You go, GIRL!)

ijheath@hotmail.com

1300 Madison Ave.

Austin, TX 78757

 

Ronnie Abate, husband of Joyce Marceaux Abate

(a note from daughter, Rhonda)

My heart is so happy and God is so good!

Dad is finally out of the hospital, and epstein bar negative after the 4th testing, lymph nodes are not as enlarged, pain is gone, fever is gone, appetite is slowly coming back and he is happy and smiling! All is right in the world and I praise God! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the prayers, calls, messages, and concerns!

Abate.joyce@yahoo.com

6305 Marble Falls

Lumberton, TX 7765

 

Lana Salter, wife of David Salter

(a note from David, Jan. 21)

Lana had her first appointment with her oncologist. He was encouraged by the favorable pathology report and is sending the cancerous tissue out to determine the level of recurrence probability. The results should be received within 2 weeks and guide him in creating a treatment plan...should that be necessary. We continue to thank the Lord for the blessing of early detection and successful surgery!

Desalter1949@yahoo.com

9359 FM 45 S

Brownwood, TX 76801

 

Ronnie Boneau

(a note from his wife, Amy)

Ronnie received an ALL CLEAR report from MD Anderson last week. Year #4 down...working toward getting into "The Survivor Program" for year #5.

rwboneau@gt.rr.com

5000 Bellaire

Groves, TX 77619

 

Sandra Tauzin Flores and husband, Richard Flores

Sandra is having heart cath and her husband also needs prayers for continued health issues.

paintinmawmaw@yahoo.com

6118 - 17th St.

Port Arthur, TX 77642

 

Pat Trahan

Jan. 23

I had shoulder surgery last Friday, Jan. 20. I can't move my right arm for 6 weeks, with 6 weeks of therapy to follow. The nerves will have to regenerate on their own, which could be a year (I do plan to make that faster!)

patknox@hotmail.com

925 Brandywine

Beaumont, TX 77706

 

Susan Reagle Duplant

Feb. 2

I just got home from my 5th procedure on my back. This time was a trial run. They put me to sleep and did four shots, two on each side of the spine, lower back. IF, i have less pain today or no pain, then in a few weeks, after insurance approval, of course, they will burn the nerves, it's done with some sort of shots. There is a name for it but I can't remember it right now. These nerves regenerate in 6-18 months, then the pain will return. I am so tired of all of it. I know surgery can always make it worse, but just tired of experiments. I love Dr. Allen and all the nurses at Bmt. Surgical. They are all so sweet and caring. But, all these procedures have been going on for over a year.

texasbeargrammy@aol.com

2688 Foreman

Vinton, LA 70668

 

Jonnye Dee Doering Williamson

Jan. 30

Antibiotics and infections since Nov. 30th.  I have been ill due to Antibiotics.  On the 30th, I went to a doctor because I wasn't feeling well.  I was given antibiotics and a steroid shot for a sinus infection.  No culture was taken and I was told to come back in a week.  I went back and was worse and was given more antibiotics.  Several days later my throat was on fire so Bobby took me to the ER and they changed my antibiotics with different antibiotics and another steroid shot.  By the weekend my throat was really on fire and I made another trip to the ER.  I finally got an appointment with an ENT doctor who put a camera down my throat and found out I had a YEAST infection in my throat from all the antibiotics and steroids I was given.  He changed meds and sent me to a gastro doctor who sent me to the hospital for a scan down my throat and upper stomach to make sure the infection hadn't spread to the esophogus which thankfully it hadn't.  During these 3 weeks, I lost 17 pounds from not being able to eat or drink.  Now, 2 months later the doctors are telling me I have another 60-90 days until I will get my health back.  I am still really weak with bed rest.  PLEASE make sure if your taking antibiotics you get cultures and make sure the doctors are not just giving you meds without diagnosing you correctly.  I don't want anyone to go through what I have been going through since November!

Jonnyedee@yahoo.com

4608 Alamosa

Port Arthur, TX 77642

 

CONDOLENCES

Anne Bearden

(faculty teacher at Edison)

died Dec. 12, 2016

 

Kathleen Rosenthal

(death of her younger sister, Betty Bacon)

Oct. 8, 1952 - Jan.7, 2017

kk5010@yahoo.com

5010 Bay St.

Groves, TX 77619

 

The late Cheryl Robinson Jones

(death of her father, George “Red” Robinson)

April 22, 1919 - Jan. 7, 2017

 

Norma Gayle Guidry

(death of her brother, Charles “Chuck” Guidry)

Feb. 1, 2017

 

A memorial service will be held for Chuck on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 4 p.m. at the Henderson Bible Church, 1045 Talley Street, Henderson, Louisiana, 70517. If anyone would like to pay their final respects, please do so at this time.

 

Cajun.qt@hotmail.com

1033 Caliste Oliver Rd.

Breaux Bridge, LA 70517

 

Susan Reagle Duplant

(death of her brother, Gene Reagle)

July 1, 1956 – Jan. 14, 2017

 

texasbeargrammy@aol.com

2688 Foreman

Vinton, LA 70668

 

(The obits for the above deaths may be found in the OBITUARY section on the front page of the website.)

 

I can bet that some of you who thought you were feeling poorly just changed your mind!  Please keep all the classmates and families in the SUPPORT and CONDOLENCE sections in your thoughts and prayers and drop them a message or note in the mail.  Pay it forward, friends.

 

                                           Stay in touch and contact a classmate,

                                           Linda DeCuir McFadden

                                           lindadmcfadden@yahoo.com

                                           www.tjhs1968.com

 

     


                      

 
 
 
 
 
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