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WOW!!! The
classmates really blew me away with participation for this
publication. I was really scared for awhile
and now I am drowning in news and items to share with all of you. Let's
begin and I just hope you will remember to share news over the coming
holiday season since I am clearing out my mail folder with these classmate
messages.
from
Fred McCarty
in Kingwood
We had a big day on October 27 with the wedding of Brian, my youngest son, to
his girlfriend of many years, Laura. They met in Middle School and dated
through High School. Then, they maintained their relationship through college
despite going to different universities that were several hundred miles apart.
Both graduated in May, 2006 and got engaged last fall. It is so great to
see two young people so self-assured knowing that they have found their soul
mate. We used the happy occasion to have a mini-family reunion beginning
Thursday and lasting until Sunday with about 20 family members from
California
,
Kansas
,
North Carolina
,
Virginia
,
Michigan
and
Ohio
. The bride & groom had a great time in Vegas on their honeymoon.
Nov. 2-4 was
my 35th Reunion at
Rice
University
. Our classmate, George
Collins, was the only other
Port Arthur
native who attended. We had a great time catching up on things. But, I must
admit I commented that I could not believe how old some of my classmates had
gotten over the years.
I
am looking forward to the big 40th
TJHS
Reunion
Aug. 1-2, 2007!!!
. Everyone needs to mark your calendars and plan to attend!
from
Camille
Messina
Hudson
in
Lake Jackson
I'm living in
Lake Jackson
and doing great. I am married to Sam Hudson. The grandkids live close in
Houston and Pearland. Love the website.
from
Christine Crochet
Wramp in
Bremerton
,
WA
I am going to be in
Port Arthur
the week before Thanksgiving (Nov. 18-23) and would like to talk to or
have lunch with anyone that is interested. I have not been able to attend
any of the reunion parties because of the distance and work schedules but would
be interested in seeing anyone and finding out how they are doing and about
their lives. I will be at my sister Sue's house and will have my cell
phone with me 360-620-6776.
Our family does the Thanksgiving get together because we were tired of only
seeing each other at weddings or funerals. My sister, Sue, works for the
Post Office in
Groves
, my sister,
Virginia
, works for
Fellowship
Baptist
Church
in
Nederland
and my sister, Anne, works at the school in
Nederland
. I hope all of the Class of '68 has a healthy and happy holiday season.
(Contact Christine cwnurse93@yahoo.com to
set up a visit or just to chat. She would LOVE it.
Washington
state is a long way away from here and she doesn't get down very often.)
from
Gary Hammond
in
Plano
The
Hammond
family is continuing to be blessed as Bev and I had our 5th grandchild on th
29th of October. A good-looking boy weighing in at 8 lb., 14 oz. and 21
inches. He was born in
Gainesville
,
FL
and sure to be a big GATOR fan. Actually, he appears to have a QB build!
Little
Gary
(great name, don't you think?) and mom Stacey are doing great. Daddy Beau
and his big brother, James are very pleased with the little feller. Oma
and Pops (that's US) are wearing our smiles proudly. God is Good.
(Congratulations Pops! Classmates will have to wait awhile to see the
precious pictures, though.
Gary
is 4th in line of grandkid pics!)
from
Carol Olivier
Nunez in
Austin
My husband, Randy Nunez, and I went to the Air Force vs Army Football
game with Cla
Simon and husband John Weishaar last Sat. Nov 3 in
Colorado Springs, CO.
We
got to see 7 Air Force parachuters land flawlessly on the 50 yd line, 2
F-16 Fighter Jets, as well as a B-52 bomber, do "fly-bys", and the
real "falcon" do his at dive-bombing thing at half-time, as well
as a great football game in perfect weather.
Cla
and I were reminiscing...who would have thought in 1967 that we would be here
today....40 yrs later...doing this....Life is a beautiful thing...We are
blessed! (sorry no pictures...both camera batteries dead)
from
Darlene Turner
Landry in Port
Neches
Just thought I'd share this happy moment with everyone. We gave my husband
a surprise 60th birthday party on October 13th....It was amazing that we pulled
it off.
from
Pat Trahan
in
Beaumont
I cannot be the cause of Linda losing it!!! Is everyone enjoying the cooler
weather as much as my family? Of course, I'm very cold natured, so I wear a
jacket, especially at work where my co-workers are hot natured. My husband, Ray,
and I went fishing to christen the boat. He bought it back in March, just
before having rotator cuff surgery. Bad timing, his right arm was
extremely sore for quite a while. He can now cast again and even caught a fish.
I caught 3, but mine weren't the good kind (I'm learning all about the fish). It
was a little chilly on the water, but the weather was gorgeous! I have learned
that a baseball cap is not my best fashion accessory. I looked so-o-o-o bad that
only my dear husband would say I looked okay.
We are going to
Bryan
for Thanksgiving so everyone can see Jeff and Lee Ann's new home (he's my
youngest, 29). I won't know how to act not getting up at 3 a.m. to put a turkey
in the oven, but I'm willing to learn. Jeff said he just wants me to enjoy the
day. I, of course, will not be able to just not do anything, but it's still a
nice thought. Lee Ann's folks will be there, too, and it will be nice visiting
with them. I hope you all have a wonderful turkey day. 'Gig 'em!
from
Gilsey Viator
Campion in
Austin
Carol Olivier
and husband, Randy are building a new home on their horse ranch. I
saw it framed. Carol is busy decorating. It looks like it is
going to be so nice.
(Thanks for sharing that news. The class will all have to drop in on them
and take free riding lessons!)
from
Pam Owings Hund
in Port
Neches
I have
enjoyed seeing the pictures of our classmates and their spouses. I thought I
would send one of my husband and I at a sidewalk bar outside Caesar's Palace in
Las Vegas
. This picture was taken after a chop-job haircut so my hair is longer now and a
different color. I have
colored
my hair the lightest blonde I could find for years and years. Suddenly, people
stopped talking about my white blonde hair and started commenting on my hair
turning white and graying nicely. The last straw was when I went to visit my
daughter at her job and her friends wanted to know who the old lady was! I broke
all speed limits getting to my hairdresser and getting something more natural
(and no, gray isn't more natural :)) Old lady, indeed!
On
a different subject, I was able to find Kathleen Rosenthal's email address on
the site and enjoyed getting in touch with her and receiving a reply. We haven't
spoken in years. I'm sure you have enabled a lot of old friends to
reunite.
(I got so tickled with Pam's "hair color" story that I asked for
permission to print it. Recently, my 4 year granddaughter said,
"Nanny. Your hair is a lotta white and a little bita black."
I think many of us can relate to Pam's story. Also, Mike and I know we are
doing a good job when classmates reunite. That is what we are here for!)
from
Jody Hopkins
Barbin in
Waco
August 1 and August 2...Hurrah!! A date set for the 40th reunion! I
am so glad to get it so we can work on arranging for it.........
Gary
will probably be moving his office around that time, but we are going to try to
come.
from
James Leland
Hebert in Waldorf, MD
Just wanted to let you know I changed my email address. I don't want to
become a MISSING classmate :) Love the webpage and appreciate all your
hardwork on the behalf of the Class of 68.
(Now, this guy KNOWS THE DRILL. Don't change ANYTHING without letting me
KNOW first. THEN,
you can inform the family and the police! "-))
from
Rose Flohr
in Seabrook
I have two children, Paul & Kandi and 3 grandchildren. I can't believe it's
been that long since we went to school together. I enjoyed the website. Carla Castro
Hass told me about it. After looking at my
picture in the annual, I don't believe anyone would recognize me now. I
will have to send you updated pics. My brother, Lloyd,
lives in
Ohio
and travels alot. I'm still amazed that all of a sudden I have
contact with my past after all those years. I would enjoy hearing from some
of you and get reacquainted.
(We are thrilled to take your name off of the MISSING LIST.)
from
Gary
Barbin
in
Waco
Jody and I went to see the movie "Across the Universe". It was a
musical with all songs Beatles songs sung by the actors (not a band and not the
Beatles). In fact, the lyrics were 90 percent of the screenplay, including
the main characters named after beatles songs (Jude, Lucy, etc.) Also had
a Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix (with different names) singing Beatles
songs, Psychedelic scenes, Viet Nam draft dodging and burning draft card
scenes, riots, LSD scenes, etc. Was really a condensed conundrum of
the late 60's that I think anyone in our class might like (or hate). Definitely
not a movie of the year but an interesting period piece. Not at all about
the Beatles, just listenening and singing to their music while things
happens around you.
from
Carroll Paul
Cashat in Colmesneil
Not much on talking to people and sure not that good with someone I haven't seen
in 40 years. You called me sometime back and told me about the web site. Well,
it has got my attention. I didn't make too many friends in school and the one, Jerry
Reynolds, who I hung out with, is now deceased. I
learned this from the web site. Who would have figured? I
would like to say hi to Ron
Bullion (Bishop Byrne '68), (Ernie
Castaneda's husband). We were good
friends at one time but as we got older we drifted apart. This should
never happen. There were good times and some bad times, but together we helped each
another grow up. Thank you all.
PS:
Ask Gerald
Broussard (class of '63), Geraldine, to tell the
story of the sky hook.
This really happened.
(Carroll was a little "shy" when I called him to tell him of our
website. But, this letter tells it like it is! It is never too late
to connect with old friends....e-mail Ernie to "talk" with Ron.
Our friends, as well as family, is what made us what we are today.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, friend. Okay, Gerald. Tell us
about the "sky hook, I think!)
from
Janette Light
Norton in
Amarillo
For months I've intended to drop you a note, then the story got so long that I knew
a note wouldn't do. But, since you asked for news...
It
all began last spring when my daughter Jennifer had what we thought was a routine
type of surgery on her hand, repairing what we thought was a simple work related
injury. After two months of being off work and treating her injury
for sprain, strain, and tendonitis, the doctors finally decided to read the MRI,
only to discover that it was, in fact, a dead bone caused from a long ago trauma
(think roller blading across the UT campus, 10 years back!). So, I
began the spring season nursing Jennifer through a bone and marrow
graft.
Summer
came, and with it the Great Flood of '07 in
Northeast Texas
. After an extended illness, my step father of 25 years passed away in
Sherman
,
TX
. The first storm dumped lake-loads of water, shutting down planes,
trains, and automobiles for days, even weeks in some places. Fortunately
for my little 85 year old mother's sake, the service could proceed.
Unfortunately, "the rains came down and floods went up" and poor
ol' Charlie could not be buried. God's irony and our little joke was that
Charlie's favorite first question whenever we visited was, "Got any
rain out there lately?" Deaf from years of wildcatting in the oil
fields, he only asked yes or no questions for a nod or a shake our
heads. Sitting with Charlie was to smile and nod, grin and listen
to the old days of drilling before those young know-it-all engineers
came in and ruined the business. Anyway, Charlie's loved the Weather
Channel and my mother--it took 8 days for the rains to stop and the ground
to dry enough to receive Charlie home!
That
was June, I think. In August, my 64 year old sister Shannon had
knee replacement surgery ( her second in a year's time). I could tell a
long, sad story about why she is single after 32 years of marriage, but suffice
it to say, she's better off; although she didn't believe it for the first two
lonely years. I moved in with her for about a month until she could
take care of herself. I juggled between nurse and school for about
two weeks. It was good to finally get back to my bed.
Early
October, the doctor released Jennifer to go back to work (as a flight attendant,
when SHE'S grounded, so are her parents!).
My
son moved to
Lubbock
and continues training as a union electrician.
My
sister has healed, admitting for the first time since the divorce that
life is
good.
My
mother began plans to move to
Amarillo
as soon as the estate is settled.
Life
seemed still. Retirement seemed imminent. (Long, pregnant pause-exhale)
Hah! With a little more than two years till his retirement and after less than a
month with an empty nest, a head hunter calls to ask my husband to consider a
position with another university in the A&M System, for which he has worked
for the past 16 years. "No!" he firmly declares,"I like my
job." "Just let me send you the information," says she.
(Still another long pause)
On
December 3, Richard will be moving --well, someplace. We haven't quite
worked that out! I will follow at the end of the school year,
bringing with me my 64-year old divorced sister and my little 85 year old
mother and all of their/our worldly goods. Richard will do what he
does best: grow teams of workers for large facilities, build and remodel, and
develop preventive maintenance programs to the specifications of the Aggie
Motherland. Where will he do these things? At Prarie View A & M.
A month
ago I couldn't have found Prairie View on the map but MapQuest pointed it out
near my other sister who lives in Katy. For the first time in 45 years, my
sisters, my mother, and I will be together. Richard's mom and sister
still live in
Groves
, so he'll be able to help them as they continue to need more assistance.
Jennifer is 110 miles away in
Austin
.
Our
family has never stopped missing the beach; I've never stopped missing Liz
(Tieskens) and Peggy (Foster)
and I have never gotten enough of the Boogie
Kings. There have never been enough Class
of '68 Reunions to suit us.
So,
in some crazy way, our circle has sealed. Who knows what is in store for
us, but with so many of you, dear friends, in the area, I look forward to coming
home.
As Mamaw used to say, "Y'll come on over and I'll fix you a good
gumbo."
from
ANONYMOUS
in
Refinery
Land
in PA
I wish I was retired. We all can't be so lucky though. I wish I could just
hang around the house watching the Price is Right all day, Bob Barker's
syndication. Have you noticed as you get older you start smelling Bengay,
moth balls, and Lysol more often around the house? It's a major problem
when the Preparation "H" comes up missing. Between the mail box
and the obituaries section, it takes up most of your day! Coupon clipping
has been reborn as a hobby. Sit-n-b-fit, Ha, don't lie, you've thought
about taking it up. You learn to live with stents, high sugar levels, and
back pain. It's hell getting older. Hope retirement is all you've
ever dreamed of.
(I really know who this is but HE asked me to be discreet since HE is really
JEALOUS of HIS retired classmates! "-)
from Judy
Bouillion Campbell (class of '66)
It is a great site! I love the opening fight song and entering through the
mascot yellow jacket!
*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************
WEBSITE
$$$$ CONTRIBUTION
received
from Perry Lee & Lyn Frasier Lee in Pt. Neches
"Thank you Mike and Linda for the time and effort you put into the
manning of the website."
Checks
may be sent to:
Linda DeCuir McFadden
112 Woodsong
Bridge
City
,
TX
77611
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************
The
committee is comparing caterers for
our reunion next summer. If you know of one that you were pleased with,
contact me before
the meeting on Tuesday, November 13 so that I can give them a call to find out
their prices.
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LINKS
on HOME PAGE
For
informational purposes....Do you use the links that are listed on the left
side of the home page?
E-Trade
Financial
Weather.com
YOU TUBE
CNN.com
ESPN
Let
us know. If they are
not being used, Mike will remove them.
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************
VIETNAM
VETERAN'S TRAVELING WALL
Who:
Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church (ATUMC)
What:
Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall
When:
November 15-18, 2007
What time:
24 Hours a day starting 9:00 a.m. November 15 until the wall is taken down
Where:
Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church, 3600 Memorial Blvd., Port Arthur,
TX. 77640
How much:
COMPLIMENTARY TO VIEW "WALL"
(We
are really priviledged to have this in our area!)
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************
INTERESTING
LINK ON YOUR
AREA
Get
The Skinny On Your Zip Code
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
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(a
note from Walter
Jones (class of '67) about his wife, Linda
Messer (class of '66)
For those who did not know, Linda's surgery is over. It happened on November 1
from 11 am to 5 pm. The doctor said the surgery was very successful with no
tumors left as far as the naked eye could see. He believes that with three more
chemo cycles, Linda will be cancer free. You and I know, this is answered
prayer. Please continue to pray for her. Major surgery is never
easy. She is up and walking and eating solid food. All is well.
Robert
Weldon
(class of '66)
(husband of classmate, Linda
Dowling)
(brother of classmate, David
Weldon)
405
Kirkwood
Port
Neches
,
TX
77651
rweldonjr@gt.rr.com
(a
note from Robert)
I had a heart attack on the early morning hours of
Oct. 17th. I had a scheduled DSE at the Houston VA Hospital. I went on and they
started the test and stopped because the EKG detected a heart attack. Next
day....my 60th birthday...I was allowed a new lease on life. I had a stint put
in my circumflex artery and I have never felt better. It is so nice to be
home again. That was one rough week.....my care couldn't have been better. I am
so thoroughly amazed at the quality and compassion. When I woke at 5 a.m. this
morning, I thanked the good Lord above for all his saving graces. I feel better
than I have in ten years.
(UPDATE
November 6th)
I just found out that Robert had a setback and is back in the VA
hospital. I will post more when I find out details. Keep him and
Linda in your prayers for a speedy recovery.
(UPDATE
November 8th)
Robert is doing fine and feeling good, but they are keeping him in the hospital
for observation and tests. They have run lots of scans and done
blood work but they don't have any results yet. The doctors plan to
keep him overnight and he may get released tomorrow depending upon the test
results.
(
a note from Mr. Rowland)
We met with the doctor at MD Anderson on Monday. My blood work is looking
good. I had a treatment on Tuesday. Came back today and I had a bout
with nausea this evening but otherwise am doing fine.
(I am truly sorry that I published the wrong home address for Mr. R on the last
couple of NEWSLETTERS.)
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APPRECIATION
FOR SUPPORT SHOWN
(a
note from Carol
"Canny" Babin Prejean in
Arlington
)
Thanks to everyone for their prayers. They have been answered. I
wanted to let you all know that I'm doing great. As you might know, seven
weeks ago, I was in a bicycle accident (I actually ran into Reed because I
turned the wrong way in a subdivision where we were riding together) and
broke my right collarbone. It required surgery but the recovery has been
easy. I was restricted from using my arm for two weeks then allowed to use
it for computer work and very light lifting. On my two week follow-up, the
doctor allowed me to start exercising again at the gym and for the past week I
have been completely pain free. I go back to the doctor next week and
hopefully will be able to ride again. Reed and I really enjoy riding
outside and it's a great hobby to share together.
(Well, if you say so but it sounds a bit dangerous for me! Who would write
the NEWSLETTERS if I broke a finger or two?)
Please
contact me with any concerns you may have and I will post them allowing our
classmates to continue to show their support to you and your family members.
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CONDOLENCES
(death
of the mother of the late classmate, Richard
Wheeler)
contact his twin brothers:
Charles "Ronald" Wheeler
6572
Washington
Groves
,
TX
77619
James
"Donald" Wheeler
o/o 6572
Washington
Groves
,
TX
77619
Bobby
Williamson
(death of his mother)
4608 Alamosa
Pt.
Arthur
,
TX
77642
(409)982-7656
bob_williamson@yahoo.com
(a
note from Paul)
Good afternoon to all....with great sadness, I must report that my father, who
would have been 88 on his next birthday, very peacefully passed away last night
(Nov. 7) around midnight. After suffering some type of brain trauma,
either a series of mini strokes, or tia's, he was admitted to St. Mary's
Hospital seven days ago. There was some hope of recovery initially, but by
Monday afternoon it became apparent his death was imminent. He had a very
beautiful life, and we are so thankful he was spared a lingering, painful death.
His quality of life had really declined these past few months, and I know
he was ready to cash in his chips. (We Colletti's are all hopelessly addicted
gamblers) My mother and my remaining 5 siblings and I are doing fine,
and we plan to celebrate his memory with a picnic on the "bayou",
after the funeral.
Pamela
"Rose" Flohr
(death of her brother, Peter)
2800
E. Nasa Road
Pkway #103
Seabrook
,
TX
77856
(281)326-1474
flohrp@aol.com
Glen
"Lloyd" Flohr
(death of his brother, Peter)
109
Carter Street
Creston
,
OH
44217
The
saddest part in our seach for MISSING classmates has been finding that some have
passed away. We have learned of another untimely death of one of our
dear classmates:
May
he rest in peace with the Lord.
Please
contact me with any concerns you may have and I will post them allowing our
classmates to continue to show their support to you and your family members.
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Well,
that is it for this publication. The
Corpus Christi
weekend has been cancelled due to the death of Paul Colletti's dad. We
will gather together at a different time. It has been a hectic week.
More about this later. Just keep all of your classmates in your prayers
and that will cover all bases! Thanks to all for being the best among the
best!
We
are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one
another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.
Stay
safe and keep in touch,
Linda
DeCuir McFadden
lindasuemcfadden@sbcglobal.net
www.tjhs1968.com
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