8/31/25
MAIL CALL
From James Leland Hebert
I want to thank you and Mike for all the great work you have done over the years to bring and keep the TJ, class of ’68 together and fully informed on the
activities of so many of us. Without your wonderful efforts, I would have never remembered or appreciated all the amazing people that made up our class. I
cherish the memory of those still with us and especially those who we will meet again someday.
Jim_pat.hebert@verizon.net
41 Trevor Ct.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
From Diana Caillier Lewis
I was happy to read the news in the latest update. It is always a blessing.v
912 E. 6th St.
Port Arthur, TX 77640
From Georgia Peterson Winkler in Austin
Thank you once again for staying in touch with everyone. I do enjoy reading your newsletters and the website update and hearing about others.
Jg3a@swbell.net
WEBSITE DONATIONS
Since the last website update two months ago, Mike and I have received several donations.
Pat Trahan donated in memory of Carole Oubre. David Lapham sent
the following note: Hi Linda. I am sorry to hear of Mike Barbay’s
death. He was an interesting and fun guy to know. Enclosed is a contribution to the TJHS
website in his memory. James Leland Hebert sent a contribution to help with our ongoing efforts. Linda DeCuir sent in donations in memory of classmates,
Debi Tate and JoAnn Tauzin.
To donate to the Website:
Send A CHECK
Made Out To:
Linda McFadden
Send To:
Linda DeCuir McFadden
7699 Boardwalk
Lumberton, TX 77657
or
Pay by Venmo
user: Thomas-Jefferson68
lindadmcfadden@yahoo.com
*MINI REUNION* SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 @ 11:30am
Nice Guy Ricky’s Restaurant (formerly Catfish Cabin)
192 S. Hwy 287/US 69
Lumberton, TX 77657
RSVP
Mary Wells
(409)460-8828 (text or call)
Please specify if bringing +1
JULY 4th FLOODING
From Georgia Peterson Winkler (7/10/25)
The devastating flood last weekend has affected all of us. Here in Austin, we are dealing with flood issues around our area also. My girls have many friends
with children involved, some found and some not. My nephew was here to pick up his daughter on Saturday from a camp outside of Marble Falls and couldn't get
to her. She was safe but the roads were covered by the creeks. The massive amount of water was incredible.
I'm glad that those you mentioned got out safely.
You have experienced this type of weather many times with the hurricanes around your area. The power of nature keeps us all humble.
HURRICANE SEASON
• Water: at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3-7 days; also fill bathtub and other containers; Gatorade is good to fend off dehydration
• Food: at least enough for 3-7 days; non-perishable packaged or canned food; juices; foods for infants or elderly family members; snack foods; food for
special diets
• Non-electric can opener
• Cooking tools, fuel
• Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils
• Bedding: Blankets, Pillows, etc.
• Clothing
• Rain gear
• Sturdy shoes
• First aid kit, medicines, prescription drugs
• Toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, plastic gloves
• Toiletries, hand sanitizer, hygiene items, moisture wipes, dry shampoo
• Flashlights, extra batteries, lantern
• Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
• Telephones: Fully charged cell phone with extra battery; chargers; traditional (not cordless) telephone set
• Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards: Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods if there's a power outage or heavy flooding.
• Important documents: Place in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag; Should include insurance; medical records; bank account numbers;
Social Security card; prescriptions; list of important phone numbers in case cell phone battery dies
• Tools: Keep a set with you during the storm
• Gas: Fill up your vehicles several days before landfall is expected; Gas stations could lose power during a storm and supply trucks may not be able to
reach the area
• Pet care items: Proper identification, immunization records, medications, ample supply of food and water; a carrier or cage; muzzle and/ or leash
• Bleach without lemon or any other additives
• Fire extinguisher
• Mosquito repellent
• Keys
• Toys, books and games for children
• Duct tape
• Face masks, hand sanitizer
• Generator and fuel
THOMAS JEFFERSON YEAR BOOKS
Every so often, I am offered an “annual” or yearbook to share with others. Many of us have lost ours due to a move, disaster or have one that is no longer
needed due to a death of a loved one. Over the years, we have been fortunate to receive annuals that families been donated after a classmate has passed
away. Contact me if you would like to donate one. Recently, I was given two TJ annuals….Senior ’79 and Senior ’89. Reach out to me if you are interested.
lindaDmcfadden@yahoo.com (409)749-4879
CLASSMATE SPREADSHEET
Thank you to Bruce Meyer who contacted me recently to make sure I had updated information since he had moved to another address. This makes it so much easier
for me. Thanks, friend. E-mail is our way of contacting you when we send anything out. I read something about aol.com addresses that might be going away.
Anyway, please send us your UPDATED e-mail addresses if you want to still hear from us.
WEBSITE and CLASSMATE INFORMATION
I am always thrilled when someone reaches out to me for help contacting another classmate. I have received several inquiries recently from classmates
wanting to reconnect with longtime friends. Maybe with all the deaths we have had, we are starting to reminisce more and realize we might not always get
a chance to catch up. I also get inquiries about how to find things on the website. Some of you have said you weren’t notified about updates. There is a
list of CLASSMATE e-mails at the top of our website. Check your name and see if it is updated. If you have missed a newsletter and want to check something
out, go to the front page of the website and scroll ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE BOTTOM. You will see NEWLETTERS then ARCHIVED NEWSLETTERS. It is a hoot
reading some of the older ones. an find the current newsletter there and any other older archive
NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT
Murphy and I reached our 52nd wedding anniversary on July 28th. Graduation weekend in August was exhausting but so much fun at Texas A&M. We included
traveling, motel stays, restaurant gatherings, Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony, graduation, a huge charcuterie board (the size of a large island) luncheon, and
a play production at the Theatre Company of Bryan/College Station that the other granddaughter was in, all in one weekend. This week I had an upper and
lower procedure (fun times) and was told again, after finding two stomach polyps and five colon polyps, that I MUST get off my arthritis medicine. I have
had arthritis for many, many years and severe neuropathy. Well, I had halved my dose a year and a half ago and this week had to quit the other pill. In
four days, I have had to start using my cane just to get around my house. Ugh. The gastroenterologist recommended I go see an arthritis specialist.
I will. We had another senior bus tour planned to see the Astros play this week. Murphy and I both woke up with a virus. Missed that trip. We do have a
paddle boat cruise planned by the WoodmenLife Company (formerly known as Woodmen of the World). It will be on Lake Conroe in October. I hope if I can
this arthritis situation under control that we can plan a vacation after hunting season. Fingers crossed that the hurricane season stays on the downlow.
We have been watching a 3-part documentary on Netflix about Katrina. So sad. Three years after Katrina, we lost our Bridge City home with six foot of
water from a storm surge from Hurricane Ike in 2008. Our daughter flooded in 2017 in Harvey here in Lumberton.
SUPPORT
Charlie Fontenot
Continued treatments and visits for prostate cancer
cajunfont@aol.com
412 Brookdale
League City, TX 77573
Marella Miller (mother of James Miller)
Fell and broke her leg. She has moved in with her daughter while recuperating.
3410 Shadowchase Dr.
Houston, TX 77082
Johnny Vasquez
Dementia
Rose Vasquez Prejean
639 Ridgewood Dr.
Port Neches, TX 77651
Randy Landry
Health issues
Rlandry1@camtel.net
2204 Rosebud
Nederland, TX 77627
James Leland Hebert
a note received from James on July 8
The past year has been a challenge and a blessing. Last summer, I was diagnosed with a very bad Aortic Valve in my heart. It made doing anything very difficult
as I immediately ran out of oxygen when I simply walked. In November, a team of great doctors replaced the valve with a TAVR. After a couple of months of rehab,
I am doing great and feeling wonderful and extremely blessed. Exercising and dieting have helped a lot. I was 75 last month and God willing I am hoping to make
the 60th reunion in 2028.
Jim_pat.hebert@verizon.net
41 Trevor Ct.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Mike Faulk
Health issues
Msf50@gt.rr.com
8370 E. Bridgefield
Orange, TX 77630
Janice Jones and husband, Paul Kelly
Janice has serious back issues and Paul has issues with blood clots
lsuaggiemom@yahoo.com
10520 Commonwealth Dr.
Iola, TX 77861
Kirk Abshire (husband of Phyllis Fett)
Acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia
pabshire@yahoo.com
605 Fence Post Pass
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Ernie Castaneda Bullion
NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
Ernie has been improving and doing great after her last procedure and hospital stay. She has home health to check on her along with PT visits.
1950tinab@gmail.com
6215 Marble Falls
Lumberton, TX 77657
Dianna Caillier Lewis
Health issues
912 E. 6th Street
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Charline Valenciano Allen
Assisted living for dementia
Jhargrave77@yahoo.com
8695 Medical Center Blvd.
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Diane Barker Foreman
Multiple serious medical issues
dianebforeman@gmail.com
5541 Garfield
Groves, TX 77619
Linda Coates Conde
Serious lung issues.
2106 Lee St.
Nederland, TX 77627
Debbie Borres Desmond
Going for PET scan next month to check on her leukemia remission status. Diagnosed 8 years ago
Desmonddebbie353@gmail.com
503 37th St.
Nederland, TX 77627
CONDOLENCES
Classmates Gone Too Soon
JoAnn Tauzin Labrada
Dec. 7, 1946 – July 10, 2025
JoAnn is my first cousin. Our moms were sisters. I spent many days over there while growing up. Her other sister is Sandra Jean Tauzin Flores. She
also went to school with our class.
Sandra Tauzin Flores
6118 17th St.
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Debi Tate Pigg
Aug. 21, 1950 – Aug. 15, 2025
Chelsea Meaux
2425 8th St.
Port Neches, TX 77651
DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBERS
Frank Messina
Sept. 15, 1947 – Aug. 4, 2025
(brother of Camille Messina)
(A poem written by Camille about her and her late brothers.)
You, Me, and Him
YOU the first one, the special one, who made Me and Him laugh and worry, bound us together, always our protector.
ME the “in between” one. The mediator, the forever “girl” who always had your back.
HIM, the last one, the namesake, the “little one”, who always tried to keep up.
You and Me, Frankie and Willie, brother and “sista”, the two of us together-the last to leave.
You and Him, “Frick and Frack”, push and shove, stop and “go for a ride,” - reunited again.
Me.
camillehud@gmail.com
Camille Messina Hudson
1510 Woodvine
Houston, TX 77055
Adriana “Diana” Delagarza
Nov. 1, 1954 – Aug. 6, 2025
(sister of Ernie Castaneda)
Ernie has lost a brother and two sisters in the last few months.
1950tinab@gmail.com
Ernie Bullion
6215 Marble Falls
Lumberton, TX 77657
Linda Richey Faulk
Nov. 9, 1949 – Aug. 7, 2025
(wife of Mike Faulk)
Msf50@gt.rr.com
Mike Faulk
8370 E. Bridgefield
Orange, TX 77630
Lana Arpin Parker
Nov. 16, 1950 – Aug. 8, 2025
(wife of Ruelle Parker)
Wparker423@aol.com
Ruelle Parker
6821 32nd St.
Groves, TX 77619
This is another newsletter “put to bed”! Please go back to the first portion of this one and RSVP for our mini reunion on Sept. 27, 2025. We are running
out of time to reconnect with our “old” friends, our friends who were neighbors and we went to elementary school, church, junior high, high school together.
Don’t say, “Maybe the next one.”
Stay in touch and contact a classmate,
Linda DeCuir McFadden
lindaDmcfadden@yahoo.com
www.tjhs1968.com
