11/24/25

MAIL CALL
from Cynthia Marshall Devlin in Zavalla, TX My latest article may be of interest to our classmates that served in Vietnam. It is about the history of Lawrence D. Bell and the helicopters such as the iconic Huey and the others used by the Army and the Marines. My late husband flew helicopters in Vietnam so the subject is near and dear to my heart.
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/bell-helicopter
cynjad@msn.com

from Bill Horton in Austin
Sept. 13
I spent August on a road trip visiting friends in Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico for the third year in a row. Did some climbing, hiking, and backpacking and it sure beat staying in the Texas heat.
Billh812@gmail.com

from Gayle Snider Davis in Edmonds, WA
Sept. 15
I appreciate your reaching out to me and keeping me in the loop. I’ve lived in Washington state for many, many years now, and since my parents moved up here with us about 7 years ago, I just don’t make it to Texas anymore. We have Mom living with us now at age 97, and we get some extra help from a caregiver agency.
Gayledavis777@gmail.com

from Joel Levy in Houston, TX
Sept. 9
Will finally retire Oct. 1st. First travel plan for me (Judi is going earlier for a shower) is to visit our daughter who is expecting. We know it is a boy, our FIRST grandbaby, at long last (we started late), due toward the end of October. But our “baby” won't tell us the name of her baby yet. So now, with no job commitments, Judi and Paw-Paw will be able to go to visit all the time. They are in Orlando, not too far by air. He will get to grow up close to the Mouse. I think it's somewhat funny that many of our classmates have had children who now have already had their children, with us just getting going. Will be looking forward to the next email newsletter update, hoping that there will be lots of pictures of this recent get-together.
docjkl@msn.com

CLASSMATE CONTACT INFORMATION
I am so appreciative to the classmates who send me changes in their addresses, e-mail, cell #, etc. This keeps me updated on the spreadsheet.

COMPUTER WOES
Mike Lawson, our classmate webmaster, has had nothing but headaches for the past several months with our website equipment. His computer that has all our website info bit the dust after barely hanging on for several months. He first tried to handle the mess by going to a longtime computer expert where he has always received help. He finally accepted the fact that he was going to have to replace the computer.
A NOTE FROM MIKE TO ME:
I had to order the computer, stylus, 4-year extended warranty, 2 thunderbolt connectors (included with the computer).
A NOTE FROM ME:
I was able to send Mike a check to replace and upgrade the equipment. His old computer wasn’t large enough to handle all that he had on the website. He is still having some issues and that is why we have not had an update since the first week in September. Even then, he couldn’t get the updates sent out to all of you due to the other mess at the mail service we have. I sent it individually last time to try to get it to most of you. But, sadly many came back to me because of invalid e-mails. Ugh!!!! Mike also tried several times to send the update out on BREVO, our mail manager. It is FREE but you can’t depend on it being cooperative.
If you are reading this, then you know he and the geek squad has figured it out. We also purchased a yearly geek squad maintenance plan. Poor Mike. He never wants to use any of the $$$ in the website checking account. He is so worried about the yearly $ we have to pay to keep our website on the internet (or where ever it lives). His wife, Meredith has been hounding him to open those purse strings to buy a new computer. Then, he calls me for my opinion, and I say the same thing! Mike can’t catch a break. He has 2 women driving him crazy….his wife and his “work” wife! How about dropping him a note of THANKS for ALL he does to keep us connected.
Miklaws33@yahoo.com
or
Mike Lawson
2119 Twin Lakes Blvd.
West Columbia, TX 77486
(If you would like to text him, contact me for his phone #)

WEBSITE DONATIONS
A very needed donation was made from our longtime supporter, Fred McCarty. Another donation was sent in by Linda DeCuir in memory of classmates, Mike Turner and Phillip Romero.

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

YEARBOOK (ANNUAL) DONATION
Carol Olivier Nunez donated 6 annuals. Some years she sent had already been pledged to someone. I had been keeping an eye out for those years. Thank you for thinking of us, Carol.
These following annuals are still available from previous donations, as well.
’59, ‘60’ ’61, ’64, ’65.
If any of you have any annuals to donate, please contact me.

MINI CLASS REUNION LUNCHEON
A gathering of classmates and guests was held in Lumberton on Sept. 27. We had a great turnout.
Attending were:
David & Felicia (Hiatt) Petit
Carla Castro Stewart
Debbie (Borres) & Raymond Desmond
Joyce Marceaux Abate
Lana Oliver Baker
Linda (DeCuir) & Murphy McFadden
Mary Wells Cook
Linda Gothia
Lana Weber Guidry
Sharon Lewis Forrest
Shirley Barra Fitzgerald
Janis Hamilton Lee
Jeanette (Constantine & Dennis Morgan
Pat Trahan Knox
Sharon Gary Peters
Becky Harrison
Darlene Turner Landry
Maureen Murphy Coleman
Loretta LaLonde & cousin, Lorraine Cappel
Georgette (Licatino) & Ron Stepan
Jody (Juneau)_& Horace “Tinker” Brown
Cecelia Trevino Esqueda
Paula Daigle Sheppard
Ernie (Castaneda) & Ron Bullion
Florence “Sissie” Woods Kilcrease

We had 10 last minute cancellations and they were missed. Even though we had several male spouses who attended, Tinker and David said they would like to see a better male classmate turnout at our next gathering.
The food was excellent, the talking was a lot, reminiscing was rampart, hugs were given and smiles were plenty.
Thank you to Mary Wells (organizer) and several classmates who helped her. Until next time.
(I’m sending Mike some photos that he will have on the website.
If you have more pics, send them my way by text. (409-749-4879)
Click on:
Site Links
Photos
Reunions
Mini Reunion 2025

NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT
Oh, my goodness. I can’t believe it has been 2 ½ months since the last newsletter. I tried to think of what I might have done “productive” and I had to get my large desk calendar off the wall to see. Let’s see if my schedule mimics any of yours! I bet it does:
8 doctor visits
4 labs
4 additional tests
3 infusions
2 phlebotomies
1 plumber visit
4 car repair visits
2 movies
6 funerals
2 music dinner dates
4 stage plays
2 retired teacher luncheons
1 paddle boat cruise on Lake Conroe
3 Woodmen of the World meetings (secretary)
3 trips to College Station $$$$$
1 TJ ’68 mini reunion
11 weekend masses
4 adoration visits at church
59 days of sitting the grand dog (Many days are a 2 hour visit and others are sleep overs while Momma gallivants.)
Various other miscellaneous “fun” things not listed!!!
Murphy has begun his “beer” lease trips every weekend. He is ALREADY discouraged. There isn’t a lot of action in East Texas (Wiergate). Our oldest granddaughter started her first job as an RN at a NICU in downtown Dallas. The other granddaughter had her 21st birthday. Their mom, our only child, has a beau!!!! Yea. Now, Murphy doesn’t have as many “honey do’s” at her house. Murphy’s a keeper. Glad I found him at Lamar.

SUPPORT
Linda Wappler
After hospitalization and a rehab stay due to a tragic motorcycle accident that claimed the life of her husband and classmate, Mike Turner, Linda is currently spending time with her son, Jason, and also occasional visits with her sisters in Conroe.
Mrswizard1@yahoo.com
5523 Walnut Glen Ln.
Rosenberg, TX 77471

Charlie Fontenot and wife, Becky
Charlie is continually monitoring his prostate cancer. Becky had major back surgery.
cajunfont@aol.com
412 Brookdale
League City, TX 77573

Ronnie Abate (husband of Joyce Abate)
Admitted to Methodist hospital with several health issues on Nov. 1 After a few days of treatments and tests, he was able to go home on Nov. 7. Thank you for you r prayers.
Abate.joyce@yahoo.com
6305 Marble Falls Dr.
Lumberton, TX 77657

Paul Kelly (husband of Janice Jones)
Nov. 17
A note from Janice:
Paul is still recuperating from spending over a month in the hospital but is getting stronger each day. He had 2 stents put in to add to the other 4. The next day he started passing blood clots. We are very lucky he is still with us. Thanks for all your prayers.
lsuaggiemom@yahoo.com
10520 Commonwealth Dr.
Iola, TX 77861

Linda Coates Conde
Serious health issues
2106 Lee St.
Nederland, TX 77627

Kay King Young
Ongoing health issues including lymphoma
Kaykingyoung@yahoo.com
12256 Emerald Mist Ln.
Conroe, TX 77304

Laura Meece Darby
Home after having major back surgery on Nov. 5.
Lauradarby49@yahoo.com
24606 Heirloom Ln.
Katy, TX 77493

Dianna Caillier Lewis
(Please remember her as well. She sends everyone on the list an encouraging card)
Health issues
912 E. 6th St.
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Ernie (Castaneda) and Ron Bullion
NASH (Non-alcoholic statohepatitis)
Several falls and ER visits
Ron is having major back issues and procedures
They are very thankful for the classmate visits and food brought to them.
1950tinab@gmail.com
6215 Marble Falls
Lumberton, TX 77657

Diane Barker Foreman
Multiple serious medical issues
dianebforeman@gmail.com
5541 Garfield
Groves, TX 77619

Charline Valenciano Allen
Assisted living for dementia
Jhargrave77@yahoo.com
8695 Medical Center Blvd.
Port Arthur, TX 77640

Kirk Abshire (husband of Phyllis Fett)
Acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia
Nov. 22
(a note from Phyllis Fett)
We are so happy to tell everyone that Kirk is doing so good with his Chemo treatments, and he is not having any side effects at all. Although, he will be on this treatment forever, it is helping him feel so much better and allowing him to get back to a somewhat normal life again.
These past few months have been busy and quite a learning experience for the both of us. We want to thank everyone for all the prayers ad good wishes that we have received.
pabshite@yahoo.com
605 Fence Post Pass
Cedar Park, TX 78613

Billy Caldwell
Medical issues
12092 Woodbrook Dr.
Conroe, TX 77306

Debbie Borres Desmond
PET scan showed lymphoma is inactive
Continuing monthly pill for leukemia
Desmonddebbie353@gmail.com
503 37th St.
Nederland, TX 77627

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

Mike Faulk
Health issues
Msf50@gr.rr.com
8370 Bridgefield
Orange, TX 77630

CONDOLENCES
Classmate gone too soon
Mike Turner
Feb. 16, 1949 – Sept.24, 2025
Linda Wappler Turner
5523 Walnut Glen Ln.
Rosenberg, TX 77471
Mrswizard1@msn.com

Phillip Romero
Dec. 23, 1949 – Nov. 8, 2025
(Thank you to Rush Lynch TJ ’67 for sending the obituary and notice of Phillip’s passing. He read it in the New York Times.)

CLASSMATES WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY IN 2025 (as of November 18, 2025)
Linda Clause
Paul Broussard
Godfrey Charles
Dennis Schmidt
Marilyn Jackson
Steve Wentworth
Mike Barbay
Carole Oubre
JoAnn Tauzin
Debi Tate
Mike Turner
Phillip Romero

DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBERS
Mike Babin TJ ‘66
Mar. 2, 1948 – Nov. 9, 2025
(brother of Carol “Canny” Babin Nunez)
Memorial service will possibly be held in January
Carol Prejean
1507 Frontier Dr.
Arlington, TX 76012
carolprejean@att.net

I am still smiling about having MAIL CALL entries. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am sure we won’t have another website and newsletter update before the end of the year. So, I send heartfelt wishes to all of you for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas. Remember those who have lost a family member this year. The holidays, especially the first one without their departed loved one, is very, very hard. Keep them in your prayers. May you have a blessed 2026!

Stay in touch and contact a classmate,
Linda DeCuir McFadden
lindaDmcfadden@yahoo.com
www.tjhs1968.com