A Letter from the Good Doctor!

JAMES HAYS sent me the following email and the cute photo of him and Grider in their "uniforms" his mother made for them during WWII. JAMES always wanted to be a "soldier", and it must have started with the uniform he wore in 1942! He has told us previously about his own time in the National Guard.

"I just finished reading your latest missive. Thanks for your help keeping us in touch. Since this Communist Chinese plague has calmed down considerably, I think we should be thinking about our cancelled reunion for early this fall. Lots of things need to be done in planning, etc. Go or no go, setting a date with or without consideration of a homecoming ballgame. I bumped into the lawyer and the Ballinger gun show is set for November 13/14, so the barrister is safe from meeting with Peggy! 'Class joke.' (Maybe some of you understand this. I don't.) My Saturdays for planning a trip are about half open, but is anybody still gainfully employed? Weekdays are generally open. I am still active with the Runnels County Historical Commission, The pay doesn’t complicate my tax return at all. 

"We made a quick trip to Arlington last week for Kay’s/our great-grandson’s second birthday. Two weeks ago we also went to the old home place so I could promote my nephew Lance Jorgenson to Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer-4 at the same place where my picture was taken in February 1942, also in uniform that my mother made for me. It takes a senior officer to promote an officer, active or retired. The biggest surprise was that I could still get into my dress uniform.

"When Dad tried to enlist in the army Dec 13, 1941, they refused to let him in with four small kids, sheep, cattle, and farming cotton, wheat, and other crops. He was mad as hell and joined the newly created Texas State Defense Force, soon to become the State Guard. My mother made these uniforms for Grider and me and we had a Kodak moment. At two years and eight months old, I remember getting this picture taken very well.

"My dad, Marion Hays, was in an Army pre-OCS school in 1918; war ended. 1918 graduate of Ballinger High School. Had Maryatt Smith in math. I spent 51/2-years in the Texas State Guard after 20-years in the National Guard.

"I am no longer the Brown County Medical Authority since December, but I hung in there until Vaccine became available and still show up occasionally on a volunteer basis. On that note, let me recommend one of the vaccines to everybody. Our aged arteries are still open season to that virus and the shots are very, very rarely hazardous. I have lost a couple of friends to it so far."...JAMES HAYS

Who knew Maryatt Smith was teaching school at BHS in 1918?
I had to do a little research on Miss Smith and came up with this old newspaper article. I had her for Algebra II, Plane Geometry, and Latin I and II. She made me angry by giving me a "0" in my daily work for talking. I walked out of her class and straight to Joe Forester. I insisted he put me in another math class. Good ole Joe talked me into staying. And I didn't regret it!

"The Ballinger Ledger (Ballinger, Texas)

May 19, 1966"

"Miss Maryatt Smith Will Close

Teaching Career on May 24, 1966"

If any of you want to comment or send your own stories, just use the comment link at the bottom of this post or email me. If you wish to work with or have suggestions for JAMES, you may email him directly. His email is in the back of your class directory...or I can send it to you.

May all your days be full of the "good stuff".

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

"I LOVE TO RIDE MY BIKE"

                

I never owned a bicycle as a child and I don't even recall riding one as an adult. Here in Austin you see bike riders everywhere all of the time. It wasn't surprising to me when my daughter's son Tanner started intense training for an upcoming ride, sometimes riding his bicycle 40 miles a day.

Tanner has a knack for participating in worthy causes. Last year he and a good friend held a "standathon" wherein they both stood for 24-hours while reading from pertinent books on climate change and being viewed online to raise money for "Extinction Rebellion ATX", an international nonviolent movement seeking real solutions to climate change. I wrote about their success at this endeavor on my personal blog. Standing for Change

This past weekend, Tanner and 21 other like-minded bike riders left on a 4,000 mile ride in the lower 48 states to raise money for cancer research. They are members of an organization called "Texas 4000". Started in 2004, "Texas 4000’s mission is to cultivate student leaders and engage communities in the fight against cancer." Information about the riders, their route, and why each has chosen to raise money for cancer is located on their website Texas 4000. There is also a good map of the stops they will make along the way. He is on the Sierra route.

Branch Tanner Archer is the grandson of mine and BOB BURTON. If you happened to see 22 bicycle riders touring through Ballinger last Monday, that was his group. Tanner had visited me when I lived in Ballinger for a few years before our 50th Class Reunion. He sent the following photo to let me know they went through there!

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JUNE HASH CURRY sent me the following photo of her newest great-grandchild. I am jealous that she and NANCY THOMPSON BAKER both are gifted with great-grandchildren! Although I am blessed with seven grandchildren, five of them are still attending college. This has to be the cutest photo of a toddler I've seen!

This is Miss Emery Jayne Birdwoman Curry. She was born into the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribe in Oklahoma. JUNE's grandson Braden and his wife Kennedy Curry officially adopted her on June 8th. Birdwoman is the name she was born with and they want her to remember it as well as her culture. JUNE told me: "My grandson and his young wife have been taking foster children since last year, and she was the fifth one to come into their home when she was five months of age. The other four foster children have since gone to other homes or returned to their parents, but they simply couldn’t think of letting her go and began adoption proceedings. The Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribe finally accepted their petitions, signed off on the adoption, and yesterday she legally became ours to keep. And I think our whole family would have been to bury if we had lost this precious baby since she had already become a much loved member of our clan." I can certainly see why. And I commend this sweet couple for their work with foster children!

The happy new family!

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That's it for this time. Are there any "newbies" or happenings in your life or those you love? Send me the good stuff. I love to hear from you. 

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

CATCHING UP A LITTLE

I hope this photo brings a smile to your face as it did to mine. TRUMAN CONNER is always a faithful contributor, even if I have been very slow getting the news out lately. By the way, when I told him how much I liked the photo, he's the one who gave me the priceless title: "An Old Man and His Cat"! The cat's name is Stanley. (In his lap.)

I hope this inspires more of you to send me some pictures and stories of your own. This past year and a half has not been an easy one for any of us. However, it has certainly wrought plentiful changes in our lifestyles. To date, the only times I have been away from my little cottage have been the two times my daughter Carajean drove me to be vaccinated at a COVID-19 drive-thru site. My next outing will probably be to my doctor for a way overdue checkup. Then to the dentist to do something about the tooth I broke as well as the crown I popped off while flossing. I don't look forward to these visits!

This past week I had a visit from an employee of the DPS. My driver's license expired on my last birthday in 2020. As I no longer drive, I was notified that an official I.D. would be required in lieu of a driver's license. I informed them that during the pandemic, due to my health, I would not be able to visit their offices for the necessary paperwork and photo. I was surprised a few weeks ago to hear from this nice gentleman that if I could send a photo of a certified copy of my birth certificate, he might be able to make what they called a "homebound visit". My cameras are kaput, and I do not have an iPhone. However, the small android tablet I have, thanks to my son Matthew, takes photos. I'm not very proficient, but I made more than one attempt and I finally got a good enough picture they could verify I was born in the U.S.A. 

The appointment was set and "Johnny" came promptly at 11 am this past Thursday. He proceeded to charm me and my daughter Carajean while getting all the necessary paperwork done and my photo taken in record time. I foisted chocolate chip cookies on him as he left the premises twenty minutes after his arrival. I complimented him on his professional as he was leaving and he leaned in and said, "Don't tell anyone. You'll ruin my reputation." 

This past Mother's Day was a little tough. It was the first one in many, many years I did not have a card or gift or visit from my oldest child, Craig. I teared up when I opened the gift bag from Carajean. Pictured above is a small quilted memento she had professionally made from some of Craig's ties he had left here with me. Being in new car sales for many years, he wore dress shirts and ties. As his favorites were made by Jerry Garcia, I bought many of them through the years as gifts for him. This is so lovely on my sofa, but I think it will make a beautiful wall hanging someday. (No bare walls in my house!) I plan to leave it to one of Craig's children.

A cute story about the quilted memento...When Carajean was working with the ties and how to display them, she had them laying out on the floor. All of a sudden, Floki jumped right in the middle of the ties! Floki, of course, was Craig's cat. We think that he could smell Craig on the ties. 

Floki was adopted by Carajean's daughter Audrey and her husband, but they are temporarily housed at Carajean's. (Most of you know that Carajean's dad is BOB BURTON.)

Carajean and her family attended a wedding in Amarillo recently. The young bride was her daughter Ashlyn's best friend from early childhood. Ashlyn gave the Maid of Honor's speech. BOB and Ann went as well since they knew the young woman, and it was a chance to see most of the family. This photo was taken the night of the rehearsal dinner. Sandra is a physician friend of Carajean's since they were in college together.

This is mostly news from my neck of the woods. Let me hear from you and what's going on in your lives! Photos are always welcome.

Until next time..

Peace and love,

Marilyn

PANDEMIC - YEAR II

The second year of the COVID-19 pandemic started off with a bang for those of us in Texas. The news coverage kept us informed -- that is, if we had electricity. Many lost both power and water during the "arctic blast" that lasted nearly a week and broke many records here, with temperatures dropping into the single digits. I spent a lot of time on my computer checking on family and friends. The ones I could reach. Fortunately, most of my family were lucky enough not to lose electricity or water. We did have to boil water for three or four days. Some suffered rolling blackouts, but said they didn't last very long. 

So many were without power that freezing pipes have created nightmares for hundreds, if not thousands, of residents here in Austin. Videos of broken water pipes flooding homes and even causing ceilings to collapse while doing so make me count my blessings again and again. 

(WFAA)

The lack of enough plumbers to make the repairs to the myriad of burst pipes has created long lines of people at sites that are providing drinking water. Being without potable water for nearly two weeks or longer presents great hardships for those affected. Thankfully, many volunteers and organizations have stepped up to assist with repairs and providing necessary food and water. FEMA is now helping victims and businesses as well.

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I don't always hear much from you guys, but there are a few I can count on for a little (or a lot) of news. The following are some of the communications I extracted during the past few weeks.

Somewhere I let it be known that it has been over a year since I visited my hair stylist. My hair has since grown more than the thirteen inches I had cut off at that time. Denny had a clever solution for his own hair.

DENNY HILL: (Feb. 4) "It has been a year since I have had a

haircut, but it grows rather slowly. I trimmed it a bit myself around the ears, looking in the mirror with scissors." (Of course, you could always wear a pony tail and that great beret!) (Feb. 16) "Looks like not very much snow around my house. The snow around my house has melted down somewhat, but is still from 1 to 1-1/2 feet deep. At the end of my driveway there is a snow hill formed by the snowplow that is as high as my waist. That is why I am snowbound for 2 or 3 weeks. But otherwise the weather is nice, the air is very clean, all roads are clear, which means that is you have managed to dig your car out, or get it out of the garage, then there is no problem to drive around. But I prefer to just leave my cars in my garage and relax and be snowbound."

TRUMAN CONNER: (Feb. 19) "It was tough going until yesterday morning when we finally got water and electricity. We had one 24-hour stretch with no water or electricity. HEB has been a mob scene though." 

TRUMAN gets his second COVID vaccination March 13th.

JUNE HASH CURRY: (Feb. 4) "I did manage to get my first COVID shot, and the second one scheduled. (Feb. 16) It was -17 (degrees) last night but we have not lost power, thank God. Chris finally got to work today without incident, so all is good."

MARTHA NORTHINGTON: (Feb. 19) "Ok now. No power or water until yesterday. Whole family went to hotel. Water flowing but still has to be boiled. Heat working. Anne (her daughter) just stood in line at grocery and got a few things for me. Had to toss everything in refrigerator."

NANCY THOMPSON BAKER is usually up-to-date on Ballinger news. On February 12 I sent her an article about the San Angelo water being toxic, and asked her how she was holding up. This was her reply, "Wow! wow! I am okay for now but not looking forward to ice, sleet and snow being alone. My dog is too little to keep me warm...nearly all my heat is connected to electricity, so concerned...very concerned, about the duration of cold weather." She told me about VIRGINIA EGAN and Mike losing power. She didn't lose power or water, but later told me, "I had someone call to check on me as there were no tire tracks (in the snow) leaving my driveway. I have everything I need. I learned to survive when Jake was traveling!"  At one time she stuck a yardstick into the snow off her back steps and said there was at least 5 inches.

VIRGINIA HARRAL EGAN: (Feb. 19)

"Finally got a dialysis treatment for Mike yesterday. The dialysis center had lots of problems such as broken generator and the contaminated water situation in San Angelo, which has been ongoing for 2-weeks. The machines use a lot of water. He went back for another treatment today because he had gone 6-days without one. We had the rolling blackouts, but have managed to survive and our water supply has been good. If it hadn't been for the worry about Mike's health I could have dealt with it better. Family has been checking on us constantly. My daughter, Carolyn came and stayed with us for 3-days. I am looking forward to normal, if there is a normal anymore."

I later heard from NANCY that some dialysis patients had to be airlifted via helicopter to treatment centers. VIRGINIA didn't mention this and I forgot to ask.

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Mallie Sue Vessel, sister of BARBARA CAMPBELL WITTE. (March 31, 1940 - February 15, 2021) I am sorry I missed this when BARBARA'S brother Grady's obituary was mentioned on the last blog post. I think their memorial was held on the same day. You may read her obituary and leave your condolences at Lange Funeral Home.

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I'm pretty sure many of you either had recent experiences as scary as ours or have had a good laugh at the predicament we here in Texas found ourselves in during the recent wicked weather we suffered. This on top of the COVID pandemic seemed almost too much to bear. At least in this part of Texas. We definitely are not used to it. Can you imagine that Del Rio recorded a record-breaking 11.2 inches of snowfall?

My front porch.

My back deck.

The bad weather? Well, Considering what we have been through in recent years, I think we all must admit that climate change is upon us. Hopefully, the Texas leaders will do whatever is necessary to prepare us for any future events such as the one we just went through. It was sad to think that so many of the Board members of ERCOT that nearly completely failed our electricity needs don't even live in Texas. They all received salaries of six figures. (Needless to say, they have since resigned.) Even though they were advised that our grid needed to be upgraded, they ignored doing anything, which left us at a point we were less than five minutes away from the whole state losing power and shutting down completely. 

I do hope most of you have been escaping the coronavirus and perhaps have one or more of the vaccinations under your belt by now. I would love to hear from you. Let me know how you are coping with the isolation the pandemic has forced upon us. Share some of the "good stuff" you have experienced as well.

Until next time..

Peace and love,

Marilyn

ADDENDUM

Harold Raymond Hudgens

March 06, 1939 - February 06, 2021

Harold was born in Ballinger, Texas to Thelbert and Eron Hudgens, the fourth child of seven. He attended school in Ballinger and graduated from Ballinger High School in 1957. He went to Texas Tech University on a basketball scholarship and graduated in 1962. He was drafted by the NBA Detroit Pistons and the ABA Colorado Nuggets but opted to play semi-pro basketball for the Phillips 66ers.

In 1964, he returned to Texas Tech, obtained an accounting degree, and became a CPA. He embarked on a career in accounting that included time spent in Lubbock and Houston, before returning to Runnels County to work for North Runnels Hospital District.

At 6’10 ½”, Harold had a very successful high school, college, and semi-pro basketball career. In 2006, Harold was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of honor and, in 2019, he was inducted into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame housed in the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco, Texas.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Thelbert and Eron Hudgens; his older sister, Marynell Hudgens; and infant daughters Maryneil (11/26/1974 - 11/27/1974) and Beth (9/4/1976 – 11/7/1976); and his brother-in-law Gene Ischar.

Harold is survived by his wife Bettye Hudgens of Ballinger, Texas; his children Anne Lippmann and husband Eric of Houston, Texas, and Brad Hudgens and wife Harmony, of Little Elm, Texas; his grandchildren Emily Lippmann of Lubbock, Texas and Caroline Lippmann of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Joan Hudgens of Houston, Texas; his step-children, Rodney Irby and his wife Cory of Casa Grande, Arizona, Terri Irby of San Angelo, Texas, and Mark Irby and wife Jeane of Rowena, Texas; his step-grandchildren and greats, Jarred Irby and son Mason of North Richland Hills, Texas, Greg Selby and wife Liz and daughter Braelyn of San Angelo, Texas, Geoffrey Selby of San Angelo, Texas, and Chris Irby of San Angelo, Texas. He also leaves behind his siblings, Betty Ischar of Ballinger, Texas, Janece Alexander and husband Fred of Sulphur, Louisianna, LaVeda Zak and husband Jerry of San Angelo, Texas, Martha Hastings and husband Cotton of Bauxite, Arkansas, and Alan Hudgens and wife Roselyn of Ballinger, Texas; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and their families.

Memorial Service
Saturday, February 13, 2021
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Lange Funeral Home Chapel
1910 Hutchings Ave.
BALLINGER, Texas 76821

**************************************************************** 

This from JAMES HAYS:

"I tried to find out more about Harold Hudgens, ran into his nephew a couple of weeks ago and he told me about Harold's long hard fight. If the person with him had not had a Ballinger cap on, I wouldn’t have known who he was.

"On another note, I have been working some as the Brown County Health Authority for a number of years. I wanted to stay until we have put this Virus away, but I guess they felt sorry for me and I don’t know yet if I will retire my license, but at least, I lasted until the vaccine was introduced. It looks like the corner is beginning to turn. Kay and I got our second injection this week and I would urge everybody to get theirs as soon as you can as that is how we defeat this thing. Be safe out there." 

If you and yours have not yet had your vaccinations, remember this:

"Wash your hands, wear your masks, and stay indoors as much as possible!"

Peace,

Marilyn

LATEST NOTICES

I have been waiting to hear from more of you before writing a new post.  Sadly, most of the news I've received has not been happy news. The latest was sent to me by TRUMAN CONNER in regards to the passing of HAROLD HUDGENS.

"Harold Hudgens, 81, of Ballinger, passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021, at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo. A full obituary will follow." 

BARBARA CAMPBELL WITTE's brother, Grady Campbell, Sr., 78, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021, at his home in Ballinger, Texas. 

JIMMY COWLISHAW's sister, "Emma Lou Cowlishaw Smith peacefully passed away at her home Saturday morning. (January 23, 2021) She was the first of seven children born to Herbert Cowlishaw and Marie Killingsworth; she was born August 17, 1933, in Ballinger."

I usually try to keep up with Ballinger news on their website, but I'm finding out they don't always list all of the obituaries. Each of the above can be located on the Lange Funeral Home website, where you may also submit your condolences. Lange Funeral Home

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Not all news from your classmates are gloomy or sad. Some have advised me they have gotten or have an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccinations. My first one is to be on March 1st. Daughter Carajean is taking me to the drive-through, where she is also scheduled for her first shot.

MARTHA NORTHINGTON has had both of her vaccinations as her daughter is a nurse here in Austin. MARTHA made a quick run to the doctor's office where she worked when they ran completely out of appointments and had a few leftovers that were going to expire. 

JUNE HASH CURRY has gotten her first shot and the second one scheduled!

TRUMAN CONNER has an appointment to get his first one this month.

NANCY THOMPSON BAKER said she is scheduled to get her first shot in April. Lucky her, a home health nurse will administer it to her in her home.

DENNY HILL always keeps me up-to-date. Recently I received the

following email from him. It's always such fun to hear from him!

"Miracles do Happen!" .. "I can still hardly believe it, but I got my 1st COVID-19 vaccination shot today! Out of the blue came the info that on Sat & Sun, Jan 30 & 31, there were openings available for the first dose at Stony Brook. I found out about it on Friday afternoon, and by Saturday afternoon I had the shot. Nobody I know understands what happened.

"It was shockingly well planned, organized, and executed. The National Guard was there to direct traffic, and guide you to the site. It progressed in a simple, orderly but thorough fashion, and they signed you up for an appointment for the 2nd dose. Everyone was very polite and helpful.

"I do not know how to explain it. Maybe some goose flew over and dropped a golden egg."

When I asked if the last big Arctic Blast that hit the east coast had affected him, DENNY told me he currently had a foot of snow in his yard. Today I saw on the weather that a second Blast was to reach them again. I emailed him and asked if he had plenty of food on hand in case he got snowed in. He responded that it is already snowing.

One more thing before I close.. well, two more. First, please let me know how each of you and your family are doing. 

Secondly, please keep GENE ROUTH and his family in your thoughts and prayers. It is terribly hard -- as you all know -- to lose a loved one. And there are more than one way to lose someone dear to you. GENE's wife Lenna is in a memory care facility. Being away from a spouse you have been married to for over 50-years is difficult. And the added sadness when they are unable to recall many of those years makes it even harder.

Until next time..

Peace and love,

Marilyn

Loved One's Obituary

Craig's children, Cameron and Hannah, decided to postpone a memorial service until COVID-19 has ceased to be so prolific.  Perhaps not until vaccines are available. Austin has been raised to a Level Four (out of Five levels) due to the rise in cases in and around Austin. More restrictions have also been placed on gatherings.

Cameron and Craig's sister Carajean (Burton) Archer collaborated on this loving obituary.  Our hearts are saddened.

OBITUARY

Randall Craig Young

MAY 29, 1958 – OCTOBER 24, 2020

Randall Craig Young died peacefully in his sleep on October 24, 2020 in his Austin apartment at the age of 62. He is survived by his mother, Marilyn Moragne; his stepfather, Bob Burton; stepmothers, Ann Burton and Carolyn Young; his children, Cameron and Hannah Young, and his stepdaughter Miranda Williams; his siblings, Carajean Archer and Matthew Rider; step sister, Leah Vandergriff; brother-in-law, Branch Archer; sister-in-law, Amy Rider; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews including Audrey Bohorquez, Ashlyn Archer, Tanner Archer, Travis and Kelly Rider; his cat, Floki. He is predeceased by his father, Ray Ellis Young.

Craig was born to Ray Young and Marilyn Moragne, in Waco, Texas, May 29, 1958. Craig attended Waco High School, later graduating from MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas in 1976. He married Johnna Smith in 1988. They welcomed Cameron Oliver Young in 1990. Craig married Dot Williams in 1999 and welcomed her daughter Miranda Williams. Their daughter, Hannah Young, was born in 2000. Craig was a devoted, proud, and loving father, his reason for being.

Craig studied variously at McLennan College in Waco, Texas; Richland College, Dallas, Texas; The University of Texas at Dallas; and at Southern Methodist University School of Engineering and Advanced Computer Studies in Plano, Texas.

Craig’s passions included music, football, family, friends, but first and foremost, he was a dedicated political activist. He believed all people are created equal, that America is a land of opportunity for all, and that man-made climate change is an enormous risk to our future on this planet. He was certain of Joe Biden achieving the presidency, as well as his success as our new president. We are saddened that Craig did not live to see Mr. Biden win the presidential election, but we are sure Craig is smiling somewhere. He also enjoyed singing, playing the guitar, and going to concerts. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, and nephew, having shared many good times with lasting memories for us to hold dear. He maintained friendships as far back as high school while continuing to make new friends throughout his life.

Life was at a peak for Craig when he passed. Although a career in the car business was not what he had planned, he was successful. He recently secured a job position that he was very much enjoying, and was well liked and respected by his coworkers. His children were happy, succeeding in college with the brightest of futures. After years of living in Dallas, he enjoyed spending the last couple of years in Austin, close to family. Craig was a man of integrity. He was kind, intelligent, principled, and articulate. His bright smile, deep laughter and witty sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Due to the current status of the COVID pandemic, services are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Texas Civil Rights Project. (https://txcivilrights.org/take-action/contribute/).

A Loss So Great..

...I don't know how to go on without him in my life. My first born child, Craig Young, died in his sleep Friday night. He was 62-years-old and enjoying his life more than he had in years. My daughter Carajean went to check on him for me as he was not answering my texts or voice mail. He was supposed to pick up groceries I had ordered and bring them to my house. We were going to have a "porch visit" that was past due. Carajean had to call 911 to come and check on Craig, and she wasn't allowed in until the Medical Examiner came. She could see him lying on the sofa, with his hand under his chin. Peaceful looking, but the police checked for a pulse. They told her there was no sign that it was anything other than a peaceful, natural death. I am so thankful that they had a grief counselor come to assist Carrie until her brother Matthew and his wife Amy arrived. We do not have the final arrangements as of yet. Craig's two children, Cameron and Hannah, are to come here from Fort Worth and Dallas in the next day or two. They will make plans at that time. Cameron posted the following beautiful tribute to Craig on Facebook the next day. His writing is in Italics, and I made a few comments in regular type.

"I lost my best friend last night. One of the most loving people I've ever known. Of all the ways I can think of to pay tribute to him (and will at some point), here's what he would want on here first and foremost. He instilled in me from an early age a desire to fight for a loving, just, and inclusive world. He told me stories about how racism and bigotry has harmed our society, but also about the countless heroes who had come before us and managed to make things better - even if it was just a little bit. He also taught me that democracy (with some help), however flawed it may be, is our absolute best shot to achieve that vision. 

"My dad was in his early twenties (correction, Cameron, he was only 19) working at the Sheraton Hotel in Waco, TX when Alex Haley stayed there - the Roots miniseries had just been released. My dad rashly knocked on his door in the middle of the night, to tell Mr. Haley (who answered the door in his underwear), 'I want to thank you for what you've done for this country.' Alex Haley would later write about this encounter in Playboy magazine ('I didn't know whether to hug him or punch him'). Leave it to some well-intentioned hippie white boy, but it's a beautiful reflection of his personality. Going out of his way to make his principles known, and hopefully, making Alex Haley feel a little more welcomed in an otherwise unwelcoming place. 

"My dad was a lifelong Democrat - like 'canvassed for McGovern when he was 14' Democrat. He was a delegate for the Texas Convention more times than I can count (including this year). He was active in the Nuclear Disarmament movement in the 80s. (He was on the 7-member board of directors of the Texas Nuclear Freeze Movement -- all but Craig were PhDs.) Here is a picture he took marching with Jesse Jackson in a demonstration that I assume has roots in the Rainbow Coalition of the 60s. (I couldn't find the one with Craig in it, but this was on the day Craig joined him in 1985.)

(This was actually in June 1985. I got a call from Craig, 'Don't be surprised, Mom, if you get a call from me saying I'm in jail!' Needless to say, I was a little concerned. He went on to say, 'It was called the March for Peace and Justice. Apartheid was one of many issues being protested. I still have a couple of pictures of him standing a few feet away from me being interviewed prior to the march. We started at Lafayette Park, marched down Pennsylvania Ave. and ended at the Capitol lawn, where he and many others spoke. About 100,000 people, according to Park Police estimates.')

"He was counting down the days to see Mango Mussolini voted out of office and to have integrity, reason, and kindness return to our national and local leadership. I'm hurt that he won't see that, but in some ways relieved that he may not have to witness how hard indeed the coming weeks and months could be for our country. With that said - Vote your a** off! Get organized to protect that right for others. My Dad recognized that Donald J. Trump and his enablers pose the single biggest existential threat to those fundamental rights that he had seen in his lifetime. Do it for our climate in peril, for the countless people being marginalized, erased, or otherwise harmed by those in power. For women and trans folk. For the kids separated from their families. For those we've lost to COVID and other stuff because of our negligible leadership and healthcare system. For my dad. 

I love you so much, Dad."

Cameron's LSU Sr Recital
Cameron-Hannah-Craig

Many of you already know about Craig. He was as crazy about his children as they are about him. When Cameron left for college, Craig wrote a moving article about him as well. I posted it on my personal blog. If any of you are interested, here is the site: Number One Son

Cameron has been going over some of the things his dad has saved and ran across this post. He left a sweet comment at the end.

This has helped...just to write about it. Stay well. I really am ready to write about some "good stuff" happening.

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

A CLASSMATE'S LOVED ONE LOST

As you know, NANCY THOMPSON BAKER'S husband Jake passed away last week. I spoke with NANCY today, and she is holding up fairly well. I sent all of your prayers and good wishes to her to read and share with her family. Please continue to think of them as they grieve the passing of this important man in their lives. 

JERRY ARTHUR  "JAKE" BAKER

Jerry (Jake) Baker, of Ballinger Texas, passed away Friday, July 17th, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jake was born to Johnnie Harry and Ivah Bernice Smith on December 21, 1935, in Winters Texas.

Jake attended Ballinger high school in Ballinger, Texas, where he played football. Jake was a wide receiver and in 1953, one year before he graduated, he was a state championship finalist for catching the only touchdown pass for Ballinger High. On August 31, 1957, Jake married the love of his life, Nancy Thompson Baker in Waco, Texas. Jake went on to become a salesman for M&M Packing Co. for 28 years. After that, he worked as the food service supervisor at the Runnels County Jail for 14 years. Jake also served The Volunteer Fire Department for 38 years. He was once elected “Fireman of the Year”! He retired in 2013. Jake loved his dogs “Brandy" and “Bozo” and his cat “Sneaky Pete”.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and 2 siblings: sister, Fadine Williams, and brother, Danny Baker.

Jake will be remembered by his wife, Nancy Thompson Baker, his sons: Russ Baker of San Angelo, Texas and Rodger Baker of Stafford, Virginia. His daughters: Lynn De La Cruz of Winters, Texas and Melissa Jones of Ballinger, Texas, his 9 grandchildren, his 9 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Norma McFarland of Saginaw, Texas, and brother, Randall Baker of Harlingen, Texas.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the home health nurses who took such great care of Jake during his time of need. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital or your local ASPCA.

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A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Please contact them for information regarding the COVID-19 requirements.

CLASSMATES IN NEED OF PRAYERS

Jake and Nancy - Aug. 8, 2020 - 60th Anniversary

By now, most of you know about NANCY THOMPSON BAKER'S husband Jake (BHS '54). This past Monday he fell off a ladder at their home in Ballinger. The hospital in Ballinger was unable to care for him as he broke seven (7) ribs and two (2) vertebrae in his fall. He was taken to Abilene where, due to COVID-19, there were no ICU beds available. The same was true for the San Angelo hospitals. The weather was extremely cloudy that night, preventing them from airlifting him by Careflight, so he was taken by plane to John Peter Smith Hospital in Ft. Worth. NANCY and their son Russ followed and are staying in a local motel. The ICU unit Jake is in does not allow visitors. That is for the best considering all of the coronavirus cases. However, that makes it very hard on the family. They depend on updates from the nurses and doctors.

Thursday Russ sent me the following that I forwarded to the class: "(Jake) has a chest tube to drain internal bleeding and is currently on a ventilator. He's resting comfortably and responding to nurses' voices." Last night: "Jake still critical but stable, resting comfortably, only had one dose of pain meds. Not on continuous drip anymore. Giving him mild sedative to control anxiety and keep him calm. Getting high doses of meds to keep his blood pressure up. He is still responding to nurses voices by squeezing their hands etc. He is still on ventilator. May need surgery to 'plate' the ribs where they are broken."

Friday morning  Russ sent the following: "This morning Jake is stable. They are doing a CT scan on chest and abdomen to check for problems. Went down a bit on blood pressure meds. He has a chronic abdominal aneurysm that is being treated with meds. Still on ventilator. Nurse said he will be in hospital at least another week."

NANCY and Russ will remain in Ft. Worth for now.

ROSALYN URBANTKE HOELSCHER sent the following:

"I don’t know what’s going on in this crazy world but the virus has now hit our family. My 17-year-old granddaughter has the virus right now. She is not in the hospital and not really, really sick. Yeah, she’s running a fever and doesn’t feel good but she could breathe. I was with her on July 4 and definitely was very close to her and now I know I am fully exposed. At my age that’s going to be very, very hard if I get it. Our son was over there too, but he was not real close to Annalise. Please pray for our family."

I have received many prayers and well wishes from the class, which I've forwarded to NANCY. If you wish to send your thoughts and prayers as well, please send them to me. I will be sure to let their family know. Personally, I have seen what some would call "miracles" as a result of prayer. I believe "good thoughts" contain as much energy as prayers. So whatever your belief, think loving, healing thoughts for all of us. If you wish to send a message to NANCY, please send them to me. I will forward them to her. And of course, if anyone else needs prayers, please let me know.

May we all remain in good health during this trying time.

Love and Peace,
Marilyn 

For greater assistance: 
The Silent Unity prayer vigil, which has been ongoing since the early 1900s, continues to be staffed 24/7. Team members are holding vigil in their homes.  (Before COVID-19, prayer requests were prayed over in the Chapel at Unity Village for 30 days.)

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