HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY

THE PABLO (PAUL) MOTAS

Pablo (Paul) of Ballinger, Texas, and Sally of Phoenix, Arizona,were married at the Maricopa County Courthouse in Phoenix, AZ on March 6th,1964. Witnesses to the ceremony were A1C Charles Kallwait and Ms. Isabel Lopez. 

Pablo was stationed at Luke AFB and Sally was working at Motorola. Their first residence was at Green Park Housing Annex, Japan. 

Pablo served in the Air Force until his retirement in 1975. They then moved back to Texas and soon settled in San Angelo. He earned a degree from ASU and worked at Goodfellow AFB until his retirement in 2002. 

Sally is a homemaker and takes good care of her family. They enjoy day trips in and around the Hill Country especially Fredricksburg, traveling to Las Vegas and visiting their grandchildren in Houston. 

Sally has many interests. She enjoys exercising, and has placed first in her age bracket in the "Pink Ribbon Run". She is also fond of reading, needlecrafts and is a member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral congregation.

Pablo and Sally have a married daughter Linda, wife of Tim. A grandson, Daniel and granddaughter, Ana Marie. They will celebrate in Houston Texas.

Linda, Tim and their children are delighted to share this celebration with "Nana and Grandpa" in Houston.

(From The San Angelo Standard-Times Facebook page)

Many thanks to NANCY THOMPSON BAKER for sending me a clipping from the newspaper regarding PAUL's 50th wedding anniversary. I hope it was a glorious celebration with their daughter's family in Houston.

Congratulations, PAUL and Sally.

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

EVER WONDER WHAT HAPPENED TO.....

BARBARA BRADSHAW?

I am an inveterate web-surfer. Also, I'm still curious about people in my past. Since working on our 50th Class Reunion handbook in 2007, and discovering that BARBARA was a published author, (SNAKE DANCE - Barbara Bradshaw Rogers) I have searched from time to time to see where she was. I found an old website made when she was going by Rogers - her married name at the time, but it was not current. Then there was an obituary in the Ballinger online newspaper for her brother Cecil Bradshaw, which listed her with the new surname Atherton as a survivor. Another web search turned up an email address for her. I have tried unsuccessfully to contact her. Today as I was clearing out some of my bookmarks, I saw where I saved her address in Tulsa.  A quick search turned up this little jewel. I am not certain when this was put online by the Tulsa Toastmasters' Speakers Bureau, but I have not had my email to her returned to me, so I am assuming BARBARA is still "alive and well" in Tulsa.

BARBARA was one of us girls who used to make the drag when we were Freshmen in PATI COCKRELL'S "little gray bug"! You know, the one with the steering wheel on the right? What crazy fun we had. I am hoping BARBARA reads this and feels the urge to write and fill us in with what she is doing at the present time.

BARBARA BRADSHAW ATHERTON, a humorous motivational speaker for over thirty years, is a dedicated Silver recipient in Toastmasters and a Dale Carnegie graduate. She admits each humorous speech holds a hidden serious message. She is a published author, prize winning poet and short story writer. Barbara is a lively engaging master of ceremonies (M.C.) for any occasion and will speak within a 50 mile radius of Tulsa. HOW TO WRITE YOUR LIFE STORY--- MILITARY HEROES ESPECIALLY STEP FORWARD My SECRET goal would be to have every military person that ever served our country to write, preserve, record or speak about serving our world. These heroes inspire us all. An easy way to start and finish a twenty five page life story is audience participation, fun and lively. THE SECRET COPING SKILL---WE CAN'T SHARE WITH JUST EVERYONE In speaking to groups, those in grief, for caregivers or friends, diagnosed as Barbara is, with a life altering diagnosis, she uses soft wit and sly humor built from her life experiences and empathy, the courage of coping every day. She speaks to grief counseling groups, those surviving loss and tough times with an empathy that comes from experience and caring. THE FIFTH SEASON---PHOTOGRAPHS AND PHOTO-JOURNALLING Old barns? They speak to me. Makes me see my own immortality. The old barn? Me? My mortality. Barbara shares enlarged beautiful photographs taken by her husband John Atherton and reads brief poems she and he wrote connecting to the picture. She shares how you can take your photograph and write little snippets of your own life. ****************************************** Speaking of authors, another one I've been wondering about is GLENN SMITH - his whereabouts since he moved to Mexico, and the status of his book! I got this from him a day or so ago: "I am soon returning to Ballinger. I have sold the house at 602 McCarver Drive in Ballinger, but as irony would have it, I am buying one at 608 McCarver. Guess I am not supposed to get far from the park in Ballinger. My phone number will remain the same. Flint Rock novel number 3, titled Ultimate Thirst, is finished and will be available through Amazon's Kindle book store by the time I and my three dogs leave Mexico for Ballinger in a month. Novel number 4, to be called Stolen Gold, is ready to start and will find Flint Rock operating out of a charming west Texas town called Ballinger. I suspect that Ajijic, Mexico may appear also. There is a no longer worked gold mine, owned by a Russian ballerina till her death, that is in a mountain a thousand yards from downtown Ajijic."  If I remember correctly, GLENN, you had only two dogs when you moved to Mexico! Did you by chance pick up a little Chihuahua? **************************** As I was working on this, I decided to use a much larger font than usual, as GLENN's email was in a large font. He has been having some vision problems, as we all have as we grow older. Let me know if this is better for all of you. Tell me about the good stuff happening in your life! Peace and love, Marilyn

ANOTHER LOSS

Last night ROSALYN URBANTKE HOELSCHER called me to inform me of our classmate JERRYE BROOKS JACKSON's husband's passing. I did not know JERRYE, but I know she had several friends while in BHS. She attended our 50th high school reunion. However, the physical and email addresses for her in the back of your handbook are incorrect now. I do not have a current email address, but ROSALYN gave me her current mailing address, should anyone wish to send her a card:

                    JERRYE BROOKS JACKSON

                    119 N Eisenhower Drive

                    Midland, TX 79703

Please make the correction in your handbook.

Bennie Toy Jackson

Bennie Toy Jackson passed peacefully from this life on February 17, 2014. He was born on January 22, 1937 in Canadian, Texas to Charlie and Zona Ladd Jackson. He married JERRYE BROOKS on March 10, 1956 in Ballinger, Texas. He was employed with Permian Corporation for over 20 years until his retirement. PaPa loved fishing, John Wayne and his Dallas Cowboys, but his most prized possession was his family. He loved the outdoors, attending sporting events for his grandkids and great-grandkids, and he was always their Number 1 fan. He always said his kids and grandkids were as pretty as their Papa. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Charles Jackson and Jim Jackson, and a sister, Bess Randall. He is survived by his wife, Jerrye; children, Larry Jackson and wife Val, of Russellville, Missouri, Bennita Clark and husband Larry, of Midland, Texas, and Mark Jackson and wife Georgia, Midland, Texas; grandchildren, Shawn Berry (Julie), Dave Clark, Heath Clark (Stefanie), Brandon Mitchell (Stephanie), Eric Clark (Allison), Josh Jackson (Elaine), Jarred Mitchell (Amber), Payton Jackson (Amber), Frances Jackson, and Rachel Jackson; great grandchildren, Kaleigh, Dustin, Kate, McKenna, Anthony, Brandi, Matthew, Dacota, Alyssa, Emmaleigh, Kylie, Brady, Karsen, Colby, Xander, Landon, Annie and Abigail; great-great grandchildren, Harper and Cameron; and by numerous nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Visitation will be Thursday evening, February 20, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 21, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Cuthbert Avenue Baptist Church with Pastor Dean Cook officiating. Interment will take place at the Old Runnels Cemetery, Ballinger, Texas at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, February 21. Donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics – Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

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Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to JERRYE and her family. It is very difficult to lose a spouse after any length of time, but they were married nearly 60 years.

Peace, love, and good health to you and yours,

Marilyn

ANOTHER CLASSMATE'S LOSS

BALLINGER Mary Alice Harral Cole, 79, of San Angelo, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. She was born on April 7, 1934, in Buckholts, Texas, to Elmer and Hazel (Brown) Harral. She grew up in Ballinger and graduated from Ballinger High School. Mary married Maxie J. Cole, "M.J.", on Aug. 14, 1953. They enjoyed 60 years together, raising two children and being an active part of their grandsons' lives. She was a woman of faith and beauty and the world was a better place when she was in it. Mary was preceded in death by her son, Douglas W. Cole; her parents; her sisters, Ruth Harral and Dorthy Camp; and four brothers, Kenneth Harral, Elmo Harral, Paul Harral and Wayne Cole. She is survived by her husband, MJ; her daughter, Leslie Stegall and husband Larry of Killeen; grandsons David Stegall of Rockport and Christopher Stegall of San Antonio; her sisters, Virginia Egan and husband Mike of Ballinger, Darlene Jones and husband Jimmy of Rockwall, Martha Sherman and husband Dennis of Abilene and Helen Cole of Round Rock; and her brother, Pat Harral and wife Carolyn of San Angelo. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Arrangements are with Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. 

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I know we all wish to send our prayers and condolences to VIRGINIA HARRAL EGAN on the loss of her sister. I remember Mary as a very sweet and loving woman.

Peace and love,
Marilyn

MOMS' BRAGGING RIGHTS

Today I received the following email from DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS that I know you will get a kick out of:

"I continue to be amazed at all the work you put in for all of us. Thank you again, and a special thanks for all the news about so many of our flock who have gone on. We cannot help but remember them at this time and kick ourselves for not thinking of them more often. My prayers go out to all those who are grieving at this time and prayers for those who are suffering from maladies. I can only close my eyes and say a prayer of thanks for the wonderful life I am living. My children are with me so much, l am in good health, and yes, I am certainly still having fun.  

A little note of smiles: my son Greg who has a welding company here was called by a friend a few weeks ago and was asked for a recent photograph. He complied and before days end a movie company working in Old Tucson called and asked if he would come and become part of the company. Now Greg is 6’3”, 198 lbs., dark wavy hair, and a graying beard and mustache. He was hired immediately (we think because he can ride a horse). He plays a bad guy with a huge scar on his face. The title of the event is DEAD MEN, THE SERIES. You can look it up on the internet. He is having a ball. He will only have one line in this film, but has been asked to be in a movie being shot there in  a few months.

We all tease him unmercifully , but he is a good sport. It is a fun recess from all the work he does welding. We tease, but we are so proud of him. Who knew!!!" Love to all of you, DOTTIE

We can't wait to hear what other movie he will appear in, DOTTIE. Please keep us informed.

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We mothers and grandmothers have such fun watching our kids grow, achieve, and even perform, don't we? Which reminds me.. my younger son Matthew has his own business and works out of his home. He can pretty much set his own schedule most of the time. He and I usually like the same movies and TV shows, and the past few months we've enjoyed the new NBC TV series REVOLUTION. It is set in the future, when the United States has suffered a blackout that left the entire country without electrical power. Different pockets of rebellion set up across the U.S. as groups try to gain control of the government. Of course, it is not possible that this could happen in the U.S. -- or is it?

By accident, I found out that they were filming this series in and around Austin. On a lark, Matthew answered a call for extras to be in the series. He sent photos and they called him throughout the month of December. As it was the end of year he was busy with his own work, closing out his year, and couldn't work for them.  He finally got to report for two days of shooting, although one day the weather kept them from doing so. He plays a Marine Commander at Gitmo (I guess it still operates in the future!), and although he speaks, it is without a microphone. I'm hoping he gets to have more of a role in the future. He just had a good time hanging out with all our favorite stars from the series. They don't allow people (like moms and wives, drats) on their sets, and no cameras. He had another extra take the photo above with his cell phone.

Now Matthew doesn't ride a horse, but he has ridden quite a few motorcycles and ATVs. He even did a commercial for a large car dealership in Austin. He wears a big hat in this one, and doesn't get to show his face, but again, he had lots of fun doing this when he was on a motorcycle trip in Big Bend. Turn your speakers on to watch this video. Needless to say, the guy at the end is not Matthew, but Cecil, the owner of the dealership.

 

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Now all of you mothers and grandmothers out there, send me your bragging rights so we can all share in the fun. New photos are welcome, too.

Peace and love,

Marilyn

MORE GOOD STUFF FOR A CHANGE

I know all of you who live in the Ballinger area, and those who read the Ballinger Online News already know about the renovation and recent Grand Opening of the old Texas Theater in Ballinger. It is a new experience for such a small town - a dinner theater. They have their own website that I encourage you to check out. Texas Theater website. It contains pictures, menu (below), upcoming films, and a really fun video with some current Ballinger residents. I've been to one similar in the Dallas area years ago, but the food was not nearly as extravagant. My sister Jean and I order pizza! We had extremely comfortable seats that swiveled and even reclined somewhat. I thought the price was a little high, but when I see what the Texas Theater offers, and the price, ours was really rather cheap. I'll have to admit, though, that the one we attended only showed movies, and probably only had burgers, hot dogs, and pizza on their menu. Nothing like what the Texas Theater offers. If any of you have been, please share the experience (and photos if you have them) with us!

This is one of the menus on their website. A meal such as this would cost much, much more in a larger city. In 1950 dollars, this $30 for a meal and movie would have cost $3.60 plus the cost of the movie ticket. Considering the cost of the movie in Ballinger at that time was (you old-timers correct me if I'm wrong) about 25 cents, and a McDonald's hamburger could be bought for 15 cents (I know there wasn't a McDonald's in Ballinger!), $3.85 would have been a little expensive for most citizens. Especially the teenagers on dates. No one dared to go Dutch treat back then - the guys always paid. Right?

Live performances, music, standup comics, all seem like Ballinger will become a hub for entertainment. What a great place to take your sweetie for Valentine's Day, anniversary, birthday, or any special occasion.

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This photo is of Dream Lake in the Colorado National Forest, where JIM COWLISHAW and his wife Betty went last year. He sent an email describing another trip they took last fall:

"We went to Red River, New Mexico for a week. This was one of our better trips. We rented a cabin in the mountains.and just took it easy. Had to come down and go several miles into town to use the phones. (And no Walmart.)

We picked and enjoyed wild strawberries and mushrooms off the mountain. I don't know how the people survive, but it would be really tempting to try. Then I remember my banker, and what he would do - maybe come along, you think?"

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DON WHITE ? and  DORIS ?

Now for some fun photos. I check out the Ballinger Online Newspaper from time to time, and sometimes come up with tidbits of information, like the Texas Theater opening, that haven't necessarily been shared with me. (Hint, hint.) I'm not certain, but I believe these auto pictures are from the 4th of July parade. As there were no names with them, I guessed on the one above. It sure looks like DON WHITE driving, and a hint of red hair on the passenger side must be DORIS WHITE. Correct me if I am wrong. Whoever it is, I really like their wheels!

When I saw this photo, I couldn't make out the face of the driver, but I thought I had seen the car before. Sure 'nuff, the next photograph confirmed my suspicions:

Yep, it's BILL KING, the silver-haired fox, with a young cutie at his side that I assume is his granddaughter. Again, correct me if I'm wrong.

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As you've read about before, DENNY HILL has a flat (apartment to us) in Warsaw, Poland that he returns to during breaks from school and in the summer. He was there during the Christmas vacation. I had inquired about how he was faring in NY when the first big Polar Vortex hit the east coast, and he wrote he was in Warsaw and sent me some interesting replies.

"I have been following the extreme cold in the USA. And as I think you know, here in Warsaw it has been correspondingly very mild. It is as if the 'atmosphere' of the earth has slipped, like a cloth covering a globe of the earth, in which the North Pole has slid down towards Minnesota, bringing another part of the cloth up from warmer regions, so that here we are in something like early spring or late fall. Bizarre! Don't know what to think of it, except that it might just be the beginning of another 'little ice age'. Some scientists think that 'global warming' might in fact trigger another little ice age. It is complicated, but it might have to do with the famous loop (the conveyor belt in the Atlantic, from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Europe). If that collapses, or reverses course, or even weakens a little, we could see the top half of the USA freeze over in an ice sheet."

Every time I hear from DENNY, no matter what the topic, he gets my brain to stirring. I end up having to look up a lot of things on the Internet. There are some interesting articles on what scientists are saying about the possibility of a "new little ice age". Whatever happened to global warming? The extreme cold we've been having -- even as far south as Austin -- makes me hope they are wrong about an ice age. DENNY got home just in time to experience this second round of ice age type weather! Two days ago he said it was 19 degrees there, and he had about a foot of snow in his yard! Brrrr.

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NEIL BROUSSARD has moved his family to Wimberley, Texas from Houston. (I will email his new address for you all to place in the back of your handbook.) When I asked if there were a reason for the move, he promptly replied, "To get out of Houston"! Having lived there many years ago, and hearing how much more congested it is today, I can't say I blame him. Shortly after that, I was watching one of the Today news shows on NBC, and they were spotlighting romantic getaways all over the U.S. Lo and behold! Wimberley, Texas was the first one they showed. It was a beautiful inn or bed and breakfast. Of course, I had to go to my favorite source, the Internet, and look up Wimberley. I couldn't believe there were so many inns, hotels, and bed and breakfasts in and around Wimberley. The Hill Country is beautiful some of the time, but the photos of these places really made it appealing no matter the mesquite or cedar trees that abound down here.

Blair House Inn, Wimberley, Texas

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One more photo before I go. JUNE CURRY HASH and I frequently communicate. We've talked a bit lately due to the extremely frigid conditions in which she lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. JUNE and her son Chris are loving pet owners. Chris has a cat named Sydney, and JUNE has two little rescue dogs that have become like members of her family. She sent me this adorable photograph of  them:

Now, do those look like pampered, loved pets or what? The one on the right is named Dori, but I have forgotten the other. JUNE will have to clue me in. 

I think DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS is the only one of us who lives where the cold and ice hasn't hit. To the rest of you

Love, peace, and warm fuzzies,

Marilyn

CONDOLENCES FOR ANOTHER CLASSMATE

James Hays sent the following message:

"Jerlene Piel Steel's husband, Sam Steel, died in Abilene two days after emergency surgery for a pericardiac effusion.  He was recovering satisfactorily when he suddenly took a turn for the worse.  I met Sam years ago when he was a deputy sheriff sometime before he and Jerri married, and had the privilege of treating both of them for a number of years.

  

My heart goes out for Jerri and this family.  (This was a tough one for me)."

James

Sammy Ray Steel

Sammy Ray Steel, age 72, of Blanket went to be with the Lord Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Graveside Services for Sammy will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at Eureka Cemetery with David Roe officiating.  The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home.

Sammy was born on December 1, 1941 to Oliver and Audry (Nelson) Steel in Brownwood.  He graduated from Early High School.  His first job was working for Citizen’s National Bank.  Over the years Sammy worked various jobs in Brown and Crane County including 3M, Brownwood School District, Brownwood Police Dept., Brown County Sheriff’s Dept, General Telephone Electronics (GTE), and Charles Land.  He was farming and ranching alongside his wife, Jerri when he retired.

Sammy leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Jerri Steel of Blanket; children, Richard Steel and wife Donna of Brookesmith, Cindy Steel of Austin, Connie Steel of Round Rock, Jeff Steel and wife Beverly of Brookesmith, Randy Tischler and wife Dondi of College Station, Mike Tischler and wife Robin of Denton, and Steve Tischler and wife Gina of Midland; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; a sister, Jeannie Belle Fisher of Early. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Audry Steel; and brother, Bobby Steel.

The family request that memorials be made in his honor to The American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.  Family and friends are invited to leave online condolences at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com. 

Our love, prayers, and condolences to JERRI and her family,

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Also, as some of you already know, Gary Ferguson (BHS Class of '54 - brother of the late Barbara Ferguson, Class of '57) left this earth January 2, 2014. I remember him as a giant teddy bear.. with a good sense of humor, and great on the football field. His obituary can be read on the online Ballinger News site.

Peace and love

Marilyn

CATCHING UP ON CLASSMATES

Regarding the news of SANDRA PATTERSON WINEBERG'S death,

JIMMY COWLISHAW sent the following:

"I recall SANDRA, but time makes me forget some of the pleasant memories of early school days. 

Now, the good stuff....my lead bull keeps producing calves. I think that over the 13 years that I have had him, he has produced some 43 calves. (Not to say that the heifers haven't had much to do about it.) Jobs continue to come in. I suppose that I will continue to work, as my health remains good. I tell the folks that ask when am I going to quit, that Betty won't let me. She gets twice the husband at half the pay, and if my banker finds me not working, he might call my notes."

What I would like to know, Jim, is - are you still playing cowboy with the cattle, or do you have ranch hands to help you with them? Either way, working at all the things you do is keeping you young!  And also keeping your sense of humor.

ROSALYN URBANTKE HOELSCHER sent the following:

"I am so sorry to hear about SANDRA's passing. She was one of my special friends in school, in fact, I was in her wedding (the one she got a divorce from immediately). She had wonderful parents.

I was 'very sick' in May and June. My heart was the problem. I was in the hospital for 25 days, rehabilitation for 8 days, and then home health came for 5 weeks, 3 times a week. I had three nurses, so it was like open house around here. But God decided I was needed here for some reason, and I am doing just great now."

After receiving this email from ROSALYN, I called her today so we could chat. She is amazing. Her stint in the hospital was full of dramatic turns, and she even had to be "brought back" four different times. After all she went through, she now is making plans to go to the Renaissance Festival in Conroe with her family, and she was actually cleaning out a closet when I called her! She is an inspiration.

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It is somewhat dismaying when we hear of people our age leaving this world. But rather than be depressed or fearful upon hearing news of these happenings, we can always feel blessed that we are still around, and know that there truly is a reason for our still being here. Two of my favorite quotes are from a little book called "Illusions" by Richard Bach:

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly."

And then, when asking "how will I know when my mission on earth is complete?" The answer is "If you are alive, it isn't."

Love, peace, and good health to you all,
Marilyn

CONDOLENCES

From the Midland Reporter-Telegram:

Thomas Rex Bomar, born May 30, 1935, in Santa Anna, Texas. Graduated, Talpa HS. Attended Sul Ross University. Enjoyed calf roping, steer roping, horse racing, hunting and fishing. He moved to Midland in 1967. Managed Yale E. Key Well Service, Midland Yard. Established WR Rental Tools Inc., 1980, President until death. Survived by wife Patsy Berry Bomar of 52 years, sons, Randy & wife Claudia, Kennie, wife Sondra, Shayne wife Terry, Jackie, Daughter-in-law Kathy Delia Rocco, and husband Paul. Grandchildren, Angela Bomar Cagle and husband JJ, son Coltin, Jennifer Bomar Constable, husband Justin, Steven Bomar and wife Erica, Mikel Bomar wife Ricky, Christina Bomar Brown and husband Jimmy, Brenda Bomar and numerous great grandchildren. Visitation Lange Funeral Home, Ballinger TX, Thursday, October 17, 2013, 6:00-7:00 pm. Graveside services Talpa, TX. cemetery, Friday, October 18, 2013

Our prayers and condolences to PATSY BERRY BOMAR and the family of Rex Bomar at the loss of their husband and father. 

Peace and love

Marilyn

A LITTLE HISTORY

JAMES HAYS answered my question about the old building they demolished. NANCY BAKER also told me the name was not Home Furniture, but King Holt. (I think Tuckey's must have had Home Furniture.) BOB BURTON'S stepfather, A.J. Hendricks worked at King Holt when BOB and I married in 1960. Our whole household full of furniture - including appliances - cost only $350, and came from there. Of course, some of it was used, but I remember the brand new Danish modern (remember those?) sofa and end tables! 

The photo below was all I could find of a small portion of the old building (to the left of the insurance agency) before they tore it down. JAMES wrote an interesting little bit of Ballinger history concerning the early years of this location. 

JAMES: "The building in question was the King Holt furniture building.  I had been in it a couple of times in the early forties to the early fifties.  It was rumored to have a printing press of some sort in the upstairs, used mainly for storage in the seventies.  

Up until about 1930, it was the T. S. Lankford company, originally a saddlemaker/leather shop but he sold hardware, harness, and wagons.  Lankford and his two (?) sons moved to Abilene and manufactured work clothing, where his two sons did their whiskey drinking and gambling at the now defunct Abilene Club.  

Sometime after 1908, Lankford had joined a Mr. Hathaway (related to Drury Hathaway the abstractor aka the man with no sideburns after his peculiar haircuts?) at which location I do not know. Hathaway had been associated with James Asa Hays, a saddlemaker who settled in Runnels "City" in the mid-1880s living and working in a lean-to in that location until 1886 when he moved to newly founded Ballinger. He talked his younger brother H. G. Hays, my grandfather, into moving to Runnels County about 1891 or 1892.  

I have seen one money-cartridge belt marked with Lankford's name but have been looking for anything made by J. A. Hays for 25 years unsuccessfully. Any help would be appreciated.  Maybe something will walk into the Ballinger gun show Nov. 2-3. I'll be there."

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I have to share a little family history of my own. My great-great-great grandfather, Benjamin Varga, was a master saddlemaker and harness maker in his native Hungary. He was also a tax collector for the monarchy until the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-1849, which he fought in. Family legend has it that he made money belts for each of his sons after the Revolution and divided the family "wealth" in gold so that as they escaped Hungary, if they got separated, each would have enough money to survive. He came to the United States first, followed by four of his sons a few years later. They arrived at the port of  Galveston around 1857, joining their father in San Antonio, where the Varga saddlemakers made a name for themselves that lasted over four generations. All four sons served in the Confederate Army. It is rumored that Benjamin Varga was silent about his position as a tax collector in the Hungarian monarchy until the day he died. He was always expecting someone from the old country to come after him. Hmmm. Tax collectors have always been despised, huh?

This is a money belt and holster made by Ben Varga Saddlery.  Probably a lot like they all wore coming to America.

And you all thought I was just French! More than a little Hungarian gypsy in my soul. Lots of good stories on that side of the family.

Peace -- and good memories to you all,

Marilyn