CONGRATULATIONS!

 

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

I had to nearly twist his arm, but I finally got TRUMAN CONNER to relate some of his memories through the years. Having lived in California for over 35-years working for Levi Strauss, he traveled a lot and played golf at most of the major golf courses in the U.S. He listed them in the blog post Earthquakes, Golf Courses, and More. California, of course, has other attractions like movie stars and such. 

Here are "a few memorable encounters" in TRUMAN'S own words:

 I spent a few minutes talking with Joe DiMaggio on Thanksgiving Day afternoon in 1977 when I was hitting golf balls at my private club where he was a member also.  He had been standing behind me watching me hit balls, and I was unaware of his presence until I turned around and saw him.  I walked over to him and talked with him for a few minutes. He was a very nice person. I was flattered that he thought enough of my golf game to watch me practice. (We all remember Joe - you know, Marilyn Monroe's husband!)

Ann-Margaret was filming a movie in 1964 in San Francisco at Fisherman's Wharf, and I was a bystander watching a film scene when the cast took a break from acting. Ann-Margaret sent a woman over to me to ask if I would like to have coffee with them. I was shocked, tongue-tied, and was too nervous to say yes. Something I have always regretted. (You could at least have got her autograph!)

Back in 1973, a very good friend of mine had a 1st cousin married to the champion golfer, Ken Venturi. My friend invited me to go to Palm Springs over Labor Day weekend to stay with them as guests.  I declined because I thought it was too long of a drive for a weekend.  My friend returned telling me that Frank Sinatra had taken the three of them out to dinner on Saturday night (Sinatra and Venturi were very close friends) and I would have been included as a guest of Frank Sinatra at a dinner.  What an opportunity missed. (You also missed out on a gold cigarette lighter. He was noted for giving them to friends and friends of friends. Oh, right! You weren't a smoker!)

In 1984, I met Roy Rogers at a business conference in Denver, Colorado where he was the honored guest. He was well up in years, but we did have a nice conversation and I thought he was extremely genuine. (Oh, we remember those Saturday movies with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and Trigger!)

In 1960 when I was at TCU, I was invited to play golf at Shady Oaks Country Club with a frat brother, and his friend who was an assistant pro at River Crest Club.  The three of us got to Shady Oaks and went into the golf shop where none other than Ben Hogan was in the shop.  He knew the young assistant pro so there was a short chat of sorts...and then Ben Hogan walked with the three of us out to the first tee to watch us tee off.  Hogan was standing only a few feet from me watching me tee up my golf ball to drive.  I was so nervous I could hardly get the ball teed up, and then proceeded to hit a horrific drive.  Here was one of the most famous golfers in the world watching me hit a drive. (This makes my sons and grandson Travis green with envy!)

I had occasion to once meet Sandy Koufax, baseball pitcher for NY Yankees when we talked after church services.  I once met Willie Shoemaker, the famous jockey after being introduced to him at a restaurant in San Francisco.  Both of these were unexpected occurrences.  And last, but not least, I met Doris Day in the parking lot at Quail Lodge club in Carmel Valley, Calif. where she was also a member.  She was a very friendly, gracious person and still quite attractive. I liked her very much. (Left - At age 88 I'm sure she's still many guys' Secret Love!)

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You had some fun and interesting people show up in your life from time to time, TRUMAN.  I'll bet many more of you can dust the cobwebs off your own memories and share some equally interesting ones with us. After all, some of us may not have such a good memory for many more years! Let me hear from you!

'Til next time..

Peace and love,

Marilyn

Grandmother's Bragging Time!

I thought it might be about time to share a little more news and photos. I don't wish to leave anyone out, but if you send me your latest I'll be happy to post them here.

I told you in a recent post that BOB BURTON and his wife Ann celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Florida with our daughter Carajean, her husband Branch, and their family. On their return trip they spent some time in New Orleans. As they were so close (tongue in cheek here) to a place in Mobile, Alabama that BOB wanted to visit he talked son-in-law Branch into making the nearly two-hour drive with him to visit this site. Branch is a big WWII buff, so his arm didn't need twisting.

BOB told me that they visited the battleship Alabama. "They also have a submarine and a very nice airplane museum featuring one of the SR71 BLACKBIRD spy planes. We spent two hours there and did not see half of it." He and Branch spent over five hours together. Now that's what I call "bonding" with your in-law.

Of course, my bonding takes place with visits from Branch and Carrie. The most fun recently was playing Yahtzee with them and my son Craig. I had a lucky streak and beat everyone with my three Yahtzees! That's 50 points apiece for those of you who have never played.

BOB is kept busy being Papaw to his grandchildren. This past weekend he and Ann accompanied the family to Stillwater, Oklahoma to witness Carajean's daughter (our granddaughter) Ashlyn's graduation from OSU. While there he used his trusty pickup to move her belongings from the house she shared with her sorority sisters in Stillwater to Austin, where her mom and dad have been living while remodeling a home they bought on Lake Travis.

ASHLYN - OSU Class of 2018

Ashlyn graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences with a major in Nutritional Science. She plans to continue her education to become a Physician's Assistant. (Like her mother did.)

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May and June are traditional months for graduation as well as weddings. If any of your grandchildren (or greats) are celebrating either, please let me know.

My oldest, son Craig Young (whose father was the late RAY YOUNG, BHS Class of '54, and nephew of both LYLE - BHS Class of '58, and EUGENE YOUNG) has two children, Cameron and Hannah. Hannah will be graduating from the Booker T. Washington High School of Performing Arts in Dallas this June. Many of you may remember the late mother of RAY, Margaret Young, who was a librarian and substitute teacher at BHS while traveling back and forth to Abilene to get her PhD. I'll bet she is smiling down at all of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A smart as well as beautiful young woman, Hannah has had several college acceptances. We are so thrilled that she received a full scholarship to Southwestern University in Georgetown. That's about a 40-minute drive north of Austin. Craig (and I) were fearful she would choose a college on the East Coast. Syracuse U paid a round-trip flight for her to come interview with them. Thank goodness, it was during the last big snowstorm to hit the East Coast. Hannah was not impressed with the cold weather.

Hannah's brother Cameron is currently the Director of Education at the Westside Unitarian Church in Fort Worth. He will continue at this position when he starts back to school this Fall. Cameron, a graduate of LSU, has been blessed with a scholarship to Brite Divinity School, affiliated with and located at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Brite Divinity School is a progressive graduate theological education institution and seminary. It may take Cameron a little longer while working at his full-time job, but he will eventually be an ordained minister. I don't have to tell anyone how proud this makes this grandmother! 

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Until next time, share the love and memories, 

Marilyn  

RECENT UPDATES

JUNE HASH CURRY's grandson, Braden Curry, got married last week at a wedding venue called The Spring outside Edmond, Oklahoma. "The altar was in an open gazebo-like area outside where the wedding was actually held. The attendants and bride came down through a central aisle of chairs where the ceremony took place. Then the reception was held inside the building with about 200 attending. It was quite a party afterwards. The bride’s name is Kennedy (nee Cox)."

"The minister was a long time friend of Braden’s who had long been his Christian mentor. It was a lovely ceremony, very moving with Braden and Kennedy reading separate vows before the minister spoke."

The Happy Couple

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Weddings such as this are among the many benefits of having children and grandchildren. As we grow older, the memories of family get-togethers become more and more important - and cherished even more. I know JUNE must have loved every minute spending time with her loved ones and being a part of this milestone in their lives.

As I was writing this, I received an email from GENE ROUTH with the following beautiful photograph of his yard.

GENE wrote the following: "Monday morning (19 March) after 5 inches of snow overnight. We have survived another winter! Lenna and I are doing pretty well, looking forward to Spring! It was great to see so many of you last Fall." (Gene, I searched my files and I do not have a recent photo of you. How about one?)

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Granddaughter Audrey sent this photo of Papaw & Two (BOB and Ann BURTON) right after I published the last post, celebrating their 50th anniversary. I thought it was such a good photo that it needed to be here as well.

One Last Look @ Destin, Florida

I hope these spur all of you to send me some news and photos of you and yours.

We are so fortunate to have so many of our classmates in good health and able to enjoy life. Some of us lead busy, interesting lives. And some of us just enjoy sitting on the sidelines and reading about yours. I wish I had been able to attend the last reunion, but I get a lot of pleasure hearing about that and other events in your lives, and passing it on! Remember, not everyone is on Facebook, so even if you've shared something interesting there... share with us here as well!

If you are in need of comfort, prayers, or communication, let me know, too, and I will gladly pass it on. That's what friends are for. However, I will never put something here that you do not wish to share.

Until next time....

Love and Peace,

Marilyn

MORE CONGRATULATIONS IN ORDER

Burtons and Archers

BOB BURTON and his wife Ann have been in Destin, Florida the past week to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with our daughter Carajean, her husband Branch, and some of their grandchildren. The Archers take a family vacation every year when the kids are on Spring Break. This time they had "Papaw and Two" accompany them. Granddaughter Audrey texted me a few minutes ago that they were leaving Destin now to go to New Orleans, spend the night there, then head home to Austin. More fun celebrations!

Shortly after they got to Florida, Carajean texted that the weather was not very conducive to beach frolicking, but these two went there anyway (note the jackets). Was BOB whispering sweet nothings?

Congratulations to another BHS Class of '57 long-lasting marriage. 

I know there are more of you out there celebrating one kind of event or another. Just send me a notice and photos -- even a newspaper clipping and we'll help you celebrate.

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This video is of my youngest grandson, Travis Rider. It was taken a couple of years ago, and he has continued to improve. This past year he was placed on the Vipers Varsity Golf Team at Vandegrift High School here in Austin. Although he is the smallest on the team, he's mighty at play! In the photo below, he is the second from the left. This was a tournament in January. Today and tomorrow they are in a tournament in Georgetown. Here's to another win!

Travis will be sixteen in July, and his dad, Matthew, has already bought him his first car. This grandmother rues the day he will be permitted to drive on Austin freeways without Dad or Mom in the car.

Until next time..

Love, Peace, and bragging rights!

Marilyn

CLASSMATE'S SISTER

Sadly, all three of the Herring sisters are now gone. Ellen was the baby, but that didn't stop her from achieving as much or more than either of her sisters. All three left lasting memories of selfless accomplishments. Maybe that can be attributed to their West Texas upbringing and Ballinger High School. 

ELLEN HERRING BROWN

November 29, 1941 - February 25, 2018

Obituary for Ellen Brown

Ellen Brown, who for almost five decades in San Angelo, used her word, writing and personal skills to enhance various community programs and projects, died Sunday night.

An open viewing will be held all day Tuesday and Wednesday at Harper Funeral Home. The Memorial service, following a private family burial, will be held 2:00 PM, Thursday, March 1, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church. 

Ellen, 76, was born November 29, 1941 to Loyd and Sue Herring. Herring was a rancher and prominent Ballinger wool warehouseman and community leader.

After graduating from Ballinger High School in 1960, she furthered her education at Texas Christian University, then transferred to the University of North Texas where she earned a B.A. degree in journalism in 1964.
Ellen married her high school sweetheart Stephen Brown in 1962 in Fort Worth, and the couple worked for the Fort Worth Press newspaper. They marked their 55th wedding anniversary this past year.

In 1966 they moved to San Angelo where they would become fully engaged in the growing city. She worked as the San Angelo Standard Times women’s news editor and school reporter while Stephen covered City Hall for the newspaper before becoming City Manager.

Their son Charles “Chuck” Brown was born in 1967.

The Concho Valley Council of Government hired Ellen in 1972 to be their regional planning director and she secured and implemented grants in their 13-county area.

The 1980’s ushered in a new chapter when she was tapped by West Texas Rehabilitation Center President/Founder Shelley Smith to assist with the Center’s San Angelo building campaign which resulted in the $2.5 million facility at Jackson and University Streets.

Working alongside WTRC Board/Building Chairman Lee Pfluger, Ellen put her fund-raising skill set in full gear and it would eventually serve the growing non-profit organization for three decades.

In addition, as donor relations director, she was responsible for building relationships throughout the Concho Valley and initiating fundraising events which continue to this very day, thanks to her attention to detail and organizational abilities. Her personality allowed her equally at ease in a bank president’s office or an area rancher’s kitchen table.

Meanwhile, the couple supported Chuck’s school and sporting activities, especially Little League baseball, and enjoyed times together in their RV traveling or parked at a deer lease or a fishing spot.

Ellen selflessly served her community: United Way allocations committee, Better Business Bureau board member, Girl Scout Council, Hope for Holidays, and United Blood Services board and donor.

As an elder of First Presbyterian Church, she assisted in various leadership positions including stewardship and pastoral relations.

The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce honored both Ellen and Stephen with its highest honor, “Citizen of the Year” in 1997. She also was among the first to be feted by the El Camino Girl Scout Council as a “Woman of Distinction.”

Besides her husband and family, which grew to include daughter-in-law Jenni and granddaughters Megan and Hannah and great granddaughter Elena, Ellen’s passion was West Texas Rehab Center.

After being named WTRC Vice President of resource development, she continued to develop funding sources to meet expanding treatment program and equipment needs.

Even in her semi-retirement years, she raised $1.7 million for the Center’s new adjacent administrative building which freed up space in the bustling main building to meet an ever-growing patient population. That also included funding for renovations and upgrades to the 30 plus-year-old facility on Jackson Street.

Every expansion in San Angelo since 1982 and several in Abilene at the flagship campus have her diligent imprints on them. Her legacy is to the hundreds of patients—young and old –receiving care, dignity and independence. Many of them she knew on a first-name basis, others she will never know, but they will be served for years to come.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband’s parents and sisters Susan Stahl and Lynn Crawford. Survivors include her husband, Stephen; son Chuck and Jenni Brown; granddaughter Megan and Jesse Mann; granddaughter Hannah; great-granddaughter Elena; sister-in-law Beverly Brown of North Carolina; niece Laura Alexander and nephew Charles Switzer, and God child Jessica Vance.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to West Texas Rehab Center, First Presbyterian Church or the Angelo State University Choir Scholarship Program.

RIP, Ellen

Peace,

Marilyn

MERRY CHRISTMAS

This time of year, DENNY HILL looks forward to his annual winter vacation in Warsaw, where he has a flat in an historic building. He spends his time there between semesters at Stony Brook University and every summer. He left last week and will return to teaching January 18th. Before he left, he sent me the following videos.

"This is what it is like now...some of these scenes are from my neighborhood:"

"And this is what it is like at night, when the Christmas lights are on:"

I remember one year GENE ROUTH sent some beautiful photos of the snow around his home at Christmas in Colorado. As the high temperature today in Austin will reach 75 degrees, and tomorrow 76 degrees, our Christmas pictures to share would be a little depressing.. dying leaves or bare trees amid all the sunshine. (Definitely not some tropical island.) They do have Christmas lights on Zilker Park's Trail of Lights every year. Minus snow of course. The city skyline is also pretty spectacular. Cooler nighttime temperatures and darkness hide the fact that one is in Texas.

However, it does snow in Amarillo, where my daughter Carajean and family live. (Carajean is also the daughter of BOB BURTON). Here is a picture of CJ and her husband Branch taken in February of 2013:

Lots of snow in their courtyard! I remember one Christmas, I believe it was in 2001, we all woke Christmas morning to a snowfall that rivaled the one in this photo. 

As the years pass, we might not be making the memories of holidays past that bring us such delight to recall. Maybe it's a good idea to make it a point to do something special with those special people in our lives...and capture those moments to remember by filming them. And share them with us, please.

Merry Christmas, and as Tiny Tim would say, "God bless us everyone."

Love and Peace,

Marilyn

ADDENDUM:

NEIL BROUSSARD sent some lovely photos of his place in San Marcos. I'm not certain when these were taken. Parts of the Hill Country had a light snowfall recently, but these look like a heavier snow. 

ANOTHER GOODBYE

Our condolences to JERRY EOFF on the recent loss of his brother, John. I saw that he died nearly three weeks ago, however, his obituary was posted today on the Ballinger News website. This does not mention the location of services or burial, so if you wish to express your personal sympathy you might want to send a card to JERRY's home address.

John Eoff                                       

by Ballinger News | Dec 7, 2017 | Obituaries

John Dexter Eoff passed away on November 16, 2017, in Kerrville, Texas. He was born in Dallas, Texas, April 30, 1932, to Dr. James Dexter Eoff and Robbie D (Jones) Eoff.

He graduated from Ballinger High School in 1950. Soon after graduating from Abilene Christian University in 1954, he and Diana Gay Hess, of Garland, Texas, were married. After having lived in Abilene, Snyder and Stamford, they spent a period serving as house parents at Medina Children’s Home at Medina, Texas. They then located in Kerrville, where he built their house. He found his earthly calling through doing that construction and became a professional builder. He was an astute student of the Word of God.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, James Dexter Eoff, Jr., brother-in-law, Jerome Wesley Campbell, Sr., and a daughter-in-law, Kimberly Britt Eoff. Survivors, besides his wife of sixty three years, are six children: sons, Jim and wife Judy, of Bandera, Texas; Benjamin Dexter and wife Kim of Farmington, Arkansas; Jonathan Samuel of Kerrville, and daughters, Linann Eoff, Peggy Sue Hindman and Carol Middleton, all of Kerrville; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Bobbie Marie (Eoff) Campbell of Ballinger, and Jerry Len Eoff and wife Shirley (Fry), of Alpine, Texas.

Love and Peace,

Marilyn

Reunion 2017

Thanks to BOB HOLLIS, GENE ROUTH, and JERRY EOFF for the following photos. Any more from those in attendance will be welcome. Good reporting from NANCY THOMPSON BAKER as usual. 

Middle row: Bill King, Janice Amarine, Patsy Berry Bomar, Virginia Harral Egan, Peggy Virden Sharp 
Front row:  Don Simmons, Doris Stokes White, Janette Amarine Bradshaw, James Hays, Ruth Ann Henniger Wood 
Back row: Jerline Piel, Steele, Bob Hollis, Neil Broussard, Jearl Cunningham, Barbara Campbell Witte, Pat Mullins, (MILDRED CAMPBELL TABOR), Don White, Rodney Flanagan, Nancy Thompson Baker, Mike Foy, Gene Routh, Jerry Eoff 

Note: Mildred Tabor has been to the last two reunions. No one seems to remember her, but she says she was in our class. Will someone check old annuals to see if you can find her?

From NANCY:
"We had three memorial boards with two pictures of each deceased members and cards to send to members who had responded "yes", but unable to come at last minute, signed by all there. We had coffee, tea, lemonade, fresh fruit plate, donuts, and a decorated BHS cake. Several (classmates) were using canes, DORIS STOKES WHITE for one. (DORIS is still recovering from a broken leg.) RUTH ANN WOOD was using a walker. TOMMY BRANHAM and family left Saturday morning as he was tired out. BOB BURTON came Friday night, attended the ballgame, and left Saturday morning. Oh, yes, JAMES HAYS brought a bottle of wine from Ballinger winery made in 1985, which we all shared with a toast and prayer for those departed. Many brought old pictures from previous reunions and beyond (2nd grade). The next reunion is planned for 2020 with the All School Reunion.

BOB HOLLIS was great fun at the reunion - loved his humor. I spent hours talking to BARBARA CAMPBELL WITTE - we had a lot in common. Later I went outside and found a mouse snake crawling beside the wall right where we had been for the class photo. Rodney got his snake catcher from his car and carried it off." 

From GENE ROUTH:
All:

Lenna and really enjoyed the reunion this past weekend. I saw several classmates for the first time in time in 60 years, time flies. Thanks to all of you who put this together. Hope to see you in three years. This is what we arrived home to Monday snow and rain from Raton to Colorado Springs, and about two inches on the grass. But it is 70 today (Wed). Now we will hope for a long Indian Summer.

Best Wishes,

Lenna and Gene

From JERRY EOFF:

Note: Is the little girl marked Medlen by chance BARBARA MEDLEN? Wasn't she in our high school classes as well? If so, does anyone know what happened to her?

I'm assuming this will be PART I on the 2017 Reunion. Please send me your photos you'd like to share, and any comments or stories about your experiences. Until then... 

GO BEARCATS!

Peace and Love,
Marilyn

OUR CONDOLENCES

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to PAT SMITH MULLINS on the loss of her husband of nearly 62 years. 

(February 8, 1934 – August 24, 2017)

James W Mullins, 83, of Blanket, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, Washington. Born in Eden, Texas to Frank and Kate Mullins he lived most of his life in Texas and California. James was an adventurous man who loved his God, his family, his fishing and all of the people he met along his journey. He earned his BA in Accounting at Texas Tech University and married his bride of almost 62 years in 1955. He was a man of courage, unafraid to follow his dreams of giving his family a rich heritage of love and priceless memories. The road was not always straight or smooth but he remained faithful to his death. James was devoted to his wife Pat Mullins and extremely proud of his four daughters, Terry Nelms of Blanket, Texas, Becky Pate of Mission Viejo, California, Cindy Glazier and her husband Scott of Bremerton, Washington and Patty Nielsen and her husband Don of Desoto Texas. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren, his 7 great grandchildren, his brother Lynn Mullins of San Angelo, Texas, as well his many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas on Friday, September 8th. James will be laid to rest at the Old Runnels Cemetery in Ballinger Texas. A Memorial service for James will be held at 2:00 PM on September 9th at the Coggin Ave Baptist Church in Brownwood, Texas. Memorial donations may be made to the Coggin Ave Baptist Mission Fund 1815 Coggin Ave. Brownwood, Texas 76801.

Peace and love,

Marilyn