RECENT
Charles William "Bill" Weaver '38 died in San Antonio in February of this year. His services were February 17, 2008 in San Antonio. This info was e-mailed to us by his brother, Carlton H. Weaver '40, who lives in Coweta, Oklahoma.
Kathryn Painter Isbell '40 died July 27, 2008 in Grand Prairie, Texas. She graduated with honors from Sunset and attended Draughn's Business College in Dallas. Kathryn attended Prairie Heights United Methodist Church and was a charter member of Trailwood United Methodist Church. She is survived by three daughters, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
William Taylor Hall, Jr. '46 died July 26, 2008. He grew up in Cliff Temple Baptist Church in Oak Cliff. He and his wife, Florence Hair, were married in 1953 in Tyler Street United Methodist Church. Bill served in the Korean War as a tank commander with the 40th Division. He retired from the glass business in 1994. In addition to Florence, Bill is survived by a daughter and two grandchildren.
Mary Louise Mills Grady '26 died July 14, 2008 at her granddaughter's home in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. She was born March 16, 1908 in Dallas. Her services were held in Dallas. After her graduation, Mary attended Mattie McBride's Business School. She then took a job as a stenographer with the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, known to us as A & P. She probably was our oldest living former Bison and represented the earliest Sunset class.
Chester L. Phelps, Dr. '44 passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2008 at Charlton Methodist Hospital in Oak Cliff, Dallas at age 82 after having a heart attack the week before. Chester was a catcher on the Sunset baseball team and was drafted by the pros. He put that career on hold to serve in the Army in WW2 and the Korean War. During the war, he was shot in the ankle by a Japanese sniper which ended his dream to play professional baseball. When he returned to civilian life, he worked for the Postal Service for 31 years. Chester was one of the many WW2 veterans from Sunset who attended the unveiling of the refurbished WW2 memorial plaque at Sunset this past Veteran's Day.
Robert W. Gilbert '43 passed away in January of this year in Elk Grove, California. His wife, Mary Anne Fisher Gilbert '43, survives. They were married in September 1943. That would be very shortly after they graduated. The notification we received via one of the other Sunset former student groups indicated that Mary Anne has relocated since Robert's passing because she mentioned that she had misplaced her old newsletters and Sundials during a move. However, she has email at: magrob@wavecable.com. We'll post additional info here about these Sunset sweethearts as we receive it.
Virginia Hampton Buford, wife of Eddie Buford '53, died May 7, 2008 in Dallas. She and Eddie had been married for 50 years. She was talented in interior design. In addition to Eddie, she is survived by a sister, two sons and four grandchildren.
Barbara Steiner Beall '49 died May 5, 2008 in Dallas. Barbara was valedictorian of her graduating class. She attended Texas Womens University. She and her husband operated E.D. Beall Automotive until his death in 1978. She was an artist under the name Jean Deberry and had a studio at the Trade Center. Barbara is survived by one brother, one sister, one son, one daughter, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth Ann Carter '43 died May 3, 2008 in Dallas. She attended S.M.U. and began her professional on the administrative staff of the Dallas Morning News. She retired from the Dallas County District Clerk's office in 1982. Betty is survived by one sister-in-law, one niece and two nephews.
Mary Ann McBean Rose '43 passed away on April 27, 2008 in Austin, Texas. She had been in declining health for several years with multiple illnesses. She was able to attend last year's Sunset Roundup in September 2007. She and her sister, Bettye Bob, were very popular at Sunset. Bettye Bob was in the 1942 class. Mary Ann was a drum majorette and was quite adept at baton twirling. And she could really prance. We had her picture in the print version of our newsletter some time back. If I can locate it, I'll reprint it here. Mary Ann and her husband, Milton '41, had been married for 65 years. They were married while Milton was in Air Force flight school in Winfield, Kansas. Mary Ann boarded a train in Dallas on Thanksgiving Day 1943 and joined him in Winfield. They got married (she was 16 at the time) and the next day she got back on the train and returned to Dallas. As an Air Force wife, Mary Ann accompanied Milton all over the world. Mary Ann had many talents. She was a successful "Avon lady" and earned enough in 1984 to pay cash for a new Lincoln Town Car. Mary Ann also was strong willed. She challenged the "men only" policy of the Austin Downtown Optimist Club and was voted into membership. In addition to Milton, Mary Ann is survived by a son, two daughters, six grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Ira Lee Allen '43 died March 28, 2008 in Wimberly, Texas. From Sunset, he went to UT-Austin and then served two years on active duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He graduated from S.M.U. Law School and was admitted to the Texas State Bar in 1951. He practiced law in Dallas and Austin. While in Dallas, he helped Wadley Guild for Leukemia and Blood Research. He was legal advisor for the Wadley Blood Bank Association.He is survived by his wife, Beverly, of Wimberly, two daughters and six grandchildren.
Charles Robert Carnahan, Sr. '55 died in Dallas on April 27, 2008. He served in the Army for two years as a paratrooper. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for several years. Most of his working career was spent in the real estate business as an appraiser, broker and agent. In addition to his wife, Linda, he is survived by a sister, three sons, four daughters, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Charlene Cupp Calhoun '32 died April 19, 2008 in Dallas. She married Jack Calhoun in 1941 and they lived in Dallas, Mineral Wells and Panama during Jack's military service in World War II. She was a long-time member of Tyler Street United Methodist Church and the Stevens Park Garden Club. She is survived by two sons and three grandchildren.
Patricia Ann Riley Langridge '61 died April 18, 2008 in Dallas. She was an executive secretary for 25 years until taking medical retirement in 1995. She and her husband Freddie had been married for 42 years. They worked for the same company, Enserch Corp, except for four years when Freddie was in military service. Pat served as church pianist at Dallas Park Baptist Church in Oak Cliff from the age of 16 until she was 21. In addition to Freddie, Pat is survived by one son and a brother.
Richard Franklin Ford '49 died in Dallas on April 17, 2008. He was a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in business. He served in the Air Force from 1954 to 1957 as an F-86 pilot. After his military service, Dick joined the family furniture business, Ford Radio, Furniture & Appliancs on Jefferson Blvd. Dick's other business interests included coin-operated laundry equipment, over 200 Kwik Wash coin-operated laundry locations and thousands of coin-operated machines locatd in apartment buildings in the region. In addition to his wife, Julie, he is survived by a son, two daughters and 10 grandchildren.
Charles Garry Hendricks '52 died in Austin on April 17, 2008. Garry had resided in Austin for the past nine years. Before that he had lived in Fort Worth where he raised his family. He grew up in the Elmwood area of Oak Cliff. During the Korean War, Garry was stationed in Japan with the U.S. Army as a radio repairman, He was a 1958 graduate of the University of North Texas (formerly North Txas State University). After Sunset, Garry joined the family printing business in Dallas. In 1962 he founded a book bindery company in Fort Worth. He grew this operation into company that eventually had 11 locations in six states. In 1998, his companies, which had undergone several name changes, merged with another large company and went public. Garry is survived by his wife of 49 years, Judy Johnson Hendricks, one son, two daughters, and five grandchildren.
Charlotte Marie Van Meter Menger '44 passed away April 13, 2008 in Huntsville, Texas. She was an honors graduate from Sunset. Charlotte studied Childhood Education at the University of Houston. She had worked for Prudential, Houston ISD and Spring Branch ISD. Charlotte and her husband, William Marmaduke Menger, had been married for 54 years. In addition to her husband, Charlotte is survived by six children and seven grandchildren. This info was passed on to us by Tyre "Buddy" Jennings who lives in Houston and keeps us posted on obits of Sunsetters down there. Buddy is a 1939 grad of Adamson. Also, he is a 1954 graduate of Texas A&M.
Lois Maxine Mead Johnson '33 died April 12, 2008 in Dallas. After Sunset, Babe, as she was known by her friends, attended North Texas Agricultural College (now UT-Arlington) and Texas State College for Women (now Texas Womans University). She worked as a secretary/nurse/counselor at Arcadia Park Elementary School. She was a long-time member of Cliff Temple Baptist Church and devoted 50 years of service to the children's department. She is survived by one son, two daughters and three grandchildren.
Clarence Michael "Mike" Brooks, Sr. '64 died April 10, 2008 in Granbury, Trexas. His wife, Shannon Martin Brooks, also was a Sunsetter. They had been married 43 years. Mike owned a plumbing and air conditioning company for many years. Later, he retired from the Dallas County Community College District. In 2004 Mike and Shannon moved to Pecan Plantation near Granbury. Mike was a member of the Pecan Plantation Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to Shannon, he is survived by one daughter and four grandchildren.
Martha Louise Smith Clark '36 died April 8, 2008 in Dallas. She attended John H. Reagan Elementary School. After Sunset, Martha earned a degree in home economics from Texas State College for Women (now Texas Womans University) in Denton. She was an accomplished pianist and organist and was said to have perfect pitch. She attended Kessler Park United Methodist Church where she sang in the Chancel Choir and played piano for the children's choir. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Richard K. "Dick" Clark, four children, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
E. R. "Ruck" Hinson '41 died April 7, 2008 in Dallas. In addition to his home in Kessler Park, Ruck also had a home on Cedar Creek Lake. Ruck was a Naval pilot in World War II and served as a pilot instructor at Pensacola Naval Air Station. After the war, he returned to the family package store business, Buck and Ruck's, on Industrial Blvd., which had been formed by Ruck's father and uncle. Ruck dabbled in other ventures. He was a boxing promoter and managed real estate. He partnered with a couple of brothers he knew at Sunset to operate J's Cafeterias. There was one on the north side of Jefferson Blvd. just west of Hampton Road. There were two others in Dallas and they were eventually purchased by Furr's Cafeterias. He also operated a plumbing company and a concrete business. His wife, Dorothy Woerner Hinson '42, preceded him in death as did a daughter and a son. A granddaughter survives him.
Martha Ann Lacy '48 died March 28, 2008 in Dallas. Her husband, Edward Lacy, Jr. preceded her in death in 2006. They had been married 55 years. She is survived by one daughter, one son, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. I do not have her maiden name at this time. If someone who has\it will send it to me, I will updateit here.
Lillian Allison Butler died on March 13, 2008 in Dallas. She was a member of St. Johns Episcopal Church where she served on the Altar Guild. She was a loan officer for Fannie Mae for over 20 years. She is survived by a son, one daughter, six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. I don't have her class. Will someone please send it to me?
Dr. Eugene C. Winkelmann, husband of Ann Franks Winkelmann '41, died March 8, 2008 in Dallas. He was a graduate of University of Texas-Austin and received his medical degree from Baylor University College of Medicine. He served in the European Theater in World War II and at Brook Medical Hospital in San Antonio. He had his resident specialty training in neuropsychiatry at Beverly Hills Sanitarium in western Oak Cliff and at Parkland Hospital. He and Ann, who is a clinical psychologist, established a medical practice in San Angelo, Texas in 1949. More recently, they had lived in Kerrville, Texas. Dr. Winkelmann and Ann were married for 64 years. In addition to Ann, he is survived by two daughters, one granddaughter and one grandson.
Douglas Craig Hall passed away on March 23, 2008 in Dallas following a valiant battle against brain cancer. Doug was the son of Don Hall and Carolyn Burks Hall, both from the Class of 1952. Doug was a talented musician. He was a jazz pianist, a composer and a recording artist and was internationally known. In addition to his parents, Doug is survived by two sons, a daughter and two brothers.
Helen Caron Shields '54 sent us word of the passing of her brother, Robert "Bob" Morris Caron '53 on March 8, 2008 in Garnett, Kansas. He had been hospitalized with the flu. Bob graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1957 with a degree in geology. He was a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy for four years. He piloted a P2-V submarine-hunter patrol aircraft. After his Navy duty, he joined the marketing division of IBM where he had a successful career. He joined the Garnett Police Department 1998 as a dispatch operator. In addition to his wife of 50 years, Susan Bland Simons, he is survived by three sons, one daughter, one sister, seven grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
We were notified by Tyre Jennings, (Adamson 1939) of Houston of the passing of Frederick P. Billings '40 in Houston. After graduating from Texas A&M in 1961, Fred became a coach at Quitman High School and other East Texas schools. He also pioneered golf camps at Fairway Farm Golf & Hunt Club in San Augustine, Texas. Fred also was a farmer and was a leader in the emerging organic food industry.
John "Jack" Parker '39 died in Dallas on March 7, 2008. Jack saw service in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater in World War II. He went to S.M.U. on the G.I. Bill and graduated in 1948. He and Helen Elizabeth Rivers were married in 1945 and enjoyed 62 years together. Jack attended Tyler Street United Methodist Church for over 50 years. He and Helen were long-time members of the fabled Wedding Ring Class at Tyler Street. Jack retired from Employers Casualty Company in 1981. In addition to Helen, Jack is survived by two children, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Tyre "Buddy" Jennings, Adamson '39, of Houston wrote us that he and Jack go back many years. They were together in the Dallas Naval Rserve Unit and were called to active duty in May 1941. They completed boot camp together and were assigned to a combat troop ship, the USS Crescent City. The Crescent City was in on the first amphibious landings of WW2 at Guadalcanal and the British Solomon Islands on August 7, 1942. They both were Higgins boat coxswains. Later, they both were transferred to the Navy V-12 Navy Officers Training Program and served to the end of the war. Buddy is a Texas A&M graduate, Class of 1954.
Charles L. Childers '42 died in Tyler, Texas on March 3, 2008. Charles served in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II. He was in officer candidate school at Perdue University when the war ended. He received a BBA degree from S.M.U. in 1947. He took graduate studies including graduating from the Senior Bank Officer's School at Harvard. After working for the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas, he moved to Tyler in 1957 to join Republic Bank there. He retired in 1987 after 50 years of service in the banking industry.
He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Human Letters from the University of Texas-Tyler in 1988 in recognition of his work with Texas College and University of Texas Health Center at Tyler Development Fund. He also served as an elected member of the Tyler Independent School District Board from 1971-1976. He was Board president in 1974.
Charles was very active in Tyler civic activities. In 1980 he received the T.B. Butler Award for Most Outstanding Citizen of the City of Tyler. In 2002 he was recognized with the "Heroes of Tyler Public Schools" award.
Chris Kockos '39 died February 29, 2008 in Dallas. During his senior year at Sunset, Chris was cadet regimental executive officer in R.O.T.C. After he graduated he entered the Naval R.O.T.C. unit at the University of Texas-Austin. Later he took flight training and became a Navy pilot. He flew off carriers in the War in the Pacific and rceived numerous decorations and citations. When he returned to civilian life, he joined the Dallas Police Department and retired as Deputy Chief.
Philena Franks Froning '32 died February 24, 2008 in Dallas. She had been employed by Dallas Power & Light and ALCOA. She left no immediate family but is survived by five nephews and two nieces.
Daniel E. Hawk '51 died January 26, 2008 in Chandler, Texas. He and his wife of 57 years, Anne Carol Ten Eyck, were married right out of high school and started a family. Dan worked for Mobil Oil in Dallas and retired in 1989. He obtained his Master's Degree in Engineering from S.M.U. the same year his daughter received her high school diploma. Dan also attended M.I.T. Dan was predeceased by a brother, Richard. In additon to Ann, Dan is survived by one daughter, four grandchildren and a step-brother.
He wasn't a Sunsetter, he went to Crozier Tech, but Raleigh Bailey Blakely, Sr. '42 went to elementary school with a lot of Sunsetters, Lida Hooe I think it was. He passed away February 8, 2008 in Dallas. Raleigh was an outstanding athlete in high school. He played football against Web Feild '42 and Johnnie Hamberger '42 of Sunset. Raleigh went to S.M.U. and played with the great Doak Walker. He played with Johnnie Hamberger there. In an earlier issue of the print newsletter we had a photo of Raleigh and Johnnie in recent years at a Doak Walker memorial function. If I can find it I will republish it. While serving in the Army during World War II, he played on Army football teams. Raleigh had a 57 year career in the real estate business. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Vickie, three sons, one daughter and four grandchildren.
Glenn Earl Mitchell '47 died unexpectedly February 18, 2008 in Dallas following back surgery. He developed a blot clot which passed to his lungs. Glenn was a lifetime resident of Oak Cliff. He and his wife, Charlene, had been married 51years. In addition to his wife, Glenn is survived by two daughters, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one sister.
JonnieLeveve McLarty Dillon '28 died in Dallas on February 16, 2008. Jonnie was a long-time resident of the Kessler Park neighborhood. She is survived by two sons, one grandchild and one sister.
Mary Lois McBride Craig '47 died February 13, 2008 in Brenham, Texas. She previously had lived in Grand Prairie. She was a champion bowler, an avid golfer and a flower gardener. She is survived by her husband, Billy Don Craig, one son and a brother.
J.W. "Dub" Mitchell, Jr. '40 died February 1, 2008. I previously had him listed as Class of 1939 but that was in error. Dub was a World War II veteran having served on B-24s in the 389th Bomb Group. He flew 30 missions over Germany. He was called up as a reservist to serve in Japan during the Korean War. He was a graduate of S.M.U. with batchelors and masters degrees in accounting. He was a Certified Public Accountant for over 40 years.
Michael Anthony Stafford '67 died January 21, 2008 in Dallas. Mike was a proud Marine and a Vietnam veteran. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; two daughters, Beverly and Sondra; a son, Chad; a brother Tim; one sister, Joanna. We have very little info on Mike and have estimated his Sunset class from his date of birth, January 30, 1950. We will appreciate receiving any other details of Mike's like you may care to share.
Gus Lindsey Berry '45 died January 15, 2008 in Duncanville. Gus had lived in the Dallas area his entire life. He retired after 36 years as an accountant with Mobil Oil Co. He attended Cliff Temple Baptist Church and served as organist there for over 46 years. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Wanda Chandler Berry, 3 children and 8 grandchildren.
Randall J. Parrish '41 died January 16, 2008 in Frisco, Texas. Randy and his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Adams '42, were married for 62 years before her passing in August of last year. They had lived in San Marcos for many years until her health declined. In 2002 they moved to Frisco in order that Randy could have help in caring for Marjorie. He served with the U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theater and also in Japan. Randy was an engineering graduate from SMU. He worked for Humble Oil for two years before being recalled for combat duty in Korea. He returned to Humble Oil, now Exxon Corporation, and worked for them for 34 years. Margie and Randy were long-time supporters of our Sunset group. We are pleased to know that these two long-time sweethearts are now reunited in heaven for eternity.
Rosalie Smith Worsham '41 died January 14, 2008 after a brief illness. Rosy had lived in Grand Prairie for the last few years. Before that she had lived in Dallas. She was a founding member of our '38-'47 Sunset alumni group serving as treasurer. Her tight-fisted control of the group's money was legendary and is largely responsibile for the fact that the group has not had an appeal for funds since 1995. Rosy met regularly with the Third Saturday Sunset luncheon group and usually helped register attendees at our annual Roundup in September. The luncheon group will meet at Luby's Cafeteria at Hampton and I-30 after Rosy's 11:00 a.m. services Saturday. You can imagine the Rosalie stories that will be going around the table.
Rosy used to tell how difficult dating was for her while she was at Sunset. Her father was Deputy Chief of Police for Dallas and potential suitors felt they were subject to unusually strict scrutiny from her father. Nevertheless, Rosalie married not too long after she graduated and she and her doctor-husband moved to Grand Prairie where they established the city's first hospital. Rosy became active in historical research activities in Grand Prairie. What she couldn't tell you about Grand Prairie history, Ruthe Thompson Jackson '38 could. Ruthe, as you know is Deputy Pro-Tem Mayor of Grand Prairie. We are grateful for Rosy's community service, her friendsip and her support of Sunset High School.
Bobby Charles Strain '53 passed away in Rowlett, Texas on January 13, 2008. He had been ill for several months. He was a member of the 1950 State Championship Football Team. He served in the U.S. Army for four years and worked for Rockwell-Collins in Richardson. He and his wife, Jeannie, were married for 54 years. In addition to Jeannie, he is survived by three brothers, two children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. I originally had Bobby listed as being of the Class of 1951 but it was pointed out to me that he was in the January 1953 class. Sometimes I have to guess as to folks' class if their obit doesn't give it. My thanks to those who noted my mistake as well as others who have corrected other misinformation I have printed. I want to be accurate and appreciate all help.
Lucille Ethel Spann Kersey '32 died in Frisco, Texas on January 6, 2008. She had been a Blue Bird and Camp Fire Girls leader and a 50-year member of Alpha Psi Tri sorority. She is survived by two daughters, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Gene Garren Freeland, Sr. '46 died January 2, 2008 in Dallas. Gene was a prominent labor leader in Texas. Many politicians as well as state and community leaders sought his advice and support. He had been involved in the War on Poverty and various projects supporting veteran services and aid to the homeless. He had been a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local #69 since 1949. He was elected steward of his local in 1958 and rose to president in 1960. He became business manager of his local in 1962. Gene worked for Dallas Power and Light from 1949 to 1965. He served the Dallas AFL-CIO as financial secretary-treasurer from 1965-1979 and from 1997-2003. His statewide service included his time as labor representative on the Texas Employment Commission from 1985-1987 and vice-president of the Texas AFL-CIO from 1997-2003. Gene is survived by his wife, Victoria, one son and one grandson.
Elizabeth Kimball Tigertt '40 died January 1, 2008 in Clarksville, Texas. Elizabeth was born in Houston but moved to Oak Cliff while a child. While attending NTAC in Arlington, she met Carl Tigertt whom she married in 1948. They made their home in Lancaster, Texas and Elizabeth lived there until 2006. Elizabeth was a legal secretary and retired from Lone Star Gas in 1987. Liz is survived by one daughter, Marty Tigertt Stokes.
Stephen Darryl Kinslow, son of Roy H. Kinslow '42, passed away on September 21, 2007 at Nevada, Texas. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on December 18, 1952. Steve was a 1972 graduate of Richardson High School. He studied music at Richland Community College in Dallas. He was in independent remodeling contractor. In addition to his father and step-mother, Steve is survived by his mother, one son, one sister, three brothers, two step-sisters and one step-brother.
PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED. LISTED BY CLASS
Jimmie Hague '29 passed away on November 11, 2007. His sister, Anita Hague Stinchcombe '43, is a regular at our annual Roundup. Her picture is on the photo page for our last 2007 Roundup. Click here to go to my Sunset web site. Then, click on the navigation link in the left column to get the photo page. When you close the photo page, you will be brought back to this spot. Jimmie had lived in Denver, Colorado for the past fifty-some years, which is a long way from his beginnings in Plainview, Texas. He had a good quality of life to the end. He and Anita took at least five trips to England together while Jimmie was in his 90's. Jimmie not only kept up, he set the pace.
Eileen Mildred "Sammie" Davis '30 died September 9, 2007 in Hidaway, Texas. Sammie was born in Crews in Runnels County, Texas. When she was nine years the family moved to Dallas. After graduating from Sunset, she attended Texas Womens University. She enjoyed her career as a homemaker. In 1997 she moved to Hideaway Lake to be near her daughter Carole Davis Keith and her family. In addition to Carole, Sammie is survived by a son, Jack R. Davis, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.Mildred Pearl Arney Grant '34 passed away December 17, 2008 in Dallas. She worked for several years at Evert's Jewelers. She had lived in Houston, San Antonio, Odessa, Abilene and Duluth, Minnesota, but she always returned to Dallas. She is survived by her son, Paul B. Grant, Jr., 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
We were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of H.H. "Johnny" Johns Jr. '35. In addition to being a Sunset grad, Dr. Johns began teaching foreign language classes in Room 107, where he was a student 10 years before. In 1952 Dr. Johns became the voice of Sunset's bison mascot. He gave his inspirational talk at pep assemblies speaking into a life-sized bison head behind closed curtains. His identity as the voice of the bison was kept secret for fifty years. When his secret identity was revealed in 2002, the 50th-anniversary of his service as the voice, his old room was dedicated in his honor. His speech whipped generations of Sunset homecoming pep rallies into a frenzy. I once heard it several years ago when a group of old-timers were invited to attend a Sunset homecoming pep rally. Dr. Johns left no immediate survivors, only a nephew and niece. I've got his pep talk downloaded somewhere on my computer and I'll print it here when I find it. Check back later.
Louise Abbe Frederick '37 died at her home in Cedar Hill, Texas on December 20, 2007. After Sunset, she attended business school in Dallas. She worked several years for the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas and many dedicated years as an administrative assistant at Tyler Street United Methodist Church in Oak Cliff. She and her husband, R.E. Frederick, Jr. were members of the Wedding Ring Class for 61 years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter and two grandchildren.
Fern Elizabeth Huffman Alsabrook '39 died November 2, 2007 in Collinsville, Oklahoma. Fern had lived most of her life in Dallas and Ellis Counties. She had attended Irwindell United Methodist Church for over eighty years. She grew up in the Beverly Hills area where her father owned a Gulf service station for many years at the corner of W. Davis and Barnett. It was one of the old fashioned kind where where you got your oil checked and windshield cleaned while the gas was pumping. Fern was the consumate volunteer. She served as a den mother, PTA president, preschool teacher, and community care giver. I remember Fern best for the fantastic sugar cookies she always provided for a community event. Fern issurvived by one sister, Norma Lee Pike.
Robert Samel "Sam" Millikan '39 died June 1, 2007 in Houston. His obit was only in the Houston paper. We were notified of his passing by Martha Ann Reynbolds Thomas '39 who was a long time friend of Sam's wife, Inis FloyRea '40. Martha Ann lives in Dallas in the Kiest Park area. Sam and Duane Utgard '39, of Clifton, Texas, were good long time buddies. In addition to Inis, Sam is survived by daughter Pam, of Sugarland, Texas, son Dr. Randy Millikan of Clarksville, Texas and three grand children.
Charles Joseph Robinson, Lt. Col. (Ret.) '39 died September 11, 2007 in Carrollton, Texas. Charles joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served as a fighter pilot in World War II and Korea. He was career military and retired in 1967 after 25 years service. He is survived by two daughters, a sister and a granddaughter.
Barbara Gene Brannan Mole '41 died November 7, 2006 in Mansfield, Texas. After Sunset, Barbara attended NTAC (now UT-Arlington) and Draughans Business College in Dallas. She had worked for several different federal agencies. She had attended Cliff Temple Baptist Church. She moved to Lindale, Texas in 1984. She is survived by one son, Edwin, and daughters Anita and Carol and six grandchildren.
James W. Carson '42 died October 29 in Parker, Collin County, Texas. Jim was a B-17 radar operator/gunner in the European Theater of Operations. His plane was shot down shortly before V-E Day and he was a POW of the Germans for over 30 days. Knowing the war in Europe was coming to a close, the Germans kept the prisoners on the move causing them to march over 200 miles during Jim's capture. Perhaps they planned to use them as bargaining chips in the ultimate surrender that was to come. In any event, it did not work because the victorious Allies demanded unconditional surrender from the Germans. When Jim returned to civilian life, he became a casualty insurance agent and had his own successful independent agency. In 1980 he and his wife, Ellen, moved to Parker, which is northeast of Plano. Although Parker was an incorporated city at that time, it was pretty much farmland. Now it is filled with upscale homes. Jim was an avid bridge player and played regularly at the Richardson Senior Center.
We had to make a correction in Jim's name. It was shown as James L. Carson in his obit in the Dallas Morning News. We knew this was wrong because we had published an item in our Sunset newsletter sent to us by Mary Reitz Bee '41, who lived next door to Jim when they were kids. She recalled that when Jim's mother called him for supper, he would wait until she used his complete name. He then knew it was time to stop playing and get home. I'll try to find the issue that was in and post it here.
Cynthia Blair Croft '43 died October 15, 2007 in Dallas. She had been living in Ovilla, with her son for the last few years. In addition to her son, Cynthia is survived by two grandchildren. Cynthia was a regular at the Last Saturday luncheons of Sunsetters. They meet at the Celebration Restaurant on Lovers Lane near Love Field on the last Satuday of the month (not necessarily the fourth Saturday of the month). Cynthia was one ex-classmate that my wife, who is not from Sunset, could relate to. She and Cynthia were both avid quilters and they both had greatly diminished vision.
Peggy Cunningham Sims '43 died January 3, 2008 in Lewisville, Texas. After Sunset, Peggy attended Texas Womens University in Denton. She married Billy W. (Bill) Sims, who predeceased her, and they moved to Houston. Peggy was a tournament bridge player and volunteered at Hermann Memorial Hospital Northwest in Houston. She is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Interment is in Houston.
I received this late notice that Peggy Jean Griffin Gentry '43 died in November 2005. The notice was sent to me by her daughter, Beth Boulware. I have emailed Beth asking for more details. Peggy is on our newsletter mailing list and it shows her address as Terrell, Texas, I'll let you know if I get additional info.
In the August Newsletter we included an obit for Billie Lucille Waters Sparks but we did not know her class year. Joyce Self Hammett '43 identified Billie as a member of the 1943 class. Here is her complete obituary: "Billie Lucille Waters Brounoff Anastas Sparks '43 passed away June 3, 2007 after a brief, but courageous, battle with lung cancer. She is survived by her husband, William P. Sparks, brother John F. Waters, Jr., six children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service for Billie was held at St. Marks School Chapel on Preston Road in Dallas."
William Raymond Stewart '44 passed away from brain cancer on April 16, 2005 in Dallas. He was an architectural draftsman. Raymond left Sunset at age 17 to join the Navy. He and his buddy Richard Miller, who was 18 at the time, thought that they were about to be drafted so they joined up. That way they would have their choice of services and felt that in the Navy they would be assured of having clean dry sheets to sleep on every night. Raymond was sent to the Pacific Theater where he served as a radioman on an LST. His ship was on its way to participate in the impending invasion of the Japanese mainland when the war was ended. After the war, Raymond took advantage of the G.I. Bill and went to S.M.U. from which he graduated in 1949. It was at S.M.U. that he met his future bride, Margaret Boulboulle. They were married soon after graduation. Margaret notified us of Raymond's passing. She still lives in Dallas.
Walter Floyd Albritton '45 passed away July 25, 2007 in Houston. After Sunset, Walter graduated from S.M.U. with a degree in engineering. As a young engineer, he won the Daniel Mead Award. He practiced engineering in both Dallas and Houston. He was director of the Soap Box Derby in 1959. He is survived by Frances, his wife of 58 years.
Barbara Ann Heitzman Fullwood '46 passed away in Fort Worth, Texas on July 14, 2007. She retired from the Fort Worth Independent School District after more than 20 years service. She and her husband, George, traveled quite a bit after her retirement. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three daughters. This was reported to us by Patsy Burks Berry '46 who worked with Barbara in the FWISD also as a classroom teacher. They were surprised to run into each other as they had not met since high school despite having lived in Fort Worth for many years.
David P. Rainbolt '46 died December 27, 2007 in Bonham, Texas. David was born and raised in Dallas. He was an air policeman during the Korean Conflict. He later retired from the Air Force Reserve after 21 years service. He had an outstanding career in the banking industry and retired as senior vice president of Town North National Bank's Spring Valley Banking Center. His public service included five years on the Lucas, Texas city council and 17 year with the Dallas Police Reserve. In addition to his wife, Beverly, he is survived by two sons, one brother and five grandchildren.
David Roby Chamberlain '47 died unexpectedly on August 23, 2007 in Dallas. He had fallen from his bicycle a few weeks prior and had surgery as a result. He seemed to be doing well and his doctor said he would be back on the bicycle in six weeks. He became ill the night before he passed away and was taken to the hospital. However, he died about midnight. David is survived by his wife, Janette Vandiver Chamberlain '50. David's services were sunday, August 26, 2007.
Miriam Keele Poland '47 died in December 2007 in San Diego, California. That is all the info I have on Miriam. It came to me from Miriam's sister-in-law, Kathrn Sontagg Keough '47 via Rod Moore and Glenn Wamble. If I receive more info I'll post it here.
Robert Claiborne Hancock '49 died December 17, 2007 in Dallas. He served in the U.S. Air Force and later graduated with honors from North Texas State College (now University of North Texas). He had an outstanding career in insurance and retired after 47 years with Connecticut General Life Insurance Co. In addition to his wife, Mary Padgett Hancock, he is survived by three sons and a daughter, one brother, one sister, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Manon Mash Grant '52 died October 13, 2007 in Irving. 
Richard Andrew Click '60 died December 26, 2007 in Dallas. After Sunset, Richard earned a degree in architecture from Texas Tech University. He worked as a commercial contractor for 40 years. He was involved in construction of many prominent buildings and developments nationally. His last project and perhaps the one that will establish his legacy was as Director of Construction for Hillwood Company which conceptualized and built Victory Park in downtown Dallas adjacent to the American Airlines Center. Victory Park is rapidly replacing the West End as a destination area for tourists and locals as well. His services were held at Kessler Park United Methodist Church.
There are bound to be errors or omissions in the listing above. Please let me know so I can make the appropriate corrections. Contact me either by phone or email.