Janis Roberts Thompson

Posted on: Feb 28, 2023 at 3:33 AM

Sweet Richard. Always a smile when our paths crossed. Last saw Richard when he was volunteering for Master Gardeners as he tried to help me pick out plants I would not kill. Been friends since we first met at Piner. I hope your momma Anne was there to greet you. She was the best. Your smile will be missed.

Many years ago, Mark Inman and Jimmy Bartlett became well known names in Sherman. Since they were Dillingham Trojans, I did not really know Mark and Jimmy until we all came together at SHS. Both Mark and Jimmy were talented at sports, and also dropping pencils on the floor in class when all the girls wore mini skirts. They both were cool dudes in their new sporty mustangs, and due to their good looks, they did not have much trouble getting their special gals, Paula and Nargii, out on the town (or the drive in)! 

Paula and Mark were sweethearts in junior high, long before I met them. Paula even told me the first time she saw Mark, dressed up in his Trojan jacket, that she told her friends she was going to marry him. And that she did in 1974. Not long after, came Nat and Lolo.

When I was married to Buddy, we spent most days on the lake. Later, after my divorce from Buddy, I was  found most nights at Mark's and Paula's house on Kessler.  Mark could behave like Archie Bunker at times, (which made me want to kick his butt), but mostly we laughed, cooked, and had fun.  We had great fish fries as he was an avid fisherman, and when I decided to buy a boat, her was instrumental in teaching me boat care. Mark was a great father and truly loved his girls, Nat and Lolo. He was also a good sport...like the time when I told him that the dessert was on the cabinet-later he learned from the girls that those delicious cookies were dog biscuits! Mark's mom and dad were also great friends, and Charlene always gave me a wedding shower (that is the second and third time). Paula and Mark's daughters are like my daughters.

Unfortunately, marriages do not always last forever...I should know.  Divorce was hard for the entire family. But everyone survived, and Mark and Paula remained friends. Mark found Wendy at a class reunion and for the last decade he and Wendy found happiness together. 

Although no longer married, after three decades of life experiences, losing the father of your children has been very difficult for Paula. I too hate to lose another lifelong friend and classmate. I hope that Mark, Jimmy, Riley and Richard are all together again catching up. I miss them all but plan to see them all again someday.

I would have loved to visit with Cliff about old cars. Such a nice guy.

Jeanie and I send you our very best for a great birthday.

Lillie and I were in classes together. I sat next to her in Mrs. Knight's class in the 6th grade at Piner. Such a sweet and shy girl. I visited with her at our 40th reunion. Many prayers to her family and her close friends.

Bill was a sweetheart of a person. Was always there to make you laugh. I would have liked to see him once more and to hear how his life had been. Was so very shocked to learn of his untimely death.

Posted on: Apr 18, 2019 at 12:34 PM

Posted on: Apr 18, 2019 at 12:33 PM

Posted on: Apr 18, 2019 at 12:33 PM

Posted on: Apr 18, 2019 at 12:33 PM

Posted on: Apr 18, 2019 at 12:33 PM

so glad we found you again