Charlotte Grantham (O'Daniel)

Lonny's mom, Beth Watson, passed away July 8th in Canyon.  She was living with Lonny and Faith.  Services will be Wednesday at 3:00 in Amarillo.  She taught school in Kress and Odessa.  While in Tulia she was a Den mother and worked in many other areas of the community.

Ricky's mom, Edna Cox Francies, passed away July 8th also.  She had been battling cancer for several months.  Her husband, John Francies, passed away less than 2 weeks ago.  Her funeral will be in Tulia on Thursday.  Many of you probably had a class with Edna when she was teaching.  Edna had been living in Tulia until her recent illness.  

In order to keep all of us updated, please let us know of any important events in your lives.  

Ka Hughes (Wilfong)

I know everyone knows that we are about to have another Picnic, but what I wish everyone would start thinking about is what they would like to do for next year's Picnic and our 45th Celebration!!  Yes, we are all getting older and our number of years being out of school is growing as well.  As time passes, we need to take advantage of any time that we can all get together and reminisce about "The Good Ole' Days".  We all know how precious memories are and valuable friendships are.  Let's start posting some ideas!!!!!!  

Hope  to see lots of friends at this year's parade.   "Hats Off To Tulia" is the theme.

Ka

Charlotte Grantham (O'Daniel)

I just want everyone to know that Lana Carlton, Jim's wife, passed away last week.  She was a member of the class of 1968.  Jim lives in Tulia.

Cliff Freeman

I just learned that Kenneth Bean passed away yesterday in Leveland.  I spoke to his wife Debbie today.  His funeral will be at the Church of Christ in Leveland on Friday the 6th.  I don't have all of the details of the location of the church or the funeral home.  There will be a viewing on Thursday the 5th.  Let's keep Debbie and her family in prayer!   Cliff

Aliece Sefcik (Lowe)

So, so sad to hear of Kenneth's passing.  I have many fond memories of his smiles and pranks. 

Thank you, Cliff, for the information.

Aliece

Charlotte Grantham (O'Daniel)

Thank you, Cliff, for the update.  I sent an email to the class.  So sad to hear....

Aliece Sefcik (Lowe)

Ugh.  It is 18 frigid degrees in Potwin, Kansas.  BUT, just think July. Tulia. Class Reunion. 45 Years!  We have a tremendous group of people who work hard and harder to make our class reunions as great as they are!  I hope and pray that all of you will mark the date on your calendar and plan to make the trip.  Some of us will be limping in or needing help up the stairs or having to use a donut pillow to sit on but that is okay 'cause we will be among good friends.  Some of us started our relationships as toddlers as our mothers became friends and dragged us along for their visits.  Or we became friends at church. A few were in scouts or 4-H together. Others joined in later, moving in from other communities. We were in classes together, or not, as we continued our journey to graduation.  Some moved away.  Luther Nall went to heaven.  I do remember one other classmate in Junior High who died of diptheria.  Does someone remember her name?  I will try very hard to be there, will you?  Hope so!  I will be the first one to say, I may not remember your names immediately but I will know your sweet faces!  Can't wait for the reunion and hot weather!

Merry, Blessed Christmas

Love,

Aliece 

Bill Kleman

So sorry to hear about Kenneth Bean,  fond memories with Kenneth.   I'll pray for the family.

God bless,   Bill Kleman       I hope to see you at the 45th. 

Mark Degge

The first time I met Kenneth was in September of 1957 when Mrs. Brown assigned us to sit next to each other in the first grade.  He was my first classmate friend.  We both had a crush on Karen Pogue and use to tease Barney Ray Patterson during nap time.  I had very few classes with Kenneth after that but we remained friends.  I don't remember Kenneth ever being anything but cheerful and friendly and I never knew anyone who didn't like him.  We were in band together for many years and he was very competative usually sitting first chair clarinet when he could beat out Sheri Love and we all know how competative she was.......and probably still is!  Kenneth was a big boy but that paled in comparison to his personality and big heart.  He was usually first to volunteer to help anyone out when he could.  I can still see him running around in that white '64 SS he drove.  When I moved from Tulia some of the guys gave me a little going away party and after Kenneth drove us around talking about all of our good times together.  Once when I came back to Tulia to attend Lonny's wedding (his first lol) I walked into the lobby of the church house and heard someone shout out my name.  It was Kenneth.  Not seeing each other for several years we couldn't help but embrace and laughed at how we had changed.  Kenneth was my friend and all of the years that have passed never changed that.  He is gone now and I have felt a loss these last 3 days since reading Cliff's message.  He is gone but will not be forgotten.  So long old friend.

Mark Degge

Charlotte Grantham (O'Daniel)

Thanks, Mark for that sweet tribute to Kenneth. I, too, can remember Kenneth from elementary school. He was always a big teddy bear.

Let's each one of us enjoy those precious memories of days gone by and let's make new memories at our upcoming reunions. 

Sheri Love (Merriman)

Thanks Mark for your memories of Kenneth! Yes he was a Teddy Bear except when it came to that first chair in band. We really competed for that "Throne". I posted on our FB page that it was a friendly war. I don't think even Kenneth knew I couldn't read music! He would have stroked!  At least I didn't have to memorize the music for when we marched!!  When we got to be Freshman we were forced into the second row. We still competed there!! I know he made many,many friends during his life. He was hard not to like! RIP old friend until we meet again.

Ka Hughes (Wilfong)

It is with sad heart that I make the class aware of the passing of Perry Russell. 

Please keep his kids, Jason, Lane, and CJ in your prayers! 

Becky Teel (Milner)

Greetings All -

Just wanted to let you know that hotel rooms in Plainview are going fast!  It looks like Holiday Inn Express just has a few rooms left for the 18th. (I knew I'd never make it back to Tulia for breakfast on Saturday if I drove back to Lubbock Friday night so I decided to check it out.) Clydene is going to stay in Plainview, too, so come join us!  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks!

Nancy Bozeman

Sorry I will miss the reunion this year, have to attend a meeting in Utah.  Have fun!!

Bill Kleman

Where will you be in Utah?    I live in Sandy,  But will be in TX for the reunion. 

Ka Hughes (Wilfong)

Ok class, the countdown has started and we have not gotten very many positive responses. We really need to know who is coming to Picnic this year and how many!!  We have planned everything in town in hopes of more local people attending. Right now we need for the chatter to start and let us know if YOU are coming. Please, please message us here or on our fb page.  

Thanks, Ka

Aliece Sefcik (Lowe)

Wowee.....45 years!!

Regretfully, I cannot attend again!!  I want to thank the classmates that have arranged each and every class reunion since graduation!  Everyone is busy, busy each summer and for this group of dedicated people to set aside their lives to plan this great event is amazing!  

And, I know that they all spend not only time and effort but they also have and have had reunion expenses to cover over the years.  In addition, when a beloved classmate leaves us, there is always a memorial from our class, whether it be flowers or money to a designated fund.  If you are able, I urge you to send a donation of any amount to Charlotte O'Daniel, 1320 FM 1424, Tulia 79088. She maintains the class fund and whatever is not covered by that fund will come out of someone's pocket to make sure the family knows we remember and we care....

I really am grateful to these awesome, dear friends of so many years that they care and love us...the THS Class of '69! 

Wishing y'all a fun, fun time!!!

Aliece

Richard Edwards

I will definitely be at the reunion but need to wait a little while to know Jo Beth's schedule before we do the booking for the specific events.

Richard Edwards

Charlotte Grantham (O'Daniel)

So glad you can come, Richard. I hope Jo Beth can too. 

Thanks, -Aliece for the comments on the expenses. We will also be paying reunion locations as well as for some of the food. 

I am so sorry you are unable to come. I am so appreciative of your support, comments, encouragement. I would really like to see you. 

Terry Hall

Charlotte,

Looking forward to the 45th, doesn't seem like that much time has passed!  Just wanted to drop a note, that I am in the area and will be glad to help out with anything you need for this reunion.  Just give me a shout!

Charlotte Grantham (O'Daniel)

Hey Terry, so glad you are coming.  I will be setting up tables at the American Legion sometime on Thursday evening or Friday.....not sure yet.  I will get back to you if you have time to help out.  I am picking up the key on Thursday at 5:00.  I might just do it then since I will already be there.

Give me a call at 681-0561.....

See you very soon.  

Joe Don Morris

I'm going to try and be there for at least awhile on Saturday.  My buddies want us to do another parade formation flight. Hopefully I can at least do that. Retirement is keeping me busy. 

Sharon Stout (Curry)

How many are 

coming. Do you have a list. I will be by myself until sat night, so change my responses. Thanks

Charlotte Grantham (O'Daniel)

Joe Don. Can't wait to see your group fly over. Everyone really enjoys that. Please join us all you can Saturday. 

Stout, we have 25 classmates signed up so far. Some are bringing someone. Still hoping for more 

I will change yours. Can't wait to see you. 

Richard Eggemeyer

Charlotte,

What would we do without you pulling on the rope?  I nominate you as Perpetual Cass President and hope you will continue to organize us in the hereafter.  I have been contemplating driving in from Washington, but alas, that is not going to work since I would need to be on the road by now.  I hope you all have a goog time.

Richard Eggemeyer