|
"The years we've shared have been full of joy,
The memories we've made will go on and on...." C Kocler
Perhaps you are aware of one (or more) of our classmates who has passed away and would like to honor that person with a tribute. You may also add your thoughts to those memorials which have already been entered by clicking on the appropriate button below the memorial.
To have your name listed with the comments you make, type it at the bottom of the text you enter and then click submit.
_______________________________
|
Sort by:
Pat AlexanderDecember 7th, 1945 - January 13th, 2020
|
|
|
| |
|
Add A Tribute to Pat Alexander
|
|
Obituary | |
|
http://www.owensandbrumley.com/obituary/pat-alexander |
|
Tribute | |
Carl AndersonJuly 16th, 1946 - May 29th, 2016
|
|
|
| |
Obituary | |
|
Carl Alan Anderson passed away peacefully in his bed Sunday evening May 29, 2016. Carl was born July 17, 1946 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was the younger of two sons of Evelyn and R.G. Anderson. He is survived by his children Theresa Anderson of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin; Robert Anderson of Lowell, Arkansas; and Abbie Anderson of Waco, Texas; by his brother and sister-in-law Karen and Bob Anderson of Cedar Park, Texas and by four grandchildren Elaina, Kylie, Braxton and Ethan; as well as two nieces, three cousins and many devoted friends. Carl graduated from Wichita Falls Senior High School in 1964. He attended Texas Tech before enlisting in the Navy in 1969. He volunteered for deployment to the Antarctica and received the Antarctic Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, serving in the Naval Reserve until 1973. Carl had many different careers, but was most proud of receiving his Paralegal Degree in 2008. The family owes a debt of gratitude to all of his friends at Saint Anne Episcopal Church of DeSoto, Texas, his friends in AA and all of the staff at Millbrook Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster, Texas. |
|
Tribute | |
| From Leah Van Driest on May 31st, 2016 | |
| I am so sorry to hear of Carl's passing. Deepest sympathy to his family. | |
| From Mike Wagoner on May 31st, 2016 | |
)
|
I knew Carl since elementery school. We were always friends. He was a good guy. I did my best along with Frank Harvey to track him down for the "64" reunion. The last time we were in contact with each other was a phone call in the late seventies. Carl and I were both with Operation Deepfreeze Antarctica. Carl was on a "winter over crew" but his plane crashed at McMurdo Station Antarctica on 8 October 1970. He was injured (believe he broke his arm) and had to be sent back to the states. I tried to locate him in Christchurch, New Zealand but was told he had been medevac'd. There was no internet back then (1970) so it was near impossible to track someone down in the Navy when you were not sure where they were. I had flown on the same aircraft just a few weeks earlier. I have attached a picture of the plane. It was a Super Constellation with the name Pegusus. The following link tells you a bit about the crash & wreckage: http://www.urbanghostsmedia.com/2011/02/crashed-lockheed-constellation-pegasus-pegasus-field-antarctica/ My condolences to his family. Wish we could have talked more over the years. Rest in peace Carl. |
Nancy Piazza (Biggi) |
|
|
Nancy passed away very unexpectedly of a brain tumor 9 years ago. We met as Jrs. at WFHS in 1962. We were roomies in 1964 at North Texas University in Denton, TX. Our daughters were each other's namesake. She and her husband, Pat Piazza, lived in Cayote, TX, about 11 miles from Valley Mills. She loved ranching life and was passionate about raising her miniature donkeys and Margarita the baby fawn she raised with a baby bottle until adulthood. She was a wife, mother, musician, and the dearest friend EVER. Still miss her.
Jan Clark Poore
| |
Obituary | |
|
|
|
Tribute | |
Maria Celeste Strom (Bourgeois)March 5th, 1946 - February 22nd, 2013
|
|
|
Maria passed away just recently from many health problems that started in an automobile accident years ago. She and I and several others have all been friends since 3rd grade at Alamo. She left WFHS at the end of her junior year, but returned later to finish her senior year. She will be missed by many and was a great friend. She told me whenever I see a 'cardinal' to know that she was watching over me!
Barbara Weil Wicker
| |
Obituary | |
|
|
|
Tribute | |
Jerry FergusonAugust 31st, 1946 - February 11th, 2020
|
|
|
| |
Obituary | |
|
http://www.owensandbrumley.com/obituary/pat-alexander |
|
Tribute | |
Nick Gholson1946 - October 13th, 2013
|
|
|
"Nicky Don" as I knew him was my friend. We became aquainted at Austin Elementary School in 1952 (2nd grade) and were friends since then. We played in the band together, were on the same baseball team, and went to college together. What a great friend who knew no strangers. We spoke just a few short weeks ago about the death of a fellow classmate. I will always remember him.
| |
Obituary | |
|
|
|
Tribute | |
| From Don "Bubba" Whatley on June 12th, 2014 | |
| Nick was a personality of his own with quick wit & humor on any subjct matter. It was destined for Nick to be in the newpaper business. I first met Nicky at the Central Boys Club in Wichita Falls where he was assigned to cover the boxing matches and after one of my matches Nick knew when I first moved to wichita falls I lived in the Eastside Projects until the 3rd grade and he asked me if that was where I learned to be a tough fighter and I said no that was where I learned to be very fast, from there he and I became good friends. I knew Nick to become a good christian man as life went on and if you knew him you miss his friendship & humor. God Bless his soul. | |
Suzie Bloss (Hanna) |
|
|
Wilma Sue “Suzie” Hanna Bloss passed from this life and into eternity with her Lord Jesus Christ on February 22, 2011. She was surrounded by her family as she lost a final battle against respiratory failure. So many of her Wichita Falls classmates bonded together to provide prayer and encouragement during this time and they have my deepest gratitude for the strength and support that was so freely given.
Suzie was born on November 20, 1945 in Wichita Falls, Texas to A.C. Hanna and Wilma Angel Hanna. She was raised in Wichita Falls and was a proud member of the WFHS Class of ’64. She attended Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls studying psychology. Following school she went to work for the J.C. Penney Company in Dallas.
While visiting a friend in Wichita Falls on June 3, 1967, she met a young soldier who managed to get her address. Four dates and three months later she married me…..Terry Bloss. Suzie and I shared our lives and love for almost 44 years. From that love came two daughters, Tanya and Tami.
That love also led us to open our home and hearts to many others. After leaving the military Suzie and I returned to Texas and entered the ministry. Together we worked in youth ministry and established the Koinonia Home for Girls in Dallas to provide a home and help to dozens of young girls. Three of those girls, Joyce, Lucy and Margaret, became ours for life. In the early 80’s we shared the Lord’s work in East Texas as I became the pastor of Allen’s Point Baptist Church and Suzie served as a teacher and church pianist. The work there led us to offer a home to teenage boys. Three of them, Gerry, Clayton and Roger became our sons. Our family has grown to include eight children, 19 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
Suzie gave her heart and life to Christ as a young girl in Wichita Falls, and she continued to grow in the faith and love for Christ throughout her life. She became a dedicated student of the scriptures and an enthusiastic and energetic teacher of numerous Sunday School classes and Bible studies. She also did public speaking throughout the North Texas area. During the Vietnam War she did volunteer work at the Dallas Veterans’ Hospital and later in life spent years with Literacy Instruction for Texas teaching adults to read and write. She spent countless hours counseling and touching the lives of all those God brought to her. She always had a willing ear and an open heart.
Suzie spent her working life as a talented Executive Assistant and Office Manager in Texas, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. Her clerical, organizational, and management skills always made her employers comfortable giving her more responsibility and contributed significantly to the success of those for whom she worked.
Suzie’s propensity to take in strays also included the animal kingdom. Over the years we have had dogs, cats, doves, a parrot, guinea pigs, and hamsters. The dogs were always the recipients of a special love…..and most of her meals…..and a sizeable portion of our bed.
Suzie was a remarkable woman to share life with. She brought so much love, joy, laughter, encouragement, enlightenment, comfort and care to me and so many others. She would have loved to be there for this 50th Reunion to see old friends and share old memories. She spoke fondly so often of days as a WFHS Coyote. Through her I’ve gotten to know many of you as well, and I look forward to meeting more of you at the reunion.
Thank you for the impact you had on her life, and for the friendship shown to me.
Terry Bloss
| |
Obituary | |
|
|
|
Tribute | |
Anne Weidig (Harkey) |
|
|
Anne passed away a few years ago from Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. She was my Kappa Alpha Theta roommate at TCU for 2 years. She and her husband, Charles, lived in Baton Rouge, LA., where she taught English at the Episcopal Day School. They have 2 daughters, Laura and Amy, and one granddaughter. She was a good friend, and I miss her.
Leah Allen Van Driest
| |
Obituary | |
|
|
|
Tribute | |
| From Leah Van Driest on February 22nd, 2013 | |
The above memorial to Anne Harkey was submitted by Leah (Allen) Van Driest.
|
|
Raymond L. "Pinky" Hennan, Jr.December 31st, 1945 - April 18th, 2012
|
|
|
Beloved son, husband, cousin and friend. Pinky served 4 years in the Air Force in the K-9 Corps.,and was stationed overseas in Guam and the Phillippines durning the Vietnam War with his dog Lux. He worked for PPG Industries for 36 years. He was always helpful and had a big smile. He loved his special cousins, Sherry, Michelle, Nedra, Christie, Donna, and his life long friend Gary (Goose). Pinky loved his dog Bronson and enjoyed riding his Harley. We loved him so very much and he has left a void in our hearts that cannot ever be filled.
Sherry Perry, Cousin
| |
Obituary | |
|
|
|
Tribute | |
Edward HinchJuly 16th, 1946 - November 24th, 2015
|
|
|
| |
Obituary | |
|
CW4 Edward L. Hinch passed away 11/24/2015 in Ft Worth Texas. Ed had a Formal Military Funeral and was buried at the US Miliary Cemetery in Grand Prarie, TX. |
|
Tribute | |
Sylvia Simpson (Kilman)February 19th, 1946 - October 29th, 2007
|
|
|
| |
Obituary | |
|
Sylvia passed very suddenly from high blood pressure and a vessel that burst. She is still missed today by her husband of 42 years, Benny and son Shannon, grandson Keller and sisters Sherry Fincher and Carol Kilman and many friends in Irving where she devoted her life to teaching for more than 30 years.
Benny
|
|
Tribute | |
Danny MooreNovember 25th, 1945 - August 23rd, 2010
|
|
|
Danny Moore
November 25, 1945 - August 23, 2010
Danny Moore was my friend.
I remember seeing him in the first grade (1952-53) at Crockett School, but we were in different home rooms. In the second grade we became friends in Mrs. Lois Martin's class. As it turned out, we only lived a few blocks from each other - a fact that became important one fateful second grade afternoon. You see, Danny and I followed Stanley Garlick from school to see his "mountain hideout" on the hillside between Westlake and Beverly Drive. The problem was that Stanley ran off and left us there, and neither of us knew the way home. Finally, we found someone who could tell us how to get to Don Hanvey's house on Hayes. Danny said that he could get to his house on Buchanan from Don's, and I knew how to get to my house on Fillmore from Danny's. It was an adventurous day for two seven-year-old "Beaver Cleavers".
We remained friends throughout the awkward years of growing up, throughout college (although I went to UT Austin and Danny went to Midwestern), and throughout our adult lives. He always had an encouraging word when life's problems arose even as he faced many difficulties himself.
I served as Danny's "Best Man" in his first wedding, and he was a groomsman in mine. I designed his house, and he was my accountant for thirty-five years. He had his father, banker N. A. Moore, write a letter of recommendation for me when I first bought a house. The Moores and Danny visited me in Austin when I was a freshman at UT and bought me the best meal that I had that year.
Danny was an astute accountant, often seeing problems or opportunities that others overlooked. In 1995, I became responsible for a widowed aunt who had Alzheimer's and had not filed a tax return in three years. Danny sorted through my aunt's myriad financial records and sought the cooperation of the IRS. A belligerent IRS agent threatened to take my aunt to court at which time Danny told the agent that he would be happy to meet him in court. Danny explained that the IRS agent could bring his people in and Danny would bring an 88-year-old widow with Alzheimer's in a wheel chair to court to meet twelve tax-paying jurors. The IRS agent reconsidered and became surprisingly cooperative.
Danny served many clients throughout the United States. When my father was 81 and needed heart bypass surgery, Danny recommended having one of his clients, a young cardiovascular surgeon in Wichita Falls named Dr. Cunningham, perform the surgery. The doctor was excellent and later moved to California to a prestigious advanced residency. However, he remained a client of Danny's firm.
"Dr. Phil" McGraw became Danny's client when he lived in Wichita Falls, and that relationship as both client and friend continued until Danny's death. When Danny was diagnosed with melanoma, "Dr. Phil" personally arranged for Danny to be treated for several years at the John Wayne Cancer Center in California. I don't know how many surgeries Danny had there, but they were numerous and challenging.
There are too many significant stories to tell about Danny in this venue. Whether he was preparing a widow's tax return in Wichita Falls or negotiating a television contract in Hollywood, he was the same Danny Moore always. Suffice it to say that he was a loyal and trusted friend whose business demeanor concealed a warm-hearted gentleman who would help anyone in need and never say a word about it.
"O Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side.
The summer's gone and all the roses falling;
It's you, it's you must go and I must bide."
Danny Moore was my friend.
Milton Powell
April 10, 2013
| |
Obituary | |
|
|
|
Tribute | |
Gayla Morris (Norris)November 14th, 1946 - January 21st, 2013
|
|
|
Gayla Morris (Norris), a true angel on earth, left us on January 21, 2013. She was always smiling, always kind and was one of our “class beauties” whose beauty permeated from the inside out. Anyone fortunate to have known Gayla would have been impacted by the depth of her faith, by her gentle strength and her beautiful smile. She made a difference. Her marriage to Howard Morris, class of ’64, was one of those rare unions that we don’t often see. They resided in Wichita Falls, having 2 lovely daughters and 5 grandchildren. Gayla was a true friend to anyone who ever knew her. She had a natural gift for caring deeply, knowing exactly what to say to make her friends feel empowered and worthy. In 2002 Gayla was diagnosed with a rare cancer and her prognosis was not good. Her strong spirit and inability to accept what she was told led her to a specialist in New York City. The combination of her incredible faith, the excellent medical care that she received and the love from her wonderful family and friends gave her 9 rich years that allowed time for her to inspire many people by her love of God and her extraordinary wisdom. I was one of those fortunate people who got to know her extremely well during those 9 years. I am a better person because of her, and she will always be a part of me.
Pam Wolfson Johnson
| |
Obituary | |
|
|
|
Tribute | |
| From Pam Wolfson Johnson on April 30th, 2014 | |
)
|
Gayla will be in my heart always and will be missed terribly at our reunion. |
Jimmy PowersOctober 28th, 1945 - February 29th, 2016
|
|
|
| |
Obituary | |
|
James B. Powers |
|
Tribute | |
| From Michael Jenkins on March 6th, 2016 | |
| Jim and I crossed paths in the spring of 59. 7th grade boys across the city met at Zundy JHS to showcase skills to the football coaches. Jim and a few othrs were a lock to make the team while the rest of us were full of hope. For the nest 5 years we were classmates, teammates, and friends. Jim and his large family accepted me in their home, and my late mother loved him (and Sam) as her own. High school events are somewhat dazed and confused, but memories of Jim are of fun and fondness. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends. Mike Jenkins |
|
| From Susan Sullivan on March 4th, 2016 | |
| Jimmy was such a huge part of my high school experience amd I've never forgotten the wonderful years we had together in the Class of '64. He was my "Sweet Sixteen" love and it doesn't get better than that! Jimmy was always ready to have a good time and made everyone he met feel special. I remember so many things- the Coyotes our senior year and how fast he could outrun the defense! the nights at P-4 when we girls would chase the boys and he always got away! The hayrides and the dances (he loved a party!). His love of life was contagious! I will miss him and I'm sorry our paths never crossed after high school. My thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy's family. | |
| From Patricia Anderson on March 4th, 2016 | |
| I was sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. He was unforgettable part of our class. Condolences to his family. | |
| From Connie Ellison (Wagnon) on March 3rd, 2016 | |
| When I remember Jimmy, I smile. As Pam said, if you were in the class of '64 at WFHS, you knew Jimmy. I can still see him in his letter jacket. He was such a huge part of our class and someone I'll never forget. | |
| From Raymond Wallander on March 3rd, 2016 | |
)
|
I could never forget Marcellus, Harold Hill's loyal friend, in the Music Man. Perhaps that was the role (among many accomplishments) which resulted in his selection as one of the Best Thespians of 1964 (Along with Milton Powell and Jerri Holder Sparks). All of us will forever remember that smile and voice of encouragement. |
| From Milton Powell on March 3rd, 2016 | |
| I would second everything that Pam said about Jimmy. Beyond that, I would add that he never met a stranger. It didn't matter what your station in life was, Jimmy always counted you as a friend. | |
| From Deana Mattingly Blackburn on March 3rd, 2016 | |
| Many memories of Jimmy come to me. But, the most vivid are our times of fervent debate. In the Thespian Room. Whenever Mrs. Moss was distracted or out of the room. I am sure God smiled as Jimmy and I tried to convert each other. I, a Baptist preacher's daughter, and he, well, a "good Catholic." I'm sure we had other conversations, but those are the ones I remember most fondly. Since we both seemed to feel that the course of the universe depended on our correcting/converting each other. Before I headed to Baylor and he to NDU. Alas, our efforts were futile. I do regret that our lives did not intersect later so we could have enjoyed a more balanced friendship. Jimmy and my brother Don were on the Coyote football team together (and I'm confident never discussed theology). So I was aware of Jimmy's athletic abilities, and spent hours in various athletic venues watching him. He was definitely a leader in our class and ready for fun 24/7. He was annoyingly intelligent. Never seeming to have to work to do well and make great grades. Charming the teachers was also one of Jimmy's gifts. But surely that had nothing to do with his great grade point. The one teacher he could not charm was Mattye Mae Haynie, the COYOTE yearbook sponsor. Built like a tank and hypervigilant to any hint of impropriety on her watch, she manually blacked out (pre-Photoshop) Jimmy's hand on the shoulder of Susan Sullivan, his co-class favorite. Still, one of my favorite parts of our senior annual. How did we manage to sneak by Mattye Mae the reference to "camoflaged distilleries" in the chemistry class photo? I think the thing I shall always value the most about Jimmy was his smiling kindness. Even though he was the popular guy in the class, he was never aloof. He was thoughtful and interested in everyone. I wish I knew how that trait played out over the trajectory of his life on earth. I look forward to Heaven for time to catch up with him. Rest in peace, Jimmy. Or, brush up with the Holy Fathers who have gone before to get ready for our discussions. Until then... |
|
| From Pam Wolfson Johnson on March 3rd, 2016 | |
| Jimmy was someone who will always be remembered by anyone who was a '64 graduate. He was bigger than life - not in stature but in personality! He was fun to be around, always the life of the party; a natural born athlete and leader. He also had a heart of gold and certainly made an impresson on all of the lives he touched. I had not seen him in a very long time, but as the unforgettable person that he was, he will always hold a special place in my bank of memories. I know he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences extend to his wonderful family. | |
| From Laura Key (Cooper) on March 3rd, 2016 | |
| So sad to hear of Jimmy's passing. He was a great guy. | |
John RungeSeptember 9th, 1945 - July 17th, 2004
|
|
|
John H. Runge married Elizabeth White, class of '65, in February 1969, after graduating from UT Austin. He started his banking career in Houston and made an impact state wide by serving in several offices and boards. | |
Obituary | |
|
|
|
Tribute | |
W.T. WetselNovember 15th, 1945 - September 23rd, 2013
|
|
|
W.T. Wetsel was a friend of mine. We met in 1952 (snd grade) at Austin Elelmentary and were friends from that time on. We played in the band at Reagan Jr. High and attended thre Sr. High together. I didn't see W.T. very often after High School, but when we did have occasion to "bump" into each other, he always had a good word and a big smile. When we were kids, we played baseball together ans for those who remember,W.T. wasn't the biggest or the tallest among us, but He did have a great sense of humor and loved to laugh! I'll not forget him.
| |
Obituary | |
|
|
|
Tribute | |
Darryl (Butch) Wayne WiseJuly 25th, 1946 - June 9th, 2006
|
|
|
Darryl, Butch, was a good man. He raised two great daughters and grandson, The Grandson, also passed 8 months after him. He took good care of his Mom, who preceeded him in death. He worked hard all his life and was married to me ( Brenda) for 38 yrs. He helped me with both of my elderly parents and never said an unkind word. He loved his wife , daughters, grandsons, granddaughter, parents on both sides, his sons-in-law and my brothers and sister. He treated every one as a friend and is in our hearts forever. He will always be missed. He passed away unexpectedly of a blood clot in his stomach. Brenda Wise (wife) | |
Obituary | |
|
|
|
Tribute | |
| From Carolyn Criswell Beaty on September 13th, 2014 | |
| Darryl was my neighbor. George Burnett picked up Darryl every morning for school and many, many times they allowed me to ride with them. We shared many laughs together on our way to school. Very fond memories! He was a very good person when I knew him. Sorry for your loss. Carolyn Criswell- Beaty |
|