Lester wanted to report that he quit having birthdays many years ago but he did say on July 5, 2008 he would celebrate the 44th anniversary of his 21st Birthday. Pretty neat Huh? Now go figure that one out.
Lester we hope you have a very Happy Birthday # 65 and may you celebrate many more anniversaries from that 21st birthday of yours. Best Wishes in the years to come.
June 30, 2008
June 28, 2008
Becky Odom Goodwin
Becky and JoAnn Rouch Worley took a mini-vacation to San Antonio last weekend. They drove down and enjoyed three fun filled days.
Becky and JoAnn have lost close loved ones recently so they decided to take this little get-a-way trip to relax and enjoy themselves. While they were in San Antonio they looked up classmate Joan Phillips Busick who was one of Becky's best friends at Fair Park. Becky said she had not seen Joan since high school so it was great to see her again.
The three good friends spent the first two nights together sight seeing and eating at various places. They had free tickets to a sports bar named "Howl at the Moon" that Becky's son had recommended. She said they probably didn't howl as loud as her son would have, but it was a fun diversion for all of them. They went to a comedy club the next night.
Becky said Joan has two beautiful daughters and three precious grandchildren. One of Joan's daughters met them the second night and took a couple of pictures so they can hardly wait to see them. Also they are trying to get Joan to commit to coming to the next reunion since she has not been able to come to many in the past.
On the third day Becky and JoAnn went to Sea World and JoAnn insisted that they ride one more roller coaster in their lifetime. So guess who rode the Steel Eel? This was the only one that Becky says they did not get wet on and she was sure glad that was the last one. Becky says she thinks she's just about too old for those rides anymore.
Glad it was a fun mini-vacation and Becky you and JoAnn are never too old to ride those rides. Enjoy them while you can. Glad also that you found Joan Phillips Busick. We all need to do that with our old friends.
The photos were received on 6/30/08 and added to Album 02 of the Photos page of the class website.
Jackie Jones
Jackie wanted to share with the class that there was an announcement made at his church in Shreveport that the flowers on the sanctuary alter this week were given to the glory of God for the wedding of Casey Jo Crowder to Michael Andrew Thompson of Dallas, Texas and in the memory of Orval A. Crowder who was the father of Casey Jo.
As you all might remember Orval Crowder graduated with the class of 1961 from Fair Park High School and was married to our fellow classmate, Sharon Keszler Crowder, for many years before his death in 1997. They were always so proud of Casey Jo and with good cause as she was elected Miss Louisiana 2002. What an honor that was for the family and we hate Orval did not live to see that honor and also Casey Jo's wedding to a fine young man. We know he is watching down over the weekend events with his sweet smile.
We would like to offer our Congratulations to the newly weds and to Sharon our love. We send wishes to all of you for happiness in the future.
Thanks to Jackie for keeping us abreast of the news.
As you all might remember Orval Crowder graduated with the class of 1961 from Fair Park High School and was married to our fellow classmate, Sharon Keszler Crowder, for many years before his death in 1997. They were always so proud of Casey Jo and with good cause as she was elected Miss Louisiana 2002. What an honor that was for the family and we hate Orval did not live to see that honor and also Casey Jo's wedding to a fine young man. We know he is watching down over the weekend events with his sweet smile.
We would like to offer our Congratulations to the newly weds and to Sharon our love. We send wishes to all of you for happiness in the future.
Thanks to Jackie for keeping us abreast of the news.
June 24, 2008
Jackie Jones
Jackie wanted to ask if anyone in the class remembers Emmett Traylor? Emmett is in the 1960 FPHS yearbook. Jackie remembers that Emmett died while swimming in the gravel pits in Minden.
Jackie was trying to located this information for the memorial page of the class website. Emmett was a good friend of Gordon Hallmark if any of you remember him also.
Please let Jackie know if you have any information on Emmett. He would surely appreciate the help.
Jackie was trying to located this information for the memorial page of the class website. Emmett was a good friend of Gordon Hallmark if any of you remember him also.
Please let Jackie know if you have any information on Emmett. He would surely appreciate the help.
June 22, 2008
Linda Terry
I just wanted to share with the class my past weekend experience with 'Elvis'. Maybe I should just say Elvis wannabe's during four rounds of the contest for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2008.
This contest is a local event put on by Elvis Presley Enterprises and it brought 13 Elvis impersonators donned in elaborate 1970's era jumpsuit's and silk scarves that Elvis is best remembered for wearing.
The contestants came from different places all over the country and arrived in different sizes and shapes. The contestant that came the longest distance was from England and the one that came the closest was 28 minutes away. The youngest contestant was only 24 and the oldest you could only imagine.
I sat for 11 hours Friday listening and watching the top 13 compete in two rounds. I sat six hours Saturday morning until the judges (which should have been me) chose the top five for the final round Saturday night where I sat another six hours to see who the Ultimate Elvis would be.
The winner, Kevin Mills from Toronto, had the slim and energetic look of a young Elvis stuffed into a white jumpsuit. He was my choice from the 1st round Friday and I was sure glad to see him win. He now goes to the semi-finals and possibly the finals in Memphis during Elvis week 2008 in August. I will surely cheer him on there as I'll be sitting on the front row.
I had such a wonderful time during the two days of the contest and actually won $100 for my head full of knowledge on Elvis. But for all my screaming like I was 16 again I now have no voice whatsoever for all my love for Elvis. All I have to say is "Elvis, Thank You, Thank You Very Much for the memories."
This contest is a local event put on by Elvis Presley Enterprises and it brought 13 Elvis impersonators donned in elaborate 1970's era jumpsuit's and silk scarves that Elvis is best remembered for wearing.
The contestants came from different places all over the country and arrived in different sizes and shapes. The contestant that came the longest distance was from England and the one that came the closest was 28 minutes away. The youngest contestant was only 24 and the oldest you could only imagine.
I sat for 11 hours Friday listening and watching the top 13 compete in two rounds. I sat six hours Saturday morning until the judges (which should have been me) chose the top five for the final round Saturday night where I sat another six hours to see who the Ultimate Elvis would be.
The winner, Kevin Mills from Toronto, had the slim and energetic look of a young Elvis stuffed into a white jumpsuit. He was my choice from the 1st round Friday and I was sure glad to see him win. He now goes to the semi-finals and possibly the finals in Memphis during Elvis week 2008 in August. I will surely cheer him on there as I'll be sitting on the front row.
I had such a wonderful time during the two days of the contest and actually won $100 for my head full of knowledge on Elvis. But for all my screaming like I was 16 again I now have no voice whatsoever for all my love for Elvis. All I have to say is "Elvis, Thank You, Thank You Very Much for the memories."
June 21, 2008
Patricia Dale Lang Backest
Shreveport Times
June 21, 2008
SHREVEPORT, LA - PATRICIA DALE LANG BACKEST, 66, formerly of Denton, Texas passed away in Leander, Texas on Thursday, June 18, 2009 after a lengthy illness. Visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home - Southside Chapel, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday, June 21, 2009 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. A funeral service celebrating Patricia's life will be held on Monday, June 22, 2009 at 10:00am at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel. Interment will follow at Centuries Memorial Park.
Patricia was born May 26, 1943 in Shreveport, Louisiana to the late Charles and Dorothy Willis Lang. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Gary Backest. Patricia enjoyed spending time figuring out crossword puzzles and other games involving numbers and spending time with family and friends. Patricia and her husband, Gary lived in Denton for a number of years. She worked for the Denton Housing Authority as a District Apartment Manager.
Patricia leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Tracy Corral and husband Robert, Monica Brown and Laura Lee Backest; son, James Backest; sister, Leilani Turner and husband Bob; brother, Wesley Lang and wife Susie; grandchildren, Wes and Gabe Corral, Brytan Backest, Jeffrey Allen Brown, and one more on the way, J. B. Backest; along with a host of other loving family members and friends.
June 20, 2008
Wanda Pool Graziadei
Wanda wanted to share with the class that she just got back from the ROT (Republic of Texas) Biker Rally last weekend. Wanda says it was really something to see as there were about 80,000 bikes with riders that showed up.
The Charlie Daniel's Band played on Saturday night miles out of town where the vendors, custom bikes, and the campgrounds were located. She said there were RV's by the thousands along with tents everywhere. That was a sight to see. She said that her group of friends stayed in a hotel close to downtown Austin and took a taxi to see the big parade. After the parade it was party time for all. What a fun weekend it was and she is still trying to catch up with her rest.
Wanda is going to the Willie Nelson picnic on July 5th and is hoping to have just as much fun. She knows what real fun is now.
Have a good time Wanda and think about your ole school friends while you are having all the fun.
The Charlie Daniel's Band played on Saturday night miles out of town where the vendors, custom bikes, and the campgrounds were located. She said there were RV's by the thousands along with tents everywhere. That was a sight to see. She said that her group of friends stayed in a hotel close to downtown Austin and took a taxi to see the big parade. After the parade it was party time for all. What a fun weekend it was and she is still trying to catch up with her rest.
Wanda is going to the Willie Nelson picnic on July 5th and is hoping to have just as much fun. She knows what real fun is now.
Have a good time Wanda and think about your ole school friends while you are having all the fun.
June 19, 2008
Johnny Newberry
Johnny seems to be in good spirits and fair mind at the nursing home he's in. He is still very weak and still needs a lot of rest but he looks good and is able to walk across his room. He has sure come a long way in the past few weeks.
Please keep up the healing Johnny and our prayers and thoughts are still with you daily.
Please keep up the healing Johnny and our prayers and thoughts are still with you daily.
June 15, 2008
Johnny Newberry
Johnny has been moved from the VA Hospital to a Guest House. He is holding his own for now. He will stay there a few days and then hopefully be move to a nicer facility in Bossier City.
Our prayers are with you Johnny to make a full recovery very soon. God Bless.
Our prayers are with you Johnny to make a full recovery very soon. God Bless.
Willis & Nancy Dear
Willis and Nancy wanted to share with the class that they are now retired from their duties with the Methodist Church. Willis was a pastor for many years in Methodist churches in North and South Louisiana.
Willis said it felt a little strange this past week when he didn't have to get up and go to work at the church every day. But he is enjoying his free time. He and Nancy attended First Methodist in downtown Shreveport this past Sunday. Willis said it was very nice to be welcomed from the pulpit by Pastor Pat Day. However, Willis said the best part was he and Nancy were welcomed by so many in the congregation who remembered them.
Willis said he and Nancy have decided to make this their year. They plan to travel if the gas prices don't kill them. They are also waiting for their 7th grandchild to be born soon. Their daughter Cindy and her husband are expecting their first child to be born tomorrow. Willis and Nancy will also visit their middle son and his wife and their two girls this August in Virginia. That is where their son is working on a second masters degree in Christian film making. It is a three year program and he has finished his second year and will be entering his third year in the fall.
Willis wanted to share news about his mother who taught many of us at Midway Jr. High. Mrs. Dear can no longer walk and is in a local retirement center. But she is still able to carry on a good conversation and is still enjoyable to be around.
Willis to you and Nancy we wish the very best in your retirement. Please take care of your Mom for us as she still means so much to the students she taught all those years. May God bless all of you in the coming years.
Willis said it felt a little strange this past week when he didn't have to get up and go to work at the church every day. But he is enjoying his free time. He and Nancy attended First Methodist in downtown Shreveport this past Sunday. Willis said it was very nice to be welcomed from the pulpit by Pastor Pat Day. However, Willis said the best part was he and Nancy were welcomed by so many in the congregation who remembered them.
Willis said he and Nancy have decided to make this their year. They plan to travel if the gas prices don't kill them. They are also waiting for their 7th grandchild to be born soon. Their daughter Cindy and her husband are expecting their first child to be born tomorrow. Willis and Nancy will also visit their middle son and his wife and their two girls this August in Virginia. That is where their son is working on a second masters degree in Christian film making. It is a three year program and he has finished his second year and will be entering his third year in the fall.
Willis wanted to share news about his mother who taught many of us at Midway Jr. High. Mrs. Dear can no longer walk and is in a local retirement center. But she is still able to carry on a good conversation and is still enjoyable to be around.
Willis to you and Nancy we wish the very best in your retirement. Please take care of your Mom for us as she still means so much to the students she taught all those years. May God bless all of you in the coming years.
June 07, 2008
Marvin Jones
Marvin is still recovering from his knee surgery back in March. He has completed his rehab and is now looking forward to using that knee again. He said he knew it would take a bit longer to gain all his strength back, but he had the time to wait for the healing.
Marvin is back home from staying with Donna after the surgery, and is working on everything he can find to stay busy. He's not a homebody for sure and found that out after the surgery. He likes the outside too much.
Take care of that knee Marvin. We all want you completely well very soon and kicking high again.
Marvin is back home from staying with Donna after the surgery, and is working on everything he can find to stay busy. He's not a homebody for sure and found that out after the surgery. He likes the outside too much.
Take care of that knee Marvin. We all want you completely well very soon and kicking high again.
Johnny Newberry
Johnny is in the VA Hospital with congestive heart failure and is expected to be there for a few weeks. Hollis Thompson and Bill Cantrell are checking on him daily and they report that he is holding his own for now. He still has a long way to go in the healing process. Everything is being done that can possibly be done to help him at this time.
So please class would each of you offer prayers and good wishes for Johnny's health at this time and for his speedy recovery. You will be be notified of any changes in his condition.
God Bless you Johnny from all of your classmates. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
So please class would each of you offer prayers and good wishes for Johnny's health at this time and for his speedy recovery. You will be be notified of any changes in his condition.
God Bless you Johnny from all of your classmates. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
June 06, 2008
Eugene & Carol Blake
Eugene and Carol wanted to share with the class that today was a good day for them as they got to see their son Jason. Eugene said it had been 10 months since they last saw him, and it is always special when they do get to visit. That's their baby boy of 30 plus.
Jason is a private pilot and had flown his boss and wife to a West Virginia resort. He flew into the Greenville-Spartainburg airport and rented a car and drove to see them a few miles away. They then got to see the jet he flies, and Eugene said it was fun watching him take off in that big airplane. It was the first time they had seen him fly the jet. They all had a nice visit before Jason had to leave.
Eugene and Carol we are all glad you got to see that son of yours and glad he is doing good with his jet flying. Keep us posted the next time you get to see him.
Jason is a private pilot and had flown his boss and wife to a West Virginia resort. He flew into the Greenville-Spartainburg airport and rented a car and drove to see them a few miles away. They then got to see the jet he flies, and Eugene said it was fun watching him take off in that big airplane. It was the first time they had seen him fly the jet. They all had a nice visit before Jason had to leave.
Eugene and Carol we are all glad you got to see that son of yours and glad he is doing good with his jet flying. Keep us posted the next time you get to see him.
RD & Betty Molcany Barber
Betty and RD wanted to share their latest adventure with the class as they traveled to Oakland, CA to visit their youngest son and meet their future daughter-in-law. Finally, the wedding is set for next March and now they are wondering could grand kids be next? They certainly hope so!
Jenna the soon to be daughter-in-law is a real sweetie so Betty says and a welcomed addition to the family. As an added bonus, they will get a grand dog, Ava, who is about 10 lbs. of fluff and thinks she is human. She and her grand pops really bonded much to the shock of the rest of the family. The bad thing is that they will have to wait until March 13, 2009, for the festivities. The wedding will be in Las Vegas so how much better can it get?
Driving to CA is always fun. One day they went from a temperature of 43 and an altitude of over 7,000 ft. in Williams, AZ to a temperature of 77 and an altitude of 43 ft. in about 2 hours. The scenery was beautiful until they crossed into the desert. Betty says they would rather be in the mountains anytime. Since their son Scott works for a hotel company they always have a room that overlooks the bay and marina with San Francisco off in the distance, which is so nice!
They drove home from CA, stayed a few days, and then repacked the car and headed to Dallas, TX for a 5 day visit with their older son, Gary, and to also spend time with Johnnie Ross McKinney. The weather in that area was a big change after the cool, sunny days in Oakland. The heat and humidity gave all of them a good excuse to stay inside and play cards and enjoy snacking. Even though RD and Betty both grew up in humid areas, she says they must be getting soft in their mature age. When they got back to Abilene heading west they could actually feel the difference in the temperature and they were to be back in their dry climate in a couple of hours.
Betty and RD, thanks for the update on the fun trip and congratulations on meeting the new daughter-in-law. Keep us posted on all the wedding details.
Jenna the soon to be daughter-in-law is a real sweetie so Betty says and a welcomed addition to the family. As an added bonus, they will get a grand dog, Ava, who is about 10 lbs. of fluff and thinks she is human. She and her grand pops really bonded much to the shock of the rest of the family. The bad thing is that they will have to wait until March 13, 2009, for the festivities. The wedding will be in Las Vegas so how much better can it get?
Driving to CA is always fun. One day they went from a temperature of 43 and an altitude of over 7,000 ft. in Williams, AZ to a temperature of 77 and an altitude of 43 ft. in about 2 hours. The scenery was beautiful until they crossed into the desert. Betty says they would rather be in the mountains anytime. Since their son Scott works for a hotel company they always have a room that overlooks the bay and marina with San Francisco off in the distance, which is so nice!
They drove home from CA, stayed a few days, and then repacked the car and headed to Dallas, TX for a 5 day visit with their older son, Gary, and to also spend time with Johnnie Ross McKinney. The weather in that area was a big change after the cool, sunny days in Oakland. The heat and humidity gave all of them a good excuse to stay inside and play cards and enjoy snacking. Even though RD and Betty both grew up in humid areas, she says they must be getting soft in their mature age. When they got back to Abilene heading west they could actually feel the difference in the temperature and they were to be back in their dry climate in a couple of hours.
Betty and RD, thanks for the update on the fun trip and congratulations on meeting the new daughter-in-law. Keep us posted on all the wedding details.
June 03, 2008
Darth Fields
Pastor Larry Fields sent a video showing how he teaches youth camp participants when it is and when it isn't okay to laugh during services. To see his technique click on the Video link on the What's New page of the class website. When the Video page opens look for the video with the same title as this article. - Bill
June 01, 2008
Bill Roberts
Bill Roberts wanted to inform the class that another Harley trip is in store this coming week for him to enjoy.
On Wednesday June 4th at 9:00 am 25 Harley riders will leave Florida headed to the Tennessee State H.O.G. Rally in Maryville. (This is by Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg.) They will ride the Dragon Trail again on the way up at Deal Gap which is 318 curves in 11 miles. It is on the way to Maryville.
When the rally is over about 10 bikers will head to New York state and to Niagara Falls. Bill says he will not be doing that part of the trip. In August a group will be going to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and he will be doing that ride. Bill says he wishes some of the class could go with him as it is fun, fun, fun.
Bill, thanks for keeping us informed of your latest trip. Do have fun for all of us. Be Careful!
On Wednesday June 4th at 9:00 am 25 Harley riders will leave Florida headed to the Tennessee State H.O.G. Rally in Maryville. (This is by Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg.) They will ride the Dragon Trail again on the way up at Deal Gap which is 318 curves in 11 miles. It is on the way to Maryville.
When the rally is over about 10 bikers will head to New York state and to Niagara Falls. Bill says he will not be doing that part of the trip. In August a group will be going to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and he will be doing that ride. Bill says he wishes some of the class could go with him as it is fun, fun, fun.
Bill, thanks for keeping us informed of your latest trip. Do have fun for all of us. Be Careful!
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