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Jackie Crowe (Finch)

Please keep Candy Syfan's family in your prayers.  Jenny Taylor found she passed away on March 10, 2014.  God Bless 

From Jenny Taylor ---  5/4/17

Post:

In continuing to hunt for our fellow classmates, I tracked down an address for Candy Syfan a few weeks ago and mailed her a letter.  Today I got a reply from her husband via email.  He said that Candy passed away March 10, 2014 from kidney disease.  I sent an email back to him expressing my condolensces and told him I would let my Waltrip classmates know.  I did find an obituary for her and it reads:

Candace Copeland, 68, passed away Monday, March 10, 2014.  Open house, Noon to 3 p.m., Sunday. Call 817-320-0060 for address.  Survivors:  Husband, Michael Copeland; children, Julie Smith and William Pechanec III; brother, Bill Syfan and grandchildren, Ashley and Lauren Smith. 

Published in the Star-Telegram, Ft. Worth, Texas March 14, 2014.

From Jenny - I remember Candy as a fun loving, sweet individual that I loved being around.  I know many of you have fond memories of her also.  Please join me in saying a prayer for her and her family and if you know her brother Bill or her children, reach out to them for all of us and express our condolences. 

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Services for Ruby Thiessen will be at Pat H. Foley   Tuesday 2Pm.  No graveside services, but reception at Oaks Presbyterian after the services.

Jackie Crowe (Finch)

Ruby Ann Thiessen
October 6, 1924 - May 3, 2017

Ruby Ann Thiessen, 92, of Houston, TX passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Her service will be on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Pat H. Foley & Company, 1200 West 34th St. Houston, TX 77018. 

Jackie Crowe (Finch)

Larry York

Tonda sorry to hear about your mother.  I went by Tuesday May 2 and had a nice visit with Ruby & Jim or Mr & Mrs Thiessen as I called them.  Both of your parents remembered me and we had some good laughs about when we were kids growing up. Your dad said he knew I was taking gas for my scooter, your mother just laughed and said they had a good  time with all the kids.  I'm glad I stopped by, my prayers are for the family especially Jim.

Ronna Brand

Tonda. I am so sad to hear of your Mom's passing.  Find peace in knowing she is now in her eternal home where everything is perfect - beyond our imagination.  You and yours are in my prayers.

Ruth Ellen Winters (Schmidt)

Tonda I am so sorry to hear about your mom.  I often think about you and remember when we would go to Galveston.  We would wait for your dad to get off work and head down there for a few hours.  I never pass by Tex tube that I don't think of you and your family.  May you find comfort and peace knowing your mom is in a better place.  May God Bless you and your family.  

Linda Bolton (Roffall)

Tonda, I  am so sorry about your  Mom's  passing . I  remember when  my  Dad  passed  away  in '58 , your  Mom and Dad  were  such a  comfort to Mom , Mary and I.  I have  never forgotten  their love  and kindness . I have  many fond memories of  all the good  times  we had  growing up in  Oak Forest . Your  Mom is in  God's loving  arms now , and  that's  a  blessing  You , your  Dad and  Sheila are  in our thoughts and prayers , may  He  comfort and  bless you. 

Johnny Sheffield

Prayers go out to Kay Kepler and family. 

Her mom Mary, pass away this morning. 

Grave site service in china springs texas

pending. 

Johnny

Johnny Sheffield

Tonda

Prayers and gods blessings go out to you

and your family. 

Johnny

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Larry, glad you got to see Mr and Mrs Theissen.  He told me all the stories of you and Steve Fain and the rest of us.   I use to sit behind Jim and Ruby at Oaks Pres.  They use to kid and cut up with me before the services started.  One of the truly all time fun folks. What a delight Ruby was and Jim is!  I had a hard time trying to call them "Jim and Ruby"!   My upbringing and many years of calling them Mr and Mrs and all, sort of over rode first name bases.  Never wanted to be disrespectful ever!

    Condolences to Tonda and Sheila.   And Candys family and Kay keplers family....

     Been pushing Jacks meds up so we can attend the services tomorrow.  We're now at 8:30-4:30 and 12:30AM. Probably get it to 5 Pm.  That should give us enough time to attend services and get back here in Siberia to give him his afternoon meds.   Since this is seizure medicine, timing is critical.  We cant miss a single dose or put it off too long.  Wont be able to go to church reception, but that's ok!  Still being on my kneescooter, I will be sufficiently worn out by that time.

    Jimmie Lee, when it rains it hails. Sorry you're having to go through all that mess. It is a pain for sure. Not just dealing with the insurance companies and the dishonest builders and rehabers and suppliers, but the fact that your property has been destroyed and or damaged.

    I havent seen much hail in my life, just hell.  I do remember one time when I was living in the apartments on Watonga across from Northwest Academy, sometime in the middle 70's. they were'nt too bad then.  I was on my way home from Toll 8 building, (ATT bldg on Weslayan and Richmond). I was in my brand new 78 Thunderbird.  I was at the light on TC Jester and 610 heading north, when the sky turned green, and lighting was coming down in huge wide arcs in slow motion. Must have been 6 or more at a time, it looked like a special effect from Hollywood. 

    I raced home, and just got under my covered parking when all hail broke loose.  Hail about beat me to death trying to get from my parking spot to my patio, which was just a few feet from my car. I had the most beautiful hanging plants, english ivy, wandering jew, pearl plant and spider plants, or airplane plants just to name a few. They were all so lush and healthy, and the operative word is "were".  I tried to get the plants inside, but the hail was coming down so fast and hard, I barely got inside myself. Hail hurts, I mean it really hurts when it hits you. 

    No sooner got inside when what sounded like a freight train come roaring through, it blew out my front windows.  Didnt get hit by flying glass, but after looking in the mirror, my face and head had cuts and welts from the hail. When it was over, and the sun came out, hail was piled up against the apts about a foot deep, almost like snow. This was just pea sized or a little larger. Fortunately it was a friday and I got it all cleaned up and appt people put a new window in.  At least it never hit my car, so I felt pretty lucky!

   When we have big storms up here, I feel like a sitting duck sometimes. Havent had any wind damage, or hail...yet, and hope we can skip all that, but I guess if we do, we'll manage.  I think I'll have a chat with our insurance agent about our roof, they are metal.  I'd hate to hear, "well, you didnt specify that your roof was metal, and that's a different catagory, currently not covered under your policy, so good luck sucker".

   On our way to J.C. Penneys in Black Horse to buy a new shirt. Seems in my haste to clean out my closet, I gave away all my dress shirts.  "idiot"! ! ! !  Oh well, kay sarah sarah eh !  We use to have a Penneys up here in Brenham, but soon as we moved up here, it closed !  Was it something I said?  Not too many REAL dept stores left.   NO, Walmart doesnt count or even come close! 

    time to depart for penneys and then my sawbones to check out my foot and leg and get this cast off so he can pinch probe and squeeze on and ask me if "that hurts or this hurts", well duh, yeah, you got my foot turned around backwards dude. Then put a new cast on for another 2 or 3 weeks. Then he will ask me, "is that too tight?".  Well, it's a little late now if it is too tight!

       The machine they use to cut the cast off is wild looking and sounding, but wont cut you, just the cast!  I'm still mystified by that!   The saw that Dr Gould used to cut the cast off my right arm back in 59, was a REAL scary saw...at least that's how I recollect it. 

    Keep the sun at your six and ride boldly ride...so there you go...

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Good morning myne fryends.  Sun came up, as it generally does every morning, but was promptly covered up by clouds. Been nice and cool all morning, wind blowing a hunnert miles an hour.  Well, that's ok too, blows the bugs away, mostly.

     Kept my appt with my foot sawbones yesterday.  Took off the old cast , said I was healing nicely, and promptly sealed er back up with another cast.   Two more weeks of the cast then I shed it for "Das Boot", which will be just fine with me, then to rehab for however long it's going to take.  He says I will have to learn to walk all over again, that balance will be the problem,  but this time it will be easier.  Hells bells, I hadnt finished learning to walk from 72 years ago, just about had it when this broken heel stuff came up.

     "Will I ever be able to play piano again" I asked.  Sure he said, this shouldnt have affected that!  "Dang" says I, I never was able to play in the first place, just thought this might help some.  Well, if you play piano with your feet I suppose...yeah yeah yeah....

     Ok, time to deplane boss....got to take my imaginary shower and get ready to go to Big H. 

    there you are....

Jackie Crowe (Finch)

BroBeau you and Diane have a safe trip to Houston.  Please give Tonda a big hug for me.  Sorry I couldn't attend her mother's services today.

Hugs

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Hey sisJ...We made it in and back just fine despite Dianes inability to drive the way I want her to!   Mrs. Theissens service was very nice....hmmmm, very nice doesnt sound right.  Beautiful, I guess you would say.  Place was packed. The Theissens have lots of friends, which comes as no surprise.  Talked to the girls and Mr Theissen, and he was his usual kidding self.  That's one of the things that stood out about the both of them, at least to me.  I would kid and joke around with them, and they'd give it right back to me.  I just loved it!

     The Waltrip family was well represented, no surprise there! All of em but me dressed up just fine.  I was looking for my onliest (east texas for only) suit, and couldnt find it.  Finally asked Diane if she'd seen it, and she informed me we gave it away to one of the charities up here.  WHAAAAT?  and my dress shirts too! 

    That suit was of course navy blue with very light pin stripes, me thinks! Anyway, it was a HAROLDS original. Ol Harold fitted me personally for that suit.  Years later, I had to have them take it in because I lost 30 pounds in one month. Had the HAROLDS label on the left inside pocket....dang!  Oh well, maybe someone else can look as dapper as I did in it. 

     I did have a new shirt on though, but stopped there, because in my present condition, gimpy, it is so hard to get dressed and undressed, so I tend to wear easy things to get in and out of.  Nekid is pretty easy to get in and out of, but not a pretty sight. Still it's hard though being a one legged idjit.

I tried sprucing up more, by combing my hair, cept I dont have any. Not having hair sure simplifies things.  I had thought about getting an Elvis wig, but my beloved gave me the "teacher look" for, "oh no, you are not going to do that", you know the look!  It's the same look you get when you announce youre going to go look at boats. Ever now and then, just for fun, I tell Diane I'm going to have a swimming pool put in and buy a boat also.   That will produce the "teacher look" everytime.

     Latin ! ! !  You know, in the years I was going back to college, I never saw Latin or Philosophy, or gitar playing on the menu.  Anytime any of the first two aforementioned showed up, I would sign up, and I was the onliest (east texas for only) one that would show up, and of course it was canceled. 

     No more Latin in this whirld? Hmmmm...When I look up a bird in my 20 pound bird book, you get names like "birdus flyus highus" and  "biggus fattus birdus" and the like. You know what I'm talking about.   I was trying to think what my name would be in latin....
"Gimpus Beaucephus Limpus"....yeah, that's the ticket. Or " idjifidus moronus Lowriddingus onus scooterus" The latter would be when the former was injured.

    I think I smell "sausageus cookingus"....guessus I willus departus...so there you areus...

Jackie Crowe (Finch)

Please keep Kay Kepler Bonner and her family in your prayers.  Her mother, Mary, passed away on Sunday, May 7. God Bless

Mary Carpenter Kepler

December 16, 1921 - May 7, 2017

On Sunday, May 7, 2017, Mary Carpenter Kepler was called home by her Lord. A service will be held on Thursday, May 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd., Waco, Texas 76710. Visitation will precede the service at 12:00 p.m.

Alexander W. “A.W.” Carpenter and Dora Maddux Carpenter welcomed Mary into the world on December 16, 1921. One of eight children, Mary was raised on her family’s farm in China Spring, Texas. There, her mother taught her how to sew, her father taught her the value of hard work, and her brothers taught her the importance of a good practical joke.

On September 26, 1942, Mary married her beloved Joe Boyd Kepler, also of China Spring. In the early years of their marriage, Mary and Joe lived in Waco, Texas, where Mary gave birth to their only child, Kay Kepler Bonner. Joe’s career as a bus driver for Greyhound eventually moved the young family to Houston. In Houston, Mary and Joe were active members of Baptist Temple. They were good friends to many, and enjoyed raising their daughter next door to their closest friends. Later in life, Mary and Joe led private tour groups throughout the United States and Canada. Mary continued to live in Houston following Joe’s passing in 1992, where she enjoyed spending time with friends on their daily walks, in Bible studies, and at the hair salon. Mary spent the last few years of her life surrounded by family in Austin, where she lived with her daughter, Kay, and her husband, Tucker Bonner.

Mary’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother. She endlessly doted on her grandchildren. She was one of the best cooks in Houston, and was famous for her cornbread dressing. Mary was undoubtedly one of the kindest and most loving people this world has ever known. She never met a stranger, and was generous beyond measure. We can only imagine the great joy she is now experiencing dancing at the feet of Jesus with her beloved Joe. 

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Boyd Kepler; her parents; and her siblings. Mary is survived by her daughter, Kay Kepler Bonner and her husband, Tucker; her granddaughter, Kristin Knight and her husband, Marc; her grandson. Kevin Bonner and his wife, Katie; and, four great-grandchildren, Harrison Knight, Lauren Knight, Grace Bonner, and Shepard Bonner.

The family requests no flowers be sent and instead memorials may be made to Trinity Center, 304 East 7^th St., Austin, Texas 78701. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.

Patricia Williamson (Williams)

Tonda, your mom's memorial service was lovely.  I'm so glad I had an opportunity to visit wth you prior to the service and apologize that Nancy and I had to leave before you arrived at the reception.  Ruby will always be a huge part of my heart and my memories.

Jackie Crowe (Finch)

Received this from Jane Jester this morning.  Dr. Hubert Smith died May 3 at the age of 79.  It states that he was team physician for S.P. Waltrip and Scarborough.  I assume this was much much later after we graduated.  Hugs

Tonda Thiessen

I would like to thank everyone for their kind comments regarding my mother.  And a special thanks to all of those that attended the service.  I did my best to try to get around to thanking everyone personally, but I know I missed some of you. 

And a special thanks to Larry York for getting over to see my parents just a few days before my Mom's heart gave out.  I walked in a couple of days after Larry's visit and they were both sitting there grinning from ear to ear saying one of your friends came to see us.  They were elated by that visit.  When I talked to several of you at Goode's, I made the comment that they were not doing real well, but little did I now what lay ahead. 

Thanks to each and every one of you!!!

Tonda

Larry York

Thanks Tonda for the kind words your folks were always so good to us kids. They have a warm place in my heart for all the great memories.  

Beau Wann, Jr.

I second that, and AMEN....

Kay Watters '65 (Greene)

Hey Beau how is the foot doing?  Hope all who have ills are doing well as well.  I think I got bit by a spider, so now I'm fighting this.  Went to ER on Friday aft visiting my Internist. Pain shooting in two places on my thigh.  Diagnosed as Superficial veins. Next day realised there is a bite on back of leg, no professional in ER even thought to look there.  Imagine that, it has progressed to a bumpy rash with tenderness in many areas.  I give up will just wait this out. I probably got something in my jeans mowing or sat down in a chair and got bit.   I'm putting my car in for repair tomorrow and will just sit here and tuff it out. Sick of depending on ER specialist to figure out diagnoses.  What DID they got to school for?

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Hey Kay, sorry youre having to go through all the stuff, and ER.  I think ER stands for early retirement, instead of what we think it stands for, extra redundant. Went tot the ER af few years back, and I wrote about it on the forum. Cut my wrist with a utility knife aka razor, opening some plastic rose containers. 

      Had to have four stitches.  Visited the ER at ye goode olde Northwest Hospital.  Never saw a doctor, but a lot of what looked like secretaries, none dressed in what we think of as hospital garb.  Seems all the "secretaries" kept coming in to take a look at my fox pawx. Or maybe they just wanted to see me, the alluring and charming and handsome fellow that I am !  Ha!

    Never an official hospital looking person. Finally someone came in, a secretary I suppose, and sewed it up. They asked a few questions before sewing it up, and put the info, mothers maiden name etc, all real useful info, in a computer, as they were grinning and touting their "paperless environment".  Got a copy of the bill from the insurance company, 2000.00 dollars for 4 stitches, and never a doctor one laid eyes on me, nor I them.

    Instead of going back, as instructed, to get the 4 @ 500 dollar a stitch taken out, I took em out myself. It was simple, just some thin monofilament fishing line. snip snip snip snip, and voila, pulled em right out, no fuss no muss.  I'll bet I saved the insurance company 2000.00 dollars by removing them myself.

    I've been bitten by so many spiders up here in the rareified air, I might just turn into "SPYDER MAN"...If I git bit by anymore, ah just hope none of em are the black widow, or brown recluse....ew...those are some serious life threatening critters.

Got bit behind the ear a few weeks back, and twice on the neck around my jugular vein by spiders. Diane killed a T-Rex spider Taran tula yesterday that was going after   the dogs.

     Had a visit from "Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde" last couple of days, wasnt fit to be a part of the human race. Man I hate it when those two devils come to visit. It was a really bad episode. I made it through it thankfully.
Started coming out of it this morning after being up most of the night wanting to kill someone, hoping we'd have a home invasion. In normal life, no, but in a depressed state, bring em on! 

     My foot and leg has been swollen and hurting ever since doc sawbones put on the third and last cast two weeks ago.  I've kept it elevated and ice on it for the last 2 months, dont know why it's hurting and swollen on this last go round.      

      I get the cast off this next Monday, and I am counting the minutes.  The day after the cast comes off, I go to rehab. I hope it doesnt take too long, Doc Sawbones says first 3 days are wobbly, but I should heal ok and be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. That's good, cause I never could before!

     I'm a tad surprised I havent had a visit from the  PMR scandinavian twins, Dagmar and Brunhilda. Guess they're on vacation, good, hope they fly United, and get thrown off the plane whilst it is in flight, over the atlantic, at 40 thousand feet.

     Dianes taking her car in for a 10K checkup. Hope it doesnt take too long. I cant drive yet, so cant pick her up and bring her back. 

    Had lots of wind up here, lots of fireflies, and no rain.  Diane has set up chairs at the trees for me to sit and water them when I get outside. Ok, time to deplane boss...

Keep the sun at your six and ride boldly ride....and there you go...        

Kay Watters '65 (Greene)

I must say, so sorry for all the sad tidings for those we love.  Our oldsters are having such problems out here as well. 

I am usually full of vim and vigor, this year, the flu and now this has made me a house bunny, with pain.  I bet since I complained to my old dr. assistant, not heard back, Doctoring myself, using antibiotics and plenty of tubal tripal anti. as well, I will probably get through this, will be more careful in the future, seriously, and will also change drs. and that health system to a more enlightened one.

I put my car in the shop on Wed, so have to rely on friends.  I do have a few.  My sweet guy in Katy, checks up on me. between golf games....lol.  We did attend First Friday and Cinco de Mayo in Bryan....hmmmm, great food and great music. If I recover, will visit his daughter's family in Dallas next weekend, as his first grandboy is graduating and will attend Austin College.Presbyterian.

I am looking forward to the PGA golf Sat. & Sun on tv., will prop me up with a glass of wine or two and enjoy.  Hope we get rain here. 

Beau sounds like you have reached the Golden years, ouch not what we expected.  It does sound as though you are following Dr.s orders and progressing. Sounds as though you have had to endure pain and limitations far beyond your expectations.  We've missed ya.  Hold down those dogs, cats and Diane and love em.

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Hey Kay !  A glass of wine or two never hurts. Well, in my case, not a wine lover, a glass or two of some super fine Rebbeca Creek sippin whiskey and a good 5cent cigar!   Donno what gives with my right leg swelling up on me since the third cast was put on 2 weeks ago.  yould think I'd had surgery on it or something. OH, that's right I did.   One more day and a wake up and a few hours before this dang thang comes off. I cannot wait, I might just go get the skil saw and taker off myneownself. How hard can it be, after all I'm somewhat of a brain surgeon, having removed 4  500 dollar apiece stitches and with great success I might add.

     Nah, guess I'll wait for Dr Kildare to take it off, He seems to enjoy using that saw of his and a prybar.  Man, I hope I can walk again alright.  You never miss freedom until you dont have it anymore!  Havent driven my truck, the hummer, dianes car or any of the tractors, not to mention my MC for two months.  Once I get the A-ok, I'm going to take a MC trip into Chappell Hill, yeah, that's the ticket...providing I can still see!

    Yup, now I'm having trouble with my eyes. Got floaters and lightning in my right eye, and sometimes it feels real strained, like I've been punched in the eye.  Plus I'm seeing double.  Not all the time, just some of the time. Called 3 opthamologists up here in Katmandu, and one was too busy, one was out of town and one said, " you need to come in immediately, how's Wednesday work for you"?  Hmmmm, immediately, we calld friday and he says Wednesday.  Well, that gave me time to think and to prepare for being a crippled blind man or is it a blind crippled man?.

    Jumped on the internet looking for one of those white, red tip folding canes, a nice stainless steel tin cup for "alms for the blind" and a couple of seeing eye dogs. I feel like I'll need two dogs to look after my needs and keep me safe from harm!  I know, it's no joking matter, but whatcha gonna do, call ghost busters?  I'd started memorizing distances in steps, but had stop that, because I can only take one step, and then roll with the scooter.  I've already memorized the TV remotes long ago, so that's a go!

    I know where the liquor cabinet is and the coffee and pot, and of course the Loo.  I can go outside sometimes but other times no of course. First I'd have to find the door to GO outside. I think I've got the location of the doors.  Now comes the touchy situation of me being armed and dangerous.  If I cant see, how will I know who to shoot at?  Now comes the 2nd seeing eye dog, a simian protection dog.  Properly trained, they can distinguish friend from foe in the dark, and they cant be taken away from you and used against you, pretty neat idear huh!

    I'm hoping to get one that has mastered the english language, so they can actually tell me who to shoot at and which direction..."yo blind dude, shoot now, oops no, you killed the fridge, a little to the left, oh man, there goes the pantry, say why dont you just let me shoot them, oh that's right, no opposable thumbs. Ok then, I'll just rip their necks open...."  Or something to that defect!

    Big day tomorrow, oops, it's after midnight, so it is tomorrow, well then later on today, my eldest is being rebaptized. I dont know which church, but somewhere on I10 around Eldridge methinks. Even if I knew, I'd just forget, so I really like to be kept in the dark...plausible deniability I believe it's called. That's one good thing about being deaf, If I cant hear you, then I am not responsible.  "The deaf dumb and blind guy, sure plays a mean pinball"....I hate pinball, never been good at it.

     Oh, went to the eyeball doctor, and they dialated my eyes, and then shined lights in them, if I wasnt blind before, all the bright lights they shined in them would soon render me blind. He held up fingers, "how manyh fingers am I holding up, look at my ear", you know all the things an eyeball doc uses to help diagnose stuff.   He says he didnt see any problem at all in my right eye...oh what the hell does he know?   He gave me some instructions for when I see lightning.  Hold my arm out to the side and wiggle my fingers to see if I can see them with my peripheral vision. I can, but how does that help my eye?

     Diane, the person not as smart as I, says that if I cant see my fingers wiggling, then they look for detached retina!  Oh, what does she know anyway? My fingers would wiggle anyway, whether I saw them or not, you know how fingers are!

    Well, one more day with a fiberglass leg, then das boot again, and maybe just a week in that!  I need to go clean it up, get all the sticker burrs and weeds plucked off it from when I was on the tractor mowing the hill.   Dont want Dr Ben Casey to see that I was doing stuff like mowing and stuff.     Ok, time to deplane boss....

     I hope to see yall at Goode Co BBQ sometime soon, or maybe here. With me going blind and all, we need to do it soon. I think I can recognize everyone by their voices...say something!  Yeah, that's what I thought, Jenny Taylor, right?  I knew it....so there you are...

Larry Reid '63

Double vision may be Myasthenia Gravis?