Donnie Jane Wilt Suffering from COPD

Donnie Jane Wilt

Mary Lou Helm, at the reunion, informed me that Donnie Jane Wilt, now known as Jane Johnson, is suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  She is currently hospitalized awaiting a lung transplant.

You may send her a card with your prayers and best wishes to

Ronnie & Carolyn Lewis's 50 Wedding Anniversary Celebration

Ronnie (Hotdog) and Carolyn Lewis celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Saturday evening, October 15, 2016.  They have asked me to add photos taken at that event to our class blog.  Follow this LINK to view these photos.  This link will take you away from our class blog.

A benefit of this new format, which takes you away from the blog is that the photos are now viewable on tablets and smart phones.

Roger Sherman Donates Topical Bird Stamp Collection

Roger Sherman & Barry Myers

This is a photo of Roger Sherman and Barry Myers, Curator of the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, last week when Roger donated his topical stamp collection of Birds on Stamps which might be interesting to the folks.  That appears to be an extensive collection.

Paul Schiff and Beatty Elliot Raymond in their annual photo opp for 2015.  Paul and his wife live in Connecticut, and Beatty and her husband have a vacation home near Paul's place.

Reunion October 25, 2014

Thanks to the excellent photography work of Rosemary Futch, I am able to publish below a slideshow of photographs taken at our 55th reunion of the LHS Class of 1959. Photographs are from the Hilton Garden Inn (October 25, 2014) and Cleveland Heights Golf and Country Club (October 26, 2014)

Lamar Baxley

Sadly, another classmate has passed away.  Roy Lamar Baxley passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2014.  He was married for 54 years to another of our classmates, Luvenia Jones.  Our prayers and good wishes go to Luvenia and her family.

I have posted his junior class photo on our In Memoriam Page.

55th Reunion Invitation Form

If you were unable to successfully download the 55th reunion invitation form from the email that I sent, you should be able to get it from this link - 55 Reunion Invitation Form.

Eddie Gandy, Husband to Our Own Barbara Brantley Passes Away

Harold Edward Gandy

With sadness we acknowledge the passing of Eddie Gandy.  According to his obituary, he graduated from LHS with the class of 1958.  He was a very active and distinguished citizen of Lakeland, having a city pool named in his honor.  Eddie was married to our own Barbara Brantley.  You may view Eddie's obituary in The Ledger.

Fred Johnston

Fred Johnston passed away at age 74 on December 27, 2012, from heart failure, in Lakeland, Florida.  Here is his obituary.  His brother, Ted, still lives in Lakeland, Florida.

Ruby Lewis Excels in Polk County Track Meet

In the most recent Polk County Track Meet, Ruby Lewis competed in three events.

• She finished in 1st place in the 3200 meter race (1.99 miles).
• She and her 4 x 800 meter George Jenkins relay team finished in 1st place.  800 meters is essentially 1/2 mile.
• She finished in 3rd place in the 1600 meter race (.99 miles).

Ruby is the granddaughter of Ronnie and Carolyn Lewis.

Harrison Payne Passes Away

On the evening of March 7, 2014, Harrison Payne passed away.  Harrison’s wife, Marge, has advised that a memorial service will be held in Harrison’s honor on Thursday, March 11, 2014, at 11:00 AM.  The service will be held at Lake Gibson United Methodist Church, 424 West Daughtery Road.

Obituary and Memorial Service for Beatrice (Bea) Johnson

The obituary of Bea Johnson has been published, and her husband, Bill Johnson, has announced details of a memorial service for Bea.  Here is a link to her obituary.  The memorial service will be held on March 22, 2014, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  The location will be Hugh Turbeville's facility on East Orange Street.  Bill invites you to celebrate Bea's life with him and his friends.

Bea Johnson, Wife of Bill Johnson, Passes Away

Bill and Bea Johnson at Our 50th Class Reunion

Bea Johnson, wife of our own Bill Johnson, passed away today, February 11, 2014, about noon time, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, from complications following a fall.

Bill and Bea have been adopted as our own. Bill played a huge roll in building our class website and blog. Bill and Bea also attended many of our class parties and our 50th class reunion.

Leon Futch and His New Hearing Aid Dog, Nickie

In Rosemary Futch's own words:

We are now back from Santa Rosa,Calif. and here is a picture of Leon and his Hearing Dog-Nickie. Leon graduated with only missing one question on his final exam. Nickie alerts Leon to all sounds-cell phone, door knock,timer and many more.  Learn more about these dogs by visiting Canine Companions For Independence.

LHS Class of 1959 - 55th Class Reunion

Charlyne Steele would like for all classmates to know that she has taken the initiative and is working to  organize a 55th reunion bash for the class.  It will neither be as big nor as formal as the 50th.  She has chosen Saturday, October 25, 2014, and is asking you to save the date and to 'spread the word".  Additional information will be forthcoming from Charlyne.

Larry (Tug) Hale - American Legion, Post 29

The American Legion National Commander visited our Post 29 in Marietta, GA, on January 24, 2014 for a luncheon, on his whirlwind tour of a few Metro Atlanta posts. I was privileged to present him with a token gift from our American Legion Riders family from that post, after the luncheon. 

National Commander receives his gift of a Motorcycle key holder.

Post 29 Commander and me, before the presentation to the National Commander.

Tug Hale
Post 29

 

 

 

Dr. Albert Eskenazi, Jane McGauley Eskenazi's Husband Passes Away

Dr. Albert Eskenazi

Dr. Albert Eskenazi, a prominent Polk County Psychologist and a former director of the Peace River Center, who ran a private psychology practice in Lakeland for more than 25 years, died Saturday, December 14, 2013. He was 86.  Dr. Eskenazi was married to our own Jane McGauley Eskenazi.  Here is a LINK to his obituary, which details the accomplishments in his life. 

Helen Perdicaris Eady - Bone Marrow Transplant Update

Roger Sherman has chatted with Helen on the phone.  Her transplant went well, and she is in good spirits.  We all must pray and hope that the next 90 days of recuperation passes without complications.

LHS Class of 1959 Christmas Party - 2013

On the evening of December 7th, Pearl Harbor Day, our class gathered at the beautiful and tranquil home of Mary Futch, on Lake Lester, a private lake.  There were 29 attendees by my corrected count.  Here is an image of the attendance PDF.

For this party, I made a video, not still photographs.  Here is a LINK to that video on YouTube.

Enjoy!

 

Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady - December 13, 2013

Today, Friday, December 13, 2013, Helen is undergoing a bone marrow transplant at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida.  Helen must be hospitalized at Moffitt for 30 days.  The following 60 days must be spent within 15 minutes of Moffitt.  Finally, the following two years will require monitoring at Watson Clinic in Lakeland.  Let's pray for a recovery without complications.

Shirley Arnold McKinley's Husband, Paul, Passes Away

Shirley Arnold McKinley's husband, Paul McKinley, passed away on October 18, 2013, one day before the passing of her brother, Jimmy Arnold.  Here is a LINK  to Paul's obituary.  This is a genuine tragedy to lose two family members on consecutive days.  I am certain that Shirley's classmates offer her their prayer and positive thoughts.

Jimmy Arnold Passes Away

Jimmy Arnold

Jimmy Arnold has passed away at the age of 75 from complications of cancer.  Jimmy's sister, Shirley Arnold, was also in our class.  Jimmy's name does not appear in our graduation bulletin, but Shirley's name does.  I have no explanation for why Jimmy was three years older than most of the rest of us in high school.  I believe his age prevented him from participating in any high school sports.  You may read Jimmy's obituary in The Ledger.

Class Party at Mary Futch's Home, September 28, 2013

Below is a slide show of the party (speakers on - there is background music).  Some attendees do not show up in these photos.  I have some video, which I will work on as time permits.

The first slide shows tables of food.  The second shows Lew Rice, his wife Shirley, Charlie Page, and a partial of Roger Kenny, Roger Sherman's friend.  The third shows all of Roger Kenny, Roger Sherman, Shirley Rice, Charlie Page, and others beyond.  The fourth shows Sue Moody, Alice Musso, and Jimmy Musso.  The fifth shows Jimmy Musso, James Edwards, and others beyond.  The sixth shows Betty Toy and Annette Davis.  The seventh shows Barbara Graddy and Jane McGauley Eskenazi.  The eighth shows Barbara Graddy.  The ninth shows Ralph Waller, Jim Malone, Allan Davis, Bill Johnson, and Carolyn Bayhan.  The tenth shows Ralph Waller and Jim Malone.  The eleventh shows Betty Toy.  The twelfth shows Roger Sherman, the back of Annette Davis's head, Dave Bayhan, and James Edwards.  The thirteenth shows the back of Mary Futch's head, Bill Johnson, Bobby Anderson, and Barbara Graddy in the distance.  The fourteenth is Allan and Annette Davis

Jack Peddy, Beverly Boswell Peddy's Husband, Has Passed Away

Beverly Boswell Peddy

Jack Peddy, husband to our own Beverly Boswell, passed away on September 24, 2013, of cancer in the Concord, NC area, where he and Beverly have a home.  The Ledger has a very brief obituary.

I am certain that Beverly's classmates send their prayers and best wishes.

Lee Brayton Passes Away in Lakeland

Lee Brayton

Lee Brayton, twin of Len Brayton, has passed away in Lakeland on September 23, 2013, of respiratory failure.  The Ledger has a very brief obituary.  Lee's photo has been added to our class "In Memoriam"  page

This photo came from the 1957 Highlander, which is the last evidence of Lee's presence.  His twin, Len, graduated with the class in 1959.

Ruby Lewis Helps George Jenkins HS Win 1st Place in 5K Race

Ruby Lewis and four other girls from George Jenkins High School teamed up to win 1st place in the 5 kilometer race, about 3.1 miles.  Congratulations to Ruby.  For more information, read the article in The Ledger.

Rosemary Futch's Mother in Serious Condition

Rosemary Futch's mother has fallen and hit her head.  The injury sounds like a subdural hematoma. This injury is resulting in the Leon and Rosemary having to postpone their trip to California to pick take possession of Leon's new service dog.  Rosemary asks for your prayers.

Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady August 27, 2013

Charlyene Steele again has heard from John Eady, Helen's husband.  Helen had to go back in hospital Saturday. She had another bout of low blood pressure (hypotension) and she fell again. She is doing well in hospital, and we don't know when she will come home.

Update On Helen Perdicaris Eady - August 20, 2013

Helen went in the Hospital last Tuesday for her second "Consolidation": Chemo treatment.  Everything went well and she was to be released Sunday; however she was getting dizzy when she stood up from a sitting or laying position and the doctor wanted her to stay in the hospital for some test to determine the cause of her getting dizzy.  Monday she was to come home but she still had the dizzy spells. So, the docs ordered a cat scan for additional test.

This morning I went to bring her home, however the problem still exist, so they have another test being performed today.  All her blood work is good and all indications are normal however the problem is still there.  It may just be the reaction to the Chemo and she has to work through it.  I hope she will be released tomorrow.

Her third and last "Consolidation" treatment is scheduled in 3 or 4 weeks unless Moffitt calls to start treatment for a transplant.  Thank you for your continued prayers and good wishes.

John Eady

Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady - August 12, 2013

Charlyne Steele furnished to me this report, after she spoke with John Eady.

Helen has had her required consultation with Moffitt Cancer Center.  She is in acceptable condition for a bone marrow transplant.  It has been determined that her brother is not an acceptable donor.

The criteria for bone marrow matching is based on human leukocyte antigens (HLAs).  These antigens are designated by HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1 & HLA-DQ.  Six of eight of these antigens must be a match for the bone marrow transplant to proceed.

After and acceptable donor is found, and the transplant is performed, Helen must be hospitalized at Moffitt for 30 days.  The following 60 days must be spent within 15 minutes of Moffitt.  Finally, the following two years will require monitoring at Watson Clinic in Lakeland.

Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady

Charlyne Steele is going to be the contact point with John Eady from this point forward.  This way, John will only have to give the updated status to one person.  Charlyne wil relay the information to me and I will post it.

Recently, while at home, Helen had a hypertension scare and was again hospitalized in Lakeland.  That is now under control, her blood panel is acceptable at this point, and she is enjoying some more time at home, even though she is weak.

On August 9, 2013, she will have a consultation at Moffitt Cancer Center to further explore a bone marrow transplant.  Nothing more will be known until then.

USAF 7 Summits Team Wrap-Up By Nick Gibson

Nick Gibson, son of Gordon and Jean Gibson, wrote an interesting wrap-up of the team's experiences while climbing Mt. Everest.  You may read his wrap-up at Nick Gibson's wrap-up.

Paul Schiff and Beatty Raymond (Photo)

Beatty Raymond & Paul Schiff

Paul Schiff submitted this photo of Beatty and him at his home in Guilford, CT.  Don't they look great?

Latest Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady From Her Husband

Helen got to come home from the hospital for seven days. She enjoyed just being home and didn't want to go anywhere. She was still weak and not up to her normal standards and desires.

She entered the Lakeland Hospital this morning for 7 more days of treatment and test. If everything goes well she will then be referred to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa for Bone Marrow Transplant.

Her phone number at the hospital remains the same except her room number is B668.  Remember, no fresh flowers,fruit or vegetables. Also remember she is listed as Sara Eady.

Thanks to all who called and visited her and especially those of you who stayed overnight with her. During this last seven days any one with the time and desire to spend the night with her, your help would be appreciated.

God continues to let his love and blessings flow.

The Eady Family

Latest update: Awesome News! Helen Perdicaris Eady remains in remission

Joyous news today! Mom’s leukemia remains in remission and clear of cancer!

She was supposed to get the news on Monday July 9th at her scheduled doctor appmt then (2^nd marrow biopsy following the initial chemo phase to see if the cancer has stayed gone, and a more telling indicator than the first encouraging test) but Dr. Vugman caught her at the clinic this morning when she had to show up for blood work and decided not to delay the good news of biopsy report any further and also not waiting for today’s blood work results confident that those should also reveal good result. The doctor was tickled to tell her and Dad.

Now she doesn’t have to go through another 30 days in the hospital. Instead on course with best prognosis, she will start just 7 days in the hospital for 3 chemo treatments to polish off anything that might be left.

She doesn’t have to go for the Monday office visit. Just show up for hospital admission on Tuesday for shorter follow-up chemo. The doctor already has set up arrangements for her to be admitted to Moffit in Tampa and get set-up with plans for a bone marrow transplant.

Mom suddenly became very tired yesterday and her feet continue to swell. Appetite is OK. Too overjoyed to even tell the doctor about those things today with the good news. This was after her mammogram on Wednesday showed no breast cancer (last week a knot suddenly appeared on her chest) and this had been an additional worry.

Spirits very high. We are overjoyed and thankful to the Lord for this wonderful news. The best report we could have at this time. Mom is very encouraged to move on with the fight next week and continuing with high hopes. Mom said OK to tell everybody.

Praise the Lord!!!!

Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady From the Eady's Son, Sean

Helen is home from the hospital for seven days, hallelujah!  She is comfortable and well, all test results look good today.  She has doctor’s appointments Friday and Monday.  Tuesday is back to the hospital for either a week or a month, depending on biopsy results.  Please keep praying for remission to continue!

God bless,

Shawn

Leon Futch Getting New Hearing Service Dog in Rosemary's Own Words

Leon Futch lost his Service Dog (Dyna) last September due to cancer. His Hearing Dog alerted him to all kinds of sounds that he had a hard time hearing with his hearing disability. She would alert him to his cell phone ringing,doorbell,smoke alarms-if someone would call his name and he couldn't hear it and many other sounds. It was devastating for him, when he lost her. He has re-applied with Rosemary his wife's encouragement and he has been accepted to receive another dog from Canine Companions for Independence. He will receive this dog sometime soon-since she is receiving advanced training in Santa Rosa,Calif. currently to fit Leon's needs.Then Leon and Rosemary will make the trip to Santa Rosa,Calif to pick the dog up. These dogs are amazing and go through two years of training to be able to do what they do for someone that has a disability.Leon has a hearing loss due to many years of being a State of Florida Water Well Contractor and working with his big rigs and high pressure air.This time when we go-we are going to enjoy touring the Sonoma Wine Country .

This update is provided by Rosemary Futch

Another Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady in Her Husband's Own Words

Helen has now been in the hospital 25 days and has progressed wonderfully. She has received all the required shots to promote white cell growth. Her white blood cell count is good. She is still on an IV which is to help flush out the Chemo in her system. Her Kidney's were of concern, however her test has improved and they think it was due to all the medication she was on.Helen has now lost her hair and looks beautiful in head wear.

She is still on anti-biotics and is weak. Her appitite has improved and she looks better every day. She is scheduled for another Bone Marrow Byopsy tommorow {Monday) and if her test come back favorable she may be able to come home. What a blessing that would be!!! She is ready to see the outdoors and enjoy some sunshine and scenery other than the hospital room.  I hope my next update will include her being home and on her way to recovery.

We still need your prayers.

God bless you all.

John

Bob and Lucille Davidson Will Celebrate 50th

 

Bob and Lucille Davidson

In Bob's own words -

"Just a note to let you know that on July 5th Lucille and I will celebrate 50 years of marriage.

God Bless, Bob Davidson"

Beth McDonald Davis on Trip Out West

Beth McDonald Davis

Beth Davis sent a photo of herself on a horse in one of our National Parks in Arizona or Utah.  She highly recommends a trip out west.

James Ferrin Hicks Falls, Breaks Bones

James Ferrin Hicks called.  He wants everyone to know that he is in Lakeland Regional Medical Center again.  He fell in his bedroom.  The damage is all on the right side of his body.  His leg is broken below the knee, his hip is shattered, and his arm is broken near his shoulder.  The general phone number for LRMC is 863-687-1100.

Update on (Sara) Helen Perdicaris Eady

Helen is now 18 days in the Hospital. She had a bone marrow byopsy yesterday and we are awaiting the results to see if she requires more Chemo, hopefully not.  She continues to be in good spirits and fighting this dreadful disease.

 

She still is suffering from hemorrhoids, ulcers in her month brought on by the Chemo treatments and a bruised toe that she bumped on the IV machine going to the bathroom. All these things are slow to healing due to her lack of immune system.

 

Helen has received your cards and well wishes and is most grateful for your outpouring of love and concern.

 

If she does not require any more Chemo, they will build up her system with more blood transfusions, white blood cells, and other treatments to prepare her for a Bone Marrow transplant.

 

She can accept phone calls at 863-687-1200 ask for room B653 and remember ask for Sara Eady. She can also receive your e-mails and Facebook messages. She will be slow to respond because I usually read them to her. Your continued prayers are working, she feels the hand of God on her and in her heart.

 

God bless each of you.

 

John and Helen

Ruby Lewis Named to All County First Team in Girl's Track

Ruby Lewis is in the middle of the top row

Ruby Lewis, granddaughter of Ronnie and Carolyn Lewis, has been named to the all county first team in girl's track (Girl's All County Track Team).  Her specialty is the 3200 meter (about two miles) race.


Congratulations to Ruby!

Sonny McKinsey and Bonita Tayor McKinsey Celebrate 54 Years of Marriage

Bonita Taylor McKinsey

Bonita reports that she and Sonny are celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary today, June 18, 2013.

Congratulations to them.

Video Interview With Air Force Sgt Nick Gibson About Mt. Everest Climb

Nick Gibson, son of Jean Hodgson Gibson and Gordon Gibson, is one of six team members of USAF 7 Summits Challenge that participated in a recent climbing of Mount Everest.  Many of you may have used links on this blog to follow the progress of this team effort.  The following link is a 5 minute 20 second to a video interview with Sgt. Gibson telling about the adventure.  Fox News Interviews AF Sgt Nick Gibson

Helen Perdicaris Eady Hospitalized With Leukemia

Helen Perdicaris Eady

Helen Perdicaris Eady is in Lakeland Regional Medical Center, room B611, for treatment for an aggressive form of leukemia and will be there for 30 days.  Visits and phone calls are welcomed.  She cannot have fresh flowers, fruit or vegetables because the therapy weakens her immune system.  Helen's husband of more than 50 years, John Eady, can be reached at 863-937-4183.  I am certain all classmates offer prayers and best wishes to Helen and John.

Ruby Lewis Competes in Class 3A, District 7 Track and Field Meet

Ruby Lewis, granddaughter of Ronnie and Carolyn Lewis, participated in the Class 3A, District 7 Track and Field meet on April 18, 2013.  Here are her results:

• 4 x 800 meter relay - The George Jenkins team finished in first place, with Ruby running the final leg.  This qualifies the team to participate in the upcoming regional meet.
• In the 1600 meter (.99 miles) race, Ruby placed fourth, which qualifies her to participate in the upcoming regional meet.
• In the 3200 meter (1.99 miles) race, Ruby placed second, which qualifies her to participate in the upcoming regional meet.

Congratulations to Ruby and to the George Jenkins Girl's Track and Field Team as they progress to the regional meet. 

The regional meet will take place at Tampa Leto on April 24, 2013. The top four places in the regional meet advance to state competition. 

Biographical Information on Jackson Weldon, Spouse of Ellen Mershon Weldon

Jackson Weldon

The link below contains a very interesting read on the life of Jackson Weldon, husband of Ellen Mershon Weldon.

Link to biographical information about Jackson Weldon

Motorcycle Racers From the Past

Barry Sears submitted this photo that was in the Lakeland Ledger many years past.  Yes it was the Lakeland Ledger back then, now known as The Ledger.  I  wonder who won.

David Alcorn Passes Away

David Alcorn

David and Judy Alcorn were living in Lilburn, Georgia, according to class records.  David's obituary confirms that Lilburn was his home.  He has been retired for a number of years.  His obituary yields very little information; however, here is the link to it - Link to Obituary.

Ellen Mershon Weldon's Husband Passes Away

Ellen Mershon Weldon

In Ellen's own words, "I have lost the love of my life...Jackson Weldon died Easter Sunday"....Ellen Mershon Weldon class of 59.

The obituary for Jackson P. Weldon can be found at the following link - Obituary.

The LHS Class of 1959 sends its condolences and offer their prayers and best wishes.

Roger Carlton Sherman Costars with William Shatner and Ruth Roman in the Movie - IMPULSE

Roger Carlton Sherman

In Roger's own words.

The 1974 Movie - IMPULSE

I found the first major film, Impulse (Link) , in which I costarred with William Shatner (Link) and Ruth_Roman (Link). Both Bill and Ruth visited in my home and I visited Bill in CA the next year. Here is the movie "Impulse" and if you want to see the 'walk-on' they gave me, it's at the dinner party about minute 27. Plus in the credits, there I am listed as the Art Director. You can see the portrait of the Duke of Wellington hanging over the mantle in Ruths 'home', the same one hanging here today!! I stayed with Jennifer Bishop when I visited Hollywood.

Those were the days.

USAF Staff Sgt. Nick Gibson Gives Pre-Mt. Everest CBS Interview

In this CBS interview, Staff Sgt Nick Gibson explains the USAF 7 Summits climb of Mt. Everest in Spring 2013.  You may navigate to this interview by using the link below.

Staff Sgt. Nick Gibson's CBS Pre-Mt. Everest Interview

USAF Staff Sgt. Nicholas Gibson, Son of Jean & Gordon Gibson

I just want to thank you for supporting Nick in his Everest expedition. He will be sending individual emails when he returns, but in the meantime, if you want to follow their progress, you can go to USAF 7 Summits and click on blogs and then click on voice updates. I'll see if I can attach a nice article that was in our newspaper last week (not sure I know how). They leave from Denver this Friday and start climbing right away. 

 You may refresh your memories and learn more about this endeavor at this link - Staff Sgt. Nicholas Gibson Headed to Top of the World.

Please pray.
 
Jean & Gordon Gibson

Ed Neel Has Setback With Knee Replacement

Jayne Neel reports that Ed has had to have another surgery due to an infection in his knee replacement.  He will be on an antibiotic for six weeks, during which period he cannot put weight on the leg.  Then, he will have another knee replacement surgery.

Ruby Lewis Has Two First Place Finishes

Ruby Lewis, granddaughter of Ronnie and Carolyn Lewis, achieved two first place finishes in the Polk County Track and Field Championships, and the George Jenkins Girls edged out Kathleen for a team first place.

Ruby ran a leg in the 4 x 800 meter relay, which George Jenkins won, and she finished first in the 3200 meter race, approximately two miles.

The Ledger Article on Polk County Track and Field Championships 

Congratulations to Ruby and her family. 

Melbourne HS Defeats George Jenkins HS for State Championship in Girl's Soccer

For the second year in a row, Melbourne High School has defeated George Jenkins High School for the state championship in Girl's soccer.  Ruby Lewis, granddaughter of Ronnie and Carolyn Lewis, played on the Jenkins team as a sophomore and had a great deal of playing time in the state championship game.  Ruby shows great promise for her junior and senior years.  Here is a link to an article about the game in The Ledger George Jenkins - Melbourne Girl's Soccer State Championship.

Tommy Kennington's Mother Passes Away

Mrs. Gladys Garrison

Gladys Flickinger, 94, our own Tommy Kennington's Mother, died of natural causes 1/02/13.  Many of you knew her as your high school typing teacher, office practice teacher or Opti-Misses advisor, and as Mrs. Garrison. Here is a link to her obituary - Mrs. Gladys Flickinger's Obituary.  We send our condolences to Tommy and his family.

Charlyne Shiver Steele's Mother Passes Away

Mrs. Eunice Shiver

Charlyne's Mother,Eunice Evelyn (Maiden Name: Touchton) Shiver, age 91, of Suwanee, GA, passed away on Monday, 12/31/12 in Cumming, GA, of natural causes.  She had, for the past few years, made her home near Jasper, Georgia, where Charlyne and Jerry Steele are living.  Here is a link to her obituary - Mrs. Shiver's Obituary .  Our prayers and condolences go out to Charlyne and her family.

Ruby Lewis Makes All County Cross Country First Team

Ruby Lewis has another feather in her running cap.  She had been named to the first team for Polk County's female cross country runners.
Ruby Lewis 1st Team 

David "Papa" Jones, Husband of Arlene Sheridan Jones - Video Tribute

The link below is to the video tribute to David.  It is very well done and is about 21 minutes in length.  As far as I can determine, this video will not play on an Apple iPad.

 Link to Video

David Jones, Husband of Arlene Sheridan Jone Passes Away

David Jones and Arlene Sheridan

Link to obituary - Obituary in The Ledger

In Arlene's own words:

Christmas Eve morning I found my precious hubby had gone on into eternity. Although he had SEVERE COPD and was on oxygen 24/7, had been in and out of the hospital with pneumonia and heart problems all of 2012, I still wasn't prepared to say goodbye to my companion of nearly 51 years. We met in 1961 after he got out of the Army. We were engaged in August and married in Jan. 1962. The rest is history including a son and a daughter and 7 grandchildren. (wife: Arlene Sheridan Jones).

David accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior the year we began dating. Although he knew about Jesus it was that year that he made it personal for him.  Throughout the years we both grew as Christians and I loved sharing my faith with my husband and then our 2 children and finally our grandchildren. Kevin Jones(Aimee) and Karen (Jones) Kochenburger are our children. Karen's two children are Michael Kochenburger (Hannah) and Kristin Kochenburger. Kevin's are Brooke Jones, David R. Jones, Stephanie Jones Whipple (Kris) and Hanna and David Larracus.  He is survived also by his younger sister, Sherri Jones Morgan of Bartow, FL. (My granddaughter Brooke is in charge of writing the official obituary for the Ledger but I have not yet read the final yet but wanted to write a brief note of information for my former classmates of the 1959 LHS Class.  David was in the Navy Reserves for a brief time while in high school at LHS but later joined the US Army and became a member of the 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. He was a communnication specialist as well while serving our country in peacetime.

Dave always was a staunch conservative in his political persuasion and supported our Constitutional rights. He enjoyed a bit of bantor back and forth on such topics as well as a love for history, especially military history.

Dave was became a member of Lakeland's First Baptist Church when he was saved and baptised, later he and his wife Arlene Sheridan Jones, became active at Carpenter's Home Church until they moved upon retirement, to upstate South Carolina mountains. At that time they joined Dacusville Church of God which was later known as LifeChurch of Dacusville, a suburb of Easley, SC.

Before his health took its toll on his active lifestyle, Dave as he preferred to be called, was well known as a supporter of the Florida GATORS with all kinds of Gator collectibles. You would not need to be around him long before you found that out. He had become an avid golfer, belonging to a golf group in Berea, SC, a suburb of Greenville. His younger years, he and Arlene along with the 2 children, loved fishing and using his golf boat to do just that on summer vacations and holidays. He loved being a native Floridian as his parents too were from Florida.

I have to stop writing when it gets to me too much. I would cherish any prayer for me to endure this part of life with strength from the joy of the Lord.

Arlene Sheridan Jones