Remembering Our Work Family

The RCRA posts listings of our work family members who have passed.  If you have knowledge of someone who has passed recently and would like to post an obit with or without photo, please email jerry@heritagetradegroup.com.

Richard White
White, Richard Floyd Richard Floyd White of Garland, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2012. He was born on September 1, 1930, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and served in the US Navy. He retired from Rockwell International and was a member of Richland Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. Richard is survived by his loving and caring wife Emma, 2 sons, Dean and Greg White, 3 daughters Vickie Krystal, Sherry Ferrell and Belinda Cantrell, brother, Pat Barron and sister, Patricia Barron. He was loved and known as Pee Paw to his sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Fred Zimmer
Zimmer, Fred Fred died Friday, January 20, 2012 of Lung Cancer. His family was there and his passing was peaceful. He was born October 31, 1930 in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Later he graduated from Capital Law School in Columbus Ohio. Fred met his wife in college, they had 60 wonderful years of marriage. They first moved to Columbus Ohio, while there they were blessed with 3 children. His career took him and his family from Ohio to Southern California, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, back to California, then retiring to Texas. He retired in California as Corporate Vice President of Contracts and Pricing in 1994 after a 42 year career in Aerospace at Rockwell International. Fred had many interests which included entertaining, traveling the world, playing golf, and attending the theatre. He especially loved the Opera and his beloved dog Schatz. Throughout his life he served on many boards, the longest serving on the Board of CHW Catholic Healthcare for 14 years. In addition, he belonged to many organizations including the ABA. Fred is predeceased by his mother and father, brother, eldest son and grandson. Surviving are his wife, son, daughter, daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, a grandson, and great granddaughter. Fred will be remembered as being an exceptional man, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and extraordinary friend. Donations may be given in his honor to  your favorite charity . I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 

William (Bill) Gaylor
Gaylor, William (Bill) C. 85, of Dallas, Texas passed away on January 5, 2012 after a long illness. He was born on July 13, 1926 in Paris, Texas, and is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy J. Gaylor, his devoted son Gregory A. Gaylor, both of Dallas, Texas, preceded in death by his beloved son Richard L. Gaylor, survived by his brother, Jim Gaylor, of Reno, Texas, and his wonderful daughters-in-law, Carla S. Gaylor, and Svetlana Sokolova, both of Dallas, Texas. Bill will be remembered in life as a great husband, father and friend. He was a retired engineer with Rockwell Collins in Richard-son, Texas, having served thirty years with the company from 1957 until 1987. He was respected and loved by his colleagues, and fellow workers for his integrity, kindness, good humor and spirit. In his work, he traveled extensively throughout the Middle and Far East, as well as Europe and South America. Bill was a brilliant autodidact whose crea-tivity and insight pioneered novel solutions in the microwave tele-communications field. Mr. Gaylor received a Presidential commendation from President Ronald Reagan in 1986 for fostering and strengthening corporate civic contributions for the benefit of the young adults in the Dallas Independent School District. He served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater in 1945 as an electrician's mate on the USS Edward C. Daly DE 17. The Daly escorted the carrier HMS Ranee to Guam, and was active in air-sea rescue missions between Iwo Jima and Saipan during the war, and afterwards for planes supporting the occupation of Japan. During his military service, Bill received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Ribbon, and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal. After the war, in June 1949 he married Dorothy J. Stevenson of Lubbock, Texas. Mr. Gaylor was an alumnus of Paris, Texas High School (1944) and Texas Tech University. A wonderful man and a great Texan. 

Stan Janis
Stanley Richard Janis was born July 16, 1945 in Moultrie, Ga.  He had been a resident of Brownsboro since 2002, formerly living in Dallas.  He worked as the National Director of Worker's Compensation for Rockwell Collins and Employers Insurance of Texas.  He served as a Major in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley John Janis and Lilah A. Shiver Janis; sister, Teresa Nicholson; daughter, Christine L. Janis; and grandson, Johnathon H. Janis.

Survivors include his wife, Leigh VanNatten Janis of Brownsboro; two sons and daughters-in-law, Edward F. and Lin Komac of Gilmer, and Stephen R. and Rebecca Janis of Euless; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Victoria Janis of Georgia; two grandchildren, Liam Krystoffer Janis and Kate Feng Komac; uncle and aunts, Julian and Sherleen Shiver of Georgia, Veronica Ryba of Florida, and Helen Carlis of New Jersey; and many other relatives and friends.

Robert J Van Horn
Robert J Van Horn born February 23, 1923 and passed away November 19, 2011 at Whispering Hills Care Home in Tucson, AZ. He retired from Rockwell International in February 1983 after a long career in mechanical engineering, project engineering, airborne systems program management & business development. He received many Naval awards for his work on the TACAMO system, an airborne platform for survivable, very-low frequency communication. He was preceded in death by a wife, Audrey. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; sons, Bobby (Cedar Rapids, IA) and Tom (Fort Worth, TX); three stepchildren, 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Charles " Chuck" Vernon Maulding Jr.
Charles "Chuck" Vernon Maulding Jr. was born on August 26, 1944 and passed away on November 3, 2011 at home after a 7 month long battle with cancer. Loving husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend. Chuck, as friends knew him, grew up in Linwood California. Born to Charles Sr. and Ruth, Charles was a plumber and Ruth was a waitress and cook. He grew up a favorite of neighborhood children for his kindness and generosity, always willing to play. He attended elementary and high school in Southern California. After graduating from Brookhurst High School in Anaheim, California, he enlisted as a Boatswain's Mate in the United States Navy. After serving two years in the navy, he separated and went to work at a rubber factory and used the GI Bill to attend Cerritos Community College. After a couple years a new opportunity opened up for Chuck with Collins Radio, he had a modest start as a custodian, but his intelligence and persistence eventually lead into production coordinator, and project controller. His intelligence, wit and personality always made him a pleasure to work with and for. In 1988, he transferred from his longtime home in Southern California to North Texas. He retired after 35 faithful years of service. Chuck was always active and enjoyed sporting and social events such as bowling, Nascar Racing, horse racing, and traveling. He would never turn down and opportunity for a new adventure, an impromptu casino run, or getaways back home to California. He loved to travel, and always had a special affinity for being out on the open water, or behind the wheel. He also enjoyed reading, and spent many hours thumbing the pages of novels. Chuck never had an unkind word for anyone, always listened to everyone, and has been an inspiration to all of his family. He was a man of short words, but his words were always efficient, effective, and compassionate. Chuck leaves behind his loving wife Diane, daughter Kim Watkins, son Bob Maulding, grandchildren Destiny Kyzer, Anthony Watkins, David Kimball and Natasha Watkins, brother John Maulding and mother-in-law Addean Laughlin.

The family will greet friends at an Evening of Remembrance on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options. Words of Remembrance will be spoken at 7:00 p.m. by Pastor Rick Poe.

Louise Tillerson Pruitt Powers
Collin County lost one of its most beloved ladies on October 26, 2011, when Louise Tillerson Pruitt Powers lost her long battle with cancer. She was born November 7, 1924, three miles from her beloved Alla Hubbard School, the daughter of Raymond and Jessie Flanery Tillerson, early pioneer residents of Collin County. Louise established an early and long career in banking while residing in Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo, California. Returning to Texas in 1959, she accepted an accounting position with Collins Radio in Richardson, Texas, later moving to the position of administrator of government contracts with Rockwell International. She retired from Rockwell in 1987 and accepted a position as an outside representative for a travel agency, and traveled extensively through Europe. In 1989, she married Dr. Richard Powers of Virginia. Louise was a former member of the International Club and the Rotary Club. She is survived by one brother, G.W. Tillerson of Irving; two daughters, Sondra Pruitt Redden of Avinger, Texas, and Cynthia Pruitt Ferguson of Allen, Texas; one son, Wayne Pruitt of Dallas; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two nephews, numerous wonderful cousins, and so many, many friends.

Velma Wyatt
Velma Wyatt, 83, of Texarkana, Ark., died Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, in a local hospital. Mrs. Wyatt was born Aug. 18, 1928, in Lewisville, Ark. She was a retired production worker at Rockwell and member of Mount Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include four daughters, Ruby Wyatt Grundy and Rolonda Wyatt of Altadena, Calif., and Towanda Wyatt and Joyce Wyatt of Texarkana; one brother, the Rev. Jerry W. Wyatt of Richmond, Calif.; two sisters, Cassie Wyatt of Richmond and Nancy Wyatt of Texarkana; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one godsister, Christine Dixon of Tollette, Ark.

 

Lloyd Edwin Dunnam
Dunnam, Lloyd Edwin 88, Passed away September 13, 2011 in Lebanon, TN. Lloyd was a member of the Masonic Cockrell Hill Lodge # 1312, and Shriner Scotish Rite in Dallas, TX. He served in the Navy and is survived by his daughter Susette Dunnam.

 

 

Jackie "Jack" Shatley
Shatley, Jackie "Jack" Jackie "Jack" Shatley, age 74, of McKinney, Texas passed away July 13, 2011. He is survived by his sister, Betty Shields and husband, Tommy and brother, Ellsworth Shatley all of McKinney, Texas.

Clarence Joseph (Al) Brookner
Brookner, Clarence Joseph (Al) It is with sadness that we announce the death of our father on June 9, 2011. Visitation: Sunday, June 12, from 6-8 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home. Memorial Service: Monday, June 13, 10 a.m. at Restland's Wildwood Chapel. Dad was born on July 20, 1928 in Spillville, IA and grew up on his grandparent's beloved farm in Calmar, IA. Dad moved to Cedar Rapids, IA and graduated from McKinley High School, where he met his future wife, Margaret. He excelled in all sports. In the early sixties, Dad was transferred (with Rockwell/Collins) to Richardson, and our family moved to TX. After retiring from Rockwell/Collins, he became a member of the Board of Directors for the Community Credit Union for 33 years. Dad loved his family and friends. One of his favorite activities was attending all of his grandchildren's sporting activities. They knew when they heard a loud whistle from the stands, it was Grandpa. Dad was an avid golfer into his eighties, and hit several holes in one! Loved ones surviving him include his wife of 62 years, Margaret, 4 children and spouses: Don & Susan Hood, Tom & Julie Holt, Steve & Sally Brookner, and Jeff & Melissa Brookner; 8 grandchildren: Austin, Hilary, Jennifer (Brandon), Lindsey (David), Kelsey, Drew, Zach and Josh: 2 great-grandchildren: Brynley and Preston. Memorials may be made to Creekwood UMC in Fairview, TX. 

George William Krensavage
George William Krensavage, 84, of McKinney passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. John Catholic Church in Strawn with his cousin, Father John Sostrich, as celebrant. Interment: Mount Marion Cemetery, Strawn. Visitation: The family will receive friends beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, Allen. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Donor Services, Box 4072, Pittsfield, Mass. 01202, www.lls.org, in honor of George's granddaughter Ashley Howard Chow; or to the American Cancer Society , Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123, www.cancer.org, in honor of George's granddaughter Melissa Howard. He was born May 31, 1927, in Pittsburg, Okla., to Stanley Krensavage and Mary Guydis Krensavage. George proudly served in the United States Navy. On July 3, 1950, he married Katherine Foster in Garner, Iowa. George retired from Rockwell after 25 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He loved attending his grandchildren's activities, especially the annual Easter egg dye. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Mary Krensavage; son, Stan Krensavage; one brother; and six sisters. Survivors: Wife, Katherine Krensavage of McKinney; daughter, Vicki Lynn of McKinney; daughter, Jan Howard and husband, Neil, of McKinney; granddaughter, Krystal Stone and husband, Barran, of Crossroads; granddaughter, Melissa Howard and Shawn Moore of McKinney; granddaughter, Ashley Chow and husband, Lep, of McKinney; grandson, Wade Krensavage and wife, Kyndra, of McKinney; granddaughter, Holly Metz and husband, Ryan, of Austin; grandson, Ross Krensavage of Garland; granddaughter, Kalee Howard of McKinney; great-grandchildren, Destiney and Noah Stone of Crossroads and Rhylan Metz of Austin; sisters-in-law, Doris Sumrow and husband, Jimmy, and Linda Bloomingdale and husband, David, all of Humble; brother-in-law, C.R. Bellomy of Lake Fork; and many other family and friends.

Flyod Miller
Miller, Floyd Ceburn Floyd C. Miller passed away peacefully at his home in Dallas, Texas, on May 22, 2011. Floyd was born on January 13, 1929 in Coahoma, Texas to Floyd Cecil and Viola Miller. Growing up, his family moved frequently until settling in Monroe, Louisiana. After graduating from Ouachita Parrish High School, Floyd worked for several years and then served in the United States Air Force from 1951 until 1955. He then returned to Monroe and attended Northeast Louisiana State University where he joined the Kappa Alpha Order. Floyd moved to Dallas in 1963 where he met and married his beloved wife, Linda, and they had two daughters, Robin and Kim. He took classes at Arlington State College. He retired from Rockwell International in 1991. Floyd devoted his retirement to the genealogical research of his family and his wife's family. Through his research, he gained membership in both the Military Order of the Stars & Bars and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Floyd was predeceased by his parents, his brothers-in-law Alton Nugent and George Detor and his brother Robert Miller. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Linda Gage Miller and his two daughters Robin Parks and husband Andy and Kim Webb and husband Philip; as well as his brother J.D. Miller and wife Teresa, his sister Viola Nugent, his sister-in-law Betty Miller, his brother Miles Miller and wife Patsy, his sister Phoebe Detor, his brother Jim Miller and wife Alice Faye and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many good friends including best and longtime friends Wayne and Libby Burnside. A memorial service will be held in the Rotunda at the Skillman Church of Christ in Dallas on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to theAmerican Cancer Society .

Stanford Fong
Fong, Stanford Fong, Stanford, age 83, of Garland, Texas, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2011, following a lengthy illness. Born August 6, 1927, in Lake Village, Arkansas, he was united in marriage to Ellen Farrar on April 9, 1948, in Lake Village. He was one of 10 children born to immigrant parents from China. He grew up during the Great Depression and was a leader among his peers, serving as president of the student body, senior class and student council as well as captain of the football team. In 1945, he entered Southern Methodist University on a football scholarship. He joined the Army in 1946, served in Japan during WWII and was discharged in 1948. After graduating from SMU in 1950, he was recalled to active duty in the Army and served in Korea from 1950 to 1951. Fong worked for Collins Radio Company/Rockwell International and retired in 1987. He served as a Methodist minister for many years. He was well known for his civic leadership. He served on the Garland (Texas) City Council from 1980 to 1984 and served as mayor pro-tem in 1983. In 1990, he received a presidential appointment in the George H.W. Bush administration and served as confidential assistant to the regional administrator in the General Services Administration. He served on the Dallas County Appraisal Review Board from 1990 to 1996 and was chairman from 1995 to 1996. Fong served as the chairman of the Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce and remains on the honorary advisory board. He was a director of the Community Credit Union (Viewpoint Bank) for more than 22 years. Fong is featured in a permanent exhibit at the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture as one of the early Asian settlers in Dallas County. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ellen Fong; brothers Benny Fong and Wally Fong; daughters Louise and husband Dr. Frank Sharp, Debbie and husband Dr. Jerry Hopson, and Judy and husband Ralph West; son Don Fong and wife Paula; daughter-in-law Cynthia Fong; grandchildren Christina Montgomery, Nicole Robinson, Annette Brack, Jamie Sharp, Logan Sharp, Morgan Hopson, Wilson Fong and Claire Fong; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings and son Major Ronald Stanford Fong (U.S. Army Retired). Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 3:30 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, Dallas, Texas, with Rev. Wally Butts officiating. Interment will follow at Restland Funeral Home Garden of Wisdom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 7502 North Garland Avenue, Garland, Texas 75044, or charities of choice. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243, 972-238-7111.
 

Paul J. Beyer
Paul J. Beyer was born April 15, 1923 in Cincinnati, OH, and passed away peacefully February 7, 2011 in Dallas, TX. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; 6 children, Paul Beyer Jr. (Jane), Janet DiPuccio (Frank), Tom Beyer (Cathy), Mary Wiseman (Robert), Susan Freeman (Kerry) & Kathy Riggins; 15 grandchildren & 11 great grandchildren. Paul served in the Navy during World War II. He worked at Collins Radio for twenty years and retired from Nortel in 1987. Paul was a previous member of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Bernard's Church, and an active volunteer at Ladies of Charity. Donations may be made to Ladies of Charity, P.O. Box 595666, Dallas, TX 75323, St. Vincent de Paul, 3052 W. Northwest Hwy. Dallas, TX 75220 or a charity of your choice.

August (Ace) Ebensberger
This is to report the passing of an old time Collins employee.  His name might not be too familiar to some but to many, this A&M graduate was known as Ace.  He joined Collins Radio in the early 1950's when engineering was in the Irving Blvd. building and took early retirement in the early 1970's.
 
August Charles Ebensberger, better known as Ace, was born on June 6th, 1922 and died from complications following surgery on the 21st of March, 2011.

A dedicated Aggie, he was proud of his service in WWII in the CBI theater in Army communications and in his work at Collins in it's early entry to microwave/multiplex.
 
His wish for no funeral service was honored and his ashes will be scattered at his requested location near his home town of Boerne, Texas, in a private ceremony.

George R. Shuford
George R. Shuford and lifelong employee of Rockwall Collins passed away February 23, 2011.  He was very proud of the people he felt he had the honor to work with for all of those years.

Arthur Irving Middlebrook
Arthur I. Middlebrook passed away suddenly but quietly early April 7, 2011 at his home in Richardson, Tex. Art was born in Sturgis, S.D. on Nov. 18, 1930. He joined the Air Force at age 17 and began a life long love of flying. Art moved his family to Richardson with Collins Radio which later merged with Rockwell International and he was later with Electrospace. As an active member of the community, he was a volunteer in the RISD and AVID, Police Citizen Association, the Richardson Symphony, Meals on Wheels, and UTD. He was a long time member of First UMC Richardson and more recently Highland Park UMC where he was active in global mission programs and the volunteer center. Art was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bev. He is survived by daughter Barbara of Huntsville, AL, and son Steve of Dallas, TX, and their families. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 15 at Noon at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas followed by a gathering in the Great Hall. Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Art Middlebrook AVID Fund in care of RISD Excellence in Education Foundation or HPUMC Outreach. 

Russel Candler Jr.
Candler, Russell Ernest Jr. "Rusty" Candler, 84, passed away on March 26, 2011. Rusty was born in Houston Texas on September 6, 1926. Rusty joined the Navy and left for Arlington A & M for military officer training served in the Navy as Lieutenant JG. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with majors in business and naval science. Rusty married Ruth Marion Carr on August 6, 1950. Rusty worked for Collins Radio/Rockwell International for 37 years. On retirement he assisted his son Bill with the family business Candler Co. Realtors. In his final years Rusty served his community through his participation as a subject in trial medicine for advanced prostate cancer at the Mary Crowley Research Center. Rusty is survived by his son, William "Bill" Candler; daughter-in-law Catherine Candler and precious friend, Jo Leach.

William C. Perkins
William C. Perkins, IEEE life senior member, died February 26, 2011, at his second homein New Smyrna Beach, Florida home. He was 83.

Born in Des Moines and reared in Jefferson, Iowa, USA, he received a B.S. in lectrical engineering from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA, IN 1952.

At Collins Radio Company, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the mid 1950s, he was coinventor, forthe U.S. Army Signal Corps, of the first frequency synthesizer, developing the first phase lock loop (PLL) controlling a master oscillator at subharmonics of a crystal frequency standard for HF single sideband (SSB) radio communications. This yielded more than 60,000 channels at 500-Hertz increments from 2 to 32 megaHertz, , with an accuracy/drift of one part in 100,000,000 per day. It was the forerunner of HF SSB airborne equipment for the US Air Force. At Collins in Richardson, Texas, he was instrumental in linking this technology with the Collins Kineplex (c) type of digital quadrature diffrential phase shift keying (QPSK/DPSK) communications that resulted in the 1960s in development of NATO Link 11, the first Wide Area Network (WAN), automatically linking tactical computers of the US Navy airborne, shipboard, and Marine Corps facilities. It was used in the Gulf of Tonkin, and 25 years later in the Persian gulf. With Rockwell International acquisition of Collins Radio in the 1970s, he pioneered the application of Collins Kineplex techniques to two-way digital Distribution Power Line Carrier (DPLC) communications on primary and secondary distribution power lines for the electric utility industry.

After nearly 33 years with Collins and Rockwell, he retired in 1985, continuing, as a private consultant, the support of DPLC applications, first for GE, then for QEI. He developed methods of mitigation of electric power distribution harmonics, and other power and communications technologies. He had 14 USA and many related foreign patents.

Surviving are his wife, Reba Ann, brother Richard Gordon Perkins, sister-in-law, Kay O'Brien; two daughters, Gerry Gayle Perkins and Valerie Lynne Auchenbach, son-in-law Michael Auchenbach, and son, Douglas Perkins, five grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Wendell Ervin Holder
Holder, Wendell Ervin Wendell Ervin Holder, age 68, of Allen, Texas, passed away February 23, 2011, in Plano, Texas. Wendell was born June 25, 1942, in McKinney, Texas, to William Ervin and Mary Jean (Tarvin) Holder. He married Paula Jan Mobley on January 16, 1971, in Seymour, Texas. Wendell retired from Rockwell/Collins in 1997. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Allen. He is survived by his wife, Paula Holder of Allen, Texas; daughters, Kima Spurgin and husband, Mark of McKinney, Texas and Amy Snodgrass and husband, Eric of Allen, Texas; four grandchildren, Kasie Spurgin, Tanner Spurgin, Presley Snodgrass, and Payge Snodgrass; mother, Mary Jean Bridgefarmer of McKinney, Texas; sisters, Evita Patton and Tina Phillips, both of McKinney, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, February 26, 2011, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel in Allen, Texas with Rev. Joe Patton officiating. Interment will follow at Pecan Grove Cemetery in McKinney, Texas.

John Anderson
John Anderson, 85, passed away on January 17, surrounded by family in the Long Beach home he had shared with Margaret, his loving wife of nearly sixty-one years. John was raised on a dairy farm with four sisters in rural Wisconsin. In 1948, he drove Route 66 to sunny California and settled in Long Beach. He soon met the love-of-his-life, and the couple was married in 1950 at Immanuel, now Resurrection Lutheran Church, where John served as an usher. John worked for 43 years for North American/Rockwell and was a warehouse supervisor when he retired. John, affectionately called "Andy", was known for his reliability and work ethic as well as for his humor and affability. John was truly a family man. He embarked on countless road trips and especially enjoyed taking his grandchildren in his R.V. to go fishing. John is survived by his wife, Margaret; two daughters, Deborah and Desiree; son-in-law, John; and five grandchildren, Kirk, Sean, Yvette, James and Jennifer.  Visit John's Guestbook Online... 

John F. Walker
Walker, John F. Born 2-26-24 to Herbert & Elizabeth Walker, Springfield, Mo. and passed away on 1-18-11. He is survived by wife Susan Curtis Walker of 59 years, sons; John Jr., Mark & wife Beatrice, Brian & wife Jennifer, sister, Treva Ann Wilson, California, Grandchildren; Roman Barnes Walker, Zoe, and Lux. John served his country in the Navy assigned to carriers in the Atlantic, Pacific & the Mediterranean, retiring after 23 years as a LCdr. His second career was with Rockwell Int. Memorial Service was held Friday, January 28 at 11:00 am, at Central Congregational Church, 5600 Royal Lane, Dallas. Cemetery Service at 3:00 pm at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Congregational Church for the Memorial Garden.

Kenneth Allan Bell Sr.
Bell, Kenneth Allan Kenneth Allan Bell, Sr., age 77, of Plano, Texas passed away January 18, 2011. He was born November 27, 1933 in Iowa City, Iowa to George Bell and Marjorie Mae (Elder) Bell. Kenneth was raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. Kenneth worked at Rockwell/Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and in Richardson, Texas where he was a Logistics Administrator and retired after 36 years of service. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Plano. He is survived by his wife, Leona (Le) Bell; sons, Kenneth Bell, Jr. and wife, Anne, Steven Bell and wife, Marka; daughter, Kathy Bridges and husband, Gary; twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joyce. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church of Plano, 1500 Jupiter Road, Plano, Texas 75074, with Dr. Joe Parker officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park, Allen, Texas. Family and friends are invited to the funeral home at their convenience on Friday to pay their respects and to sign the register book. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday evening beginning at 6:00 p.m., at Turrentine - Jackson - Morrow Funeral Home, Allen, Texas.
Visit Kenneth's Gustbook Online...

Diane Sullivan Price
Diane passed away on December 27, 2010 after a six year battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born June 2, 1932 in Moline, IL, oldest daughter of Suzanne and Kenneth C Hartman.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Price, her son Shaun Sullivan (Suzette) and his daughters Kylie and Alden, and by Jim's children, Richard (Crysta) and daughters Katie and Rebecca, Pamela Froelich and daughter Amanda Steele (Ryan) and son Daniel (Nicole), David (Mary) and daughter Maddy, and Steven (Jennifer) and daughter Zoe. Other surviving family members include her sisters Judy Kiley (Jack) and Susan Boldt.

Diane's civic contributions included membership on advisory boards for the Dallas Ballet, the Richardson Hospital, the Promenade Bank, the Richardson Symphony, and Network. She was President of the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas in 1985, and President of Altrusa International of Richardson in 1979‐80. She served as President of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce in 1985. In 1986, Diane was named Richardson Citizen of the Year. Additionally, she served on a selection board for president of UTD and participated in the formation of Leadership Richardson.

Diane attended and graduated from Davenport (Iowa) High School. She then attended Vassar College, where she graduated in Economics as a Phi Beta Kappa in the class of 1954.

She initially worked in New York City for an executive recruiting firm. In 1967 she moved to Richardson where she accepted a position in Collins Radio Co which was subsequently acquired by Rockwell International. She quickly moved up through several organizations in the Company and retired as a Program Manager in Rockwell's Defense Communications Systems Division.

Diane was married briefly, had a son, Shaun, and then divorced. Diane and Shaun were avid campers, spending vacations traveling the US, engaging in water sports and each other's company. Single for twenty two years, Diane met Jim working together at Rockwell. She married him in 1980. He was a widower with four children, two of which were still at home. In 1987 they retired from Rockwell together. Diane continued her civic involvements while Jim took other jobs. When Jim retired they became part‐time residents of Florida, traveled worldwide, charter‐sailed the Caribbean, Tahiti and Greece, played tennis and golf and enjoyed friends and family.

Robert Hodges Jr.
Hodges Jr., Robert Ellis Passed away on October 25, 2010. He was born on April 23, 1926 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He grew up in Mechanicsville, Iowa where he excelled academically and athletically. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Accounting. He worked as an accountant for more than 40 years, originally with Collins Radio and then Rockwell International. He was married over 60 years to Helen Hodges, who passed away earlier this year. He was a devoted Husband, Father, and Grandfather. His strong work ethic and commitment to achievement was an example for all. He is survived by two children, James D. Hodges and his wife Betsy, and Ann M. Hodges and her husband Robert McPherson. He has three grandchildren, Matthew Hodges, Mark Hodges and Rachel McPherson. A private memorial service will be held in Dallas for the family and friends. Robert, and his wife Helen, will both be buried in his home town in Iowa in the spring. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Maria and Pavel Nicoara for their loving care of both Robert and Helen over the past 5 years. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas in his name.

James Benton Nickell
Nickell, James Benton Of Richardson, TX was born on September 29, 1928 in Nickellton, Missouri and passed away on October 1, 2010 in Plano, TX. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Lourine & Denver Nickell, former wife Kathleen Nickell, brothers Pete, David & John Nickell, sisters Virginia Alexander & Rebecca Bunch. Survived by his loving wife, Betty, sister Geneva (Dick) Hunter, sisters-in-law Nita Nickell & Anna Nickell. Jim cherished his children and their families. Jay, Nancy & Lauren Nickell, Frana, John, Elliot, Evan (Meghan) & Eastan Schrock, Bill & Kay Nickell & daughter Jennifer Nickell (Shane) Flesher, Betty's children, Marilyn, Jarrett & Chelsea O'Hara, Kathy, Chrissy & Clint Smith. Great-grand children, Fallon & Blake Flesher, numerous nieces & nephews. Jim earned two engineering degrees & was a respected employee of Rockwell-Collins for 33 years. He was active in many civic organizations & was always where his children were when participating in youth activities, scouting & family events. Jim was an active & dedicated member of First United Methodist Church Richardson for over forty years.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church he loved & served so faithfully.
Visit James' Guestbook Online...

Richard F. Loughry

Retired Army Maj. Richard F. Loughry was decorated for service during World War II and in Korea. He would have served during the Vietnam War, but a WWII wound that shattered his right arm prevented him from passing a physical.

Mr. Loughry, 88, died Tuesday of cancer at his Richardson home.

Services will be at 11 a.m. today at Community Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Richardson.

Born in Bretz, W.Va., Mr. Loughry left high school during the Great Depression to help support his family by working for the Civilian Conservation Corps, a public relief program. He later returned to complete high school, where he lettered in football.

Mr. Loughry joined the Army National Guard in 1939. He entered the Army and became an officer. He was a platoon leader for the initial D-Day landing on June 6, 1944. When the gate on Mr. Loughry's landing craft opened on Utah Beach, "half of us were dead, but half of us made it," he later told his son. Mr. Loughry received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for gallantry in action during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest in Germany. Despite being wounded in the battle, he rallied and reorganized his platoon to meet a German counterattack. "Rather than retreat or evacuate – which he was expected to do – he led three different assaults on the Germans to make sure he wasn't flanked," his son said.

Mr. Loughry was discharged from the Army after the war but re-enlisted in 1946.

He was a recruiter until being called to active duty during the Korean War, where he earned a Bronze Star for valor and a Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, his son said.

After the Korean War, Mr. Loughry served across Europe and was stationed at Fort Hood in 1961. "He wanted to stay in, but they wouldn't give him a physical waiver on his right arm," his son said. His family speculates that the waiver was denied because of his age and the realization that his unit was scheduled for deployment to Vietnam.

After retiring from the Army, Mr. Loughry had a 23-year career with Collins Radio Co., now Rockwell Collins Inc. in Richardson. Mr. Loughry had about 19 surgeries to help correct the ravages from sleeping and fighting in the cold of Germany and Korea, his son said.

He was a Mason, a Shriner and a member of VFW Post 8627.

Mr. Loughry's first wife, Charlene Pigott Loughry, died in a 1993 automobile accident. They were married for 48 years.

In addition to his son, Mr. Loughry is survived by his wife, Janice Loughry of Richardson; two daughters, Kim Sawyer of Pensacola , Fla., and Sharon Simon of West Hill, Calif.; two brothers, Darrell Loughry of Greencastle, Pa., and Everett Loughry of Hanover, Pa.; two stepdaughters, Lynn Sparacello of Helotes, Texas, and Paula Blackall of Lewisville; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Memorials may be made to Community Christian Church, 1300 Holly Drive, Richardson, Texas 75080.

Thomas Walter Huemiller

Mr. Thomas Walter Huemiller, age 71, of Fairview, Texas passed away August 20, 2010, in Allen, Texas. He was born September 18, 1938, in Pontiac, Michigan to Walter and Helen (Monahagn) Huemiller. On April 28, 1962, he married Helen Willer in Louisville, Mississippi. Mr. Huemiller proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was a software engineer for Alcatel in Plano, Texas, where he retired in 2003, after 23 years of service. Prior to Alcatel, he worked for DSC. Mr. Huemiller was a member of the Creekwood United Methodist Church in Allen, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Helen; son, Tom Huemiller and daughter-in-law, Irina of Fairview, Texas; and grandson, Roman Thomas Huemiller. His parents preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at Creekwood United Methodist Church, 261 Country Club Rd. in Allen, with Rev. Mike Haynes and Rev. Holly Bandel officiating. Interment will follow at Fitzhugh Cemetery in Lucas, Texas. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home.
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Wallace Humphries

Humphries, Wallace Franklin Age 86, passed away May 18, 2010 in Richardson, TX. He was born on March 26, 1924, in Kansas City, MO. He was retired from the US Navy after 20 years of active duty. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruth; daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl & Lynn Sale; grandchildren, Brandon & Jennifer Sale, Jason Sale, Jeffery Bryer, & Michelle Bryer; and sisters, Helen, Nadene, Linda, Mary, and Thelma. He was preceded in death by his daughter Judith Bryer. Visitation will be heldThurs., May 20, from 6-8pm at Restland Funeral Home. Services will be held on Fri., May 21, at 12:00pm in the Abbey Chapel, Restland Memorial Park.
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Glen E. Powell Sr.

Glen E. Powell, Sr., age 69, of Whitewright, Texas passed away May 14, 2010. He was born July 18, 1940, in Alamo, Arkansas, to Gilford and Susie (Norman) Powell. He married Marcia Richard Steelman on July 3, 1972, in Rockwall, Texas. Glen retired from Rockwell International after thirty two years of service. He was a former member of the Masonic Lodge of Richardson. After retirement Glen with his family founded and operated PCI Construction. Glen is survived by his wife, Marcia; children, Shelly Powell Wilson and husband Jack of McKinney, Texas, Robin Ipsen of Springfield, Missouri, Glen E. Powell, Jr. and wife Ronda of Nixa, Missouri, Tricia Judd of Fort Worth, Texas, Jason Powell and his wife Mandi of Whitewright, Texas; grandchildren, Brandi, Derek, Justin, Brittney, Glen III, Austin, Ethan, Ryder, and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Colton and Aiden; brothers, Hubert Powell of Allen, Texas, and Cleo Powell of Albuquerque, New Mexico; numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Etna Housley.
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Patsy Davis

Patsy (Robinson) Davis, born 8/13/31, passed away at her home in Richardson on 5/12/10, and is now at peace with her mother, Dorythe Frances Robinson. Patsy is survived by her husband of 60 years, Paul Joy Davis; 2 children: Paula Joy Stone (husband Preston), and Ronald Stephen Davis. Grandchildren: John Paul VanDerlinden (wife Emily), Alison Dawn Scott, Allen Michael Scott, Todd Preston Stone (wife Jena, daughter Natalia). Patsy started her career with Collins Radio and retired after 42 years from Rockwell Inetrnational. She was a quiet, sweet spirit and a beautiful person. 
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Grady Lynn Fairbairn
Grady Lynn Fairbairn, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, 72, died Friday, April 30, 2010.
Grady was born Jan. 17, 1938, in Limestone County. He was a 1956 graduate of Marlin High School in Marlin. Grady received his master's degree in business administration at Pepperdine University in 1977. He received his bachelor in business administration at the University of Texas in Austin in 1960.
Grady's active duty was in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963, and he continued his service in the Army Reserve and retired on Jan. 17, 1998, as lieutenant colonel. He then became an active member in the Reserve Officers Association.
After retiring as a program manager and program engineer at Rockwell International for 28 years, he then worked for Raytheon for seven years.
Grady was a member of the U.S. Military Ball Association where he had been an active president, secretary, and other committee chairs over the last 15 years; Lone Star Officers Club; member of of the U.S. Army Retired Officers Club; member of the Sons of the American Revolution; member of the Military Order Army Association; member of the Eutaw Masonic Lodge 233 in Kosse; and member of the Reserve Officers Association where he had served as president and chairman of numerous committees. He was also a member of the Sigma Delta Phi Business Fraternity at the University of Texas at Austin.
Grady loved spending time with his family, traveling, watching Texas Longhorns football, working in his yard, and was admired for barbecuing the best brisket in the universe.
Grady was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Buckley, and parents, Andrew Grady and Ida Ruth Fairbairn.
Survivors: Wife of 49 years, Mary Alma Bond Fairbairn; children, Sherri Lynn Fairbairn Stevens and son-in-law Greg H. Stevens, James A. Fairbairn and daughter-in-law, Alice M. Fairbairn, Mary Elizabeth Fairbairn Marks and son-in-law, Scott L. Marks; brothers, James M. Fairbairn and sister-in-law, Carol Fairbairn, Garland T. "Bill" Fairbairn and sister-in-law, Carolyn Fairbairn; brother-in-law, Simms "Buck" Buckley; grandchildren, Austin James Fairbairn, Breana Lynn Fairbairn, Savana Elizabeth Marks.

Mark Whiting Pullen
Born March 4, 1938 passed March 26, 2010 Plano TX. An Air Force Veteran and Telecomm industry retiree. He was preceded in death by parents, Don and Harriet Pullen. He is survived by his wife Judy, sister Palma, brother Steve, six children, 13 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

Ray Ellis
Ray Ellis has passed and for those looking to attend his services, the details we have thus far are on February 12, 3 pm, in the Wildwood Chapel. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Edward Hoke
Edward Hoke, 61, formerly of Wills Point passed away August 3, 2009.
He was born May 20, 1948 in Omaha, Nebraska. He retired from Rockwell International Defense Division as a Project Systems Engineer. He was the leader of the toughest and impossible projects. He was a great man. According to his co-workers, many of the projects he worked on remain top-secret as of today. However, most assuredly, the completion of these projects have saved thousands of American soldiers on the battle front. The good Lord gave Eddie a smile and a heart he shared with everyone. He was a very humble man and never bragged about his personal accomplishments.
He is survived by his mother, E.J. Humphries, Wills Point.

Bosworth Jr., Foster Louis
Bosworth, Foster Louis, Jr. Foster Louis Bosworth, Jr., age 72 of Frisco, Texas passed away on August 25, 2009 in Plano after a lengthy battle with cancer. He graduated from Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas and Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma. Foster served in the United States Air Force for 8 1/2 years and played service football in Japan. He retired from Rockwell International as Project Manager in 1990. He was an avid sports and country western fan who loved his family and his dogs. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy Bosworth of Frisco, Texas; daughters, Robbie Bosworth and Vicki Bosworth Tolley and her husband, Ed Tolley; son, Brian Bosworth; grandchildren, Amanda, Korey and Kyle Bosworth whom he helped raise; Garrett and Kendall Tolley, Chase, Hayley and Max Bosworth and his sister, Ann Barrow. We will miss his wry sense of humor, his coaching, guidance and support, his stubbornness, his unceasing drive for perfection and his love. In lieu of flowers his family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the SPCA.

James Pierce
Pierce, James Ingram Born on April 3, 1932 in Carroll, Iowa to William Ingram and Audrey Margaret Albertson Pierce, Jim Pierce died August 17, 2009 in Richardson, TX. Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Phyllis Garnatz Pierce; sisters Sherris Brown and Jane Rowland; children and spouses Susan Pierce, Bill & Terry Pierce, Patricia & Scott Card, and Michael & Christie Pierce; grandchildren Audrey and Lawrence Brown, Rebecca and Emily Pierce, Hannah and Ben Flynn. Jim was an aviator with the U.S. Navy from 1954-58, and worked for 30 years as an electrical engineer with Collins Radio and Rockwell International. He was happiest listening to great music, playing the piano, sharing his flying stories, and enjoying wit and humor with his family and friends.

Bennie Cegelski
Bennie Cegelski passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2009.  He will surely be missed. 

Leona Lawson
Lawson, Leona Of Garland, TX peacefully passed away at home June 7, 2009. Born May 20, 1920 in Sulphur, OK to Mabel and John Kirby, she was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of 39 years, William Lawson. After completing secretarial college and working as a secretary for several years, Leona became a full time mother for her five children. She then returned to work for 25 years at Collins Radio in Richardson, TX. In her retirement and her lifetime she was a consummate volunteer for a variety of Christian organizations, including teaching Sunday School and working at Good Samaritans food bank. She is survived by her five children and their spouses, Sharon Lawson, Nancy Tompros and husband John, Janice Tullos and husband Richard, Bill Lawson and wife Diana, and Guy Lawson and wife Paula, nine grandchildren and their spouses, Louis Tompros and wife Karen, Kelly Sexton and husband Chris, Billy Lawson and wife Kelly, Bethany Lawson, Neal Tullos, Bryan Lawson, Audrey Lawson, Kalle Tompros, and Ben Lawson, and five great grand children, Jack Tompros, Leah Sexton, Laurence Sexton, Eisley Lawson, and Paul Tompros.

Louise Bell Dale
Mrs. Louise Bell Dale passed away AUG 11, 08 She retired from Collins Radio in 1972. She worked in microwave assembly. She moved to Winnsboro after retiring.

Darrell G. Wright
Wright, Darrell G. Born November 19, 1934 in Tyler, TX and passed away December 19, 2008 in Richardson, TX. Survived by wife, Vickie Wright; sons, Buddy and wife Ruth, Kevin, Darrin, Tyler Wright; grandchildren, Ryan Wright and wife Erika, Melissa Spurgiesz and husband Scott, Chris Wright and wife Michelle, Kaitlyn Wright, Brandon Wright, Cody Wright; 6 great grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. Visitation will be from 6-8pm, Monday, December 22, 2008 at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be 1pm, Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 14740 Meandering Way, Dallas, TX 75254. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Missionary Fund, or to the Boy Scouts of America.

Daniel Mcabe
McCabe, Daniel Joseph Daniel Joseph McCabe was born May 16, 1931 in Storm Lake, Iowa to Albert and Ellen (Murray) McCabe.After graduating from St. Mary's High School in Storm Lake, Iowa, Dan served his country in the United States Air Force at Lackland, Wichita Falls, and Andrews Air Force Bases. Dan also served overseas at Newfoundland and received an honorary discharge after reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant and serving as Crew Chief. Dan was a mechanical and communications expert and worked for Land Air Corporation and Collins Radio (later Rockwell International) where he used his skills working on aircraft as diverse as Air Force One and the U2 and SR71 recognizance planes. Dan loved to travel, and his career took him around the world to many exotic locations including the island of Cyprus, Spain, Central America, Hawaii, and the Ascension Islands. He also had a passion for classic automobiles, and restored many, including his beloved Cadillac Eldorado. Dan was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church in Plano, and a Knight of Columbus of the Fourth Degree. Dan was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, his parents, brothers Maurice, Francis, Tom, Murray, and Richard, and his sister, Teresa.Dan is survived by his children, Mark and fianc Shelly, David and wife Rhonda, Jan Parry and husband Steve, and 4 grandchildren, Jacob and Cole Parry and Austin and Logan Chatham and sister, Donna Kelly. Services were held November 19th at Calvary Hill Cemetery 3235 Lombardy Lane Dallas Texas. Donations can be made to Plano Special Olympic 2306 Lawndale Place Plano TX 75023.

Rodger Dee Eaves
RODGER DEE EAVES of Flower Mound, Texas, passed away after a lengthy illness on April 19, 2008.  He was born November 29, 1925, in Louisville, Mississippi to Wm. Andrew and Pearl Rogers Eaves.  He was married 60 years to Electa Coleman.  Rodger is survived by three sisters, Beryl Luther of Meridian, MS; Nancy Eisenhardt of Hattiesburg, MS; Brownie Jackson of Louisville, MS; three brothers, William Rubin Eaves of Bonham, TX; Jyles (Kay) Eaves of Louisville, MS; John (Patricia) Eaves of Canton, MS; two sisters-in-law, Grace Eaves, Louisville, MS; Eula Coleman, Scurry, TX; brother-in-law, Carl (Pat) Coleman, Greenville, TX.  He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Brenda Carrigan and brothers, Andrew and Fred Eaves.  Rodger’s family includes his wife, Electa, daughters, Judy (Grady) Peterson of Flower Mound, TX, and Donna (John) Curtis of Spicewood, TX; son-in-law Don Carrigan of Monument, CO; Seven grandchildren: Julie Harwood, Stacey Anthony, Robin Barker, Tim Peterson, Grady Sandlin, Megan Carrigan, and Terry Sandlin, seven great-grandchildren: Samantha Hodson, Haley Massingill, Daisy, Garrett, and Collin Peterson, Jillian Harwood and Jack Barker, and a host of nieces and nephews. 

Rodger enlisted in the US Navy at age 17 in 1943.  He retired from Rockwell International after 30 years of service.  He worked for a while as a Special Ed job coach for Lewisville ISD.  He was a charter member of Lakeland Baptist Church, Past Master of Lewisville Lodge #201, and an avid deer hunter.

Homer Wicker
Wicker, Homer Franklin Frank was born June 28, 1931, in Cleburne, Texas and went to be with the Lord on August 30, 2008. Frank graduated from Cleburne High School in 1948 and graduated from Texas A& M University in 1952 with a B.S. in Engineering. He earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University in 1958. He was an Officer in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952- 1954. He married his beloved Patricia Elizabeth Frazier in 1952, who preceded him in death in 1988. Frank moved to Dallas, Texas in 1956, beginning a long and decorated career with Collins Radio which took him to all corners of the globe. He retired in 1987 as a senior executive with Rockwell International Corp. An avid outdoorsman, golfer, and world traveler, Frank spent his retirement years pursuing both, cherishing most his family hunting and fishing trips to west Texas and New Mexico. A member of the First Baptist Church of Richardson since 1956, Frank was a devoted husband, son and father and was known as a man of utmost integrity. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his brother, Marshall Coleman Wicker of Cleburne, Texas; sister Mary Beth Kruse of Houston; daughter Sharon Ward and husband Mark of Plano, Texas; son Stephen Wicker and wife Carol of Scottsdale, Arizona; grandchildren, Patricia Hinton, Mack Ward and Stephen Wicker, Jr.

BOB BRINKMAN, passed away April 20, 2008.  He was born October 26, 1929.

CALVIN "BILL" SHURTLEFF, 82, of Garland, died on Wednesday, February 27, surrounded by his family. Bill was born June 9, 1925, in Wheaton, IL, the son of Howard Freeman and Ruth Linnea Shurtleff. He attended Wheaton Public Schools, graduating in 1943 as President of his class. Two days before his 18th birthday, Bill enlisted in the US Army, and he began basic training at Ft. McClellan, AL. After being selected for special training and sent to the University of North Dakota, he was reassigned to Camp Gruber, OK, for advanced infantry training and went into the 42nd Rainbow Division, 242nd Regiment, I Company. On Dec. 8, 1944, he arrived in Marseilles, France. He recalled that it was on December 24, 1944 that he was first shot at. He always believed that because it was Christmas Eve, the Germans missed him intentionally. In the winter of 1944-45, while engaged in a long march, he suffered severe frostbite. While recuperating in the hospital, he read a book on microwave technology and from then on he was committed to a career in telecommunications. His infantry division participated in the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp and he helped take care of Holocaust survivors. As part of the Army of Occupation in Austria, he served in Red Cross military police patrols that included representatives of Britain, France, Russia, and the USA. He served in three campaigns: Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Believing that the experiences he had in Rainbow Division shaped the rest of his life, Bill actively supported their reunions, served as secretary/treasurer of the Texas chapter of the Rainbow Division Veterans Association, and was instrumental in the creation of the Rainbow Division Veterans Memorial Foundation. In 1950 Bill graduated from the University of Illinois with an honors degree in electrical engineering and began working for Motorola. For the next 20 years, he traveled across the USA and made international trips designing and selling telecommunications networks. Motorola sent him to the University of Chicago to earn an MBA degree. In 1957 Bill met Martha Gray while on a skiing trip and they were married Dec. 1, 1957. They enjoyed more than fifty years of marriage, and he was most proud of the five wonderful children and the family life they built together. In 1976 they moved to Garland, TX, and he worked for Rockwell International, which later became Alcatel. Bill retired in 1991 and became a volunteer for the Richardson Network of Community Service. He enjoyed sailing, hiking, skiing, and camping, especially when he could engage in these activities with the grandchildren. Meeting people and making friends was always important to him, and his motto was "Never quit!" Preceded in death by his parents and his brother John, Bill is survived by his wife Martha of Garland; three sons: Michael Shurtleff of Dallas, Bill Shurtleff and his wife Janae of Plano, and David Shurtleff of Colorado Springs, CO; two daughters; Jean Jones and husband David of Cedar Hill, Linnea Williams and husband John of Sherman; seven grandchildren: Jared, Chris, and Shannon Shurtleff, Sam and Zachary Jones, Emily and Joseph Williams, and beloved black dog Molly. Honorary pallbearers will be members of I Company, Rainbow Division: Dee Eberhart, Ted Simonson, Joe Dorsey, Jack Parry, and Tom Dillingham. Memorials may be made to Rainbow Division Memorial Foundation, John Janosik, Treasurer, 3389 Kingston Lane, Youngstown, OH 44511; or Lance Armstrong Foundation, P O Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6603. Click his guestbook here.


LONG, RONNIE M., Nov 3, 1932 - Jan. 21, 2008. He is survived by wife; Mary Long, daughters; Ronda Kersey and Becca Greenwood, special niece Cathy Randles and 7 grandchildren.



Bobby Strain
STRAIN, BOBBY CHARLES Born in April 15, 1934 in Swink, Oklahoma, Bobby Strain passed away at age 73 in Rowlett, Texas on January 13, 2008 from an illness of several months. He had a happy, well lived, productive life. His parents were Edwin W. Strain and Elsie Mae Strain, step-mother, Ann Strain. Bobby was surrounded by his family; wife Jeanette (Jeannie) of 54 years; children, Chuck and devoted daughter-in-law Debbie Strain, Lee Ann Strain-Whittington and husband David were at his side. His grandchildren are: Emilee Strain-Nichols, Jonathan Strain, Lana Whittington, Fielder Whittington; grandson-in-law, Chris Nichols; great-granddaughter, Hannah Nichols; three brothers, George and wife Mozelle, Billy and wife Marinell, Danny Strain and sister, Elaine Strain-Robichaux. A graduate of Sunset High School in Dallas, he was a member of the 1950 Bison State Championship Football Team after serving the U.S. Army for 4 years. He had a long career at Collins Radio/Rockwell International as an Engineering Supervisor in Research & Development. He was awarded certificates from United Fund of Metropolitan Dallas for his fund raising, and anther for Exemplary Deeds which led to Unprecedented Achievements in the Loaned Executive Program. He was a member of Oklahoma State University of Technical Training Electronics and Electricity Advisory Committee. After retirement there, he owned Strain Custom Growing with a Dallas and Grand Saline location.

Richard Joseph Lewis Sr.
LEWIS, SR., , RICHARD JOSEPH Richard Joseph Lewis Sr., 68, a senior engineering technician for Rockwell-Collins Electronics, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Dallas.
Richard was born May 30, 1939, in New York City to Donald K. and Anastasia Lewis. His life interest and work were his family. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Kenneth Lewis. Survivors: Wife of 45 years, Linda; children, Loretta Perkey and her husband, James, Richard Lewis and his wife, Leigh Ann, Rebecca Lewis and her husband, Miro Guzvica; grandchildren, Terri and Lauren Perkey; nieces and nephews, including Kenneth Clarke, Konnie Lutz and her husband, David and their children, Brandon and Kaitlyn; and other extended-family members. Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home and Crematory 702 Eighth Avenue Fort Worth, Texas 76104

Travis McPherson
McPHERSON,, TRAVIS DEAN64, of Richardson passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 27, 2007 after a year-long battle with cancer. He was surrounded with love by his wife and children. He was born on December 13, 1942 in Stephenville, Texas, son of Guy and Leta McPherson. He received his electrical engineering degree from UT Austin and his masters degree from SMU. He went to work for Collins Radio in 1965 and retired from Rockwell Collins after 37 years. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Pat; son, Mike, of Dallas; son and wife, Jeff and Ana, of Austin; daughter and husband, Julie and Scott Frieling of Dallas. He is also survived by his mother, Leta McPherson of Dublin, Texas and 4 grandchildren, Holland, Faith and Hogan Frieling and Samantha McPherson. He was preceeded in death by his father, Guy McPherson.



Sam W. Ray
RAY, SAM W., Born Oct. 22, 1917 in Arlington, TX, and died Oct. 15, 2007. Sam quit school in the 8th grade, but through his creativity & drive, had a highly successful career, starting with North American Aviation, then TI and later to Collins Radio as Manager, Quality Assurance where he took early retirement after over 20 years to dedicate himself to a new business he and his partner operated from the 50s until 1996 -Foam Tek Inc. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Kay; children Linda, Barbara, Charles & Steve; one grandchild Jeff Harris & four great grandchildren.