Amon W. White

Amon W. White passed on November 4, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born August 25, 1932. He was the loving father of Dianne Sales, Nanci Turner, and George White. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren,  and a brother.

Amon attended many reunions and loved barbecuing and laughing with Sam, Weldon, Bob, and Rayburn among others.

Presenting Jay and Myklyn Dillard

Jay Dillard and Myklyn Williams were married on Saturday October 17, 2015 in Houston, Texas.
Jay is the son of Connie Walkup Stibora and Thomas Stibora. He is the grandson of Marie Wesley Richter and Randy; Great Grandson of John and Muriel Wesley, Great-Great Grandson of George and and Gertrude Wesley. Welcome to the family, Myklyn!

Tucker Ray Cowan

Tucker was born September 22, 2015.
Son of: Samantha and James Cowan
Grandson of: Rod and Willa Tucker
Great Grandson of: Anita Wesley Tucker
Great Great Grandson of: George and Gertrude Wesley

Penelope Marie Boswell

Felicitaciones!

Penelope nació el 20 de Septiembre de 2015 a 06:04 horas, en el Hospital General Menonita de Cayey, Puerto Rico.

Hija de: Aaron y Theresa Boswell
Nieta de Jeff y Tracy Boswell
Bisnieta de: Marie Wesley Richter
Gran bisnieta de John y Muriel Wesley
Gran Gran bisnieta de: Gertrude y George Wesley

Happiness!

Penelope was born on September 20th, 2015 at 6:04 AM at Mennonite General Hospital in Cayey, Puerto Rico.

Daughter of: Aaron and Theresa Boswell
Granddaughter of: Jeff and Tracy Boswell
Great Granddaughter of: Marie Wesley Richter
Great Great Granddaughter of: John and Muriel Wesley
Great Great Great Granddaughter of: Gertrude and George Wesley

Charles Richardson Holman

Charles Richardson Holman, age 98, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 27, 2014. He passed peacefully as his loving wife, Lucy held him in her arms. Charlie had a full life and was grateful for all the wonderful memories he had. He travelled extensively throughout the United States as well as abroad. He loved his wife and family. He loved the outdoors. His tales of the adventures in his life were loved by all. Charlie’s wit and laugh were contagious. 

Charlie’s father was Charles F. Holman and his mother was Emma Richardson Holman. Charlie was born in Norwood, Massachusetts, the oldest of 6 brothers and sisters. He graduated from Norwood High School and received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1936. Charlie was awarded a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering from MIT in 1937. During this time he was a member of the College Championship Rifle Team. Charlie was always an excellent shot. He also was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve at the age of 20. 

Charles began his career in business in 1937 with E I Dupont in Wilmington, Delaware. In 1938 he joined the engineering staff of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company (PPG) at the Company’s Barberton, Ohio plant. During an intern assignment in Buffalo, New York, Charlie met Priscilla Denison and they were married in 1939. 

In 1940, Charlie volunteered for 1 year active duty in the US Army and was assigned to Camp Livingston Louisiana as an Assistant Ordinance Officer, 32nd Division. He graduated Ordinance School in Aberdeen, Maryland and became Army Inspector of Smokeless Powder, Alabama Ordinance Works operated by Dupont. Charlie was also promoted to 1st Lieutenant. 

Charlie and Priscilla had their 1st of three children, Charles Richardson Holman, Jr in April 1942 in Birmingham, Alabama. Charlie was then ordered to Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. After graduating he was assigned to the staff of General George C. Patton as Captain and Assistant G-2 (Intelligence Officer). 

On April 12, 1943, after receiving “Top Secret” sealed orders, Charlie boarded a ship at the Los Angeles Port of Debarkation sailing for an unknown destination. This was also son Charles’ first birthday. After 3 days at sea he found out that he was bound for Calcutta, India. He became Assistant Ordinance Officer and then Ordinance Officer and his responsibilities included overseeing the logistics of all equipment and supplies for troops serving the Asian theater which included China, Burma, and India. 

He had to plan for the current and future needs of over 250,000 men and women fighting and serving throughout Asia. He and his direct reports had to manually plan for these needs without the assistance of computers which were not even produced at that time. Imagine forecasting the needs of over a quarter million soldiers, considering future estimates of battles and soldiers not yet in the Army. All the bullets, boots, clothing, food needs, medical supplies -ALL EQUIPMENT. Remarkable, but it was efforts like this from soldiers like Charles Holman that won World War II and preserved our freedoms. Charles was promoted to Major, US Army at age 28. 

He returned to the USA in June 1945. In November 1945 he was relieved from active duty and returned to PPG in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a Chemical Engineer in the Coating and Resins Division. Charlie and Priscilla welcomed two twin boys, Donald and David into their family in July 1947. Also in 1947 he supervised a Synthetic Resins Pilot Plant and designed and constructed a new Synthetic Resins Plant at Springdale, Pennsylvania. 

Charles became Assistant Manager of PPG’s Newark, New Jersey Coatings and Resins Plant in 1948 and in the following year became Manager of PPG’s Atlanta, Georgia factory. The next year he was promoted to Technical Director of the Coatings and Resins Division and in 1951 became Manager of the Springdale, Pennsylvania factory. 

In 1952, Charles was promoted to Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering for PPG’s Coatings and Resins Division at the Company’s headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Under Charlie’s leadership Polyester Resin Fiberglass was developed and successfully marketed. Charlie owned the very first fishing rod and boat made of this new resin. 

Charlie retired from PPG in 1969 after a very successful and rewarding career. However, his business career was far from over. He immediately went to work for Reichhold Chemical Company as their Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering. Charlie was responsible for 40 production facilities worldwide. In 1972 he became a Director of the Company. In 1975 Charlie retired for the second time. 

However, Charles was still not done with his career in business. After 6 months of leisure he was wooed back by Crawford and Russell, a worldwide design and construction company in Stamford, Connecticut. Charlie’s expertise was needed to manage the design and build out of a Synthetic Resins Plant for Continental Can Company in Bay City, Texas. In January 1980, Charlie moved to Houston, Texas as Project Manager. Sadly, in March of 1982, Charlie’s wife Priscilla died, after 43 years of marriage. Although devastated by this loss he continued the management of designing the Bay City plant which was completed in June after which Charlie returned to Connecticut. 

During the next several months Charlie became acquainted with Lucille (Lucy) White who had also worked on the Bay City task force. In June 1983 the two were married. In 1985 Charlie retired from Crawford and Russell and he and Lucy moved back to Texas locating on Lake Conroe north of Houston. They built a house with a boat slip that was also near a gun club. Two of Charlie’s interests were fishing and skeet shooting. 

Over the next several years Charlie honed his skeet shooting skill and taught Lucy how to shoot as well. He won veteran gun championships in 10 states totaling 262 wins. Among those were 15 World titles and 13 Mini-World championships. Charlie made 10 All-American teams, 2 as captain and 10 consecutive Texas All-State teams including 2 as captain. 

As a senior veteran he was named to 5 consecutive All-American teams including 4 as captain. He was also captain of five Texas All-State teams. In 2005 he became the first and only “Super Veteran” (90+ years) skeet shooter. Also in 2005 for his 90th birthday his two sons gave him a Safari in Africa where he took 8 trophies, 5 of them with one shot. In 2011, at the age of 95, Charlie retired from shooting. 

Charlie shot over 250,000 targets in registered skeet events during his skeet career even though it didn’t start in earnest until he was in his 60’s. He always believed that it was “more important to have fun and enjoy our many skeet shooting friends, and let the chips fall where they may. If we happen to win something, that’s great, but it’s not a requirement.” 

This is not to say that Charlie wasn’t competitive, just that he put winning secondary to being a good sportsman and helping others. He was driven to be the best that he could be. In fact, almost to the day he died he made sure that the first thing he did each morning was a regiment of the Royal Canadian Air Force exercises. This partially explains how he became the patriarch of the Holman family and the oldest Holman ever. This was the record he was most proud of. 

Charlie was a great story teller and had a way of drawing you into his tales of adventure so that you could experience the journey with him. His tales of hunting a ferocious Bengal Tiger in India during World War II or pursuing a magnificent bull Moose in the wilds of Canada are famous. In fact, these true stories got better every time he told them. Charlie also created Chief Thing-A-Ma-Bob nature tales which he told at campfires to his sons during frequent summer campouts in Canada. His stories will be told and retold thus continuing his life forever. Charlie was also an Eagle Scout and a Scout Master for many years. He was extremely proud of his son David and grandson Karl who also attained the rank of Eagle Scout. 

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Lucy, brother Herbert A. Holman, son Donald B. Holman, 4 grandchildren: David B. Holman, Karl J. Holman, Christina N. (Nicolette) Holman, and Chelsea E. Holman; 2 great- grandsons: Zachary B. Holman, Jacob A. Holman; 1 great granddaughter Charlotte E. (Charlie) Holman; and 3 step children: Dianne E. Sales, Nanci E. Turner, and George W. White, along with 7 step grandchildren and 6 step great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles F. and Emma R. Holman; 2 brothers, Robert C. Holman and Richard H. Holman; 2 sisters, Priscilla Holman (Monahan) and Eleanor Holman (Papano); 2 sons, Charles R. Holman Jr and David W. Holman; and 1 grandson, Brian D. Holman. 

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2014, 2:00pm, at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 20850 Eva St (aka Hwy 105 West), Montgomery, TX 77356, phone number 936-597-7300. A reception with refreshments will follow at the KOA, Landmark Center, 19785 Hwy 105 West, Montgomery, TX 77356, phone number 936-582-1200. 

A local florist, if desired, is Pecan Hill Florist, phone number 
936-597-4060, or donations can be made to a charity of your choice. 

Thomas James "T.J" Stibora

Thomas James Stibora, 19, passed away on May 16, 2013 with the heart break of his family and friends immediately following his departure. 

He was a lively, caring, hilarious, and rambunctious soul whose life impacted each and every person that he came across; an impact so large that its true capacity was unknown until his life was taken from us. The moment he was brought into this world and was placed in the arms of his mother she knew that only joy could be conceived from this sleepy little baby boy and that was the truth. He brought a smile to every face from early childhood to his time as a student at Cypress Lakes High School and then Lone Star college, to his job at Blue Bell and finally with his own family. This wild young man left his family and friends with numerous memories and so many stories to be told again, and even for the first time, as the years go on. 

TJ's goofy personality will always be remembered by his parents, Thomas and Connie Stibora, his siblings, Jay, Cayla & Kyle; His cousins, Robyn Stibora, Michael & Shannon Walkup, Stacy Stibora, Casey Jackson, Rachel Shelton, Ryan Stibora, Sierra Jackson, Ashton & Brantley Walkup, Autumn Shelton, Allyson Stibora & Lauren Shelton; His aunts and uncles, Duane & Belinda Stibora, Jody & Debbie Gillis, Robert & Nikki Stibora, John & Chanda Shelton, Michael Stibora & Michelle Jackson; His grandmothers, Dorothy Stibora, Marie Martinez Choate, and June Walkup; And the friends that were too many to count. He will be welcomed home by both of his grandfathers, James E. Stibora and Wayne Walkup as well as his uncles Michael Don Walkup & Brady Jackson and cousins Tyler & Dylan Bankhead. 

The visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Beresford Funeral Home, 13501 Alief Clodine Road, Houston, TX 77082 and his funeral will follow on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 12 p.m. at Bear Creek United Methodist Church, 16000 Rippling Water Drive, Houston, TX 77084.

Jetone (Smith) Rivers

(August 18, 1939 - December 1, 2012)

Jetone (Smith) Rivers went to be with her Heavenly Father December 1, 2012.

Jetone was born August 18, 1939, in Quanah, Texas, and was the daughter of Doyle and Alta (Wood) Smith. She was a graduate of Quanah High School.

She married Buddie Rivers on June 14, 1958. She and Buddie had fifty four and one half (54.5) years together. She enjoyed traveling, especially with the love of her life, friend and husband Buddie. Together they traveled to forty of the lower forty eight states and three provinces in Canada. She and Buddie planned a trip to Alaska in their motor home, but were unable to make that trip.

While the children were growing up she was an Adult Girl Scout Leader and Den Mother. She was a member of First Baptist Church and a homemaker.

Jetone is survived by her husband, Buddie Rivers; her two children, Robbie M. Elliott and her husband Stanley of Benbrook, Texas, Russell L. Rivers and wife Sabrina of Seymour, Texas; three grandchildren, Breanna (Elliott) Dray of Fort Worth, Texas, Tarrington Rivers and Hanna Rivers, both of Seymour; and one great-grandson, Colton Clifford Dray; one brother, Frank Smith of Plano, Texas; a nephew, Jason Smith of Frisco, Texas; and a niece, Becky Smith of Plano; several cousins; and her special friends, Jack and Marietta Inglish of Vernon; and a host of other friends and relatives. Jetone enjoyed most things that came into her life, except the last six months. She loved her children, their spouses, and had a special place in her heart for her grand and great-grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls or Wilbarger General Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

Jetone's Mother, Alta (Wood) Smith, was the sister in-law of J.D. Mahoney (Viola's sister).

A Memorial Service is scheduled for
Saturday, December 15, 2012
11:00 AM
Sullivan Funeral Home
1801 Houston Street (at Wilbarger)
Vernon, TX

Buddie said his vision is a happy family gathering, like the Reunion.

Julia Lee Holloway (Julie) Taylor

(July 30, 1930 - May 18, 2012)

Julia Lee Holloway (Julie) Taylor, 81, died Friday, May 18, 2012 at her home in Clovis, New Mexico.

Memorial Services will be Saturday, May 26, 2 PM, at St. James Episcopal Church of Clovis with Father Alan Brockmeier officiating. A second memorial will be held at the Margaret, Texas cemetery September 1 at 11:00 AM.

Julie was born July 30, 1930 in Montgomery, Alabama and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery in 1948. She then attended the University of Alabama where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. While there she was honored by being selected as the Valentine Girl for the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Julie met her lifelong companion, Robert C. (Bob) Taylor at the University and eloped with and married Bob, March 26, 1949 in Columbus, Mississippi.

Bob and Julie made their home in 1949 in Amarillo, Texas where they subsequently had two sons, Robert (Rob) and Randy. They then moved to Tucumcari, New Mexico in 1955, where Bob became the local representative of Farm Bureau Insurance. In 1960, Julie and Bob moved to Clovis, New Mexico where they remained the remainder of their lives. Julie was active in all the activities of her children, following them faithfully to all of their baseball, football and basketball games often heading up the ladies’ auxiliary for those programs. Being a lifelong Alabama fan, she pulled for Alabama sports teams, particularly the Crimson Tide Football team, enjoying those numerous national championships over her lifetime. She was an outstanding Mother to her two sons imbuing them with her values of honesty, family, dedication, sense of humor and work ethic.

Julie returned to college and received her Bachelors in Business Administration with honors from Eastern New Mexico University in 1982. Upon graduation, she entered the travel business as a travel agent utilizing this position to travel the world. During her life, she visited 36+ countries and six of the seven continents, missing only Australia.

Julie was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the Confederacy. She was active in the AAUW for many years until determining the liberal policies at the national level of the organization did not reflect her values.

An avid reader, Julie was a member of the Board of Directors for the Clovis Public Library for several years until her death.

Her husband of 62 years, Bob, passed away in August of 2011. Survivors include two sons and their wives, Rob and Grace Taylor of Hobbs, NM and Randy and Pat Taylor of Littleton, Colorado; five Grandchildren, Lisa Mercier, Hartselle, Alabama, Mark Taylor, Nashville, Tennessee, Kyle Taylor, Lubbock, Texas, Michael Taylor, of Denver, Colorado, Lee Taylor of Greeley, Colorado and three Great Grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial gifts be directed to either St. James Episcopal Church, 1117 North Main, Clovis, New Mexico 88101 or the Margaret Cemetery Fund, c/o Jackie Shultz, Route 1, Box 268, Crowell, Texas 79227.

John E. Wesley

(May 27, 1938 - February 20, 2012)

John Edward Wesley, of Duncanville, TX, passed away Monday, February 20, 2012. The grandson of Gertrude Elizabeth Taylor and George Chester Wesley, John was the third child and only son of John William Wesley and Muriel Hughes. He is survived by his wife of 41+ years, Judy LaRue Wesley. He is also survived by his sisters: Alma Lucille, Agnes, and Marie; his children: Beverly, Michael, Jimmy and Christi; nine grandchildren: Steven Dwayne Cathey, Sheree Lynn Cathey, Jerri Andelora Cathey, Jeremiah Cooliage Cathey, Ginger Lenore Cathey, Cynthia Diane Jo Wesley, J Ashli Danielle Wesley, Ethan Tate Curry, and Collin Drake Curry; and two great grandchildren: Bryce Cathey and Faith Lynn Wild.

Our love and prayers are with all the Wesley clan at this difficult time.

Visitation:

Wednesday February 22, 2012

7:00PM - 9:00PM

Jaynes Memorial Chapel

811 S. Cockrell Hill Road

Duncanville, TX

Memorial Service:

Thursday February 23, 2012

10:30 AM

Trinity United Methodist Church of Duncanville

1302 S. Clark Road

Duncanville, TX

Robert Calvin (Bob) Taylor, Sr

(August 21, 1928 - August 23, 2011)

Robert Calvin (Bob) Taylor, Sr., 83, of Clovis, New Mexico died Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at Covenant Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. 

Memorial Services will be Friday, August 26, 2 PM, at St. James Episcopal Church of Clovis with Father Alan Brockmeier officiating. A second memorial will be held at the Margaret, Texas cemetery September 4 at 10:00 AM.

Bob was born August 21, 1928 in Amarillo Texas and graduated from Amarillo High School where he was an undefeated boxer. He attended Texas A & M and the University of Alabama. He met his lifelong companion, Julia Lee Holloway (Julie) Taylor at the University of Alabama and eloped with and married her March 26, 1949 in Columbus, Mississippi.

Bob and Julie made their home in 1949 in Amarillo, Texas where they subsequently had two sons, Robert (Rob) and Randy. They then moved to Tucumcari, New Mexico in 1955, where Bob became the local representative of Farm Bureau Insurance. In 1960, Bob moved to Clovis New Mexico where he was the Agency Manager for Farm Bureau in Curry, Roosevelt, Quay and De Baca Counties, winning Agency Manager of the Year in the Western Farm Bureau Insurance organization four times. Bob was in the insurance business in Clovis and Curry County for the remainder of his career. 

In Amarillo, Bob was active in the Boy Scouts. In Clovis, Bob was a coach and active in the Play Inc. football program, and active in the Clovis Babe Ruth and Connie Mack baseball programs. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends and, being a life long Aggie, rooting for Texas A&M sports teams. He was an outstanding Father to his two sons. 

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Julie Taylor, of Clovis, two sons and their wives, Rob and Grace Taylor of Hobbs, NM and Randy and Pat Taylor of Littleton, Colorado and Cheyenne, Wyoming; five Grandchildren, Lisa Mercier, Hartselle, Alabama, Mark Taylor, Nashville, Tennessee, Kyle Taylor, Lubbock, Texas, Michael Taylor, of Sheridan, Colorado Lee Taylor of Greeley, Colorado and three Great Grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial gifts be directed to either St. James Episcopal Church, 1117 North Main, Clovis, New Mexico 88101 or the Margaret Cemetery Fund, c/o Jackie Shultz, Route 1, Box 268, Crowell, Texas 79227.

Reunion Memorial Service for John Hardy Taylor, II

Please plan to join Casey and Linda at

a memorial service for their dear brother,

John Hardy Taylor, II,

 eldest son of Rayburn and Betty Taylor,

on Saturday morning, September 3, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

at the Old Margaret Cemetery.

They will appreciate hugs and remembrances from cousins and

other kinfolk who are able to gather there during the

78th Annual Henry Baker Family Reunion

Newsletter, 2010 edition

A high resolution PDF of the 2010 newsletter can be found at the link below. Please note it is about 17MB. The password, when prompted, is the name of the men's restroom at the Reunion, in ALL CAPS.

MULE CREEK NEWS 2010 EDITION

Letter from the Editor, 2010

Friends of Baker Reunion family members are often shocked to learn that, in fact, this is not Henry Baker, but only one branch of his family. 

TEXAS FAMILY HAD NO

             IDEA WHAT THEY STARTED

Experts See Exponential Growth for Family

—Over Next Seventy Five Years

By J. HULETT JONES 

  For some reason I signed up for this job (on a whim, frankly) after church service on Sunday under the pavilion. If I recall, there was an audible gasp. I had no idea what I was getting into. I like to write every now and then, and I like to do graphic stuff, so I figured... I can do this. Now I could berate myself for this, and you could, too. Berate me, that is... that's what family is for, after all. But I have come to realize that my accepting this on a whim is what we all do. If you think about it, it's what family is about. Yes, we plan for things, but when you are at the Reunion next month, look around. There are a lot of living, breathing, loving family members whose parents had no idea what they were getting in to. They enjoyed creating all of us, to be sure, and thought, "I can do this," ...and here we are. If some of our ancestors did know what they'd be getting in to, let's face it, a lot of us would not be here. It is a gamble on ourselves. We want to do it. We think we can do it. Then we go for it. Around 1934, our ancestors thought they should have a place to get together for a family reunion. My guess is they knew other families that did such a thing, and thought, we should do this. We all have those friends now. They get shirts made, and their families gather at the local park, the amusement park, church, union hall, take your pick… and we think to ourselves… AMATEURS. 

What our ancestors started, well, likely they had no idea what it would grow into. The Reunion grounds are now facing a drought similar to, potentially even worse, than the dustbowl our family had just gone through when they started this gathering. How many of us have loved ones or friends that ask, “why do you keep plates and glasses stored upside down in your cabinets?” The answer: 

DUST BOWL. It is in our genes. Also in our genes:being confronted with dust bowl conditions and thinking, “we can do it.”

So I think I took up the reins on this job for two reasons. 

FIRST: Three years or so ago at about 3AM after poker, Walter and I were talking about our family. Walter mentioned his folks, and their folks, and my Dad and Granddad (J.D.), and all they had put into this family, this Reunion. It wasn’t a guilt trip discussion. It was a discussion about faith and belief — in ourselves and our family.  That discussion resonated with me. If anyone tells you no good can happen in the wee hours between Saturday night and Sunday morning, you just have them talk to Walter. 

SECOND: Again, I blame Walter. Uncle Walter. Except… he’s not my Uncle. I didn’t realize that until I was about 12. And then there’s Aunt Clyde. Except… she’s not my Aunt. Now I know my immediate family, but those of us in the third generation (or more) of this gathering have more names to remember and are further out on the branches of this tree. We have a great history of names, and those names repeat and we call each other in familial terms that aren’t always accurate.  My Grandfather used his engineering lettering skills to put up a family wheel on the grounds that showed all the branches of the family and where everyone came from. You could trace back how far you were related. Or if you chose, how you weren’t related. My mother has been shepherding the family directory for years. I will admit: when I go to the Reunion, I too often get that feeling that Robert Earl Keen sings about… “I can’t remember how I’m kin to them.” While that has its merits: “everyone is family”, it also means I am missing out on a lot of the richness.

This has been a huge learning curve for me. So read all of this with that in mind. Know that I had no IDEA what I started or got myself into. And help me out. After all, we are kin.

You just might have to remind me how we’re kin.

Letter from the President, 2010

Letter from the President

Agnes Giles with her daughter, President Mitzi Gimenez

Dear Family,

The 2011 Baker Family Reunion on Labor Day Weekend is fast approaching.  I hope you are all making plans to come - from far and wide, and even close by.  We'll miss you if you don't join us!

I'm looking forward to seeing Hulett's first Reunion Newsletter.  This note will accompany it, and I'll send it off to him tonight so I don't hold up the presses.

I have enjoyed being your   president this last year.  I am more in touch with my cousins than usual, and I can tell you the camaraderie is great.  We have lots of humor in this family!  Let us know if you have time to be involved. 

The more the merrier!

There are lots of ways to support our Reunion.  The best way is to love it, remember it fondly, and come back every year to keep it alive.  

See you soon on the banks of Mule Creek!

Love,

Mitzi Gimenez

President, 2010-20??

(question marks, ed.)

Alain and Mitzi Gimenez sailed their 25-foot Catalina sailboat, the Eliza Jane (named after our famous ancestor who was born 150 years before this boat was built in 2004) up Lake Travis as far as they could go, to mile marker 47 (out of about 53). The lake was about 12 feet deep and wasn't safe to go further.  They sailed for 5 days - over 100 miles - in 100℉ plus temperatures and blazing sun. The bimini and staying wet kept them cool and comfortable. The Gimenezes are ready to sail anywhere now!

SPECIAL NOTICE!

SPECIAL NOTICE

Drought Conditions, Bring Water/Chairs

This is the third year in a row our well water has tested unsafe. There are no details for the testing, only pass/fail. It contains coliform bacteria (but not E.coli) and is considered unsafe to drink. We will have water on hand, but everyone should bring their own bottled water. As well, be cautious while showering and hand washing. Notices will be posted at all sinks, but help keep an eye on the kids. Kids should not use water from hoses or hose bibs. 

We are looking into an alternate water supply to ensure all of your younguns can get as muddy as your own memories of the Reunion, or Woodstock.

Speaking of hippies, Randy Taylor has fronted the family the$2,500 needed to get a new well drilled. This means bring your check books. We will need extra donations this year to offset this cost. 

I’m sure most of you know better than I, there has been a severe drought. As such, there is a burn ban throughout the area. This means, unlike years past, we will need to haul all of our garbage off the premises, rather than burn it on site. Please keep this in mind with everything you consume or use. We would like to reduce our garbage as much as possible. 

Highs of 112℉,  Lows of 81℉. No Rain. Bacteria laden water supply. Surrounded by our own garbage. I am SO looking forward to this year. If that weren’t enough, you may not even get a seat!

We are down to about 40 working chairs, so if you have any old chairs to donate to the Reunion, bring ‘em!

The Back Page

Dave Jones taking a break from the BBQ pit with Nicholas Parrish

New Swingset!

What's wrong with this picture? Every kid in it is CLEAN!

Nofe Tayara having absolutely NO fun with Adam and Nicholas

Work Week 2010

The Work Week 2010 Report

By J. HULETT JONES

July of 2010 was a long time ago, and those involved in Work Week have clearly been affected by the heat of the sun, as there is no real official report for what all was done last year. There are reports of pretty severe flooding after Work Week. A few brave kinfolk even travelled up to the grounds in August to assist James and others on hand with trying to get things in order after the deluge.

This year aside, apparently it does rain in Texas in August.

Now, not having clear notes from any family members who were at Work Week 2010, and having not been there myself, I am left to forensic studies of photographs to piece together what may have happened.

Clearly someone dug a trench in a straight line, likely put something in said trench, and then Bill Mooney and Keith Shultz buried it while Walter checked to see if he had cell phone coverage

Now while that all may sound productive, apparently Rick Crumley and James Shultz got into a bit of a “discussion” about bull fighting and well, boys WILL be boys -- and apparently... sometimes boys will be matadors and mechanical bulls.

Rick Crumley (the bull) and James Shultz (the matador)

Apparently while all of this was going on, I will say that a substantial amount of debris, large and small, was no longer present on the Reunion Grounds. I can only deduce that these fine folks removed it from the premises.

For fear of leaving someone out, I will say from the photos, there was a good turnout: Bill & Suzy Mooney, Walter Bryan, James Shultz, Keith Shultz, Lloyd & Jackie Shultz, Trudy Robinson, Debbie Brown, Judi Gentry, Lari, Beverly Jones and several dogs.

And while most of the photographs suggest a lot of visiting, food and fun was had, evidence on the grounds last reunion suggested a world of cleanup and maintenance was accomplished.

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SHOWED! 

WORK WEEK 2011 WILL BE IN NEXT YEAR’S LETTER

Sunday Spirit

Quite a few cuties were added to the "baptized at the Reunion" list this year.

...Quite a few cuties got up to sing "Jesus Loves Me"

...and one cutie preached about abundance.

The 2010 Business Report

The 2010 Business Report

By DIANNE SALES

President:  D’Arcy BryanWilson

Vice-President:  Sam Bryan 

(not at Reunion this year)

Treasurer:  Becca Clark

Secretary:  Dianne Sales

Copies of the Treasurer’s report (below), prepared and presented by our Treasurer, were handed out to those in attendance, and the meeting was called to order by our President.

NEW BUSINESS

• The Reunion grounds flooded twice this year, and the propane washed away.  The electric and phone were also affected by the floods this year.
• Money for the crossing repair twice this year is not included in the treasurer’s report.  $6,000 was spent for those repairs.  Walter Bryan will be raising donations to pay for those expenses, outside of the Reunion Fund.
• The treasurer’s report does not cover bills yet for this year’s Reunion expenses, nor does it cover donations that will be made this year.
• Several people are talking with Buddy Rivers about a permanent solution to the flooding.  The whole creek and dam need to be fixed.  Water comes to us fast and the trees and brush spread it out.  Long term solution is to clean out the creek.  We need to be considerate of our neighbors in whatever is done, since it will affect them too.  Buddy Rivers is working on a plan.  It will be a big project.  He is working on getting help from the government or county conservation office.  He has started the project by exploring long term solutions.  We need a plan first.  If we start with a soil conservation survey, then help may be available at no cost to us.  Buddy was a highway engineer.  Buddy spent 2 days overseeing the repair work on the fixes made this year.  FEMA money may be available for the flood situation.  The goal is to look for funds available to fix the flooding problem, at no cost to us.  Someone mentioned that they thought one of Judy Gentry’s boys works for FEMA (Jason).  Someone suggested that someone local talk to Judge Charlie Bell, for information on what is available.  He is the County Judge and may know of other resources.  David Blackburn offered to talk with Judge Bell.
• D’Arcy noted that she would send a “thank you” note to Buddy for helping us with this.
• Mitzi Gimenez reminded everyone that contributions are needed from those staying at the Reunion this year.  We need to remind everyone what money is used for the different accounts.  It is recommended that those who are able, contribute $35 per person for the weekend to cover their share of food, electricity and supplies expenses for the reunion.  Those staying with RVs and using utilities, should contribute $50 per person for the weekend.
• The General Fund is one account and goes to cover several things, including electricity, phone, propane, grounds upkeep, meat, eggs, bread.
• Walter and Barbara Bryan took care of the crossing repair expenses and will be looking for private donations to cover those expenses.  
• There is also a separate Cemetery Fund, for those wishing to donate to that.  That Fund helps with upkeep and maintenance on the Margaret Cemetery, where many of our relatives are buried.
• Lucille Holman wanted to remind everyone that the Drinking Water is for drinking only, not for bathing feet.  The well did not test out for drinking quality this year, although it is being treated with chlorine.  Therefore, DO NOT drink the well water. 
• Someone asked about the status of the Family Quilt.  It is being worked on by D’Arcy Bryan-Wilson.  (Although the Secretary was told after the Reunion that D’Arcy is not able to do the quilt, so that job is now open for another volunteer.  Anyone interested?)
• The well.  The water is currently contaminated, but is expected to eventually clear up following treatment with chlorine.  Jim Robinson and James Shultz took water samples to Crowell for testing.  Those in attendance acknowledged their work on this and thanked them.  Jim said they would keep working on it as long as necessary.

JOBS FOR NEXT YEAR

• Judy Gentry will do the gifts for new babies.
• Beverly Jones will do the gift for newlyweds (she will give them a set of Reunion cookbooks).  Great idea!
• Beverly commented that we need better participation next year in welcoming our newlyweds.  There was not enough participation this year.  You don’t have to give kisses if you don’t want, but at least go up and say “welcome to the family”.
• Judy Gentry said if there were any children who didn’t get baby blankets, to let her know, if you need one.
• Suzy Mooney will do the gift next year for the farthest travelled.
• Hulett Jones will do the gift for the eldest gentleman.
• Beverly Jones will do the gift for the eldest lady (until she becomes that person).
• Mike & Celeste Wesley were not able to be here this year, so they asked Sydney and Morgan to assist Little Beaver with the Treasure Hunt this year.  Thanks to both of them!  We will assume Mike & Celeste will help with Little Beaver for next year, and someone will contact them to confirm that.
• Agnes Giles will do the gift for the longest wed.
• Officers are for 2-year terms, except Becca Clark has offered to be Treasurer as long as she is able, and Dianne Sales has offered to be Secretary as long as she is able.  D’Arcy has requested that we elect someone else to be President for next year.  The President is in charge of making sure arrangements are made for Work Week and for the Reunion, and will be the person to contact in case of emergencies, such as the flooding this year.  The Treasurer cannot make emergency spending decisions without directions from the President.  The President can consult with other family members before making spending decisions.
• Dianne Sales suggested that we put together a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Reunion organization duties and responsibilities, as well as writing down traditions so the next generation of officers and volunteers will know what is needed and expected of them.  Beverly Jones offered to consult on that.  Walter and Barbara will help too.  Kevin Murphy offered to help too.  Barbara Bryan offered to make updates to the Mule Creek Directory.  Susie Mooney said if anyone has address changes, to send them to Barbara Bryan.
• Any volunteers to take over the Newsletter?  Hulett Jones volunteered.  Yea!  So, if anyone has stories, family events, graduations, births, deaths, weddings, etc., send that info to Hulett.
• We need to replace one stove in the kitchen that is not working.  Becca & Craig Clark will be donating a refrigerator.  Scott Mauldin will take care of the new stove.  Thanks, y’all!
• Discussion was then about nominations for a new President.  Sam Bryan is Vice-President and was unable to attend Reunion this year, so it would be unfair to put him in as President for this coming year.  Several suggestions were made, but those nominated could not take on that role, for a variety of reasons.  A nomination was made that Mitzi Gimenez be our new President.  She accepted the challenge and the nomination was seconded.  There was discussion on the duties of the President and Dianne Sales offered to interview Beverly and others to begin typing up an SOP of duties.  Barbara Bryan offered to assist with this project and began by making a list of Advisors to the President that can be contacted for consultation.  One thing the President needs to do is build up connections so communications will go smoothly in preparing for each year’s events for Work Week and the Reunion, and for handling any emergencies during the year.  Any requests for Reunion funds for purchases or services, should go to the President, who will communicate them to the Treasurer, Becca.  Becca will handle reimbursement for authorized expenses.  Please keep your receipts and make sure Becca gets them.  Mitzi will make the decisions on emergency expenses, with consultation of her helpers.  Mitzi can call anyone for advice and consultation.  She can call Walter & Barbara Bryan, Beverly Jones, Lucy Holman, etc.
• Thank you’s were offered to D’Arcy for being our President this past year and for filling in for Clyde Bryan as MC for the Talent Show and events on Saturday night, since he was not able to be here this year.  Thanks, D’Arcy!

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Please see updates regarding the well here

If any corrections, please have at the ready for this year’s business meeting. You may also email Dianne Sales at dianne.sales (at) sbcglobal.net