1930-1939 Minden High School
Obituaries
BEFORE 1945



Lt. Col. John Caskey Dupuy (USAF Ret.) SHREVEPORT, LA - Lt. Col. John Caskey Dupuy, 90, passed away at his residence on Sunday, March 12, 2006 after a lengthy illness. Graveside services will begin at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at Forest Park Cemetery. Officiating will be Father William Bryant of St. James Episcopal Church.

Lt. Col. Dupuy was a native of Minden, LA and resident of Shreveport for many years. He was a longtime member of Quiet Birdmen, and the Retired Officers Association.

Lt. Col. Dupuy was preceded in death by his son, John Edmond Dupuy. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jorene Walston Dupuy; daughter, Lynne Foster and husband, Danny; granddaughter, Allison Elaine French; and nephew, Rob Colquitt all of Shreveport; niece, Susan Grey of New Orleans, LA; and daughter-in-law, Sylvia Richmond Dupuy of San Francisco, CA.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Gurlean Sikand for his friendship and care for many years.OSBORNFUNERALHOME.NET

Unknown Graduating Year
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1930
Redrick Berton Fogle, Sr.

On Thursday November 25th, after a brief illness, REDRICK BERTON FOGLE, SR. passed away. Born on January 28, 1914, in Shreveport, Louisiana, he attended Minden High School and graduated from there in 1930. While growing up in Minden, he was active in the Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He Graduated from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute in 1935, with a BA degree. In 1936, he married Ruth Murphy and in 1940 they moved to Baton Rouge where he was an active member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club and the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. He was President of the Baton Rouge Sales Executives Club and a founding member of the Baton Rouge Unitarian Church. During World War II, he was an officer in the U.S. Navy, in the Pacific, and was among the Amphibious Forces taking part in the invasion of Okinawa. In 1960 he moved his family to Houston, Texas to manage Brown-Fogle Equipment Co., a construction equipment dealership, which he later purchased and changed the name to Fogle Equipment Co. His wife, Ruth, died in 1978 and he later married her sister, Georgine. Over his long career in Houston, he served in many various roles with the Houston Chamber of Commerce, the Associated Equipment Distributors and Emerson Unitarian Church, where he was an active member, serving as President of the Board and Chairman of the Building Committee, when they built their new sanctuary. Retired from business, he and Georgine moved back to Baton Rouge in 1990, where they lived until August of this year, when Redrick moved back to Texas to live with family, in Trinity. Redrick Berton Fogle, Sr. is survived by his sister, Francis L. Fogle of Dallas; his wife, Georgine; his oldest son, Redrick B. Fogle, Jr. and wife, Linda; his son, William G. Fogle and wife, Connie; his Grandchildren, Redrick B. Fogle III, Gordon Bennett Fogle, James Alan Fogle, George Carlton Fogle, Ruth Elizabeth Fogle Sparks, Rebecca Elaine Fogle Warriner, William Gordon Fogle, Jr. and twelve Great-Grandchildren. There will be a memorial service at 11am on Thursday December 2nd at Emerson Unitarian Church, 1900 Bering Drive in Houston.
Published in the Houston Chronicle on 11/29/2004.

 1930
Harry E. McInnis - 1930 Graduate - WWII Veteran US NAVY
 
Memorial services for Mr. Harry E. McInnis will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003, at First United Methodist Church in Minden.
Officiating will be the Rev. J. Roddy Taylor and the Rev. James Poole. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.
Visitation with family members will be at a reception immediately following the service in the Wesley Room at First United Methodist Church.
A lifelong resident of Minden, Mr. McInnis died on Sunday, November 30, at his home.
The son of Helen Norman and John Lawson McInnis, Mr. McInnis was born on June 13, 1913, at Bussey, Ark.
As a youth, he was active in his church, school, and Scouting. As a member of Troop 35 in Minden, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1929. He graduated as salutatorian from Minden High School in 1930, having served as president of his senior class.
After working for one year as the sports editor of the local newspaper, he attended Louisiana State University from 1931 to 1935, attaining a bachelor of science in business administration. While at LSU, he was a member of the LSU Marching Band and Theta Xi Fraternity.
After graduating from LSU, he worked for the Louisiana Department of Revenue until his enlistment in the United States Navy in 1942. During World War II, he served as an Ensign aboard the aircraft carrier USS Fanshaw Bay in the Pacific Theater of war from 1942 to 1945.
After the war, he returned to Minden to the family insurance business, McInnis Insurance Agency, which he served as president from 1946 to 1990. He was a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana and the secretary-treasurer of the Minden Insurance Exchange. In 1947, Harry and his brother, John L. McInnis, co-founded McInnis Brothers Construction, a commercial and industrial construction firm, which he served until his retirement. He was a past president of Associated General Contractors, Shreveport Chapter.
Mr. McInnis was a member of First United Methodist Church in Minden since 1925. He was a longtime member of the Banks Sunday school class and past chairman of the Church Finance Committee. He also served on three church building committees.
He served his community as a member of the Webster Parish Selective Service Board from 1967 to 1972. He was a director of Minden Bank & Trust Company from 1957 to 1983, serving his last two years as chairman of the board. He was selected as Minden's Man of the Year in 1976. Mr. McInnis was the recipient of Norwela Council's Distinguished Citizen Award in 1996 and was also recognized as a James E. West Fellow by Boy Scouts of America. Mr. McInnis was a longtime member of the Minden Lions Club, American Legion, and Shreveport Club.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Claire Burks McInnis. He is survived also by two sons: Harry E. McInnis, Jr., and M. Philip McInnis and his wife Kathy. Surviving grandchildren are Marshall Phillips McInnis and wife Amy; Katherine McInnis Webb and husband Craig; Kyle Christopher McInnis and wife Molly; Margaret Elizabeth McInnis; and Mark Philip McInnis, Jr. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Mary Grayson McInnis, Claire Bickham McInnis, and Chandler Elizabeth Webb.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church of Minden.United Methodist Church in Minden since 1925. He was a longtime member of the Banks Sunday school class and past chairman of the Church Finance Committee. He also served on three church building committees.
He served his community as a member of the Webster Parish Selective Service Board from 1967 to 1972. He was a director of Minden Bank & Trust Company from 1957 to 1983, serving his last two years as chairman of the board. He was selected as Minden's Man of the Year in 1976. Mr. McInnis was the recipient of Norwela Council's Distinguished Citizen Award in 1996 and was also recognized as a James E. West Fellow by Boy Scouts of America. Mr. McInnis was a longtime member of the Minden Lions Club, American Legion, and Shreveport Club
 
1931

 Arlene Botzong



Arline Elizabeth Botzong Rushing Class of Was it 1931???
Written by Press-Herald Staff
Monday, 29 November 2010
Arline Elizabeth Botzong Rushing had the privilege of waking up Thanksgiving morning in the loving arms of her Savior at the generous age of 95.

Mrs. Rushing was born in Minden on Dec. 27, 1914 and passed away on Nov. 25, 2010

Funeral services will be officiated by Linda Shepherd, associate pastor of First United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 29, 2010 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with a graveside service immediately following at Minden Cemetery.

The family received visitors from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010 at Rose-Neath.

Mrs. Rushing was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Linton Rushing and her parents, Sarah Elizabeth and James Botzong. She was also preceded by many of her dear friends.

She is survived by her two loving daughters, Brenda Farrar of Bossier City and Linda Strickel of Minden; grandchildren, Kimmie Farrar Smith and husband, Jason of Bossier City, Doug Strickel and wife, Pam of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and David Strickel of Seattle, Washington; and great-grandchildren, Audrey, Addyson and Austin Smith and Tyler and Hope Strickel.

Arline was well known for her 41 years of employment and management of Vivian’s House of Fashion in Minden. Arline served as their primary buyer and had a keen eye for fashion and the latest trends in women’s apparel. Most importantly, she prided herself in old-fashioned customer service.

Arline loved the Lord and was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Minden for more than 73 years, making her one of its oldest members. Many of those years were spent serving as treasurer of the Brown-Shields Sunday School Class.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Hines, the staff of Minden Medical Center and the staff of Meadowview Nursing Home for the excellent care they gave Arline during her final days. They also wish to express a special thanks to Amy Phipps of Meadowview Nursing Home for her special attention while Arline was there and to Linda Shepherd and Ann Horecka of First United Methodist Church for the time they spent ministering to Arline

 1931



 Mayor Frank Norman
 Minden City Cemetery, Section G-3 Norman Plot; Opening Day of Ringling Art School & Jr. College, Sarasota, Florida; Frank was the first student to register. Mayor of Minden during the 50s. Lived on Park Hwy. and was neighbors of the Mindenhall's.
 Norman Plot; Bertram Allen Norman 5 Mar. 1886 - 1949 LA 1st Lt Med Corps.; Pearl Toadvin Norman born 17 Jan. 1892 died 4 May 1941; Sybil Edwina Norman born 8 Sept. 1919 died 13 Dec. 1983 worked for Newspaper Production Company in the Accounting Department; Frankie Norman Tompkins born 3 Nov.1939 died 24 May 1975 and Norman Ray Tompkins born 26 Nov. 1960 died 26 May 1975.
 1932
Hattie Mae Grubbs

MINDEN, LA- Hattie, age 93, of Minden, Louisiana died Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at Meadowview Nursing Home. Graveside services will be held on Friday, November 23rd at 2pm at the Minden Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden on Thursday, November 22nd from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

She was born on February 23, 1914 in Tyler, Texas and is a 1932 graduate of Minden High School. After graduating from Shaw Beauty School, she became owner and operator of Hattie's Beauty Shop from 1949 until 1994. She was a member of the Eastern Star and First United Methodist Church of Minden. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bailey Grubbs; daughter, Gloria Locke; sister, Ruby Cobb; brothers, Jimmy and Clarence Rogers and great-granddaughter, Aliyah Barnett.

She is survived by her sister, Lucille Rogers; daughter, Jane Pace; son, Roger Grubbs and wife, Judy, all of Minden. Other surviving family members include: son-in-law, Joe Locke of Baton Rouge; sister-in-law, Grace Rogers of Minden; grandchildren, Lecia and Jimmy Mouille, Terry Joe Locke, Diane and Bunker Watts, Danna and Victor Hassell, Patty and Keith Banta, Jamie and Wesley Barnett and Brian Grubbs; great-grandchildren, James Mouille, Chris Mouille, Alan Locke, Lindsay Watts, Neil Watts, Amanda Watts, Will Banta, Tyler Hassell, Bailey Hassell and Carter Barnett; three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family request that any donations be made to the youth at either First United Methodist Church of Minden or Calvary Baptist Church of Minden.

The family would like to express their appreciation to special friends, Sandra White, Earnie Cosby, 2nd floor staff at Minden Medical Center and Dr. Michael Chandler. Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Submitted by JoAnn Baggett McComic, Class of 195
 
 1932

Mayor Jack Batton
 Minden City Cemetery - Section C-1 Jack and Alice Batton were the parents of Jackie and Jimmy Batton. Jack owned Minden Auction Barn and a grocery store on Maiden Lane. Dorothy Alice Batton was born 16 Dec. 1914 died 14 May 1973. James H. Batton was born 23 Dec. 1943 died 27 Dec. 1992 served in Viet Nam. He was called Jimmy. They owned a rock home on the corner of Marshall and Goodwill Street.

1932

Emily Elizabeth Gilbert Ambrose

MINDEN, LA - Funeral services for Elizabeth Ambrose will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 4:00 PM. Rusty Gilbert her nephew, will conduct the service. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory in Minden. The family will receive friends at 3:00 PM until service time Thursday. Elizabeth was born June 12, 1915 in Shongaloo and died Tuesday September 27, 2011 at the Arbor in Minden where she lived for the past 10-? years.

Elizabeth was an RN and had worked at Confederate Memorial Hospital in Shreveport, Minden Hospital, LA Ordnance Plant, and had retired from International Paper Company in Springhill.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil, her parents Arthur Preston and Edna Matthews Gilbert, her brothers Horace, Harold, Huies, James (Buddy), and Byron (Tap) Gilbert, her sisters Helen Sanders and Kathryn Thomas.

She is survived by her son Darcy, her grandchildren Mark and wife Terry, Steve and wife Lynn, David and wife Cathy, Regina and husband Brad, Phillip and wife Katie, Cecil and wife Kay, along with 15 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, sisters Nell Harlan and Ysleta Kranz and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her grandsons will be pallbearers.

The family would like to thank a special angel, Rosie Peterson for the excellent care she received the last 2 years.

Submitted by Theresa Matthews Bunner, Class of 1946

 1933

 Judge Harmon Drew
 Minden City Cemetery, Section G-3 Drew Plot; Margaret Taylor Elam Drew born 16 Dec. 1919 died 27 Nov. 1919. Also buried there is Judge Harmon Caldwell Drew born 16 Feb. 1889 died 1950 and Annie Lucille Grigsby born 26 Mar. 1890 died 10 Aug. 1974;Katie Drew Carey was born 7 Feb. 1915 died 30 June 1971; Elizabeth Taylor Drew Weaver born 27 Dec. 1942 died 14 Jan. 1996.

1933

SYMPATHY TO THE MEEKS FAMILY
Full Name: James L. Meek, Jr.
Address: Minden, Louisiana (LA)
Born: 07/16/1925
Died: 11/03/2010
Visitation: 11/05/2010
Service: 11/06/2010
Cemetery: Briarwood Cemetery
Funeral services for James L. Meek, Jr. will be held Saturday November 6, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at Briarwood Baptist Church in Readhimer, near Saline. Officiating will be Bro. Keith Brown. Interment will follow at Briarwood Cemetery in Readhimer. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Friday November 5, 2010 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. James was born July 16, 1925 in Readhimer and entered into rest November 3, 2010 in Minden.
His parents Mr. and Mrs. James L. Meek, Sr., brothers T.W. Meek, Albritton Meek, and granddaughter Erica Meek preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie Meek of Minden, sons Louis Jean Meek and wife Mary Boyd of Minden, Bradley Scott Meek and wife Connie Irene of Heflin, daughters Nancy Jo Corbit of Dubberly, Pam Vise and husband Bill Vise, Jr. of Jamestown, Brenda Varnell of Minden, brothers Elgy Meek and wife Loda Mae of Shreveport, Jimmy Meek and wife Gracie of Shreveport, James Meek and wife Sybil of Sibley, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be grandsons; Joe Austin, Chris Corbit, Brad Vise, Jeremy Vise, Dave Martin, Timmy Varnell, and Josh Meek.
Rose-Neath Funeral Home
211 Murrell Street
Minden, Louisiana 71055
James L. Meek Jr. graduated with the class of 1933


 1933

Kathryn Samuel Maxey
 
Kathryn S. Maxey MINDEN, LA - Funeral services for Kathryn S. Maxey, 90, will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 24, 2005 at First Baptist Church in Minden. Officiating will be Rev. Bill Ichter, assisted by Rev. Wayne Dubose. Interment to follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden.

Mrs. Maxey passed away June 21, 2005 in Shreveport, LA. She was born March 27, 1915 in Dianne, Arkansas and was a retired Secretary for Arkla Gas. Mrs. Maxey was a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church in the Nursery and Children's Dept. for over 50 years. She continued her membership at First Baptist Church for 79 1/2 years. She was the first homecoming queen at Minden High School in 1933. She was honored by being Grand Marshal in the MHS Homecoming Parade in 2000.

Mrs. Maxey was preceded in death by her husband: John B. Maxey, Jr. and parents: Sidney and Ora Samuel.

She is survived by her sons: David L. Maxey and wife Brenda of Many, LA; John H. Maxey, III and wife Regina of Keithville, LA; sister: Betty Mott and husband Waynon of Alexandria, LA; brother: James Samuel and wife Betty of Shreveport, LA; five grandchildren: Amanda Maxey Ferguson and husband Shane of Baton Rouge; David L. Maxey. Jr. of Minden; Kelley Cordray and husband Todd of Carrollton, TX; Greg Austin and fiancee Kristi Means of Minden; and Elizabeth Woods and husband James of Vivian; and eight great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be George Taylor, Ronnie Farrar, Sam Samuel, David Maxey, Jr., Dawson Samuel, and Rick Chreene.

In lieu of flowers, Kathryn S. Maxey would much prefer you do something nice for someone in need, or give to La. Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 4196, Monroe, LA 71211-4196. Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Minden, LA 318-377-3412

Published on June 23, 2005.
 1933
 ELSIE ALICE KROUSE HOCK
Elsie Alice Krouse Hock
Written by Press-Herald Staff
Thursday, 02 October 2008

On Dec. 12, 1916, a baby girl was born to the Frank Krouse family, and was named Elsie Alice Krouse, the first daughter and the second child in this family; she was the granddaughter of one of the founders of the Germantown colony, Dr. F. O. Krouse.

Up until the last few months of her life she was busy, busy, busy. God gave her a “servant heart” as she lived to do for others. For over 55 years she and her husband, Ralph Hock, worked with preschoolers in the First Baptist Church of Minden.

Brides in her circle of friends could expect to receive a tall stack of soft absorbent homemade dishtowels. If someone needed a building to begin a business, it was built by Ralph and Elsie Hock for them.  

A small church could not meet the notes on the auditorium, but Elsie helped. So many needed a helping and without asking that need was met. An aging minister found that his small pension was not adequate and money was added by this couple.  

She was a modern-day Caroline Dorman in her cultivation of native flowers. Each spring her frontage on the highway is just a sea of yellow as all the little bulbs burst forth. No area in life was neglected.

The chapter that was her life has ended. Oct. 1, 2008, at 1 a.m. she went on home to be with Jesus and has heard him say: “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

As she lived her life in such a humble way, her wishes are being carried out in her Funeral service, which will be held in the Sanctuary at the First Baptist Church on Friday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. with visitation at 1 p.m. in the foyer of the First Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Wayne DuBose, and graveside services conducted by Rev. Bill Crider at their private cemetery.

There will be no embalming and she will be dressed in a red gingham dress, in a casket made of wood and buried in her own little cemetery, Woodland Haven, back on their land.

Dress for the services is requested by the family to be plain and simple for this country lady.  

Pallbearers will be Don Murphy, Benny Sanders, Dr. John Fleming, Joe Ratcliff, Billy Evans, Jimmy Brantley, Gerald Melton, and Lee McKinney. Honorary pallbearers will be Linda DuBose, Cindy Fleming, Juanita Agan, Freddie Louise Haynes, Lavinia Walker, Sondra Crider, Nancy Melton, Charlotte Dunn, and Brittney Fleming Gamel.

Her pride in her German heritage was equaled by her pride in her two sons and the grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Prescott, Pierce,J. L.,Otto and Rupert; and her sisters, Edith and Gladys Mobley.  

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Ralph; her son, Larry and his wife Norma; her grandsons, Bryan and his wife Rachel and Cody; her son, Bruce and his wife Betty; granddaughter, Debbie Cottle and husband Dennis of Gibsland; grandson Bill and wife Shannon Weeks of Indianola, Miss.; granddaughter, Lisa and husband Chris Giles of Minden; great-grandchildren, J. D. Cottle and wife Morgan, Ashley and Wesley Weeks, Ryleigh and Annie Giles; and great-great-grandchildren Baylee Cottle and Haygon Weeks.


Memorials may be made to either the First Baptist Church of Minden or the Louisiana Baptist children’s Home in Monroe.

Submitted by LeVerne Langheld Kidd, Class of 1957
 
Remembering My Friend, Elsie Hock
Written by Juanita Agan
Friday, 03 October 2008
This was published in Septemer of 1994 as a Cameo. This December 12 she would have been 92. They worked with Preschool age children in Sunday School at the First Baptist Chuch for 55 years until they retired.  

This is a tribute to Elsie Alice Krouse Hock from a family and two friends that loved her.

The diminutive blue jean-clad figure skips up the steps with, a vigor that bounces the black curls that are only faintly tinged with gray.

Just a quick word, a package deposited and she darts off again, busy, busy, busy. Her days are long - from the faintest light of day until dark settles in, she is at work, with her flowers, her vegetable garden, her sewing machine or in the kitchen.


It would be impossible to list all of the areas of life that she touches; because it includes not only her family and the business they operate, but also her Sunday School Department of pre-schoolers that she has taught for over forty years, and her many friends from all levels of society.


If she has the pains and aches that often accompany the compiling of, three score and ten years, plus, she never gives an indication. Her big brown eyes sparkle as she recounts some recent project that she has completed. Perhaps that is the secret of her being forever young — her vital interest in everything. Often in conversation, topics run the gamut from the current political situation in Louisiana and America to an heirloom recipe for hot water cornbread that must have the imprint of fingers on each piece.


There is a fierce pride in her German heritage, in her memories of her childhood on a farm in the Germantown community. Down through the years, she has kept in her memory the genealogical family tree for generations back, but she has also kept a mental record of her generation and their descendants.


 It would be impossible to assess the depth of her mental capabilities. She is well read on a great variety of subjects, from the Bible to Robert Fulgham, and is an astute judge of human behavior and character.


Often her assessment of a situation places things in the proper perspective because she is unbiased except in the cardinal virtues and values she teaches not only by precept but also by example.  


She is unique in every area of life. Who but her would ever think of asking for a private cemetery as a birthday present?  


Yes, a cemetery. Deep in the middle of the hundreds of acres of land they own in the area of their home place is a beautiful spot that has been legally dedicated as a private cemetery forever. There she has had trees cut selectively, leaving some for shade. It is fenced, and she has landscaped the area.


She is a modern-day Caroline Dorman with her gift for preserving the beauty of nature.


The legal aspects and all the necessary paperwork to establish this cemetery was her birthday gift from her family a few years back. This was also the year she and her husband celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.


Here on the land that she has loved and lived on for almost half a century, she knows that one day she and her beloved husband will be laid to rest with space for the sons and their families, forever together in a pastoral setting of pristine beauty. When she describes her plans for the area, it is neither morbid nor is it bizarre.


Her heart is so big that her love and interests extend to all areas of life.


If there is a need, she is the first to respond. From an ancient rural black church that cannot meet its notes at the bank, to food baskets for many who are unknown to her, to checks to an ill, retired pastor who finds that the little pension does not stretch far enough, she anonymously makes generous gifts. She does not wait to be asked - she anticipates the need and is already there with the answer that money sometimes gives.


Young people have been given opportunities in business by this couple.


Their home is a haven for some young people who no longer have parents living, and they relate to several generations at the same time.


This is an unusual trait that is only given to those who love people. Her sewing machine and her kitchen are kept busy on days that she cannot be working with her flowers and in her vegetable garden. She keeps an eye out for toweling for dishtowels, and generously makes stacks of lovely dishtowels, and other items for new brides in her circle of friends.


I have been the recipient of so many beautiful towels that she has made. It gives me such pleasure to use them and to tell my friends who made them for me.


People’s interests are known to her, and she feeds that interest. If I need a recipe for a special item, she searches her many sources and makes copies of many different recipes and brings them for me to try.


She noticed my love of cats, and she often drops by with potholders, dishtowels, and note cards, or any other item that might have a cat on it. My son is deeply interested in history, and often she sends him a clipping or an article from long ago that he uses in his classroom to teach history. She and her husband encouraged him in getting his Master’s Degree by helping him with his tuition.


All the many charitable things she does are not for an income tax deduction, nor for glory, honor and praise. She simply sees a need and promptly fills it. God has given her a personal “has to”, not forced but gladly given, with a loving heart.


Her home is a gathering place for family and friends. Especially constructed for such occasions is a huge kitchen and dining area adjacent to their offices. Here a beautifully equipped kitchen complements the large dining area with its long tables and chairs.  


If flowers are needed, she is there with whatever is seasonal. At our Class Reunion of 53 years, she grew, arranged, and furnished a beautiful basket of flowers, almost three feet in diameter, complete with an authentic bird’s nest.
Each spring the whole front of their land for a long distance is blanketed with daffodils, narcissus, jonquils and other bulbs that bloom each spring. It is worth a drive out to her farm to see the sea of mostly yellow that gently waves, in the spring breezes.


Birds’ nesting places are carefully noted and protected. All of nature is her domain and she has done all that she can to preserve the natural beauty that God placed here.


With a husband who is not only highly educated, but also extremely intelligent, and matched with her intellect, it is not hard to understand the two sons they reared.


She is proud of her children and grandchildren, and has a mother’s pride in their achievements - not a “smother” love but a love that allows them to make their choices and live full lives that are not simply an extension of hers.
She and her husband are world travelers - -having toured the British Isles, Continental Europe, and portions of Asia. Another facet of her unpretentious nature manifested itself during her travels. Listing their occupation as “farmers”, not as an engineer deeply involved in all areas of oil business, from investments to the many areas his business serves.


He is called upon to give advice in oil matters to some of the most prestigious names in America. She felt that as farmers they could travel in obscurity.


She is wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, niece and so many other titles to people. But the title that means so much to me is FRIEND. How blessed it is to have for a friend - Elsie Krouse Hock.
 

1934

Ara Juanita NORMAN Leach


August 10, 2011



Funeral services for Ara Juanita Leach of Gainesville, Texas will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2011 at Temple Baptist Church with Eddie Chennault officiating under the direction of George Carroll Funeral Home.



Mrs. Leach was born May 26, 1917, in Minden, the daughter of Dr. Bertram and Pear Toadvin Norman. She graduated Minden High School and attended Louisiana State University in Fayetteville. She married Francis K. Leach, in Marietta, Oklahoma, on October 3, 1936.



Mrs. Leach was a life-long Democrat and voted for Franklin Roosevelt in 1932. She was a member of the Executive Committee for the Cooke County Democratic Party, and a precinct chair. She was a delegate to 14 Texas State Democratic Conventions and a delegate to the 2004 National Democratic Convention in Boston.



She is survived by her son, Ken Leach of Gainesville; grandson, Michael McCorkle and his wife, Karen of Castle Rock, Colorado; granddaughters, Phyllis McCorkle McDonald and her husband, Jeff of Fort Worth; Nickie McCorkle Rutland Guyer and her husband, Jerry of Dallas; Jackie Neu of Fort Worth; and Deloras Nava Overstreet and her husband, Trent of Bastrop: great-grandchildren, Russell Rutland, David New, Jr., Rachel McCorkle Bolander, Sabrina McCorkle, Brice McCorkle, Brandon Overstreet, Brady Overstreet, Sissy Overstreet, and Robert Overstreet; son-in-law, Robert Nava; and sister-in-law, Mildred Norman of Minden.



Mrs. Leach was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Betty Nava; brother, Francis Toadvin Norman; sister, Sybil Norman; an infant grandson and an infant great-granddaughter.



To commemorate her love of the beauty of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wild Scape Garden Fund, 3111 Old Garden Road, Fort Worth Texas which is project of the Texas Council of Garden Clubs consisting of a three-acre display of native Texas plants at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens.


Submitted by Ann Mays Harlan, Class of 58

1935
 
Mrs. Pearl Jones Craighead
Funeral services for Mrs. Pearl Craighead, 88, will be held at Rose-Neath SouthsideChapel on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Mike Hudspeth. Interment will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Minden Cemetery, Minden, LA.
 
 The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, January 10, 2007 From 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Craighead was born September 2, 1918 in Minden, LA, to W. J. and Emma Jones. She passed away on January 9, 2007 in Shreveport, LA. She was a homemaker and a member of Kings Temple United Pentecostal Church.
 
Mrs. Craighead was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John C. Craighead. She is survived by her son, Billy Craighead and his wife Doris; her daughter, Barbara Enders; one brother, W. J. Jones, Jr.; and three half brothers, Buddy Jones, Tommy Lee Jones, Willie Ray Jones; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, five great-great Grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Dick Welch, Mickey Bryan, Chris Bryan, Ricky Enders, Jonathan Enders, and Brad Winstead.
Memorials may be made to Kings Temple United Pentecostal Church.
Compliments of Ann Mays Harlan

1936     

Sybil Edwina Norman...beside her picture in the 1936 Grig                                         

"Timid and quiet, with a shy sweet way, Treading steadily onward day after day."

Minden Press-Herald, Thursday, December 15, 1983

Miss Sybil Edwina Norman of Shreveport passed away at 6:35 p.m. December 13 in the P and S Hospital in Shreveport following a lengthy illness.  She was 64.

Funeral services were held Thursday, December 15 at 2:30 p.m. in the Minden Rose-Neath Chapel with Dr. Ronald Prince officiating.  Interment followed in the Minden Cemetery.

Miss Norman was a member of the First Baptist Church of Shreveport, and a native of Minden, having lived in Shreveport the past 38 years.  She was a retired office manager with the Newspaper Production Company.

Survivors include her sister, Mrs. Juanita Norman Leach of Gainesville, TX; a brother, Frank Norman of Minden; two nieces and one nephew.

Submitted by Ann Mays Harlan, Class of 1958

1936
Emerson B. Agan born February 29, 1920 died July 2, 1991.
 I was in Alexandria on Aug. 1, 2008, and I went to Greenwood Memorial Park in Pineville looking for three graves. I stumbled by coincidence upon an Emerson Agan, originally from Minden. I think he would have been a brother-in-law of Mrs. Juanita Agan. Mr. Agan graduated from MHS in 1936. He and his late wife, who predeceased him, had one son, Steve Agan, who attended LA Tech. Mr. Agan was an Alexandria businessman.
I have also included two overall photos of Greenwood Memorial Park, including the large pond in the back of the cemetery.
 
 

Greenwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Pineville, Louisiana

 Submitted by: Billy Hathorn, Class of 1966

1935
 

William Paul Mattingly

Written by Press-Herald Staff

Thursday, 17 March 2011

Graveside services for William Paul Mattingly will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2011 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden. Officiating will be the Rev. Bill Ichter. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. today, March 17, 2011 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden.



Paul was born Oct. 19, 1917 in Harrison, Arkansas and entered into rest March 15, 2011 in Minden. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Minden, and served in the United States Navy in the South Pacific during World War II.



He is survived by his wife, Bertha Mae Mattingly of Minden; sons, Kenneth Neil Mattingly and wife, Irene of Minden, and William F. Mattingly and wife, Barbara of Covington; grandchildren, Amber Marie, Glenna and Jennifer Mattingly; and numerous great-grandchildren

1936
 

Zenobia Camp West
Written by Press-Herald Staff
Thursday, 18 September 2008
The woman who gave her family home and land so that children in our parish could be exposed to the arts passed away Saturday. A memorial in her honor will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, in the West Wing Chapel of First Baptist Church of Minden.

Zenobia Camp West, left an edible mark upon this community. Her love of music and the arts led her to donate her family’s property to Cultural Crossroads in 1999, a local non-profit arts organization which she co-founded. Cultural Crossroads developed the four acres homestead and made it the site of their annual Spring Arts Festival where thousands of children have experienced the joys of art free of charge since it’s inception in 1993.

Zenobia was actively involved in the early days of Cultural Crossroads while serving as a charter board member and later as an honorary lifetime member. The children of our parish knew her as Mrs. West and they fondly referred to her gift as ‘the Farm.’

Her generosity and dedication to the cultural enrichment of Minden’s children was acknowledged in 2000 when she was named Minden’s “Woman of the Year.” Her vision and passion for the arts were awarded in 1999 when Cultural Crossroads presented her with their “Visionary Award.”

She was a strong and independent woman who touched many lives through her phone calls and letters. Her selfless nature and acts of kindness were felt by many in her community and she always did it quietly expecting nothing in return. Her presence on this earth left an example for us all and her sweet, generous and gentle nature will be greatly missed.

Zenobia Camp West passed away Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, at her home at the age of 88. Mrs. West was born Dec. 17, 1919, in Minden. She graduated from Minden High School in 1936 and went on to attend LSU majoring in music and receiving a fine arts degree. She was an accomplished and versatile musician known to play up to 13 different instruments. She also attended Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. and received a degree in nursing.  

Zenobia West is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Wilmer West whom she met and fell in love with while attending LSU; her father and mother, Robert W. Camp and LaDora Moess Camp; grandparents, Mary Fuller Moess and Frederick Moess; aunts, Maggie Moess and Treebie Moess; and great-grandson, Alan Phillips.

She is survived by her sister, Margery Maggiore; her only daughter, Alicia Myers and husband Carl Myers; grandchildren, MeChelle Hall, Mary Phillips Dalm and Maggie Maier; and great-grandchildren Dalton Hall, Maggie Maier, Devin Maier and Kelsey Maier; nieces, Walta Carol Thomas, Suzanne Cooper and Betty Moess Galbreath; and many nieces and nephews on her husband’s side.

Memorials may be made to Cultural Crossroads Farm Project, P.O. Box 1393, Minden, LA. 71058, Agape Hospice, the senior ministry at the First Baptist Church in Minden or the music ministry at the church of your choice.
Submitted by Ann Mays Harlan
1936
 E. HENRY LOWE
The 1936 Grig read.... A bashful boy whose nickname's Pete. He'll always be a successful leader.:
Minden Press-Herald, Front page, Wednesday, April 29, 1981
 
Lowe services today
 
Well-known Mindenite E. Henry Lowe, Sr. passed away Tuesday morning,
April 28, 1981, at the Meadowview Nursing Home after an extended illness.
He was 90.
 
Mr. Lowe was one of the founding directors of Minden Bank and Trust
Company. A native of Claiborne Parish, he was a retired merchant. He
was a member of the First Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge No. 51, and
the Shriners. He was also one of the charter members of the American
Legion Post.
 
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today in the Rose-Neath Chapel with Rev.
James Poole officiating, assisted by Rev. Kent Kilbourne. Interment will be
in the Old Minden Cemetery under direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.
 
Mr. Lowe is survived by his wife, Mrs. Cecile Cherry Lowe, Minden; two sons,
E. Henry Lowe, Jr. and Cecil C. Lowe, both of Minden; two daughters, Mrs.
George Lambert, Baton Rouge and Mrs. J. B. Smith, Minden; 11 grandchildren;
four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
 
Nephews will serve as pallbearers.

1936

Bertha Mattingly  Class  of 1936

October 19, 2011 Staff Reports

Graveside services for Bertha Mattingly will be held today (Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011) at 2 p.m. at Gardens of Memory in Minden. Officiating will be the Rev. Bill Ichter. The family received friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden.

Bertha was born Feb. 14, 1919 in Minden and entered into death Oct. 17, 2011 in Minden.

Her husband, William Paul Mattingly preceded her in death.

She is survived by her sons, Kenneth Neil Mattingly and wife, Irene of Dubberly and William "Fred" Mattingly and wife, Barbara of New Orleans; grandchildren, Amber Marie Mattingly, Glenna Eckenrod and Jennifer Adkins; and numerous great-grandchildren.

The family expresses thanks to Minden Medical Staff for the care given to their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mattingly

Submitted by Ann Mays Harlan

Says Ann "She graduated with my Mother in 1936"

1936

William (Morris) Melton, Sr. - Graduated M.H.S. in 1936 - He was also in the U.S. Navy Minden Press-Herald, Tuesday, January 26, 1999

William (Morris) Melton, Sr., 81, of Minden, passed away on Sunday, January 24, at the Ruston Health South Rehab. Center, following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Rose-Neath Minden Chapel. Burial will be in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
Morris Melton was born in Winnfield, La. and lived most of his life in Minden. He was a retired State Fire Marshall, a member of the American Legion, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather. Preceded in death by his father, Bill Melton and son-in-law, Jerry Talton. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sibyl Warren Melton; mother, Cora Johnson Melton; four daughters and husbands, Nedra and Bobby Joe Parker, Nelda Talton, Marsha and Dickie Davis, Nancy and Lynn Goodwin, all of Minden. One son, Morris Melton and wife Linda, of Minden. 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. And special cousin, June Green of
Minden Press-Herald, Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Morris Melton is at Gardens of Memory, Garden of Prayer, Sec 1, Row 2, Lt 12, Sp 1.
 
I
1936
 
Sybil Norman born 8 September 1919 Died 13 December 1983. She worked Newspaper Production Company in Shreveport, Louisiana for many years. Sybil Norman was survived by her brother, Frank Toadvin Norman and his wife Mildred Norman of Minden.

1937
Margia Anglin

Minden Press-Herald, Friday, July 29, 2011


Margia Anglin Brown

Graveside services for Margia Brown will be held Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Gilgal Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home of Minden.  Officiating will be Dr. Richard May.  The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m. today (Friday, July 29, 2011) at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden.

Margia was born Sept. 2, 1920 in Minden and entered into rest July 27, 2011 in Shreveport.

She is survived by her sons, Richard Brown and wife, Ruby of Minden and Mark Brown and wife, Gina of Minden;

daughter, Karen Delarosbil and husband, Gilbert of Shreveport; grandchildren, Shenoa Peterson, Kellie Yates, Natasha Barr and husband, Steven and Crystal; great-grandchildren Demi, Skylar, Zoey, Jaycee, Lainee and Samuel.

Pallbearers will be Robert Jones, Jimmy Baker, Gilbert Delarosbil, Steven Barr, Billy Frye and John Deaton.

Sutmitted by Ann Mays Harlan, Class of 1958

1937
Alice Lucille ‘Doodle’ Rogers
Written by Press-Herald Staff
Monday, 15 November 2010

Funeral services for Lucille Rogers were held at 10 a.m. today, Nov. 15, 2010 at Rose Neath Funeral Home. Officiating the services was Linda Shepherd, Associate Pastor of First United Methodist Church.

Miss Rogers passed away Friday, November 12 at Town and Country Nursing Home.
Born in Stamps, Arkansas on January 7, 1919 to the proud parents W.P. and Rosalee Rogers, she lived most of her life in Minden.

After graduating from Minden High School in 1937 and attending Northwestern State College for a short time, Doodle opened “Rogers Grocery” in 1950. For almost 45 years, students from Minden High would stop in and get a cupcake, coke, or a nickel cigarette.

Everyone knew “Doodle” to be a sweet and caring person who, if you didn’t have any money, would let you charge your candy or drink and promise to pay her back later in the week. Rogers Grocery was one of the first “hang outs” for students and faculty and eventually students started sporting shirts that read “I’ve been to Doodle’s where the Tide is # 1.

” She will be greatly missed by nieces Jane Grubbs Pugh and husband Charles, Alice Jean Deloney; and nephews Jerry Rogers and wife, Jane and Roger Grubbs and wife, Judy; great-nieces Lecia Mouille, Diane Watts, Danna Hassell, Patty Banta, Jamie Barnett, Amy Talley and Pam Deloney; and great-nephews Terry Joe Locke , Brian Grubbs, Matt Rogers, Blake Rogers and Randy Rogers.

Pallbearers included Brian Grubbs, Victor Hassell, Wesley Barnett, Robert Holloway, Keith Banta and Blake Rogers. Honorary pallbearers are Will Banta, Tyler Hassell, Matt Rogers, Doug Talley, Jake Talley, Gabe Talley, Carter Barnett and Camden Grubbs.
1937
Reflections: Remembering Rose Chanler Walker
Written by Juanita Agan
Wednesday, 07 May 2008
December 1935 saw me catching the school bus that Allen Gamble drove from the Claiborne Parish line to MHS.

I was the first to get on at about 7 or a little earlier each morning. I was 12 and my new friend was 14.
She got on the bus on up the road from me.

Even back then she had dignity. I remember she sat at the very front of the bus on the center aisle, putting her feet facing the front of the bus.


I always got in the back corner because always there was a fight either between boys or girls or a mixture.
Once as the boys and girls fought, one girl threw a rock at a boy and it hit my friend under her eye. It left a scar and a memory. She never retaliated.

My friend was always so immaculate; her shirtwaist blouses were snowy white. She had no lunch either. Most of us on the bus had no lunch.

She never talked much, was very quiet and well mannered. We knew each other, but were not as close as in later years.
She had a “calling” just as preachers feel called; she was called to serve in the field of medicine.

She had gone with her mother on her “mid-wife” calls and felt that was what God wanted her to do. She wanted to be a Registered Nurse.

She finished high school as Salutatorian the year before me and entered Nurse’s training. She excelled, and I believe that she finished first in her graduation class of nurses.

God gave her a caring heart – for the sick, for the aged, for the underprivileged, the needy and for all who needed any type of help. She has devoted her life to nursing; to helping others care for sick folks, for sharing with those who needed help, and for being a faithful steward of God’s blessings to her, always giving her church a tithe of her income.

I have been the recipient of so many forms of her caring. She guided me in the care I gave my mother here in the home in a hospital bed. I could never have cared for my mother for the 19 years of her illness, seven in a hospital bed.

She taught me how to make up the bed with the patient still in it, how to turn a patient in bed pushing, not pulling, she taught me to give shots, enemas, how to prepare a wholesome drink that was a complete meal within itself.

She put money in my pocket when I had to carry my mother to Shreveport hospitals and I would have to buy my meals to stay with her. So many ways she has shown her love for my family and me.

Bill Gaither has written a song that expresses her love for her friends. “Old Friends” is the name of it and it is so true. I loved her and appreciated her friendship, 73 years of friendship, and I remember. We had children the same spring - her son David in February and my Suzanne in March.

All she ever wanted to be was loved. Robin, who put her Times at her door each morning, offered that love, and Sylvia Puckett was a lifesaver for her.

After Fred Haynes’ death, Don Murphy has been her “Rock of Gibraltar” always available to take her to the doctor or the bank or wherever, and offering that love that she needed.

Her neighbor, Freddie Louise Haynes (Sug) has been there for her down through the years, taking her to the beauty shop or wherever she needed to go, and offering that love my friend needed, along with that loving smile.
May 5 she slipped away to Heaven and I am sure she was met with God’s commendation: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy Lord.”

A few days before her death I sent this story to her, elaborating more on our hardships.

One who loved her stood nearby as she read the letter and heard her say: “She loves me, she loves me.” Thank God she knew.

My friend’s name was Rose Chanler Walker, R.N
 
1937

Shreveport Times, Sunday, March 9, 2008
 
Royden O. “Roy” Williams
 
Graveside services will be conducted at Centuries Memorial Park Cemetery for
Roy Williams, age 88, of Shreveport, LA on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.
Officiating will be Rev. H. B. Fuller assisted by Rev. Louis Strain. Visitation will be
at Centuries Funeral Home on Monday, March 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
Mr. Williams was born November 8, 1919 in Minden, LA to Raleigh O. Williams and
Maggie P. Williams. He entered into rest on Saturday, March 8, 2008 after a lengthy
illness. Mr. Williams served his country during W.W.II as a member of the U.S. Army
in the Pacific Theater. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service. He was a member
and Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Greenwood, LA, a member of the Greenwood
Pioneer Club, and the NARFE (Retired Federal Employee). Mr. Williams was a
cattleman, raising Charolais beef cattle. He also did custom hay baling as long as his
health allowed him to.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sons, Ray and Roy and sisters,
Marguerite Daley and Beatrice Van Voorhies.
 
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Carolyn R. Williams, several nieces and
nephews and a host of friends.
 
Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons of First Baptist Greenwood, Lloyd Pond and Bob Salts.
 
The family would like to thank Dr. Deanna Donley, Life Path Hospice, and special sitters,
Missey Smith, Trena Dickens and Vera Ward for their loving care.
 
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Greenwood
Building Fund.
1937

Lillian Mae Life Willis
 
Graveside services for Lillian Mae Life Willis, 85, of Shreveport, will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the
direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home of Minden. Father Wayne Carter will
officiate.
 
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
 
Willis, formerly of Minden, died Monday, February 27 in Shreveport.
 
Willis, along with her husband John, owned and operated Webb Hardware
and Furniture in Minden. She was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church.
 
She is survived by her husband, John Stillmon Willis, Jr. of Shreveport; one
daughter, Martha Willis of Minden; two sisters, Martha Life Jamieson of Minden and Dr. Mary Louise Life of Baton Rouge; three grandchildren, Bryan Garner of
Minden, Anna Garner-Raburn of Cotton Valley and Claire Rustin of Sibley; five
great grand children.
1937

 Catherine (Kitty) Hortman Whitman
SHREVEPORT, LA - Kitty Whitman, age 83, passed away at Willis-Knighton North on October 19, 2005 following a lengthy illness. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2005 at Rose-Neath's Southside Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Norman Bailes. Interment will follow in Centuries Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 21, 2005 at the funeral home.

Kitty was born in Hortman, LA on October 25, 1921 to Felder and Ola Hortman. She graduated from Minden High School and received her bachelor's degree from Louisiana Tech University. She met and married the love of her life, Ben Whitman in 1946. Early in her marriage she worked at United Gas, then was a homemaker and later working in Caddo Parish Schools, Byrd and Woodlawn as secretary until retiring. She attended Summer Grove United Methodist Church until she was no longer able, lived in her home for 45 years on Francis Drive, then most recently in Glen Oaks Retirement home. Kitty's loves of her life were her husband of 55 years, daughter and grandchildren, friends and planting flowers.

She is preceded in death by her parents Felder and Ola Hortman and husband, Ben Whitman. She is survived by her brother, Leland Hortman of Dallas. Her only child, Sherrie Lillich and son-in-law, Dr. James Lillich and their three children: Adam, Micah, and Jenna Lillich, all of Shreveport survived her as do numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Dr. P.V. Blanchard and his nurses and the staff of Glen Oaks Retirement Center for their care. Special thanks goes to Mrs. Cynthia Smith for her devotion as caretaker and friend of Kitty over the past 6 years.Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Southside Chapel 687-1256

Published on October 21, 2005
1938
MYRA LEE COFFEE

Myra Lee Coffee - Class of 1938 married Mr. Rea. She is interred in the Minden City Cemetery in section E. She was born 07 Nov. 1921 died 27 Oct. 1986. On her left is Ruby M. Coffee born 08 Aug. 1902 died 05 Jan. 1985. On the right of Myra Lee Coffee Rea is Frank HURLEY born 08 Mar. 1910 died 04 Sep. 1976 S/Sgt. US Army WWII; Capt. Loy Grady Coffee born 27 Jul. 1917 died 30 Dec. 1944; Ora B. (Mama) born 14 Feb. 1884 died 07 Mar. 1984; Albert L. Coffee (Daddy) born 22 Jan. 1873 died 26 Mar. 1960.
1938
SHREVEPORT TIMES NOV. 29-2008
Kathryn Gilbert Thomas (Catherine in the Grig)

MINDEN, LA - Funeral services for a special sister and aunt will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral home chapel in Minden, La.. Officiating will be Rev. Rusty Gilbert.

Interment will follow at Minden Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden, La. Sunday November 30, 2008.

Kate was born September 27, 1918 in Couchwood, La. to the late Arthur Preston and Edna Matthews Gilbert. She entered into rest November 26, 2008 in Minden, La.. She was a Shreveport residence for many years but resided in Minden since 1977. She was preceded in death by one sister, Helen Sanders and four brothers, Horace, Harold, Huies and Byron "Tap" Gilbert.

Mrs.Thomas is survived by sisters - Nell Harlan, Ysleta Kranz, and Elizabeth Ambrose and one brother, Jim Gilbert.

She was a very special and treasured "Aunt Kate" to many nieces and nephews. Rose-Neath Funeral Home
SUBMITTED BY: T. BUNNER, CLASS OF 1946
1938


 JAMES E. JETER SERVED IN THE AIR FORCE DURING WWII -Graduate of Minden High School in 1938 James E. Jeter Jr. (1921-2003) There is no James E. Jeter listed in any of the Grigs 1936-1940. There is an Elmer Jeter listed as a junior both in 1939 and 1940 SERVED IN THE AIR FORCE DURING WWIIThese Grigs even had a list of students by grade who were not pictured in the Grigs. Funeral services for Mr. James E. "Sonny" Jeter Jr. will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden.
Mr. Jeter, better known to his friends and family as "Sonny," passed away Saturday, Aug. 30, just 12 days shy of his 82nd birthday. He was, without question, a true American hero. The Minden native, born on Sept. 11, 1921, served in the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant during World War II, where he was shot down over Germany and captured as a prisoner of war. He earned two purple hearts and a bronze star.
He was the former owner of Jeter's Garage and Minden Auto Parts, where he retired in 1993. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Minden. He served as a volunteer fireman for the City of Minden for 40 years. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Knights of Pythons and was a Mason.
Mr. Jeter was also a member of the 1938 state-championship football team at Minden High School, his alma mater. He enjoyed golf and being with his friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James E. Jeter Sr.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sybil B. Jeter; two daughters, Rebecca Anderson and husband Rodger L., and Elizabeth Lee and husband Ricky D.; three grandchildren, Robin A. Herman and husband Michael, Aaron S. Lee and wife Joanna, and Eric C. Anderson and wife Cori; and one great-grandchild, Gregory M. Herman.
Pallbearers will be William Hilburn, Fred Haynes, Matt Martin, Keith McClung, Ray Myers and Sammy Vaughn. Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Elzen, Dr. Phillip Hendry and Dr. Tom Alley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Baptist Children's Home or to St. Jude Children's
 Research Hospital.
 1938
Ovel Celeste Wintker Martin (January 10, 1922 - March 23, 2008)
 
Mrs. Martin was born in Clarendon, Arkansas, to Delphine and Albert Wintker. She graduated from Minden High School in 1938. After World War II, she married R. Hayward Martin (1921-1998). The couple and their sons lived first in South Texas, then Louisiana, and finally in Mesquite, east of Dallas. In retirement, they returned to their hometown of Minden.
 
Services were held on March 26, 2008, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Reverend Bill Ichter and Brother Eddie Rushing officiating. Interment was in Minden Cemetery.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Dickie Martin, and her brother, Bill Wintker. Survivors included her sons, James Martin and wife Karen of White Oak, Texas, and Gary Martin of Houston; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and an aunt, Kathleen Marbut of Verona, Missouri.
 
Pallbearers were Billy Chanler, Matthew Chanler, Allen Goss, Lemuel Grigsby, Rodney Grigsby, Joey Merritt, and Ray Ward. Honorary pallbearers were Randy Grigsby, Richard Grigsby, Charles Martin, Dale Martin, and J.C. Merritt.
 
Her family suggested memorials in Mrs. Martin's honor to the Pine Grove Methodist Church.
Submitted by Billy Hathorn

1938

Willa Mae Alexander Fowler

"Our Maw Maw"

BOSSIER CITY, LA - Willa Mae Fowler, 91, died peacefully in her favorite chair at Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home. Celebration of life and graveside services will be December 27, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at Hill Crest Cemetery in Haughton, LA. Officiating will be Rev. Tim Neustifter pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church, where she visited many times and loved it! The church has prayed for her faithfully.

Maw Maw was born July 24, 1920 in Buckner, AR to Ernest and Susie Alexander. She married Perry Fowler in July 1942. They were married for 63 years.

Maw Maw was gifted in cooking and had a great love for camping and fishing, especially catching white perch and bream, and when she would visit us at the lake, she would catch the catfish and we would laugh as she would always "kiss" them for luck and throw them back into the lake! She also loved all the members of her church in New Boston, Faith Missionary Church; she loved you all.

Maw Maw was preceded in death by her husband, Perry; mother and father, Ernest and Susie Mae Alexander House; sister, Betty Sue Aubrey; brothers-in-law, Artis Ratcliff and Curtis Martin; nephew, Danny Aubrey and niece, Diane Martin.

Maw Maw is survived by her only child, friend and caregiver whom she adored, Jerry and wife Don Ella Fowler of Cypress Lake in Benton; her only grandchild whom she adored, Daryl Fowler and wife Elizabeth of Coppell, TX and her three precious great-grandchildren, Cole, Kristen and Caden Fowler. She just visited these children on Thanksgiving and just hugged and loved on them so.

She is also survived by sisters, Hazel Ratcliff of New Boston, TX, Ernestine Hortman of Minden, LA; nieces and nephews, Linda Braswell and husband Terry of Wake Village, TX, Larry Ratcliff and wife Connie of New Boston, TX, Bill and wife Barbara Ratcliff of DeKalb, TX, Kay Martin Kelly and husband Willie of Mesquite, TX, Robbie Aubrey and wife Donna of Benton, LA, Beverly Aubrey of Haughton, LA and Rod Hortman of Minden, LA; brother-in law, James Aubrey of Shreveport, cousin, Christine Miller of Napoleonville, LA and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Asbury United Methodist in Bossier City, LA.

The family would like to express their love and appreciation to her doctor, Dr. Kirk Saucier, the staff of Pilgrim Manor whom she loved, Denise Richardson, administrator who helped us in so many ways the last four years, we love you so much, and especially the Bingo games, she loved winning her "goodies". Also thanks to all our friends at the Bossier Parish School Board for all their love, concern and helping us the last few years with encouragement and prayers.

We know at this moment, she is in Heaven, as she said she was ready to go "Home". She's now cooking homemade chicken n dumplings and chocolate pie. We will miss you and will see you in Heaven. As she entered Heaven, she was told, well done good and faithful servant.

Today's Shreveport Times:  Submitted by Carol Ann Miller LeBlanc (my 1958 classmate sent the e-mail about this death.  Willa Mae was Carol Ann's mother's sister.) Submitted by Ann Mays Harlan, Class of 1958

1939
Shreveport Times
George A. Calvit

(1922 - 2009)

MINDEN, LA- George A. Calvit died of heart failure on 26 June 2009, in Minden. Mr. Calvit was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty years, Dorothy Colclasure Calvit; daughter Peggy Leigh Calvit; parents George A. Calvit Sr. and Maude Welch Calvit; brothers William Welch Calvit and James Earl Calvit.

George Calvit was born on 23 January 1922, in Minden, La., where he lived all his life except for his military service and twenty years in Springhill, La. George and his wife Dorothy were both members of the Minden High School Class of 1939 and he greatly enjoyed the fellowship of his fellow classmates through the years. He proudly served in the US Marine Corps in the Second World War in the 2nd Anti-Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and the Heavy Weapons Co., 26th Marine Regt., 5th Marine Division. For actions on Iwo Jima he was awarded the Silver Star and four Purple Hearts. He was a railroad carman for thirty-five years, with the L&A Railroad and the Kansas City Southern; he enjoyed an association with his railroad friends that lasted the rest of his life. He was a stalwart member of many organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Pelican Travelers, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Knights of Pythias. Raised a Methodist, he joined the First Baptist Church of Minden in 1957 and remained a lifelong member; he especially enjoyed the fellowship of his Sunday School Class.

Mr. Calvit is survived by daughters Pamela Tuey of Minden, La., and Jean and husband Joe Chatman of Oak Grove, La.; grandchildren Chris Kirkley of Shreveport, La., Karen Kirkley of Minden, La., Jenny and husband Sean McCool of Friendswood, Texas, and Amanda and husband Dan Pesnell of Minden, La.; great-grandchildren Lucy and Chase McCool, Mallory and Maggie Pesnell; sisters Lucille Wilson of Austin, Texas, and Jan Pyle of Annapolis, Maryland; numerous nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends. The family would like to extend special gratitude and love for the friendship of Mary Stubbs and Kitty Moos.

Services were held at the Rose-Neath funeral home in Minden at 2 PM Sunday, 28 June 2009, with internment afterwards at the Old Minden Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of Agape Hospice, the First Baptist Church of Minden, and the US Marine Corps honor guard. Memorial donations requested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Rose-Neath F.H. Minden.
Submitted by Barbara Mendenhall McLemore, Class of 1961
1939
Hattie Mae Grubbs

MINDEN, LA- Hattie, age 93, of Minden, Louisiana died Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at Meadowview Nursing Home. Graveside services will be held on Friday, November 23rd at 2pm at the Minden Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden on Thursday, November 22nd from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

She was born on February 23, 1914 in Tyler, Texas and is a 1932 graduate of Minden High School. After graduating from Shaw Beauty School, she became owner and operator of Hattie's Beauty Shop from 1949 until 1994. She was a member of the Eastern Star and First United Methodist Church of Minden. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bailey Grubbs; daughter, Gloria Locke; sister, Ruby Cobb; brothers, Jimmy and Clarence Rogers and great-granddaughter, Aliyah Barnett.

She is survived by her sister, Lucille Rogers; daughter, Jane Pace; son, Roger Grubbs and wife, Judy, all of Minden. Other surviving family members include: son-in-law, Joe Locke of Baton Rouge; sister-in-law, Grace Rogers of Minden; grandchildren, Lecia and Jimmy Mouille, Terry Joe Locke, Diane and Bunker Watts, Danna and Victor Hassell, Patty and Keith Banta, Jamie and Wesley Barnett and Brian Grubbs; great-grandchildren, James Mouille, Chris Mouille, Alan Locke, Lindsay Watts, Neil Watts, Amanda Watts, Will Banta, Tyler Hassell, Bailey Hassell and Carter Barnett; three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family request that any donations be made to the youth at either First United Methodist Church of Minden or Calvary Baptist Church of Minden.

The family would like to express their appreciation to special friends, Sandra White, Earnie Cosby, 2nd floor staff at Minden Medical Center and Dr. Michael Chandler. Rose-Neath Funeral Home
 Submitted by JoAnn Baggett McComic
1939

 GRADY A. JETER GRADUATED IN 1939. He is pictured as a Senior in the 1939 Grig. The Grig states Champions Class A 1938. Shreveport, La. - Grady A. Jeter, 86 passed away in Shreveport on Saturday, August 18, 2007 after a lengthy illness. Memorial services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 23rd in the Chapel of Osborn Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Tommy Allen of Lighthouse Baptist Church and assisted by Tyler Long a Seminary student at St. Meinrad. Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery.
Mr. Jeter was a native and a resident of Shreveport, La. He was a member of Brookwood Baptist Church. He graduated from Minden High School and was a proud member of the class of 1939. He was a member of the Minden High School Louisiana State High School Championship football team. He proudly served in the Army Air Corp during WWII. He attended Louisiana Normal College and was a graduate of Louisiana Tech.
Mr. Jeter was actively involved in sports and attended Umpire school in Florida where he was instructed by Babe Ruth. Afterward he umpired baseball in various locations in Northwest Louisiana for 20 years. Beginning in 1948, he flagged auto races at every speedway in North Louisiana and East Texas for 50 years where he was known as the Flag Man".
Mr. Jeter is survived by his wife of 62 years, Christine Coleman Jeter and one son, Byron Jeter. He is also survived by those he affectionately called his adopted children, Roxy Dancy, Debbie Long, Kay Johnson and Debbie Bison.
Submitted by Billy Hathorn and Ann Mays Harlan

1939

Mildred Davenport Johnson

Mildred Davenport

Mrs. John HenryJohnson



SHREVEPORT, LA - Services to celebrate the life of Mildred Davenport Johnson (Mrs. John Henry Johnson, Jr.) will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2011, at Rose-Neath Marshall Street Chapel. Officiating will be Dr. Scott Tatum and Mr. Ray Boswell. Interment will follow in Minden Cemetery, Minden, LA.



Mildred was born July 18, 1921 in Belcher, LA to Howard W. and Ethel Lafitte Davenport and passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2011. She grew up in Minden, LA and was a graduate of Minden High School. A proud member of the class of '39, she participated in all their annual reunions. Mildred was a graduate of Stephens College where she was a member of Delta Rho. She was also a graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. Centenary College continued to be an important part of her life. She was a charter member of the Women's Endowment Quorum and supported other areas of the college, such as serving as class agent and member of the National Alumni Council.



Mildred married John H. Johnson, Jr. in 1942 and they enjoyed 58 years together before he died in 2000. They have two daughters, Marilyn Ethel Johnson King of Shreveport, LA and Marsha Johnson Enterline of Dayton, OH; and four grandchildren, Alicia Anne King Akins and husband, Paul Akins of McKinney, TX, James Richardson King of Fort Worth, TX, Sarah Elizabeth Enterline Roch and husband, Joshua Roch of Boston, MA, and Claire Lafitte Enterline of Portland, ME. She has one nephew, Jeff Robinson of Midlothian, VA, and two nieces, Jane Watson of Powhatan, VA, and Jennifer Johnson of Baton Rouge, LA.



Mildred's church has always been an important part of her life. In earlier years at Broadmoor Baptist Church, she taught young students and young adults in Sunday School. Later at First Baptist Church she taught the adult Gleaners class.



Mildred loved music and whenever possible, she supported the arts. She was life member of the Shreveport Symphony Guild and served on the Shreveport Symphony Board. Mildred was a member of Le Corps Magnifique of the Shreveport Symphony. She enjoyed and supported the Nena Plant Wideman Piano Competition which is held annually. Mildred loved Shreveport with generous involvement and supported many good causes in the community to make Shreveport a better place to live.



She was enthusiastic and enjoyed traveling to many countries of the world to observe their customs, and shared her experiences with groups on many occasions. Mildred truly believed life was full of wonders and joyous experiences and one should hold on to the joyful times.



The family expresses their sincere thanks to her kind caregivers, Tina Weller, Hattie Harris, and Janett Gennywell who helped her in her last days.



Honoring Mildred as pallbearers will be Will Blanchard, Dalton Dean, Hershel Downs, Robert C. Jackson, Richard King, T.J. Mims, George Plaxco, Andy Shehee, and Harold Summers. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Edward Cole, John Dalton, William Dalton, William T.F. Dykes, Gary B. Gilbreath, William Johnson, Dr. Randy Kirchner, John Gwin Morrison, Jeff Robinson and Dan Watson.



Memorials may be made to the John and Mildred Johnson Endowment Scholarship at Centenary College, 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport, LA 71104 or First Baptist Church of Shreveport, 543 Ockley Drive, Shreveport, LA 71106.

Published in Shreveport Times from July 15 to July 16, 2011



Submitted by Ann Mays Harlan, Class of 1958


1939

Melba Jones Lowery
Written by Press-Herald Staff
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Funeral services for Melba Jones Lowery will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church West Chapel in Minden. Officiating will be the Rev. Wayne DuBose and the Rev. Bill Crider. Interment will follow at Minden Cemetery.

Family will receive friends today, June 30, from 5 until 8 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Melba was born Oct. 30, 1921, in Minden and entered into rest June 28, 2009, in Minden.

Her parents. Melvin Jones and Lillian David Jones; and brother. J.T. Jones preceded her in death.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Dennis Lowery of Minden; two sons. James D. Lowery and wife Kathy of Pineville and Kenneth N. Lowery and wife Cindy of Houston; brother, Loye Jones and wife Peggy of Minden; four grandchildren, Kelly Lowery Brasher of Lumberton, Texas, Neil Lowery of Lafayette, Anna Lowery of Houston, and Megan Lowery of Houston; two great-grandsons, James Dalton Brasher and Bryce Jason Brasher of Lumberton.

Pallbearers will be Greg Jones, Nathan Jones, Tommy Jones, Neil Lowery, Jason Brasher and John L. Lowery

1939 NETTIE LUMPKIN




Nettie Eugenia Lumpkin Ball
(November 14, 1920 - April 26, 2011)

 

Nettie Eugenia Lumpkin Ball 90, of Alexandria passed away April 26, 2011 at the Tioga Manor Nursing Home with her family at her side.

 

A memorial service will be held for Miss Nettie at Hixson Brothers in Alexandria on April 30 at 11:30 AM. Friends may visit from 10:30 AM until the service.

Father George Gennuso of St. Michaels Episcopal Church will officiate the service.

Miss Nettie was born on November 14, 1920 to Eugene Hilry Lumpkin, Sr. and Nettie Lee Howard, in Fisher Louisiana.

Soon after her birth, the family moved to Minden Louisiana. It was in Minden where her father became the founder of the Sanitary Dairy of Minden. Miss Nettie, her four sisters and two brothers grew up on the dairy farm. It was on the dairy farm where they all attended to chores before and after school.

Morning chores began at 4:00 AM, seven days a week. This was during the days of the depression and electric milking machines were not available. After milking the cows, the milk was processed and then delivered to local customers. After the milk was delivered, it was time to go to school. When school was out, preparations had to be made for milking the next day.

Upon finishing Minden high school, Miss Nettie attended Louisiana Tech in Ruston, Louisiana where she was a Home Economics major. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and working in the yard. She was an accomplished equestrian. She always entered the Webster Parish Fair cooking contest and placed first in the categories she entered.

During World War Two, Miss Nettie received a position at the Deridder Air Base. She and other non-commissioned employees lived in the barracks on base. Miss Nettie and several of her friends planned an outing to Alexandria to stay at the Bentley Hotel. It was during this time she submitted an application for employment at England Air Force Base. She was accepted and began employment immediately. It was at England Air Force Base where she met Sgt. Robert Leo Ball, Sr. They both said it was love at first sight.

Miss Nettie was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Hilry Lumpkin, Sr. and Nettie Lee Howard, by her siblings, Rae Ratcliff, Vera Lee Grubbs, Helen Lumpkin, Eugene Hilary Lumpkin, Jr., Dr William Lumpkin, by her husband, Robert Leo Ball, Sr. and one son, Robert “Bobby” Leo Ball Jr.

She is survived by one daughter, Linda Ball Brocato (Joe), children, Joe Brocato III, (Staci), Christen Brocato Bernard (David), Elizabeth Brocato Meadows (Rick), one son Randy Ball (Rebecca), and children, Jarred Ball (Dina), Jennifer Ball Dell (Adam) and Brittney Ball,

Miss Nettie is survived by ten great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, by one sister, Iris Lewis of Myakka City, Florida and by her faithful dog and companion, “Punkin”.

Following Miss Nettie’s celebration of life, friends and family are invited to attend a farewell gathering at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the Humane Society. Burial will be at the Old Minden Cemetery, Minden, LA on Saturday, April 30 at 4:00 PM.

 
1939

Billy Sugg graduated in 1939 - William Clarence C. Jr. born 31 October 1921. He served as a Sgt. in the Maries 1st. Marines Div - KOREA PH His life was taken away on the 3rd. day of March 1949 in Minden, Webster Parish, Louisiana. He was survived by his brother Tommy Sugg of Minden, La. and his sister, Amelia. There are markers in the Minden City Cemetery for Amelia SUGG Stocking born 20 Jul. 1912 died 15 Mar. 1979; Grace CHILDS Sugg born 18 Jun. 1877 died 31 Aug. 1938; William C. SUGG Jr. born 31 Oct. 1921 died 03 Apr. 1949 . Also in section A South there is a marker for Mary Belle Sugg daughter of Alice and W. A. Sugg born 22 August 1884 died 26 September 1885. He was survived by his wife Nan Banks Sugg, one son and a daughter.


1939

Juanita Louise Murphy Agan
Written by Press-Herald Staff
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Juanita Louise Murphy Agan died peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008, in Shreveport. As had been her fervent prayer, she just slipped away to be with the Lord.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008, at First Baptist Church of Minden, where she had been a member for over 70 years. The Rev. Wayne DuBose, the Rev. Bill Ichter and the Rev. Leland Crawford will be officiating.

Juanita Louise Murphy was born June 28, 1923, in Cedar Grove, then a community just south of Shreveport. She was the only child of Louannie Longino Murphy and James Allison Murphy. After the death of her father in 1926, Juanita and Louannie lived a very difficult life during the Great Depression, always moving to seek a job. Juanita attended many schools during those growing up years, including five different schools in a single year. However, in 1937, they settled in Minden, which would become Juanita’s home for the rest of her life.

Juanita was a graduate of Minden High School Class of 1939, where she was an honor student and the unanimous recipient of the American Legion Award by the faculty. Over the last 30 years she was instrumental in organizing and planning the mini-reunions held by the class members several times each year, a practice they continued until increasing health problems for class members made them too difficult to schedule.

After completing courses at Meadows-Draughon Business College in Shreveport, she went to work for Andress Motors Company in Minden as a bookkeeper. This began a lifelong friendship with the Andress family and also allowed her to work with another employee there, a young man she already knew and admired from activities at First Baptist Church, J.C. Agan, Jr.

They eventually began dating after J.C. returned from fighting in World War II. They were married on June 12, 1948, and enjoyed almost 41 years together until his death on May 5, 1989. Juanita and J.C. had two children – Suzanne and John and a member of that household for nearly 35 years was Juanita’s mother, Louannie, whom Juanita cared for in her declining years.

Over the years Juanita worked at various bookkeeping jobs while being a homemaker, doting mother and active member of First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, served as a Sunday School Department Director, Vacation Bible School teacher and director, choir member and longtime member of many church committees.

After Louannie’s death, Juanita returned to full-time employment eventually serving 12 years as Financial Secretary for First Baptist Church. She operated a bookkeeping business out of her home for the last 21 years of her life, serving as the bookkeeper for W.J. Penton Construction Co., Inc.

But Juanita was best known for two things – her love and compassion for people and her writing. For the past 15 years, she wrote a weekly column for the Minden Press-Herald called “Cameos of Minden” about as she put it “an old lady’s memories.”

Perhaps that is how she was best known to many in Minden. But even before the Cameos became a “fixture,” she had been named “Minden’s Woman of the Year” in 1995 for her overall contribution to the community.

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Survivors include her daughter, Suzanne Jameson and husband Bob of Minden; son, John Agan of Minden; three grandchildren, John Jameson and wife Faith of Macon, Ga.; David Jameson of Salatiga, Indonesia; and Paul Jameson of Minden.

Pallbearers will be Mike Burton, Dr. Richard Campbell, Tracy Campbell, Charlie Hortman, John Jameson, Paul Jameson, Keith McClung and Aldrick Penton.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of Minden High School Class of 1939.

1939

Mary Ellen Pugh


The obit for Mary Ellen Pugh Dean, MHS Class of 1939, and “Prettiest Girl” in the 1939 Grig, is in today’s Shreveport Times.

Mary Ellen Pugh Dean

Mary Ellen Pugh Dean



SHREVEPORT, LA - Mary Ellen Pugh Dean passed peacefully at her home on Saturday, August 6, 2011, with family members by her side.



Father Karl Daigle will celebrate a Funeral Mass in honor of her life at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are invited to a reception in the Family Life Center at the church immediately following mass. There will be a private family ceremony for interment at Forest Park Cemetery.



She was born in Portland, Arkansas on January 27, 1923. She grew up in Minden, La. and spent wonderful days in Many, La with her beloved "Many Bunch". She moved to Shreveport in 1948 where she raised her family to whom she was totally devoted and of whom she was so proud.



She was a faithful charter member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she served its Altar Society, Religious Education, and Adoration Chapel ministries. She never hesitated to help those in need as evidenced by her work with Christian Services and the parish missions to Mexico.



She was preceded in death by her husband Henry Dalton Dean; her parents, Luna Rex and Leonie Andries Pugh; by her brother, Rex Andries Pugh; and by her sister Jean Pugh Horton.



She is survived by her sister Rene Pugh Warren; four sons, Jim and his wife, Gaye, Ken and his wife, Bettye, John and his wife, Lori, and Robert and his wife, Darlene; by two daughters, Marianne Loftin and her husband, Gary, and Nancy Scurlock and her husband, Dan; by twenty-four grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren; and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.



Pallbearers will be her eleven grandsons, Wesley, Cameron, Bryan, Christopher, Jason, Eric, Dalton, Patrick, and Jake Dean, Peter Scurlock, and Grant Cosby.



The family wishes to extend special thanks to her dear friend, Cleo White, for her loving care.



Her devotion to her faith, family and friends was a true testament of her life. We love her and will all miss her dearly.



The family requests that memorials be sent to Holy Angels or St. Joseph Building Fund, or doing something kind for another person in her memory would also make her very happy.

1939


 Martha Russell was Martha Strange...and was the 2nd youngest graduate of the MHS Class of 1939, she was five days older than my mother who was the youngest graduate. So that class has lost its two youngest members in the last two months.
John Agan
Martha  STRANGE Karraker Russell
Written by Press-Herald Staff
Wednesday, 03 December 2008
 Martha “Marty” Karraker Russell went to the Lord in the early hours of Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, surrounded by her family following a year-long struggle with cancer. She was married to the late Lt. Col. (USAF, Retired) William H. Karraker, and then to the late Stanley Russell.

She is loved and survived by her four children, Val Rae Simonaro of Rio Doso, N.M., Col. (USAF, Retired) Perry N. Karraker of Colorado Springs, C.o., Mendy Elliott, wife of Judge Steve Elliott of Reno, N.V. and Kathy Lopez and her devoted companion William Sloan of Manteca, Calif. She has a younger brother, Nolan Strange, who lives in Bossier City. Marty was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and the great-grandmother of four grandchildren. She is also survived by her trusted dog and best friend, Mandy.

Miss Martha was born in Ellaville, Ga. on June 23, 1923, and moved to Minden when she was one year old.  

She graduated from Minden High School, and later attended Louisiana State Normal College and Louisiana Tech where she majored in Physical Education. She was the Louisiana State Tennis Champion while in high school and continued competitive tennis during her tenure in College. Our father met our mother in the summer of 1939, while selling bibles while he was still in College. He returned to the University of Kentucky and then along came World War II. Upon graduation our father enlisted in the Army Air Force, he was sent to Navigator School in Monroe.

Upon graduation he was assigned to the base in Wyoming for a short time until he went overseas to England. He would write to our Mom weekly. When he finally returned to the states as a highly decorated veteran he called on our mother. He was stationed at Selman Field in Monroe when they finally married and as is typical with the military life, she lived in various cities. Upon our father’s retirement from the Air Force while he was stationed at Travis AFB, they moved to Sacramento, Calif. and finally to Stockton, Calif. While in Stockton she worked for the Stockton Record as a librarian and later began a second career as an Interior Designer with JC Penney’s from which she retired in 1983. While in Stockton she was active as the president of the PTA at John Adams Elementary School and was also active at St Joseph’s Hospital as a volunteer. She became involved in the Stockton Civic Theater in the 1960’s where she was known for her talents as a character actress.  Her favorite role of all times was that as Miss Electra in the musical “Gypsy”. Marty also created the role of a clown and would share her kindness with children in hospitals. She loved to see the children smile when she would put on her makeup. She was honored with the Layne Fields Award for her outstanding contribution to the Stockton Civic Theatre. Once bitten by the acting bug she was involved in over 100 stage plays and several television and motion pictures that were filmed in Stockton. Marty became involved with the first Miss San Joaquin Beauty Pageant and continued her work on the pageant until she finally served as the Pageant Executive Director. She remained in that position until she met Stanley Russell after the passing of our father and relocated to her beautiful Napa River Home in 1977. She became very involved in the Miss Napa Beauty Pageant also serving as the executive director, and then the Miss California Beauty Pageant where she was recognized for over 20 years of support and outstanding work by the Miss America Foundation. Her favorite curricular activity was always Bingo, a game she loved and played as often as possible.

Our family would like to personally thank Maureen and the entire staff at Monaco Ridge Assisted Living for insuring that our Mother dealt with her illness with dignity and Vista Care Hospice who helped our Mother pass with pride. We cannot say enough about these two entities that were so loving towards our other. Marty was a friend to everyone and will be missed by all those she touched. We know that Marty is already organizing a Bingo game in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that remembrances be made to the Martha and William Karraker Endowed Scholarship Fund established at the Community Foundation of Western Nevada (www.cfwnv.org); 1885 S. Arlington, Reno, NV 89509, telephone 775-333-5499.