Picture It....CHS Class of 1963

New Photos Have Been Added!

Thanks to Clara Robinson Meek

Let Them Eat Cake

Picture It: A small town at the edge of the Texas Panhandle with an exceptionally busy highway running through it. All day trucks, cars, and other vehicles filled the streets. As late afternoon approached, the parking lot of a popular local restaurant became especially busy with cars vying for parking spaces. After a quick check in the mirror the passengers of the cars headed toward the door of the restaurant. Upon entering it was obvious that the establishment was filled with groups of people in all areas of the rooms. KBobs had taken on a new appearance for the evening with a separated room that had been created with slide out walls near the back and a sign that read “Class of 1963.” A bit tentatively the arriving individuals from the CHS Class of 1963 walked to the door of the room not quite knowing what to expect. Inside, the room tables were lined with small orange pumpkins decorated with blue and white feathers and painted with “CHS ‘63” instead of jack-‘o-lantern grins. Name tags bearing photos from the 1963 Bobcat yearbook along with the names of the class members were given to each person. On a small table in the room two decorated cakes were waiting to be eaten as the dessert for the evening. However, no one took notice of the decorations or the cakes. Instead the room was filled with welcoming smiles and cries of greeting as each person entered the room to be met with hugs. The first 30 minutes of this 45th reunion of the CHS Class of ’63 was spent, talking, laughing, and greeting. A stranger looking in the room might have seen a noisy group of “older” people, many having sliver or gray hair and some wrinkles, but to the group inside the room these strangers had been transformed into much younger men and women from a time long past but easily recognized by their eyes or long remembered smiles. No one managed to stay unrecognized for long.

Finally with a lot of urging from Joe Hopkins, the ongoing MC for the class reunions, everyone found a place at the tables and the reunion was officially in session. What followed was an evening of fun, sharing, and good food.

l to r John Steed, Don Meek, Jettie Huff, Bobby Huff

Bobby Huff and his wife Jettie(hopefully photos to follow) arrived from Houston where they have lived since 1976. Bob is a First Vice President – Investments, Wealth Management Advisor at Merrell Lynch. His degree from NT was in Accounting and he did work for Halliburton (8 yrs) as an Accountant, but his job at ML has not been in Accounting. Hard to keep it all straight They are looking forward to retirement and they plan to buy an RV and travel to cooler places. They have Sasha who is their only child. They are proud grandparents of 2 boys ages 5 and 7. It means a great deal to the Class of '63 that Bobby and Jettie came to share the evening!

Reading the Top Ten Reasons Why People were Unable to attend the Reunion
l to r Gayle Whitten, Kay Whitten, Bob Huff, Anne Hopkins

Don and Clara Meek

Clara Robinson Meek and her husband Don Meek live in Boerne, Texas after having lived in Denver and San Antonio. Both Clara and Don are retired--Clara from teaching and Don from his business in San Antonio. They have one daughter, Terrell, who lives in Washington State. They love their home in Boerne where Clara has a small studio for her art, and they love to travel. Clara and Don are wonderful to spend time with!

John Steed standing, Jim Encke, Bettye Bagley

John David Steed, whose wife Christina was unable to attend, shared his memories of working in the AG's office and his memories of Reed Lockhoof during that time. John and Christina live in Arlington while construction continues on their new home in Ft. Worth. John, everyone was so happy to see you. It would be wonderful to hear more of your stories!

l to r Don Meek, Bettye Bagley, Jettie Huff

Bettye Shahan Bagley and Jim Encke

Bettye Shahan Bagley, who was accompanied by friend Jim Encke, retired at the end of the school year after 37 years of teaching. Bettye remembered teaching in Childress the first year of her career and later teaching in Germany where she enjoyed the opportunities it gave her to travel around Europe before returning to Abilene where she lives today. Bettye has two sons. It would be great to see Bettye more often!

Jack Petty

Jack Petty and his wife Becky are residents of Childress where Jack conducts the BootCamp program for the Roach Unit working with young offenders at the prison. After high school Jack joined the army expecting to see the world. He spent the entire 3 ½ years stationed at the air base in Amarillo and was one of the last to leave as the air base was closed. Jack and Becky share 10 grandchildren. Additionally he enjoys playing golf and occasionally still plays his music. Spending time with Jack at the reunion, Dawson's and the golf course was so much fun.

Jack and Becky Petty

l to r Bobby Huff, Jack Petty, Sandra Warren (Joe), Billye Hopkins Morgan

Shirley Neel Cromartie lives in Quanah. Last year Shirley suffered the loss of her husband George after a long illness only two days after their home burned. She described the year as really difficult and it was only with the help of friends of family that she has managed to rebuild her home and her life. Shirley still has a delightful sense of humor and a wonderful zest for life. Shirley has one daughter and two grandchildren. Hopefully Shirley will have a much better year and hopefully we will see her again soon.

L to R Sharon, Doug, Shirley

l to r Ray Kelley, Sharon Kelley, Doug Greer, Shirley Cromartie

Doug Greer has retired after working for AT&T for 30 years. He recounted his four years spent in the Navy after high school when he served in Ethiopia. Doug and his wife live in Graham where Doug lives on a lake and spends much of his time fishing, golfing and enjoying life. However, he assures us that his wife keeps him plenty busy so it isn’t all fun and games. Doug has 2 step-daughters. It was so much fun to become re-acquainted with Doug after such a long time.

Sharon Molloy Kelley and husband, Ray Kelley of the CHS Class of 1961 currently live in Midland. Previously, Sharon had shared the wonderful story of her life and marriage to Ray on the blog (Sharon Molloy Kelley), but it was a pleasure to see Sharon and her wonderful smile.

JoAnn shares her story!

JoAnn Neel Lathram lives in McKinney sharing a home with her son and family. JoAnn laughingly told how she had at one time moved to San Angelo to be with her children and their families only to have them move away. Today she works at Plano Presbyterian Hospital and plans to retire soon. JoAnn seems to be enjoying her life and she delighted everyone with her comments and great sense of humor.

l to r Jim Smith, Raenell, JoAnn, Ray Kelley

Raenell Wynn Smith and husband Jim live in Childress and continue to live there because “they like it.” Raenell works for the Childress hospital and is looking forward to retiring in a couple of years. Jim will be retiring very soon. Raenell states that she plans to retire a year after Jim so he can have time to get all the projects and work at home done before she has to. They enjoy traveling whenever possible. Previously Raenell shared her story on the blog, Raenell Wynn Smith. At the reunion, Raenell was awarded the "These Boots Are Made For Walking" certificate for being the person coming the shortest distance to the reunion. It is always wonderful to see Raenell and Jim.

l to r Jan Bell, Max McClendon, Raenell Smith

Max McClendon accompanied by his wife Jane attended the reunion for the very first time so for most everyone this was the first time to see Max since graduation in 1963. Currently Max is the preacher at the Church of Christ in Shamrock. Prior to that he had served in many places, notably in Seattle for many years. While they loved living there, they returned to Texas and Shamrock to be near Jane’s parents. It was wonderful to see Max after such a long time. It is obvious that he is a kind and caring person with a good sense of humor and a great voice that should serve him very well in his church. Hopefully this won't be the last reunion for Max and Jane.

Max McClendon

J.R. Bell and Jan Bell

J.R. and Jan Bell

J.R. Bell and wife, Jan came to the reunion from Amarillo where they have lived for many years. J.R. retired after 28 years of working for the USDA. He currently does consulting with Dupont which leaves him plenty of time to pursue hunting and projects at his home. J.R. and Jan have two grown children. As a side, Jan (Hudlow) graduated from Estelline High School. Jan is an extremely gifted artist. It was so good to have them share the evening with us for the reunion


Beth McKee Gore and Ray Kelley

Beth McKee Gore and Driscilla Dehtan Storrs

Beth McKee Gore currently lives in Lubbock where she has lived for many years. Beth lost her husband to a brain tumor very early in their marriage. Today she works for an orthodontics supply company. Beth shared that even though she doesn’t have children or grandchildren, she has three adopted families who serve as her extended family. Beth still has two brothers in Childress. Beth has a wonderful smile and a gentle spirit. It was wonderful to see her after such a long time.

Driscilla and Robert Storrs (Photo from Celebrating the Journey)

Earlier, Driscilla (Dethan) and Robert Storrs shared much of their story on the blog in the post Celebrating the Journey: The Power of Love: Driscilla and Robert Storrs. Having them at the reunion was an added bonus. They absolutely fit the description of being truly nice people. Currently they live in Lubbock and have for many years. At this time Driscilla works for Texas Tech Health Science Services transcribing medical records for pediatrics. Thankfully, Driscilla has provided many of the photos for the reunion. Unfortunately we don’t have one of her and Robert. Hopefully we will receive one soon from others taking photos at KBobs. At the reunion Driscilla was recognized with a virtual award for “Once a Bobcat, Always a Bobcat.” Despite having left Childress as a sophomore she has continued to return to Childress at every opportunity for reunions. She assures everyone that CHS people are her favorite classmates.
l to r Robert Storrs, Don Morgan, Driscilla Storrs, Jim Smith, Max McClendon

Gayle and Kay Whitten (Forever Young)

Kay Eatherly Whitten and Gayle Whitten have previously shared their stories with everyone in a post for the blog. Celebrating the Journey: The Power of Love: Kay and Gayle Whitten Kay taught school in Lubbock before retiring. Additionally she took time out to be a stay at home mom for her children. After teaching school, Gayle started his own business as a paint contractor. They love traveling, spending time with the grandchildren and look forward to mission ministries in their retirement. During the reunion Kay was awarded the “Forever Young” certificate for the least change in appearance since high school for a female. Congratulations, Kay! It was so nice to have you both at the reunion.

Ada and Mike Spradley share a pensive moment.

Mike Spradley and wife Ada came all the way from Houston for the reunion which earned them the “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” Award for having come the longest distance for the reunion. It was so wonderful to see them and to see Mike looking extraordinarily well since his long bout with cancer and chemotherapy. Over the past year Mike has entertained the blog readers with his great stories and comments as well as his cartoons. As expected he entertained everyone with his gifted storytelling skills, recounting his travels and experiences working with oil drilling companies in the far reaches of the world. During this time he credits Ada with raising their great kids when he was unable to be there. Mike was also recognized for “Once a Bobcat; Always a Bobcat” because he too left Childress before he graduated and yet he continues to be a part of the Class of 1963 even after graduating from Monterrey High School. It was so nice to have them at the reunion.

Ada and Mike Spradley

Coach Joe Warren and his wife Sandra came to the reunion from Dallas. Joe shared his coaching career with everyone and mentioned that his brief time at Childress HS was the best time of his coaching. Because of this and his continued communication with members of the class of 1963, he was awarded a virtual certificate "Once a Bobcat; Always a Bobcat". It meant a great deal to everyone that Joe and Sandra took the time to come for the reunion! We also think Sandra should receive a "good sport" award.

l to r Jack Petty, Sandra Warren (Joe) Billye Hopkins Morgan, Don Morgan, Jim Wilcoxson

Don Morgan (Forever Young)

Don Morgan and his wife Billye Hopkins Morgan have made their home in Childress where Don is a farmer. Right after high school Don attended Tarleton in hopes of becoming a vet, but he ended up in the Air Force as a pilot and then on to Childress to farm. Don and Billye have two sons, Derrick and Jeff, and no grandchildren. Derrick is the oldest, married and lives in Denton and works for UNT. Jeff lives in Fort Collins CO. and is in construction and also works as a guide for Elk hunters. Both were born while Don was an officer in the Air Force. At the reunion Don was voted to receive the “Forever Young” award for the male classmate who has changed the least in appearance since high school. Congratulations Don! Having you guys at the reunion was so much fun.

Jim and Nicki Wilcoxson

Nicki and Jim Wilcoxson came from Amarillo for the reunion. After 40 years of living in Amarillo, they call it home. In previous posts on the blog, they have shared most of their story. Nicki Sooter Wilcoxson and Jim Wilcoxson Today they are still learning to adjust to retirement and to learn who they are and what their role is for this season of their lives. They continue to be actively involved in the lives of their grandchildren-Jordie age 13 and Cole age 8. Life is good.

MC Joe Hopkins and Anne Hopkins

Joe and Anne Hopkins Ada Spradley

Joe and Anne Hopkins came from their home in Cedar Park (Austin) for the reunion. They moved from Michigan to Cedar Park several months ago. This move has made it possible for him to be nearer his two daughters who live in the Austin and Boerne areas. Three beautiful grandchildren, all with red hair, are the newest members of the family. Joe and Anne have been fortunate to have lived in and visited many wonderful places including twice in Australia. The Class of 1963 has been fortunate to have Joe not only in high school but in the 45 years since. Through Joe’s efforts many of our class members have been able to stay in touch with one another over the years. For this reason and many others he was give an award at the reunion, “The Golden Thread” because he has been the “thread” that has held us together since graduation. Thanks, Joe! Anne, it was wonderful to meet you and spend a little time getting acquainted at the reunion. You are a good sport! Previously, Joe shared more of his story on the blog at Joe D Hopkins

That's the way it was on October 3, 2008 in Childress, Texas! Picture It!

There will be more photos posted as they are shared with me.

A special thank you to Marilyn Havens and her KBobs staff for making everything so special for us!!!