David Allen
I'm a Byrd reunion hybrid: I grew up with the class of '64 and graduated with class of '65, due to taking a full year as an American Field Service exchange student in Zurich, Switzerland, between my junior and senior year. With encouragement from my English teacher, Max Edmondson, in 1965 I went to New College in Sarasota, Florida--a design-your-own-education institution with no grades and lots of independent study opportunities. Graduated 1968, majoring in history, and started graduate studies at UC Berkeley in American intellectual history. Dropped out after a few months and spent the 1970's involved in intense personal development exploration, which also included lots of jobs to pay the rent. In 1981, having moved to the Los Angeles area, I started my own consulting practice. For the next 20 years I researched, developed, and implemented a personal productivity methodology which I had the opportunity to deliver inside many major U.S. corporations. In 2001 I published a book, a manual of my process--Getting Things Done. It has since sold over two million copies in thirty languages. Since I have published two more books: Ready for Anything and Making It All Work. I now have a small company, based in California, distributing my productivity best-practice model around the world (www.gettingthingsdone.com) My wife Kathryn and I currently reside in Amsterdam, and I now travel the world, giving presentations and workshops based on my methods.
I'm a Byrd reunion hybrid: I grew up with the class of '64 and graduated with class of '65, due to taking a full year as an American Field Service exchange student in Zurich, Switzerland, between my junior and senior year. With encouragement from my English teacher, Max Edmondson, in 1965 I went to New College in Sarasota, Florida--a design-your-own-education institution with no grades and lots of independent study opportunities. Graduated 1968, majoring in history, and started graduate studies at UC Berkeley in American intellectual history. Dropped out after a few months and spent the 1970's involved in intense personal development exploration, which also included lots of jobs to pay the rent. In 1981, having moved to the Los Angeles area, I started my own consulting practice. For the next 20 years I researched, developed, and implemented a personal productivity methodology which I had the opportunity to deliver inside many major U.S. corporations. In 2001 I published a book, a manual of my process--Getting Things Done. It has since sold over two million copies in thirty languages. Since I have published two more books: Ready for Anything and Making It All Work. I now have a small company, based in California, distributing my productivity best-practice model around the world (www.gettingthingsdone.com) My wife Kathryn and I currently reside in Amsterdam, and I now travel the world, giving presentations and workshops based on my methods.
Ronny Alsup
After Byrd, I attended LSU B.R. for 3 years, then L.S.U. Medical School in N.O. My senior year I met Chris, who was a student at Charity School of Nursing. She actually picked me up in Joe's Bar, the local medical/nursing student watering hole a block from Big Charity Hospital. We're probably the only Joe's relationship that has lasted 43 years. Chris was smart enough to wait until I finished internship (at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas) before marrying. I started residency at Parkland, which was interrupted by 2 years active military duty obligated by my being in a delayed entry status to escape being drafted to Viet Nam right after internship. Did pre-enlistment physicals in El Paso and moonlighted as the El Paso County Jail physician, which was another education in itself! Imagine a West Texas jail in the mid-1970's! After military,went back to Parkland to finish Internal Medicine Residency.
We returned to Shreveport in 1976, partly due to my parents' health problems. I have been in practice at Willis-Knighton Medical Center since 1976. I dropped back to part-time about 10 years ago due to back surgery and complications, and am currently planning an exit strategy. We have two children, Jennifer (who lives in Omaha, NE) and Steve (who lives in Boise, ID). Both are married, Jennifer has two boys. We have a camp down in Hackberry, LA on Lake Calcasieu just below Lake Charles, where we enjoy light salt water fishing and just hanging out. We enjoy traveling and hope to get to do more soon, before we're too feeble. Time for bucket list.
I'm still awaiting a late growth spurt, but so far only out, not up. BTW, where the hell is Joe Corby, the only boy in our class I felt comfortable standing next to? (!!!).
After Byrd, I attended LSU B.R. for 3 years, then L.S.U. Medical School in N.O. My senior year I met Chris, who was a student at Charity School of Nursing. She actually picked me up in Joe's Bar, the local medical/nursing student watering hole a block from Big Charity Hospital. We're probably the only Joe's relationship that has lasted 43 years. Chris was smart enough to wait until I finished internship (at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas) before marrying. I started residency at Parkland, which was interrupted by 2 years active military duty obligated by my being in a delayed entry status to escape being drafted to Viet Nam right after internship. Did pre-enlistment physicals in El Paso and moonlighted as the El Paso County Jail physician, which was another education in itself! Imagine a West Texas jail in the mid-1970's! After military,went back to Parkland to finish Internal Medicine Residency.
We returned to Shreveport in 1976, partly due to my parents' health problems. I have been in practice at Willis-Knighton Medical Center since 1976. I dropped back to part-time about 10 years ago due to back surgery and complications, and am currently planning an exit strategy. We have two children, Jennifer (who lives in Omaha, NE) and Steve (who lives in Boise, ID). Both are married, Jennifer has two boys. We have a camp down in Hackberry, LA on Lake Calcasieu just below Lake Charles, where we enjoy light salt water fishing and just hanging out. We enjoy traveling and hope to get to do more soon, before we're too feeble. Time for bucket list.
I'm still awaiting a late growth spurt, but so far only out, not up. BTW, where the hell is Joe Corby, the only boy in our class I felt comfortable standing next to? (!!!).
Jane (Joy) Anderson (Ziehl)
After leaving Byrd, I attended Christian College in Columbia, MO - a two year girls' school, earning an AA degree. I married husband #1 in 1966 and we had two girls who are now 47 and 45. After the girls started school I returned to the same college in Columbia which had now become a four year, co-ed college (Columbia College) and earned my BA in Art in 1976. Shortly after that, I remarried and Bob and I just celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary. (although it seems like yesterday) After our wedding, Bob and I lived in Shreveport for three years (I taught art at St. Mark's Day School for two) and then we moved to Ashland, Oregon in 1980 (finding paradise) and had a stained glass shop until retiring in 2006. We moved to Lucca, Italy in 2007 to be "care takers" for our youngest daughter's house that she'd bought there but we only stayed until 2010 when we moved back to Oregon - this time to Eugene, (any Duck fans out there?) where we presently live. Our youngest daughter married her Italian boyfriend in 2009 and now has two girls, ages 2 and 4 (our reason for moving back to the states since they live in southern CA until they move back to Italy in about five years) and our oldest daughter and her husband have a son, 27 - they live in the Rogue Valley (southern Oregon.) Bob and I keep busy with volunteering, church, gardening, bike riding (Eugene is a bike riders paradise with over 300 miles of trails to choose from - most of which parallel the Willamette River) traveling and "burning up I-5" visiting daughters and grand children - the cutest, smartest, sweetest and most adorable on earth, of course! By the way... If, at the reunion, you hear my husband calling me Joy, it's because I changed my name in 1989 - prompted by the "joy" in my heart for our oldest daughter's recovery from a terrible accident from which she was not expected to live. I'm looking forward to a great week-end at the reunion and hope to see a lot of old friends (as, from the past -not that we're old!)
After leaving Byrd, I attended Christian College in Columbia, MO - a two year girls' school, earning an AA degree. I married husband #1 in 1966 and we had two girls who are now 47 and 45. After the girls started school I returned to the same college in Columbia which had now become a four year, co-ed college (Columbia College) and earned my BA in Art in 1976. Shortly after that, I remarried and Bob and I just celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary. (although it seems like yesterday) After our wedding, Bob and I lived in Shreveport for three years (I taught art at St. Mark's Day School for two) and then we moved to Ashland, Oregon in 1980 (finding paradise) and had a stained glass shop until retiring in 2006. We moved to Lucca, Italy in 2007 to be "care takers" for our youngest daughter's house that she'd bought there but we only stayed until 2010 when we moved back to Oregon - this time to Eugene, (any Duck fans out there?) where we presently live. Our youngest daughter married her Italian boyfriend in 2009 and now has two girls, ages 2 and 4 (our reason for moving back to the states since they live in southern CA until they move back to Italy in about five years) and our oldest daughter and her husband have a son, 27 - they live in the Rogue Valley (southern Oregon.) Bob and I keep busy with volunteering, church, gardening, bike riding (Eugene is a bike riders paradise with over 300 miles of trails to choose from - most of which parallel the Willamette River) traveling and "burning up I-5" visiting daughters and grand children - the cutest, smartest, sweetest and most adorable on earth, of course! By the way... If, at the reunion, you hear my husband calling me Joy, it's because I changed my name in 1989 - prompted by the "joy" in my heart for our oldest daughter's recovery from a terrible accident from which she was not expected to live. I'm looking forward to a great week-end at the reunion and hope to see a lot of old friends (as, from the past -not that we're old!)
Robert Atkins
For me, the decade after Byrd was somewhat unsettled (it was, after all, the Sixties) and punctuated by numerous spectacular screwups and great adventures. However, after attending four other colleges and doing a stint in the Navy, I graduated from LSU-Baton Rouge in 1972. I have been married to Patricia Dormer, a St Vincent's/ USL grad for forty-four years, now, and we had three wonderful children and currently have three grandchildren, with another on the way. After college, I worked for nearly forty years as an obscure public servant for Big Government, and retired in 2009 as the civilian Budget Officer for the Second Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base. It was an interesting career in that, as a person who, in most other places and times would likely have been summarily executed, here I was holding the purse strings for the most powerful destructive force in the history of the planet. Anyway, I thought it was kinda cool. After retirement, we moved south to be near our children and grandchildren, all of whom reside in Baton Rouge. We now live on a small lake (Three-Mile Lake) about 45 minutes west of Baton Rouge, where I fish, grow vegetables, party with all my Cajun neighbors, drink craft beer, and work as a part-time seasonal employee of the Lowe's Garden Department in Opelousas. I look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion!
For me, the decade after Byrd was somewhat unsettled (it was, after all, the Sixties) and punctuated by numerous spectacular screwups and great adventures. However, after attending four other colleges and doing a stint in the Navy, I graduated from LSU-Baton Rouge in 1972. I have been married to Patricia Dormer, a St Vincent's/ USL grad for forty-four years, now, and we had three wonderful children and currently have three grandchildren, with another on the way. After college, I worked for nearly forty years as an obscure public servant for Big Government, and retired in 2009 as the civilian Budget Officer for the Second Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base. It was an interesting career in that, as a person who, in most other places and times would likely have been summarily executed, here I was holding the purse strings for the most powerful destructive force in the history of the planet. Anyway, I thought it was kinda cool. After retirement, we moved south to be near our children and grandchildren, all of whom reside in Baton Rouge. We now live on a small lake (Three-Mile Lake) about 45 minutes west of Baton Rouge, where I fish, grow vegetables, party with all my Cajun neighbors, drink craft beer, and work as a part-time seasonal employee of the Lowe's Garden Department in Opelousas. I look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion!
Jo Bains (Baker)
Graduated Louisiana College in 1968 after marrying Johnny Baker in 1967. Johnny pastored in Louisiana and I taught school before we served 6 years in Brazil as missionaries. After returning to the states, I taught school including several years of ESL at Byrd. Then we went back to the mission field as Member Care consultants (counselors to the missionaries). We retired from the IMB in 2011 and lived in Virginia where Johnny began teaching at Liberty University. We've recently moved to Kirby, AR to be nearer family. Our son, Jay, pastors in Ashdown, AR with our 4 grandchildren.
Graduated Louisiana College in 1968 after marrying Johnny Baker in 1967. Johnny pastored in Louisiana and I taught school before we served 6 years in Brazil as missionaries. After returning to the states, I taught school including several years of ESL at Byrd. Then we went back to the mission field as Member Care consultants (counselors to the missionaries). We retired from the IMB in 2011 and lived in Virginia where Johnny began teaching at Liberty University. We've recently moved to Kirby, AR to be nearer family. Our son, Jay, pastors in Ashdown, AR with our 4 grandchildren.
Jolene
Bullock (Andersen)
My life by significant dates:
Fall, 1960: I became a life-long “yellow dog Democrat” while listening to the Kennedy/Nixon debates.
Fall, 1964: Enrolled in the University of Kansas, I came to Lawrence, which is still my home.
January, 1967: I married Marshall Andersen. Although the marriage lasted only five years, I kept his name, and we remain friends.
Spring 1968: My husband and I lived in San Diego for two years. While there, I turned 21, and cast my first vote for Robert Kennedy in the California primary. That night, he was assassinated.
February, 1969: My daughter Michelle was born in San Diego. She now teaches virtual high school by computer from her home.
New Year’s Day, 1970: We returned to Lawrence.
Somewhere in there, I graduated with a BA in zoology and child development. For 7 years, I taught preschool and kindergarten. I was one of several preschool teachers from San Diego invited to see and review a brand new children’s program called Sesame Street. We all loved it! So much better than Ding Dong School!
Late 1960’s to present: I have participated in numerous marches, rallies and protests for civil rights, anti-war, and women’s issues. I've also worked on many political campaigns.
1976: Since my daughter was ready for first grade, I decided to change jobs. I became a carpenter, then specialized in cabinetmaking, which I did off and on for 35 years. What a wonderful profession! Every day when I went to work, it was more like going to play.
1980: Finding myself married again, I acquired a stepson Galen and gave birth to my son Zachary. Galen now rescues refugees from around the world, and Zac fits people for orthotic braces and works as athletic trainer for several area high schools. They live close by.
1992: I was elected to a four year term on the Lawrence City Commission, and served as Mayor of Lawrence from April 1994 to April 1995. During this time, I represented the city in many ways, including the Gay Pride parade. We passed the first and still only legislation in Kansas adding “sexual orientation” as a protected category in our Human Rights ordinance. Fred Phelps of Topeka named me in one of his pen and ink faxes as one of the “Three Fagoteers” of Lawrence. This remains one of my proudest achievements.
December 28, 1999: My granddaughter Raven entered the world!! The best thing ever, next to my children. She and Michelle live right across the street from me. I am so blessed!
July 2013: I retired from my last paid position as wood shop instructor for young adults. For a while, I felt lost, unable to use the “R” word. Finally, one day, I told someone that I was retired, and it felt great. Now, I play duplicate bridge and pickleball. As a volunteer, I build sets for our community theater and “Little Free Libraries” as fundraisers for the public library and Habitat for Humanity. I’ve also joined Vintage Players, a group of people over 50 who perform for various organizations around town, telling jokes and generally acting silly while trying for laughs. I’ve also become a competitive storyteller.
Life is good!
My life by significant dates:
Fall, 1960: I became a life-long “yellow dog Democrat” while listening to the Kennedy/Nixon debates.
Fall, 1964: Enrolled in the University of Kansas, I came to Lawrence, which is still my home.
January, 1967: I married Marshall Andersen. Although the marriage lasted only five years, I kept his name, and we remain friends.
Spring 1968: My husband and I lived in San Diego for two years. While there, I turned 21, and cast my first vote for Robert Kennedy in the California primary. That night, he was assassinated.
February, 1969: My daughter Michelle was born in San Diego. She now teaches virtual high school by computer from her home.
New Year’s Day, 1970: We returned to Lawrence.
Somewhere in there, I graduated with a BA in zoology and child development. For 7 years, I taught preschool and kindergarten. I was one of several preschool teachers from San Diego invited to see and review a brand new children’s program called Sesame Street. We all loved it! So much better than Ding Dong School!
Late 1960’s to present: I have participated in numerous marches, rallies and protests for civil rights, anti-war, and women’s issues. I've also worked on many political campaigns.
1976: Since my daughter was ready for first grade, I decided to change jobs. I became a carpenter, then specialized in cabinetmaking, which I did off and on for 35 years. What a wonderful profession! Every day when I went to work, it was more like going to play.
1980: Finding myself married again, I acquired a stepson Galen and gave birth to my son Zachary. Galen now rescues refugees from around the world, and Zac fits people for orthotic braces and works as athletic trainer for several area high schools. They live close by.
1992: I was elected to a four year term on the Lawrence City Commission, and served as Mayor of Lawrence from April 1994 to April 1995. During this time, I represented the city in many ways, including the Gay Pride parade. We passed the first and still only legislation in Kansas adding “sexual orientation” as a protected category in our Human Rights ordinance. Fred Phelps of Topeka named me in one of his pen and ink faxes as one of the “Three Fagoteers” of Lawrence. This remains one of my proudest achievements.
December 28, 1999: My granddaughter Raven entered the world!! The best thing ever, next to my children. She and Michelle live right across the street from me. I am so blessed!
July 2013: I retired from my last paid position as wood shop instructor for young adults. For a while, I felt lost, unable to use the “R” word. Finally, one day, I told someone that I was retired, and it felt great. Now, I play duplicate bridge and pickleball. As a volunteer, I build sets for our community theater and “Little Free Libraries” as fundraisers for the public library and Habitat for Humanity. I’ve also joined Vintage Players, a group of people over 50 who perform for various organizations around town, telling jokes and generally acting silly while trying for laughs. I’ve also become a competitive storyteller.
Life is good!
Barbara Boucher (Hammann)
I spent two years at LA Tech after graduating from Byrd, majoring in music but quickly changed to a 2 year business degree. Returning to Shreveport, I worked for Travelers Insurance for almost 10 years. I married Thomas Lee McBennett (BlueCross) and spent the next 5 years in Lake Charles where I had my two children, LeAnne and Thomas Lee Jr. In 1980 we moved to Lafayette, where I spent the next 27 years, active with kids/their activities/friends/gardening/church activities. When my husband, Mac, went on medical disability, I began my next career in insurance, having my own business in insurance/investments, which I thoroughly enjoyed for 17 years. I was blessed with 33 years with Mac and after his death I was blessed once again with meeting up with Buddy Hammann, who had lost his wife and our classmate, Lyn Meyerson. Buddy had been my first little boyfriend when we were in the 5th grade at Arthur Circle. Talking to him at this later stage of our lives was just so easy. We had so much that was just natural…..old friends/old ‘haunts’/old neighborhoods/ teachers/parties/grown children around the same age/caring for our spouses, etc. We were married in 2008 and feel so fortunate to be able to be enjoying this journey together: gardening-flower & veggie/cooking gourmet meals/fishing/visiting with friends/looking forward to retirement soon and traveling….a large bucket list!) Life is great! Looking forward to seeing everybody next September!!!
Update: 2019
Buddy and I have enjoyed these last 5 years since our 50th reunion. He retired from business but has been busier than ever, serving on City Council here in Seabrook as well as beginning his 2nd year as President of the CEByrd Alumni Association. I always say that he is like a hamster....always on the move....so for me just keeping up with him is a challenge....but a fun one!
My time is spent volunteering in our library bookstore, reading, studying, journaling, participating in a very interesting bookclub, and of course enjoying all the beforementioned fun things we are so blessed to be able to do.
Can't wait until September....fun times ahead with friends, both old and new.
ps I still stand in amazement that Buddy is President of the Alumni Association in the same year as our 55th class reunion!!!
Who woulda thunk!!!
I spent two years at LA Tech after graduating from Byrd, majoring in music but quickly changed to a 2 year business degree. Returning to Shreveport, I worked for Travelers Insurance for almost 10 years. I married Thomas Lee McBennett (BlueCross) and spent the next 5 years in Lake Charles where I had my two children, LeAnne and Thomas Lee Jr. In 1980 we moved to Lafayette, where I spent the next 27 years, active with kids/their activities/friends/gardening/church activities. When my husband, Mac, went on medical disability, I began my next career in insurance, having my own business in insurance/investments, which I thoroughly enjoyed for 17 years. I was blessed with 33 years with Mac and after his death I was blessed once again with meeting up with Buddy Hammann, who had lost his wife and our classmate, Lyn Meyerson. Buddy had been my first little boyfriend when we were in the 5th grade at Arthur Circle. Talking to him at this later stage of our lives was just so easy. We had so much that was just natural…..old friends/old ‘haunts’/old neighborhoods/ teachers/parties/grown children around the same age/caring for our spouses, etc. We were married in 2008 and feel so fortunate to be able to be enjoying this journey together: gardening-flower & veggie/cooking gourmet meals/fishing/visiting with friends/looking forward to retirement soon and traveling….a large bucket list!) Life is great! Looking forward to seeing everybody next September!!!
Update: 2019
Buddy and I have enjoyed these last 5 years since our 50th reunion. He retired from business but has been busier than ever, serving on City Council here in Seabrook as well as beginning his 2nd year as President of the CEByrd Alumni Association. I always say that he is like a hamster....always on the move....so for me just keeping up with him is a challenge....but a fun one!
My time is spent volunteering in our library bookstore, reading, studying, journaling, participating in a very interesting bookclub, and of course enjoying all the beforementioned fun things we are so blessed to be able to do.
Can't wait until September....fun times ahead with friends, both old and new.
ps I still stand in amazement that Buddy is President of the Alumni Association in the same year as our 55th class reunion!!!
Who woulda thunk!!!
Margaret Bond (Rutledge)
I am looking forward to seeing everyone. Tom and I married when I graduated from La Tech. We were blessed with two wonderful children (both Byrd graduates), who blessed us with six super grand children. We loved living in my childhood home until we moved to a beautiful area near Benton, La. I worked as a Social Worker for the State since graduation, retiring in 2012 while dealing with Tom's fatal lung disease (Pulmonary Fibrosis). One of my great pleasures has been seeing my children have success in their adult lives. My son is a builder and sees many of our Byrd friends as they build or remodel their homes. Now all our grandchildren wear purple and gold--though it is for Benton.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone. Tom and I married when I graduated from La Tech. We were blessed with two wonderful children (both Byrd graduates), who blessed us with six super grand children. We loved living in my childhood home until we moved to a beautiful area near Benton, La. I worked as a Social Worker for the State since graduation, retiring in 2012 while dealing with Tom's fatal lung disease (Pulmonary Fibrosis). One of my great pleasures has been seeing my children have success in their adult lives. My son is a builder and sees many of our Byrd friends as they build or remodel their homes. Now all our grandchildren wear purple and gold--though it is for Benton.
Patsy Boyd (Graham)
Three months after graduation and my first week at Baylor, my childhood friend Dee set me up for a blind date with Malcolm Graham (Class '62). That date led to 48 years of adventure. We married in '67 and moved to Hattiesburg, Miss. where he earned his Ph.D in Clinical Psychology while I taught English to 9th graders by day and earned my M.Ed by night. In '71 we spent a really great year in Kansas City, Ks while Malcolm completed his clinical internship at the Kansas Medical School. His first real job took us to Clarksdale, Miss. in the heart of the delta. My only fond memory there was riding a huge cotton picker during harvest time. In '74 we moved to our dream location and permanent home, Ormond Beach, FL on the Atlantic coast. I went to work at a Daytona Beach high school where, for the next 33 years, I taught, counseled and became Principal for my last 11 years before retiring in '07. Malcolm opened a very successful private practice which allowed him plenty of time to coach our three sons in soccer and spend many great days in our boat enjoying the rivers and lakes that surrounded us. All the boys enjoyed fishing, shrimping, crabbing, and eventually off shore fishing while I learned to be a great seafood cook. We loved traveling and visited most of the states with our children, and when we had an empty nest, we traveled to 5 continents, 28 countries and back to our favorite getaways in California, Oregon, Washington, and New York. Sadly, Malcolm died unexpectedly from a heart attack in March, '12. I am so fortunate to have our sons, daughters-in-law, and three grandsons living within 5 miles of our home. I am a court appointed Guardian Ad Litem for children in foster homes, a Certified Florida Master Gardener, a part time grant writer and a frequent babysitter for my grandsons who are ages two, four, and seven. See you in September! Go Jackets!
Three months after graduation and my first week at Baylor, my childhood friend Dee set me up for a blind date with Malcolm Graham (Class '62). That date led to 48 years of adventure. We married in '67 and moved to Hattiesburg, Miss. where he earned his Ph.D in Clinical Psychology while I taught English to 9th graders by day and earned my M.Ed by night. In '71 we spent a really great year in Kansas City, Ks while Malcolm completed his clinical internship at the Kansas Medical School. His first real job took us to Clarksdale, Miss. in the heart of the delta. My only fond memory there was riding a huge cotton picker during harvest time. In '74 we moved to our dream location and permanent home, Ormond Beach, FL on the Atlantic coast. I went to work at a Daytona Beach high school where, for the next 33 years, I taught, counseled and became Principal for my last 11 years before retiring in '07. Malcolm opened a very successful private practice which allowed him plenty of time to coach our three sons in soccer and spend many great days in our boat enjoying the rivers and lakes that surrounded us. All the boys enjoyed fishing, shrimping, crabbing, and eventually off shore fishing while I learned to be a great seafood cook. We loved traveling and visited most of the states with our children, and when we had an empty nest, we traveled to 5 continents, 28 countries and back to our favorite getaways in California, Oregon, Washington, and New York. Sadly, Malcolm died unexpectedly from a heart attack in March, '12. I am so fortunate to have our sons, daughters-in-law, and three grandsons living within 5 miles of our home. I am a court appointed Guardian Ad Litem for children in foster homes, a Certified Florida Master Gardener, a part time grant writer and a frequent babysitter for my grandsons who are ages two, four, and seven. See you in September! Go Jackets!
Pete Bratlie
After graduating from Byrd I went to work offshore doing oil exploration. Ended up in Bahrain in 1967 and after nine months decided I wanted to come home and get a desk job. Got married in March 1968 to Toni, whom I had met at church (now forty six years). Went to LSUS, studied for and passed the CPA exam in 1976. We have three sons, Jason a musician who works for us in a family internet business, Luke, the GM of Holmes European and Paul the Finance Manager of Holmes European. We now have four grandchildren and they are Grand, good looking, smart and talented. Number five is on the way, and he will be here before the reunion. I’m still making a living as a practicing CPA and probably will be until… Additionally I make jewelry as an avocation. It doesn’t pay the rent, but keeps me out of trouble. You can see some of my “creations” at Timelesscharms.com (Zaidan tab).
After graduating from Byrd I went to work offshore doing oil exploration. Ended up in Bahrain in 1967 and after nine months decided I wanted to come home and get a desk job. Got married in March 1968 to Toni, whom I had met at church (now forty six years). Went to LSUS, studied for and passed the CPA exam in 1976. We have three sons, Jason a musician who works for us in a family internet business, Luke, the GM of Holmes European and Paul the Finance Manager of Holmes European. We now have four grandchildren and they are Grand, good looking, smart and talented. Number five is on the way, and he will be here before the reunion. I’m still making a living as a practicing CPA and probably will be until… Additionally I make jewelry as an avocation. It doesn’t pay the rent, but keeps me out of trouble. You can see some of my “creations” at Timelesscharms.com (Zaidan tab).
Bert "Randy" Bratton
After Byrd a year at Centenary then to Univ Ky Rupp's Runts GO CATS 68' LSU Med School 68-72 with several 64' grads Married Ann Sleamaker 1968 (Youree Dr Jr High and Byrd) had son Clay (ENT in Biloxi 3 boys) Neurosurgery residency LSU 72-79 Private Practice Neurosurgery 1979-2014 New Orleans then Slidell plan to retire Jan 2015 Did well in medical practice not so well in marriage. After several tries (4) found Linda Alderman (Jackson , MS girl) married 97 and doing well she has 3 grandaughters. My daughter Laura ( 3rd marriage) Pathology Resident Tulane finish 2016 We moved to central MS Wesson (small town south of Jackson) post Katrina built "high water house" Medical director annual mission trip to Peru 94 to present. Ordained in ministry Oct 07 now a "RevDoc" Reasonably healthy do some hunting and boating still snow skiing each year and active in church work and cutting grass .
After Byrd a year at Centenary then to Univ Ky Rupp's Runts GO CATS 68' LSU Med School 68-72 with several 64' grads Married Ann Sleamaker 1968 (Youree Dr Jr High and Byrd) had son Clay (ENT in Biloxi 3 boys) Neurosurgery residency LSU 72-79 Private Practice Neurosurgery 1979-2014 New Orleans then Slidell plan to retire Jan 2015 Did well in medical practice not so well in marriage. After several tries (4) found Linda Alderman (Jackson , MS girl) married 97 and doing well she has 3 grandaughters. My daughter Laura ( 3rd marriage) Pathology Resident Tulane finish 2016 We moved to central MS Wesson (small town south of Jackson) post Katrina built "high water house" Medical director annual mission trip to Peru 94 to present. Ordained in ministry Oct 07 now a "RevDoc" Reasonably healthy do some hunting and boating still snow skiing each year and active in church work and cutting grass .
Peggy Brooke (Ingram)
The fall of '64 I headed off to LA Tech, as did many of my friends and my high school sweetheart, Sidney. We married in 1966 and moved to Lafayette, LA where I earned an education degree in Home Economics. After graduation, we spent several years in CA and Washington state, but returned to Shreveport with our 2 yr old daughter so Sidney could begin his electronics career with the KCS Railroad. I did substitute teaching, some sewing for The Moppet Shoppe, led a Brownie troop, and had another baby, a boy this time. A job transfer for Sidney took us to De Queen, AR where I began a 22 yr career coordinating Vocational & Technical Ed programs in 15 small school districts. After becoming a grandmother,I decided to retire, and Sid did the same thing the next year after some serious health problems, and we love it--time to ignore the clock and the calendar, garden, eat better, as well as visit family and friends whenever we want. Hope to see many of you this summer, after I get back from a 10 day tour of Italy with my sister and our daughters.
The fall of '64 I headed off to LA Tech, as did many of my friends and my high school sweetheart, Sidney. We married in 1966 and moved to Lafayette, LA where I earned an education degree in Home Economics. After graduation, we spent several years in CA and Washington state, but returned to Shreveport with our 2 yr old daughter so Sidney could begin his electronics career with the KCS Railroad. I did substitute teaching, some sewing for The Moppet Shoppe, led a Brownie troop, and had another baby, a boy this time. A job transfer for Sidney took us to De Queen, AR where I began a 22 yr career coordinating Vocational & Technical Ed programs in 15 small school districts. After becoming a grandmother,I decided to retire, and Sid did the same thing the next year after some serious health problems, and we love it--time to ignore the clock and the calendar, garden, eat better, as well as visit family and friends whenever we want. Hope to see many of you this summer, after I get back from a 10 day tour of Italy with my sister and our daughters.
Dee Brookings (Norberg)
After Byrd I went to Baylor and graduated in 1968 with a degree in music education. But instead of teaching music to anyone, I spent the next 2 years living and working as an events coordinator on a US Army base in Germany. It was a great experience, and the joy I got from traveling all over Europe during those years has never left me. When I returned to the US I lived in Chicago and later in Idaho, where in 1985 I obtained a law degree from the University of Idaho Law School. That same year I moved to Washington State. I clerked at the Washington State Supreme Court for a year, served as a Washington State Assistant Attorney General for 6 years, and then practiced law in a private firm in Seattle until my retirement in 2011.My husband Reg and I have no children (but two 15-year-old cats!), and since our retirement we divide our time between our houses in Seattle and Arizona. My passions continue to be travel and the arts, especially Italian opera and the study of the Italian language, and physical fitness, in particular weight lifting and hiking. None of my family members lives in Shreveport any longer, so it has been years since I visited. I am looking forward to introducing Reg to Southern Maid Donuts and to seeing the city and old classmates again!
After Byrd I went to Baylor and graduated in 1968 with a degree in music education. But instead of teaching music to anyone, I spent the next 2 years living and working as an events coordinator on a US Army base in Germany. It was a great experience, and the joy I got from traveling all over Europe during those years has never left me. When I returned to the US I lived in Chicago and later in Idaho, where in 1985 I obtained a law degree from the University of Idaho Law School. That same year I moved to Washington State. I clerked at the Washington State Supreme Court for a year, served as a Washington State Assistant Attorney General for 6 years, and then practiced law in a private firm in Seattle until my retirement in 2011.My husband Reg and I have no children (but two 15-year-old cats!), and since our retirement we divide our time between our houses in Seattle and Arizona. My passions continue to be travel and the arts, especially Italian opera and the study of the Italian language, and physical fitness, in particular weight lifting and hiking. None of my family members lives in Shreveport any longer, so it has been years since I visited. I am looking forward to introducing Reg to Southern Maid Donuts and to seeing the city and old classmates again!
Barbra Buckner (Higginbotham)
Hal Higginbotham
Hal and I live in the heart of New York City, a block off Washington Square. He graduated from Washington & Lee and I from Centenary. He went on to do graduate work at Brown and the University of Kiel [Germany]; I earned my masters and doctorate at Columbia. We married in 1970; since then we’ve lived in Providence RI, Washington DC, and here in NYC. After almost 40 years here in the city, some days we feel like native New Yorkers; others, we’re still the new kids on the block. I retired in 2008 from Brooklyn College where I was the director of both the library and academic computing. Hal retired in 2013 as a senior VP with the College Board. We have a house in the UK [Wales] where we spend many weeks each year (and where we’ll be when the reunion takes place). We’re both on facebook, if you need a couple of friends.
Hal Higginbotham
Hal and I live in the heart of New York City, a block off Washington Square. He graduated from Washington & Lee and I from Centenary. He went on to do graduate work at Brown and the University of Kiel [Germany]; I earned my masters and doctorate at Columbia. We married in 1970; since then we’ve lived in Providence RI, Washington DC, and here in NYC. After almost 40 years here in the city, some days we feel like native New Yorkers; others, we’re still the new kids on the block. I retired in 2008 from Brooklyn College where I was the director of both the library and academic computing. Hal retired in 2013 as a senior VP with the College Board. We have a house in the UK [Wales] where we spend many weeks each year (and where we’ll be when the reunion takes place). We’re both on facebook, if you need a couple of friends.
Peggy Bufkin (Gerst)
After our graduation in May I went to Baylor in June where I met Bob Gerst (Class of 1961). We married April 8, 1967, he left for Viet Nam three weeks later, and I transferred to La. Tech. We lived in Oceanside, CA for a year then moved to Ruston in 1970 for another degree and our first son, moved to Shreveport, and then to Houston in 1971. I spent my time enjoying raising our two sons and daughter and doing the usual things that moms do for/with their kids.
In 1993 I was given leadership of a tiny Bible Study and have been stewarding that. Strategic Ministries Inc. (SMI) now has several hundred students and graduates and about 20 teachers. We're a cross-denominational Christian ministry. Our three year Bible course can also be taken on-line at strategicministries.net. I spend my days overseeing the classes and praying for women to be healed and set free from the effects of painful life events. It's a joy to see women discover who they are and walk in their destiny! I've also hosted a praise and prayer time once a week in our home for over 20 years.
Bob retired from Sysco Corp. two years ago and the next day they hired him as a consultant. That's a good thing as it keeps him busy three days a week and he enjoys it. Our two sons live in Durango, CO as does our grandson Caleb, 13. They all enjoy everything that Colorado has to offer! Our daughter lives about 10 minutes from us (yeah!) and has three girls: Pacey 16, Avery 12, and Reese 10. Our two married kids have wonderful spouses. We love getting to be part of their lives! Yes, my parents are both still living. At age 92 they still live alone on acreage near Brenham, TX. and do pretty well. It's a little over an hour from our house to theirs so we are able check in with them fairly often.
Thank you to the committee for all the hard work on our behalf. The website is wonderful and I look forward to September in Shreveport.
After our graduation in May I went to Baylor in June where I met Bob Gerst (Class of 1961). We married April 8, 1967, he left for Viet Nam three weeks later, and I transferred to La. Tech. We lived in Oceanside, CA for a year then moved to Ruston in 1970 for another degree and our first son, moved to Shreveport, and then to Houston in 1971. I spent my time enjoying raising our two sons and daughter and doing the usual things that moms do for/with their kids.
In 1993 I was given leadership of a tiny Bible Study and have been stewarding that. Strategic Ministries Inc. (SMI) now has several hundred students and graduates and about 20 teachers. We're a cross-denominational Christian ministry. Our three year Bible course can also be taken on-line at strategicministries.net. I spend my days overseeing the classes and praying for women to be healed and set free from the effects of painful life events. It's a joy to see women discover who they are and walk in their destiny! I've also hosted a praise and prayer time once a week in our home for over 20 years.
Bob retired from Sysco Corp. two years ago and the next day they hired him as a consultant. That's a good thing as it keeps him busy three days a week and he enjoys it. Our two sons live in Durango, CO as does our grandson Caleb, 13. They all enjoy everything that Colorado has to offer! Our daughter lives about 10 minutes from us (yeah!) and has three girls: Pacey 16, Avery 12, and Reese 10. Our two married kids have wonderful spouses. We love getting to be part of their lives! Yes, my parents are both still living. At age 92 they still live alone on acreage near Brenham, TX. and do pretty well. It's a little over an hour from our house to theirs so we are able check in with them fairly often.
Thank you to the committee for all the hard work on our behalf. The website is wonderful and I look forward to September in Shreveport.
Suzy Cammack (Moritz-Rawdin)
Look at all those last names! Yikes!
I was very sad at the end our school year in 1964, when I was swept off to Beaumont, Texas, where my Dad was transferred.
I went to Lamar University in Beaumont and studied commercial art. I then moved to Houston to make my fortune.
I met husband #1 in 1968 in Houston, got married and immediately moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where my daughter, Jennifer, was born. I lived and worked in Fort Worth for 14 years.
I was divorced in 1980 and moved back to Shreveport to raise my daughter. As a single Mom, I wanted to be close to my family.
I met husband #2 in Shreveport. I worked in real estate and owned a restaurant. After husband #2 ran off with a younger woman in 1988, I hightailed it back to the Fort Worth/Dallas Area. I remained in the real estate business, then went into mortgage lending.
I did remain single for a while, then guess what?, husband #3, Scott Rawdin, came along. We dated for almost 12 years and married in April, 2002.
I retired in 2005 from real estate and mortgage lending and I finally pursued my dream of being a professional artist. It took 40 years, but I did it! Now, I have a successful career in Art and I am loving every minute of it.
I have also been blessed with grandchildren who I love and adore.
It was my pleasure to work on the Reunion Committee this past year. We have had a ball. I have shared my artistic passion with the Class of '64 and am now almost bleeding purple and gold!
Look at all those last names! Yikes!
I was very sad at the end our school year in 1964, when I was swept off to Beaumont, Texas, where my Dad was transferred.
I went to Lamar University in Beaumont and studied commercial art. I then moved to Houston to make my fortune.
I met husband #1 in 1968 in Houston, got married and immediately moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where my daughter, Jennifer, was born. I lived and worked in Fort Worth for 14 years.
I was divorced in 1980 and moved back to Shreveport to raise my daughter. As a single Mom, I wanted to be close to my family.
I met husband #2 in Shreveport. I worked in real estate and owned a restaurant. After husband #2 ran off with a younger woman in 1988, I hightailed it back to the Fort Worth/Dallas Area. I remained in the real estate business, then went into mortgage lending.
I did remain single for a while, then guess what?, husband #3, Scott Rawdin, came along. We dated for almost 12 years and married in April, 2002.
I retired in 2005 from real estate and mortgage lending and I finally pursued my dream of being a professional artist. It took 40 years, but I did it! Now, I have a successful career in Art and I am loving every minute of it.
I have also been blessed with grandchildren who I love and adore.
It was my pleasure to work on the Reunion Committee this past year. We have had a ball. I have shared my artistic passion with the Class of '64 and am now almost bleeding purple and gold!
Ann Carroll (Dupont)
Fifty years! They say time flies when you're having fun so I guess I've been having a ball! I graduated from Byrd in 1964 and started to Louisiana Tech. In 1966, I married Paul Dupont from Ruston and our daughter, Denise, was born in 1968. We lived out of state when we first married but moved back to Shreveport later that year, Paul was offered a really unique job with the Caddo Parish School Board. They wanted to do something new, I guess you'd say "cutting edge" for Caddo schools - they wanted to introduce COMPUTERS to the central office, beginning with a big mainframe system to process payroll, bookkeeping, etc., but nothing involving instruction.
I enjoyed every minute of being a stay at home mom until Denise was in junior high school. I loved working part-time for florists, volunteered everywhere from the ICU unit at Schumpert to the Meadows Museum at Centenary, never missed anything at the
schools Denise attended, but for some reason I began to feel like I needed a job, I needed more to think about...and before long I got it! With computers doing so much for the CPSB's central office, the next step would be moving computers into the schools, seeing what all that had historically been done by hand in schools could be done more efficiently with computers. I went to work at Captain Shreve High School to basically become a liaison between the school and programmers from the data processing department, first to learn myself how to do everything from payroll reporting to class scheduling to keeping students' records - then convey that to the programmers, learn to use and tweak what they'd design, and then later on all that would be implemented in
every school in Caddo Parish. It seems almost unbelievable to look back knowing the first computer in a Caddo parish school was installed in my office!
After Denise graduated from Baylor and Paul survived the first of two major open heart surgeries, I began more employment soul-searching. I got it in my mind that I wanted to continue working in a school but I wanted more contact with kids, I wanted more variety in my day to day responsibilities and once again...before long I got it! I ended-up working in the main office at C. E.
Byrd High School! That was all as different from the Byrd I'd known as a student office worker every year I attended Byrd as day and night. One of the most interesting and enjoyable aspects of working at Byrd was once again getting to know so many parents who were students with me in the 1960's and getting to know their children. I was working in the main office at Byrd during the Ultimate Reunion!
Paul retired in 1995 and a lot of things we'd enjoyed as hobbies took on a life of their own. He collected and restored vintage sports cars and motorcycles, we traveled a lot, I took my love for pugs to a new level with an international website I enjoyed until personal health problems and the unexpected death of my father once again led to changes in my life. Today we enjoy a quiet life. Denise is a busy freelance graphic designer in Frisco, Texas. After years of multiple pugs, we now only have one and he is 14 years old. My entire family (except Denise) lives within a few miles; my mother is almost 93. Paul and I attend Kings Highway Christian
Church where we sing with the chancel choir and enjoyed so many wonderful years with Mr. Charles Ravenna.
Fifty years! They say time flies when you're having fun so I guess I've been having a ball! I graduated from Byrd in 1964 and started to Louisiana Tech. In 1966, I married Paul Dupont from Ruston and our daughter, Denise, was born in 1968. We lived out of state when we first married but moved back to Shreveport later that year, Paul was offered a really unique job with the Caddo Parish School Board. They wanted to do something new, I guess you'd say "cutting edge" for Caddo schools - they wanted to introduce COMPUTERS to the central office, beginning with a big mainframe system to process payroll, bookkeeping, etc., but nothing involving instruction.
I enjoyed every minute of being a stay at home mom until Denise was in junior high school. I loved working part-time for florists, volunteered everywhere from the ICU unit at Schumpert to the Meadows Museum at Centenary, never missed anything at the
schools Denise attended, but for some reason I began to feel like I needed a job, I needed more to think about...and before long I got it! With computers doing so much for the CPSB's central office, the next step would be moving computers into the schools, seeing what all that had historically been done by hand in schools could be done more efficiently with computers. I went to work at Captain Shreve High School to basically become a liaison between the school and programmers from the data processing department, first to learn myself how to do everything from payroll reporting to class scheduling to keeping students' records - then convey that to the programmers, learn to use and tweak what they'd design, and then later on all that would be implemented in
every school in Caddo Parish. It seems almost unbelievable to look back knowing the first computer in a Caddo parish school was installed in my office!
After Denise graduated from Baylor and Paul survived the first of two major open heart surgeries, I began more employment soul-searching. I got it in my mind that I wanted to continue working in a school but I wanted more contact with kids, I wanted more variety in my day to day responsibilities and once again...before long I got it! I ended-up working in the main office at C. E.
Byrd High School! That was all as different from the Byrd I'd known as a student office worker every year I attended Byrd as day and night. One of the most interesting and enjoyable aspects of working at Byrd was once again getting to know so many parents who were students with me in the 1960's and getting to know their children. I was working in the main office at Byrd during the Ultimate Reunion!
Paul retired in 1995 and a lot of things we'd enjoyed as hobbies took on a life of their own. He collected and restored vintage sports cars and motorcycles, we traveled a lot, I took my love for pugs to a new level with an international website I enjoyed until personal health problems and the unexpected death of my father once again led to changes in my life. Today we enjoy a quiet life. Denise is a busy freelance graphic designer in Frisco, Texas. After years of multiple pugs, we now only have one and he is 14 years old. My entire family (except Denise) lives within a few miles; my mother is almost 93. Paul and I attend Kings Highway Christian
Church where we sing with the chancel choir and enjoyed so many wonderful years with Mr. Charles Ravenna.
Judy Cathy (Savoy)
I am alive.. Been married to the same guy for 45 years next June. . Live in Lake Charles, La. . Have two grown sons and 5 beautiful grandchildren. One son lives in Austin , one lives here in Lake Charles. Mom is still alive and beautiful and healthy, sister Carol likewise, life is good. see y'all next week.
I am alive.. Been married to the same guy for 45 years next June. . Live in Lake Charles, La. . Have two grown sons and 5 beautiful grandchildren. One son lives in Austin , one lives here in Lake Charles. Mom is still alive and beautiful and healthy, sister Carol likewise, life is good. see y'all next week.
Kay Cheatham
Three months after we all graduated I married Joel Goldman '60. Joel was starting his final year of veterinary school at Texas A&M and I entered A&M in the first full year that female students were allowed to apply and be admitted. At that time we had to be either the wife of a student of the wife or daughter of a faculty member. I only spent one year there because Joel was commissioned in the Air Force in the summer of 1965. We spent time in Scotland and Ireland and then he was sent back to the states. He left the military, and we moved back to Texas A&M and I had a daughter in 1968. In 1973 we moved to New Orleans where I had another daughter. In 1978 we settled in the Texas Hill country where we ran a clinic of our own and I started attending what was at the time Southwest Texas State University. I took three or four classes each semester while working and taking care of the family. By the time I was ready to graduate our marriage was ending. I applied for graduate school and earned a MA in history at SWT. After I graduated and not knowing exactly what I could do, I applied to several schools to pursue a Ph.D. in history. I was admitted to A&M as well as several other schools, but decided that I did not want to live in a large town, so I came back to A&M to live in College Station. This was the third time I had settled in College Station. I completed my Ph.D. and because there were so many liberal arts graduates, I decided to keep the job I had working as the program coordinator of the graduate office in the Department of Biology. I continued to write about history and in 2013 had a book published by Texas Tech University Press. Toward the middle of 2013 I decided that I was tired of fighting the bureaucracy and wanted to retire. I had remarried about the time I graduated and my husband has some medical problems and I wanted to be near my grandchildren and daughter who lived in Houston. So in February of 2014 I moved to Houston. I am still writing history and am part of a group who are putting together a book on Texas identity and myth. I can't imagine that it has been 50 years since we all graduated.
Three months after we all graduated I married Joel Goldman '60. Joel was starting his final year of veterinary school at Texas A&M and I entered A&M in the first full year that female students were allowed to apply and be admitted. At that time we had to be either the wife of a student of the wife or daughter of a faculty member. I only spent one year there because Joel was commissioned in the Air Force in the summer of 1965. We spent time in Scotland and Ireland and then he was sent back to the states. He left the military, and we moved back to Texas A&M and I had a daughter in 1968. In 1973 we moved to New Orleans where I had another daughter. In 1978 we settled in the Texas Hill country where we ran a clinic of our own and I started attending what was at the time Southwest Texas State University. I took three or four classes each semester while working and taking care of the family. By the time I was ready to graduate our marriage was ending. I applied for graduate school and earned a MA in history at SWT. After I graduated and not knowing exactly what I could do, I applied to several schools to pursue a Ph.D. in history. I was admitted to A&M as well as several other schools, but decided that I did not want to live in a large town, so I came back to A&M to live in College Station. This was the third time I had settled in College Station. I completed my Ph.D. and because there were so many liberal arts graduates, I decided to keep the job I had working as the program coordinator of the graduate office in the Department of Biology. I continued to write about history and in 2013 had a book published by Texas Tech University Press. Toward the middle of 2013 I decided that I was tired of fighting the bureaucracy and wanted to retire. I had remarried about the time I graduated and my husband has some medical problems and I wanted to be near my grandchildren and daughter who lived in Houston. So in February of 2014 I moved to Houston. I am still writing history and am part of a group who are putting together a book on Texas identity and myth. I can't imagine that it has been 50 years since we all graduated.
Harold Coburn
Went to East Texas Baptist College for 2 years, got married in '66 and went to NLSC in Monroe. Crammed a 4 year course into 4.5 years and graduated in '69 with a BA in Sociology. Taught school, worked for the Dept. of Public Welfare as a social worker then as a Juvenile Probation office, and was part-time.pastor of small church until going to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating in '75 with a MRE. Divorced and remarried in '78, putting the brakes on full-time ministry, so went to work for the La Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections as a Probation and Parole officer, where I stayed until retirement as a supervisor in '92. Bought a business in '86 that my wife and her son ran until my retirement, and upon retirement, stayed with Coburn's Mufflers and Brakes until I sold it to my step-son in 2005. Since then, I taught Special Education (Math) at Elysian Fields Middle School for 4 years. I consider myself retired now, living in East Texas and pastor of the Bethel United Methodist Church in Elysian Fields. My wife and I have four children (2 mine, 2 hers) and 8 grandchildren.
2019 Update
Since 2014, I have again "retired" from ministry, but it only lasted 3 months. I retired in June 2016 and in September returned to work as Associate Pastor at FUMC in Marshall, TX. I also ran for a position on the Elysian Fields School Board and currently serve as the president of the board. I became a great-grandfather in 2018 for the first time and love spending time traveling with our new RV to wherever he happens to be, which at this time is in West Virginia.
Went to East Texas Baptist College for 2 years, got married in '66 and went to NLSC in Monroe. Crammed a 4 year course into 4.5 years and graduated in '69 with a BA in Sociology. Taught school, worked for the Dept. of Public Welfare as a social worker then as a Juvenile Probation office, and was part-time.pastor of small church until going to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating in '75 with a MRE. Divorced and remarried in '78, putting the brakes on full-time ministry, so went to work for the La Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections as a Probation and Parole officer, where I stayed until retirement as a supervisor in '92. Bought a business in '86 that my wife and her son ran until my retirement, and upon retirement, stayed with Coburn's Mufflers and Brakes until I sold it to my step-son in 2005. Since then, I taught Special Education (Math) at Elysian Fields Middle School for 4 years. I consider myself retired now, living in East Texas and pastor of the Bethel United Methodist Church in Elysian Fields. My wife and I have four children (2 mine, 2 hers) and 8 grandchildren.
2019 Update
Since 2014, I have again "retired" from ministry, but it only lasted 3 months. I retired in June 2016 and in September returned to work as Associate Pastor at FUMC in Marshall, TX. I also ran for a position on the Elysian Fields School Board and currently serve as the president of the board. I became a great-grandfather in 2018 for the first time and love spending time traveling with our new RV to wherever he happens to be, which at this time is in West Virginia.
Leslie Cook (Chuck)
Been a long time. After graduation in '64, I had no idea what I was going to do with whatever life was going to toss out there during however long that life was going to be.
Okay! here I am 50 years later. I have done a lot diffirent kinds of work during those 50 years. I have held a lot of "titles"... some small...some not so small..., but one thing I've never been is out of work for long. I served in the Navy...I was a hospital corpsman (medic),later, I was a cook, I was a restaurant manager, I was a grocery store operator, I was a truck driver, I worked in the oilfield.... Finally, about 43 years ago, I decided that none of the things I had tried was exactly the type of thing I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I knew that I had to work in order to support my family, but I needed to narrow the focus. I decided that I would become a lawyer... but what to do.... 7 more years of school and a spouse and children to support.
Well, what better way to accomplish that objective than to become a police officer so I could work shifts. I did that, for some 13 years. During my stint as a police officer I earned my undergrad degree and later was admitted into law school at LSU. Three years later, at age 40, I had my law degree. It took a while, but I got there!
Over the past 28 years I have had a private practice and have primarily prosecuted at two District Attorney offices. The only detour I made was a brief journey into politics. I was elected to the office of Ouachita Parish Sheriff from 1996-2000. The chief deputy I defeated reared his ugly head in 2000 and defeated me. Thank GOD!
My career in law enforcement and the practice of law has run for some 43 years. It has been interesting and enjoyable.
I have 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. I was married for 30 years, but unforntunately our marriage ended in divorce. Four years ago I met and married a wonderful lady named Donna. She has a masters in education and loves teaching elementary age children. I'm glad somebody enjoys that type of job...takes a special person.
WORTH MENTIONING:
Dianne Zimmerman... Haven't heard that name in almost 50 years. She was a great friend. She kept me and a couple of my buddies straight. Thanks to her friendship, we survived to become adults. I'm very happy to see that she has been and is still a happy lady!
Judy Moore......once the love of my life. She was and I'm sure still is, one of the sweetest human beings GOD put on the face of this earth.
By the way, I haven't been called by my middle name "Leslie" since the Navy. Since my first name is Charles, I was labeled with the nickname "Chuck" many years ago.
Been a long time. After graduation in '64, I had no idea what I was going to do with whatever life was going to toss out there during however long that life was going to be.
Okay! here I am 50 years later. I have done a lot diffirent kinds of work during those 50 years. I have held a lot of "titles"... some small...some not so small..., but one thing I've never been is out of work for long. I served in the Navy...I was a hospital corpsman (medic),later, I was a cook, I was a restaurant manager, I was a grocery store operator, I was a truck driver, I worked in the oilfield.... Finally, about 43 years ago, I decided that none of the things I had tried was exactly the type of thing I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I knew that I had to work in order to support my family, but I needed to narrow the focus. I decided that I would become a lawyer... but what to do.... 7 more years of school and a spouse and children to support.
Well, what better way to accomplish that objective than to become a police officer so I could work shifts. I did that, for some 13 years. During my stint as a police officer I earned my undergrad degree and later was admitted into law school at LSU. Three years later, at age 40, I had my law degree. It took a while, but I got there!
Over the past 28 years I have had a private practice and have primarily prosecuted at two District Attorney offices. The only detour I made was a brief journey into politics. I was elected to the office of Ouachita Parish Sheriff from 1996-2000. The chief deputy I defeated reared his ugly head in 2000 and defeated me. Thank GOD!
My career in law enforcement and the practice of law has run for some 43 years. It has been interesting and enjoyable.
I have 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. I was married for 30 years, but unforntunately our marriage ended in divorce. Four years ago I met and married a wonderful lady named Donna. She has a masters in education and loves teaching elementary age children. I'm glad somebody enjoys that type of job...takes a special person.
WORTH MENTIONING:
Dianne Zimmerman... Haven't heard that name in almost 50 years. She was a great friend. She kept me and a couple of my buddies straight. Thanks to her friendship, we survived to become adults. I'm very happy to see that she has been and is still a happy lady!
Judy Moore......once the love of my life. She was and I'm sure still is, one of the sweetest human beings GOD put on the face of this earth.
By the way, I haven't been called by my middle name "Leslie" since the Navy. Since my first name is Charles, I was labeled with the nickname "Chuck" many years ago.
Joe Corby
After Byrd I went to Centenary for a year and a half, where I found being a Biology major was not for me. Then, transferred to La Tech where I majored in Chemical Engineering, graduated in 1969. I moved to Port Arthur to work for Texaco at the R&D facility and began the pursuit of an MBA at Lamar Tech as an evening student. Texaco granted me a leave of absence in 1970 to returned to La Tech to complete my MBA. While at LA Tech, my wife Myra and I met in 1971. However, there was no serious relationship at that time. Returned to Texaco in 1971, then on to Anderson Clayton Foods in Dallas in 1972. Myra and I began dating in 1973, then married in 1978. I joined Pennzoil in Shreveport at the Atlas Refinery in 1974, transferring to Houston in 1982. Our daughter was born in 1986. She attended Baylor and is currently living in Austin where she taught deaf education until recently. In October, she is leaving for Dubai on a two year mission commitment. In 2007, I retired from Shell Oil, who had acquired Pennzoil in 2004, after 32 years (60 is the full retirement age at Shell). Myra and I relocated to Shreveport in 2007 leaving the big city of Houston behind. We work part-time (she is a yoga instructor and I am a consultant), play golf, volunteer as Boy Scout leaders and travel. Yes, I am still involved with the Boy Scouts. I am having so much fun that I never quit. I am currently the scoutmaster of Troop 14, the troop of my youth. The troop is going camping the weekend after our reunion.
And yes Ronny, you will still be comfortable standing next to me.
After Byrd I went to Centenary for a year and a half, where I found being a Biology major was not for me. Then, transferred to La Tech where I majored in Chemical Engineering, graduated in 1969. I moved to Port Arthur to work for Texaco at the R&D facility and began the pursuit of an MBA at Lamar Tech as an evening student. Texaco granted me a leave of absence in 1970 to returned to La Tech to complete my MBA. While at LA Tech, my wife Myra and I met in 1971. However, there was no serious relationship at that time. Returned to Texaco in 1971, then on to Anderson Clayton Foods in Dallas in 1972. Myra and I began dating in 1973, then married in 1978. I joined Pennzoil in Shreveport at the Atlas Refinery in 1974, transferring to Houston in 1982. Our daughter was born in 1986. She attended Baylor and is currently living in Austin where she taught deaf education until recently. In October, she is leaving for Dubai on a two year mission commitment. In 2007, I retired from Shell Oil, who had acquired Pennzoil in 2004, after 32 years (60 is the full retirement age at Shell). Myra and I relocated to Shreveport in 2007 leaving the big city of Houston behind. We work part-time (she is a yoga instructor and I am a consultant), play golf, volunteer as Boy Scout leaders and travel. Yes, I am still involved with the Boy Scouts. I am having so much fun that I never quit. I am currently the scoutmaster of Troop 14, the troop of my youth. The troop is going camping the weekend after our reunion.
And yes Ronny, you will still be comfortable standing next to me.
Jan Courtney (Morgan)
After Byrd, I went to Louisiana Tech with Mary Rowe and Linda Luck as my roommates. I met Jerry Lindsay from Fair Park on the first day there. I married him about a year and a half later. After Jerry graduated, we moved to Grand Prairie, TX where he was an Engineer with LTV. We had two boys, Jerry Dean Lindsay, Jr. and Lance Courtney Lindsay. We moved to Denison, TX in 1972 to start Lindsay Glass Company and eventually Overhead Door Company of Denison.
At Louisiana Tech I finished my Associate Degree. After Jerry decided he did not want to be married anymore and we divorced, I went to Southeastern Oklahoma State University and got my Bachelor’s Degree. Then I went to Texas A & M Commerce for my Masters. In 1982 I started teaching at Grayson County College and became the Evening Administrator there.
In 1988 I met Ron Morgan and we married in 1989. Next week (July 8) is our 25th Wedding Anniversary. After my boys both graduated from high school in Denison, I moved to Arlington where Ron and I live now. I started teaching at Tarrant County College (TCC) and became an Administrator there. I retired three years ago after 21 years at TCC. TCC has hired me back off and on for projects, and I work there now two days a week as an Academic Advisor. I love this job and hope it lasts forever.
Ron retired after 34 years at General Motors when he was 57. He had a goal to finish his Ph. D which he did the year after he retired. He likes to run things so he runs the lawn mower and the vacuum cleaner. So now I have a Doctor to fix my dinner. He does consulting sometimes when the job looks interesting. He is a happy man, and he deserves it.
I have always been active in my church. I taught High School girls Sunday School at First Baptist Church Denison, and I teach women my own age at First Baptist Church Arlington.
My boys are both married. I have a step-daughter, Connie, who is married. They each have two children so we have six wonderful grandchildren from 10 to 20. Dean is a writer and speaker (his website is deanlindsay.com) and Lance is Senior Vice President of Independent Bank. Dean and Lance both graduated from University of North Texas. Connie graduated from Texas Wesleyan and is a Chemist at Ropak. They all live within 50 miles from us (not close enough).
Ron and I love to travel and travel often. We have been to China, Russia and Africa since I retired. We are always looking for a good trip.
In September 2014 (the time of the Reunion), I will be a 10 year survivor of Breast Cancer. I received Chemo and Radiation, and I am doing great. Cancer renews your faith in God, Family and Friends.
I am looking forward to our 50th Reunion, and I want to thank all the people who have worked so hard so we could get together and have a wonderful time. Ron, of course, will be coming with me. He loves my reunions.
After Byrd, I went to Louisiana Tech with Mary Rowe and Linda Luck as my roommates. I met Jerry Lindsay from Fair Park on the first day there. I married him about a year and a half later. After Jerry graduated, we moved to Grand Prairie, TX where he was an Engineer with LTV. We had two boys, Jerry Dean Lindsay, Jr. and Lance Courtney Lindsay. We moved to Denison, TX in 1972 to start Lindsay Glass Company and eventually Overhead Door Company of Denison.
At Louisiana Tech I finished my Associate Degree. After Jerry decided he did not want to be married anymore and we divorced, I went to Southeastern Oklahoma State University and got my Bachelor’s Degree. Then I went to Texas A & M Commerce for my Masters. In 1982 I started teaching at Grayson County College and became the Evening Administrator there.
In 1988 I met Ron Morgan and we married in 1989. Next week (July 8) is our 25th Wedding Anniversary. After my boys both graduated from high school in Denison, I moved to Arlington where Ron and I live now. I started teaching at Tarrant County College (TCC) and became an Administrator there. I retired three years ago after 21 years at TCC. TCC has hired me back off and on for projects, and I work there now two days a week as an Academic Advisor. I love this job and hope it lasts forever.
Ron retired after 34 years at General Motors when he was 57. He had a goal to finish his Ph. D which he did the year after he retired. He likes to run things so he runs the lawn mower and the vacuum cleaner. So now I have a Doctor to fix my dinner. He does consulting sometimes when the job looks interesting. He is a happy man, and he deserves it.
I have always been active in my church. I taught High School girls Sunday School at First Baptist Church Denison, and I teach women my own age at First Baptist Church Arlington.
My boys are both married. I have a step-daughter, Connie, who is married. They each have two children so we have six wonderful grandchildren from 10 to 20. Dean is a writer and speaker (his website is deanlindsay.com) and Lance is Senior Vice President of Independent Bank. Dean and Lance both graduated from University of North Texas. Connie graduated from Texas Wesleyan and is a Chemist at Ropak. They all live within 50 miles from us (not close enough).
Ron and I love to travel and travel often. We have been to China, Russia and Africa since I retired. We are always looking for a good trip.
In September 2014 (the time of the Reunion), I will be a 10 year survivor of Breast Cancer. I received Chemo and Radiation, and I am doing great. Cancer renews your faith in God, Family and Friends.
I am looking forward to our 50th Reunion, and I want to thank all the people who have worked so hard so we could get together and have a wonderful time. Ron, of course, will be coming with me. He loves my reunions.
Jeanne Cross (Boutwell)
After graduating from Byrd I attended Baylor University where I majored in Education with a minor in English. Upon graduation I taught in Houston, Irving, and then the greater Chicago area. I returned to Baylor in 1970 and completed my masters in 1971 with certifications in many areas of Special Education including Supervision. I taught in Mesquite where I designed a program for Learning Disabled students culminating in the students writing a screenplay which was filmed on location at a farm. I prepared and presented curriculum workshops and toured British Infant Schools in England and Scotland with the Supervisor of Instruction for the Mesquite ISD and prepared slides for a district wide television workshop.
In June of 1972 we moved to Deridder, LA, and I took a job as a technical writer for the West Brothers Department Stores where I wrote the first manuals for the new Pitney-Bowes computer cash registers and provided educational support to their private school. I then taught for the school district where I conducted curriculum workshops. At this time I was also employed by the Dallas ISD to design and present puppet workshops so I got to travel. We were members of the First Baptist Church of Deridder where I implemented a church program for special needs children from any denomination.
We moved back to Shreveport in the summer of 1974 and I taught in Bossier. My daughter, Christy (a redhead), was born in February of 1975. I received my certification from the state as a Competent Authority/Educational Diagnostician. I was chosen to be a member of the State Textbook Adoption Committee so got to travel some more and also supervised student teachers.
In March of 1979 I secured a job as an Educational Diagnostician with the Caddo Parish School Board working with students, parents and teachers in testing and placing students in special programs. My son, Christopher, was born in 1982 (had red hair at birth, but it soon turned blonde). During my years in Caddo I did too many fun things to list, but here are a few. Chaired task force for reduction of paperwork (forms), organized and designed workshops, co-wrote a grant for an alternative vocational school, served as interim supervisor of Pupil Appraisal, co-developed discipline hearing guidelines, and continued to serve as Evaluation Coordinator for public and private schools in the Parish. I retired in January of 2005.
Other interesting notables, taught crafts, had a catering business, tutored privately, refinished furniture, made and sold stain-glass windows, sold handmade crafts at craft fairs in Louisiana and Texas, worked for the Shreveport Little Theater, performed as Lizzie Borden in the Dr. Blood’s House of Horrors at the fairgrounds, started the microwave cooking school at Shreveport Refrigeration, and wrote a microwave cookbook, I deer hunt, duck hunt, scuba dive, sew, water ski, and have enjoyed five cruises. We took our children and grandchildren on a Disney cruise last year. Fabulous!
Christy and her husband both graduated from East Texas Baptist University and Southwestern Theological Seminary and are on staff at Pinelake Church in Brandon, Mississippi. They have Cooper, Cade and Campbell. Christopher graduated from Louisiana College and is the computer guru on gas wells in Pennsylvania, but not married. Stepson Jeff works with his father in his plumbing business and just became engaged to Julie. Stepson Stephen graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and is married to Erica. They are both on staff at 121 Church in Bedford, Texas. They have Bishop, Bennett and Brynner.
In 2007 I decided to go back to school and received my degree as a Doctor of Natural Health (NHD) (Naturopath) and opened a clinic in Stonewall in 2009. I am a member of the Pastoral Medical Association and a certified Acutonics practitioner which is acupuncture without the needles using tuning forks. I provide herbal, homeopathic and nutritional remedies along with stress reduction therapy using the NanoSRT machine. I usually work only three days a week by appointment only. It is now my passion.
Working as the chair of the nametag committee has been fun and look forward to seeing all the fellow Jackets this weekend.
After graduating from Byrd I attended Baylor University where I majored in Education with a minor in English. Upon graduation I taught in Houston, Irving, and then the greater Chicago area. I returned to Baylor in 1970 and completed my masters in 1971 with certifications in many areas of Special Education including Supervision. I taught in Mesquite where I designed a program for Learning Disabled students culminating in the students writing a screenplay which was filmed on location at a farm. I prepared and presented curriculum workshops and toured British Infant Schools in England and Scotland with the Supervisor of Instruction for the Mesquite ISD and prepared slides for a district wide television workshop.
In June of 1972 we moved to Deridder, LA, and I took a job as a technical writer for the West Brothers Department Stores where I wrote the first manuals for the new Pitney-Bowes computer cash registers and provided educational support to their private school. I then taught for the school district where I conducted curriculum workshops. At this time I was also employed by the Dallas ISD to design and present puppet workshops so I got to travel. We were members of the First Baptist Church of Deridder where I implemented a church program for special needs children from any denomination.
We moved back to Shreveport in the summer of 1974 and I taught in Bossier. My daughter, Christy (a redhead), was born in February of 1975. I received my certification from the state as a Competent Authority/Educational Diagnostician. I was chosen to be a member of the State Textbook Adoption Committee so got to travel some more and also supervised student teachers.
In March of 1979 I secured a job as an Educational Diagnostician with the Caddo Parish School Board working with students, parents and teachers in testing and placing students in special programs. My son, Christopher, was born in 1982 (had red hair at birth, but it soon turned blonde). During my years in Caddo I did too many fun things to list, but here are a few. Chaired task force for reduction of paperwork (forms), organized and designed workshops, co-wrote a grant for an alternative vocational school, served as interim supervisor of Pupil Appraisal, co-developed discipline hearing guidelines, and continued to serve as Evaluation Coordinator for public and private schools in the Parish. I retired in January of 2005.
Other interesting notables, taught crafts, had a catering business, tutored privately, refinished furniture, made and sold stain-glass windows, sold handmade crafts at craft fairs in Louisiana and Texas, worked for the Shreveport Little Theater, performed as Lizzie Borden in the Dr. Blood’s House of Horrors at the fairgrounds, started the microwave cooking school at Shreveport Refrigeration, and wrote a microwave cookbook, I deer hunt, duck hunt, scuba dive, sew, water ski, and have enjoyed five cruises. We took our children and grandchildren on a Disney cruise last year. Fabulous!
Christy and her husband both graduated from East Texas Baptist University and Southwestern Theological Seminary and are on staff at Pinelake Church in Brandon, Mississippi. They have Cooper, Cade and Campbell. Christopher graduated from Louisiana College and is the computer guru on gas wells in Pennsylvania, but not married. Stepson Jeff works with his father in his plumbing business and just became engaged to Julie. Stepson Stephen graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and is married to Erica. They are both on staff at 121 Church in Bedford, Texas. They have Bishop, Bennett and Brynner.
In 2007 I decided to go back to school and received my degree as a Doctor of Natural Health (NHD) (Naturopath) and opened a clinic in Stonewall in 2009. I am a member of the Pastoral Medical Association and a certified Acutonics practitioner which is acupuncture without the needles using tuning forks. I provide herbal, homeopathic and nutritional remedies along with stress reduction therapy using the NanoSRT machine. I usually work only three days a week by appointment only. It is now my passion.
Working as the chair of the nametag committee has been fun and look forward to seeing all the fellow Jackets this weekend.
Ken Culbertson
Marcia Short
I, the Byrd Jacket formerly known as Kenneth, must admit that I don’t often think about my high school years, but when I do…I think of Byrd. Fondly, of course. And as I age I become more appreciative of the quality education I received not only at Byrd but through my entire 12 years in the Caddo Parish public schools. Few of us realized at the time that we were being well-prepped for the future by some top-notch teachers, coaches, and administrators. Anyway, back to the bio (not to be confused with “Back to the Bayou,” a CD by Wayne Toups, released in 1995 and available on Amazon). Much of my success and happiness beyond Byrd can be attributed to my junior year and Mrs. Turner’s English class. For it was here that I had a fortuitous encounter with an angel…one who at the time, and until we married a few years later, went by the name of Marcia Short. This was undoubtedly the most consequential aspect of my time at Byrd (if you don’t count how my clarinet and I were instrumental in our winning football seasons). Following Centenary, Marcia taught elementary school for a few years before devoting herself fulltime to our two children and household management. Because I mostly flew airplanes for a living – as a fighter pilot for the Air Force and as a freight dog for FedEx – we spent a good bit of our married lives on the move. In fact, not counting our college transits we have moved from Shreveport, and returned three times. We still love to travel, and now that we are retired we are on the go more than ever. In fact, we have just returned from celebrating our 46th anniversary in New Orleans. When home we busy ourselves with a host of minor projects and business affairs, four-generational family activities, trip planning, and monitoring the fascinating decline of Western Civilization. It’s been a great run; I would not do anything differently if I could, and I’m really, really glad I didn’t go to Fair Park.
Marcia Short
I, the Byrd Jacket formerly known as Kenneth, must admit that I don’t often think about my high school years, but when I do…I think of Byrd. Fondly, of course. And as I age I become more appreciative of the quality education I received not only at Byrd but through my entire 12 years in the Caddo Parish public schools. Few of us realized at the time that we were being well-prepped for the future by some top-notch teachers, coaches, and administrators. Anyway, back to the bio (not to be confused with “Back to the Bayou,” a CD by Wayne Toups, released in 1995 and available on Amazon). Much of my success and happiness beyond Byrd can be attributed to my junior year and Mrs. Turner’s English class. For it was here that I had a fortuitous encounter with an angel…one who at the time, and until we married a few years later, went by the name of Marcia Short. This was undoubtedly the most consequential aspect of my time at Byrd (if you don’t count how my clarinet and I were instrumental in our winning football seasons). Following Centenary, Marcia taught elementary school for a few years before devoting herself fulltime to our two children and household management. Because I mostly flew airplanes for a living – as a fighter pilot for the Air Force and as a freight dog for FedEx – we spent a good bit of our married lives on the move. In fact, not counting our college transits we have moved from Shreveport, and returned three times. We still love to travel, and now that we are retired we are on the go more than ever. In fact, we have just returned from celebrating our 46th anniversary in New Orleans. When home we busy ourselves with a host of minor projects and business affairs, four-generational family activities, trip planning, and monitoring the fascinating decline of Western Civilization. It’s been a great run; I would not do anything differently if I could, and I’m really, really glad I didn’t go to Fair Park.
Dan (Danny) Dent
Thanks to Dixie Deen Holt and Buddy Hammann for helping me learn about the status of my Shreveport classmates of more than 55 years ago.
Hopefully some of these classmates will remember me, I did not attend Byrd High School but I did attend A.C. Steer (1-3), Arthur Circle (4-6), Broadmoor Jr. High (7) and Youree Drive Jr. High (8-9). In 1961 my dad was transferred to Houston where I graduated from Memorial High School (my sports were football and track). After graduating in 1964, I attended TCU where I obtained a BA degree in 1968. While at TCU I met and then married my beautiful wife in 1968 prior to moving to Lubbock where I graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1971. I then entered the U.S. Army as a Captain in the Judge Advocate Generals Corp until I completed my commitment in 1975.
In 1975 we moved, now a family of 4, to Hillsboro, TX where I practiced with a law firm until I was appointed as Hill County Attorney in 1979. In 1980 I was elected District Attorney and I went on to serve in that capacity for almost 33 years. When I retired, I was the longest serving DA in Texas at that time. In 2014, I became Of Counsel for the Waco law firm of Fulbright Winniford where I still practice.
Dee Ann was a secondary science teacher and later a school counselor, now enjoying retirement. Our dauhter, Ali, also graduated from TCU and lives with her husband, J., and son Sam (12) in Austin where she is a therapy yoga instructor. Her husband has been a senior lecturer at UT Austin for 14 years in the School of Business. Our son, Dave, graduated from A&M, then from medical school and now is an Asst Professor of Anesthesiology at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine and is Director of Pain Medicine fellows at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. He and his wife Kelly (Urban Planner) live in Hanover with daughters Lucy(8), Annika(7), and Marin(4).
For the past 14 years Dee Ann and I have lived the country on a few acres between Hillsboro and Whitney in central Texas. We still enjoy coming to Shreveport a few times each year for some recreational casino gaming. As we are both in good health, we indeed feel blessed.
Thanks to Dixie Deen Holt and Buddy Hammann for helping me learn about the status of my Shreveport classmates of more than 55 years ago.
Hopefully some of these classmates will remember me, I did not attend Byrd High School but I did attend A.C. Steer (1-3), Arthur Circle (4-6), Broadmoor Jr. High (7) and Youree Drive Jr. High (8-9). In 1961 my dad was transferred to Houston where I graduated from Memorial High School (my sports were football and track). After graduating in 1964, I attended TCU where I obtained a BA degree in 1968. While at TCU I met and then married my beautiful wife in 1968 prior to moving to Lubbock where I graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1971. I then entered the U.S. Army as a Captain in the Judge Advocate Generals Corp until I completed my commitment in 1975.
In 1975 we moved, now a family of 4, to Hillsboro, TX where I practiced with a law firm until I was appointed as Hill County Attorney in 1979. In 1980 I was elected District Attorney and I went on to serve in that capacity for almost 33 years. When I retired, I was the longest serving DA in Texas at that time. In 2014, I became Of Counsel for the Waco law firm of Fulbright Winniford where I still practice.
Dee Ann was a secondary science teacher and later a school counselor, now enjoying retirement. Our dauhter, Ali, also graduated from TCU and lives with her husband, J., and son Sam (12) in Austin where she is a therapy yoga instructor. Her husband has been a senior lecturer at UT Austin for 14 years in the School of Business. Our son, Dave, graduated from A&M, then from medical school and now is an Asst Professor of Anesthesiology at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine and is Director of Pain Medicine fellows at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. He and his wife Kelly (Urban Planner) live in Hanover with daughters Lucy(8), Annika(7), and Marin(4).
For the past 14 years Dee Ann and I have lived the country on a few acres between Hillsboro and Whitney in central Texas. We still enjoy coming to Shreveport a few times each year for some recreational casino gaming. As we are both in good health, we indeed feel blessed.
David
Doherty
After graduation I went to Louisiana Tech for 3 semesters (summer, fall and spring), but college and I were not getting along. I, like some of my fellow classmates, dropped out of college and got one of those “high paying” jobs at minimum wage of $1.25 hour!!
One of our fellow classmate’s, Tommy Elliott, Dad owned a wholesale electrical supply firm, Powerline Supply, in Bossier City. I went to work there operating their perpetual inventory system which was a Kardex. The Kardex was way before the advent of computers as this was the only way to keep up with the inventory and costing the sales transactions made during the day. I also worked in the warehouse and sales counter gaining valuable experience.
After working there a while, one of the other employees invited me to go to a wrestling match at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium with him and his wife. His wife had a sister so she was invited also. As you can guess, this was a blind date in early August, 1966. This is how I met my wife, Barbara. We dated for several months and married in November, 1966. We are still married and had two children, girls, and now have to granddaughters.
After working at Powerline for a while and getting some experience in sales, I left them and went to work at Westinghouse Electric Supply (WESCO) on Wilkinson Street there in Shreveport. I worked there for a while and an opening came open in Amarillo, TX for an operations manager. I was nominated for this job by my superiors and got the job. We moved there in early 1968. Barbara was pregnant with our first daughter at the time. Kathy was born in Amarillo in March during one of their many cold “snaps”. Since we were both young and with a new baby, being in Amarillo did not work out, so I left WESCO and we moved back to Shreveport in late 1968. I went to work for General Electric Supply (GESCO).
In 1972 I transferred to Monroe, LA with GESCO working as the operations manager. Our second daughter, Julie, was born there in 1975. In 1980, I had the opportunity to move to New Orleans, LA with GESCO. I managed their inventory in Louisiana and the 1 store in Jackson, MS. In addition to managing their inventory I had the responsibility of getting all of their payables (invoices) approved and into their system for payment. I also had the opportunity to work with some of GESCO’s system people helping get their computer system installed into the field locations. These computers and servers used the large 12-14” hard discs. As you can guess, there were many problems getting everything installed and “talking to each other”. As with most large corporations, the type job I had was consolidated to their Houston, TX location. I decided to stay in New Orleans moving into various job functions the last being sales. I retired after 45 years with G.E. in March, 2013.
Barbara and I live in Slidell, LA which is north of New Orleans across the eastern end Lake Ponchartrain. After moving to Slidell, Barbara and I got involve with our subdivision homeowner’s association holding several officer positions.
In 1988 I was asked to run for the St. Tammany Parish Police Jury by the incumbent Police Juror who had decided not to run for reelection. The Police Jury was the governing body for the Parish and had 14 districts. I was elected without opposition to the district in which we live. I was reelected 2 more times without opposition. During my 12 years I served on various committees in various functions.
In 2000 the Parish decided to explore going to a charter form of government. I served as vice-chairman on this committee. The voters narrowly passed this referendum. At the next election, I lost the district seat by 29 votes to the nephew of the previous popular retired Sherriff of St. Tammany Parish.
After “licking my wounds” for a several years, I am back into politics in an appointed position on the St Tammany Parish Planning & Zoning Commission and yes I am friends with the person who defeated me. The Council nominates and elects 9 members and the Parish President appoints 2 members to this commission. I am currently serving as Chairman of this organization.
Barbara was diagnosed with diabetes in 2006. The diabetes continued to get worse. Barbara can no longer walk or stand. She is confined to a wheel/power chair. Last September, Barbara and I took a 4500 mile, 30 day road trip to a small town in the northeast corner of North Dakota where Barbara’s brother and his family live. We had many stops along the way visiting friends and family as well as dialysis for Barbara.
So with all of this said, I am still busy in retirement. Looking forward to seeing everyone!!
After graduation I went to Louisiana Tech for 3 semesters (summer, fall and spring), but college and I were not getting along. I, like some of my fellow classmates, dropped out of college and got one of those “high paying” jobs at minimum wage of $1.25 hour!!
One of our fellow classmate’s, Tommy Elliott, Dad owned a wholesale electrical supply firm, Powerline Supply, in Bossier City. I went to work there operating their perpetual inventory system which was a Kardex. The Kardex was way before the advent of computers as this was the only way to keep up with the inventory and costing the sales transactions made during the day. I also worked in the warehouse and sales counter gaining valuable experience.
After working there a while, one of the other employees invited me to go to a wrestling match at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium with him and his wife. His wife had a sister so she was invited also. As you can guess, this was a blind date in early August, 1966. This is how I met my wife, Barbara. We dated for several months and married in November, 1966. We are still married and had two children, girls, and now have to granddaughters.
After working at Powerline for a while and getting some experience in sales, I left them and went to work at Westinghouse Electric Supply (WESCO) on Wilkinson Street there in Shreveport. I worked there for a while and an opening came open in Amarillo, TX for an operations manager. I was nominated for this job by my superiors and got the job. We moved there in early 1968. Barbara was pregnant with our first daughter at the time. Kathy was born in Amarillo in March during one of their many cold “snaps”. Since we were both young and with a new baby, being in Amarillo did not work out, so I left WESCO and we moved back to Shreveport in late 1968. I went to work for General Electric Supply (GESCO).
In 1972 I transferred to Monroe, LA with GESCO working as the operations manager. Our second daughter, Julie, was born there in 1975. In 1980, I had the opportunity to move to New Orleans, LA with GESCO. I managed their inventory in Louisiana and the 1 store in Jackson, MS. In addition to managing their inventory I had the responsibility of getting all of their payables (invoices) approved and into their system for payment. I also had the opportunity to work with some of GESCO’s system people helping get their computer system installed into the field locations. These computers and servers used the large 12-14” hard discs. As you can guess, there were many problems getting everything installed and “talking to each other”. As with most large corporations, the type job I had was consolidated to their Houston, TX location. I decided to stay in New Orleans moving into various job functions the last being sales. I retired after 45 years with G.E. in March, 2013.
Barbara and I live in Slidell, LA which is north of New Orleans across the eastern end Lake Ponchartrain. After moving to Slidell, Barbara and I got involve with our subdivision homeowner’s association holding several officer positions.
In 1988 I was asked to run for the St. Tammany Parish Police Jury by the incumbent Police Juror who had decided not to run for reelection. The Police Jury was the governing body for the Parish and had 14 districts. I was elected without opposition to the district in which we live. I was reelected 2 more times without opposition. During my 12 years I served on various committees in various functions.
In 2000 the Parish decided to explore going to a charter form of government. I served as vice-chairman on this committee. The voters narrowly passed this referendum. At the next election, I lost the district seat by 29 votes to the nephew of the previous popular retired Sherriff of St. Tammany Parish.
After “licking my wounds” for a several years, I am back into politics in an appointed position on the St Tammany Parish Planning & Zoning Commission and yes I am friends with the person who defeated me. The Council nominates and elects 9 members and the Parish President appoints 2 members to this commission. I am currently serving as Chairman of this organization.
Barbara was diagnosed with diabetes in 2006. The diabetes continued to get worse. Barbara can no longer walk or stand. She is confined to a wheel/power chair. Last September, Barbara and I took a 4500 mile, 30 day road trip to a small town in the northeast corner of North Dakota where Barbara’s brother and his family live. We had many stops along the way visiting friends and family as well as dialysis for Barbara.
So with all of this said, I am still busy in retirement. Looking forward to seeing everyone!!
Linda Dowden (Willis)
After graduating from Byrd, I attended business school for a few months and then worked for a year before entering Northwestern State University at Natchitoches. Didn't stay there too long -- got married in 1966 and moved to Bryan, Texas, as my husband was enrolled at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. I worked as secretary for Dean of Engineering to pay the bills; also took a few classes at A&M. After my husband's graduation from vet school in 1969, we moved to California for one year while he did a voluntary internship at the College of Veterinary Medicine at U.C. Davis. What fun we had in California that year, going snow skiing, visiting the Napa Valley wineries, traveling to San Luis Obispo, Disneyland, San Francisco, Carmel, Hollywood. After a year, we headed back home to the Shreveport/Bossier area and he practiced veterinary medicine. We had two sons – now ages 38 and 36. We divorced in 1981 and I took on the career of single mother and began working as a paralegal for a local law firm, where I am still employed, though part-time now. Have not remarried. One of my sons went to college for several semesters but decided that was not for him. He is a gunsmith and has his own shop in Elm Grove, Louisiana. His daughter, my only granddaughter, is in the AIM program (Activating Inquisitive Minds) in elementary school (similar to the advanced learning program some of us were in at Hamilton Terrace). My other son graduated from LSU-S with a degree in Biochemistry but opted to work for himself and so has his own business remodeling homes. He has two sons, the older of whom attended South Highlands Elementary Magnet and Caddo Middle Magnet and will begin 9th grade at Magnet High this fall. The younger son currently attends South Highlands Elementary Magnet. There is absolutely NOTHING like children and grandchildren to give joy and meaning and purpose to life!! I am so blessed to have my all my children and grandchildren nearby. I have been fortunate enough to do some traveling and have visited many of the States and Mexico. I 2012, I traveled to Ireland and had the time of my life. Then in 2013, I traveled to England, Scotland and Wales. I hope to return to Ireland and Scotland someday soon. I am planning to travel to the Holy Land next year. I have worked on all our reunions for the 1964 graduates (except for 1974 one) and also all the Ultimates. I have been serving on Byrd's Alumni Association Board for a number of years and have kept in touch with classmates through the Board. My best friend in high school, Mary Ellen Moore Latsos (go, corp sucks!) and I stay in touch and see each other regularly. I am looking forward to our 50th reunion this September and hope that some of you who have not attended our past reunions will attend, "with spirits high and hopes undaunted."
After graduating from Byrd, I attended business school for a few months and then worked for a year before entering Northwestern State University at Natchitoches. Didn't stay there too long -- got married in 1966 and moved to Bryan, Texas, as my husband was enrolled at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. I worked as secretary for Dean of Engineering to pay the bills; also took a few classes at A&M. After my husband's graduation from vet school in 1969, we moved to California for one year while he did a voluntary internship at the College of Veterinary Medicine at U.C. Davis. What fun we had in California that year, going snow skiing, visiting the Napa Valley wineries, traveling to San Luis Obispo, Disneyland, San Francisco, Carmel, Hollywood. After a year, we headed back home to the Shreveport/Bossier area and he practiced veterinary medicine. We had two sons – now ages 38 and 36. We divorced in 1981 and I took on the career of single mother and began working as a paralegal for a local law firm, where I am still employed, though part-time now. Have not remarried. One of my sons went to college for several semesters but decided that was not for him. He is a gunsmith and has his own shop in Elm Grove, Louisiana. His daughter, my only granddaughter, is in the AIM program (Activating Inquisitive Minds) in elementary school (similar to the advanced learning program some of us were in at Hamilton Terrace). My other son graduated from LSU-S with a degree in Biochemistry but opted to work for himself and so has his own business remodeling homes. He has two sons, the older of whom attended South Highlands Elementary Magnet and Caddo Middle Magnet and will begin 9th grade at Magnet High this fall. The younger son currently attends South Highlands Elementary Magnet. There is absolutely NOTHING like children and grandchildren to give joy and meaning and purpose to life!! I am so blessed to have my all my children and grandchildren nearby. I have been fortunate enough to do some traveling and have visited many of the States and Mexico. I 2012, I traveled to Ireland and had the time of my life. Then in 2013, I traveled to England, Scotland and Wales. I hope to return to Ireland and Scotland someday soon. I am planning to travel to the Holy Land next year. I have worked on all our reunions for the 1964 graduates (except for 1974 one) and also all the Ultimates. I have been serving on Byrd's Alumni Association Board for a number of years and have kept in touch with classmates through the Board. My best friend in high school, Mary Ellen Moore Latsos (go, corp sucks!) and I stay in touch and see each other regularly. I am looking forward to our 50th reunion this September and hope that some of you who have not attended our past reunions will attend, "with spirits high and hopes undaunted."
Jeanne Elliott (Lloyd)
After Byrd, I attended Louisiana Tech graduating in 1968. I married my husband, Sidney Lloyd, that same year. After a brief time in Shreveport, we moved to the Dallas area for Sidney to attend graduate school. We have never left the area and live in Dallas today. We have two children Sara and Matthew. We are fortunate that they live close – Sara in Houston and Matthew in Dallas – so we see them often. I am also doubly fortunate that sometimes Sara and I travel together and have some memorable adventures.
For the greater part of my career I worked in technology for the Texas Education system at the regional and local levels retiring as the Executive Director of Information Systems for the Dallas school system. After retirement I worked seven years as a consultant to large urban school districts helping them to implement enterprise software systems.
Currently, I volunteer at the local library and at a local agency teaching English to adult refugees and immigrants. Sidney and I spend time each week trying to maintain fitness and health by strength training, yoga and walking. We enjoy traveling –both nationally and internationally–and take several trips a year. Yes, we have a bucket list, but we are always curious about the places that others have found to be interesting or inspiring. I look forward to the reunion and catching up with everyone.
After Byrd, I attended Louisiana Tech graduating in 1968. I married my husband, Sidney Lloyd, that same year. After a brief time in Shreveport, we moved to the Dallas area for Sidney to attend graduate school. We have never left the area and live in Dallas today. We have two children Sara and Matthew. We are fortunate that they live close – Sara in Houston and Matthew in Dallas – so we see them often. I am also doubly fortunate that sometimes Sara and I travel together and have some memorable adventures.
For the greater part of my career I worked in technology for the Texas Education system at the regional and local levels retiring as the Executive Director of Information Systems for the Dallas school system. After retirement I worked seven years as a consultant to large urban school districts helping them to implement enterprise software systems.
Currently, I volunteer at the local library and at a local agency teaching English to adult refugees and immigrants. Sidney and I spend time each week trying to maintain fitness and health by strength training, yoga and walking. We enjoy traveling –both nationally and internationally–and take several trips a year. Yes, we have a bucket list, but we are always curious about the places that others have found to be interesting or inspiring. I look forward to the reunion and catching up with everyone.
Carey Epps
Though I didn't walk with the class of '64, I grew up with many of you. Buddy encouraged me to submit a bio even tho I left town after 9th grade Youree. I thought, why not? For those few who even remember me, the only downside is a drop in my non-existent high school popularity. There's a pic of my current, ancient self on Facebook, if that refreshes recollections. Anyway, in 9th grade I was just a face in the crowd, pretty shy and certainly inept around girls as the hormones began raging. My next two years were at a high school in a NYC burb, my senior year at one in Tulsa. With no high school to really call home, I guess Byrd's my delusional high school. I went to OU and had a great time. 30 days after starting law school at LSUBR I was drafted and got to visit Ft. Polk, for starters. Two Army years later I restarted law school at OU. Spent my whole career as a lawyer for AT&T, first in Oklahoma City where I had a brief, practice marriage in the late 70s. Then off to Manhattan's upper west side for 3 years, the next 10, in Chicago's Lincoln Park. Last, Austin in '92 where I married lovely Rose. Retired in Austin in '99, play poor golf at a club and otherwise dabble. Got a great stepson and grandkids. I'd like to close by thanking Buddy, Barbara and the gang for a great site that lets even interlopers like me catch up with past friends and times gone by.
Though I didn't walk with the class of '64, I grew up with many of you. Buddy encouraged me to submit a bio even tho I left town after 9th grade Youree. I thought, why not? For those few who even remember me, the only downside is a drop in my non-existent high school popularity. There's a pic of my current, ancient self on Facebook, if that refreshes recollections. Anyway, in 9th grade I was just a face in the crowd, pretty shy and certainly inept around girls as the hormones began raging. My next two years were at a high school in a NYC burb, my senior year at one in Tulsa. With no high school to really call home, I guess Byrd's my delusional high school. I went to OU and had a great time. 30 days after starting law school at LSUBR I was drafted and got to visit Ft. Polk, for starters. Two Army years later I restarted law school at OU. Spent my whole career as a lawyer for AT&T, first in Oklahoma City where I had a brief, practice marriage in the late 70s. Then off to Manhattan's upper west side for 3 years, the next 10, in Chicago's Lincoln Park. Last, Austin in '92 where I married lovely Rose. Retired in Austin in '99, play poor golf at a club and otherwise dabble. Got a great stepson and grandkids. I'd like to close by thanking Buddy, Barbara and the gang for a great site that lets even interlopers like me catch up with past friends and times gone by.
Linda Epps (Rolandt)
Attended Louisiana Tech until end of my Junior Year. That same year I met Mark Rolandt who graduated from Byrd in 1961, Tech in 1966, and came back to work on his masters degree. He finished 1967, we became engaged, married in December 1967 and moved to Fort Worth Texas where Mark went to work for General Dynamics. I finished my senior year at TCU and graduated in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.
After teaching 3rd grade for 1 1/2 years, we started our family with the addition of our first son, Jon. Our second son, Mike, was born 2 years later and I was able to be home with the boys and loved every minute of raising our wonderful boys and being a part of a great church family where Mark and I taught Bible classes and were able to go on a couple of mission trips in the Northeast. We did a lot of tent camping with the boys as they grew, which created really fun times.
In 1978 Mark went to work For Collins Radio and we moved to Richardson, TX and I decided to go back to teaching as a permanent sub in the elementary school where our boys were in school. In 1984 I decided to leave the classroom and work for a friend of mine who had a secretarial and answering service, where I met my next employers and became an employee of a division of the Dow Chemical Company. That was the beginning of a really great career as office manager for DowBrands (Ziploc Bags) Division for 15 years. Our boys both graduated from SFA in Nacogdoches, TX, during that time.
In 1996 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, had surgery and chemo. I'm doing great today and recently participated in a Relay for LIfe honoring my precious daughter-in-law, Marcie, who was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. I retired from Dow in 1997, after the Dallas office closed and moved everything to Midland, MI. After my health returned I went to work as office admin for a home healthcare agency for a couple of years, then for Compaq Computers for a while and finally a Financial Advisor for 4 years. During my short term work years my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Mark and I spent many years going back and forth to Shreveport to help my dad take care of my mother. After mother's death, Dad moved to McKinney, TX, to be near us.
We have been in McKinney for 17 years and now spend our time staying active in our church, going back and forth to New Braunfels, TX, where our oldest son and family live, attending sports and school functions for our 2 grandchildren, ages 10 and 13. Our youngest son and daughter-in-law , along with 19 month old son, live 25 minutes from us close to Aubrey, TX. We all have RV's and now enjoy trips together! LIFE IS GOOD!
Attended Louisiana Tech until end of my Junior Year. That same year I met Mark Rolandt who graduated from Byrd in 1961, Tech in 1966, and came back to work on his masters degree. He finished 1967, we became engaged, married in December 1967 and moved to Fort Worth Texas where Mark went to work for General Dynamics. I finished my senior year at TCU and graduated in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.
After teaching 3rd grade for 1 1/2 years, we started our family with the addition of our first son, Jon. Our second son, Mike, was born 2 years later and I was able to be home with the boys and loved every minute of raising our wonderful boys and being a part of a great church family where Mark and I taught Bible classes and were able to go on a couple of mission trips in the Northeast. We did a lot of tent camping with the boys as they grew, which created really fun times.
In 1978 Mark went to work For Collins Radio and we moved to Richardson, TX and I decided to go back to teaching as a permanent sub in the elementary school where our boys were in school. In 1984 I decided to leave the classroom and work for a friend of mine who had a secretarial and answering service, where I met my next employers and became an employee of a division of the Dow Chemical Company. That was the beginning of a really great career as office manager for DowBrands (Ziploc Bags) Division for 15 years. Our boys both graduated from SFA in Nacogdoches, TX, during that time.
In 1996 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, had surgery and chemo. I'm doing great today and recently participated in a Relay for LIfe honoring my precious daughter-in-law, Marcie, who was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. I retired from Dow in 1997, after the Dallas office closed and moved everything to Midland, MI. After my health returned I went to work as office admin for a home healthcare agency for a couple of years, then for Compaq Computers for a while and finally a Financial Advisor for 4 years. During my short term work years my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Mark and I spent many years going back and forth to Shreveport to help my dad take care of my mother. After mother's death, Dad moved to McKinney, TX, to be near us.
We have been in McKinney for 17 years and now spend our time staying active in our church, going back and forth to New Braunfels, TX, where our oldest son and family live, attending sports and school functions for our 2 grandchildren, ages 10 and 13. Our youngest son and daughter-in-law , along with 19 month old son, live 25 minutes from us close to Aubrey, TX. We all have RV's and now enjoy trips together! LIFE IS GOOD!
Betsy Erskine (Toralballa)
Thanks to the reunion committee for bringing back so many memories.
Twenty three cities, two charming sons, so many wonderful dogs, two great husbands and countless adventures later- but it still seems like yesterday that I left Byrd for Vassar and then an MBA from Columbia. With my first husband I bounced around South America, learned Portuguese and Spanish and ran an English language program in Brazil. (Thank you Miss Robinson for all that Latin.)
I explored the Upper Midwest and got to know the Philipines with Leo Toralballa, to whom I have been married for 25 years. Having moved so often, I have worked at everything from teaching to fundraising for the arts to selling corporate training programs worldwide.
Leo and I now live in Santa Fe with our high school senior, Julian, 5 dogs and several koi. Ling, our 23 year old, is stationed in Georgia training in satellite communications for the Army. Leo consults for financial service clients and spends his vacations hunting in Wales and England.
An array of part time jobs are helping me get to know our new community and giving me some travel as well. Leo and both volunteer and spend much of our free time fostering and re-homing dogs.
I have been fortunate to be able to come back to Shreveport often to visit Mary Nesbitt and have booked my flight for reunion. See you soon.
Thanks to the reunion committee for bringing back so many memories.
Twenty three cities, two charming sons, so many wonderful dogs, two great husbands and countless adventures later- but it still seems like yesterday that I left Byrd for Vassar and then an MBA from Columbia. With my first husband I bounced around South America, learned Portuguese and Spanish and ran an English language program in Brazil. (Thank you Miss Robinson for all that Latin.)
I explored the Upper Midwest and got to know the Philipines with Leo Toralballa, to whom I have been married for 25 years. Having moved so often, I have worked at everything from teaching to fundraising for the arts to selling corporate training programs worldwide.
Leo and I now live in Santa Fe with our high school senior, Julian, 5 dogs and several koi. Ling, our 23 year old, is stationed in Georgia training in satellite communications for the Army. Leo consults for financial service clients and spends his vacations hunting in Wales and England.
An array of part time jobs are helping me get to know our new community and giving me some travel as well. Leo and both volunteer and spend much of our free time fostering and re-homing dogs.
I have been fortunate to be able to come back to Shreveport often to visit Mary Nesbitt and have booked my flight for reunion. See you soon.
Madelyn Erwin (Porter)
David Porter
David & I live in Lufkin, Texas. We have been married 46 years. David is an attorney and I have been an art teacher. Our children are Brian and Meagan. Brian played football at Tulane his freshman year and finished college at Auburn. Meagan went to TCU and pledged Tri Delta. Both are married. Brian lives in Lufkin. Meagan lives in The Woodlands, Texas. We have precious grandchildren..Carson 16,Caroline 5, and Fenley 2. We also have our grandchildren by marriage, Gage 16, Creed 14, and Crosby 12. Prior to Lufkin, we lived in Tyler and Malakoff, Texas. David finished Baylor and went to Baylor Law School. I went to University of Arkansas and pledged Chi Omega. I transferred to Baylor my junior year and graduated from Baylor.
David Porter
David & I live in Lufkin, Texas. We have been married 46 years. David is an attorney and I have been an art teacher. Our children are Brian and Meagan. Brian played football at Tulane his freshman year and finished college at Auburn. Meagan went to TCU and pledged Tri Delta. Both are married. Brian lives in Lufkin. Meagan lives in The Woodlands, Texas. We have precious grandchildren..Carson 16,Caroline 5, and Fenley 2. We also have our grandchildren by marriage, Gage 16, Creed 14, and Crosby 12. Prior to Lufkin, we lived in Tyler and Malakoff, Texas. David finished Baylor and went to Baylor Law School. I went to University of Arkansas and pledged Chi Omega. I transferred to Baylor my junior year and graduated from Baylor.
Laird Evans
I was the head of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 568 with my office in Shreveport. I served through the Teamsters' golden years from the 1970s into the 2000s. The following touches on some of the more enjoyable points of my career.
Wars Fought Missile guidance Croton Oil
Revolutions started Unbranded cattle drive Soldier of fortune
Used cars Whiskey Elections rigged
Racing forms Nails Casual hero
Assassinations plotted Fly swatters FAA physicals rigged
Arms control Jury bribes Walking sticks
Uprisings quelled Gnat slapping House broke chickens
Tigers tamed Goat roping Artificial insemination
Bars Emptied Hog calling Some airplanes flown
Mexican gold Love insurance Wholesale dynamite
During this period I also preached and lead singing for revival meetings.
Now that I am retired, each morning I walk to the street and get my morning paper. Then…….well then I normally just take the rest of the day off.
I was the head of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 568 with my office in Shreveport. I served through the Teamsters' golden years from the 1970s into the 2000s. The following touches on some of the more enjoyable points of my career.
Wars Fought Missile guidance Croton Oil
Revolutions started Unbranded cattle drive Soldier of fortune
Used cars Whiskey Elections rigged
Racing forms Nails Casual hero
Assassinations plotted Fly swatters FAA physicals rigged
Arms control Jury bribes Walking sticks
Uprisings quelled Gnat slapping House broke chickens
Tigers tamed Goat roping Artificial insemination
Bars Emptied Hog calling Some airplanes flown
Mexican gold Love insurance Wholesale dynamite
During this period I also preached and lead singing for revival meetings.
Now that I am retired, each morning I walk to the street and get my morning paper. Then…….well then I normally just take the rest of the day off.
Patti Flagler (Suckle)
* 1964- Did not graduate from Byrd High School, instead married my first husband at four days eighteen, a baby bride.
* 1970-Had my first son (Danny Butler)
* 1973-Had my second son (Brian Butler)
* 1977-Separated from first husband
* 1979-Married Barry Suckle
* 1980-Had my third son (Aaron Suckle)
* 1988-Graduated cum laude from LSUS
* 1988-Became a Notary Public
* 1989-Started teaching Youree Drive Middle School and stayed there seven years
* 1996-Librarian at Woodlawn High School (1-year)
* 1997-Librarian Broadmoor Middle School (13 years)
* 1998-Graduated from LSU Baton Rouge, LA in information and library science with MBA plus 30 hours
* 2011-Retired after 21 years service in Caddo Parish Schools
* 2014-Barry and I have been married 35 years and have 7 wonderful and beautiful grandchildren
* 1964- Did not graduate from Byrd High School, instead married my first husband at four days eighteen, a baby bride.
* 1970-Had my first son (Danny Butler)
* 1973-Had my second son (Brian Butler)
* 1977-Separated from first husband
* 1979-Married Barry Suckle
* 1980-Had my third son (Aaron Suckle)
* 1988-Graduated cum laude from LSUS
* 1988-Became a Notary Public
* 1989-Started teaching Youree Drive Middle School and stayed there seven years
* 1996-Librarian at Woodlawn High School (1-year)
* 1997-Librarian Broadmoor Middle School (13 years)
* 1998-Graduated from LSU Baton Rouge, LA in information and library science with MBA plus 30 hours
* 2011-Retired after 21 years service in Caddo Parish Schools
* 2014-Barry and I have been married 35 years and have 7 wonderful and beautiful grandchildren
Mary Forrester (Nesbitt)
After Byrd I attended the old maid factory Hollins then transferred to UMN to major in Anthropology. Married in 1968 to Tom, my love for 45 years now. Have 2 great kids and 2 grands. Started a commercial real estate company in Shreveport in the 80's, bought a boat and sailed the Caribbean in the 90's, then settled on family land in Keachi, near Shreveport. Since my husband was struck with a debilitating disease in 2007, we stopped sailing and now enjoy the grandkids and hosting nature camps and other events on the farm. Love the web page and can't wait to reconnect with lost friends.
Update 2019
After my husband Tom passed away in 2015, I spent about a year alone doing some traveling to the Galapagos and Costa Rica. Then in 2016 my daughter found the most wonderful man on a hiking trail for me. We were married 1/7/17 and couldn't be happier! Ours is a fairy tale love story. We are doing lots more traveling and operate a small Bnb on the farm. Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday before the reunion at the Terri Hendrix concert down on the farm. Life is Good!
After Byrd I attended the old maid factory Hollins then transferred to UMN to major in Anthropology. Married in 1968 to Tom, my love for 45 years now. Have 2 great kids and 2 grands. Started a commercial real estate company in Shreveport in the 80's, bought a boat and sailed the Caribbean in the 90's, then settled on family land in Keachi, near Shreveport. Since my husband was struck with a debilitating disease in 2007, we stopped sailing and now enjoy the grandkids and hosting nature camps and other events on the farm. Love the web page and can't wait to reconnect with lost friends.
Update 2019
After my husband Tom passed away in 2015, I spent about a year alone doing some traveling to the Galapagos and Costa Rica. Then in 2016 my daughter found the most wonderful man on a hiking trail for me. We were married 1/7/17 and couldn't be happier! Ours is a fairy tale love story. We are doing lots more traveling and operate a small Bnb on the farm. Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday before the reunion at the Terri Hendrix concert down on the farm. Life is Good!
Louise Fortson (Kinstrey)
Louise Fortson married Tom Kinstrey in 1971 and they lived in Atlanta, Ga and then in Augusta, Ga where she taught school while he attended medical school and did his residency in Family Medicine. They moved to Shreveport in 1982 with their two girls Catherine and Erica and now have four grandchildren. Tom is semi-retired now, but has enjoyed meeting and having as patients some of her friends in the class of '64...no names here, but you know who you are! Louise has participated in a number of community projects as a volunteer and now enjoys tennis 3-4 days a week and cards on the off days.
Louise Fortson married Tom Kinstrey in 1971 and they lived in Atlanta, Ga and then in Augusta, Ga where she taught school while he attended medical school and did his residency in Family Medicine. They moved to Shreveport in 1982 with their two girls Catherine and Erica and now have four grandchildren. Tom is semi-retired now, but has enjoyed meeting and having as patients some of her friends in the class of '64...no names here, but you know who you are! Louise has participated in a number of community projects as a volunteer and now enjoys tennis 3-4 days a week and cards on the off days.
Kitty Fullerton (Land)
GV Land
After graduating from Byrd, GV and I entered La Tech. I graduated with a degree in Commercial Art in May '68, and GV graduated in Civil Engineering in November '69.
We had married the Spring before I graduated from Tech. Our son, Jeremy, was born in May of 1969. After GV graduated, the three of us moved to Little Rock, AR where GV worked in Bridge Design and then years later as the head of Heavy Bridge Maintenance for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department until his retirement in 2006. Our daughter, Katura, was born in 1972, and I was a stay-at-home mom with both kids until Katura was in Elementary school. I started working part time at the neighborhood elementary school, then moved to the Transportation Department, then to the Purchasing Department for the Little Rock School District before ending my "career" in 2003.
Late in the 90's, we moved to the small town of Benton, AR where we currently live. Our children are grown and married; Jeremy to our wonderful daughter-in-law, Marie, and Katura to our wonderful son-in-law, Alan. We have been blessed with six grandchildren, now ages 8 to 19, whom we try to visit as often as possible.
Thank you to all our classmates who have worked to make this event possible. We look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion!
GV Land
After graduating from Byrd, GV and I entered La Tech. I graduated with a degree in Commercial Art in May '68, and GV graduated in Civil Engineering in November '69.
We had married the Spring before I graduated from Tech. Our son, Jeremy, was born in May of 1969. After GV graduated, the three of us moved to Little Rock, AR where GV worked in Bridge Design and then years later as the head of Heavy Bridge Maintenance for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department until his retirement in 2006. Our daughter, Katura, was born in 1972, and I was a stay-at-home mom with both kids until Katura was in Elementary school. I started working part time at the neighborhood elementary school, then moved to the Transportation Department, then to the Purchasing Department for the Little Rock School District before ending my "career" in 2003.
Late in the 90's, we moved to the small town of Benton, AR where we currently live. Our children are grown and married; Jeremy to our wonderful daughter-in-law, Marie, and Katura to our wonderful son-in-law, Alan. We have been blessed with six grandchildren, now ages 8 to 19, whom we try to visit as often as possible.
Thank you to all our classmates who have worked to make this event possible. We look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion!
Mike Garrison
After Byrd I went to LSU and majored in Architecture. I graduated in 1970 right after I married my high school steady Lee Hughen. We have a beautiful daughter Kristen who lives in Austin and I am proud to say is a program manager for Argonne National Laboratory. We also have a neat grandson Dylan Michael Delarosa, who is attending Anderson High School and is on the tennis team. After LSU I went to Rice University where I received my masters degree and then did post-graduate work at MIT. I am currently a Professor of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin where I have been teaching for the past forty years. I am now married to Jada Garrison who also works at the University. We live close to the University of Texas in Austin and when not at UT we spend our time in Italy and Africa on research assignment. Hook em!
After Byrd I went to LSU and majored in Architecture. I graduated in 1970 right after I married my high school steady Lee Hughen. We have a beautiful daughter Kristen who lives in Austin and I am proud to say is a program manager for Argonne National Laboratory. We also have a neat grandson Dylan Michael Delarosa, who is attending Anderson High School and is on the tennis team. After LSU I went to Rice University where I received my masters degree and then did post-graduate work at MIT. I am currently a Professor of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin where I have been teaching for the past forty years. I am now married to Jada Garrison who also works at the University. We live close to the University of Texas in Austin and when not at UT we spend our time in Italy and Africa on research assignment. Hook em!
Guss Ginsburg
While living in New Orleans in the early 1970’s (following a stint as an army draftee during Vietnam), met and married Betsy, then moved to Houston, where we raised 3 children who have all made us proud. I had a career as a software developer and computer consultant, from which I am mostly retired. Two years ago, we moved back to New Orleans. We are enjoying the city since our return.
While living in New Orleans in the early 1970’s (following a stint as an army draftee during Vietnam), met and married Betsy, then moved to Houston, where we raised 3 children who have all made us proud. I had a career as a software developer and computer consultant, from which I am mostly retired. Two years ago, we moved back to New Orleans. We are enjoying the city since our return.
Herb Hamilton
I graduated from Centenary with a BA in History and Government, Within a few months of graduating, I moved to Houston to begin my 40+ years in the energy industry. Along the way, I married Nan Williamson who graduated from Hockaday in Dallas and OU in Edmond. In 2000 (turn of the century), we traveled to Tomsk, Siberia and adopted a real cute young lady we named Meg (Mary Elizabeth Gertrude which covers the two grandmothers), She is now 15 and is a hybrid athlete who was selected for the varsity basketball team and 1st team all district and honorable mention in state for softball. She's also pretty smart. I also have a son, Stephen, and a daughter, Sally, from a previous marriage and 4 grandchildren.
After retirement a year or so back, I have done some consulting work and also written part of a book entitled Western Strange. It is a collection of western mysteries in collaboration with my brother-in-law.
I look forward to seeing everyone soon and chatting about the last 50 years.
I graduated from Centenary with a BA in History and Government, Within a few months of graduating, I moved to Houston to begin my 40+ years in the energy industry. Along the way, I married Nan Williamson who graduated from Hockaday in Dallas and OU in Edmond. In 2000 (turn of the century), we traveled to Tomsk, Siberia and adopted a real cute young lady we named Meg (Mary Elizabeth Gertrude which covers the two grandmothers), She is now 15 and is a hybrid athlete who was selected for the varsity basketball team and 1st team all district and honorable mention in state for softball. She's also pretty smart. I also have a son, Stephen, and a daughter, Sally, from a previous marriage and 4 grandchildren.
After retirement a year or so back, I have done some consulting work and also written part of a book entitled Western Strange. It is a collection of western mysteries in collaboration with my brother-in-law.
I look forward to seeing everyone soon and chatting about the last 50 years.
Buddy Hammann
After Byrd I attended LSU for a couple of years then enlisted in the Navy where I served for 4 years, 1 month and 16 days as an Air Traffic Controller. The best part of my tour in the Navy was when Lyn Meyerson (Byrd 64) and I got married. Upon completion of my tour in the Navy we returned to LSU where I completed my degree then headed to Houston to find a job. After being turned down for a sales job with Falstaff Brewing in Galveston I somehow wound up in the Human Resource field where I have stayed for my entire career. To this day I am confounded as to why Falstaff turned me down considering the in depth of product knowledge I gained while at LSU. I am still working today but actively considering retirement. Lyn and I have two sons; the oldest is a detective with the League City, TX PD and the youngest is a Civil Engineer working in Austin. I have two grandchildren and a third on the way.
We lost Lyn a little over seven years ago to a rare disease called Amyloidosis; it was two weeks shy of our 39th anniversary. At the same time I was losing Lyn; Barbara Boucher, who I hadn’t seen or talked to since Byrd, was losing her husband in Lafayette, LA. We learned of each other’s loss through Ronnie Parnell who was forwarding our updates on our respective spouses. Barbara and I exchanged emails of condolence, then other emails, then phone calls, then an in person visit, another visit, dates and then marriage. We currently live in Seabrook, Texas which is a couple of stone throws from Galveston Bay (except during Hurricane Ike when the Bay was in our house). We spend our time gardening, cooking and cruising and fishing the bays, bayous and lakes in a pirogue that I built.
Update 2019
In May 2014 I retired and in June of the same year my third and probably last grandchild was born, a girl named Zara. In 2017 I accepted an 8 month consulting engagement, my last as it was exactly like working full time. I was elected to our City Council in 2018 for a four year term which I am currently serving. Also that year I was elected as President of the C.E. Byrd Alumni Association and was recently re-elected for the 2019-2020 term. I never expected retirement to be so demanding.
After Byrd I attended LSU for a couple of years then enlisted in the Navy where I served for 4 years, 1 month and 16 days as an Air Traffic Controller. The best part of my tour in the Navy was when Lyn Meyerson (Byrd 64) and I got married. Upon completion of my tour in the Navy we returned to LSU where I completed my degree then headed to Houston to find a job. After being turned down for a sales job with Falstaff Brewing in Galveston I somehow wound up in the Human Resource field where I have stayed for my entire career. To this day I am confounded as to why Falstaff turned me down considering the in depth of product knowledge I gained while at LSU. I am still working today but actively considering retirement. Lyn and I have two sons; the oldest is a detective with the League City, TX PD and the youngest is a Civil Engineer working in Austin. I have two grandchildren and a third on the way.
We lost Lyn a little over seven years ago to a rare disease called Amyloidosis; it was two weeks shy of our 39th anniversary. At the same time I was losing Lyn; Barbara Boucher, who I hadn’t seen or talked to since Byrd, was losing her husband in Lafayette, LA. We learned of each other’s loss through Ronnie Parnell who was forwarding our updates on our respective spouses. Barbara and I exchanged emails of condolence, then other emails, then phone calls, then an in person visit, another visit, dates and then marriage. We currently live in Seabrook, Texas which is a couple of stone throws from Galveston Bay (except during Hurricane Ike when the Bay was in our house). We spend our time gardening, cooking and cruising and fishing the bays, bayous and lakes in a pirogue that I built.
Update 2019
In May 2014 I retired and in June of the same year my third and probably last grandchild was born, a girl named Zara. In 2017 I accepted an 8 month consulting engagement, my last as it was exactly like working full time. I was elected to our City Council in 2018 for a four year term which I am currently serving. Also that year I was elected as President of the C.E. Byrd Alumni Association and was recently re-elected for the 2019-2020 term. I never expected retirement to be so demanding.
Cynthia Hammett (Cummer)
I’m not sure that my “memory” is going to allow me to recap fifty years, but here goes. Bill and I met at LSU. We both graduated from Byrd, but he was in the class of ’62. Bill shot on the ROTC rifle teams at Byrd and LSU and as a result, he received an army commission when he graduated. Anticipating Nam, we got married after my junior year, and I went back for my senior year after he was gone. Deployment was deferred due to flight school, so we had more time together. Bill flew Cobra gunship helicopters for a year in Viet Nam. He saw a lot of combat and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the army, we returned to Baton Rouge. Bill took accounting courses and I taught in Denham Springs.
Bill, now a CPA, worked for Touche Ross in Jackson for a year, and I taught. Then we moved back to Shreveport with Ernst and Ernst. We got to stay in Shreveport for twelve really great years. During that time, both of our wonderful sons were born. I got involved with volunteer teaching in the public schools, and Bill went to work as controller for P&O Falco (an energy trading company). We spent many hours with the boys and friends on our small houseboat on Lake Bisteneau. We were very into the water activities: jet skiing, skiing, fishing, and floating.
Bill’s company was bought out, and in 1987 we were moved to Houston by Enron. A crystal ball would have been nice at this point. We saw it as a good opportunity and said farewell to friends and family. After the collapse of Enron, Bill went to work for IBM and later, another energy company.
I had returned to teaching after the move and spent seventeen very rewarding years working with second, third, and fourth graders.
We still gravitate towards the water. Bill and I took up scuba diving in our fifties. What fun! While still in Houston, I got together with a group of retired girlfriends once a week to jet ski. We were like an ancient motorcycle gang on the river.
Two years ago, we moved to South Louisiana to be near our oldest son’s family, including three of our four precious grandsons. They are all under six and keep us very active. My younger son lives in New Jersey and they have a two year old.
Our life may not be as colorful as some of you guys, but it has been good. Bill and I have celebrated 47 great years together.
Many thanks to Buddy and his gang for all of their hard work to bring our Byrd class together!! See you soon!
I’m not sure that my “memory” is going to allow me to recap fifty years, but here goes. Bill and I met at LSU. We both graduated from Byrd, but he was in the class of ’62. Bill shot on the ROTC rifle teams at Byrd and LSU and as a result, he received an army commission when he graduated. Anticipating Nam, we got married after my junior year, and I went back for my senior year after he was gone. Deployment was deferred due to flight school, so we had more time together. Bill flew Cobra gunship helicopters for a year in Viet Nam. He saw a lot of combat and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the army, we returned to Baton Rouge. Bill took accounting courses and I taught in Denham Springs.
Bill, now a CPA, worked for Touche Ross in Jackson for a year, and I taught. Then we moved back to Shreveport with Ernst and Ernst. We got to stay in Shreveport for twelve really great years. During that time, both of our wonderful sons were born. I got involved with volunteer teaching in the public schools, and Bill went to work as controller for P&O Falco (an energy trading company). We spent many hours with the boys and friends on our small houseboat on Lake Bisteneau. We were very into the water activities: jet skiing, skiing, fishing, and floating.
Bill’s company was bought out, and in 1987 we were moved to Houston by Enron. A crystal ball would have been nice at this point. We saw it as a good opportunity and said farewell to friends and family. After the collapse of Enron, Bill went to work for IBM and later, another energy company.
I had returned to teaching after the move and spent seventeen very rewarding years working with second, third, and fourth graders.
We still gravitate towards the water. Bill and I took up scuba diving in our fifties. What fun! While still in Houston, I got together with a group of retired girlfriends once a week to jet ski. We were like an ancient motorcycle gang on the river.
Two years ago, we moved to South Louisiana to be near our oldest son’s family, including three of our four precious grandsons. They are all under six and keep us very active. My younger son lives in New Jersey and they have a two year old.
Our life may not be as colorful as some of you guys, but it has been good. Bill and I have celebrated 47 great years together.
Many thanks to Buddy and his gang for all of their hard work to bring our Byrd class together!! See you soon!
Kathy Hickok
After graduating from Byrd in 1964, I moved with my family to Lafayette, Louisiana, where I attended USL (now ULL) for two years, then transferred to Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University. After I graduated from Newcomb with my B.A. (1968), I went back to USL for an M.A. in English (1970). Then I married a guy in the Coast Guard and we moved to the Washington, D.C. area, where I earned a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland (1977). I got divorced in 1975. I taught from 1977 to 1979 at Stetson University in central Florida and then took a position at Iowa State University, where after 33 years I retired as a professor of English and Women's Studies in 2012. In 1984 I published a book titled Representations of Women: Nineteenth-Century British Women's Poetry.
I have been a feminist activist since the 1970's, and I never re-married. However, I adopted two children, a boy and a girl, in 1989 and 1990; both are currently attending college in Iowa. I am now living happily in Memphis, TN, where I volunteer at the public library and at a nearby high school. Life is good.
After graduating from Byrd in 1964, I moved with my family to Lafayette, Louisiana, where I attended USL (now ULL) for two years, then transferred to Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University. After I graduated from Newcomb with my B.A. (1968), I went back to USL for an M.A. in English (1970). Then I married a guy in the Coast Guard and we moved to the Washington, D.C. area, where I earned a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland (1977). I got divorced in 1975. I taught from 1977 to 1979 at Stetson University in central Florida and then took a position at Iowa State University, where after 33 years I retired as a professor of English and Women's Studies in 2012. In 1984 I published a book titled Representations of Women: Nineteenth-Century British Women's Poetry.
I have been a feminist activist since the 1970's, and I never re-married. However, I adopted two children, a boy and a girl, in 1989 and 1990; both are currently attending college in Iowa. I am now living happily in Memphis, TN, where I volunteer at the public library and at a nearby high school. Life is good.
Anne Hickman (Harris)
After graduating from Byrd, I attended Gulf Park one year, transferred to LSU and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1968. I moved to Houston, Texas and taught in Houston ISD and Alief ISD, and lived at Woodway Square Apartments with Byrd graduates Mary Margaret Scott and Ginger Ratzburg. In 1973, I married my across the street neighbor at Woodway Square, Haywood Harris, a graduate of Texas A&M (‘66) and an Industrial Engineer for Mosher Steel. In 1974, we moved to Palestine, Texas, a small East Texas town. I became active in civic and social organizations, church, and was a charter member of Palestine Junior Service League. We have four children: Link (37) and wife Holly live in Abilene, Tx, Margaret (36) and husband Paul live in McKinney, Tx, Elizabeth (35) and husband Tim live in College Station, Tx, and Huntleigh (34) and wife Kim live in Spring Branch, Tx. We now have 11 grandchildren ages 6 months to 11 years, with one on the way. We are both retired now. I spend my time reading, enjoying being with friends, traveling, participating in church activities, and spending more time with Haywood. I also enjoy visiting my brother, Ken (Byrd ‘66) and his wife, Paula, in Shreveport. Our biggest joy is keeping our grandchildren whenever possible, allowing our children to travel and participate in other activities, or just for fun.
After graduating from Byrd, I attended Gulf Park one year, transferred to LSU and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1968. I moved to Houston, Texas and taught in Houston ISD and Alief ISD, and lived at Woodway Square Apartments with Byrd graduates Mary Margaret Scott and Ginger Ratzburg. In 1973, I married my across the street neighbor at Woodway Square, Haywood Harris, a graduate of Texas A&M (‘66) and an Industrial Engineer for Mosher Steel. In 1974, we moved to Palestine, Texas, a small East Texas town. I became active in civic and social organizations, church, and was a charter member of Palestine Junior Service League. We have four children: Link (37) and wife Holly live in Abilene, Tx, Margaret (36) and husband Paul live in McKinney, Tx, Elizabeth (35) and husband Tim live in College Station, Tx, and Huntleigh (34) and wife Kim live in Spring Branch, Tx. We now have 11 grandchildren ages 6 months to 11 years, with one on the way. We are both retired now. I spend my time reading, enjoying being with friends, traveling, participating in church activities, and spending more time with Haywood. I also enjoy visiting my brother, Ken (Byrd ‘66) and his wife, Paula, in Shreveport. Our biggest joy is keeping our grandchildren whenever possible, allowing our children to travel and participate in other activities, or just for fun.
Janet Higgins (Fairchild)
After graduating, I attended Louisiana Tech for 3 years, before getting married in 1967 & moving to Augusta, GA. I finished my degree in elementary education at Augusta College & taught elementary school for 10 years, becoming an assistant principal the last year I was there. I was divorced in 1974 & have not remarried. I went to graduate school at Augusta College, receiving an MBA in 1978. I then moved to Houston, where my family was living, & went to work as a sales rep for a children’s publisher, visiting school libraries, public libraries & bookstores in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma & Louisiana, eventually becoming the assistant sales manager, traveling all over the country to train other reps. In 1988 I moved to Nashville, TN to take a job as sales director for Ideals Publishing. After 6 years there, I joined Southern Territory Associates, Inc., an independent publishing sales group that covers 12 states in the SE & SW. I have traveled in TN, AL, MS, and parts of GA & FL, selling to bookstores, museums & wholesale accounts. I became a partner & president of the company in 2002. I am now semi-retired, working part time for the company in the Nashville area only.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to travel many places for work & have enjoyed seeing the U.S. & Canada, making friends all over, many of whom I still keep in touch with & see from time to time. One of my most favorite places is New Orleans, where I have friends & memories of times spent there. I still go to NYC at least twice a year for work, & look forward to being able to travel more for leisure as I spend less time working.
I now live about an hour northwest of Nashville out in the country in a log cabin on 7 acres with lots of wildlife and one old cat who showed up one day 17 years ago. I love Nashville, as music is one of my passions, especially the singer-songwriter variety, & I am an avid reader with an overabundant collection of books. I spend several days a week at the YMCA, trying to stay in shape so I can continue to be active & enjoy life. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.
After graduating, I attended Louisiana Tech for 3 years, before getting married in 1967 & moving to Augusta, GA. I finished my degree in elementary education at Augusta College & taught elementary school for 10 years, becoming an assistant principal the last year I was there. I was divorced in 1974 & have not remarried. I went to graduate school at Augusta College, receiving an MBA in 1978. I then moved to Houston, where my family was living, & went to work as a sales rep for a children’s publisher, visiting school libraries, public libraries & bookstores in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma & Louisiana, eventually becoming the assistant sales manager, traveling all over the country to train other reps. In 1988 I moved to Nashville, TN to take a job as sales director for Ideals Publishing. After 6 years there, I joined Southern Territory Associates, Inc., an independent publishing sales group that covers 12 states in the SE & SW. I have traveled in TN, AL, MS, and parts of GA & FL, selling to bookstores, museums & wholesale accounts. I became a partner & president of the company in 2002. I am now semi-retired, working part time for the company in the Nashville area only.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to travel many places for work & have enjoyed seeing the U.S. & Canada, making friends all over, many of whom I still keep in touch with & see from time to time. One of my most favorite places is New Orleans, where I have friends & memories of times spent there. I still go to NYC at least twice a year for work, & look forward to being able to travel more for leisure as I spend less time working.
I now live about an hour northwest of Nashville out in the country in a log cabin on 7 acres with lots of wildlife and one old cat who showed up one day 17 years ago. I love Nashville, as music is one of my passions, especially the singer-songwriter variety, & I am an avid reader with an overabundant collection of books. I spend several days a week at the YMCA, trying to stay in shape so I can continue to be active & enjoy life. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.
Jim Hill
After graduating from Byrd High School, I headed to Nashville, Tennessee, and enrolled at Vanderbilt University. I graduated from Vanderbilt in 1968 with a B. A. in Mathematics. After Vanderbilt, I relocated to Denton, Texas, and worked in Dallas at University Computing Company for three (3) years while obtaining a M. S. in Mathematics at North Texas State University. In the fall of 1971, I enrolled at Louisiana State University School of Law, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, graduating in 1974 with a Juris Doctor. I returned to Shreveport, Louisiana, having procured a job at Smitherman, Smitherman, Lunn, & Hussey, one of the predecessors of The Smitherman Law Firm, L.C., where I have remained for forty (40) years. During this time, I also served thirty (30) years in the United States Army and United States Army Reserve as a Judge Advocate General Officer (JAG), retiring in December 2006 at the rank of Colonel. In 2008, I was selected by the Secretary of the Army and sworn in at the Pentagon to serve as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the state of Louisiana. I am married to Sandra (Sandi) Weber Hill. My lovely wife, Sandi, and I have seven (7) wonderful children (4 girls and 3 boys, in that order) and, so far, eleven (11) grandchildren. Our last unmarried child, our middle son Weber, will be married in January 2015. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Class Reunion.
After graduating from Byrd High School, I headed to Nashville, Tennessee, and enrolled at Vanderbilt University. I graduated from Vanderbilt in 1968 with a B. A. in Mathematics. After Vanderbilt, I relocated to Denton, Texas, and worked in Dallas at University Computing Company for three (3) years while obtaining a M. S. in Mathematics at North Texas State University. In the fall of 1971, I enrolled at Louisiana State University School of Law, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, graduating in 1974 with a Juris Doctor. I returned to Shreveport, Louisiana, having procured a job at Smitherman, Smitherman, Lunn, & Hussey, one of the predecessors of The Smitherman Law Firm, L.C., where I have remained for forty (40) years. During this time, I also served thirty (30) years in the United States Army and United States Army Reserve as a Judge Advocate General Officer (JAG), retiring in December 2006 at the rank of Colonel. In 2008, I was selected by the Secretary of the Army and sworn in at the Pentagon to serve as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the state of Louisiana. I am married to Sandra (Sandi) Weber Hill. My lovely wife, Sandi, and I have seven (7) wonderful children (4 girls and 3 boys, in that order) and, so far, eleven (11) grandchildren. Our last unmarried child, our middle son Weber, will be married in January 2015. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Class Reunion.
Dixie Holt (Deen)
Consolidating 50 years into a paragraph or two is challenging but after reading all of the wonderful bios, I realize it can be done. After graduation, I attended a small girls school in MO for one year and then transferred to TCU. I met my husband Bob Deen there and we married in 1969. Bob was a Marine so we spent time in Quantico,VA, Jacksonvlle, NC, and then Camp Pendleton, CA, with a year in Viet Nam squeezed in 70-71. While he was gone, I returned to Brite Divinity School where I completed a Masters degree in Religious Education. After the Marine Corps, Bob attended Washington University in St. Louis earning the degree of Masters of Health Care Administration. Bob worked in hospital administration in Ft. Worth, TX, where our two daughters were born; St. Louis,MO; Virginia Beach, VA; Livingston, TX; Nacogdoches, TX; Center, TX; DeQueen, AR; Montezuma, GA; and South Williamson, KY. We now live in Plano, TX; and Bob works for the Department of HUD in the hospital division. I have served churches all along the way as well as participating in our daughters' activities and schools. We now have 5 grandchildren: Victoria has boys Theron (8years) and Roland (4 years) and Allison has girls Logan (6 years) and twins Teagan and Tara (3 years). Victoria teaches freshman English at the community college in McKinney and Business Communications at UTD in Richardson. Allison is a Captain in the Air Force stationed in Dayton, Ohio. We are very blessed and while I have been retired about 10 years, Bob is planning to retire early in 2015. Thank you all for putting this together and I look forward to seeing you all and reconnecting.
Consolidating 50 years into a paragraph or two is challenging but after reading all of the wonderful bios, I realize it can be done. After graduation, I attended a small girls school in MO for one year and then transferred to TCU. I met my husband Bob Deen there and we married in 1969. Bob was a Marine so we spent time in Quantico,VA, Jacksonvlle, NC, and then Camp Pendleton, CA, with a year in Viet Nam squeezed in 70-71. While he was gone, I returned to Brite Divinity School where I completed a Masters degree in Religious Education. After the Marine Corps, Bob attended Washington University in St. Louis earning the degree of Masters of Health Care Administration. Bob worked in hospital administration in Ft. Worth, TX, where our two daughters were born; St. Louis,MO; Virginia Beach, VA; Livingston, TX; Nacogdoches, TX; Center, TX; DeQueen, AR; Montezuma, GA; and South Williamson, KY. We now live in Plano, TX; and Bob works for the Department of HUD in the hospital division. I have served churches all along the way as well as participating in our daughters' activities and schools. We now have 5 grandchildren: Victoria has boys Theron (8years) and Roland (4 years) and Allison has girls Logan (6 years) and twins Teagan and Tara (3 years). Victoria teaches freshman English at the community college in McKinney and Business Communications at UTD in Richardson. Allison is a Captain in the Air Force stationed in Dayton, Ohio. We are very blessed and while I have been retired about 10 years, Bob is planning to retire early in 2015. Thank you all for putting this together and I look forward to seeing you all and reconnecting.
Judy Hunter (Krippendorf)
After I graduated from Byrd I attended Louisiana College. I married in 1971 and have two sons and a daughter and four wonderful granddaughters. My oldest son and his family live in Katy, Texas, and the others are here. My oldest granddaughter is a sophomore at Byrd. After almost 25 years of marriage my ex announced he was leaving. My wonderful friends at church and work helped me through some dark days and I'm stronger because of those days. My summer jobs in high school had been working for a law firm and I knew that was what I wanted to do. This August was 49 years working for the same firm as a legal assistant. Looking back now, I should have gone on to law school!! But it was a great place to be working when my children were young because they were so good about your attending children's activities. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend.
After I graduated from Byrd I attended Louisiana College. I married in 1971 and have two sons and a daughter and four wonderful granddaughters. My oldest son and his family live in Katy, Texas, and the others are here. My oldest granddaughter is a sophomore at Byrd. After almost 25 years of marriage my ex announced he was leaving. My wonderful friends at church and work helped me through some dark days and I'm stronger because of those days. My summer jobs in high school had been working for a law firm and I knew that was what I wanted to do. This August was 49 years working for the same firm as a legal assistant. Looking back now, I should have gone on to law school!! But it was a great place to be working when my children were young because they were so good about your attending children's activities. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend.
Sidney Ingram
I barely squeaked by in 1964. I then decided to try my luck at college; hmmmm neither my luck nor my study habits had changed. I did not fare well in college. I was married to Peggy Brooke in 1966. I joined the U.S. Navy in 1968 and while Peggy finished college, I started my 6 year service in the Navy. We lived on the west coast during those 6 years. I served aboard a destroyer for 4 years after attending 2 years of intensive electronics schools. I did 2 tours in Viet Nam aboard ship. After the Navy we returned to Shreveport where I went to work for a railroad using the skills I acquired in the Navy. We have two wonderful children and two even more perfect grand children.(how is that possible?) Our children are both chemical engineers with multiple degrees. One lives in Denver the other in the Houston area.
Three years ago I woke up in a hospital intensive care ward and nearly died but that's another story. I am doing pretty good now.
We are retired and live in De Queen, Arkansas, about 100 miles North of Shreveport. My hobbies are gardening and Amateur (Ham) Radio. Call letter N5KIG
Thanks for the memories.
I barely squeaked by in 1964. I then decided to try my luck at college; hmmmm neither my luck nor my study habits had changed. I did not fare well in college. I was married to Peggy Brooke in 1966. I joined the U.S. Navy in 1968 and while Peggy finished college, I started my 6 year service in the Navy. We lived on the west coast during those 6 years. I served aboard a destroyer for 4 years after attending 2 years of intensive electronics schools. I did 2 tours in Viet Nam aboard ship. After the Navy we returned to Shreveport where I went to work for a railroad using the skills I acquired in the Navy. We have two wonderful children and two even more perfect grand children.(how is that possible?) Our children are both chemical engineers with multiple degrees. One lives in Denver the other in the Houston area.
Three years ago I woke up in a hospital intensive care ward and nearly died but that's another story. I am doing pretty good now.
We are retired and live in De Queen, Arkansas, about 100 miles North of Shreveport. My hobbies are gardening and Amateur (Ham) Radio. Call letter N5KIG
Thanks for the memories.
Colleen Jones (Reynolds)
After High School, I attended LSU, graduated in 1969 and moved to Dallas. I married Preston Reynolds, taught school for a while, then we headed to Europe for three months. Came back to Dallas, and left for Europe again. We really thought we would live there, but changed directions, and came home to Texas. I went through executive training at Neiman Marcus and became an assistant buyer, then a department manager. However, the first child came in 1975, and the second child in 1977. I retired and stayed at home. Once they were of school age, I went back to work selling real estate. Preston was building houses, so it was a natural fit. We were very happy doing all the right things and living in a great city. Once the first child graduated from college, the second child was a sophomore in college, we sold our house of 25 years, and headed west.Santa Fe was our destination. We moved here in 1997, and have never looked back. We sell real estate and stage homes for sale. Learning to live in a state with water issues has been a great education. Preston and I have joined numerous organizations to understand how precious water will always be to the next generation and those to come. Our children, Olivia, lives in LA and is HR for Saks. She has a significant other, Kurt, who is a financial consultant for Sony. Griffin lives in Denver, HR for American Girl, is married to Kevin, and has a fabulous son, William. We still love to travel, and have created a "bucket list" to make sure we have accomplished as much as possible. Life is great and hope you are as blessed as our family. God Bless.
After High School, I attended LSU, graduated in 1969 and moved to Dallas. I married Preston Reynolds, taught school for a while, then we headed to Europe for three months. Came back to Dallas, and left for Europe again. We really thought we would live there, but changed directions, and came home to Texas. I went through executive training at Neiman Marcus and became an assistant buyer, then a department manager. However, the first child came in 1975, and the second child in 1977. I retired and stayed at home. Once they were of school age, I went back to work selling real estate. Preston was building houses, so it was a natural fit. We were very happy doing all the right things and living in a great city. Once the first child graduated from college, the second child was a sophomore in college, we sold our house of 25 years, and headed west.Santa Fe was our destination. We moved here in 1997, and have never looked back. We sell real estate and stage homes for sale. Learning to live in a state with water issues has been a great education. Preston and I have joined numerous organizations to understand how precious water will always be to the next generation and those to come. Our children, Olivia, lives in LA and is HR for Saks. She has a significant other, Kurt, who is a financial consultant for Sony. Griffin lives in Denver, HR for American Girl, is married to Kevin, and has a fabulous son, William. We still love to travel, and have created a "bucket list" to make sure we have accomplished as much as possible. Life is great and hope you are as blessed as our family. God Bless.
Walter Kelley
HI everyone! I'm hoping to come to the reunion but can't commit yet.
After leaving Byrd, I studied math at Ga Tech and at Colorado. Then the University of Oklahoma offered me a job, and I taught there for 31 years. I met my wife, Marilyn, there. She grew up in Anderson, SC and is also a mathematician. We have a daughter, Joyce, who teaches literature at Auburn University and a two-year-old granddaughter, Hazel. We still live in Norman but spend a lot of time in Alabama. Some of my interests are hiking, food and environmental issues, community projects (recycling, food co-op, opera guild, environmental committees). Since I retired, I have studied Italian (which gives me an excuse to visit Italy). I still visit Shreveport often since my mother and my sister, Gail, live there. But enough about me; hoping to have a chance to talk to some of you soon!
HI everyone! I'm hoping to come to the reunion but can't commit yet.
After leaving Byrd, I studied math at Ga Tech and at Colorado. Then the University of Oklahoma offered me a job, and I taught there for 31 years. I met my wife, Marilyn, there. She grew up in Anderson, SC and is also a mathematician. We have a daughter, Joyce, who teaches literature at Auburn University and a two-year-old granddaughter, Hazel. We still live in Norman but spend a lot of time in Alabama. Some of my interests are hiking, food and environmental issues, community projects (recycling, food co-op, opera guild, environmental committees). Since I retired, I have studied Italian (which gives me an excuse to visit Italy). I still visit Shreveport often since my mother and my sister, Gail, live there. But enough about me; hoping to have a chance to talk to some of you soon!
Kathy Kinnebrew (Hostetler)
Update 2019
• After great C E Byrd High School, headed to LSU-BR majoring in Elementary
Education. The highlight of those years was Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
• Married Miles Holladay; transferred and graduated from Northeast La St Un
in Monroe, LA.
• Adopted two magnificent babies from Volunteers of America in Shreveport
and after each child reached the age of two returned to classroom as
elementary teacher in Bossier City.
• Finished Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from LA Tech, BAFB.
• Married Leland Charley, lived in Dallas and loved children’s activities, family,
friends and running family-owned Flower Shop.
• Built family resort home on Center Hill Lake in Middle TN with mother and
brother. (Fun times with lake house property.)
• With Mom, moved home to Shreveport in 2006. Delightful!
• President Personal Growth Association, a Licensing Program for Christian Counselors through the National Christian Counseling Association. Retired 2014.
• One adorable and precious granddaughter, Phoebe Geissler, living in the D.C.
area. Divine!
Married Milton C. Hostetler September 18, 2015. Enjoy our camp at Lake Bistineau, traveling, gardening, and caring for precious Mamacita, age 100, on our anniversary, Sept 18th. Life is grand.
Update 2019
• After great C E Byrd High School, headed to LSU-BR majoring in Elementary
Education. The highlight of those years was Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
• Married Miles Holladay; transferred and graduated from Northeast La St Un
in Monroe, LA.
• Adopted two magnificent babies from Volunteers of America in Shreveport
and after each child reached the age of two returned to classroom as
elementary teacher in Bossier City.
• Finished Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from LA Tech, BAFB.
• Married Leland Charley, lived in Dallas and loved children’s activities, family,
friends and running family-owned Flower Shop.
• Built family resort home on Center Hill Lake in Middle TN with mother and
brother. (Fun times with lake house property.)
• With Mom, moved home to Shreveport in 2006. Delightful!
• President Personal Growth Association, a Licensing Program for Christian Counselors through the National Christian Counseling Association. Retired 2014.
• One adorable and precious granddaughter, Phoebe Geissler, living in the D.C.
area. Divine!
Married Milton C. Hostetler September 18, 2015. Enjoy our camp at Lake Bistineau, traveling, gardening, and caring for precious Mamacita, age 100, on our anniversary, Sept 18th. Life is grand.
Daryl Lachterman (Shafran)
After graduating from Byrd, I attended the University of Cincinnati and then transferred to the University of Texas, where I graduated with a degree in Speech Therapy and Deaf Education. I taught deaf children to speak in Dallas for 5 years and then got my Masters at the University of London. Upon returning to the US, I moved to Palo Alto, Ca where I taught for another 25 years until I retired.I married the love of my life, Michael, who is an architect and builder. We live in Los Altos, San Francisco and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I became a ceramic artist along the way adding another degree in Art. Now that I am retired from teaching and Speech Therapy, I am a full time artist, with studios in CA and Mexico.
After graduating from Byrd, I attended the University of Cincinnati and then transferred to the University of Texas, where I graduated with a degree in Speech Therapy and Deaf Education. I taught deaf children to speak in Dallas for 5 years and then got my Masters at the University of London. Upon returning to the US, I moved to Palo Alto, Ca where I taught for another 25 years until I retired.I married the love of my life, Michael, who is an architect and builder. We live in Los Altos, San Francisco and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I became a ceramic artist along the way adding another degree in Art. Now that I am retired from teaching and Speech Therapy, I am a full time artist, with studios in CA and Mexico.
Erick (Rick) Lenert
Married to Brenda 24 years; with 5 children and 7 grandchildren between us. I have been a psychologist practicing in the Tyler-East Texas area since 1976 and just retired from Rusk State Hospital.
Married to Brenda 24 years; with 5 children and 7 grandchildren between us. I have been a psychologist practicing in the Tyler-East Texas area since 1976 and just retired from Rusk State Hospital.
Linda Luck (Crawford)
After Byrd I went to La Tech for one quick year majoring in secretarial science, thinking it might be the easiest course possible. After Tech I did complete a business course with Ronnie Parnell (you know we had fun!). My first job was working at LSU Hospital in the Cancer Clinic, which I found interesting. In 1969 I married Ed Crawford of Winnfield. After that I took some Interior Design courses.
We moved to Winnfield, La. where Ed was farming. We lived on the farm with lots of Angus cows and horses. His father had bought the farm from Earl K Long and there was a monument for Earl still there. Ed grew hay and corn for the cows and fresh vegetables were plentiful. I loved living on the farm. I had always wanted to live on the land since staying with my Grandmother on her ranch when I was young. I remember playing in the dirt under * the porch of her big old house width a farm set when I was young. Ed and I had two girls, Carolee and Polly. Living on the farm and in a small town was a great place to raise children. I took 10 years off work to be a stay at home Mom and there was never a boring moment. We both loved raising our children and had many fun times being involved with all of their school activities, t-ball, church, dance line and cheerleader. We made every ball game in town and out for years. When the girls were young I would see them up at the barn with their dolls, on top of a horse with their Dad or later jumping hay bales with their friends. We had hay rides for birthday parties. I went back to work when my oldest was in the 11th grade. I went to work for a designer whose husband also had a flooring business. Working with her peeked my interest in home design again. We worked on many projects together - residential homes, designing spec homes for her husband and restoring a great old historical home in the country. Later, the owner changed but I continued working on residential homes and everything from a new addition on the nursing home - to a fire station - to decorating a local McDonald's (they wanted more inviting- ha!) to restoring a great old Victorian home as well as restoring an old historical building in town for a business. That building was a lot of fun to do.
After our oldest child was in college and the youngest was about to start college we unfortunately ended our marriage (17 years ago). Divorce isn't a good thing, but I will say I gained a much closer relationship with our Lord and Savior. It seems you have to depend on Him totally to get that kind of intimate relationship for which I am forever grateful. I then moved to a small cedar house about 17 miles east of Natchitoches, La. My house was on a point at the lake and I could see water from every window. It was on stilts 9 ft in the air (flood zone). When I called inquiring about buying the house I told the owner that if I moved out to the lake I wanted to make real sure I could see the water! I was being fairly negative at that point. She said "Oh, you will see the water"! So . . . I bought the house after taking just two steps into the house. I didn't take flood insurance - just thinking I really didn't need it - whew!!! Got pretty close several times. I just didn't worry, always thinking God will take care of me. I loved my little house (right at 1100 sf) with wide plank pine floors everywhere and a corner fireplaces and deep porches all around. I remodeled it while there just "to make good better". There was a nice big pier which I enjoyed sitting on, but never fished figuring I wouldn't know what to do with one if I was able to catch it. I had a slab added underneath where I had my Dad's hammock and rocking chairs with lots of rockers and a picnic table upstairs on the porches. I ate many a meal outside. The stars were absolutely beautiful with the house at tree level and no city lights to dim them. I always kept my windows open so I could see the stars. There were never any windows covered up with views like - the beautiful lake and moss draped cypress trees turning color. It looked just like a typical Louisiana postcard. I loved watching the wildlife there i.e. deer running, white Egrets, Blue Heron, ducks and fish jumping in the air. What a place for relaxation and solitude. Several times each year the flood would come and it always took about three weeks to retreat. I would park my car up the road and paddle out to my house to and from work. I would tie up to my stairs and literally try to swing over and pull up on the stairs. I remember dropping my Bible and groceries into the water. It looked as if I lived in a riverboat. I loved that too. I remember paddling home one night in the rain with a paddle in one hand and an umbrella in the other saying "please don't eat me gators"! I did go through a bad tornado one night when the flood waters were under my house - I didn't love that fearing my house was going to crash down dumping me in with the gators and snakes!!!
In 2002 I moved back to Shreveport to be near my Mom who wasn't in good health. I really hated to leave my lake home, but am glad I did because she died almost 10 months later. I bought my parents home and did a total remodel. I am still working in home design and really enjoy it. I work at River Cities Floor store in Bossier City as well as doing side jobs in home design. I make selections for builders for their spec homes and help make selections with custom homes. I help my brother, John Luck, with his flip house business. I do work hard, so I covet my leisure time at home where I live with my King Charles spaniel, Fannie Belle. I enjoy walking her (a race horse in disguise) and enjoy being outside and working in my yard, cooking, and just relaxing. Both of my girls have two children. Nothing like grandchildren. They have never lived in town, but Polly and her family have just moved to Shreveport so that is fun. Carolee and her family live in Winnfield. Suellen Smith Bond and I enjoy getting together and visiting - usually over lunch several times each week.
As Ronnie Parnell said, I am not planning on retiring. At this day and time I am just grateful to have a job and one that I enjoy. Eventually I would love to work 4 days a week and that would be enough for me.
I am looking forward to reading the bios and getting to see everyone at the reunion. Please forgive me for not being the easiest to reach by phone or computer and for writing this novel instead of a short story! As Ronnie always says - " please don't read if it bores or offends you"! See you there!
After Byrd I went to La Tech for one quick year majoring in secretarial science, thinking it might be the easiest course possible. After Tech I did complete a business course with Ronnie Parnell (you know we had fun!). My first job was working at LSU Hospital in the Cancer Clinic, which I found interesting. In 1969 I married Ed Crawford of Winnfield. After that I took some Interior Design courses.
We moved to Winnfield, La. where Ed was farming. We lived on the farm with lots of Angus cows and horses. His father had bought the farm from Earl K Long and there was a monument for Earl still there. Ed grew hay and corn for the cows and fresh vegetables were plentiful. I loved living on the farm. I had always wanted to live on the land since staying with my Grandmother on her ranch when I was young. I remember playing in the dirt under * the porch of her big old house width a farm set when I was young. Ed and I had two girls, Carolee and Polly. Living on the farm and in a small town was a great place to raise children. I took 10 years off work to be a stay at home Mom and there was never a boring moment. We both loved raising our children and had many fun times being involved with all of their school activities, t-ball, church, dance line and cheerleader. We made every ball game in town and out for years. When the girls were young I would see them up at the barn with their dolls, on top of a horse with their Dad or later jumping hay bales with their friends. We had hay rides for birthday parties. I went back to work when my oldest was in the 11th grade. I went to work for a designer whose husband also had a flooring business. Working with her peeked my interest in home design again. We worked on many projects together - residential homes, designing spec homes for her husband and restoring a great old historical home in the country. Later, the owner changed but I continued working on residential homes and everything from a new addition on the nursing home - to a fire station - to decorating a local McDonald's (they wanted more inviting- ha!) to restoring a great old Victorian home as well as restoring an old historical building in town for a business. That building was a lot of fun to do.
After our oldest child was in college and the youngest was about to start college we unfortunately ended our marriage (17 years ago). Divorce isn't a good thing, but I will say I gained a much closer relationship with our Lord and Savior. It seems you have to depend on Him totally to get that kind of intimate relationship for which I am forever grateful. I then moved to a small cedar house about 17 miles east of Natchitoches, La. My house was on a point at the lake and I could see water from every window. It was on stilts 9 ft in the air (flood zone). When I called inquiring about buying the house I told the owner that if I moved out to the lake I wanted to make real sure I could see the water! I was being fairly negative at that point. She said "Oh, you will see the water"! So . . . I bought the house after taking just two steps into the house. I didn't take flood insurance - just thinking I really didn't need it - whew!!! Got pretty close several times. I just didn't worry, always thinking God will take care of me. I loved my little house (right at 1100 sf) with wide plank pine floors everywhere and a corner fireplaces and deep porches all around. I remodeled it while there just "to make good better". There was a nice big pier which I enjoyed sitting on, but never fished figuring I wouldn't know what to do with one if I was able to catch it. I had a slab added underneath where I had my Dad's hammock and rocking chairs with lots of rockers and a picnic table upstairs on the porches. I ate many a meal outside. The stars were absolutely beautiful with the house at tree level and no city lights to dim them. I always kept my windows open so I could see the stars. There were never any windows covered up with views like - the beautiful lake and moss draped cypress trees turning color. It looked just like a typical Louisiana postcard. I loved watching the wildlife there i.e. deer running, white Egrets, Blue Heron, ducks and fish jumping in the air. What a place for relaxation and solitude. Several times each year the flood would come and it always took about three weeks to retreat. I would park my car up the road and paddle out to my house to and from work. I would tie up to my stairs and literally try to swing over and pull up on the stairs. I remember dropping my Bible and groceries into the water. It looked as if I lived in a riverboat. I loved that too. I remember paddling home one night in the rain with a paddle in one hand and an umbrella in the other saying "please don't eat me gators"! I did go through a bad tornado one night when the flood waters were under my house - I didn't love that fearing my house was going to crash down dumping me in with the gators and snakes!!!
In 2002 I moved back to Shreveport to be near my Mom who wasn't in good health. I really hated to leave my lake home, but am glad I did because she died almost 10 months later. I bought my parents home and did a total remodel. I am still working in home design and really enjoy it. I work at River Cities Floor store in Bossier City as well as doing side jobs in home design. I make selections for builders for their spec homes and help make selections with custom homes. I help my brother, John Luck, with his flip house business. I do work hard, so I covet my leisure time at home where I live with my King Charles spaniel, Fannie Belle. I enjoy walking her (a race horse in disguise) and enjoy being outside and working in my yard, cooking, and just relaxing. Both of my girls have two children. Nothing like grandchildren. They have never lived in town, but Polly and her family have just moved to Shreveport so that is fun. Carolee and her family live in Winnfield. Suellen Smith Bond and I enjoy getting together and visiting - usually over lunch several times each week.
As Ronnie Parnell said, I am not planning on retiring. At this day and time I am just grateful to have a job and one that I enjoy. Eventually I would love to work 4 days a week and that would be enough for me.
I am looking forward to reading the bios and getting to see everyone at the reunion. Please forgive me for not being the easiest to reach by phone or computer and for writing this novel instead of a short story! As Ronnie always says - " please don't read if it bores or offends you"! See you there!
Dale Magee
After high school graduation I attended Northwestern in Natchitoches, LA. Upon graduation from NSC I joined the Navy and was commissioned after AOCS in Pensacola FL. I was commissioned on Friday, married on Saturday (to my wife of 45 years Donna Lindsey Magee 8/2/69), and started flight school on Monday. I received my wings in Oct 1970. I was in the Navy for 8 years. I flew the P-3 Orion sub tracker. After the navy I worked for Michelin Tire Corporation for a year or so then went into the Tire business for 29 years in the Dallas area. I have been flight instructing on the side since 1981. After selling my business in 2006, I worked for CAE Simuflite as a flight instructor/examiner for 6 years full time and now work as a contractor for them a couple days a week in retirement. We have 3 married daughters and 8 grandchildren. We live in the Dallas area in Midlothian TX..
After high school graduation I attended Northwestern in Natchitoches, LA. Upon graduation from NSC I joined the Navy and was commissioned after AOCS in Pensacola FL. I was commissioned on Friday, married on Saturday (to my wife of 45 years Donna Lindsey Magee 8/2/69), and started flight school on Monday. I received my wings in Oct 1970. I was in the Navy for 8 years. I flew the P-3 Orion sub tracker. After the navy I worked for Michelin Tire Corporation for a year or so then went into the Tire business for 29 years in the Dallas area. I have been flight instructing on the side since 1981. After selling my business in 2006, I worked for CAE Simuflite as a flight instructor/examiner for 6 years full time and now work as a contractor for them a couple days a week in retirement. We have 3 married daughters and 8 grandchildren. We live in the Dallas area in Midlothian TX..
Melanie Magner (Cathey)
After graduation I went to LSU-BR for a year and a half then transferred to Northwestern where I met my husband, Tom Cathey. We were married for 44 years before he passed away in 2012 due to health problems caused by Agent Orange. I left school when we got married in ’68 and moved to Georgia. Six months later he got sent to Vietnam. I have two children who are each married and live in Shreveport: Allison has two girls ages 3 and 8 months (she teaches at Arthur Circle) and Rand has two boys ages 4 and 5 (he works for Halliburton). I returned to college (LSUS) at age 40 and changed my major from Business Administration to Business Education then went to work at BYRD where I taught Technology and Web Design. I loved every minute of teaching high school kids and becoming a tech geek. I still miss it even though I retired in 2008. Tom taught and coached at Byrd for 30 years beginning when I was 23, both of our children went to school there, and I taught there for 18 years. I’ve seen it from different perspectives: as a student, as a coach’s wife, as a parent, and as a teacher. It is still the same wonderful school it was in 1964. “Always deep within my heart – THE PURPLE AND THE GOLD!” I can’t wait to catch up with everyone at the reunion.
After graduation I went to LSU-BR for a year and a half then transferred to Northwestern where I met my husband, Tom Cathey. We were married for 44 years before he passed away in 2012 due to health problems caused by Agent Orange. I left school when we got married in ’68 and moved to Georgia. Six months later he got sent to Vietnam. I have two children who are each married and live in Shreveport: Allison has two girls ages 3 and 8 months (she teaches at Arthur Circle) and Rand has two boys ages 4 and 5 (he works for Halliburton). I returned to college (LSUS) at age 40 and changed my major from Business Administration to Business Education then went to work at BYRD where I taught Technology and Web Design. I loved every minute of teaching high school kids and becoming a tech geek. I still miss it even though I retired in 2008. Tom taught and coached at Byrd for 30 years beginning when I was 23, both of our children went to school there, and I taught there for 18 years. I’ve seen it from different perspectives: as a student, as a coach’s wife, as a parent, and as a teacher. It is still the same wonderful school it was in 1964. “Always deep within my heart – THE PURPLE AND THE GOLD!” I can’t wait to catch up with everyone at the reunion.
Janet Martin (Hamm)
After Byrd, I headed to Louisiana Tech. Before receiving my B.S. degree in Business Administration in 1968, I made a side trip to the University of Colorado with one of my Kappa Delta sisters during the summer of 1966. After all, I needed one more PE credit, I had taken everything at Tech that interested me, and Colorado offered a ½ credit each for golf and horseback riding, so … of course that was the logical solution! Also included in that fun summer was a Business Law class that, although it wasn’t all fun, turned out to be instrumental in the area I chose for my career. Law school was never a consideration because actually practicing law did not appeal to me and, after 40 years of working with really talented litigation lawyers, playing a supporting role in many really interesting lawsuits over the years was the right decision for me. After graduation, I returned to Shreveport and began my career with the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office. A year later in September of 1969, I married a guy I had met at Tech and we moved to Houston, Texas for his job with Univac. In 1971, I went to work for an international law firm, Fulbright & Jaworski, as a legal secretary, where I stayed for the next 14 years. My good fortune continued when, in 1976, hubby found my replacement and he sent me packing. Because of my great job with F&J, I stayed in Houston and enjoyed the single life until 1984 when I met the right man - my husband of 30 years, Hank Hamm. As it turned out, Hank had been riding his Harley Davidson with my dad in the El Karubah Shrine’s Escort Unit, but Dad had failed to mention me to him. We met at a Shriner’s convention in Little Rock, Arkansas in June of 1984, married at Mother’s and Dad’s home that December, and I moved back to Shreveport because of Hank’s business. My dream job even came along in March of 1985 when I was privileged to become the Executive Assistant/Secretary to the Assistant Chief Judge of Caddo Parish, Honorable John R. Ballard. Unfortunately, however, I had to walk away from that perfect job when Hank accepted a job in Dallas in November of 1986. Thank goodness, though, I contacted my old F&J boss in Houston who had great news that F&J had opened a litigation department in Dallas and a couple of the lawyers I knew in Houston had been transferred to the Dallas Office, one as the Office Administrator and the other as Head of the Litigation Department. So, all of a sudden, I was back working for F&J, only this time as a litigation paralegal, instead of litigation secretary. Hank and I bought a home in Richardson in 1988 where we live today, even after a few work-related moves over the years. During my next 9 years with F&J/Dallas, we moved to Houston when I transferred back to F&J/Houston in April of 1992 (we leased our home here and even bought a home there ‘cause we thought it was “forever”!!), but it only lasted a few months because Hank got a job offer back in Dallas that he couldn’t refuse, so we eventually moved back home to Richardson and I picked right back up with my job at F&J/Dallas. Then, Hank’s work took him to Albuquerque in June of 1994. We intended for me to stay with my job in Dallas until his job brought him back here, but he had a very serious health scare that October and our plans changed. As a result, after I found a job in Albuquerque and we again leased our home here, I left F&J for the last time in February of 1995 to join Hank in Albuquerque. Although that is beautiful country (we rode our Harley more out there than any other time), suffice it to say we were ecstatic when Hank got a terrific job offer with a Rick Hendrick car dealership in Kansas City in July of 1995. For the next year, we rented a home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri that was fairly close to Hank’s dealership in KC, then bought a great home, also in Lee’s Summit, in July of 1996 – again thinking that was our new “forever” place. Well, God had other plans for us that guided us back to our home in Richardson. Over the next few years, I worked at other international law firms in Dallas, including Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and Baker & McKenzie, before retiring from Alston & Bird in December of 2008. Hank tried retirement a few years earlier (he’s 5 years older), but he just wasn’t cut out for it. He became involved in the insurance business including, among other licenses, obtaining his property & casualty adjuster’s license, and for the past several years he has been working property claims for various insurance companies as an independent adjuster. Just for kicks, I also got my adjuster’s license before I retired and immediately began helping Hank with the computer administrative end of his work, even going out on some claims with him from time to time. I never had any kids of my own, but became an automatic grandmother when I married Hank. His sweet daughter lives outside Shreveport with her husband, a Lieutenant with the Shreveport Police Department, and they have two grown sons, who both also live in Shreveport. Hank’s son lives down the street from us, and works with Hank as an adjuster, too. Thank you to all who have made this 50th reunion possible and especially for providing this avenue for catching up with old friends. Reading the bios has been terrific and brought back great memories!! Hank and I can’t make it to the festivities, and will miss catching up in person. Have fun and take care!!
After Byrd, I headed to Louisiana Tech. Before receiving my B.S. degree in Business Administration in 1968, I made a side trip to the University of Colorado with one of my Kappa Delta sisters during the summer of 1966. After all, I needed one more PE credit, I had taken everything at Tech that interested me, and Colorado offered a ½ credit each for golf and horseback riding, so … of course that was the logical solution! Also included in that fun summer was a Business Law class that, although it wasn’t all fun, turned out to be instrumental in the area I chose for my career. Law school was never a consideration because actually practicing law did not appeal to me and, after 40 years of working with really talented litigation lawyers, playing a supporting role in many really interesting lawsuits over the years was the right decision for me. After graduation, I returned to Shreveport and began my career with the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office. A year later in September of 1969, I married a guy I had met at Tech and we moved to Houston, Texas for his job with Univac. In 1971, I went to work for an international law firm, Fulbright & Jaworski, as a legal secretary, where I stayed for the next 14 years. My good fortune continued when, in 1976, hubby found my replacement and he sent me packing. Because of my great job with F&J, I stayed in Houston and enjoyed the single life until 1984 when I met the right man - my husband of 30 years, Hank Hamm. As it turned out, Hank had been riding his Harley Davidson with my dad in the El Karubah Shrine’s Escort Unit, but Dad had failed to mention me to him. We met at a Shriner’s convention in Little Rock, Arkansas in June of 1984, married at Mother’s and Dad’s home that December, and I moved back to Shreveport because of Hank’s business. My dream job even came along in March of 1985 when I was privileged to become the Executive Assistant/Secretary to the Assistant Chief Judge of Caddo Parish, Honorable John R. Ballard. Unfortunately, however, I had to walk away from that perfect job when Hank accepted a job in Dallas in November of 1986. Thank goodness, though, I contacted my old F&J boss in Houston who had great news that F&J had opened a litigation department in Dallas and a couple of the lawyers I knew in Houston had been transferred to the Dallas Office, one as the Office Administrator and the other as Head of the Litigation Department. So, all of a sudden, I was back working for F&J, only this time as a litigation paralegal, instead of litigation secretary. Hank and I bought a home in Richardson in 1988 where we live today, even after a few work-related moves over the years. During my next 9 years with F&J/Dallas, we moved to Houston when I transferred back to F&J/Houston in April of 1992 (we leased our home here and even bought a home there ‘cause we thought it was “forever”!!), but it only lasted a few months because Hank got a job offer back in Dallas that he couldn’t refuse, so we eventually moved back home to Richardson and I picked right back up with my job at F&J/Dallas. Then, Hank’s work took him to Albuquerque in June of 1994. We intended for me to stay with my job in Dallas until his job brought him back here, but he had a very serious health scare that October and our plans changed. As a result, after I found a job in Albuquerque and we again leased our home here, I left F&J for the last time in February of 1995 to join Hank in Albuquerque. Although that is beautiful country (we rode our Harley more out there than any other time), suffice it to say we were ecstatic when Hank got a terrific job offer with a Rick Hendrick car dealership in Kansas City in July of 1995. For the next year, we rented a home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri that was fairly close to Hank’s dealership in KC, then bought a great home, also in Lee’s Summit, in July of 1996 – again thinking that was our new “forever” place. Well, God had other plans for us that guided us back to our home in Richardson. Over the next few years, I worked at other international law firms in Dallas, including Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and Baker & McKenzie, before retiring from Alston & Bird in December of 2008. Hank tried retirement a few years earlier (he’s 5 years older), but he just wasn’t cut out for it. He became involved in the insurance business including, among other licenses, obtaining his property & casualty adjuster’s license, and for the past several years he has been working property claims for various insurance companies as an independent adjuster. Just for kicks, I also got my adjuster’s license before I retired and immediately began helping Hank with the computer administrative end of his work, even going out on some claims with him from time to time. I never had any kids of my own, but became an automatic grandmother when I married Hank. His sweet daughter lives outside Shreveport with her husband, a Lieutenant with the Shreveport Police Department, and they have two grown sons, who both also live in Shreveport. Hank’s son lives down the street from us, and works with Hank as an adjuster, too. Thank you to all who have made this 50th reunion possible and especially for providing this avenue for catching up with old friends. Reading the bios has been terrific and brought back great memories!! Hank and I can’t make it to the festivities, and will miss catching up in person. Have fun and take care!!
Patsy Mannino (Cloyd)
Walt Cloyd and Patsy Mannino met at a Byrd senior party. We “long distance” dated for 4 years while Walt went to Texas A&M and Patsy went to Louisiana Tech. Upon graduation, we were married on Patsy’s birthday in August,
1968. Walt reached his goal of getting his 2LT bars and went into the Army Corps of Engineers. We had a great military career and lived in Germany, Hawaii and lots of states. We have two boys and now have 4 grandchildren. Walt retired from the Army in 1994 and we ended up in the northwest corner of Arkansas, Bella Vista. This area is in the foothills of the Ozarks, near U of Ark and Walmart Headquarters. When we moved here, Patsy went to work for
Walmart Headquarters. Walt has beat multiple cancers and we decided that “life really is very short.” Patsy quit her job after 12 years. We enjoyed the travel in our military life and continue to do that now. We have an RV and a
timeshare and between the two, you will hardly ever find us at home! We have been very blessed! We look forward to seeing our classmates at the reunion soon.
Walt Cloyd and Patsy Mannino met at a Byrd senior party. We “long distance” dated for 4 years while Walt went to Texas A&M and Patsy went to Louisiana Tech. Upon graduation, we were married on Patsy’s birthday in August,
1968. Walt reached his goal of getting his 2LT bars and went into the Army Corps of Engineers. We had a great military career and lived in Germany, Hawaii and lots of states. We have two boys and now have 4 grandchildren. Walt retired from the Army in 1994 and we ended up in the northwest corner of Arkansas, Bella Vista. This area is in the foothills of the Ozarks, near U of Ark and Walmart Headquarters. When we moved here, Patsy went to work for
Walmart Headquarters. Walt has beat multiple cancers and we decided that “life really is very short.” Patsy quit her job after 12 years. We enjoyed the travel in our military life and continue to do that now. We have an RV and a
timeshare and between the two, you will hardly ever find us at home! We have been very blessed! We look forward to seeing our classmates at the reunion soon.
Judy Moore
I seem to have done things in the reverse order of most of y'all. After graduating from Oklahoma University, I moved to Dallas, then Houston. Finally in 1976 I took off for San Francisco, a city I had fallen in love with many years before. I was a manager for Pacific Bell and pretty much was the quintessential career woman -- bought my own house, travelled, etc. Then, after having decided that I would remain happily single forever, I met Dean Evans, the perfect man for me, and we married in 1984. About a month later, much to our surprise, I became pregnant, and we had our first daughter, Maire Camille, in 1985. I, the sworn career girl, immediately fell in love with her and quit my job to be a full time mom. In 1988, we had our second daughter, Amelia. I stayed at home and raised the girls and did all the things my friends had done about 15 years earlier.
Our family loved to travel, and we saw as much of the world as we could while the girls were growing up. Dean retired in 2003, and I then spent 2 years working in a small independent book store -- a job that I absolutely loved. In 2007 we travelled to Turkey as well as Spain and Portugal. The next year, Dean went to Chile with a friend, and three days into their trip, he died in a tragic accident. So I have been putting my life back together ever since then, occasionally visiting Mary Forrester Nesbitt in Keatchi, travelling a bit, and doing a lot of volunteer work. Life is finally once again good, but a piece of my heart is permanently missing.
Our oldest daughter is a financial recruiter in Los Angeles and our youngest is a café manager and barista in New York City. One of the things I love to do is wildlife rehabilitation, and I spend a great part of each summer caring for orphaned baby raccoons (sounds odd, doesn't it -- but they are really fascinating creatures)whom we eventually release back into the wild. My "real" pets include two pugs, six chickens (outside, of course) and an aquatic frog. It's a busy life!!
I seem to have done things in the reverse order of most of y'all. After graduating from Oklahoma University, I moved to Dallas, then Houston. Finally in 1976 I took off for San Francisco, a city I had fallen in love with many years before. I was a manager for Pacific Bell and pretty much was the quintessential career woman -- bought my own house, travelled, etc. Then, after having decided that I would remain happily single forever, I met Dean Evans, the perfect man for me, and we married in 1984. About a month later, much to our surprise, I became pregnant, and we had our first daughter, Maire Camille, in 1985. I, the sworn career girl, immediately fell in love with her and quit my job to be a full time mom. In 1988, we had our second daughter, Amelia. I stayed at home and raised the girls and did all the things my friends had done about 15 years earlier.
Our family loved to travel, and we saw as much of the world as we could while the girls were growing up. Dean retired in 2003, and I then spent 2 years working in a small independent book store -- a job that I absolutely loved. In 2007 we travelled to Turkey as well as Spain and Portugal. The next year, Dean went to Chile with a friend, and three days into their trip, he died in a tragic accident. So I have been putting my life back together ever since then, occasionally visiting Mary Forrester Nesbitt in Keatchi, travelling a bit, and doing a lot of volunteer work. Life is finally once again good, but a piece of my heart is permanently missing.
Our oldest daughter is a financial recruiter in Los Angeles and our youngest is a café manager and barista in New York City. One of the things I love to do is wildlife rehabilitation, and I spend a great part of each summer caring for orphaned baby raccoons (sounds odd, doesn't it -- but they are really fascinating creatures)whom we eventually release back into the wild. My "real" pets include two pugs, six chickens (outside, of course) and an aquatic frog. It's a busy life!!
Mary Moore (Latsos)
Richard Craig Latsos and I, Mary Moore Latsos will be attending the reunion. Richard graduated from Woodlawn, Class of 1965. We have been married since 12/27/68 and have 4 daughters and 8 grandchildren. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Thanks for all the hard work to make the big 50 reunion possible.
Richard Craig Latsos and I, Mary Moore Latsos will be attending the reunion. Richard graduated from Woodlawn, Class of 1965. We have been married since 12/27/68 and have 4 daughters and 8 grandchildren. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Thanks for all the hard work to make the big 50 reunion possible.
Suzanne Musgrave (Duggan)
I am married to Don Dee Duggan, who was a senior when we were in the 9th grade so you may not know him. We have a blended family—Ashley, Stryker, Daniel, and Lindsey and 8 grandchildren.
Don plans to retire in March of 2015 so we can finally relax! I worked in education for 17 years teaching first P.E., then Biology and AP Biology, and finally developing curriculum for middle school environmental science. For the past 14 years I have been a massage therapist, which has been a fabulous career change. Don and I share our home in Covington, LA with two standard poodles, Izzie and Charlie. We like to kayak, fish, garden, go to the beach and pass a good time with friends...which will be all of you guys and girls on September 20th.
2019 Update
We purchased a vacation home in Highlands, NC in December of 2016. By 2018 we had decided that Highlands was the place we wanted to live year round, so we sold our Covington home and moved. We love hiking, kayaking, gardening, doing pottery and enjoying this beautiful part of our planet. Looking forward to our 55th reunion in September.
I am married to Don Dee Duggan, who was a senior when we were in the 9th grade so you may not know him. We have a blended family—Ashley, Stryker, Daniel, and Lindsey and 8 grandchildren.
Don plans to retire in March of 2015 so we can finally relax! I worked in education for 17 years teaching first P.E., then Biology and AP Biology, and finally developing curriculum for middle school environmental science. For the past 14 years I have been a massage therapist, which has been a fabulous career change. Don and I share our home in Covington, LA with two standard poodles, Izzie and Charlie. We like to kayak, fish, garden, go to the beach and pass a good time with friends...which will be all of you guys and girls on September 20th.
2019 Update
We purchased a vacation home in Highlands, NC in December of 2016. By 2018 we had decided that Highlands was the place we wanted to live year round, so we sold our Covington home and moved. We love hiking, kayaking, gardening, doing pottery and enjoying this beautiful part of our planet. Looking forward to our 55th reunion in September.
Carol McCann (Dew)
After Byrd I went to Oklahoma University for two years, then transferred to LSU, graduated in 1968. At LSU I met Bill Dew (he was a year ahead of us, but went off to Sewanee Military Academy, in TN in the 9th grade, so most of you probably don't know him). Anyway, we married and had a daughter who now lives in Atlanta. We moved to San Diego in 1975 and have lived in California since then, mostly in San Diego. While Bill was a commercial real estate agent, I went to Fuller Seminary and got a Masters of Divinity, then served as an assoc. pastor in Pacific Beach. Lots of stuff happened, and now Bill and I have a healing ministry, traveling nationally and internationally. No, we're not like wild TV ministers, but we do see a lot of people get healed and have the most amazing life! I just started back to school for my Doctor of Ministry and should graduate in 2017. I'm so sad not to be coming to the reunion, but will be thinking of you all and remembering the fun we had. Give us a call if you come to San Diego, we'd love to see you!
After Byrd I went to Oklahoma University for two years, then transferred to LSU, graduated in 1968. At LSU I met Bill Dew (he was a year ahead of us, but went off to Sewanee Military Academy, in TN in the 9th grade, so most of you probably don't know him). Anyway, we married and had a daughter who now lives in Atlanta. We moved to San Diego in 1975 and have lived in California since then, mostly in San Diego. While Bill was a commercial real estate agent, I went to Fuller Seminary and got a Masters of Divinity, then served as an assoc. pastor in Pacific Beach. Lots of stuff happened, and now Bill and I have a healing ministry, traveling nationally and internationally. No, we're not like wild TV ministers, but we do see a lot of people get healed and have the most amazing life! I just started back to school for my Doctor of Ministry and should graduate in 2017. I'm so sad not to be coming to the reunion, but will be thinking of you all and remembering the fun we had. Give us a call if you come to San Diego, we'd love to see you!
Bill McCranie
In a nutshell: Finally graduated from C.E. Byrd and attended Louisiana Tech. Became a member of the Kappa Alpha Order (thank God as there was zip going on ((on)) campus). Made fair to middling grades. Got a chance to head over to Europe back in 1971 as there was a price war and tickets were going for about $99.00 round trip to London. Purchased Eurorail passes but tossed 'em in Amsterdam after buying an old classic VW van with the sliding front windows, top speed of about 50 mph and toured 13 countries. Afterward went back to the Lolly Polly to graduate when a frat brother of mine suggested we get another VW van and tour the USA visiting everything we had seen or read about in history class. After decking out the van with camping equipment, a canoe on top and two bicycles on front we toured about 33 states, Quebec - Ontario and a little of Mexico. Ended up in Washington State (we had zigzagged from Ruston to California, back East to Virginia and up the coast to Quebec then West through Ontario then back into the USA via Sault St. Marie. Continuing West to WA) Worked in Waitsburg, WA at the Jolly Green Giant for the Spring and Summer of '72. This was a very good scenario for an opportunity to work the Summer, save your pesos and go see more of the world. Drove a '57 Ford 4x4 down through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala and back up to WA and the Giant. Being interested in archeology and foreign culture, next was four or so countries in South America. Finally made it back to La Tech and graduated. Then back to WA, more of the Giant and exciting and educational adventures. Moved back to Shreveport about 1979 and ended up in the oil patch. Hustled leases and participated in the industry for about 10 years got re-married, sold my house and a little acreage and set out for an extended seven year trip around the world. After bicycling from Austin to the frontier of Mexico we traveled extensively in Mexico via public transportation and then bicycled Belize. Three years in Central and South America, lived in NZ a year and traveled Australia in a Bedford Campervan another year. Malaysia, Indonesia etc., India, Nepal and a year in Africa. What a blast!! Came back to USA about 1996 and moved outside Austin where my lovely wife, Nancy, and I started an organic blueberry farm and grass fed organic grass fed beef operation. We then had two fine sons being Cassady (17) and Patrick (15). Nancy, is an ordained Presbyterian minister who has found her calling as the Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services at Hospice Austin. We were married July 30, 1988. The four of us, five dogs and two cats reside on the farm and welcome each of you to visit. There is much more to tell but I wouldn’t want to bore you. Y’all come!
In a nutshell: Finally graduated from C.E. Byrd and attended Louisiana Tech. Became a member of the Kappa Alpha Order (thank God as there was zip going on ((on)) campus). Made fair to middling grades. Got a chance to head over to Europe back in 1971 as there was a price war and tickets were going for about $99.00 round trip to London. Purchased Eurorail passes but tossed 'em in Amsterdam after buying an old classic VW van with the sliding front windows, top speed of about 50 mph and toured 13 countries. Afterward went back to the Lolly Polly to graduate when a frat brother of mine suggested we get another VW van and tour the USA visiting everything we had seen or read about in history class. After decking out the van with camping equipment, a canoe on top and two bicycles on front we toured about 33 states, Quebec - Ontario and a little of Mexico. Ended up in Washington State (we had zigzagged from Ruston to California, back East to Virginia and up the coast to Quebec then West through Ontario then back into the USA via Sault St. Marie. Continuing West to WA) Worked in Waitsburg, WA at the Jolly Green Giant for the Spring and Summer of '72. This was a very good scenario for an opportunity to work the Summer, save your pesos and go see more of the world. Drove a '57 Ford 4x4 down through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala and back up to WA and the Giant. Being interested in archeology and foreign culture, next was four or so countries in South America. Finally made it back to La Tech and graduated. Then back to WA, more of the Giant and exciting and educational adventures. Moved back to Shreveport about 1979 and ended up in the oil patch. Hustled leases and participated in the industry for about 10 years got re-married, sold my house and a little acreage and set out for an extended seven year trip around the world. After bicycling from Austin to the frontier of Mexico we traveled extensively in Mexico via public transportation and then bicycled Belize. Three years in Central and South America, lived in NZ a year and traveled Australia in a Bedford Campervan another year. Malaysia, Indonesia etc., India, Nepal and a year in Africa. What a blast!! Came back to USA about 1996 and moved outside Austin where my lovely wife, Nancy, and I started an organic blueberry farm and grass fed organic grass fed beef operation. We then had two fine sons being Cassady (17) and Patrick (15). Nancy, is an ordained Presbyterian minister who has found her calling as the Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services at Hospice Austin. We were married July 30, 1988. The four of us, five dogs and two cats reside on the farm and welcome each of you to visit. There is much more to tell but I wouldn’t want to bore you. Y’all come!
Martha McCrary (Schrock)
I went to LSU after graduation. I studied there for two years and returned home for a short stay. It was during that short stay, I met an airman, Ray Schrock, who had just returned from Viet Nam. We were married a year later in 1968 and had two children a daughter and a son. Then in 1970 we moved to San Diego. It was there we had another little girl. We stayed in San Diego until I returned to Louisiana in 2002.
I worked in the emergency room at Lafayette General as the group coordinator for 12 physicians and helped in my mother's care until her death in 2005.
In 2008 I moved back to Shreveport and worked as a landman for two years and it was during that time my husband died. We were married 43 years.
Today I work for a CPA, am a co-facilitator for GriefShare, sing in the choir at Broadmoor Baptist Church and am supporting my daughter as she finishes her degree. In my spare time I make Memory Bears to help those in the journey of grief.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone in September.
I went to LSU after graduation. I studied there for two years and returned home for a short stay. It was during that short stay, I met an airman, Ray Schrock, who had just returned from Viet Nam. We were married a year later in 1968 and had two children a daughter and a son. Then in 1970 we moved to San Diego. It was there we had another little girl. We stayed in San Diego until I returned to Louisiana in 2002.
I worked in the emergency room at Lafayette General as the group coordinator for 12 physicians and helped in my mother's care until her death in 2005.
In 2008 I moved back to Shreveport and worked as a landman for two years and it was during that time my husband died. We were married 43 years.
Today I work for a CPA, am a co-facilitator for GriefShare, sing in the choir at Broadmoor Baptist Church and am supporting my daughter as she finishes her degree. In my spare time I make Memory Bears to help those in the journey of grief.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone in September.
Johanna McGraw (Kimpland)
Upon high school graduation in 1964, I looked with anticipation to the prospect of college, career, and the future. After a wonderful graduation trip given to me by my parents, I entered Centenary College and graduated in 1968.I married James Barker and began my 30 year career with Caddo Parish Schools. My son, John Barker, was born in 1974. He and his wife Jennifer now live in Carrollton, Texas, about an hour and a half from me in Fort Worth. I was principal of Broadmoor Middle Lab School (Broadmoor Junior High) for seven years and finished my career with Caddo schools as the secondary English supervisor for the parish.
The west was calling, so I moved to Fort Worth, "where the west begins," in 1999. Thinking that I might try something different in the job area, I thought again and took a counseling position at a Fort Worth middle school. I worked for the Fort Worth ISD for eleven years. During this time, I was divorced. I have since married Thomas Kimpland, a man I met over 40 years ago at a wedding of mutual friends in Shreveport. Although he is from upstate New York, I have almost converted him to being a full-time Texan. He has converted me from a life-long Presbyterian to an Episcopalian. I am having the opportunity to serve on the associate vestry at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church. I also enjoy attending the Fort Worth Symphony, the Texas Ballet Theater, and an occasional opera during the Fort Worth Opera Festival!! I'm also a football and baseball fan. It does get a little tense when the Rangers play the Yankees and the Cowboys play the Giants! Someone told me that Fort Worth was one of the best kept secrets in Texas. I agree. I enjoy everything it has to offer.
As a Byrd graduate, I am always grateful for the lessons I learned there. With academic excellence as the centerpiece, Byrd High School also taught many other lessons which helped prepare one for life's failures and successes. I look forward to returning for the fiftieth reunion. Thanks to the many who have made this event happen.
Upon high school graduation in 1964, I looked with anticipation to the prospect of college, career, and the future. After a wonderful graduation trip given to me by my parents, I entered Centenary College and graduated in 1968.I married James Barker and began my 30 year career with Caddo Parish Schools. My son, John Barker, was born in 1974. He and his wife Jennifer now live in Carrollton, Texas, about an hour and a half from me in Fort Worth. I was principal of Broadmoor Middle Lab School (Broadmoor Junior High) for seven years and finished my career with Caddo schools as the secondary English supervisor for the parish.
The west was calling, so I moved to Fort Worth, "where the west begins," in 1999. Thinking that I might try something different in the job area, I thought again and took a counseling position at a Fort Worth middle school. I worked for the Fort Worth ISD for eleven years. During this time, I was divorced. I have since married Thomas Kimpland, a man I met over 40 years ago at a wedding of mutual friends in Shreveport. Although he is from upstate New York, I have almost converted him to being a full-time Texan. He has converted me from a life-long Presbyterian to an Episcopalian. I am having the opportunity to serve on the associate vestry at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church. I also enjoy attending the Fort Worth Symphony, the Texas Ballet Theater, and an occasional opera during the Fort Worth Opera Festival!! I'm also a football and baseball fan. It does get a little tense when the Rangers play the Yankees and the Cowboys play the Giants! Someone told me that Fort Worth was one of the best kept secrets in Texas. I agree. I enjoy everything it has to offer.
As a Byrd graduate, I am always grateful for the lessons I learned there. With academic excellence as the centerpiece, Byrd High School also taught many other lessons which helped prepare one for life's failures and successes. I look forward to returning for the fiftieth reunion. Thanks to the many who have made this event happen.
Judy Nelson (Miller)
Life After Byrd: Went to Baylor. Met my husband, Mike and we married in 1965. Mike planned to go to Seminary, but taught school for 2 years to give us a better start. He graduated in 1970. While we were there our first child was born, Sarah. One memorable event during those 3 years was getting to live in England one summer while he worked for the Methodist church. Our first church was way, way out in West Texas (think the movie "Giant") and we spent 3 years there. Our son, Nelson, was born there in 1972. That was long enough for us to decide the "local church pastorate" was not for us. Mike entered Campus Ministry and spent the next 40+years working with students at 3 colleges in Texas. At this writing, he is retired from active campus ministry but is a part-time pastor at a local church (Sundays only). He continues to teach because while we were at Texas A&M he got a Ph.D. in History. He finally confessed to me he will NEVER retire. Our children are both married and have children of their own and we have really enjoyed being grandparents. Our daughter is a paralegal in Denver and our son is in Federal Law Enforcement "somewhere out West". As for me, I have been for the most part a stay-at-home Mom. I did manage to finish my degree while at Texas A&M, but I never had a "career". I have done a lot of different kinds of volunteer work over the years and I am active in my church (Catholic....long story). I am looking forward to seeing Shreveport again and all of you. I just saw the new James Brown movie and it REALLY TOOK ME BACK. Good Times!!!
Life After Byrd: Went to Baylor. Met my husband, Mike and we married in 1965. Mike planned to go to Seminary, but taught school for 2 years to give us a better start. He graduated in 1970. While we were there our first child was born, Sarah. One memorable event during those 3 years was getting to live in England one summer while he worked for the Methodist church. Our first church was way, way out in West Texas (think the movie "Giant") and we spent 3 years there. Our son, Nelson, was born there in 1972. That was long enough for us to decide the "local church pastorate" was not for us. Mike entered Campus Ministry and spent the next 40+years working with students at 3 colleges in Texas. At this writing, he is retired from active campus ministry but is a part-time pastor at a local church (Sundays only). He continues to teach because while we were at Texas A&M he got a Ph.D. in History. He finally confessed to me he will NEVER retire. Our children are both married and have children of their own and we have really enjoyed being grandparents. Our daughter is a paralegal in Denver and our son is in Federal Law Enforcement "somewhere out West". As for me, I have been for the most part a stay-at-home Mom. I did manage to finish my degree while at Texas A&M, but I never had a "career". I have done a lot of different kinds of volunteer work over the years and I am active in my church (Catholic....long story). I am looking forward to seeing Shreveport again and all of you. I just saw the new James Brown movie and it REALLY TOOK ME BACK. Good Times!!!
Jo Dean Nicols (Harrell)
After Byrd, I attended Northeast from 1964-1966 where I dropped my middle name immediately! I married Bob Robins, an Arkansan who was completing his MS. We moved to Huntsville, Alabama in 1966. He worked in the aerospace industry and I completed my education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, graduating in 1971. During this time, 1968 and 1970, I had two daughters. We moved to Dallas in 1972, divorced in 1974 and I went to work for Blue-Cross/Blue Shield. Remarried in 1979 to Jeff Harrell and moved to Clifton, TX where we owned a nursery/landscape business. Divorced in 1988, I returned to Dallas and managed retail nursery, North Haven Gardens. Left in 1996 and become sales manager for the wholesale distribution part of Marshall Grain Company in Fort Worth. Left in 1999 to return to Shreveport due to my mother’s illness. Remained in Shreveport until 2011, when I moved to Austin. My daughters are in Dallas and Austin and I have three grandchildren. I have worked for H&R Block since 2003 and have no plans to quit. Looking forward to seeing everyone next week!
After Byrd, I attended Northeast from 1964-1966 where I dropped my middle name immediately! I married Bob Robins, an Arkansan who was completing his MS. We moved to Huntsville, Alabama in 1966. He worked in the aerospace industry and I completed my education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, graduating in 1971. During this time, 1968 and 1970, I had two daughters. We moved to Dallas in 1972, divorced in 1974 and I went to work for Blue-Cross/Blue Shield. Remarried in 1979 to Jeff Harrell and moved to Clifton, TX where we owned a nursery/landscape business. Divorced in 1988, I returned to Dallas and managed retail nursery, North Haven Gardens. Left in 1996 and become sales manager for the wholesale distribution part of Marshall Grain Company in Fort Worth. Left in 1999 to return to Shreveport due to my mother’s illness. Remained in Shreveport until 2011, when I moved to Austin. My daughters are in Dallas and Austin and I have three grandchildren. I have worked for H&R Block since 2003 and have no plans to quit. Looking forward to seeing everyone next week!
Connie Nolen (Humphries)
Hi Everybody,
i live in Portland, Oregon. After I graduated from Byrd, I attended Baylor University and graduated in Elem. Ed. I started teaching in Arlington, Texas. I met my husband, Dan Humphries, there. After we married in 1970, we moved to Eugene, Oregon, for him to attend grad. school at U of O. We were there for two years and decided to stay in Oregon, much to our families' dismay. I taught elementary school for 21 years which I thoroughly enjoyed. We have two children. My daughter, Katie(36), is getting married in October. My son, Grant (30), lives and works in Portland.
In 1999, my husband of 28 years passed away very suddenly. I've had a 4 year relationship with a wonderful man. Richard. I come to Shreveport fairly frequently see my Mom, age 90. Looking forward to seeing all of you.
Hi Everybody,
i live in Portland, Oregon. After I graduated from Byrd, I attended Baylor University and graduated in Elem. Ed. I started teaching in Arlington, Texas. I met my husband, Dan Humphries, there. After we married in 1970, we moved to Eugene, Oregon, for him to attend grad. school at U of O. We were there for two years and decided to stay in Oregon, much to our families' dismay. I taught elementary school for 21 years which I thoroughly enjoyed. We have two children. My daughter, Katie(36), is getting married in October. My son, Grant (30), lives and works in Portland.
In 1999, my husband of 28 years passed away very suddenly. I've had a 4 year relationship with a wonderful man. Richard. I come to Shreveport fairly frequently see my Mom, age 90. Looking forward to seeing all of you.
Carol Norris (Gekakis)
How does one put into words, the past 50 years!?? It's impossible, so I will sum it up by saying I lived in Shreveport for several years after graduation, was a med tech for years, lived in Las Vegas 4 years, raised a son (deceased) and 2 daughters, and now have lived in Perdido Key, Florida for the past 8 years. I visit Shreveport a few times each year and always relish precious memories.
I enjoy traveling!!! While I've been to a few places in our world, I travel to the San Francisco area 8-10 times year where my oldest daughter and grandson live. My youngest daughter lives in Boulder, CO.
I'm an accidental "wineaux" after making an unplanned trip to Napa, CA many years ago where I became enamored with the world of wines. Eventually wound up with a collection of about 4,000 wines in my South Shreveport home. Wrote for both SB Magazine and The Forum News, Shreveport publications, about of course, WINE! Now a free lance wine writer.
It's been life...sometimes great...sometimes difficult...like everyone else. Looking forward to seeing everyone at our 50th. How fortunate that we are able to celebrate this milestone. God Bless..........
How does one put into words, the past 50 years!?? It's impossible, so I will sum it up by saying I lived in Shreveport for several years after graduation, was a med tech for years, lived in Las Vegas 4 years, raised a son (deceased) and 2 daughters, and now have lived in Perdido Key, Florida for the past 8 years. I visit Shreveport a few times each year and always relish precious memories.
I enjoy traveling!!! While I've been to a few places in our world, I travel to the San Francisco area 8-10 times year where my oldest daughter and grandson live. My youngest daughter lives in Boulder, CO.
I'm an accidental "wineaux" after making an unplanned trip to Napa, CA many years ago where I became enamored with the world of wines. Eventually wound up with a collection of about 4,000 wines in my South Shreveport home. Wrote for both SB Magazine and The Forum News, Shreveport publications, about of course, WINE! Now a free lance wine writer.
It's been life...sometimes great...sometimes difficult...like everyone else. Looking forward to seeing everyone at our 50th. How fortunate that we are able to celebrate this milestone. God Bless..........
Susan Odom (Cashman)
Ok, ok, I promised Buddy and Barb (who excel at herding cats), so here it is….though don’t y’all be disappointed if your quick scan doesn’t reveal a Pulitzer, an Endicott, a Nobel, a pastorate, a PhD, an M.D., a J.D., or even a Big Green Badge. I got out of Dodge as quickly as I could after Byrd and still delight in my success at flunking out, dropping out and being kicked out of three colleges and a business school long before the rest of you finished up in 1968. Fortunately, I was able to tag along, via Texas Eastern, with the large Byrd contingent who immigrated to Houston after college, and it was there I found Prince Charming. Life was blissful for 25 years during which time we worked hard (he as a publisher, me as a "professional" volunteer who also loved the most entertaining stint as, ironically, college guidance assistant and registrar of an upper school); traveled often; hunted too often; painted, schmoozed, and needlepointed enough to upholster a boulevard; volunteered for/served on boards of several non-profits; made lasting friends; and raised a son so terrific he could only have been a mutation of the gene pool. After Ray the Prince died in 1994, I learned to be a widow; built a new house; was mother of the groom; traveled the world with Rita Herold Hankins who retired sometime along in there, also with my brother and his wife; became a grandmother; moved back to Shreveport in 2000, ostensibly to renovate a house in Greenwood I’d been in love with since I was 14, but subconsciously to help usher my mother through her next life transition -- all pretty much in that order. I stayed in Greenwood and Shreveport for the next 12 years, reconnected with several friends and deepened acquaintances with others (including Herby K's, Strawns, Ernest's, and Don's while it lasted) before turning camp follower by moving to Columbus, OH a couple of years ago. My son is a folklorist here on the faculty of Ohio State and has, with his lovely wife, my two beautiful and bright granddaughters whom I needed to get to know while they still thought I was cool, an envelope of time we all know can be fleeting. I like Ohio and have quit taking the snow and ice as personal affronts, but I’ve had on a sweater since I got here. I thought this move would be the last one for me, but we’re on the road again next summer (2015) to Bloomington, IN where son will serve on the faculty at Indiana University, his graduate studies alma mater. Life happens when you’re making other plans, right? Just imagine tinkling bells, bundled oriental rugs and cook pots clanging atop camels swaying in a caravan, trekking slightly southwest. As I am here in Ohio, I’ll be in my adored/adoring family’s zip code, but not in their hip pockets -- we've taken a vow of sanity. I’d give money, marbles and chalk if I could join you at the reunion and can only hope there’ll be plenty of fun, foolishness, fancy stepping, fond memories and photos for all of you to share online. Enjoy your time together!
Ok, ok, I promised Buddy and Barb (who excel at herding cats), so here it is….though don’t y’all be disappointed if your quick scan doesn’t reveal a Pulitzer, an Endicott, a Nobel, a pastorate, a PhD, an M.D., a J.D., or even a Big Green Badge. I got out of Dodge as quickly as I could after Byrd and still delight in my success at flunking out, dropping out and being kicked out of three colleges and a business school long before the rest of you finished up in 1968. Fortunately, I was able to tag along, via Texas Eastern, with the large Byrd contingent who immigrated to Houston after college, and it was there I found Prince Charming. Life was blissful for 25 years during which time we worked hard (he as a publisher, me as a "professional" volunteer who also loved the most entertaining stint as, ironically, college guidance assistant and registrar of an upper school); traveled often; hunted too often; painted, schmoozed, and needlepointed enough to upholster a boulevard; volunteered for/served on boards of several non-profits; made lasting friends; and raised a son so terrific he could only have been a mutation of the gene pool. After Ray the Prince died in 1994, I learned to be a widow; built a new house; was mother of the groom; traveled the world with Rita Herold Hankins who retired sometime along in there, also with my brother and his wife; became a grandmother; moved back to Shreveport in 2000, ostensibly to renovate a house in Greenwood I’d been in love with since I was 14, but subconsciously to help usher my mother through her next life transition -- all pretty much in that order. I stayed in Greenwood and Shreveport for the next 12 years, reconnected with several friends and deepened acquaintances with others (including Herby K's, Strawns, Ernest's, and Don's while it lasted) before turning camp follower by moving to Columbus, OH a couple of years ago. My son is a folklorist here on the faculty of Ohio State and has, with his lovely wife, my two beautiful and bright granddaughters whom I needed to get to know while they still thought I was cool, an envelope of time we all know can be fleeting. I like Ohio and have quit taking the snow and ice as personal affronts, but I’ve had on a sweater since I got here. I thought this move would be the last one for me, but we’re on the road again next summer (2015) to Bloomington, IN where son will serve on the faculty at Indiana University, his graduate studies alma mater. Life happens when you’re making other plans, right? Just imagine tinkling bells, bundled oriental rugs and cook pots clanging atop camels swaying in a caravan, trekking slightly southwest. As I am here in Ohio, I’ll be in my adored/adoring family’s zip code, but not in their hip pockets -- we've taken a vow of sanity. I’d give money, marbles and chalk if I could join you at the reunion and can only hope there’ll be plenty of fun, foolishness, fancy stepping, fond memories and photos for all of you to share online. Enjoy your time together!
Sherri Parker (Lee)
Holy Toledo, fifty years? I guess I am just glad to still be here and moving around. I graduated from TCU in 1968 and went to graduate school at the University of Tennessee, where I colonized a chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. I married a Knoxvillian, taught high school biology for 10 years, had 3 sons (all of whom have visited Byrd), and ran several businesses after my husband died in 1998. He was a serial entrepreneur and I sold our last business in 2010.
My mom died in 2000 so I have lost my Shreveport connections. I have friends in Knoxville who are from Louisiana and they still quake at the mention of the Byrd Yellow Jackets. There are also Class of '64 members here. Allen Weir is a writer and English professor at the University of TN (I ran into him at the grocery store), and Ron Rimer is a Knoxville pediatrician (a friend figured out we both went to Byrd).
My fig cookbook Under The Fig Leaf is still available on Amazon. Walter Kelley, former professor at the University of Oklahoma, found it on-line and contacted me. Wish I could be at the reunion; still trying to the change the dates on a prior commitment. It was great to read about "old" friends on the web page. Hope to make contact with some former classmates soon.
I am enjoying the great freedom that comes with aging, but avoiding the sweet little old lady thing. My claim to fame is that I have traveled to all 7 continents and all 50 states. I will be spending my dotage playing with my 7 grandchildren, traveling and visiting my friends as often as possible and EATING DESSERT EVERY DAY.
Holy Toledo, fifty years? I guess I am just glad to still be here and moving around. I graduated from TCU in 1968 and went to graduate school at the University of Tennessee, where I colonized a chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. I married a Knoxvillian, taught high school biology for 10 years, had 3 sons (all of whom have visited Byrd), and ran several businesses after my husband died in 1998. He was a serial entrepreneur and I sold our last business in 2010.
My mom died in 2000 so I have lost my Shreveport connections. I have friends in Knoxville who are from Louisiana and they still quake at the mention of the Byrd Yellow Jackets. There are also Class of '64 members here. Allen Weir is a writer and English professor at the University of TN (I ran into him at the grocery store), and Ron Rimer is a Knoxville pediatrician (a friend figured out we both went to Byrd).
My fig cookbook Under The Fig Leaf is still available on Amazon. Walter Kelley, former professor at the University of Oklahoma, found it on-line and contacted me. Wish I could be at the reunion; still trying to the change the dates on a prior commitment. It was great to read about "old" friends on the web page. Hope to make contact with some former classmates soon.
I am enjoying the great freedom that comes with aging, but avoiding the sweet little old lady thing. My claim to fame is that I have traveled to all 7 continents and all 50 states. I will be spending my dotage playing with my 7 grandchildren, traveling and visiting my friends as often as possible and EATING DESSERT EVERY DAY.
Ronnie Parnell
There was no one more surprised than I was when they called my name out in 1964 announcing that I had graduated. The rumor was that J. D. Cox had convinced a couple of my teachers to bump my grades up so I could move on. I went to USL for one year until the Dean dismissed me for studying too hard. I joined the Navy, went to RVN 1968, stayed in Naval Reserve for 8 years and then spent 25 years with Louisiana National Guard, retiring in 1999.
I have been in the insurance business since 1969, and am considering making a career out it if I can figure out how to make a living with it. I am still working and will continue until I cannot any longer. I have one daughter, Jennifer C. Parnell. In 2007, I married Susie (Askew) Carter who had been married to my good friend and our late classmate Jay Carter.
There was no one more surprised than I was when they called my name out in 1964 announcing that I had graduated. The rumor was that J. D. Cox had convinced a couple of my teachers to bump my grades up so I could move on. I went to USL for one year until the Dean dismissed me for studying too hard. I joined the Navy, went to RVN 1968, stayed in Naval Reserve for 8 years and then spent 25 years with Louisiana National Guard, retiring in 1999.
I have been in the insurance business since 1969, and am considering making a career out it if I can figure out how to make a living with it. I am still working and will continue until I cannot any longer. I have one daughter, Jennifer C. Parnell. In 2007, I married Susie (Askew) Carter who had been married to my good friend and our late classmate Jay Carter.
Allan Phillips
I followed most of my high school friends to LSU-BR, where I helped to uphold its tradition as a party school. I did manage a C+ average and walked away with a BS in Marketing--not quite the academic I was in high school. Although I had interviewed with a number of companies in the South, my resume wound up at IBM in Kingston, NY. And that is where I began working as a computer programmer, something not only that I had a knack for, but really enjoyed doing. I had married Virginia Gorum (2 years younger; also at Byrd and LSU) while a senior at LSU and we had a beautiful baby girl, Lisa. Our marriage was not to last, however, and we divorced after three years. I did enjoy my job as a programmer, and loved to hike in the Catskill Mountains and do photography.
After a few years I wanted to live in a big city, and wound up in New York City working for CBS, again as a programmer. Wow! New York City, Who would have thought? And what fun that was! I lived right in Manhattan, and later Brooklyn. I continued to do photography. I also was hitting the clubs--I was a real wild child. My daughter lived up in the Bronx, so I got to see her for a while until she moved back to Louisiana.
After six years in New York, I found myself in New Orleans, helping my brother renovate a house in the historic Bywater District in the summer of 1978. After that I headed for California and landed in San Francisco, where I still reside. San Francisco is a beautiful city with great weather and I love the fog. One of my Byrd classmates predicted that I would one day become president of Kroger. I worked at Kroger all through high school, as a sacker, then as a checker, and some other jobs as well. Becoming Prez of Kroger did not come to pass, but I have had some great jobs --- all in Information Technology. In the beginning I was still a wild child outside of work, but I finally outgrew it. I worked my way up from programmer into Middle Management. Eventually I was even able to buy a house, which I recently sold. Somewhere in this period I acquired an unofficially adopted son. He and his real father are not in contact and I am quite happy to step in. This has added an unexpected richness to my life.
My daughter Lisa and her family came to live in SF in 2011, and did so for a while and it was wonderful having them so close, but they eventually moved back to Louisiana. My oldest grandson (I have three, all boys) who is 25, lives here in SF.
In addition to university education and corporate work, I earned a certificate in video editing, took two years of voice-over training, spent several years as a producer and editor of a TV show for public television, have done freelance video editing and motion graphics, edited the CBS data center newsletter when I was in New York, published my own newsletter, taught computer and stock market classes, curated a private art gallery, and spent several years doing volunteer work with a non-profit jazz heritage organization. I retired a bit early due mainly to migraines, but now write apps for smart phones and tablet computers part-time. I am an artist, write poetry and other stuff occasionally, and still do photography. I think I can say that I have lived a very full and adventurous life. Looking forward to seeing my high school class mates and hearing your stories!
I followed most of my high school friends to LSU-BR, where I helped to uphold its tradition as a party school. I did manage a C+ average and walked away with a BS in Marketing--not quite the academic I was in high school. Although I had interviewed with a number of companies in the South, my resume wound up at IBM in Kingston, NY. And that is where I began working as a computer programmer, something not only that I had a knack for, but really enjoyed doing. I had married Virginia Gorum (2 years younger; also at Byrd and LSU) while a senior at LSU and we had a beautiful baby girl, Lisa. Our marriage was not to last, however, and we divorced after three years. I did enjoy my job as a programmer, and loved to hike in the Catskill Mountains and do photography.
After a few years I wanted to live in a big city, and wound up in New York City working for CBS, again as a programmer. Wow! New York City, Who would have thought? And what fun that was! I lived right in Manhattan, and later Brooklyn. I continued to do photography. I also was hitting the clubs--I was a real wild child. My daughter lived up in the Bronx, so I got to see her for a while until she moved back to Louisiana.
After six years in New York, I found myself in New Orleans, helping my brother renovate a house in the historic Bywater District in the summer of 1978. After that I headed for California and landed in San Francisco, where I still reside. San Francisco is a beautiful city with great weather and I love the fog. One of my Byrd classmates predicted that I would one day become president of Kroger. I worked at Kroger all through high school, as a sacker, then as a checker, and some other jobs as well. Becoming Prez of Kroger did not come to pass, but I have had some great jobs --- all in Information Technology. In the beginning I was still a wild child outside of work, but I finally outgrew it. I worked my way up from programmer into Middle Management. Eventually I was even able to buy a house, which I recently sold. Somewhere in this period I acquired an unofficially adopted son. He and his real father are not in contact and I am quite happy to step in. This has added an unexpected richness to my life.
My daughter Lisa and her family came to live in SF in 2011, and did so for a while and it was wonderful having them so close, but they eventually moved back to Louisiana. My oldest grandson (I have three, all boys) who is 25, lives here in SF.
In addition to university education and corporate work, I earned a certificate in video editing, took two years of voice-over training, spent several years as a producer and editor of a TV show for public television, have done freelance video editing and motion graphics, edited the CBS data center newsletter when I was in New York, published my own newsletter, taught computer and stock market classes, curated a private art gallery, and spent several years doing volunteer work with a non-profit jazz heritage organization. I retired a bit early due mainly to migraines, but now write apps for smart phones and tablet computers part-time. I am an artist, write poetry and other stuff occasionally, and still do photography. I think I can say that I have lived a very full and adventurous life. Looking forward to seeing my high school class mates and hearing your stories!
Chuck Porter
I graduated from Baylor university, married Marilyn Dunmire and my draft status was 1A in June 1968. So I joined the Navy and was eventually transferred to Deland, Florida. Marilyn and I had 2 boys there and eventually moved to
Labelle, Fl. I was an Accountant and she was a Elementary teacher for 30 years. We later retired to Cumming Ga to be with our boys and grandchildren. Short sentences to cover two lifetimes. We loved and lived a life together and she was my soul mate. We were officially married for 44 years until she died in October, 2012. She had two bouts of Breast cancer - one when she was 51 and the other at 64. I could write volumes of the Love we had but I think the ones our age know. So after walking around in circles and with the help from Mary Nesbitt, Buddy and Barbara Hammann, I decided to seek a new woman to tell me what to do each day! I got on Christian Mingle. com and found Fay in Soddy Daisy, Tn - another widow too. We dated a short time and got married February, 2013. We now live
here in Soddy Daisy and would love to see old friends again. See ya'll at the reunion!
I graduated from Baylor university, married Marilyn Dunmire and my draft status was 1A in June 1968. So I joined the Navy and was eventually transferred to Deland, Florida. Marilyn and I had 2 boys there and eventually moved to
Labelle, Fl. I was an Accountant and she was a Elementary teacher for 30 years. We later retired to Cumming Ga to be with our boys and grandchildren. Short sentences to cover two lifetimes. We loved and lived a life together and she was my soul mate. We were officially married for 44 years until she died in October, 2012. She had two bouts of Breast cancer - one when she was 51 and the other at 64. I could write volumes of the Love we had but I think the ones our age know. So after walking around in circles and with the help from Mary Nesbitt, Buddy and Barbara Hammann, I decided to seek a new woman to tell me what to do each day! I got on Christian Mingle. com and found Fay in Soddy Daisy, Tn - another widow too. We dated a short time and got married February, 2013. We now live
here in Soddy Daisy and would love to see old friends again. See ya'll at the reunion!
Claire Porter (Sharp)
After high school, since Prince Charming had not appeared, went to Louisiana Tech to be a great artist. After awhile married, had children, did stupid stuff, then eventually went to LSU Law School, became a lawyer. Moved around. Have several last names. Did more stupid stuff. Came home to Shreveport in 1998 to look after aging parents. Stayed here. Love it. Hung out shingle on Youree Drive and have lunch with Pat Thatcher and Pam Rainwater Kenyon once a month. That’s my favorite day each month. Have a special person in my life and Life is good. Still paint as a hobby.
After high school, since Prince Charming had not appeared, went to Louisiana Tech to be a great artist. After awhile married, had children, did stupid stuff, then eventually went to LSU Law School, became a lawyer. Moved around. Have several last names. Did more stupid stuff. Came home to Shreveport in 1998 to look after aging parents. Stayed here. Love it. Hung out shingle on Youree Drive and have lunch with Pat Thatcher and Pam Rainwater Kenyon once a month. That’s my favorite day each month. Have a special person in my life and Life is good. Still paint as a hobby.
Sherrie Powell (Werner)
Douglas Frank Werner
After high school, Doug and I both attended and graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1968. We married in June of that year and Doug began his engineering career. The following year "Uncle Sam" called and Doug went through OTS and was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the USAF. In February of 1972, while Doug was stationed at England AFB in Alexandria, Louisiana, and I was teaching 2nd grade, our son, Troy, was born. Three months later, Doug received an early release from the Air Force and we headed back to Ruston for him to pursue his Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering. After his graduation in May of 1973, we relocated several times, first with an oil company and then with an engineering/construction company until settling in Kingwood, Texas, in 1976. We have called Kingwood home for the last 38 years. Doug continued with his civil/environmental engineering careers, and later became a Sales Engineer until he semi-retired in 2012. I've worked as an elementary school teacher, teacher's aide, and substitute teacher in Humble ISD on and off through the years. In the midst of all the years we lived here, I took a Cosmetology course and became a stylist for a children's hair salon. Right now, I'm back to substitute teaching in the elementary schools, and will continue as long as I'm enjoying it. Our son, Troy, lives and works in Australia. He has blessed us with two precious grandchildren, Luke(7) and Cate(4). We have been fortunate to travel every year to the "Land Down Under" to see them. There is nothing more enjoyable than being Nana and Papa to them :-) Still not sure if we will make the Reunion even at this late date, but know you all will have a wonderful time. We've attended several through the years and always enjoyed ourselves. Thanks to everyone for your time and efforts in putting it all together!
LOVE THE JACKETS!!! BEST OF ALL!!!!
Douglas Frank Werner
After high school, Doug and I both attended and graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1968. We married in June of that year and Doug began his engineering career. The following year "Uncle Sam" called and Doug went through OTS and was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the USAF. In February of 1972, while Doug was stationed at England AFB in Alexandria, Louisiana, and I was teaching 2nd grade, our son, Troy, was born. Three months later, Doug received an early release from the Air Force and we headed back to Ruston for him to pursue his Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering. After his graduation in May of 1973, we relocated several times, first with an oil company and then with an engineering/construction company until settling in Kingwood, Texas, in 1976. We have called Kingwood home for the last 38 years. Doug continued with his civil/environmental engineering careers, and later became a Sales Engineer until he semi-retired in 2012. I've worked as an elementary school teacher, teacher's aide, and substitute teacher in Humble ISD on and off through the years. In the midst of all the years we lived here, I took a Cosmetology course and became a stylist for a children's hair salon. Right now, I'm back to substitute teaching in the elementary schools, and will continue as long as I'm enjoying it. Our son, Troy, lives and works in Australia. He has blessed us with two precious grandchildren, Luke(7) and Cate(4). We have been fortunate to travel every year to the "Land Down Under" to see them. There is nothing more enjoyable than being Nana and Papa to them :-) Still not sure if we will make the Reunion even at this late date, but know you all will have a wonderful time. We've attended several through the years and always enjoyed ourselves. Thanks to everyone for your time and efforts in putting it all together!
LOVE THE JACKETS!!! BEST OF ALL!!!!
Robin Rankin (Willis)
Wow! I have really enjoyed reading the bios ... so many interesting stories. And a big THANK YOU to the reunion committee, especially to Buddy & Barb for this great website and the fun email updates. They have been working their tails off for what, a year?
As for me, here is the deal, by major category of "stuff" ...
SMARTEST THING I EVER DID: marry Gary Willis, class of '63, the kindest, smartest, funniest man I've ever known. We've been married 47 years.
LUCKIEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME: having two wonderful sons, both now living in Austin, both UT grads (Hook 'Em Horns) and three special grandchildren. Granddaughter Alex AKA "The Princess" is in the Honors Program at LSU. (Geaux Tigers).
SECOND LUCKIEST: having a bunch of good friends, including a number of Byrd grads, church friends at St. Philip Presbyterian, and old college friends.
DUMBEST THING I EVER DID: ... um ... too many to list in this forum. Working too many weekends and long hours undoubtedly tops the list.
EDUCATION: B.A., Economics, OU (Boomer Soomer), Phi Beta Kappa, and J.D., University of Houston, where I had a Merit Scholarship for one year and a one semester tuition award for being outstanding ACLU volunteer.
CAREERS: (1) Wife and mother.
(2) Economic analyst in the oil and gas business, with my last job in that industry as Director of Planning and Economics for Huffington, Inc., an international oil company. Twice-yearly trips to Indonesia were the most fun part of that gig.
(3) Trial lawyer, including work at a large firm, in solo practice, and with a small firm. Commercial litigation only -- no blood, no crimes, no divorces! Now 90% retired. The most fun? Conducting voir dire.
FUN THINGS TO DO: travel (oh, Paris!), gardening, genealogy, volunteering for Kids Against Hunger and other church stuff, and hanging out with friends. We recently learned how to catch crappie, courtesy of Buddy and Barbara.
WHY WE'RE NOT AT THE REUNION: we are at the Air Force Academy Sept. 18-21. Gary is a graduate. We are here for the dedication of a plaque honoring the unit with which he flew while in Vietnam and about which he has written an award-winning book. He's giving a speech. Cue Tammy Wynette singing "Stand By Your Man". I confess that I wish I were on my way to Shreveport. Y'all have fun, and I WANT TO SEE PICTURES, PLEASE!!!
Wow! I have really enjoyed reading the bios ... so many interesting stories. And a big THANK YOU to the reunion committee, especially to Buddy & Barb for this great website and the fun email updates. They have been working their tails off for what, a year?
As for me, here is the deal, by major category of "stuff" ...
SMARTEST THING I EVER DID: marry Gary Willis, class of '63, the kindest, smartest, funniest man I've ever known. We've been married 47 years.
LUCKIEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME: having two wonderful sons, both now living in Austin, both UT grads (Hook 'Em Horns) and three special grandchildren. Granddaughter Alex AKA "The Princess" is in the Honors Program at LSU. (Geaux Tigers).
SECOND LUCKIEST: having a bunch of good friends, including a number of Byrd grads, church friends at St. Philip Presbyterian, and old college friends.
DUMBEST THING I EVER DID: ... um ... too many to list in this forum. Working too many weekends and long hours undoubtedly tops the list.
EDUCATION: B.A., Economics, OU (Boomer Soomer), Phi Beta Kappa, and J.D., University of Houston, where I had a Merit Scholarship for one year and a one semester tuition award for being outstanding ACLU volunteer.
CAREERS: (1) Wife and mother.
(2) Economic analyst in the oil and gas business, with my last job in that industry as Director of Planning and Economics for Huffington, Inc., an international oil company. Twice-yearly trips to Indonesia were the most fun part of that gig.
(3) Trial lawyer, including work at a large firm, in solo practice, and with a small firm. Commercial litigation only -- no blood, no crimes, no divorces! Now 90% retired. The most fun? Conducting voir dire.
FUN THINGS TO DO: travel (oh, Paris!), gardening, genealogy, volunteering for Kids Against Hunger and other church stuff, and hanging out with friends. We recently learned how to catch crappie, courtesy of Buddy and Barbara.
WHY WE'RE NOT AT THE REUNION: we are at the Air Force Academy Sept. 18-21. Gary is a graduate. We are here for the dedication of a plaque honoring the unit with which he flew while in Vietnam and about which he has written an award-winning book. He's giving a speech. Cue Tammy Wynette singing "Stand By Your Man". I confess that I wish I were on my way to Shreveport. Y'all have fun, and I WANT TO SEE PICTURES, PLEASE!!!
Pam Rainwater (Kenyon)
After graduation from Byrd I attended La. Tech and graduated in '68 with a B.S., M.R.S. and one baby. We took Jenny and moved to Alexandria where I had a brief teaching career and two more babies, Heath and Amy. In 1977 I returned to Shreveport as a single mom and began a 13 year career with the bank formerly known as First National Bank, Premier Bank, Bank One and now Chase Bank. After my years in banking I became the public's worst nightmare. I was a blonde Government employee. The state of Louisiana and I both survived and I gave away lots of money to our disabled citizens. I also had the opportunity to be a foster care case manager and to love on lots of babies and children. I haven't written a book but I do love to read them. My thumb isn't green but I still love to play in the dirt with flowers. I am going to talk to Barbara and Buddy about adopting me so I can learn to grow veggies. Our family always played cards when I was growing up and somewhere in my life's journey I learned to play bridge. I play duplicate bridge and have achieved the rank of Silver Life Master. My favorite partner in bridge is Randy, who I had the good sense to marry in 1998. He is from New Hampshire and is the best person I know. I have one granddaughter, Jinsy, who lives here in Shreveport. Her mom is my daughter Jenny and Mike Hardison (Byrd '65) is her Dad. She is 10 and she is beautiful, smart and talented but her best asset is her sweetness. I may not be able to attend all of the activities this week-end but do look forward to seeing the class of '64 graduates. We are the Jackets and we are the BEST of all.
After graduation from Byrd I attended La. Tech and graduated in '68 with a B.S., M.R.S. and one baby. We took Jenny and moved to Alexandria where I had a brief teaching career and two more babies, Heath and Amy. In 1977 I returned to Shreveport as a single mom and began a 13 year career with the bank formerly known as First National Bank, Premier Bank, Bank One and now Chase Bank. After my years in banking I became the public's worst nightmare. I was a blonde Government employee. The state of Louisiana and I both survived and I gave away lots of money to our disabled citizens. I also had the opportunity to be a foster care case manager and to love on lots of babies and children. I haven't written a book but I do love to read them. My thumb isn't green but I still love to play in the dirt with flowers. I am going to talk to Barbara and Buddy about adopting me so I can learn to grow veggies. Our family always played cards when I was growing up and somewhere in my life's journey I learned to play bridge. I play duplicate bridge and have achieved the rank of Silver Life Master. My favorite partner in bridge is Randy, who I had the good sense to marry in 1998. He is from New Hampshire and is the best person I know. I have one granddaughter, Jinsy, who lives here in Shreveport. Her mom is my daughter Jenny and Mike Hardison (Byrd '65) is her Dad. She is 10 and she is beautiful, smart and talented but her best asset is her sweetness. I may not be able to attend all of the activities this week-end but do look forward to seeing the class of '64 graduates. We are the Jackets and we are the BEST of all.
Lynda Reeves (Ludy)
I am beginning my 45th year of teaching. I taught 1st grade in Georgia, Virginia, and Michigan. I taught preservice teachers at Alma College including classes in London and Israel. I taught graduate classes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I taught English for elementary school children for a full school year in Kerala South India. I was a Visiting Professor at the University of North Carolina and the University of Haifa (Israel), a volunteer consultant for the Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking program in Kazakstan, and a participant in the Fulbright Memorial Program for Teachers in Japan. I am currently Charles A Dana Professor Emerita of Education at Alma College and Teacher of Second Grade at Detroit Country Day School.
After graduating from Byrd, I earned a bachelor's degree from Centenary College, and Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from The University of Texas at Austin before, at age 29, moving to Michigan. Bill Markham (Byrd '64) and I married in '68 , made plans for our future, changed said plans180 degrees due to Vietnam, moved to the east coast with Bill's Navy orders, returned to Texas for graduate school compliments of the GI Bill, accepted college teaching positions, but eventually parted ways with no children. Jim Ludy, a native of Alma MI, and I married in the Alma College Chapel on '95. He has a son who has a daughter, our grand daughter. We had a chance to meet our step great grandson in Washington state this summer. We are looking forward to meeting or reconnecting with high school friends at the reunion. Also, we"ll visit my mama, Chrystine Reeves (Byrd' '35), who still resides in Shreveport.
2019 Update
Retired after 47 years of teaching.
President, Troy MI Rotary Club 2019-2020
Member, Ikebana International Flower Club
Interest in reading, travel, neighborhood friends, tutoring, Facebook connections
I am beginning my 45th year of teaching. I taught 1st grade in Georgia, Virginia, and Michigan. I taught preservice teachers at Alma College including classes in London and Israel. I taught graduate classes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I taught English for elementary school children for a full school year in Kerala South India. I was a Visiting Professor at the University of North Carolina and the University of Haifa (Israel), a volunteer consultant for the Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking program in Kazakstan, and a participant in the Fulbright Memorial Program for Teachers in Japan. I am currently Charles A Dana Professor Emerita of Education at Alma College and Teacher of Second Grade at Detroit Country Day School.
After graduating from Byrd, I earned a bachelor's degree from Centenary College, and Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from The University of Texas at Austin before, at age 29, moving to Michigan. Bill Markham (Byrd '64) and I married in '68 , made plans for our future, changed said plans180 degrees due to Vietnam, moved to the east coast with Bill's Navy orders, returned to Texas for graduate school compliments of the GI Bill, accepted college teaching positions, but eventually parted ways with no children. Jim Ludy, a native of Alma MI, and I married in the Alma College Chapel on '95. He has a son who has a daughter, our grand daughter. We had a chance to meet our step great grandson in Washington state this summer. We are looking forward to meeting or reconnecting with high school friends at the reunion. Also, we"ll visit my mama, Chrystine Reeves (Byrd' '35), who still resides in Shreveport.
2019 Update
Retired after 47 years of teaching.
President, Troy MI Rotary Club 2019-2020
Member, Ikebana International Flower Club
Interest in reading, travel, neighborhood friends, tutoring, Facebook connections
Margaret Richardson (Bates)
Good grief! Forty-five years away from Shreveport and so many names and events I have not thought about since that time. It makes my brain hurt. I had a half-hearted college stint and then married Bob Landry in 1965. Divorced in 1968 and married John Nevin. I was very involved in the Vietnam POW/MIA movement for 7 years and formed a non-profit called Homecoming II Project. I spent a great deal of time in Washington DC and established my criminal record there with demonstration arrests. My mug shot was on the US Park Police Christmas tree and I know my FBI case number. Divorced in 1991 and in 1996 on my 50th birthday, married Michael Bates. I have lived in the Kansas City area since 1968. I had three children - Rob, Lori, and Jay Nevin. We moved to Lee's Summit in 2012 to help Lori, who died of breast cancer in 2013. We have 4 grandsons age 5 and under. I have published an area telephone directory for 23 years. Michael is a Vietnam vet and works for our business... which makes me his boss
Good grief! Forty-five years away from Shreveport and so many names and events I have not thought about since that time. It makes my brain hurt. I had a half-hearted college stint and then married Bob Landry in 1965. Divorced in 1968 and married John Nevin. I was very involved in the Vietnam POW/MIA movement for 7 years and formed a non-profit called Homecoming II Project. I spent a great deal of time in Washington DC and established my criminal record there with demonstration arrests. My mug shot was on the US Park Police Christmas tree and I know my FBI case number. Divorced in 1991 and in 1996 on my 50th birthday, married Michael Bates. I have lived in the Kansas City area since 1968. I had three children - Rob, Lori, and Jay Nevin. We moved to Lee's Summit in 2012 to help Lori, who died of breast cancer in 2013. We have 4 grandsons age 5 and under. I have published an area telephone directory for 23 years. Michael is a Vietnam vet and works for our business... which makes me his boss
Ray Roush
La Tech, 8/1964-3/1970 - graduated zero cum laude in petroleum engineering (at least I graduated!), took a job in Oklahoma City with Sun Oil Company. Bad times back then in the oil and gas industry, so I enrolled at the Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1973, went to class in the evening while working full-time, graduated in July 1976, upper 1/3 of my class. Few jobs back then in the OkC area for recent law grads, so I stayed in the oil and gas business until 1980, then made the switch to full-time practice of law. This is also when I met and married my wife of 34 years, Kelli, who unfortunately is not a Byrd grad but who thinks if she'd had the opportunity to attend Byrd she would be a great grad. Anyway, in 1988 our family moved to Covington, Louisiana, where we lived until 1997 while I worked as an in-house attorney for Graham Resources. When Graham closed its doors in 1997 we moved back to OkC where I worked almost 10 years as a senior attorney for Chesapeake Energy. I left CHK in June 2006 to start up a small oil and gas company with a geologist friend of mine (who is coincidentally from Vivian, and graduated from North Caddo in '64). He and I are still looking for "the big one." Kelli and I raised three children, two sons and a daughter, and we now have two wonderful grandchildren who live maybe 15 minutes from our home in Edmond, Oklahoma. Somewhere along the way Kelli became a certified yoga instructor (after a 500 hour teacher training program in Costa Rica) and I managed to even write a book, All the Angels and Saints, which actually sold almost 20 copies in one night at a book-signing party at Ronnie Parnell's house in 2002, mostly due to some "encouragement" from Laird Evans, who still holds some sway in the area. I hope this will do as a bio, because it is all I can think of right now, without starting to make stuff up.
La Tech, 8/1964-3/1970 - graduated zero cum laude in petroleum engineering (at least I graduated!), took a job in Oklahoma City with Sun Oil Company. Bad times back then in the oil and gas industry, so I enrolled at the Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1973, went to class in the evening while working full-time, graduated in July 1976, upper 1/3 of my class. Few jobs back then in the OkC area for recent law grads, so I stayed in the oil and gas business until 1980, then made the switch to full-time practice of law. This is also when I met and married my wife of 34 years, Kelli, who unfortunately is not a Byrd grad but who thinks if she'd had the opportunity to attend Byrd she would be a great grad. Anyway, in 1988 our family moved to Covington, Louisiana, where we lived until 1997 while I worked as an in-house attorney for Graham Resources. When Graham closed its doors in 1997 we moved back to OkC where I worked almost 10 years as a senior attorney for Chesapeake Energy. I left CHK in June 2006 to start up a small oil and gas company with a geologist friend of mine (who is coincidentally from Vivian, and graduated from North Caddo in '64). He and I are still looking for "the big one." Kelli and I raised three children, two sons and a daughter, and we now have two wonderful grandchildren who live maybe 15 minutes from our home in Edmond, Oklahoma. Somewhere along the way Kelli became a certified yoga instructor (after a 500 hour teacher training program in Costa Rica) and I managed to even write a book, All the Angels and Saints, which actually sold almost 20 copies in one night at a book-signing party at Ronnie Parnell's house in 2002, mostly due to some "encouragement" from Laird Evans, who still holds some sway in the area. I hope this will do as a bio, because it is all I can think of right now, without starting to make stuff up.
Sharon Rowe (Baker)
We are so looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion. Thanks so much to the committee for doing such a wonderful job in putting this all together. After graduation I attended LA Tech for a year. In September of 1965 I married Bill Baker (class of 62), he graduated from Tech in 1967 and entered the USAF in Feb 1968. I was lucky enough to be a stay at home mom and loved packing up and moving every few years. We moved to Lubbock, Texas for a year of pilot training. Our 1st daughter Kelly was born there in May 1968. In April of 1969 we moved to Luke AFB, Arizona, and after 6 months there for F-100 training we moved back to Shreveport where our son Todd was born in Oct 1969. Bill left for Vietnam a month later. He returned in Sept of 1970 and we moved to Alexandria, LA, where we spent the next year. We then moved to Mountain Home, ID, where our 2nd daughter Shannon was born in 1975. In 1976 we were stationed with the Australian Air Force (RAAF) in Ipswich, Australia for 2 years. We loved every minute of this tour and stay in touch with our many Australian friends. In 1978 we moved to Hampton, Va where we spent the next 3 years. In preparation for heading back to Australia as the Assistant Air Attache at the American Embassy, we moved to Monterey, CA, to attend the Navy Postgraduate School. We spent a year and a half there enjoying the fine California wine and restaurants. We then went to the DC area for 6 months training at the Defense Intelligence College. In June of 83 we returned to Australia again. We spent the next 4 and a half years at the our Embassy in Canberra, Australia. As our children were getting much more on their own, I decided to accept a job in the Embassy for our last 2 years. Our oldest daughter Kelly got married there and still lives in Canberra with her family, 2 children, 2 grand children and our only two great grand children. On our return to the States, Bill retired from the USAF and began a second career as a pilot for Northwest Airlines. We moved to Texas where I got into stained glass and loved it so much I bought into a shop teaching stained glass and making windows for commercial sale. My partner and I sold the shop in 1995, We continued living there until 1999 when we made the move to HI where we spent the next 14 years. We love cruising and have been all around the world. We also love being able to hop in the car and travel around seeing new places and old friends. We are now settled into life in Hot Springs Village, AR, where we are loving life. Conveniently for our family, we are about half way between Savanna, GA and Albuquerque, NM. Our son Todd moved to Savanna after retiring from the USMC as a LT. Col and is now working for Gulfstream Aerospace. Todd has 2 boys ages 15 and 12. Our youngest daughter lives in Albuquerque, NM where she is stationed at the USAF Safety Center. Shannon is a Major in the USAF. She has 3 boys -- a 4 year old and twins who just turned one.
We are so looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion. Thanks so much to the committee for doing such a wonderful job in putting this all together. After graduation I attended LA Tech for a year. In September of 1965 I married Bill Baker (class of 62), he graduated from Tech in 1967 and entered the USAF in Feb 1968. I was lucky enough to be a stay at home mom and loved packing up and moving every few years. We moved to Lubbock, Texas for a year of pilot training. Our 1st daughter Kelly was born there in May 1968. In April of 1969 we moved to Luke AFB, Arizona, and after 6 months there for F-100 training we moved back to Shreveport where our son Todd was born in Oct 1969. Bill left for Vietnam a month later. He returned in Sept of 1970 and we moved to Alexandria, LA, where we spent the next year. We then moved to Mountain Home, ID, where our 2nd daughter Shannon was born in 1975. In 1976 we were stationed with the Australian Air Force (RAAF) in Ipswich, Australia for 2 years. We loved every minute of this tour and stay in touch with our many Australian friends. In 1978 we moved to Hampton, Va where we spent the next 3 years. In preparation for heading back to Australia as the Assistant Air Attache at the American Embassy, we moved to Monterey, CA, to attend the Navy Postgraduate School. We spent a year and a half there enjoying the fine California wine and restaurants. We then went to the DC area for 6 months training at the Defense Intelligence College. In June of 83 we returned to Australia again. We spent the next 4 and a half years at the our Embassy in Canberra, Australia. As our children were getting much more on their own, I decided to accept a job in the Embassy for our last 2 years. Our oldest daughter Kelly got married there and still lives in Canberra with her family, 2 children, 2 grand children and our only two great grand children. On our return to the States, Bill retired from the USAF and began a second career as a pilot for Northwest Airlines. We moved to Texas where I got into stained glass and loved it so much I bought into a shop teaching stained glass and making windows for commercial sale. My partner and I sold the shop in 1995, We continued living there until 1999 when we made the move to HI where we spent the next 14 years. We love cruising and have been all around the world. We also love being able to hop in the car and travel around seeing new places and old friends. We are now settled into life in Hot Springs Village, AR, where we are loving life. Conveniently for our family, we are about half way between Savanna, GA and Albuquerque, NM. Our son Todd moved to Savanna after retiring from the USMC as a LT. Col and is now working for Gulfstream Aerospace. Todd has 2 boys ages 15 and 12. Our youngest daughter lives in Albuquerque, NM where she is stationed at the USAF Safety Center. Shannon is a Major in the USAF. She has 3 boys -- a 4 year old and twins who just turned one.
Mary Margaret Scott (Schulze)
After graduating from LSU I joined a group of Byrd graduates and headed to Houston. As it turned out, the others ended up somewhere else. I still live in Houston these many years later. My husband Russ and I married in 1972. Catherine was born in 1976; Russell came along in 1979. Catherine and her husband Dan live in Stratford, CT. And have two boys. Russell lives in Houston and has two dogs. Russ and I are both "retired" and enjoying football games (University of Houston and LSU), traveling to see grandchildren and the many opportunities that come along living in the big city. I am looking forward to seeing everyone and appreciate the work of this outstanding committee.
After graduating from LSU I joined a group of Byrd graduates and headed to Houston. As it turned out, the others ended up somewhere else. I still live in Houston these many years later. My husband Russ and I married in 1972. Catherine was born in 1976; Russell came along in 1979. Catherine and her husband Dan live in Stratford, CT. And have two boys. Russell lives in Houston and has two dogs. Russ and I are both "retired" and enjoying football games (University of Houston and LSU), traveling to see grandchildren and the many opportunities that come along living in the big city. I am looking forward to seeing everyone and appreciate the work of this outstanding committee.
Randy Shipp
After graduation, I attended NSU in Natchitoches for two years, broke up with GF, transferred to LSU Baton Rouge. I took the LSAT and was all ready to start law school until my draft board told me that there was not as much need for lawyers in Viet Nam as there was for infantry. Enjoying a daily hot shower as I do, I joined the Navy. I spent four often interesting years in the Navy. It is with no small amount of pride that, during my tour, not a single Soviet submarine made it north of Natchez and not a single photograph of J. Edgar Hoover in a prom dress was leaked to the press, all the while making the brothels of San Juan safe for democracy.
I returned to Baton Rouge, law school at LSU, and here I remain. The practice of law, dependent as it is on the unscrupulous nature of humans, provides a reliable income and more than a few laughs. I have been married twice, one acute, (a starter marriage), and one chronic. I have two daughters, five grands, two greats and someone needs a vasectomy and it's not me. Byrd was a magic place, the quality education, the parties, (rockin' with Bo until 6:00 AM, were our parents crazy ?!), but more than anything you wonderful people. It has stayed with me, vivid and rich, truly a moveable feast.
After graduation, I attended NSU in Natchitoches for two years, broke up with GF, transferred to LSU Baton Rouge. I took the LSAT and was all ready to start law school until my draft board told me that there was not as much need for lawyers in Viet Nam as there was for infantry. Enjoying a daily hot shower as I do, I joined the Navy. I spent four often interesting years in the Navy. It is with no small amount of pride that, during my tour, not a single Soviet submarine made it north of Natchez and not a single photograph of J. Edgar Hoover in a prom dress was leaked to the press, all the while making the brothels of San Juan safe for democracy.
I returned to Baton Rouge, law school at LSU, and here I remain. The practice of law, dependent as it is on the unscrupulous nature of humans, provides a reliable income and more than a few laughs. I have been married twice, one acute, (a starter marriage), and one chronic. I have two daughters, five grands, two greats and someone needs a vasectomy and it's not me. Byrd was a magic place, the quality education, the parties, (rockin' with Bo until 6:00 AM, were our parents crazy ?!), but more than anything you wonderful people. It has stayed with me, vivid and rich, truly a moveable feast.
Albert “Al” Simms, Jr.
While at Byrd, I decided an Army career was for me, so I joined the Army Reserve. Three days after graduating I was at Fort Polk in Basic Training…two days later, I decided that an Army career was not for me! While on active duty the Army taught me just enough about X-ray to take x-rays for them, but not enough to get a real job. So when I got out and began attending Northwestern, I got a job driving ambulances for a funeral home. Northwestern was short lived, and I returned to Shreveport, continuing to work in funeral homes. In 1966, I attended Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science-Gupton Jones, where I graduated in 1968. While in Dallas, I met the love of my life, Lyn. She was a nursing student at Baylor University-Nursing Program. We were married in 1968 and returned to Louisiana where I completed my apprenticeship as an embalmer/funeral director. Law enforcement had always been a love of mine, so in December, 1968, I left funeral homes and began my law enforcement career…first in Alexandria and after a few months, back in Shreveport. I retired from Shreveport Police at the rank of Captain in 1996. While on the police department, I had the honor and privilege of serving my country as part of the US Coast Guard Reserve for seven years. During my last few years on the department and after retirement, I served as State Coordinator for the Christian Motorcyclists Association; licensed as a Minister of the Gospel and traveling throughout the state and the country sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. In 2003, I returned to the funeral industry, managing a couple of local funeral homes. I retired from the funeral industry in 2013, but can’t get law enforcement out of my blood. I am currently working as a Deputy Sheriff with the Caddo Sheriff’s Office in the Transitional Work Program.
Lyn & I raised two girls, who both still live in the area, and one grandson who is also a 2012 Byrd graduate.
While at Byrd, I decided an Army career was for me, so I joined the Army Reserve. Three days after graduating I was at Fort Polk in Basic Training…two days later, I decided that an Army career was not for me! While on active duty the Army taught me just enough about X-ray to take x-rays for them, but not enough to get a real job. So when I got out and began attending Northwestern, I got a job driving ambulances for a funeral home. Northwestern was short lived, and I returned to Shreveport, continuing to work in funeral homes. In 1966, I attended Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science-Gupton Jones, where I graduated in 1968. While in Dallas, I met the love of my life, Lyn. She was a nursing student at Baylor University-Nursing Program. We were married in 1968 and returned to Louisiana where I completed my apprenticeship as an embalmer/funeral director. Law enforcement had always been a love of mine, so in December, 1968, I left funeral homes and began my law enforcement career…first in Alexandria and after a few months, back in Shreveport. I retired from Shreveport Police at the rank of Captain in 1996. While on the police department, I had the honor and privilege of serving my country as part of the US Coast Guard Reserve for seven years. During my last few years on the department and after retirement, I served as State Coordinator for the Christian Motorcyclists Association; licensed as a Minister of the Gospel and traveling throughout the state and the country sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. In 2003, I returned to the funeral industry, managing a couple of local funeral homes. I retired from the funeral industry in 2013, but can’t get law enforcement out of my blood. I am currently working as a Deputy Sheriff with the Caddo Sheriff’s Office in the Transitional Work Program.
Lyn & I raised two girls, who both still live in the area, and one grandson who is also a 2012 Byrd graduate.
SuEllen Smith (Bond)
After high school I married Jack Bond, brother of our classmate Margaret Bond Rutledge. We had three children - Jack,Jr., Jason and Jennifer. We have six grandchildren which I am glad all live in Shreveport.
We lived in Baton Rouge while Jack finished school at LSU. We later moved to Alexandria for five years and then moved back to Shreveport where we raised our children. Jack was a home builder in Shreveport-Bossier for many years. Jack loved ball and sports, so we enjoyed all of that with our children. I enjoyed gardening and painting for years and worked framing antique art.
I was married to Jack for 43 years. God has been my comfort through his loss. I am thankful He is in charge of everything concerning me and my family.
I am looking forward to the reunion.
After high school I married Jack Bond, brother of our classmate Margaret Bond Rutledge. We had three children - Jack,Jr., Jason and Jennifer. We have six grandchildren which I am glad all live in Shreveport.
We lived in Baton Rouge while Jack finished school at LSU. We later moved to Alexandria for five years and then moved back to Shreveport where we raised our children. Jack was a home builder in Shreveport-Bossier for many years. Jack loved ball and sports, so we enjoyed all of that with our children. I enjoyed gardening and painting for years and worked framing antique art.
I was married to Jack for 43 years. God has been my comfort through his loss. I am thankful He is in charge of everything concerning me and my family.
I am looking forward to the reunion.
Terry Smith
Basketball & Baseball @ LSU. Economics degree from LSU followed by MBA from Loyola University in New Orleans. Joined Brokerage firm of Howard Weil Labouisse Friedrichs in 1970. Founding partner in Southcoast Capital as Institutional Brokerage firm based in NO.Hibernia Bank bought Southcoast Capital in 2000 & Capital One bought Hibernia in 2005. Retired in 2009 from Capital One Southcoast as Managing Director & Senior VP of Capital One. Re-marred in 2004 to Jane Spell Smith. Jane has two daughters that graduated from Ole Miss. My Son John Henry Smith has four children Plus one due in August. John Henry is IRS Special Agent with the Law Enforcement Division in Nashville. Replaced body parts allows me to play golf & hunt.
Basketball & Baseball @ LSU. Economics degree from LSU followed by MBA from Loyola University in New Orleans. Joined Brokerage firm of Howard Weil Labouisse Friedrichs in 1970. Founding partner in Southcoast Capital as Institutional Brokerage firm based in NO.Hibernia Bank bought Southcoast Capital in 2000 & Capital One bought Hibernia in 2005. Retired in 2009 from Capital One Southcoast as Managing Director & Senior VP of Capital One. Re-marred in 2004 to Jane Spell Smith. Jane has two daughters that graduated from Ole Miss. My Son John Henry Smith has four children Plus one due in August. John Henry is IRS Special Agent with the Law Enforcement Division in Nashville. Replaced body parts allows me to play golf & hunt.
Jan Stokes
My Life in a paragraph or two
My years at Byrd were followed by 4years at Baylor with several of my Byrd classmates. There I majored in Spanish and English, with a minor in secondary ed. The Spring of my senior year, I met my husband, Pete Menefee, on a blind date. He had one more year of law school when we married in August, 1968. After law school we moved to Tyler, where Pete was an ass't D.A. and also where our 2 sons were born. Four years later, we moved 30 miles south to Jacksonville, when Pete was offered to go into private practice. After the tragic death of our younger son in 1983, I went back to school and received my Master's degree in Special Ed. Even though working with learning disabled kids was quite rewarding, I was asked to teach Spanish at the high school. Most of my teaching career was doing just that. I was fortunate to travel to Spain on several occasions with my top students. I am retired now, and Pete and I still travel around the world, most of the time with my brother Ron (Byrd class of '61) and his wife. I also stay active as a CASA (court appointed special advocate) volunteer.
My Life in a paragraph or two
My years at Byrd were followed by 4years at Baylor with several of my Byrd classmates. There I majored in Spanish and English, with a minor in secondary ed. The Spring of my senior year, I met my husband, Pete Menefee, on a blind date. He had one more year of law school when we married in August, 1968. After law school we moved to Tyler, where Pete was an ass't D.A. and also where our 2 sons were born. Four years later, we moved 30 miles south to Jacksonville, when Pete was offered to go into private practice. After the tragic death of our younger son in 1983, I went back to school and received my Master's degree in Special Ed. Even though working with learning disabled kids was quite rewarding, I was asked to teach Spanish at the high school. Most of my teaching career was doing just that. I was fortunate to travel to Spain on several occasions with my top students. I am retired now, and Pete and I still travel around the world, most of the time with my brother Ron (Byrd class of '61) and his wife. I also stay active as a CASA (court appointed special advocate) volunteer.
Dottie Stone (Maziarz)
I first want to thank Buddy and friends for working on this reunion I am “local” so can help if you need extra help as the date approaches. How to put 50 years in a small space? I loved Byrd and High School…all of my school years. After graduation I entered the nursing curriculum at Northwestern State with a couple of classmates who were good to see, but also met many new and still good friends. I met my husband who is from Buffalo, NY (N. Tonawanda) when he was stationed at Barksdale. After his Southeast Asia tour we married in 1968. He completed his business degree at LA Tech as we began our family of 3: 2 boys
and a girl. I have always worked but had a varied and interesting career in nursing. I got a masters degree in Nursing from Texas Women’s and taught nursing at NSU for 20 years. In addition I have a consulting practice where I manage the medical programs of Special Needs Adults. I went to Emory and became certified in wound and ostomy management. My work in that specialty provided the most rewarding experiences I have had with patients. I would have followed Jim back to Buffalo, but he wanted to stay in the South so we have stayed in Shreveport, surrounded by my parents and 3 of my siblings. It was a great place to raise our children. We spent 9 years becoming big fans of LSU BR while putting them through school. They did not end up in LA but went on to get masters degrees out of state. They are doing very well and we are very proud of them. Our now retired time is spent going up and down I-20 to visit the children, their spouses, and the 7 grandchildren. One son is in McKinney, TX, a son is in Birmingham, AL, and our daughter lives south of Atlanta in Sharpsburg. Like yours our grandkids are all good looking and very bright. We attend as many of their events as possible. And I now love Sundays because we get to stay home on Monday mornings and do not need an alarm. Life is good. I cannot believe it is going by so fast. Look forward to seeing old friends in September.
I first want to thank Buddy and friends for working on this reunion I am “local” so can help if you need extra help as the date approaches. How to put 50 years in a small space? I loved Byrd and High School…all of my school years. After graduation I entered the nursing curriculum at Northwestern State with a couple of classmates who were good to see, but also met many new and still good friends. I met my husband who is from Buffalo, NY (N. Tonawanda) when he was stationed at Barksdale. After his Southeast Asia tour we married in 1968. He completed his business degree at LA Tech as we began our family of 3: 2 boys
and a girl. I have always worked but had a varied and interesting career in nursing. I got a masters degree in Nursing from Texas Women’s and taught nursing at NSU for 20 years. In addition I have a consulting practice where I manage the medical programs of Special Needs Adults. I went to Emory and became certified in wound and ostomy management. My work in that specialty provided the most rewarding experiences I have had with patients. I would have followed Jim back to Buffalo, but he wanted to stay in the South so we have stayed in Shreveport, surrounded by my parents and 3 of my siblings. It was a great place to raise our children. We spent 9 years becoming big fans of LSU BR while putting them through school. They did not end up in LA but went on to get masters degrees out of state. They are doing very well and we are very proud of them. Our now retired time is spent going up and down I-20 to visit the children, their spouses, and the 7 grandchildren. One son is in McKinney, TX, a son is in Birmingham, AL, and our daughter lives south of Atlanta in Sharpsburg. Like yours our grandkids are all good looking and very bright. We attend as many of their events as possible. And I now love Sundays because we get to stay home on Monday mornings and do not need an alarm. Life is good. I cannot believe it is going by so fast. Look forward to seeing old friends in September.
Corky (Carson) Strong
I stopped going by "Corky" after graduating from college, but my college and high school friends still call me "Corky". After Byrd I went to MIT in the Boston area and obtained a degree in engineering. Then I spent four years in the Air Force working as an engineer. The Vietnam war started me thinking about what is the right thing to do and, for whatever reason, I turned to philosophy for answers. I ended up going to Penn in Philadelphia, where I obtained a Ph.D in philosophy. I studied mostly ethics and after graduating obtained a job teaching bioethics at the University of Tennessee college of medicine. I was a professor of bioethics there until retiring about a year and a half ago. At Penn I met Peggy, my wife-to-be and eventually mother of our two daughters. Peggy now is a professor of nursing at a health science college in Memphis, where we live. Our older daughter Ardis teaches art at a charter school in Brooklyn and is going to law school part time at Brooklyn Law School. Our younger daughter Tara is married and had a baby in March (our first grandchild!). She works as a paralegal for a small law firm in New Orleans. So, Peggy and I have two great places to go to when we visit our daughters. We plan to come to the reunion--Carson "Corky" Strong and Peggy Strong.
I stopped going by "Corky" after graduating from college, but my college and high school friends still call me "Corky". After Byrd I went to MIT in the Boston area and obtained a degree in engineering. Then I spent four years in the Air Force working as an engineer. The Vietnam war started me thinking about what is the right thing to do and, for whatever reason, I turned to philosophy for answers. I ended up going to Penn in Philadelphia, where I obtained a Ph.D in philosophy. I studied mostly ethics and after graduating obtained a job teaching bioethics at the University of Tennessee college of medicine. I was a professor of bioethics there until retiring about a year and a half ago. At Penn I met Peggy, my wife-to-be and eventually mother of our two daughters. Peggy now is a professor of nursing at a health science college in Memphis, where we live. Our older daughter Ardis teaches art at a charter school in Brooklyn and is going to law school part time at Brooklyn Law School. Our younger daughter Tara is married and had a baby in March (our first grandchild!). She works as a paralegal for a small law firm in New Orleans. So, Peggy and I have two great places to go to when we visit our daughters. We plan to come to the reunion--Carson "Corky" Strong and Peggy Strong.
Phillip (Van) Swearingen
Byrd to Centenary then La. Tech. No, I didn't know Phil Robertson, but saw him play ball. Married. Went to LSU Med School in NO. Back to Shreveport to do internship and residency. Private practice in Shreveport '76 to 82. Divorced, remarried and went back to do fellowship in Gastroenterology at UMiss. Moved to Morgantown, WV in 1984. Retired two years ago. Now, painting, writing and enjoying my grandchildren. Have an open door to any friends who come through!!
Byrd to Centenary then La. Tech. No, I didn't know Phil Robertson, but saw him play ball. Married. Went to LSU Med School in NO. Back to Shreveport to do internship and residency. Private practice in Shreveport '76 to 82. Divorced, remarried and went back to do fellowship in Gastroenterology at UMiss. Moved to Morgantown, WV in 1984. Retired two years ago. Now, painting, writing and enjoying my grandchildren. Have an open door to any friends who come through!!
Susan Tatum (Pierce)
I graduated from Northwestern State University, College of Nursing in 1968 and the same year married my husband, Joe Pierce--a Bossier H.S. & LaTech grad--we settled the rivalry by both becoming LSU fans after paying years of tuition there for offspring! We have 3 sons who also graduated from Byrd and a daughter who attended Caddo Magnet HS--she's technically a dropout, I suppose, because she quit and went to college after her junior year, then on to law school. Only one son lives here--the rest are scattered from Dallas to Birmingham to New York City (the girl again!). There were 9 grandchildren at last count.
Joe made his career here in Shreveport, retiring as a VP for the regional gas utility company and then ran the United Way another 10 years, before golf won out over salaried pastimes...so, we have remained in Shreveport always. I practiced as a pediatric nurse, returned to school to earn a masters, then again a doctorate and spent the last 20 years as a professor of nursing at my alma mater, NSU, retiring in 2012. Since "retirement," I still find myself involved-- I am authoring a nursing informatics textbook and serving as a legal nurse consultant. At least, I can do those on my own schedule!
For fun....Joe and I travel--often and far. We have been fortunate to see North and South America, some of Europe, Asia and Africa. Most recently we traveled to Tahiti, Bora Bora and on to New Zealand. We enjoy viewing and collecting art on our travels and experiencing as much of local culture as we can. It is a goal to visit every continent. The world is pretty phenomenal! At home, I spend much of my time in my studio/workshop--I make paper and paint--and I dig in the yard--I truly love making things grow! I am looking forward to seeing old friends in September.
I graduated from Northwestern State University, College of Nursing in 1968 and the same year married my husband, Joe Pierce--a Bossier H.S. & LaTech grad--we settled the rivalry by both becoming LSU fans after paying years of tuition there for offspring! We have 3 sons who also graduated from Byrd and a daughter who attended Caddo Magnet HS--she's technically a dropout, I suppose, because she quit and went to college after her junior year, then on to law school. Only one son lives here--the rest are scattered from Dallas to Birmingham to New York City (the girl again!). There were 9 grandchildren at last count.
Joe made his career here in Shreveport, retiring as a VP for the regional gas utility company and then ran the United Way another 10 years, before golf won out over salaried pastimes...so, we have remained in Shreveport always. I practiced as a pediatric nurse, returned to school to earn a masters, then again a doctorate and spent the last 20 years as a professor of nursing at my alma mater, NSU, retiring in 2012. Since "retirement," I still find myself involved-- I am authoring a nursing informatics textbook and serving as a legal nurse consultant. At least, I can do those on my own schedule!
For fun....Joe and I travel--often and far. We have been fortunate to see North and South America, some of Europe, Asia and Africa. Most recently we traveled to Tahiti, Bora Bora and on to New Zealand. We enjoy viewing and collecting art on our travels and experiencing as much of local culture as we can. It is a goal to visit every continent. The world is pretty phenomenal! At home, I spend much of my time in my studio/workshop--I make paper and paint--and I dig in the yard--I truly love making things grow! I am looking forward to seeing old friends in September.
Trisha Tatum (Price)
College years at Baylor were very challenging but wonderful. That's where I met my husband, Dick Price. We married in 1969 and got to live in many interesting places during his career as an Air Force psychologist. My major was speech pathology and I worked as a speech therapist in California public schools. While in Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, our son was born and our daughter came along while Dick was studying at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. In addition to several southern states, we lived near Madrid, Spain, where we enjoyed the Spanish culture and tried our best to communicate using the little bit of Spanish we knew. Dick's last Air Force assignment was in Biloxi, Mississippi. From there we went to language school in Costa Rica, then were missionaries in Santiago, Chile for 11 years. It was an exciting adventure and an amazing privilege to share the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ and the joy of the Christian life.
Since 2010 we've lived in Shreveport, where my parents who are 93 and 90 also live. Dick now works as a psychologist part-time. We sing in the choir at Broadmoor Baptist Church and I work with 4th-6th grade children in the Bible Memory program. It's been great fun to re-connect with old friends and classmates after having been far away for so long. Every now and then we get to play with our three grandchildren, ages 6, 4, and 2, who are super-cute and live in San Antonio, Texas and Springfield, Illinois.
College years at Baylor were very challenging but wonderful. That's where I met my husband, Dick Price. We married in 1969 and got to live in many interesting places during his career as an Air Force psychologist. My major was speech pathology and I worked as a speech therapist in California public schools. While in Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, our son was born and our daughter came along while Dick was studying at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. In addition to several southern states, we lived near Madrid, Spain, where we enjoyed the Spanish culture and tried our best to communicate using the little bit of Spanish we knew. Dick's last Air Force assignment was in Biloxi, Mississippi. From there we went to language school in Costa Rica, then were missionaries in Santiago, Chile for 11 years. It was an exciting adventure and an amazing privilege to share the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ and the joy of the Christian life.
Since 2010 we've lived in Shreveport, where my parents who are 93 and 90 also live. Dick now works as a psychologist part-time. We sing in the choir at Broadmoor Baptist Church and I work with 4th-6th grade children in the Bible Memory program. It's been great fun to re-connect with old friends and classmates after having been far away for so long. Every now and then we get to play with our three grandchildren, ages 6, 4, and 2, who are super-cute and live in San Antonio, Texas and Springfield, Illinois.
Pat Thatcher (Kiper)
Life after Byrd: LSU, BS degree; married high school boyfriend in 1966. My family was killed by a drunk driver in 1969 and my life turned upside down for a while. Divorced, 1971. Became first female department head…. Community Affairs of the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. Traveled most of Europe for 3 months in 1972 in a VW camper (pseudo hippie) with stops in a few great hotels. Went back to Spain for a month the same year to stay with my best friend from college. Have also been fortunate enough to travel to Japan. Married Ran Kiper (class of '65) in 1976 and moved back to Shreveport where he was practicing Architecture and running the family business, Dee's Photo. Ran was also a scuba instructor and underwater photographer so we visited a lot of the Caribbean & other fun places. Lots of other travel in the USA. Ran was a pilot so we flew a lot. Joined the staff of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce as the first female department head…. Community Development Dept. in early '77. Hired away after 6 months to be the first Executive Director of the Strand Theatre Corporation (during fund raising and renovation time). Being there brought back so many memories of “the good old days”. Left the Strand 1 month before our first daughter was born, August, 1981. Had second daughter, June, 1984 (3 weeks before our 20th reunion). Third daughter born, Dec, 1985. I got a late start on the kiddos but I made up for lost time! Stayed home with the daughters until 1989 when I started a jewelry design and manufacturing business selling wholesale to stores all over USA and Europe. I closed that business when Ran was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1996. He lived 10 weeks after that and died in Sept. 1996. I again stayed home with my girls until they were in college. Following that, I started an estate sale company and have been doing that for about 15 years. This business has helped me renew friendships with so many of our classmates whose parents lived here. It’s hard work but I love helping the families, especially for people I know. I never thought I would end up back in Shreveport, but here I am 38 years later, still here and enjoying it. I am very fortunate that all 3 of my daughters live within a mile or so from me. I also have a 3 year old grandson who is, like all grandchildren, the best ever! Two of my daughters are land"men" for an oil & gas company, one with a degree from LSU in History and one with a Masters in Early Childhood Education from University of TN & Oglethorpe College in Atlanta. The middle daughter has a BFA in painting & drawing from the Savannah College of Art & Design and is an accomplished portrait artist & works with me in the estate sale business.
Thank you, Buddy, Barbara and all of the committees for your hard work on our 50th. See you there!
Life after Byrd: LSU, BS degree; married high school boyfriend in 1966. My family was killed by a drunk driver in 1969 and my life turned upside down for a while. Divorced, 1971. Became first female department head…. Community Affairs of the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. Traveled most of Europe for 3 months in 1972 in a VW camper (pseudo hippie) with stops in a few great hotels. Went back to Spain for a month the same year to stay with my best friend from college. Have also been fortunate enough to travel to Japan. Married Ran Kiper (class of '65) in 1976 and moved back to Shreveport where he was practicing Architecture and running the family business, Dee's Photo. Ran was also a scuba instructor and underwater photographer so we visited a lot of the Caribbean & other fun places. Lots of other travel in the USA. Ran was a pilot so we flew a lot. Joined the staff of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce as the first female department head…. Community Development Dept. in early '77. Hired away after 6 months to be the first Executive Director of the Strand Theatre Corporation (during fund raising and renovation time). Being there brought back so many memories of “the good old days”. Left the Strand 1 month before our first daughter was born, August, 1981. Had second daughter, June, 1984 (3 weeks before our 20th reunion). Third daughter born, Dec, 1985. I got a late start on the kiddos but I made up for lost time! Stayed home with the daughters until 1989 when I started a jewelry design and manufacturing business selling wholesale to stores all over USA and Europe. I closed that business when Ran was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1996. He lived 10 weeks after that and died in Sept. 1996. I again stayed home with my girls until they were in college. Following that, I started an estate sale company and have been doing that for about 15 years. This business has helped me renew friendships with so many of our classmates whose parents lived here. It’s hard work but I love helping the families, especially for people I know. I never thought I would end up back in Shreveport, but here I am 38 years later, still here and enjoying it. I am very fortunate that all 3 of my daughters live within a mile or so from me. I also have a 3 year old grandson who is, like all grandchildren, the best ever! Two of my daughters are land"men" for an oil & gas company, one with a degree from LSU in History and one with a Masters in Early Childhood Education from University of TN & Oglethorpe College in Atlanta. The middle daughter has a BFA in painting & drawing from the Savannah College of Art & Design and is an accomplished portrait artist & works with me in the estate sale business.
Thank you, Buddy, Barbara and all of the committees for your hard work on our 50th. See you there!
John Turner
I, like many others, went to La.Tech from Byrd and subsequently to Centenary, USL, & LSU-S. I have worked @ Western Elec., Pennzoil Co., Arkla , Shreveport City Eng'rs. Office, & taught computer drafting & math classes @ Southern Technical College.
In 1968 I met & married the beautiful Kay Cenac( Lafayette H.S.'64). We have one son (John IV) who is in his second year of Law school @ MS College in Jackson. Kay & I have (2) God children (Lily, 10 & Jaxson, 6). We love them like they were our own children. They are the grandchildren we did not have. Kay & I live in Broadmoor. She has the green thumb, she is the master gardener of the manor. I am a freelance custom home designer with no plans to retire. Buddy Hammann and all the steering committee have done a masterful job of organizing our 50 year reunion, THANKS.
I, like many others, went to La.Tech from Byrd and subsequently to Centenary, USL, & LSU-S. I have worked @ Western Elec., Pennzoil Co., Arkla , Shreveport City Eng'rs. Office, & taught computer drafting & math classes @ Southern Technical College.
In 1968 I met & married the beautiful Kay Cenac( Lafayette H.S.'64). We have one son (John IV) who is in his second year of Law school @ MS College in Jackson. Kay & I have (2) God children (Lily, 10 & Jaxson, 6). We love them like they were our own children. They are the grandchildren we did not have. Kay & I live in Broadmoor. She has the green thumb, she is the master gardener of the manor. I am a freelance custom home designer with no plans to retire. Buddy Hammann and all the steering committee have done a masterful job of organizing our 50 year reunion, THANKS.
Arnie Vedlitz
I received my BA and MA degrees from LSU in Government and went on to get a Ph.D. in Political Science at the University of Houston. I started to work as a professor at Texas A&M University in 1973 and have stayed there for most of my career, except for a short stint working in the Carter Administration. I have held many faculty and administrative positions at Texas A&M and currently serve as the Executive Associate Dean of the Bush School, Director of the Institute for Science, Technology and public policy and the Bob Bullock Chair in Government and Public Policy. I have a daughter, Katy, who is married and living in Austin and working for a Texas State Agency. I had a blues and rock and roll band for 25 years and still play some piano, organ and guitar. Other hobbies include motorcycle riding and tournament poker.
I received my BA and MA degrees from LSU in Government and went on to get a Ph.D. in Political Science at the University of Houston. I started to work as a professor at Texas A&M University in 1973 and have stayed there for most of my career, except for a short stint working in the Carter Administration. I have held many faculty and administrative positions at Texas A&M and currently serve as the Executive Associate Dean of the Bush School, Director of the Institute for Science, Technology and public policy and the Bob Bullock Chair in Government and Public Policy. I have a daughter, Katy, who is married and living in Austin and working for a Texas State Agency. I had a blues and rock and roll band for 25 years and still play some piano, organ and guitar. Other hobbies include motorcycle riding and tournament poker.
Ellen Victory (Bell)
Joe Bell (also Byrd HS '64) and I have been married since 1970. We have two wonderful children and three grandchildren. After over 3 decades of working in education I retired in 2009 to part-time work coaching school and business leaders. Joe worked 30 years in technology after teaching school for seven years. He now works with food insecurity for people who do not have a stable, affordable food source.
We happily live in Austin, TX after a few stints in other Texas cities for work. My twin sister, Frances Victory Schenkkan, and her husband Pete live here also. We have been fortunate that their three sons and our son and daughter grew up together.
We come to Shreveport every year or so to see my two sisters and brother. Joe and I enjoy travelling to France every year, where our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren live, and hanging out with our son and his girlfriend in Austin. We have been fortunate to travel many places in the world and hope to keep doing so many years.”
We look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.
Joe Bell (also Byrd HS '64) and I have been married since 1970. We have two wonderful children and three grandchildren. After over 3 decades of working in education I retired in 2009 to part-time work coaching school and business leaders. Joe worked 30 years in technology after teaching school for seven years. He now works with food insecurity for people who do not have a stable, affordable food source.
We happily live in Austin, TX after a few stints in other Texas cities for work. My twin sister, Frances Victory Schenkkan, and her husband Pete live here also. We have been fortunate that their three sons and our son and daughter grew up together.
We come to Shreveport every year or so to see my two sisters and brother. Joe and I enjoy travelling to France every year, where our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren live, and hanging out with our son and his girlfriend in Austin. We have been fortunate to travel many places in the world and hope to keep doing so many years.”
We look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.
Donna
Welbourne (Robertson)
As Dianne Zimmerman Chandler has already posted, I met My BFF in the whole world the first day at Byrd in Mrs. Yearwood's Study Hall!! The most valuable thing I got out of any study hall at Byrd!! Unless you count the Study Hall our Senior year, when Melanie Magner (Cathey) and I discovered The Beatles... in a Life Magazine!! Over the years, I have said I had a "Social Membership" to Byrd...having just moved to Shreveport right before our sophomore year, I had to make friends with the cute girls and get "snowed" over the "Tuff" boys!! Who had time to study??!! My "claim to fame" was the fact that my Mother had written Byrd's Alma Mater when she was a student at Byrd....and NO, it was NOT to the tune of Elvis's "Love Me Tender"....thank you Dianne and Barbara and Buddy for the clarification!! After graduation, I headed to Louisiana Tech, and
roomed with Dianne. My Byrd education stood me in good stead....Tech was like Byrd all over again...except easier!! I started out like every other girl in the Fall of 1964, majoring in Elementary Education. The first semester, two of my art major friends had to take French, but had never had it in their high schools. Luckily for all of us, I had taken 3 years of French at Byrd with Mademoiselle LeBlanc, so I offered to help them out. Sure enough, my French came back and I decided to take French 101 the next semester. The first day of class, Monsieur Richard asked how many in the class had had 1 year of French in high school...a few raised their hands. How many had had 2 years...a few more raised hands. Well, he never asked about 3 years, so I never raised my hand...All of a sudden, I was an A Student!! He caught on after a few weeks, but it was too late to kick me out of his class, so I changed my major to French!! I might not have been much of a
student, but I wasn't stupid!! Merci, Mlle. LeBlanc!! I loved Tech and had a great time, even making good grades, but True Love came along....I fell in love with Dickie Robertson, (Byrd '61) who was a Geology major and a KA at Northwestern in Natchitoches. In January, 1966, I followed my heart and transferred to Northwestern. I'm probably the only person who cried to leave Ruston!! But, guess what....at Northwestern, I picked right up with more Byrd friends!! Dickie and I married in December, 1966, and although I stayed in school, I had achieved my real goal...I had my MRS degree! In September, 1968, I got my first MOM degree...our son Richard Paul, Jr. was born, and that ended my pursuit of higher education!! Yay!! Dickie finished Graduate
School in June of 1969, and went to work as a Geologist/Geophysicist for Cities Service Oil Company and we moved to Jackson, Mississippi. I was happy to be a stay at home Wife/Mother and in 1971 I got my 2nd
MOM degree...our daughter, Brooke was born. In 1974, we moved back to Shreveport, and Dickie went to work for Barnwell Oil Company, then started his own exploration company..Robertson Oil and Gas. Both of our parents lived here, and I had the perfect "Real Housewives" life...playing bridge with many of my Byrd friends, doing volunteer work with my Byrd friends, church activities with my Byrd friends and being active in Paul and Brooke's schools. At St. Marks School, Mr. Edmondson, my Senior English teacher at Byrd, was the headmaster, and when the kids transferred to First Baptist Church School, Mr. Duncan, our Byrd principal, was their Principal!! Deja Vu, all over again. My main hobby during those years, was our house....I loved decorating it and Dickie and I would buy a house, decorate it, sell it and move to another...I guess we Flipped, before Flipping was cool!! (Sorry, Barbara Mandrell)!! In 1980, I was flattered to be asked to have our house
on a "Tour of Homes" for a fundraiser. One of the hostesses at our house asked if I would help her with her house, and said she would pay me!! Wow!! I actually could make money doing something I loved to do, and had been doing for free for friends!! I guess I have a "good eye" and I knew how and where to shop!! She became my first client, and was the mother of our classmate, Danny Scarborough!! Have you ever heard of 6 Degrees of Separation in the world?! Well, in Shreveport, it is 2 Degrees of Separation from Byrd!! So began a 30 year "career" as an Interior Decorator. I always free-lanced and our home was my "studio"! My 3 years as a French major meant I could pronounce "chaise longue" , "bergere"and "etagere"!! Merci, encore, Mlle. LeBlanc!! I have become a true Shreveporter.... the sun rises at one end of Slattery Blvd. and sets at the other end!! And we are only 6 blocks from Byrd High School! We can hear the Byrd Band practice and the Pep
Squad drums in the Fall! Both of our children live in Shreveport and at one time we all lived on Slattery! Paul is in the Insurance Business and is married to Dixey, a girl who was in his first grade class. They have 2 sons. Richard Paul,III (Trent),15, and Ellis, 13, . Brooke is married to Todd Benson, who is from Monroe, and is an attorney here. They have 3 children...Sawyer, 11, Shepherd, 9, and Scarlett, 8. Trent is a Sophomore at Byrd and all the rest are looking forward to being Yellow Jackets, too!
Dickie retired from Exploration a couple of years ago, but after 6 months, he missed the "oil patch", and went to work for the Louisiana Dept. of Natural Resources....as he says he has now moved to the "Dark Side"! It is not the EPA, but the next closest thing! I have retired from decorating and am now a "professional Grandmother"!! Dickie and I stay busy with our kids and grands... there is always a ball game, class play, or a recital. We
have been active in our churches and Bible Studies...nothing like being in the Oil Business to get to know The Lord! He has been good to us and we are thankful to be so Blessed.
I have a PS about Our Alma Mater ... Nowadays it is sung more frequently than when we were at Byrd and the kids have even added hand gestures to it! When our children were in high school, Byrd was not yet a Magnet school so they did not go to Byrd, but went to Loyola , formerly Jesuit. Our son, Paul, played football for Loyola and our daughter , Brooke was on the dance line . In the '80s , Loyola still played Byrd. At the first Loyola/Byrd football game, we were sitting on the Loyola side, of course, but when the Byrd Band struck up "The Alma Mater"and then "We Are Jackets", Dickie and I looked at each other and said " I think we're on the wrong side"!! After 8 years at Loyola , we got used to it, but "Always deep within our hearts, The Purple and The Gold"!
As Dianne Zimmerman Chandler has already posted, I met My BFF in the whole world the first day at Byrd in Mrs. Yearwood's Study Hall!! The most valuable thing I got out of any study hall at Byrd!! Unless you count the Study Hall our Senior year, when Melanie Magner (Cathey) and I discovered The Beatles... in a Life Magazine!! Over the years, I have said I had a "Social Membership" to Byrd...having just moved to Shreveport right before our sophomore year, I had to make friends with the cute girls and get "snowed" over the "Tuff" boys!! Who had time to study??!! My "claim to fame" was the fact that my Mother had written Byrd's Alma Mater when she was a student at Byrd....and NO, it was NOT to the tune of Elvis's "Love Me Tender"....thank you Dianne and Barbara and Buddy for the clarification!! After graduation, I headed to Louisiana Tech, and
roomed with Dianne. My Byrd education stood me in good stead....Tech was like Byrd all over again...except easier!! I started out like every other girl in the Fall of 1964, majoring in Elementary Education. The first semester, two of my art major friends had to take French, but had never had it in their high schools. Luckily for all of us, I had taken 3 years of French at Byrd with Mademoiselle LeBlanc, so I offered to help them out. Sure enough, my French came back and I decided to take French 101 the next semester. The first day of class, Monsieur Richard asked how many in the class had had 1 year of French in high school...a few raised their hands. How many had had 2 years...a few more raised hands. Well, he never asked about 3 years, so I never raised my hand...All of a sudden, I was an A Student!! He caught on after a few weeks, but it was too late to kick me out of his class, so I changed my major to French!! I might not have been much of a
student, but I wasn't stupid!! Merci, Mlle. LeBlanc!! I loved Tech and had a great time, even making good grades, but True Love came along....I fell in love with Dickie Robertson, (Byrd '61) who was a Geology major and a KA at Northwestern in Natchitoches. In January, 1966, I followed my heart and transferred to Northwestern. I'm probably the only person who cried to leave Ruston!! But, guess what....at Northwestern, I picked right up with more Byrd friends!! Dickie and I married in December, 1966, and although I stayed in school, I had achieved my real goal...I had my MRS degree! In September, 1968, I got my first MOM degree...our son Richard Paul, Jr. was born, and that ended my pursuit of higher education!! Yay!! Dickie finished Graduate
School in June of 1969, and went to work as a Geologist/Geophysicist for Cities Service Oil Company and we moved to Jackson, Mississippi. I was happy to be a stay at home Wife/Mother and in 1971 I got my 2nd
MOM degree...our daughter, Brooke was born. In 1974, we moved back to Shreveport, and Dickie went to work for Barnwell Oil Company, then started his own exploration company..Robertson Oil and Gas. Both of our parents lived here, and I had the perfect "Real Housewives" life...playing bridge with many of my Byrd friends, doing volunteer work with my Byrd friends, church activities with my Byrd friends and being active in Paul and Brooke's schools. At St. Marks School, Mr. Edmondson, my Senior English teacher at Byrd, was the headmaster, and when the kids transferred to First Baptist Church School, Mr. Duncan, our Byrd principal, was their Principal!! Deja Vu, all over again. My main hobby during those years, was our house....I loved decorating it and Dickie and I would buy a house, decorate it, sell it and move to another...I guess we Flipped, before Flipping was cool!! (Sorry, Barbara Mandrell)!! In 1980, I was flattered to be asked to have our house
on a "Tour of Homes" for a fundraiser. One of the hostesses at our house asked if I would help her with her house, and said she would pay me!! Wow!! I actually could make money doing something I loved to do, and had been doing for free for friends!! I guess I have a "good eye" and I knew how and where to shop!! She became my first client, and was the mother of our classmate, Danny Scarborough!! Have you ever heard of 6 Degrees of Separation in the world?! Well, in Shreveport, it is 2 Degrees of Separation from Byrd!! So began a 30 year "career" as an Interior Decorator. I always free-lanced and our home was my "studio"! My 3 years as a French major meant I could pronounce "chaise longue" , "bergere"and "etagere"!! Merci, encore, Mlle. LeBlanc!! I have become a true Shreveporter.... the sun rises at one end of Slattery Blvd. and sets at the other end!! And we are only 6 blocks from Byrd High School! We can hear the Byrd Band practice and the Pep
Squad drums in the Fall! Both of our children live in Shreveport and at one time we all lived on Slattery! Paul is in the Insurance Business and is married to Dixey, a girl who was in his first grade class. They have 2 sons. Richard Paul,III (Trent),15, and Ellis, 13, . Brooke is married to Todd Benson, who is from Monroe, and is an attorney here. They have 3 children...Sawyer, 11, Shepherd, 9, and Scarlett, 8. Trent is a Sophomore at Byrd and all the rest are looking forward to being Yellow Jackets, too!
Dickie retired from Exploration a couple of years ago, but after 6 months, he missed the "oil patch", and went to work for the Louisiana Dept. of Natural Resources....as he says he has now moved to the "Dark Side"! It is not the EPA, but the next closest thing! I have retired from decorating and am now a "professional Grandmother"!! Dickie and I stay busy with our kids and grands... there is always a ball game, class play, or a recital. We
have been active in our churches and Bible Studies...nothing like being in the Oil Business to get to know The Lord! He has been good to us and we are thankful to be so Blessed.
I have a PS about Our Alma Mater ... Nowadays it is sung more frequently than when we were at Byrd and the kids have even added hand gestures to it! When our children were in high school, Byrd was not yet a Magnet school so they did not go to Byrd, but went to Loyola , formerly Jesuit. Our son, Paul, played football for Loyola and our daughter , Brooke was on the dance line . In the '80s , Loyola still played Byrd. At the first Loyola/Byrd football game, we were sitting on the Loyola side, of course, but when the Byrd Band struck up "The Alma Mater"and then "We Are Jackets", Dickie and I looked at each other and said " I think we're on the wrong side"!! After 8 years at Loyola , we got used to it, but "Always deep within our hearts, The Purple and The Gold"!
Jackie Wheeler (Bailey)
I attended La.Tech 3 yrs. Sigma Kappa Sorority
Married Paul Bailey in 1966 (married 48 yrs.) 2 sons & 3 Grandaughters
BS degree in Ed. from University of Houston 1968 Masters Degree in Administration & Supervision from University of Houston 1973
Taught 2nd grade 4 yrs. Resource teacher for children w language & or learning disabilities for K & 1st grade one yr.
Realtor in 1978 - Multi million dollar producer - Board President - Realtor of the Year 1995 - Re/Max Hall of Fame and am currently affiliated with ReMax Select in Friendswood, TX.
Owner- Sudie's Catfish House (Pasadena Tx), Sudie's Catfish & Seafood (I 45S) League City, Tx), Sudie's Catering Co, Jackie Bs Sports & Spirits (League City, Tx.)
I'm a busy person who loves family, shopping, decorating, & antiquing. We currently live in Friendswood, TX
My new love is Texas Holdem Poker.
I attended La.Tech 3 yrs. Sigma Kappa Sorority
Married Paul Bailey in 1966 (married 48 yrs.) 2 sons & 3 Grandaughters
BS degree in Ed. from University of Houston 1968 Masters Degree in Administration & Supervision from University of Houston 1973
Taught 2nd grade 4 yrs. Resource teacher for children w language & or learning disabilities for K & 1st grade one yr.
Realtor in 1978 - Multi million dollar producer - Board President - Realtor of the Year 1995 - Re/Max Hall of Fame and am currently affiliated with ReMax Select in Friendswood, TX.
Owner- Sudie's Catfish House (Pasadena Tx), Sudie's Catfish & Seafood (I 45S) League City, Tx), Sudie's Catering Co, Jackie Bs Sports & Spirits (League City, Tx.)
I'm a busy person who loves family, shopping, decorating, & antiquing. We currently live in Friendswood, TX
My new love is Texas Holdem Poker.
Allen Wier
I graduated from Baylor in ’68 and went to grad school at LSU, where I met my first wife, then taught for a couple of years at Longwood College in Virginia. I went to Bowling Green, Ohio for another graduate degree and then took a job at Carnegie-Mellon, in Pittsburgh. In 1976 I joined the creative writing program at Hollins College, near Roanoke, Virginia. I published my first two books and was lucky to get a fellowship that supported a year’s travel out west and in Mexico, the setting of a new novel. In 1980 I took a job at the University of Alabama, where my first wife and I divorced. Later, I met and married the love of my life, “Donnie,” who is a painter. Our son, Wes, was born in Tuscaloosa (Roll Tide), and I have two stepsons, Heath and Mike, both of whom have sons. During the fourteen years I taught at Alabama, I also did visiting writer gigs at UT in Austin and at Florida International in Miami and managed to edit a couple of books and get some stories and essays written. A fellowship took us back to Texas for a residency on a ranch west of Austin owned by the University of Texas. That year another novel appeared, and I began a long manuscript that I completed in Knoxville, where we moved in 1994 when I took a job at the University of Tennessee. Wes still lives in Knoxville, having recently completed a program in video editing, though he’s been in several bands and would like to play lead guitar for a living. We spent the summer of 2012 in Scotland while I taught in Edinburgh. I had not been back to Shreveport in over twenty years until 2007 when I was inducted into the Byrd Hall of Fame—something I didn’t know existed. We had a lovely visit, and I saw several old friends. I always thought I’d retire back to the Texas hill country, but Donnie corrected that assumption, and we recently built a house on a brow overlooking Lake Guntersville in North Alabama. Last year I was the visiting writer at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, a 90 mile drive one-day-a-week. I’ll be at UT Chattanooga this coming academic year, then (August 2015) I’ll retire from full-time teaching and spend my time on the boat giving the fish hell and in my study trying to complete another novel and some new stories while Donnie is in her studio, painting. She and I hope to make it to the reunion.
I graduated from Baylor in ’68 and went to grad school at LSU, where I met my first wife, then taught for a couple of years at Longwood College in Virginia. I went to Bowling Green, Ohio for another graduate degree and then took a job at Carnegie-Mellon, in Pittsburgh. In 1976 I joined the creative writing program at Hollins College, near Roanoke, Virginia. I published my first two books and was lucky to get a fellowship that supported a year’s travel out west and in Mexico, the setting of a new novel. In 1980 I took a job at the University of Alabama, where my first wife and I divorced. Later, I met and married the love of my life, “Donnie,” who is a painter. Our son, Wes, was born in Tuscaloosa (Roll Tide), and I have two stepsons, Heath and Mike, both of whom have sons. During the fourteen years I taught at Alabama, I also did visiting writer gigs at UT in Austin and at Florida International in Miami and managed to edit a couple of books and get some stories and essays written. A fellowship took us back to Texas for a residency on a ranch west of Austin owned by the University of Texas. That year another novel appeared, and I began a long manuscript that I completed in Knoxville, where we moved in 1994 when I took a job at the University of Tennessee. Wes still lives in Knoxville, having recently completed a program in video editing, though he’s been in several bands and would like to play lead guitar for a living. We spent the summer of 2012 in Scotland while I taught in Edinburgh. I had not been back to Shreveport in over twenty years until 2007 when I was inducted into the Byrd Hall of Fame—something I didn’t know existed. We had a lovely visit, and I saw several old friends. I always thought I’d retire back to the Texas hill country, but Donnie corrected that assumption, and we recently built a house on a brow overlooking Lake Guntersville in North Alabama. Last year I was the visiting writer at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, a 90 mile drive one-day-a-week. I’ll be at UT Chattanooga this coming academic year, then (August 2015) I’ll retire from full-time teaching and spend my time on the boat giving the fish hell and in my study trying to complete another novel and some new stories while Donnie is in her studio, painting. She and I hope to make it to the reunion.
Margy Weisman (Ray)
After graduating, my family moved to Texarkana, TX where I went to Texarkana College for business studies and moved back to Shreveport where I got a job and an apartment. After a while, I moved back to Texarkana & met my husband to be and was married in 1970 to Pete Ray. We moved to Marshall, TX, then Houston, TX and back again to Shreveport. In 1973, I birthed my only child, Gregory Ray and divorced later in 1988. Since then, I have worked at various jobs, done a lot of volunteer things & managed the office for the Mayor to be, Keith Hightower, for two campaigns. I met my Significant Other, Steve "Crash" Carrier 24 years ago and we are still together today.
After graduating, my family moved to Texarkana, TX where I went to Texarkana College for business studies and moved back to Shreveport where I got a job and an apartment. After a while, I moved back to Texarkana & met my husband to be and was married in 1970 to Pete Ray. We moved to Marshall, TX, then Houston, TX and back again to Shreveport. In 1973, I birthed my only child, Gregory Ray and divorced later in 1988. Since then, I have worked at various jobs, done a lot of volunteer things & managed the office for the Mayor to be, Keith Hightower, for two campaigns. I met my Significant Other, Steve "Crash" Carrier 24 years ago and we are still together today.
Ralph Zatzkis
After graduating from Byrd,I attended LSU and received degrees in history and law. After law school, I was employed by J. Bennett Johnston Jr.'s campaign for governor for several months and then began my military service, eventually becoming a captain in the Army JAG Corps. The highlight of my military career was serving as counsel to some of the Army prisoners of the Vietnam War immediately after their release by the North Vietnamese. After completing my military service, I received a master of laws degree in labor law from New York University and moved to New Orleans where I practiced labor law as a partner in New Orleans and Atlanta based firms. I moved to Dallas in 2006 where my law firm had an office and currently have a consulting practice. I have one child from a prior marriage who lives in New York City and works as a senior public relations manager for Hearst Magazines.
After graduating from Byrd,I attended LSU and received degrees in history and law. After law school, I was employed by J. Bennett Johnston Jr.'s campaign for governor for several months and then began my military service, eventually becoming a captain in the Army JAG Corps. The highlight of my military career was serving as counsel to some of the Army prisoners of the Vietnam War immediately after their release by the North Vietnamese. After completing my military service, I received a master of laws degree in labor law from New York University and moved to New Orleans where I practiced labor law as a partner in New Orleans and Atlanta based firms. I moved to Dallas in 2006 where my law firm had an office and currently have a consulting practice. I have one child from a prior marriage who lives in New York City and works as a senior public relations manager for Hearst Magazines.
Dianne Zimmerman (Chandler)
Met my best girl friend in all the world the first day of school in Study Hall in 10th grade at Byrd. As is the case, the teacher was putting us in alphabetical order (please tell me why they do this!) So, as usual, I walked to the back of the classroom, and there was Donna Welbourne. Luckily for us, Danny Zeidman sat between us or we would have been in trouble every day. Also, in the 10th grade I started going with Jay Chandler (class of 62). Colleen Jones told me if I would go steady with him, I would have a date to all the dances. During my three years at Louisiana Tech (1 year Education, 2 year Associate Degree, I married my high school sweetheart, and have been happily married for over 48 years. After Jay received his Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1968, we spent the next 3 1/2 years with his Navy commitment, from California to Virginia, before his assignment in Vietnam. We were then in Shreveport, Riley-Beard for 3 1/2 years, before moving to Baton Rouge in 1974 for 32 years, where Jay worked for Ethyl/Albermarle Corporation. During that time we were fortunate to live in Europe twice. We raised two sons, David, 44, (Frisco, Tx.) and Stewart, 41 (El Dorado, Ar.). They have blessed us with 4 beautiful grandchildren. Those years were spent raising 2 very active boys, volunteering in a hospital and in the boy's schools, hiking, playing tennis and bridge. At the end of 2006, Jay retired and we built a home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas where I have traded my tennis racket in for a set of golf clubs and a kayak. We are very active in our Church, enjoy our many volunteer opportunities, treasure visiting the "grands" for their activities, passionate about LSU Tigers, love traveling with friends and having friends come to visit us in Arkansas. Jay and I are looking forward to my September class reunion, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Thanks to the reunion committee for all of their hard work in making this a fun time for all, and special thanks to Ronnie Parnell for keeping us connected.
Met my best girl friend in all the world the first day of school in Study Hall in 10th grade at Byrd. As is the case, the teacher was putting us in alphabetical order (please tell me why they do this!) So, as usual, I walked to the back of the classroom, and there was Donna Welbourne. Luckily for us, Danny Zeidman sat between us or we would have been in trouble every day. Also, in the 10th grade I started going with Jay Chandler (class of 62). Colleen Jones told me if I would go steady with him, I would have a date to all the dances. During my three years at Louisiana Tech (1 year Education, 2 year Associate Degree, I married my high school sweetheart, and have been happily married for over 48 years. After Jay received his Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1968, we spent the next 3 1/2 years with his Navy commitment, from California to Virginia, before his assignment in Vietnam. We were then in Shreveport, Riley-Beard for 3 1/2 years, before moving to Baton Rouge in 1974 for 32 years, where Jay worked for Ethyl/Albermarle Corporation. During that time we were fortunate to live in Europe twice. We raised two sons, David, 44, (Frisco, Tx.) and Stewart, 41 (El Dorado, Ar.). They have blessed us with 4 beautiful grandchildren. Those years were spent raising 2 very active boys, volunteering in a hospital and in the boy's schools, hiking, playing tennis and bridge. At the end of 2006, Jay retired and we built a home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas where I have traded my tennis racket in for a set of golf clubs and a kayak. We are very active in our Church, enjoy our many volunteer opportunities, treasure visiting the "grands" for their activities, passionate about LSU Tigers, love traveling with friends and having friends come to visit us in Arkansas. Jay and I are looking forward to my September class reunion, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Thanks to the reunion committee for all of their hard work in making this a fun time for all, and special thanks to Ronnie Parnell for keeping us connected.