Robert E Lee HS Class of 1965 Memorial Page

RANDY Hardee

Chris Noel

GENE SIMMONS

Funeral services for Arthur Eugene “Gene” Simmons were held February 8, 2024, at First Baptist East with Rev. Doug Passmore, Pastor officiating.
Burial followed at Sunset Memorial Gardens under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

Our Lord Jesus called Gene, 76, home to heaven on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. He was born June 17, 1947, in Lawton, Oklahoma to Melvin E. “Sonny” Simmons and Evalena J. (Whitehead) Simmons.
Growing up, Gene lived in Lawton, Oklahoma City, and Midland, Texas. He graduated from Midland Lee High School in 1965. He then moved to Lawton to attend Cameron. He would meet the love of his life at Immanuel Baptist Church. Gene and Elaine G. (Dayton) Simmons married in Lawton on August 20, 1966. They enjoyed a wonderful life with their two sons, David and Mark. Gene’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were the highlight of his life. He loved being their Grampy.
Gene was in the National Guard during the Vietnam War. He worked as a Lawton firefighter before starting his own plumbing, heating, and air conditioning business. Gene also worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Lawton Public Schools.
Gene loved decorating for Christmas and working in his yard with Elaine by his side. He also loved his church family at First Baptist East where he served as a deacon.
Gene is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, David and Melanie, Mark and Amanda. Four grandchildren, Jordan and Zach, Adam and Amanda, Dayton and Hudson, three great grandchildren, Davie Jo, Charlotte and Andrew S
He is also survived by one brother and his wife, Billy Mike and Judy, brothers-in-law, Bobby Neal and Bonnie sisters-in-law, Linda, Marilyn, Debbie and and many loved nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Gene was preceded in death by his father, mother, wife, and grandparents, William Theodore and Leora (Thompson) Simmons, and Arthur B. and Thelma J. (Watts) Whitehead.

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DENNIS RAY MCKERLEY

Dennis Ray McKerley passed away November 25, 2023. He was 76.

Dennis was born August 26, 1947 in Midland, Texas to Billie (Bingham) and Calvin McKerley. He was a resident of Aransas Pass approximately 9 years and a former resident of San Angelo. Dennis was an electrician for over 40 years. He was a proud father, grandfather, son, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

Preceding in death are his parents: Billie (Bingham) and Calvin McKerley;

Survivors include his son: Kevin McKerley from Austin, Texas; grandson: Henry McKerley from Austin, Texas.

All services will be private.

Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Aransas Pass.

CAROL ANN BAKER

Carol Ann Baker Adams, 70, passed away March 8, 2017, in Midland. A celebration of her life was held on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

Carol was born on January 4, 1947, in Midland to Billie Ann and Kenneth Baker.

She loved all types of music and had a collection of over 6,000 songs. Carol loved just being alive and being involved with people, especially her family. She organized several family reunions and helped bring back to life the Monahans High School Class of 1965 reunions. Carol was an avid volleyball player at Monahans and Midland Lee High School. She graduated from Lee and went to West Texas State in Canyon on a volleyball scholarship. In the seventies, she was on the USA team at the Pan Am games. She eventually graduated college at University of Texas, Arlington.

Carol always had a very positive attitude about life. During her four year fight with cancer, she said several times that she had very few regrets and that her last thoughts would be “Wow, what a ride!!”

Carol married Jerry H. Adams in New Orleans on March 7, 1993, and he survived her. She is also survived by her daughter, Carissa Hale and husband Todd of Arlington; stepson, Bradley Adams and wife, Annie of Garland; daughter-in-law Marla Brown of North Hollywood, CA; brother, Bill Baker and wife, Loretta Baker of Midland; mother-in-law, Johnnie Carroll of Plano; sister-in-law, Bonita Spivey and husband, James of Plano; grandsons, Kavan Adams, Isaiah Adams, Keondre Low and Jeffrey Brown; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will miss and always remember her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Billie Ann and Kenneth Baker; grandparents, Ila and Houston Hill; Margaret and Homer Baker.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice of Midland; Dr. Mangat and his staff at Texas Oncology and Dr. Miller and his staff at Permian Cardiology.

ROBERT EARL WRIGHT

Robert Earl Wright, long time resident of Manhattan Beach, CA, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 73, at his home on April 7, 2020. Robert is predeceased by his wife of 26 years, Dona Lynn Wright. They were married in LA County in 1991. Robert is lovingly remembered by his two sons, Brian Wright of Evanston, IL and Andrew Wright of Elk Grove, CA and his two step-children, Carissa Cimorelli of Los Angeles, CA and Dan Cimorelli of Redondo Beach, CA.

Also, his grandchildren: Chad Andre, Jake Wright, Courtney Wright, Simon Wright, Kendall Wright and Isabella Wright. He is also survived by his siblings: Barbara Parker, Jim Wright and Adam Thaler. Robert was born on September 22, 1946 and was the eldest son of Keith Dudley Wright Jr and Sarah Loree Thomas of Houston, Texas. In 1963, they moved to Midland, TX and Robert graduated from Robert E. Lee high school in 1965. He went on to graduate in 1969 from the University of Texas with a bachelor's degree in business. Robert joined the Texas Army National Guard in 1969 and began working for Unocal Corporation in 1970.

In 1977 he and his wife and two sons moved to Ventura County, California to establish residence. He eventually moved to Los Angeles County and has been living in Manhattan Beach since 1995. He retired from Unocal/Chevron in 2005 as the SVP of Investor Relations after 35 years with the company. He lost his beloved wife Dona, in April of 2017. In his retirement, he and his wife Dona enjoyed being outdoors, walking to the beach, working out together, researching and practicing a healthy lifestyle along with spending time with family, friends and neighbors. Although they loved to travel, some of their favorite places were right here in Southern California including the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego and participating in whale watching excursions off the coast. Robert served as a past president of the Union Oil Alumni Club and often had lunches and meetings with alums to stay connected.

He was huge college and pro basketball fan, the LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors being two of his favorite pro teams. At the collegiate level, he was biased toward any team for which his grandsons played. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren and loved watching his grandchildren play their various sports and traveled often to visit them. Robert and Dona also loved having family come to visit them in Southern California and many wonderful memories have been made over the 25 years they have been residents of Manhattan Beach. The family will provide information on a celebration of his life which will be planned at a later date. Condolences may be offered online at the family page entitled "Family and Friends of Robert Earl Wright.

DON MICHAEL BEACH

Dr. Don Michael Beach of Stephenville, a former Tarleton State University Dean and longtime faculty member, died April 19, 2023 at the age of 76. He was the only child of Jesse Price and Ona Blanche (Reeves) Beach, born on Nov 4, 1946 in Graham, TX. Don graduated from Midland Lee High School in 1965 and started his journey with education at Texas Tech University. While there, he met his forever Valentine, Linda Sue Nutter. They were married on February 14, 1969 in Midland, TX and just celebrated their 54th anniversary.

Don received a Bachelor of Science degree in May 1969, and a Master of Education degree in May 1971 both from Texas Tech University. While earning his Masters, he began teaching science and biology in the Smyer and Post school districts. Don and Linda moved to Nashville, TN where he attended the Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt University, eventually earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree in May of 1973.

After graduation, Dr. Beach became a member of the faculty at UT Arlington where he taught for eight years. He joined Tarleton State University in the fall of 1981 as Dean of the School of Education and Fine Arts. He later returned to the classroom as an educational leadership Professor. This year marked his 42nd year at the university.

The Texas A&M University System named Dr. Beach a Regents Professor in 2008 and was the Texas Council of Professors and Educational Administrators’ 2016 Educator of the Year. He received Tarleton’s O.A. Grant Excellence in Teaching Award, the Ted Booker Award from the Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education, and the Laureate Award from the Association of Teacher Educators. He served as President of Tarleton’s Faculty Senate in 2015-16, returning as a member in 2021. He was also inducted into Tarleton’s Crystal Apple Society in 2015 for his positive impact on the lives of students.

Over his 50 years teaching in the field of education, Dr. Beach was a perennial lecturer at professional conferences and authored several textbooks on supervision and educational leadership. He was an advisor and mentor to thousands of teachers and educational administrators throughout the state of Texas. As part of his legacy, Dr. Beach recently established the Beach Family Doctoral Fellowship Endowment, created with the purpose of supporting future doctoral students at Tarleton.

Outside of teaching at the collegiate level, Don spent many years working with the Boy Scout USA program. His love of scouting began early on, eventually earning his Eagle Scout award while in high school. He later became a mentor and Scout Master to many young men in the Stephenville and Erath County communities.

Don was an avid supporter of the arts and a lover of music. He sang for many years with the Cross Timbers Civic Chorale and went on several tours with the University Chorus. He was a strong man of faith and long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Stephenville, where he sang in the sanctuary choir, taught Sunday School classes, served on local church committees as well as serving at the district and conference level for the United Methodist Church. Don was also an avid sports fan, and could be seen over the years not only at a variety of Tarleton and Stephenville ISD sporting events, but also at his children and later grandchildren’s rec league games.

Don is survived by his wife, Linda, and their four children: Katherine (and husband Matthew) McKinley; Michael (and wife Stephanie) Beach; Mary (and husband Patrick) McGuire; and Sarah (and husband Mauro) Matai. He also leaves 11 grandchildren: Michael, Robert, and Lindsay McKinley; Grant and Reagan Beach; Courtney, William, and Connor McGuire; and Kai. Lindon, and Madison Matai.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Stephenville High School Bond Auditorium. Visitation was on Friday at the Stephenville Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Beach Family Doctoral Fellowship Endowment at Tarleton State University (donate.tarleton.edu). Please click on the Beach Family Doctoral Fellowship Endowment link.

LIANNE MIDKIFF GILES

March 22, 2023 With heaviest of heart, we say farewell to Elizabeth Lianne Midkiff Giles, who passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 22, 2023. Lianne was born in Midland on March 8, 1947, to Hunter and Melba Midkiff, with big brothers Jimmy and Jerry, ever her protectors. She grew up in Midland, spending weekends and summers in Midkiff, on the ranch. Lianne loved riding her horse, Autumn, and met her lifelong friend, Cheryl, by inviting her to ride. Lianne had a passion for dogs of all breeds and sizes, never letting a stray remain a stray. She graduated from Lee High School and went on to study Interior Design at San Angelo State. Her soulmate, CJ, waltzed into her life and they married on July 25, 1972. Five years later a bouncing, baby, boy named Brandon became the love of her life. Lianne was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and Mimi. She leaves behind her son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Rachael, her step-son, Robert, her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Pat, brother-in-law, Tommy, grandkids, great-grandkids, and many, many cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Jerry, her husband CJ and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. We will all miss her boisterous laughter, her sense of humor and her gracious empathy towards those she loved. A public visitation will be held on April 5, 2023 from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home at 4616 N Big Spring St, Midland, TX 79705. The chapel service will be held April 6, 2023 at 11:30 A.M. at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, and following suit with Lianne's love for animals, memorial contributions are welcome to be made to MASA Rescue, a non-profit dog rescue located in Midland, TX.

CECIL CURTIS MCKINNEY

Curtis was born on September 26, 1946 in El Reno, Oklahoma. His parents were Cecil and Jane McKinney. Curtis died on October 5, 1968 in Vietnam.

Cecil was in the United States Army and trained as a Medical Specialist (Medic.) Earning the rank of E-5/Spc 5, he received orders to Vietnam and his tour of duty began on the 20th of May 1967.

He was assigned to HHC, 1st Battalion 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division and attached to B Co. 1/327. On the 5th of October 1968, Curtis' unit was under the operational control of 2/506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.

While specific details aren't known, sometime on the 5th of October Cecil found himself on a UH-1H helicopter landing in a "hot" (under fire) LZ (Landing Zone.)

As a medic, it's likely he was trying to save his fellow soldiers' lives and treat then evacuate them from the area. Possibly due to the chaos and confusion of the LZ, Cecil was struck by the helicopter's propeller and killed.

He served with honor and distinction, earning two Bronze Star Medals: one for Valor, the other for Merit. He also earned the Purple Heart Medal.

CURTIS LARON GIFFORD

Curtis was born to Arvil Laron Gifford and Dixie Ruth Gifford on February 27, 1947 in Houston, Texas. The Gifford family lived in Houston until November 1959 when they moved to Midland, Texas.

Curtis had one sister, Sandra Lynn Gifford Crider (of Austin, Texas) and one brother, Larry Wayne Gifford (of Midland, Texas). Curtis was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, Texas in May, 1965. He then moved to the Gulf Coast and worked construction work during the summers and attended the University of Houston during the regular semesters from the Fall of 1965 until the Fall of 1967.

He joined the United States Air Force in February, 1968 and served until December, 1971 when he was released from active duty to return to school. He attended the University of Texas from the Spring semester of 1972 until he graduated in May 1974. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree majoring in Accounting and went to work for The Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, Texas.

Curtis married Doris Mildred Coop in March, 1975. She had a daughter from a previous marriage, Deanna Coop Metts, and Doris and Curtis had one son, Alan Herbert Gifford in 1977. Curtis worked for Dow for almost 25 years. The first 17 years were in Freeport, Texas; then he and his family moved to Midland, Michigan in 1991. Two years later, they returned to the Brazosport area. Curtis was divorced in 1996 and moved back to Midland, Michigan for his final assignment with Dow. He retired from Dow in December 1997 and went to work for Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, Indiana. He worked for Lilly for 10 years, then retired and moved back to Midland, Texas in March 2008.

In retirement, Curtis taught line dancing at Midland College, the American Legion in Midland, and at the Senior Center in Midland. He loved dancing and loved teaching. He also was a volunteer in the AARP Tax-Aide program in Midland. He prepared tax returns, e-filed returns, was the Technical Coordinator for the district and the Training Specialist for the district. Curtis was a member of Stonegate Fellowship and was on the Technical Arts team serving as a camera operator. He also was the web site administrator for the Briarwood Home Owners Association in Midland, Texas.

In 2021, Curtis decided it was time to begin the process of moving to the greater Phoenix, AZ area to be with his son, daughter-in-law, and his new granddaughter. In October, he purchased a larger house than required for his own needs, looking forward to hosting events with the large extended family he became a part of since his son’s marriage in 2018, while keeping his primary residence in Texas in order to make a smooth transition. The next two visits to Arizona were filled with tasks getting the new house ready for company, and finally on February 20, 2022, Curtis hosted his first event, a joint birthday party for him and his son. The event went off beautifully, and Curtis couldn’t have been happier to see all this effort and planning come to fruition; “best birthday ever,” he told people.

Curtis died on 03/03/2022

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellisfunerals.com for the Gifford family

PATRICIA LOUISE BROWNING

Patricia Browning, of Amarillo, Texas, daughter of Carl and Izora Browning, of Amarillo, passed away February 2, 2023. There will be no service. (I will post more information when I have it.)