Hometown News For Orange County, Texas
Hometown News For Orange County, Texas
RIDE ‘UM COWBOY
IT’S RODEO TIME
The annual Orange County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo will be held this Friday and Saturday at the arena on Highway 105.
We hear there will be plenty of brave cowboys coming from different parts of the country to try their luck at riding.
The stock will be as good as we’ve seen in years.
A couple of those mean ol’ bulls ain’t never been rode, but there is always some cowboy out there who doesn’t believe that any bull is too bad to ride.
It should be a lot of fun.
Bring the kids for special activities.
I recall some 50 years ago when the Jaycees sponsored the rodeo they would bring in big stars and there was a large downtown parade.
I recall Tex Ritter leading the parade and nearly falling off his horse a couple of times.
Lefty Frizzell entertained and also Clu Gulager, Claude King, David Houston and others.
It was a week long western celebration in Orange.
Almost everyone dressed in western clothes, hats and boots.
We should do this again.
I believe they used the slogan, “Where the West Begins.” Speaking of going western, right now Elaine Myers and The Horseman Store are having a big sale going on in their new location in Northway Shopping Center.
Keith Wallace says he's stocked up on some great buys.
See Horseman ad.
We were sorry to hear that Elaine's mom, Eloise, is down with congestive heart failure.*****I've gotta get on down the road.
Climb on board and come along, I promise it won't do you no harm.
See you at the rodeo.
CONDOLENCES
We were indeed sorry to learn of the death of our longtime friend Margaret Barrett Spradling, 84, who died April 4.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 13, at First Presbyterian Church in Orange.
What a smart, talented lady she was.
She was the daughter of Dupont plant manager Clark Barrett, when at the age of 18, she married Hubert “Sprad” Spradling. They were wed 66 years.
She did a lot of things in her youth including being a member of the “Aqua Demons and Debs “Ski Club” and was a nationally known skier and the word’s first lady barefoot skier.
This lady certainly has a place reserved in Heaven.
Read her obituary.
Our condolences to Sprad, daughters Cyndi and Shari and their families.
*****Della Laverne Noble Mathews, 91, passed away April 7.
Services were held April 10.
She was a very interesting lady.
Please read her obituary.
Our condolences to sons Jay andStan Matthews and their families.
*****Margaret Chelette Carter, 101, died April 5.
Service was held Friday, April 8.
She graduated from Orange High in 1933.
She had been a member of McDonald Baptist Church since 1953.
Margaret worked for the City of Orange and also served as a port director.
In retirement she lived a very active life.
She was preceded in death by her husband J.W. Carter and is survived by her son Arthur and his family.
All three of the above women were very interesting ladies and contributed much to the community.
Please read their obituaries.
TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME
10 Years Ago-2006
On Tuesday, May 16, longtime public servant Kirk Roccaforte will become mayor of Bridge City.
He replaces three term mayor Bobbie Burgess, who has held the position since 2000.
Roccaforte has served three terms on the council.
Councilman Mark Philpott did not file for re-election and will be replaced by Mike Reed. Councilman David Rutledge is unopposed.
(Editor’s note: Ten years later Rutledge is running for mayor and Roccaforte is going back to being a city councilman.
If there is anyone who knows this city and what it needs it’s Kirk.
He’s been a great mayor who led the city through the disastrous times of Hurricane Ike.)*****
Easter Sunday this year (1976) is on April 19.
*****It was a great outing last night for big John Patterson of Orange.
He allowed only three hits in eight innings and struck out 13 Marlins.
He retired the first 13 batters, with eight strikeouts and allowed only one intentional walk.
His Washington Nations won 2-1.
.
*****Quote of the week comes from Leon Hale’s Houston Chronicle column, “I doubt we could build a wall to keep Mexican nationals from coming in without using illegal Mexican labor.” (Editor’s note: That was 10 years before Trump.)*****Flo and Gene Edgerly celebrate 47th wedding anniversary.
(Editor’s note: Congrats on your 57th in 2016.)*****The Sunday morning Houston Chronicle has a picture and story about Orange County Judge Carl Thibodeaux and what a great job the Judge did during and after Hurricane Rita.
*****Mary Bryant had surgery in Houston April 12.
She is doing fine and expected home by next week.
All three of her boys and daughter were with Mom for the operation.
*****Folks we know with birthdays coming up: Capt.
Dickie Colburn, Cheryl Patterson, Beverly Rayner, Bill Nickum, Kenny Brown, Christian Dubose, Jason Smalley, Rev. Paul Zoch, Samantha Briggs and Royce Miller, who turns 18.*****Bridge City High sports star Cody Sparks won the 110-meter hurdles for his fourth district championship.
The Cardinals won their sixth straight track championship.
The 1600-meter relay team going to regionals are Aaron Brannen, David Blackshear, Kevin Young and Jadon Ellender.*****Sophomore catcher Casey Jackson was 3 for 3 for Bridge City with a home run, a double and five RBI’s to beat Lumberton 15-4.*****GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTON: Bernard Blanda, 75, died Saturday, April 15.
Services were held April 18.
Bernard was a good guy who came from, and had a great family.
He was preceded in death by his father Joe Blanda, a well known barber in Orange for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years,Lettie Jean Blanda, mother Lily Blanda, sons Joseph and Kenneth, and daughters Doborah and Carol.*****Charlotte Holt, 65, passed away April 13.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Carroll Holt, daughter Caron Holt, sons Carey, Kendall and Griffin Holt, She contributed much to the community.
Charlotte taught school for three decades.
She was loved by everyone who knew her.
*****Dorothy Jenkins, 82, passed away April 13.
She was the wife of the late Leyton Jenkins, longtime attorney.
Dorothy, for many years, was active in veteran causes.
She is survived by her daughter Patricia Kemp and son Chuck Conroy.*****Craig Fisette, 47, a native of Bridge City, passed away Wednesday, March 29 at his home in San Diego, CA. He was preceded in death by his mother Patsy Fisette. He is survived by his father Harold Fisette, brothers Mark Fisette and Curtis Fisette.
A memorial celebration is planned for Friday, April 21.
*****Kailynn Thibodeaux died April 14 in Galveston.
Services were held Wednesday, April 19.
Kailynn is survived by per parents, Keith and Heather Thibodeaux, grandparents Glenn and Janice Thibodeaux and Diane Guidry and brother Hayden Thibodeaux.*****Mary Warner, 84, of West Orange, died Wednesday, April 12.
She was an active homemaker, gardener and loved to fish.
She is survived by her daughters Carolyn Kay Nuse and Patricia Joan Kleypas *****Lloyd “Eddie” Emmert, 92, of Orange, died Thursday, April 6.
Services were held April 9 at First Church of the Nazarene.
He was a 65 year member of the Nazarene Church where he served as music leader.
He enjoyed writing poetry as a hobby.
He is survived by wife Estella, daughter Beverly Walker, son Ronald Emmert and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
*****Phillip “Flipper” Schwartz Jr., 24, of Orange, died April 12, in an auto accident.
Services were held April 15.
Flipper worked at Golden Triangle Cycles.
His wit and humor led him to befriend many.
His passion in life was his music.
He was involved with several local bands and currently was a member of “Barbwire Crown”.
He is survived by sons Kyler Schwartz and Gage Acosta, mother Laverne Schwartz and sisters and brothers.
*****Irene Comeaux, 75, of Bridge City, died Monday, April 10.
Born in Abbeville, Louisiana, she was a homemaker, member of St. Henry Catholic Church and the Wednesday Ladies Club.
She is survived by her sons Glenn Comeaux, Tommy Comeaux and Terry Comeaux and daughters Janell Ford, Barbara Roberts, Edie Comeaux and Susan Clark.
40 Years Ago-1976
J.W. Henry, candidate for sheriff, runs an ad paid for by Billy Cole and James Brown. *****Country music radio KTRM, features Buddy Johnson, 2 a.m.
to 6 a.m., John Walton, 6 a.m.
to 10 p.m., Gary Powars, 10 a.m.
to 12 p.m.,Robert X Brown, 2 p.m.
to 6 p.m., Roy Tyler, 6 a.m.
to 10 p.m.
and Tweed Scott, 10 p.m.
to 2 a.m.
Their hot pick, “Suspicious Minds,” by Waylon and Jessi. Their play list features: #1, “Let me Be Your Friend,” by Mack White; #2, “What I’ve Got in Mind,” by Billie Jo Spears; #3, “Together Again,” Emmylou Harris; #4, “Come On Over,” Olivia Newton John; #5, “Drinking My Baby Off My Mind,” Eddie Rabbit; #6, “That’s All She Wrote,” Ray Price; #7, “Forever Lovers” Mac Davis; #8, “Sun Comin’ Up,” Nat Stucky; #9, “Rockin in Rosalee’s Boat,” Nick Nixon and #10, “My Eyes Can Only See as Far as You,” by Charley Pride and #19 is a song recorded by a local artist, Danny Brown,“Show Me Where the Good Times Are.”*****Celebrating this week are Joe Amedo and also Pam Hoosier, who will be “Sweet Sixteen.”*****The famous Budweiser Clydesdales, “Eight Tons of Champions,” will appear at Northway Shopping Center Friday, April 23.*****As of June 1, Adolph Hryhorchuk, school superintendent at Hudson, is leaving to take up the same duties at Warren.
He is a former basketball coach and served as athletic director at the West Orange-Stark school district.
*****O.D. Brown and Bridge City Police Chief Wilson Roberts, have really been tearing up the red fish.
I wonder if anyone has checked to see if they have fishing licenses.
*****Uncle Remus and his band entertain the Tempo Club’s spring dance at the VFW. *****Howard and Evelyn Morse hosted one heck of a barbecue this weekend.
*****Congrats to Stacy Savoy, who was chosen “Little Miss Golden Triangle.” She’s the daughter of Gary and Judy Savoy.
*****Nancy Virva, a lovely young lady, is featured in Gunn’s Studio ad this week.
Buzzy just keeps coming up with good looking girls.
*****Rev. W.W. Kennedy, on April 25, celebrated his 23rd year as pastor of Cove Baptist.
He started with 47 people in his congregation and today has well over 2000.
A FEW HAPPENINGS
Congratulations to John and Susie Repasky who are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on April 20.
That’s not a record but it’s not far from it.
Best wishesfor many more healthy, happy years.*****Judge Joe Parkhurst made his first outing to the Lunch Bunch since leaving the hospital after hip surgery.
He’s getting around with a walker and the help of wife Gayle.Judge Claude Wimberly, one of the founders of the Lunch Bunch, has been away the last couple of month.
He’s been in and out of the hospital.
Last week he got a Pacemaker that might help with his falling.
We pray this good man will improve.
Our buddy Donna Scales missed last week.
In her first week of retirement she took in the Bluebonnet tour.
Our friend Corky Harmon ended up in the hospital because of dehydration.
Like me, he doesn’t drink enough water.
Elder folks are bad about not taking in enough fluids.
The Lunch Bunch meets at PK’s Grill this week and at JB’s Barbeque next week.
*****The Easter flood fund raiser, sponsored by Robert’s Restaurant and volunteer help by employees, raised $10,000.
The help waited on and fed just over 1,000 people.
Thanks to Robert and the customers for taking part in this great project...
Robert’s employees also want to thank the boss for allowing them to be a part of this event.
They say Robertis the very best boss ever.
*****I was sad to learn of the death of Merle Haggard. I first saw him around 1965 at George Jones’ place in Lakeview (Vidor).
He and several stars preformed.
Merle stole the show even though he was new on the scene.
He was paroled from San Quentin at age 23, in 1960.
His inspiration was Johnny Cash.
Merle recorded The Fugitive in 1967.
I always said if I was locked up somewhere for a year and could only have the entire music catalog of three artist it would be Willie, Jones and Merle. *****American Idol had its final show last week ending 14 years.
Local girl, Idol 11th season runner up, Kree Harrison, performed, along with many of the contestants from past years.
The last 'American Idol' is Trent Harmon, a young man who lives on a farm in rural Mississippi.
This kid will make it big.*****I spoke with two people last week from Pct.
1 who had forgotten there is a runoff for county commissioner.
The candidates need to wake the voters up.
It ain’t over yet.*****A few folks we know celebrating birthdays.
On April 13, Bruce Peveto, Jo Ann Collins, Gene Bellard, Roy Farias and Dawn Mason all celebrate.
Celebrities celebrating are R&B singer Al Green, actor Ron Perlman, 66 and Leave it to Beaver star Tony Dow, 71.*****April 14 finds nurse practitioner with Dr.
Palmer, Reatha Bradberry celebrating along with Sambo Carpenter, Jr., Phillip Elmore, Kevin Huckabay, Kasie Moerbe and April Stone.
They join country singer Loretta Lynn, 84, baseball player Pete Rose, 75 and actor Brad Garrett, 56.*****On April 15, IRS day, pretty Linda Claybar celebrates as does Jaclyn Eickenhorst and Shani Lawson. They are joined by actors Seth Rogen, 34 and Emma Watson, 26 and TV show host Roy Clark, 83.*****On April 16, George’s lovely wife Kirby Cruse has a birthday as does Betty Foreman, Judy Pittman and Marie Duett. Celebrities celebrating on this day are actor Martin Lawrence, 51, basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 69 and Religious leader, Pope Benedict XVI, 89.*****April 17 finds Phillips lovely wife Janice Todora celebrating.
We understand Phillip has turned politician.
Cheryl Puntes also celebrates along with Ronnie Haymon, Kaylie Byrd, Jane Istre, Steve Evans and MatthewFranklin. This also would have been the birthday of the late Mildred Hatton. What an angel she was and I’m sure still is.
They join actors Jennifer Garner, 44 and Olivia Hussey, 65 and pop singer Victoria Beckham, 42.
*****On April 18, Megan Waguespack, Grant Mott and Emily Gilson all have birthdays.
Celebrities celebrating are reality star Kourtney Kardashian, 37, actress Haley Mills, 70 and TV show host Conan O’Brien, 53.*****April 19 finds our buddy, insurance man Bill Nickum celebrating as does Shirley Bonnin, Barbara Sarver, Cheryl Patterson and Nicole’s other half, Dustin Gibbs.
They join actress Ashley Judd, 48 and Goldie Hawn’s daughter, Kate Hudson, 37.*****Tommy Durham is the new general manager for Ross Smith at Sabine River Ford. He's a real nice guy with a lot of experience.
Like Ross, he's down to earth, cares about people, the kind of guy you can talk to.
He's dedicated to making the Orange County's Ford store the best Ford dealership anywhere in the area, with the lowest prices and best service after the sale.
There is no reason to leave the county to buy a new Ford.
Sabine River Ford also has many sharp pre-owned cars to chose from.
Go by and meet and visit Tommy.
CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK
Joe Broussard went to see da shrink in Lafayette las week. He told da shrink, "My beautiful wife Tammy Fay is unfaithful to me. Every night she goes to Tee-Boy's Bar & Grill and picks up mens. In fact, she sleeps wit anybody who axe her. I'm going crazy me, wat do you tink I should do Doc?"
"Relax," said Doctor Boudreaux, "take a deep breath and calm down you." "Now tell me where exactly is Tee-Boy's Bar & Grill."
C'EST TOUT
Monday night on PBS I watched the first of a two part series on the life of Jackie Robinson, who broke baseballs color barrier.
I lived through those times.
In fact, I recall some of my teammates and I on the boxing team listening to the Dodgers and Yankees World Series game.
The Yankees won it in the seventh game but Jackie Robinson was who everyone was talking about and what he had done for the Dodgers in only a couple of years.
The Yankees had all those great players but everyone wanted to see them knocked off.
Personally, I was a Cardinal fan mostly because they were the only ones we could catch on the radio.
Tuesday night I will watch the second part of Jackie's story.
It's hard to believe a big star like him, in my lifetime, wasn't able to eat with the white players, stay in the same hotel, use the same restroom or drink from the same water fountain.
That was normal in my childhood. Not much thought was given to it.
It stayed that way until the Voting Rights Act and until LBJ signed the Civil Rights Bill.
I've come full circle.
A black man became president of the United States in just a few short years.
Like Jackie Robinson, Barack Obama broke a color barrier and has served the country well for almost eight years.
Since Jackie, many great black players have come along but Jackie,"The black Ty Cobb," will always be the one who took the abuse and made it all happen.
On April 12, 1945, a year before Jackie joined the Dodgers, a great president Franklin D. Roosevelt, died at age 63.
That was old then but young according to longevity today.
Vice-president Harry S. Truman succeeded Roosevelt and ended WWII with the A&H bombs.
Ten years to the day after FDR died, in 1955, the Salk vaccine against polio was approved.*****My time is up.
Don't forget the Mauriceville Crawfish Festival this coming weekend.
Thanks for your time.
Shop our family of advertisers when you can.
Take care and God bless.
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