25 Attend 69ers' 2009 Reunion

Still on Grass (top photo by Saundra Dunn)

69 69ers Ahead of Their Time in '69 – Were and Are Fashion Trend-Setters –

Twenty-five graduates, plus their guests, of Mt. Vernon (Texas) High School's "Class of 1969" attended their 40th-year reunion during MVHS homecoming activities on Sept. 25-26, 2009. A few who attended the Friday night Tiger football victory (42-21) over Mineola were not able to attend the noon luncheon the next day at The Sweete Shoppe, and vice versa.

Photos were also taken of two additional graduates who live in Mt. Vernon but were unable to attend.

During the football game, the following announcement was made by the public address announcer:

“The Mt. Vernon Independent School District welcomes the Class of 1969 to tonight’s game.  During their senior year, they not only won district championships in football and basketball, but also the U.I.L. Academic Championship.  Welcome to the Class of 1969.”

After the game, several 69ers made it to Dairy Queen to sample some of Mt. Vernon's finer cuisine.

The Reunion Planning Committee – Judy Borden, Gary Clinton, Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin, Jeanne (Davis) Lawrence, Kevin Haley, Wendel Sloan and Carolyn Teague – thanks everyone who attended (as well as those who seriously considered it).

The 69ers have agreed to a contest to see who is still here for their 75th. Preliminary plans call for a Jello meal at Mt. Vernon's Golden Acres.

Attending the reunion were:

Becky Reeves	Carolyn Ball	Carolyn Condrey	Charles Dunn	Clifton Martin	Danny Burgin
Debra Sinclair	Gail Rich	Gary Clinton	Janet Glover	Jeanne Davis	Joe Pickens
Judy Borden	Keith Cargile	Kevin Haley	Lanford Lawrence	Len Lowry	Lewis Turner
Lynn Reynolds	Marcel Munn	Nancy Shumate	Phillis Forgy	Sheliah Aeby	Stan Narramore
	This Space for Rent			Interesting Fact: One 69er was a bootlegger for awhile after high school. A 70er told him that she and another 70er used to visit a bootlegger in Mt. Vernon.	Although her bootlegger wasn't the 69er, some of his best customers were 69ers and 70ers hanging out on the square in Mt. Vernon.
Wendel Sloan		Harold Cason He could not attend, but we got a photo of him for you below.	John David Berger He could not attend, but we got a photo of him for you below.

Could Not Attend Reunion, But We Got Their Photos
Harold Cason was not able to attend, but several 69ers visited him. Gary and Wendel had to cut their visit short when Harold's private maid treated them like offending pucks as she wielded her broom and mop in a silent but deadly pick-up game of curling.
	John David Berger's work schedule prevented him from attending, but a 69er staying next door at the Super 8 stopped by to grab what passes for an adult refreshment (Red Bull) in MV.

69ers at Football Game (photos by Wendel Sloan and others who borrowed his camera)
(L-R) Becky (Reeves) Mull, Lynn and Len Lowry and Jeanne (Davis) Lawrence
Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin and Judy Borden	Pat and Clifton Martin and Gail (Rich) Martin
Pat and Clifton Martin and Keith Cargile	Becca and Danny Burgin and Joe and Joyce Pickens
Gail (Rich) Martin and Judy Borden	Joe Pickens (supply your own caption)
Jeanne (Davis) Lawrence, Wendel Sloan, Lynn (Reynolds) Heffner, Edson Reynolds, Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin
Joe Pickens and Kevin Haley	Judy Borden and Sheliah (Aeby) Harris
Joyce and Joe Pickens and Kevin Haley
Keith Cargile, Len Lowry and Gary Clinton	Debra Sinclair and Nancy Shumate
Sheliah (Aeby) and Kenneth Harris	Stan Narramore and Becky (Reeves) Mull

Joe Pickens, Wendel Sloan, Kevin Haley and Becky (Reeves) Mull (Becky and Wendel are cousins)

Stan and Vicki Narramore

Gary Clinton, Dawn (Reynolds), Lynn (Reynolds) Heffner and Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin

69ers at Dairy Queen (photos by Wendel Sloan)

69ers at The Sweete Shoppe (photos by Gary Clinton and Wendel Sloan)
(facing camera) Dwight and Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin, Judy Borden, Saundra and Charles Dunn, Danny and Becca Burgin (backs to camera) Keith Cargile, Lynn and Len Lowry and Wanda (Joyner) Clinton
Debra Sinclair, Sheliah (Aeby) Harris, Gail (Rich) Martin, Jeanne (Davis) Lawrence, Judy Borden and Lewis Turner
Gail (Rich) Martin, Phillis (Forgy) Donica, Debra Sinclair, Janet (Glover) Stanley, Wendel Sloan, Judy Borden and Joe Pickens
Lanford Lawrence and Lewis and Brenda Turner	Gail (Rich) Martin and Marcel Munn
Phillis (Forgy) Donica, Sleepy Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin and Carolyn (Ball) Cochran (Please send your suport to Carolyn (Ball) Cochran as she fights an ongoing medical battle.)
Estrogen Power of '69 – Sheliah (Aeby) Harris, Debra Sinclair, Janet (Glover) Stanley, Jeanne (Davis) Lawrence, Lynn (Reynolds) Heffner, Judy Borden, Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin, Gail (Rich) Martin and Phillis (Forgy) Donica
Testosterone Power of '69 – Lanford Lawrence, Stan Narramore, Keith Cargile, Wendel Sloan, Gary Clinton, Marcel Munn, Joe Pickens, Len Lowry and Danny Burgin
Jeanne (Davis) Lawrence and Lynn (Reynolds) Heffner	69er girls waste hug on each other
Larry Scott, a '70er, admitted that he always secretly wished he'd been born a year earlier.	Pretty sure they were sharing the "punch."

Video Alert
	Watch a video of 69ers, including Joe Pickens, Janet Glover and Marcel Munn, at The Sweete Shoppe, [watch video]

Slide Show Alert
Watch a slide show of 69er photographs, including Lewis Turner, Sheliah (Aeby) Harris and Lanford Lawrence, set to songs from the 69er era (more or less). [watch slide show]

Sept. 24, 2009, Mt. Vernon Optic-Herald

General Comments and Compliments

"I had a great time visiting with all of you at the game. I plan to attend next year's homecoming and hope to see some of you in the bleachers with me.  I will bring plenty of bug repellent for everyone. Why does a reunion have to be five years apart?  I would like to see as many of my classmates as possible every year.  Wishing all of you well." – Kevin B. Haley

***

"It was very cool! I appreciate two things above all. The work that the committee did in preparation, and the fact that there was no demand for money. I'm playing at the Winnsboro 40th Reunion, and those people are paying $40 a head admission. I would gladly donate a few bucks if it was needed, but to demand it, that's a different story. My wife, by the way, had a great time also. We'll both be at the next one! Thanks!!" – Stan Narramore

***

"I am the first to confess I really did not want to do this, but it was so much fun!!!!! Loved seeing everyone and maybe we can all stay in touch a little with Facebook and visit more than once every 40 years." – Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin

***

"I’m sorry I missed out on all the fun and seeing everyone. Perhaps with current contact information, we can stay in touch a bit better.  Here’s hoping it won’t be another 40 years." – Carolyn Teague

***

Hello to all the 69ers!!!

I had a great time at the game and the reunion. I was so glad to see everyone again. Thanks to the planning committee; you all did an outstanding job!

I missed some of you, because I didn't know who you were, and I didn't think to ask. I realized after seeing the pictures and videos who they were, Becky Reeves and some of the others. Thanks, Wendel, for the names that went with the pictures.

Sorry I looked a mess. It has been a very hard year for me, but, thanks to God, lots of prayers, and my wonderful family and friends, I made it through.

Love to all of you and see you at the 75th reunion!! Hope to see you sooner.   

God Bless,  

Carolyn (Ball) Cochran

Contact Information for 69ers Who Attended Reunion

Sheliah (Aeby) Harris
kesh27@aol.com
903-563-4970
Omaha, Texas

Carolyn (Ball) Cochran
carolyn123150@verizon.net
903-438-9861
Sulphur Springs, Texas

Judy Borden
moojudy@hotmail.com
469-964-8383
The Woodlands, Texas

Danny Burgin
fmtxn@verizon.net
972-742-7542
Flower Mound, Texas

Keith Cargile
kcargile@sbcglobal.net
817-275-6453
Arlington, Texas

Gary Clinton
g.clinton@sbcglobal.net
214-406-4878
Dallas, Texas

Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin
cbolin@suddenlink.net
903-588-4097
Longview, Texas

Jeanne (Davis) Lawrence
jlawrence@saltilloisd.net
214-663-6845
Mt. Vernon, Texas

Phillis (Forgy) Donica
903-588-6096
90 F 900 W
Mt. Vernon, Texas

Charles Dunn
cands@mt-vernon.com
903-537-4979
Mt. Vernon, Texas

Janet (Glover) Stanley
jjstanley1970@yahoo.com
903-466-1384
Talco, Texas

Kevin Haley
brchaley@yahoo.com
903-243-1519
Sulphur Springs, Texas

Lanford Lawrence
ldl0723@yahoo.com
214-663-6843
Mt. Vernon, Texas

Len Lowry
lowryldl@sbcglobal.net
972-771-8434
Rockwall, Texas

Clifton Martin
patclifhome@aol.com
972-741-0575
Blanket, Texas

Marcel Munn
dryice54@sbcglobal.net
903-235-7542
Longview, Texas

Stan Narramore
snarramore@kellerscreamery.com
903-342-3428
Winnsboro, Texas

Joe Pickens
jpicken2@luminant.com
903-573-6828
Mt. Vernon, Texas

Becky (Reeves) Mull
rmull@nerdshack.com
512-496-5425
near Austin, Texas

Lynn (Reynolds) Heffner
lynn.heffner@L-3com.com
972-722-5950
Rockwall, Texas

Gail (Rich) Martin
gail09martin@yahoo.com
903-537-3240
Mt. Vernon, Texas

Nancy Shumate
903-524-3342
P.O. Box 133
Winfield, Texas 75493

Debra Sinclair
Sinclair@peoplescom.net
903-717-0055
Mt. Vernon, Texas

Wendel Sloan
wendel.sloan@yahoo.com
575-749-1631
Portales, NM

Lewis Turner
903-537-4616
3265 CR NW 1019
Mt. Vernon, Texas 75457

E-Mail or Phone Contacts, with towns, for 69ers

Sheliah Aeby (kesh27@aol.com) Omaha, Texas
John David Berger (903-537-2759) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Carolyn (Ball) Cochran (carolyn123150@verizon.net) Sulphur Springs, Texas
John Paul Bartlett, Denison, Texas
Cinda Bolger, on ranch in Montana or Wyoming
Ronnie Bolger, on Baker Street in New Braunfels, Texas
Judy Borden (moojudy@hotmail.com) The Woodlands, Texas
Danny Burgin (fmtxn@verizon.net) Flower Mound, Texas
Keith Cargile (Kcargile@sbcglobal.net) Arlington, Texas
Brinda (Carr) Dolph (gdolphg@yahoo.com) near Austin, Texas  
Buck Carr (903-588-2938) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Sharon (Carrell) Harper (has Facebook page) near Hagansport, Texas
Harold Cason (casonharold@yahoo.com) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Gary Clinton (g.clinton@sbcglobal.net) Dallas, Texas
Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin (cbolin@suddenlink.net) Longview, Texas
Jeanne (Davis) Lawrence (jlawrence@saltilloisd.net) Mt. Vernon, Texas
David Day (daydream51@suddenlink.net) Shreveport, Louisiana
Charles Dunn (cands@mt-vernon.com) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Howard Ezell (circlee@mt-vernon.com) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Fuqua Forgy (903-842-3260) Troup, Texas
Phillis Forgy (903-588-6096) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Ronnie Foster (903-733-1636, 870-653-6146) Fouke, Arkansas
Janet (Glover) Stanley (jjstanley1970@yahoo.com) Talco, Texas
Kevin Haley (brchaley@yahoo.com) Sulphur Springs, Texas
Mike Harper (wife Sharon Carrell Harper has Facebook page) near Hagansport, Texas
H.V. Hatcher, Dallas, Texas
B.F. Hicks (bfhicks@mt-vernon.com) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Emily (Hightower) Mann (mann_emily@comcast.net) Centennial, Colorado
Charles Horton (903-383-5027) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Don Hutchings (903-524-4491) Winfield, Texas
Lanford Lawrence (ldl0723@yahoo.com) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Len Lowry (lowryldl@sbcglobal.net) Rockwall, Texas
Maclcolm Mahaffey (through Frank Mahaffey, 903-537-2929) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Clifton Martin (patclifhome@aol.com) Blanket, Texas
Marcel Munn (dryice54@sbcglobal.net) Longview, Texas
Stan Narramore (snarramore@kellerscreamery.com) Winnsboro, Texas
Lynda Osborne, Mt. Vernon, Texas
Joe Pickens (JPICKEN2@luminant.com) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Kay (Pruitt) Dickerson, Mt. Vernon, Texas
Randy Newsom (rnewsom1@oncor.com) Dallas, Texas
Becky (Reeves) Mull (rmull@nerdshack.com) near Austin, Texas
Lynn (Reynolds) Heffner (lynn.heffner@L-3com.com) Rockwall, Texas
Grady Selby (903-669-3233) Paris, Texas
Gail (Rich) Martin (gail09martin@yahoo.com) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Nancy Shumate (903-524-3342) Winfield, Texas
Debra Sinclair (sinclair@peoplescom.net ) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Wendel Sloan (wendel.sloan@yahoo.com) Portales, New Mexico
Donnie Smith (903-632-5986) Bogata, Texas
Randy Stribling (striblingwr@usa.redcross.org) Little Rock, Arkansas
David Tabor (903-629-7552) Winnsboro, Texas
Laura Taliferro (through daughter Laura Huff, 713-501-1992, 281-328-6406) daughter in Houston
Carolyn Teague (carolyntw@suddenlink.net) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Lewis Turner (903-537-4616) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Gerald Waters (903-588-2942) Mt. Vernon, Texas
Coldon Wilson (read message on Classmates.com, but did not respond)
Total: 55

Missing Classmates – Does anyone have leads on getting in touch with the following classmates:

Jack Armstrong, Ronnie Atkins, Ray Paul Chandler, Sidney Crawley, Andrew Ray Deloney, Rosemary Godfrey, Larry Powers, Gail Stalter, James Teague, Coldon Wilson and Joe Young Jr.

A good place to find phone numbers is at http://www.whitepages.com.

Do You Want to Contribute to Reunion Page?

Please send in your reunion photos, high school stuff, or updates on your life to: wendel.sloan@yahoo.com.

Mt. Vernon (Texas) High School 1969 Class Reunion Set for September 25-26 (photo provided by Gary Clinton)

"We like whiskey, we like wine, we're the class of '69."

Event: 1969 Mt. Vernon High School 40th-Year Class Reunion (During Mt. Vernon High School's 2009 Homecoming Weekend)      Friday, Sept. 25: Football Game – The home side is still on the east side. Parking will be a little tricky because of a new elementary building coming up out of the dust in front of Tiger Stadium (east side). Therefore, it will be necessary for us to park in front of the high school and walk over the bridge that goes to the back side of the home side. There will also be a ticket booth behind the home stands. This will be the easiest point of access for parking and tickets. Buy $6 general admission tickets for you and your guests and gather near the ticket booth behind the home stands of Tiger Stadium at 6:45 p.m. so that we can sit together for the 7:30 p.m. game against Mineola. (The Homecoming Coronation starts at 7 p.m. and the stands will be filling fast for it). If 69ers want to continue visiting after the game, we will wing it like the old days.      Saturday, Sept. 26: Lunch – Noon at Sweete Shoppe at 604 N I-30 Service Road in Mt. Vernon. Order from the menu. Directions: from Mt. Vernon High School: go to I-30 and take a right on Service Road toward Dallas. [Sweete Shoppe Web Site] (903-537-4454)      Please Bring High School Memorabilia – Please bring your own MVHS memorabilia to share with classmates (including yearbooks).      Golf – If you would like to golf on a par-3 course in Mt. Pleasant sometime during Homecoming weekend, please e-mail Gary Clinton at g.clinton@sbcglobal.net.      Dress for Weekend: Extremely informal (jeans or shorts, T-shirts, tennis shoes, high school letter jackets, band uniforms, FFA jackets, cheerleader outfits, etc.)      Special Thank Yous: A special thank you to Carolyn Teague for her efforts in contacting classmates. Also, a special thank you to Lorri Agee, MVISD Superintendent's Secretary, for all her assistance. See her comment below: " I look forward to the 45th and the 50th  reunion!!! God Bless the Class of 1969…Always!"     Note to Other Classes: We welcome members of all MVHS classes at the 1969 reunion.     Memorial for 50th Anniversary of Bus Wreck – There will be a memorial service to the memory of those killed in the Sept. 29,1959, Mount Vernon bus wreck at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29 – the 50th anniversary of the tragedy.

Construction by Tiger Stadium

Meet at 6:45 p.m. near ticket booth on back side of home stands for football game. Parking will be a little tricky for the Sept. 25 football against Mineola game because of a new elementary building coming up out of the dust in front of Tiger Stadium. Therefore, it will be necessary for us to park in front of the high school and walk over the bridge that goes to the back side of the home side. There will also be a ticket booth behind the home stands. This will be the easiest point of access for parking and tickets. (photo by Kevin Haley)

Football, Basketball, Academic District Champs
	The 1969 Mt. Vernon High School graduating class was 15AA Distict Champions their senior year in football and basketball, as well as winning the U.I.L. Academic District Championship. If any of you still have your high school letter sweaters or jackets, or other high school attire (and they still fit), why not wear them to the reunion?
Wendel Sloan's letter sweater for junior year football.
Wendel Sloan's letter jacket for senior year football.

Harold in His Undies

(clipping provided by Debra Sinclair)

Debra Sinclair's Report on Her High School Memorabilia

After enjoying the latest update on the reunion, I started trying to recall memories from 40+ years and I remembered that I had kept a scrapbook before scrapbooking was the “in” thing, so it is really primitive by today’s standard scrapbook.  Some of the highlights include:

An Optic-Herald article featuring Harold Cason in his underwear. (Supposedly he was getting a physical for football.)
The program from the Senior Play – HELPFUL HENRY
The program from the dedication of the new school. (Now the old-old school.)
Optic-Herald articles on each of the football games and a few of the basketball games. (We won district in football and basketball – very rare.)
Something from the Beta convention that we got sent home from. (Billy Frank Hicks, Gary Clinton, Wendel Sloan, Jeannie Lawrence, Emily Hightower, and me.)
Tiger’s Tales
(One has a front page article featuring an article “How to be Important” by Wendel Sloan.)
I would be more than willing to share these with everyone; just let me know how.

Long Lost Classmates
          Kay (Pruitt) Condrey is still my neighbor and lives close to her mother where she grew up.  She works for the Texas Department of Human Services in Mt Vernon, located close to the Sweet Shoppe. Her home address is 1939 FM 21 Mt Vernon TX 75457.
          David Williams died of cancer a couple of years ago.
          Roy Whatley (I think he graduated with us) also died from cancer.

I really look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.  Let me know how I can share my memorabilia with everyone.

Debra Sinclair
sinclair@peoplescom.net

Kevin Haley's Feedback About Debra Sinclair's Report

I found Roy Whatley in the 1968 annual but his picture was not available. Was this an omen?  Really weird since he is next to David Willaims and David Weatherford. If you have the 1968 annual check this out. Also we had 80 kids our junior year but only 69 our senior year.  I will do more research and send the names of the ones not with us at the end of our senior year. I will send you another e-mail of our Baccalaureate Service. I found a really good picture in the 1965 annual of the band. Debra Sinclair was in the drum section with me. You know the more I look at these old annuals, I find it interesting how many of the same kids were honored with special titles over and over (editor's note: darned little genetic marvels!). 

Update from Lynda Osborne

Being one of the computer-less multitudes, here's a brief bio update (sent by snail-mail) if you want to post it online.

1. Finally back in Texas near family after many years in VA, CO and TN.
2. Career: Graphic design and various multi-media fine arts. (Retired due to fibro-myalgia.)
3. Divorced in 1997 (resumed maiden name.) One daughter, 35, one grandson, 13, one granddaughter, 6. Am very proud of all of them!
4. Currently disabled due to severe spinal injury, hence, mostly wheelchair-bed bound.
5. Am enjoying grandchildren more than I thought possible, reading and playing chess with my grandson – sometimes he even lets me win.

Hello and Best Wishes to All!

Lynda Osborne

Sheliah Aeby Harris and Husband, Keith

Hey guys, it has been years since I've seen any of you.  I was sorry to read of our classmates that had passed away.  My husband (Keith) and I live in Omaha, Texas.  I have two step-children from my first marriage and three grandchildren.  My husband is a teacher and I'm a registered nurse, certified in gerontology.  I worked at Titus Regional Medical Center in ICU/CCU until 1991.  After 16 yrs as a nurse surveyor with the State, I was able to take early retirement in 2007.  I received by ADN from PJC and my BSN from UTA. I also am certified as a health science technology teacher.  I am now working part-time as a RN team leader for Cypress Basin Hospice in Mt. Pleasant.   High school has faded away, but some things I remember vividly are: the plays I was in, the terrible stink we had to endure because of the rotten skunk in the air conditioner, the small explosion in chemistry lab, when I had to stroke Keith Cargil's hair (in a play), how cold Ms. Binion's room was, how cute I thought Mr. Hargis was, and, most of all, I remember when we gave the study hall teacher a note saying we had permission to go to Oklahoma and buy beer, and he let us go!   See you, Sheliah (Aeby) Harris

Carolyn Ball Cochran with Husband, Neal

HERE IS A FAIRLY RECENT PICTURE OF MY HUSBAND AND ME. WE ARE FULL-TIME PASTORS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH IN SULPHUR SPRINGS. I WORK AT OWENS COUNTRY SAUSAGE, BUT AM ON SICK LEAVE RIGHT NOW, AND MY HUSBAND,NEAL, WORKS FOR TOMMY EVANS FIRESTONE. WE HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND SIX GRANDCHILDREN. WE WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING ALL OF MY CLASSMATES AT THE REUNION. CAROLYN (BALL) COCHRAN

Joe Pickens Family: Mark, Chad, Joyce, Joe, Scott

Joe works for Luminant Power (29 years) at the Monticello Plant as the Lead Chemical Lab Tech., overseeing the Lab responsibilities. Joyce has held jobs as a church secretary, church financial secretary, and branch office manager for Edward Jones, but currently    is a retired grandmother (Meema). Chad (oldest): BS degree Business from Texas A&M Commerce is an Inventory Manager for Lowe’s.  Chad, Kristy, and Jadyn live in OKlahoma City. Scott:  BS Degrees in Mathematics and Chemistry fromTexas A&M College Station and MS in Mathematical Statistics from Univ. of Missouri, works for H&R Block as a Business Forecast Analyist. Mark (youngest): BS in Electronics Engineering from Univ. of North Texas and will complete Master's in Electronics Engineering, also from UNT in December ’09.

Len Lowry

With Beautiful Family

Lanford and Jeanne Davis Lawrence

At Son Lanny's 2008 Wedding

Gary Clinton

At Daughter's 2007 Wedding – Gary is the one who originally suggested the idea of a 69er reunion. He says he would definitely like to see Debra Sinclair's scrapbooking memories from our high school days, and he will bring some items himself. We also hope that you will bring high school memorabilia.

David Day
	David Day is unmarried, and has three children (Rusty, Melissa, and Joey). He is Retired USAF, and currently works with the Department of Defense as Barksdale AFB Casualty Officer. He deals with active duty and retiree deaths as well as serving as a liaison officer on all military retiree matters. David works closely with the Defense Accounting Service, Veterans' Administration and Social Security Administration on benefits and entitlement for active duty and retired military personnel.
David vacationing with his girlfriend in Florida in May 2009.
David in Vietnam in January of 2009.

B.F. Hicks
	B.F. Hicks is an attorney in Mt. Vernon. He is also well-known for hosting a wide array of festive social events for charitable and civic organizations, often featuring sing-alongs, in the Old Methodist Church – which he has beautifully renovated.

Randy and Vicky Newsom

Randy says, "We will be out of town the weekend of the reunion. Sorry. Tell everyone we send our best."

Hi everyone, I have seven grandsons ranging in age from three to ten. I have been married to Melba for twenty-four years. We met at work. I spent three years in the U.S. Army and did a tour of duty in South Vietnam when I was nineteen. I went to college at East Texas State in Commerce. I received my BS degree in 1978. I worked in Dallas for awhile and then moved to Sulphur Springs in 1984. I have been living north of town for the last twenty-five years. I spent eighteen years in the Texas Army National Guard and reteired as a staff sargent. I worked for a company called US Brass in Commerce for eighteen years and am currently employed by Hydro Alulminum in Commerce, TX. I have to use a computer alot so I am so thankful for Miss Petty's typing class. May God bless you all. Kevin Haley Kevin would like everyone to bring their yearbooks to the reunion. He is also a songwriter, with a recent one lamenting that "she just wanted to be friends."

Kevin's Wife, Melba, Grandson Jacota, and Mom

Stan Narramore Singin' in Sufferin' Springs
Update from Stan The above photo was taken in June at a concert in "Sufferin'" (Sulphur) Springs. Stan says, " Yeah, I still do that. I got out of the band business (again) about five years ago. It's a lot more fun and a lot less work, solo. "I am married to my wife (#3)  of 26 years. We have one son and two daughters, five grandkids, and some very busy schedules! I went back to college in 1990 at Kilgore, after some health issues FINALLY got me out of the oilfield rig work. I was a Corrosion Technician for several years, on land, and in the Gulf. Now I'm living in Winnsboro(never would have guessed it!) working as Inventory Co-ordinator in Keller's Creamery Maintenance Dept. My boss is DAVEY ELLIOTT! He's a good 'un, too! "I've been working on this note for three days, now. I guess I ought to send it before the reunion! See y'all at the ball game!"

Lynn Discovers Fountain of Youth

Lynn (Reynolds) and Steve Heffner with Grandkids

Emily Hightower and Daughters

Message from Emily to 1969 Classmates:

Dear MVHS classmates of 1969,   I will not be able to join the class reunion, but I send my best regards.  Here's an update on my life.    After a meandering path towards a college education, I received both my BSBA and MBA from Regis University.  This has served me well in a career with Lockheed Martin corporation, with whom I will celebrate 30 years of employment in February of 2010.  I was widowed in 2007 after 28 years of marriage to Larry Mann, who died of cancer.  There is no special fellow in my life right now, but I'm open to suggestion.    I have two daughters, Melinda and Melanie, 23 and 21.  Melinda is a senior at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and is in her final semester, graduating in December with a degree in Sociology, aiming toward a career in social work.  Melinda is an outdoor enthusiast, and loves to hike, camp, ski board, and water raft.  My younger daughter, Melanie, is starting her senior year at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.  She is majoring in political science, with a minor in business.  Melanie is quite the fashionista and trend setter.  She and her chihuahua often wear coordinating outfits.  That said, she can complete a Sudoku puzzle faster than anyone I know.  Both daughters are delightful people.    I'm very active in my church, Smoky Hill United Methodist Church, where I am lay leader.  When volunteers are needed, I seem to find my hand drifting upwards.  My mother and friends Debra and Jane are coaching me to say No more often, to put my life in balance.  As part of my church effort, I planned and led workshops to help our members put their personal finances in order.  Last year I published the workshop material in a book called First You Dream, a Financial Management Workbook, available on Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=emily+mann+first+you+dream   I love to travel, and feel fortunate that travel and public speaking are a large part of my job.  I have traveled recently to Fort Worth, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orlando, Washington DC, Baltimore, Las Vegas...  I think I will have 19 or 20 business trips this year, and I'm budgeted for 24 in 2010.  So far, my job has not carried me out of the country, but I've managed to vacation in Europe a few times, and Hawaii once.    My job is Supplier Diversity Program Manager.  As a prime contractor to the U.S. Federal Government, Lockheed Martin has requirements to purchase goods and services from small businesses.  Hundreds of suppliers contact us seeking information and opportunity, and I'm one of the people who can advise them on how to do business with us, and whether opportunity might exist with us.  This week I will be meeting with suppliers and government employees at the Small Business Administration's MEDWeek event in Washington, DC.  I spent many years in the IT support group of the corporation, and still maintain friendships in that group.  I will be speaking at the internal corporate technology symposium in Orlando in October.   I have been blessed with good health, complaining only of occasional allergies.  I enjoy a life of little adventures, exploring new places, going out with friends, watching movies, going dancing, and hiking with my friend Kathee.  Over time, my camping trips have turned into spa weekends.    What's next?  Eventually I will retire from Lockheed Martin.  I love Colorado, but each winter the cold weather seems to bother me more, and shoveling snow from my sidewalk is increasingly difficult.  In an abundant world, I would choose to snowbird, and winter in Texas, but avoid the summer heat by spending May through October in Colorado.  I haven't begun to plan details for that life, but it's a strong possibility.   My best wishes to each of you.  My compliments for your successes, and my prayers for strength as needed.  I would love to hear from you.    Emily   Emily Hightower Mann 5459 S. Nepal Court Centennial, CO 80015 home:  303-690-0944 e-mail:  mann_emily@comcast.net facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1798570889&ref=profile

Note to Emily – If you knew that there were going to be single guys at the reunion, would it change your mind about not coming?

Danny and Becca Burgin
Danny at work.	Danny and Becca in Flower Mound, Texas.

Facebook Photos of 1969 Classmates
Carolyn Condrey Bolin	Mike and Sharon Harper
Danny Burgin	Brinda Carr Dolph (2nd from left)

Gail Rich Martin with Husband

Judy Borden with Angelic Bryan and Wild-Child Courtney

Paintings by Carolyn Teague

The above are original paintings by Carolyn Teague. Carolyn has taken up the hobby for creative expression and personal fulfillment. Carolyn's mother was also a very fine painter. Please feel free to share your creative work, vacation and family photos, etc., with your classmates by sending to wendel.sloan@yahoo.com.

Wendel Relaxes in Cozumel

During Caribbean cruise on July 25-30, 2009.

Efforts to Contact 69ers with Unknown E-mail Addresses

E-mails sent through Classmates.com
(don't remember some of them either, they are not in yearbook, and only one has been read – Classmates.com sucks)

Sheliah Aeby (read, and also contacted through other sources)
Ronnie Atkins (unread)
Martha Bells (unread)
Danny Burgin (unread, but contacted through other sources)
Lenard Clark (unread)
Mary Edge (unread)
Elaine Erion (unread)
Glynda Farmer (unread)
Don Hutchings (through Ben Hutchings--unread, but contacted through other sources)
Paul Long (unread)
Ann Nickles (unread)
Kay Pruitt (unread, but contacted through other sources)
Becky (Reeves) Mull (unread, but contacted through other sources)
James Reeves (unread)
Nancy Shumate (unread, but contacted through other sources)
Gail Stalter (unread)
Laura Taliaferro (unread)
Coldon Wilson (unread)

Snail-Mail (plus one e-mail, one Facebook and two by phone) letters sent:

Carolyn (Ball) Cochran (responded)
John Berger (talked to on phone, and mailed letter on Sept. 10 and Sept. 15)
Danny Burgin (responded)
Keith Cargile (responded)
Buck Carr (no response, mailed again on Sept. 15)
Sidney Crawley (no response)
David E. Day (responded)
Charles Dunn (responded, mailed reminder on Sept. 14)
Howard Ezell (no response)
Fuqua and Phillis Forgy (mailed to Phillis, no response)
Ronnie Foster (mailed on Sept. 7 and Sept. 15)
Mike and Sharon (Carrell) Harper (sent by Facebook to Sharon)
B.F. Hicks (mailed on Sept. 15)
Emily Hightower (responded)
H.V. Hatcher (returned as undeliverable)
Don Hutchings (no response, mailed again on Sept. 14)
Charles Horton (no response)
Len Lowry (responded)
Malcolm Mahaffey (mailed to Ann Mahaffey and Frank Mahaffey, no response)
Clifton Martin (e-mailed, and mailed on Sept. 12)
Marcel Munn (responded, mailed reminder on Sept. 14)
Stan Narramore (responded)
Lynda Osborne (mailed on Sept. 2 and Sept. 15)
Joe Pickens (responded)
Kay (Pruitt) Dickerson (mailed on Sept. 2 and Sept. 14)
Grady Selby (mailed on Sept. 3)
Nancy Shumate (no response, mailed again on Sept. 15)
Debra Sinclair (responded)
Donnie Smith (mailed on Sept. 4 and Sept. 15)
David Tabor (no response, also mailed to Raymond Tabor, mailed again on Sept. 14)
Laura Taliferro (left message and text on daughter's cell on Sept. 10)
Lewis Turner (responded with call to Carolyn Teague, mailed again on Sept. 14)
Randy Stribling (responded)
Gerald Waters (no response, mailed again on Sept. 14)
David Williams (after sending letter, found out was deceased)

Others who 69ers said they would contact or get contact information for:

Carolyn Ball – (by Carolyn Teague--done)
David Day – (by Carolyn Teague--done)
Mike and Sharon (Carrell) Harper – (by Judy Borden--done)
Emily Hightower – (by Carolyn Teague--done)
Lanford Lawrence – (by Jeanne Davis Lawrence--done)
Clifton Martin – (by Carolyn Teague--done)
David Tabor – (by Kevin Haley--done)
Don Hutchings (by Caroln Teague--done)
Phillis and Fuqua Forgy (by Carolyn Teague--done)
H.V. Hatcher (by Carolyn Teague--done)

Assume they might attend since they responded:

Sheliah (Aeby) Harris
Carolyn (Ball) Cochran
Judy Borden
Danny Burgin
Keith Cargile
Brinda (Carr) Dolph
Harold Cason
Gary Clinton
Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin
Jeanne (Davis) Lawrence
David Day
Charles Dunn
Janet (Glover) Stanley
Kevin Haley
Lanford Lawrence
Len Lowry
Joe Pickens
Marcel Munn
Stan Narramore
Becky (Reeves) Mull
Lynn (Reynolds) Heffner
Gail (Rich) Martin
Debra Sinclair
Wendel Sloan
Lewis Turner
Total: 25

Please send classmates' e-mail or snail-mail addresses, or items for this 1969 MVHS reunion Web page, to: wendel.sloan@yahoo.com

News, Comments, Suggestions, etc.

Planning Committee Met June 20 – The 69er Reunion Planning Committee had a second meeting on Saturday, June 20 at Carolyn Teague's house at 106 Mary Grace Drive in Mt. Vernon. Present were Carolyn Teague, Judy Borden, Carolyn Condrey Bolin, Kevin Haley and Wendel Sloan.

69er Girls Had Girls' Day on June 20 – Some of the 69er girls had a Girls' Day in Mt. Vernon on Saturday, June 20, hosted by Carolyn Teague. Attending were: Carolyn Teague, Judy Borden, Carolyn Condrey Bolin, Janet Glover Stanley and Lynn Reynolds Heffner. They refused to provide photos.

Comment from Kevin Haley – "Are we going to be acting our age or like high school kids (at the reunion)?  It would be really interesting if everyone could find their old yearbooks and let the others read what they wrote in them to that person."

Comment from Anonymous – (Name withheld) "wants pictures of the skinny dipping!!!!" (at Lake Cypress Springs as mentioned under a photo below)

69ers' 1966 Freshman Yearbook

Class of '69 in '68 Yearbook

Comparison of 1968 and 1969 Class Members – According to research by Kevin Haley, we had 80 classmates in the 1968 junior class in the Mt. Vernon High School yearbook, but had only 69 classmates in our graduating year of 1969. Seventeen did not return for our senior year, reducing the returnees to 63, but we gained six new students for the final total of 69. The new students were: Sidney Crawley, H.V. Hatcher, Larry Powers, Grady Selby, Laura Taliaferro and Joe Young Jr. The 1968 juniors who did not appear as seniors in the 1969 yearbook were: Clifford Barger, Ronnie Bolger, Linda Doss, Nora Doss, Phyllis Doss, Mary Edge, Thomas Ellison, Margaret Erion, Cynthia Griffith, Ricky Homer, Leonard Jackson, Donna Lambert, Linda Little, Barbara Lusk, David Styles, Carolyn Teague (graduated early), and Roy Whatley (unconfirmed reports say he is deceased). The original Mt. Vernon first graders who made it all the way through high school in Mt. Vernon were: Jackie Barker, Judy Borden, Danny Burgin, Keith Cargile, Brinda Carr, Harold Cason, Jeanne Davis, Roy Gene Elledge, Mike Harper, Bill Hicks, Lanford Lawrence, Len Lowry, Malcolm Mahaffey, Clifton Martin, Randy Newsom, Larry Perritt, Kay Pruitt, Lynn Reynolds, Gail Rich, Debra Sinclair, Brenda Sloan, Wendel Sloan, David Styles and Carolyn Teague. Kevin's original research is below. These are his the symbols: "X" – not in 1969 senior yearbook; "G" – seniors of 1969; "O" – member of original first grade class in Mt. Vernon. (Thanks, Kevin!)

Class of '69 in '69

In Memoriam
Jackie Barker	Roy Gene Elledge	Larry Perritt	David Weatherford

David Williams

Genetic Marvels

Following Items Provided by Gary Clinton

Graduation Announcement Cover

Graduation Announcement Inside

Football Game Program

Football Roster from Game Program

Front of Football Schedule Card

Football Team Photo from Back of Schedule Card

(Provided by Kevin Haley)

First Grade First Day Diploma

World Events in 1969
Click the link below: [Wikipedia]
	The Beatles' final rooftop performance in 1969.

Trippin' Down Mt. Vernon's Memory Lane (photos taken by Wendel Sloan on May 21, 2009)

Hicks Brothers – The famous Hicks Brothers (Sid, Bill and John) were at a Historical Society function at Bill's old Methodist Church home on May 14, 2009. Bill is one of the original 69ers.

Music and spirits flowed freely at the old Methodist Church.

Do 69ers remember those old country roads which we used to cruise down at night to hide our underage (and sometimes illegal) refreshments from the highway patrol and other officers? What was the highway patrol doing out in the country anyway? Were they as bored as us?

How about those days and (skinny-dipping) nights at Lake Cypress Springs?

Reunion Planning Committee

Like Fine Wine! – This motley crew met at Mickie's restaurant in Mt. Vernon following the funeral of Jackie Barker on Thursday, May 21, to discuss reunion plans. Pictured are (L-R): Courtney Young, 32-year-old live-wire daughter of Judy Borden, Kevin Haley, Carolyn Teague and Wendel Sloan. Gary Clinton, who suggested a reunion, Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin and Lynn (Reynolds) Heffner have also joined the committee. For more information or suggestions, contact information for committee members is at the bottom of this page.

How to Reach Planning Committee
Wendel Sloan Phone: (office) 575-562-2253, (home) 575-359-1677, (cell) 575-749-1631 E-mail: click here MySpace: click here Facebook: click here
	Carolyn Teague Phone: 903-466-4207 E-Mail: click here Facebook: click here
Kevin Haley Phone: 903-945-2573 E-Mail [click here]
	Judy Borden E-mail: click here Facebook: click here
Gary Clinton E-Mail: click here

	Carolyn (Condrey) Bolin E-mail: click here Facebook: click here
Lynn (Reynolds) Heffner E-mail: click here

Wendel Sloan ('The Anglo Mariachi Cowboy')
	Wendel works in media relations at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) in Portales. He actively plays basketball, golf and tennis several times a week – and is also still proficient in touch football, softball, volleyball and hula-hooping. Although his attire might suggest otherwise, so far Wendel has managed to remain 100 percent heterosexual. A funny video of Wendel as "The Anglo Mariachi Cowboy" can be seen at the link below. After opening, scroll down to the photo of Wendel with a Spanish lady, click on the video link, and fast-forward to Wendel as the 12th and final male in the ENMU Hispanic Fashion Show. [click here] You can also watch a funny video of Wendel riding a scooter at [click here]; a Jib-Jab video at: [click here]; and see a newspaper interview at [click here]. Wendel can be reached at wendel.sloan@yahoo.com.
Now, send us your stuff!

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