The notes on this page were posted on a message board for remembering deceased friends.  These were posted between November 1998 and February 2001.  The company closed the boards on March 5, 2001 and so we had to set up a new message board.

Noel W. Kendrick, School Board Member
Noel W. Kendrick, father of Bruce G. Kendrick ('62)  Glenda Kendrick Basil ('57?)  Nancy Kendrick LeMay ('54?)  and Noelene Kendrick Birkelo ('52?) passed away in Corsicana  TX  on January 3  2001. He was 93 years of age and is survived by all his children above and his wife of 70 years Garnet Kendrick. Noel and Garnet lived in Eunice for about 30 years and were members of First Baptist Church where he was a deacon. Noel also served on the Eunice Board of Education for many years with Mr. C. H. Conway, D. W. Key, John R. Tate, and F. F. Hardison among others. He was much loved by us all and had a great sense of humor right to the end. As I was with him near the end of his life he said to me that he and my Mother "had seen things that they never could have imagined". What an "understatement". The script  "Born 1907 - Died 2001" now engraved on his headstone is awesome to see.
Bruce Kendrick, 62

Joe Lara  Class of 66
Joe passed away on December 26  2000 from a heart attack.

Carl Standefer, Class of ??
Carl passed away in November 2000.  See a newspaper article on https://bevsan.tripod.com/CarlStandefer.htm  He was an EHS alumni.

Melissa Motes Spoon, Class of ??
I THINK OF MELISSA THROUGH THE YEAR'S  WHAT A SWEET GIRL SHE WAS.

Rebecca Rusk Young, Class of ??
This is just a message to add Rebecca "Rusk" Young's name to the memorial list.  She has been gone now since July 1, 1996.  She was born March 22, 1953.  I don't remember the year she graduated from EHS. She is missed by her family very much.

Bo Tyree, Class of ??
Floats  carnival booths  class meetings...It is hard for me to believe it has been 10 years since Bo passed away. We are planning our 10 year reunion and it is times like these that I stop and think about him because anyone who knows what our class was like knows we always thought we were organized... and then along would come Bo and really organize us! He was extremely special and I realize that even more now that I have gotten older. Bo will always be remembered by our class and our school. My prayers are always with his family. I also hope they realize the impact he made on our class.
Xan Gladden Hobbs

Lisa Jordan
Lisa Jordan was married and had a family that I was very good friends with over the years that she lived in Eunice.  She will always be my shining star for she never judge me at anything that I did.
Tonya Adams
 
Glenda Chapman, English Teachers
She not only taught us English  she taught us to think and to have the strength of character to do things correctly even if they had to be done more than once to get it right.  She was a beautiful lady with a beautiful family.  She was also the Cardinal's #1 fan. You can be sure when there is a Cardinal game of any kind Mrs. Chapman will be leading the other Cardinals in heaven with the cheers.
Jackie Criswell Miller, Class of 77
I have so many memories of Mrs. Chapman and they are all funny and good and sweet. She was a beautiful lady and a wonderful teacher. I got life lessons from Mrs. Chapman  not just diagramming sentences  although that must have been her favorite thing about English (hahaha). She taught me to be creative be my own person and most importantly make everyone think you know what you are doing and they won't question you about potential problems! That's the one lesson I really took to heart. My love goes out to her family. I know that they were number 1 in her life because she told me that on many occasions. I know that she will always be a part of EHS because I promise not let her memory die. As a teacher I can only hope that my students have half as many fond memories of me as Mrs. C's students have of her.
Xan Gladden Hobbs
Was so saddened to hear about the loss of Glenda Chapman.  My heart goes out to her family I know she will be greatly missed not only by her family and friends but all those of us she taught during her many years at EHS.
Kathy Glover Applin

Gerald Carter, Class of ??
Gerald was such a great guy.  Always had something up his sleeve  and made us all laugh so much.  Is a tremendous loss to friends and the world.
Sandy Malone King, 61

Kimberly Howard, Class of ??
(Afterglow)
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one
I'd like to leave an afterglow when life is done
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways
of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun
of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Miss you so much,
love Mama, Annette Elkins Farris
I moved away from Eunice in 1989 when I was almost 16. One of the memories I still hold close to my heart are those of Kimberly. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She has had a lot of affect on my life. I think about her when I get into my vehicle.  She touched a lot of lives. Her memory will live on forever.
April Cook
Kim was a true friend to me and I thought of her as a sister. We fought like sisters and we laughed and shared like sisters. She was always being positive about people. She found at least 1 thing good in everyone and she taught me to love myself and everyone around me.  I miss her every day and will never forget what an angel we lost the day she died.  Heaven got the best angel ever.  I Miss You Kimmy.
Jeri Faye,Jeri Morrow-Williams

ELIZABETH KELTON,Class of ??
I can remember Elizabeth from a small girl growing up not to far from our trailer when we lived by the city park. Even at a young age she always lived by her own rules.  I used to think man this girl knows what she wants and won't let any one bully her around. I admired that and I am sure she is doing the same now with that same Elizabeth attitude.
Cathy Good Nelson
Elizabeth was someone that I admired as a child she was always out there. You would never find her just sitting in the background she was always found up front. She was a strong person. The world needs more women in this world like Elizabeth.
April Adams Cook

MIKE SWEEZY, Class of ??
I remember the wonderful person Mike was and think of him often over the years.  We will always miss mike's smile.
cathy good nelson,

JOYCE GIVENS, Class of ??
Joyce was a good friend and a wonderful loving person.  Although it has been many years since I had seen her I thought of her often and our years at EHS.  TINA KENNEDY

Fred Boyd, Class of 50
I was not a close friend of Fred but I admired him and he never tried to overwhelm anyone that I know of.  My main memory of him is he helped my mother when she was driving the school bus and drove thru some mud holes for her.  She always had something nice to say about him.
Stewart Holmes

Mrs. Mabel McDougal  Elementary Teacher
Mrs. McDougal passed away Dec. 1999 at the age of 95.
Joyce Barnes Snider

Ronnie Ponder, Class of 54
Ronnie Ponder was our President elect for the class of '54.  He passed away in the summer before our senior year.  Ronnie Ponder was a twin.  His brother was Donnie.
Betty Carpenter Walden

Jeff Key, Class of ??
Who could ever forget the notorious "Toad" or "Chico"?  How about "Goucho"?  He was always laughing and making other people laugh.  I hope you don't mind if I share my poem that I wrote about him with all of you.                                                       He cared for me watched over me - not like a brother but more like a mother hen caring for its brood.  He always wanted me to to do great but never wanted me to know that he did.  Instead he would tease me  torment me the way brothers do.  I remember his burr haircut his freckled face  his crooked grin.  I remember his laugh my brother my friend.
Dena Hart
Visiting the 4th of July Reunion brought forth many memories  one of which is the loss of a dear friend.  Jeffrey Key was always the life of every party.  His eternal optimism was contagious.  He could turn every disadvantage into a positive.  Instead of dwelling on his broken arm which had healed which a slight crook he turned it into a joke and a personal signature.  He used the "gouch" arm as a prop for countless laughs for his friends.  He turned his notorious poor spelling ability into humor for his classmates and even his teachers.  There were many times when teachers would end up laughing when trying to discipline Jeff. I can remember the night a group went to the go-cart track in Hobbs.  Wayman Green went off the track and crashed into a cable which hit him square in the neck.  We rushed him to the emergency room where Jeff kept us upbeat and laughing while Wayman was being treated for severe bruises.  Jeff was also a fierce competitor.  I can still remember cracking helmets with him one day at football practice. We were both dizzy and hurting like heck but too old to cry.  So Jeff starts laughing of all things  and I couldn't help but join in.  I'm sure my memory suffers from the ravages of time but I can't conjure a single memory of Jeff being "down" or negative.  I can only remember his incredible sense of humor and his unceasing optimism.  Jeff  we miss you!!
Neil Goodman 1962

Jo Reta Gryder, Class of 68
Jo Reta Gryder Stubblefield passed away May 8  1996 at UTMB in Galveston.  No matter where we lived we both always thought of Eunice as home. She left behind a loving family.  She and Alan had two daughters Andrea Thomas and Alanna Solis. Jody spent what turned out to be the last few months of her life helping her two girls to prepare for the births of what was to be her first granddaughter (Jo Reta June Thomas born May 23, 1996) and first grandson (Levi Alan Solis - born July 24, 1996).  It seemed fitting that she had prepared the girls in this way since she spent most of her life preparing the rest of us for life.  Thanks so much to those of you who made the trip to Ruidoso for the funeral to those of you who kept in touch and those of you who continue to keep up with mom and dad.  A special thanks to Dianne Newman Jones for her continued commitment to providing me with a "big sister " and to Jo Reta's Eunice family for remembering her.
Carla Gryder Clark
Jo Reta was one of the best people I have ever known.  She was completely selfless always doing for others rather than thinking of herself first.  The legacy she left behind and memories of her are very dear to me, my husband Larry Byrum, and our son Jeff who was very fond of his "Aunt Jodie".  We miss her very much but treasure all the wonderful memories we will have of her always.
Marina Stubblefield Byrum

Mrs. Lorene Breedlove  Elementary Teacher
Copied from the EHS Message Board:  I did not have the privilege of being a student in Mrs. Breedlove's class but she was my neighbor on 15th Street. She was always kind and had the best fruit trees in her backyard.  In the Hobbs News-Sun online I read that she passed away on December 23  1998 at the age of Bev Harvey Sandlin, 67
Was sorry to see the passing of Mrs. Breedlove she was my 4th grade teacher and had the talent to keep us interested in learning during class  I am sure she will be greatly missed by all of us that she touched at one point or another during our "education" at EPS.
Kathy Glover Applin

Mrs. Rosalie Akin, 1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Akin passed away on 2-9-99.  These are memories that were posted on the EHS Message Board:
From: CINDIE ROBERTS 1972: Dear Friends  I am sorry I have been so long in sharing the information I have on Mrs. Akin. Our hospice had the extreme honor of caring for her in her last days. I was able to print many of your thoughts that you have shared on-line and share them with her. It is true that she had requested no services and direct cremation as hard as it may be to imagine she never felt comfortable receiving attention! And yet I can't think of anyone more deserving. The family plans at some time to privately celebrate her home-going and I am sure they would love to share in some of the stories we have to tell.
Nadyne GARTMAN: Not only was Mrs. Akin a wonderful teacher she was a wonderful mentor. I did my teaching practicum with Winifred Carter but my mentor was Rosalie Akin who taught across the hall from me before we became team teachers in the "open space" concept which Eunice used for several years. I believe that was her last year to teach. Anytime I had a question and there were many my first year she was there to help me. She even helped me to survive my sixteen year old son who shall remain nameless by telling me that "this too shall pass" and "some boys don't grow up until they are thirty-two!". Guess what? She was correct on all counts! Mrs. Akin, you were loved and will be missed by many.
BOBBY WOOD 1961:  Dear sweet Mrs. Akin.  She like so many of her fellow teachers are just another reason Eunice Schools are so very unique. When you ask others about remembering past teachers so many can't remember the names of any...but if you attended Eunice Schools you can name most if not all the teachers all the way through your school years. Well Mrs. Akin was one of those very special people that pop into your life and leave an everlasting impression. She may have been my first grade teacher but she was truly loved...After I moved back to New Mexico in 1980 from Texas...I was working as station manager for KUUX Radio (formerly KWEW)in Hobbs  when one day who walked into my office  but Mrs. Akin  what a surprise and what a great honor to be remembered after all those years. She was still just as loveable as ever and what a beautiful smile. I suppose she'll always be very special to me after all she was my first grade teacher. My sympathy to Jim Bob and all the Akin Family.
From: SANDRA MALONE 1961:  Very well said  Bobby.  Mrs. Akin was such a special person. I remember her very well in 1st grade. I loved her so much. It's so nice to have someone that loving to start off your school experience. We will all remember her forever.
From: BEVERLY HARVEY 1967: Of all the wonderful teachers I had in Eunice I must say that Mrs. Akin stood out from the rest. I still have warm and vivid memories of life in her classroom as a first grader. On your birthday, Mrs. Akins let you choose a friend to help with a special task. She gave you enough pennies that you had to count out so that you and your friend could walk down to the "Little Store" to buy one piece of penny candy for everyone in the class. I had the privilege to visit with her in 1993 in Hobbs while I was home for my dad's funeral. It was great to have the opportunity to share with her my positive feelings about school and learning that she helped foster.
DONNA AMERSON 1973:  I also got to visit Mrs. Akins several years ago at the Living Center in Hobbs when visiting my grandmother there. She looked the same as she did when I was in first grade.
LISA SIMPSON 1979:
Ms. Akin definitely had to be one of the best teachers around. When Kevin and I married she crocheted us a beautiful afghan and another one when we had our son. She was always such a sweetheart. I have also visited with her in Hobbs and still such a sweetie.
Pam Hye 1973:
I had Mrs. Akin also. I remember she was a sweetheart.
From: VICKIE HAMRICK 1983:  What I remember most about Ms. Akin is the gentle way she pulled a tooth w/o it hurting. Later in the day you would return to your seat with an envelope in your desk. Its contents was the tooth and 50 cents.
BEVERLY HARVEY 1967:  My memories of Mrs. Akin and her first grade classroom are more vivid than any other elementary grade. I think the reason I remember so much from that year is because of the warm and caring environment that Mrs. Akin created. Keep in mind that I am 49 so these memories are 43 years old. Still they are there. Memories from 1st grade: taking a walk to visit some ducks in someone's back yard and then stopping by Mrs. Akin's home on the way back to school and sitting in her yard while she served us cookies and juice, being called to come to her desk and wondering what I might have done. Then suddenly getting a big hug and being shown a paper that I had done well on., resting on a green rug at rest time. (Remember we didn't have kindergarten & first grade was our transition to school. First graders had rest time!), reading about Dick Jane Sally Mother Father Spot and Puff. I can't remember the teddy bear's name, the reading groups were named the redbirds bluebirds and the yellow birds. Guess which one was the high reading group. Even first graders in Eunice could figure that one out., being given a penny for each child in the classroom on your birthday. Then you chose a friend to accompany you to the "Little Store" to buy candy for all., making turkeys at Thanksgiving just in time to decorate for visitors at the annual Open House. (Every year after that many of us went back to visit her classroom the night of Open House to get one more hug.), receiving only the gentlest of reminders when we talked and shouldn't., feeling special  cared for  safe  and loved in my first experience away from home.,
GAIL YOUNG 1973: Mrs. Akin was a very special teacher in life. I have such fond memories of her and her gentleness. I remember always being greeted with a sincere smile and a hug. My mother still has my get well book made by my classmates when I had my tonsils removed in first grade. The day my oldest son started first grade in Hobbs I ran into her at the grocery store. I was so tickled she remembered who I was. I don't believe you can say that for many teachers. She was very special and I feel very fortunate to have been touched by this special lady.
LISA SIMPSON 1979 There are so many fond memories of Ms. Akin that it is hard to go back and list them all. She has to be one of the greatest teachers ever to step foot in the Eunice schools. She was just a true sweetheart. She always remembered all the birthdays and special days of all the kids and made them feel so special. She never raised her voice at anyone. If you needed to be disciplined ... she knew how to do it in a nice voice and very quietly. I also didn't go to Kindergarten but to summer school before 1st grade so I was blessed to actually have her twice for a teacher and I just grew to love her that much more. I felt so honored and special when she remembered us on her wedding day with a very treasured afghan she had made (which to this day I will not use because it is so pretty)...and then again when we had our son she also remembered him with an afghan. I still have the card she sent me when I was sick once. She just knew how to make every kid feel loved. I am so glad that she was the teacher that started off my years in the Eunice schools. The world has definitely lost a wonderful and caring person in her passing last week.
CINDIE ROBERTS 1972:  Does anyone remember the Circus play we put on in first grade?(l960-61) The whole first grade participated. Mrs. Akin made the costumes. I was a member of the band I think there were two kids in an elephant costume and as part of the act the elephant sat on me - the costume was so good that afterwards the kids were asking me if it hurt when the elephant sat on me. I think Pam Crowell (Fisher) was a monkey. We ended the program by singing I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles while blowing bubbles out into the audience. Those were absolutely magical times!
HUGH HARBOUR:  Every child should have a first grade teacher like Mrs. Akin; as my mom so often said she didn't just teach me to read she taught me to LOVE to read. The year I had in her class is a gift I will treasure throughout my life.

Troy Gladden, Class of ??
Thanks for remembering my brother on this site.  He was a kind and loving man whose family and roots meant a lot.  It says a lot that two of his children who were raised in Hobbs graduated from high school in Eunice.  Thank you.
Paulette Gladden Stewart,YourDay1@aol.com

DARLENE KENNEDY, Class of ??
We love and miss you.
TINA KENNEDY DURHAM
A truly good and sweet person and a friend to anyone.
Beckie Martin Smith
Loved her so much.  She was a very special person to all who knew her.
Sandy Malone King, 61
We had some good times together.  A lot of memories I have of Darlene.
Louise Hankins Bays, 60
Darlene always made me laugh.  She had the best sense of humor.  She and Bill Haney gave Larry and I a place to live (with them) when Larry was discharged from the army.  We ended up buying a house in Garland, TX about 10 blocks away.  Although I was saddened to hear of Darlene's passing I will always treasure memories of our friendship and can still see her laughing out loud at a funny joke or story.  Darlene you were one of my very favorite people!
Marina Stubblefield Byrum

Charles Hankins, Class of ??
Charles was not only my brother but my closest friend.  Hard to have one minute and then loose them the next minute. I still miss him very much.
Louise Hankins Bays, 60

Billy Wooten, Class of '5l
Billy Wooten was a class of '5l classmate I always admired as a fine person. Bill played football and was first chair cornet in the band. He was always friendly to his fellow classmates and likable. He loved to have fun. We were called up for the draft in the army and went to El Paso for the physical exam. I passed mine but Billy had become diabetic and was excused. I last saw Billy about l987 at a reunion and recalled the same fine person he was. His loss to us all to his wife Betty and family and friends will be remembered.
Glenn Elliott, 51
I remember Billy Wooten as a year behind me at EHS and the little brother of Clayton  a classmate of mine.  They were both fine young men and no trouble that I ever heard about.
Stewart Holmes, 51

'Birdie' Grado and Margie (Armendarez) Macias
Their passing causes untold sadness to those of us who knew them.  I was close friends with both families and I grieve with them.
Then Almitra spoke saying  "We would ask now of Death."
And he said:  You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honor.
Is the sheered not joyful beneath his trembling that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is to cease breathing but to free the breath from its restless tides  that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink form the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountaintop then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs then shall you truly dance.
~~~~Kahil Gibran~~~~
Deb Jaimes
Macias was a substitute teacher and volunteer for the Eunice Youth Sports Program.  The last time I saw Margie was when several of us decided after the 8th grade game that we didn't want people coming into our gym which was dirty from the Friday night game and seeing the mess.  The HS games were going to start at 2:00 pm I think.  There were several of us but she and her daughter did the tedious job of sweeping the bleachers and picking up the crumbs.  We laughed  we talked and had a really good time cleaning.  A memory I will keep close to my heart for a long time. I didn't really know Birdie other than when he would come into the store.  He always spoke and was full of life.  He evidently was one of the best at the job he did for B & H.  Their presence in this little town will be sorely missed.  As the priest said yesterday, Peace Be with You.
Jackie Criswell Miller, 77

Thomas H. (Tommy) Bright Jr., Class of 57
This will be old news to some but others may not know that Tommy died of a heart attack on New Year's Eve 1995.  He began having kidney problems right after graduation from high school and finally received two transplanted juvenile kidneys in 1986.  We never dreamed that his heart would be what took him but you never know what all the anti-rejection drugs may do to your other organs.  Tommy loved the EHS reunions and seeing everyone.  He would be at Marshall Park early and be the last one to leave if there was anyone to talk to!  I remember him as being the first freshman to play on the varsity basketball team. At only 5'9 1/2" he was a superior ballplayer before it became a sport for giants.  I miss him a lot and think of him every day.  Perhaps he and Dallan Sanders are enjoying the grandest reunion of all!  They were such good friends in school.
Ann Bright Arnhart (sister)

Glenn DeGroot, Class of 66
Obituary  Hobbs News-Sun 1-4-2000
EUNICE - Graveside services and burial for Glenn Edward DeGroot of Eunice will be held at 2 p.m. today at Eunice Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Funeral Home.  Mr. DeGroot, 50  died Sunday  Jan. 2  at his home. He was born Sept. 22, 1949 in Okmulgee  Okla.  He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hobbs. He was a barber for more than 30 years. He owned Glenn's Barber Shop in Hobbs for the past 11 years. He barbered in Artesia, Albuquerque, Roswell and Odessa. Survivors include his mother, Charlene DeGroot of Eunice; a sister, Judith Ann Tice of Hamlin, Texas; and three nieces.  His father, Oscar William DeGroot preceded him in death on Oct. 14, 1988.  Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
We have known Glenn and his family for many years as Thurman and I were Sunday School workers when he and Judy were teenagers at Highland.  He overcame many adversities in life but he now has the straight strong body that he never enjoyed in life.  Our deepest sympathies to his mom Charlene and his sister Judy.
Nadyne Gartman
Glenn was always there to listen and had hopes for everyone to become better Christian. I do believe he is with Jesus Christ where there is no more pain or sadness.  Gone but never forgotten!
Betty (Bagwell) Hay, 67
Glenn was a special person...he touched many lives and especially the lives of the people of Eunice...you knew where you stood with Glenn...if he was ever your friend you had a friend for life...I miss him...
Bob Allen, 66
I didn't know Glenn well.  I had 'met' him on the Classmates forum.  We chatted with one another and emailed back and forth.  He was always very sweet and kind.  I had had a car accident which has left me mostly confined to a wheelchair and Glenn was very encouraging to me.  I also know that he loved being a 'EuNice' person.  As someone else said  he may be gone  but he will not be forgotten. May his soul fly free and unemcumbered...  This is for you  Glenn...
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others  even dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career  however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially  do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love for in the
face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God
whatever you conceive Him to be
and whatever your labors and aspirations
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its shams  drudgery and broken dreams
it is still a beautiful world.
Strive to be happy.
~~~~Max Ehrmann~~~~
Deb (Glover) Jaimes
I personally didn't know Glenn that well  but my dad (Richard Gass) was good friends with him.  My dad always said that Glenn was a very kind and caring man. I found that to be very true in 1997 when my mother (Judy Gass) passed away. We had been moved from Eunice for 10 yrs, but when Glenn heard the news of my mothers death  he mailed my dad the sweetest letter to let him know that he was sorry and that he was there to talk if dad needed him. That is a very special friend and will never be forgot. Always in our memories
The Gass Family,Shawn (Gass) Cascio
Glenn was a special young man who will be greatly missed.  I doubt that he ever knew what an impact he had on the people he met.  I never heard him complain about his condition  just made the most of his abilities.  Our deepest condolences to his mom and sister.
Nadyne Gartman
The Passing of a Gentle Spirit
Few events have shocked or saddened me more than learning of Glenn DeGroot's tragic and untimely death.  I have lost someone who was a true and abiding friend for over 35 years.  No longer will I (and many others like me) be hearing - as I have on a regular basis year-in and year-out  since leaving Eunice 30 years ago - from this gentle spirit. Whether it be an unexpected visit that entailed Glenn driving from Eunice to Oklahoma City to spend a couple of days; a two page letter out of the blue; a card for no reason or most recently  a handful of e-mails  Glenn was never long silent.  He did what the rest of us only talk about.  He stayed in touch.  His was a friendship freely given  without demand or qualification and neither distance nor time could diminish it.  In looking back upon my years at EHS with the insight a half century of living provides I doubt any of us his classmates can appreciate the kind of courage and steely determination this otherwise benign little fellow must have possessed to have carved himself out a place in a world where being a little different was more often than not a very big minus. Yet he did and in the process he gained not only our friendship but our admiration.  Fate saw fit to keep him from taking part in his lifelong passion - sports - but she couldn't keep him from getting as close to the action as possible.  Manager for virtually every team sport the school offered   Glenn was by any standard the ultimate EHS supporter.  No star athlete ever had more enthusiasm for his team or pride in his school.  I am certain that if asked Glenn could   35 years later still name the starting line-up for the 1965 State Championship Football Team and if pressed the second string as well.  To him no one stood taller than a kid named Dave Lynn and Coach Martin Wade could walk on water.  Glenn knew a good role model when he saw one.  Although I am sure he suffered more than his share of thoughtless jibes that only young minds can conceive he took it all in stride.  Never once did we see him wince at the cruel tease bemoan his condition or take advantage of his physical "challenge".  The word "handicap" need not be applied to Glenn.  On the contrary he gave much better than he got and when angered no one had to guess at what he was saying.  Had fate saw fit to bless him with a body that matched his spirit he would have towered above the best of us.  In many ways he did anyway.  In spite of the difficulties peculiar to his life Glenn was and remained to the very end a character with a big "C".  Opinionated?  Most definitely.  (What 50 year old worth his salt isn't?)  A bit of a gossip?  Most certainly.  (And thank God he was.)  The ultimate Monday Morning Quarterback?  Without a doubt.  (What high school has-been isn't?)  Talkative?   Ask anyone who ever had a cup of coffee with him.  But there are handful of words that can never be used to describe Glenn DeGroot: complicated, pretentious, malicious.  To him the world was neither complex nor convoluted.  Uncluttered with gray; things were either black or white, right or wrong.  The rules simple and few: Life is to be enjoyed sports builds character, winning is better than losing, giving is better than receiving, friends are to be remembered, God is real, and happiness can be found at home.  And nowhere was Glenn more at home than when visiting.  Be it with old classmates or retired coaches, fellow church members, current EHS parents, or anyone foolish enough to sit down in his barber chair thinking they were going to get a haircut without getting an earful. Very little had changed in the boy I knew at 16 and the 50 year old who was buried last week.  I like to think that was God's way of shielding Glenn from some of life's sharper edges.  He had encountered enough of those.  For me  Glenn DeGroot was more than just a friend who kept me current on an ever-changing Eunice.  He was unknowingly my conduit to a never-changing Eunice - a Eunice of 35 years ago.  He was my link to the past; to my youth; to a bounty of wonderful memories.  For that I shall be forever in his debt.  Glenn never closed a letter or card to me (or anyone else I suspect) without the words: May God bless and keep you.  So in saying good bye to you  old friend  for the last time  I hope God blesses and keeps you.  And may you somehow know that my life and the lives of many others are a bit richer for having known you.  Good bye  Glenn.
Stephen M. Hohimer, Class of 1969

LYNN HOWELL HATLEY
Lynn passed away on September 18  1997  in Midland  Texas. She was the daughter of George and Georgie Howell; sister of Rene Howell Hardison; wife of Ricky Hatley; mother of Kevin Branham  Valerie (Branham) Blevins  and Karla (Branham) Chapman; step-mother of Kristi (Hatley)Mathews and Lori (Hatley) Fish; grandmother of Megan  Rebecca  Kolby  Ryan  Shelby  Hayden  Brandon  and Miranda.
Kristi Hatley Mathews
Lynn is such a special memory in my heart.  I was blessed to have her as my wonderful mother-in-law and friend.  I could not have asked for a more perfect mother-in-law.  I still miss her so much every day.  She was (and still is) such a special inspiration to our family and she will always live in our hearts!
Lisa (Simpson) Branham

Colleen Sharrer Class of 1960
Colleen had many good memories of EHS and her friends especially one that she thought of as a sister. She loved Louise.
Keith Sharrer
Colleen and I shared many things together and I wish I had of kept in touch with her after graduation.  I thought of her many times after then. We all need to keep in touch with everyone if possible.
Louise Hankins Bays, 60

Charlotta Hendrickson Robertson, Class of 56
FROM: KRISTI HATLEY 1987:  Charlotta Hendrickson Robertson, Class of 1956  passed away Wednesday night. She was married to Herb Robertson; mother of Clay  Justin  Cindy  and Belinda; sister of Kay Hendrickson Lord  Betty Hendrickson Lacy  and Jim Bob Hendrickson.
I have so many wonderful memories of Charlotta. She was a very warm and kind person and always had a smile on her face.  I enjoyed the years of working with her at Eunice Schools and I will always treasure her friendship.  I truly miss her.
Debbie Shanks Moberly1969,

Suzanne Carlton Nave, Class of 66,
Suzanne Carolton Nave (1966) was killed in a motorcycle accident Saturday  February 27  1999  in Oklahoma.  My memories of Suzanne include those of person that had a wonderful smile and always had something good to say about someone.  She was a kind friend.  I will miss her.
Jay T. Miller

Gary Owings  Class of 69
Gary Owings  drum major in the class of 69  passed away in 1973. He was living in California at the time having settled there after his discharge from the Navy. He parents were Thelma and Albert (Arkie) Owings. Gary had no children.
Melynda Gartman, 71
I just want to thank you for remembering. PaPa Arkie passed away 2 years ago. My dad Don Owings is retired and living in Oklahoma. I am Gary's niece Kerry. I hope you all will remember those who have left us with fondness.
Kerry Owings, 81
Gary was a good friend. I recently found out about his death and was greatly saddened. The last time I saw him was in San Diego  CA. We were both in the Navy and it felt good to see someone from home. I will always remember his smile and treasure his memory.
Dan Lynn

Gail Bagwell Rivera, Class of 65
Gail Bagwell Rivera;1947-1991 (Cancer - 16 months)
Sherri Rivera 1984-1984 (SIDS) Gail had 6 other children besides Sherri and 8 grand children. Was a Carpenter at the time of her death in Phoenix.  Her Mother  Maxine and Step Father  Cecil Landes both live in Az. Her Dad Joe and Step Mother  both live in Tx. She has 2 Sisters Betty and Donna both in Az. Has several nieces and nephews. She is thought of and missed everyday!!
Betty Bagwell Hays, 67
Gail and I ran around together for many years.  She was so pretty and so much fun.  I loved her dearly.  I can remember the beauty shop her mom had in Eunice.  Gail and I would use up all the Aqua Net hair spray.
Teresa Northcott Parks,65

Manuel Martinez, Class of 67
I am sorry to report the Death of Manuel Martinez (67). Manuel passed away during a brain biopsy in Lubbock  Texas 7/31/99.
Glenn Degroot, 68
The image that I have of "Manny" Martinez comes from the one year that I had P.E. classes with the football boys and was struggling with weight training. Manuel pressed 1 000 lbs on the leg press which to me was the equivalent of lifting a building or one of those luxury cars that were in vogue during the sixties. I know there must have been a lot more to his life than this singular memory but I've never been to a gym or weight room that I failed to remember that effort.
Ric Allen ('67)

Patricia Ann Reed, 61
Pat Reed was one of my best friends.  She was also one of the guys to most of our "male friends" She died in an automobile accident I heard at our 10th class reunion.  If anyone has details on her please inform me.  She was a great athlete and a wonderful friend.  Thanks
Sandy (Malone) King, 61

Coach Dudley Brown
I have posted below messages that are on the Classmates message board about Coach Brown:
FROM JACKIE CRISWELL 1977: Coach Dudley Brown passed away yesterday. Funeral is pending. He was a great driver's ed. teacher and a wonderful neighbor.
FROM THE HOBBS NEWS SUN: Coach Dudley Brown's funeral will be held on Tuesday July 13 at the First United Methodist Church in Eunice. Arrangement by Calvary Funeral Home in Eunice. He was 78. He taught industrial arts from 1947 to 1976 coached football basketball and wrestling for six years. He served in the Navy from 1942 to 1946 as a chief petty officer. He is survived by his wife of Eunice, two sons Jim Brown of Eunice, and Thomas Lee Brown of Eunice. Barbara Brown Lilley of Alamogordo, seven grandchildren, and six great-grand children.
From: DEB GLOVER 1974:  I remember Coach Brown from driver's ed. He told us the very first day about 'popping' our gum while in the car. Of course I always had gum in my mouth... and of course I forgot about 'the rule'. So I popped my gum and knew the minute I had done it I had committed a grievous error! Coach Brown turned around in the seat and said  "That you Glover?" I knew I was caught and never could tell a lie well so I nodded and said rather meekly  "Yes sir." He just looked at me and didn't say another word. Needless to say,  I NEVER popped my gum... in fact  I think I swallowed that particular piece that very day! Sad to hear of his death  my condolences to Mrs. Brown (one of the best math teachers I ever had) and his family.
James Jones: COACH BROWN WAS NOT ONLY A TEACHER HE WAS A FRIEND.  HE WILL BE MISSED.  HE WAS MY SHOP TEACHER.  I ONLY WISH I HAD BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE PLAYED FOOTBALL FOR HIM.
HUGH HARBOUR:  Coach Brown was my teacher  my neighbor and my friend. Any boy who went through his drafting and shop classes (and I suppose all of us did) received at least a "love tap" from Coach's board. After one of these taps  you never wanted him really mad at you. Coach is my standard for the type of authority figure that is missing in most schools today. I'm not ashamed to say I loved him and miss him.

Dallan Sanders, Class of 57
A number of messages were posted on our Classmates message board about Dallan.  I wanted to put them here for those who do not visit the message board regularly. Dallan Sanders passed away tonight in a hospital in Albuquerque. Dallan graduated from EHS in 1957 and from ENMU in 61. He stayed on at ENMU in various positions until he retired. He was the housing director when I attended ENMU from 67 to 71. He was always loved and sought out by students. Dallan was more of a symbol of ENMU than the greyhound. As those of you who are in NM get more information please post it here. Thank you
Bev Harvey Sandlin, 67
Good Morning Beverly; I was so very sorry to see the notice that Dallan had passed away. Dallan was the essence of what Eunice Schools produced. He was so outgoing caring and concerned about others and their needs. I work at the Dallas County Courthouse and about three months ago an attorney from Garland made mention that he had attended ENMU and I asked if he knew Dallan. Of course he did and told me how Dallan had worked so very hard to obtain housing on campus for he and his new bride. I knew he was speaking of Dallan when he described his great sense of humor and his concern to help. Dallan will be so greatly missed by his family and friends and my deepest sympathy goes out to Mickey their children  Areatha  Gary  Sharon  Rita Gay and Jerry and all their loved ones. My deceased husband Donnie loved Dallan very much and always had so many fond memories of their school years. I know Donnie Dallan and Mr. Sanders are having a wonderful time in Heaven today. Please keep us posted on the details.
Delores Boaz McCarrell, 59
When Murl Hammond and I went off to campus at ENMU as very senior graduate students after our first year or so of teaching Dallan was there for us  even making us ID cards that would make it appear that we were just regular students! These were for our eyes only but it was a neat gesture. Even got us "regular" dorm rooms. Leave the rest of that story for another time.
Nadyne Gartman
Dallan was always a man who enjoyed life. I remember his laughter and joy at pulling some funny joke on another person. Yet also he was a real friend to those in need. What a legacy he leaves at ENMU. ENMU and Portales are better places because of the contributions of Dallan and Mickey. What extraordinary parents Dallan had as well. I always appreciated the warmth and encouragement that they were to my family and me in some stressful times. Dallan truly knew how to celebrate life! I am grateful to God that Dallan was apart of my life during those wonderful years of the 50's as we all were trying to understand what life was all about and what we were supposed to do with ours. Thanks Dallan with how you used yours.
Gratefully  Bob Harvey, 57
My beloved brother  Dallan  died on September 2 in Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque and went to be with our Lord. Dallan had gone into surgery for clotted arteries in his neck. He had suffered a small mini stroke several weeks before but it was very minor and he was doing great. However  the surgery needed to be done to prevent it from happening again. He was  as always  so confident that it was very minor and he would be out of the hospital in a couple of days. Due to complications that puzzled the doctors he just didn't make it. <BR>Dallan was cremated and wishes his ashes to be spread all over different places in New Mexico. A wonderful Celebration of his life was held Sunday at the ENMU Student Union Bldg. <BR>They had set up for 600 people and they had to bring in more chairs. <BR>His family led the services and it was truly a celebration of his life. It was a very unique service for a very unique person. . He loved you all.
Rita Sanders Calhoon, 1961
Dear Rita thanks for sharing with us all the details of Dallan's Memorial celebration service. I know that I can speak for hundreds of Dallan's friends by sharing that we will be praying for all members of his family. I also especially want to express my love and appreciation for your Mother. I will always remmeber their love and care for my family and me.
Bob Harvey, 57
I knew all the Sanders family well. Dallan’s Dad and my Dad worked for the same company and we lived in the same oil field camp when we were growing up. Guess I knew Dallan about all his life. His family and mine were good friends all through the years. Sandy taught his boys how to work. Dallan and Gary stuccoed our storehouse for us. Dorothy and I went to the Memorial on Sunday. He influenced a lot of people. We had to leave early as our pastor was with us and he had to get back to preach that night. Dorothy and I went by to see Mrs. Sanders yesterday (Monday) and she was doing OK. She is a strong and independent lady. She said a friend was going to spend the night with
Darrell Shields, 44
An article was published in the Winter 1999 issue of "Eastern Magazine" a publication for ENMU alumni.  You can find it at our photopoint site at http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=48297&a=1581230<BR>Your first name is the user name and the password is cardinal.
Bev Harvey Sandlin, 67

Lou Alice Bertrand Ruth
My sister and Gordy's mother Lou died 12 years ago with a heart attack. She was 53 yrs old. Much too young to die. We realize now that there were signs of a problem but we didn't put it all together till later.  Lou was a really special person. She truly cared about everyone and was a good friend to me all my life. I worry sometimes that I didn't appreciate her enough or tell her how much I loved her often enough. The consolation is that I know she knows and theres no longer a need for words.
Ann Bertrand Jordan

Donnie McCarrell, Class of 56
Donnie McCarrell died on February l4, l997.  He was a Eunice graduate of the class of l956.  He and Delores married July ll, l959 and remained married until his death.  He had one son, Darrell and two grandchildren, Andrew and Angie.  Donnie is missed by all of his family and friends.
Delores Boaz McCarrell

Linda Lynn, Class of ??
Linda passed away very suddenly on August 13 1996 of a massive brain aneurysm. Linda is survived by her parents, Bonnie and Charlie; daughter, Brandy; and brother, Danny. I am writing this in hopes that some of you will read it and take what I say to heart. Linda was the only sibling I had. At the time of her death, I hadn't seen her in about two months. The day she died I was at work and started to call her several times but let other things take precedence over what I felt in my heart I should do. I arrived home that day around 5:30PM and had a call from a friend  and the message said  "Dan  don't go anywhere or call anyone....I am on my way over...I need to talk to you!". The moment my friend walked in the door I knew something was really wrong. He had been contacted by my Dad and given the news and asked if he would deliver it to me and make sure I was all right.  I can honestly tell you  it was the most devistating news I could have gotten. I would have guessed anyone but not Linda.  I never really knew how close Linda and I were until she was gone. Oh don't get me wrong I knew she loved me and she knew I loved her. My real problem is that I never got to tell her good-bye. Even though I have friends and family still around me I feel as if I am all alone. Although it has been over three years I am still having problems of missing her.  The point I am trying to make is this....don't ever let someone you love leave your sight  without telling them just what they mean to you. Give them a hug if you have trouble saying the words. Sis this is for you....know I love you!
Dan Lynn

Ricky Taylor, Class of 67
Ricky Taylor was a good friend and classmate. We will reunite someday.
Randy Evans
Ricky's death came as a shock to most of his classmates. I don't remember how old we were but we were in junior high.  He was just a regular kid and liked by all.  I remember going to Ricky's memorial service and feeling like this could not really be so.  I wonder what Ricky would be doing now if he were still with us.
Bev Harvey Sandlin

Betty Mae Harvey Cobb, Class of 59
Betty Harvey, daughter of Minnie (passed away Dec. 73) and R.P. (passed away Mar. 93) passed away in March 1996 a few days short of her 56th birthday.  Betty was a member of the class of 59 and sister to Bob, class of 57 and Bev, class of 67.  She was married to Ray Cobb.  They had two children Robby who is married and father of three children living in Lubbock and Steve who is living near Ft Worth.  Ray is now living in Waco and has remarried.  Betty's death was sudden and unexpected.  Those of you who knew her know that poor health and severe asthma were constant companions to Betty.  Other health problems developed in her last years.  Still we were taken by surprise and shock when Betty died. She loved most of all to bring people together.  She loved to plan family reunions and one of her favorite projects of all times was her classes' 30 year reunion in 1987.  She spent 18 months putting into place all the things she wanted to do-a Class Quilt with all the classmates names on it to raffle off making 100 Cardinal kisses by quick point ordering reunion t-shirts and collecting information from classmates to make a memory book.  She even convinced me to fly to Eunice to make 150 Cardinal cookies each individually painted with icing.  I remember clearly what a wonderful time that was for her.  Betty never took an easy breath during her life.  Yet she always made the best of everything.  If I ever wanted to complain I just had to think of Betty.  She was handed lemons in this life but she definitely made lemonade.
Bev Harvey Sandlin, 67