Dear Hearts & Gentle People:
Yes, seven months have gone by since last I wrote. At that
time we were welcoming Spring, and now we are preparing for the winter
holidays. Interested in events at the old hometown? Those which are upcoming
(in chronological order): Small Business Saturday 11/29 featuring lots of
special activities in the shops downtown; Thursday the Historical Association
Christmas Dinner, featuring the history of Wentworth; Friday is the Festival of
Lights – annual Parade featuring lighted entries, plus visits with Santa, the
Snowball Drop, and the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting; the annual Community
Christmas Dinner provided by the Lexington Elks; the annual Christmas Bazaar;
Christmas at the Anderson House, decorated for the period; the Candlelight
Christmas Homes Tour that night; the Christmas Homes Tour on Sunday; a
Christmas Concert presented by the Lexington Wind Symphony that evening. This
does not include all the nearby events in the KC area….and the private events
and club parties here. No one should be bored during the holidays!
As for ongoing events, work is continuing on the Auditorium
(The LEX). If you would like details on that progress – or would like to
contribute to the project – go to http://www.lexingtonciviccenter.org.
To subscribe to the newsletter, send me a note at skworth@cebridge.net and I’ll be glad to
sign you up.
Joan Hurlburt Rumble sent a wonderful photo of an auditorium dance in 1948. It
will appear on the TLC webpage www.thelexingtonconnection.com
soon. Also look for several Arnold School class photos contributed by Dollie
Neece ’56 Walters.
One of the most popular social events since our last issue
was the Civil War Ball put on by the Lexington Historical Society, an event to
benefit maintenance of the Museum. It was held in the Wentworth Hall of Honor.
All came in costume of the period, and the theme included food and drink, games
(Cake Walk, Jeff Davis Pie Contest), and dancing. It was such a hit that it
sold out and another will be held next summer.
The summer was full of Fairs and events of that nature –
culminating in the popular Apples, Arts & Antiques Fair. Ladies Nights Out,
put on by local merchants with sales, gifts, nibbles and libations are popular;
and the last one included a day of classes, demonstrations and other programs.
Some things never change, though. I am on a number of committees and boards,
and occasionally I have to remind myself the purpose of the meeting, since I
see the same people at each one. That’ s living in a small town, though – and I suspect it has been
ever thus.
Now
comes the part of this communiqué that I always dread. We lost more of our
favorite people since my last writing:
Herbert D. Carpenter, 81, of Kansas
City, MO passed away April 21, 2014. Herbert was born March 7, 1933 Bates City,
MO. Herbert served in the United States Army. He worked for Ford Motor Company,
was an avid golfer, and loved traveling. Herbert was preceded in death by his
wife Eileen Claire (Mischon) Carpenter, parents, and a brother Charles
Carpenter. Survivors include his sons Jeff and Greg Carpenter, 5 grandchildren,
and 3 great-grandchildren. Memorial service 11:00am May 17, 2014 White Chapel
Funeral Home Gladstone, MO.
Virginia B. Little, 89, of Columbia, Mo; formerly of Lexington, MO. passed
away on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Lenoir Woods, Columbia, MO. Virginia Ball
was born on April 4, 1925 in Hume, MO. to John Parks and Nancy Plattenburg
Ball. She married Burtis McGie Little on May 7, 1949 at Lexington, MO. He
preceded her in death on December 27, 1995. Virginia was a home maker and
member of Christ Church Episcopal. She enjoyed travel, reading, playing bridge
and was a bread-baker extraordinaire. Survivors include her daughter, Barbara
Larkin, Columbia; a step-son John Hendricks; and her brother, Bob Ball,
Columbia; and a niece, Jennifer Bryan, Ocala, FL. Memorial services will be
held on Monday, May 5, 2014 at 11:00 am at Christ Church Episcopal, Lexington,
Mo. The visitation will be held from 10:00 am until service time. Inurnment
will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lexington. In lieu of flowers, the family
requests that donations in her name be made to Christ Church Episcopal.
Larson
“Larry” Bland died Thursday, May 29,
after a lengthy battle with cancer. The first dean of Florida State University, Panama City, he was 76.
Bland came to Panama City in
1972 when he was appointed director of the University of West Florida ’s University Center in Panama
City. When the school became an FSU branch campus in 1982, Dr. Bland was
appointed its dean. “This is a sad day for the Bland family, FSU Panama City and
the community,” Dean Ken Shaw said in a prepared statement released by the
university. “Larry was dean of the campus for 16 years and was instrumental in
shaping higher education in Bay County. Throughout his retirement he
continued to be a strong advocate for the campus. He will be deeply missed by
all of us.”
Lucia Cope Hulston, 72 of Kansas City, MO passed
away August 9th, 2014. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday,
August 15th, 2014 at John Knox Kirk Presbyterian Church, 11430 Wornall Rd.,
Kansas City, MO. Lucia was born October 1st 1941, in Kansas City, MO. Lucia was
preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lucia Cope. She is survived by her
husband, John L Hulston; son, Joseph Fred (JF) Hulston; step-children, Lorrie
Corvin (Tom), John Patrick Hulston (Maida), Tina Watson (Tim); 3 grandchildren;
and 2 sisters, Shelly and Marcia. Memorial contributions may be made to
Missouri River Relief P.O. Box 463, Columbia, Missouri 65205.
William R. Eastridge, III, 77, of Wellington,
MO passed away Sunday, August 17, 2014 at New Haven Care Center in Odessa, MO.
William was born July 16, 1937 in Carrollton, MO to William Robert Eastridge,
II and Clara Irene Simms Eastridge. He married Carolyn J. Lairmore on May 6,
1967 at Wellington. Bill worked as a Boilermaker for Local Union #83. He was a
member of Journey of Faith in Wellington. Bill was an Air Force Veteran. He was
a Mason, Knights Templar, Shriner, a member of the American Legion, an Honorary
Warrior of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and a member of the Spit & Whittle Club.
Bill is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of the home. Children: Lynn Hansen,
Michael Eastridge (Debbie), Jacque Liese (Michael), Cathy McGrath (Jeff) and
Jon Eastridge (Anna). There are 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Sisters: Phyllis Iman and Sharron Sample and a brother, Richard Eastridge. He
was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Paul. Services will be 10
a.m., Thursday, August 21, 2014 at the Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, Lexington,
MO. Burial at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.
Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 20 at the funeral home with
Masonic services.
Francis “Frank” Monroe Fulkerson, Jr. 76, of Odessa, MO passed away Friday, August 22, 2014 at
his home. Frank was born March 13, 1938 in Marshall, MO, the son of Francis
Monroe Fulkerson, Sr. and Olive Gandenburger Fulkerson. He married Elizabeth “Betty”
Weedin on June 15, 1962 at Higginsville, MO. Frank graduated from Wentworth
Military Academy in 1957, after attending four years of high school and two
years of Junior College and then continued his education at Tulane University
in New Orleans, LA, and finishing his degree in Civil Engineering in 1973 at
the University of Missouri-Rolla in Rolla, MO. Frank worked as a Civil Engineer
for the U.S. Corp of Engineers, retiring in 2001, after 42 years. After his
retirement he enjoyed hunting, working around his home, and visiting with
family and friends. Frank is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth “Betty”
Fulkerson, of the home; one son, Frank Fulkerson, Columbia, MO; daughters,
Christy Fulkerson, Odessa, MO, Olivia Lindsey and Elaine McCabe, St. Louis, MO,
as well as his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents
Barbara
Ann Flanigan, 82, of Lexington, MO passed away Monday, August 25, 2014.
Barbara Ann Zeller was born November 13, 1931 in Paxico, KS, the daughter of
John Nicholas Zeller and Sophia Hiegert Zeller. Barbara moved with her family
at an early age to Lexington, attended Catholic Grade School and graduated from
Lexington High School in 1949. She was united in marriage with William (Bill)
Flanigan, June 12, 1949 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lexington.
Two sons were born to the union, Michael E. and William N. Flanigan. Barbara
and her husband moved to California in 1950, and subsequently lived in
Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, Louisiana and Georgia, along with several
stints back to California at Norwalk, Anaheim, Long Beach, and Alameda as her
husband was transferred by his company to the various sites. She was a
dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and homemaker. Barbara was
preceded in death by her son, Michael, her parents, brothers, Edward, George,
Leo and PJ Zeller and sister, Bibiana Zeller Lowe. Barbara is survived by her
husband, Bill, of the home, son, William N. & Glenda Flanigan, Warner
Robins, GA, daughters-in-law, Nancy Gordon, of Post, TX and Diana Flanigan,
Keizer, OR; grandchildren, Douglas Flanigan, Maggie Guthrie, and Abby Louder,
Post, TX; Nicholas Flanigan, Clayton, NC, Cole and Katy Flanigan, Keizer, OR;
William Flanigan, Columbus, OH; Michael Flanigan, Liberty, MO, Amanda, Andrew,
and Patrick Flanigan, Warner Robins, GA. Nine great-grandchildren; Haddie,
Datch, Koda, Brynne, Landry, Maci, Titus, Grady and Kayln. Services will be
10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church,
Lexington. Interment at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, August 29, 2014 at the
Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, Lexington, MO (660)259-2245. Memorials may
be made to the Lafayette County Cancer Coalition or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Helen Jo Barker Stephenson, 85, of Lexington, MO passed away Tuesday, September 02,
2014. Helen Jo Barker was born May 24, 1929 in rural Odessa, MO, the daughter
of Elmer A. and Susie Wilson Barker. She married Meredith Stephenson on
November 15, 1957 in Lexington. Jo was a homemaker and a member of the First
Christian Church of Lexington. Mrs. Stephenson is survived by her husband,
Meredith, of the home. Sons: Wendell Stephenson (Laurie) of Lexington, Billy
Stephenson (Barb) of Columbia, MO, and Brad Stephenson (Michelle), of Prairie
Village, KS. There are nine grandchildren: Austin Stephenson, Garrett
Stephenson, Collin Stephenson, Carrie Stephenson, Morgan Stephenson, Erin
Stephenson, Allie Stephenson, Tucker Stephenson, and Colby Willard. One
great-granddaughter, Madelyn Marie Stephenson. A brother-in-law and his wife,
Don and Elaine Stephenson, of Gilbert, AZ. Several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers: Allen and Donald Barker .
sisters: Martha Gammon, Opal Ramsey, Venita Beachboard, Pauline Gossett, Jewell
Ellis, and Betty Thieman. Services will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 5,
2014 at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, Odessa, MO. Burial in Greenton
Cemetery, Odessa. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Friday
at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Jo's memory to: Preferred
Hospice, 206 S. 12th St., Lexington, MO 64067.
He wasn’t from Lexington, but
managed to be a major figure here due to the beloved Krazy Kats:
Lee M. Dresser, 72,
lost his long battle with cancer on April 24th, 2014. He was born on May 22,
1941, in Washington, D.C, where following his parents’ death in a car accident,
moved to Moberly, MO to be raised by his maternal grandparents. He started the
Krazy Kats
band as a sophomore in high school with their very
first performance being played at the cafeteria of the Moberly Junior High
School on February 14th, 1957. The fans would scream and holler while they were
performing, and continued to do so throughout his career. Inducted into the Rockabilly
Hall of Fame in 1999, the Krazy Kats performed their covers of classic tunes from the 1950s and
‘60s at an estimated more than three thousand shows. Teaching himself to play
guitar at the age of fourteen, Lee didn't
begin performing seriously until the mid-1960s, Dresser found employment as a
guitarist and harmonica player for Danny Thomas, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard
and the Oak Ridge Boys. Signing with Capitol, he recorded several singles in
the early-1970s and represented the United States in the World Popular Song
Festival in Tokyo in 1972. His vocals were heard on the soundtrack of 1975
film, The Adventures Of The Wilderness Family, and during the Country Bear
Jamboree show at Disney World. His songs were covered by Pat Boone, Bobby
Sherman, the Osmonds, Trini Lopez and Ray Price. Despite his success in
southern California, Dresser missed his former musical partners. When the Krazy
Kats were revived in 1980, he began shuttling back and forth, by plane, between
California and Missouri. As the band's schedule intensified, he moved back to
Missouri in 1985.
As for Lee Dresser, Don
Armbruster remembers: We in Lexington were most fortunate. I got hooked up with the
Kats day 1 - back in ’57 or so.
So many memories! You probably know how they got their start and
what their initial run in Lexington did for them back in 57. It was
something to behold for about 5 years. Then it was off to Columbia
Missouri. Lucky I was to follow them to College Town U.S.A. ‘57-‘63, every single Saturday night. Hundreds and
hundreds of teenagers from 5 counties. They stamped our hands when
we paid our 75 cent admission so we could go in and out of the dance.
You DID NOT wash your hand all the next week for proof: You were at the
Kats last Saturday night. Right out of American Graffiti and Norman
Rockwell, those Saturday nights in Lexington were. Then their reunion
in Lexington Oct 1980 (have the live recorded album from that night).
Lee told me that was their biggest night ever in Lexington - 350 paid admissions. Lee was so
pleased with that turn-out, as he
should have been. It spoke volumes of their appeal. 15 years and
that kind of turn out in an outpost the likes of Lexington Missouri! Yep,
they were good. That night and the next night in Moberly set the stage for
their 1980 to 2014 run. The Kats - so many many, many memories.
Thank you Lee & the Kats. Lee Dresser was an incredible human being.
Throw in a Col. Tom Parker and who knows where he would have gone.
Kind of glad it didn’t happen. Kept him local more than it may have
turned out.
I’m sure there are many others to mourn in
this period, but these are the only notices I have received.
Now to the
correspondence!
Sharon Shurmantine wrote about Larry Bland:
Thank you for letting
me know about Larry Bland although I knew him only as a legend, not as a
person. I would love to hear from the people who really knew him.
Sharon, I
knew him almost all of my life. He was a great athlete and a good student and a
really nice person. And handsome. I’m certain others will agree in writing.
Few things sparked interest like the Todhunter
sisters. Last issue,
#143, contained their obituaries. It’s hard to believe that persons who
have been dead for over 20 years could cause a sensation in town today. But
here is the scoop: neither of the Todhunter sisters ever wanted her age
revealed. When some relative wrote the obituaries, which were forwarded to TLC
by Jim O’Malley, the big secrets were revealed. Kenny Nadler called me,
and said he was sworn to secrecy by the sisters. He was NOT the culprit that
let the cat out of the bag. It’s surprising that people who lived in Lexington
nearly their entire lives could keep their (at least approximate) ages secret!
Norma Maring, who lives across the street from me (and
therefore about a block from the Todhunter sisters’ home) wrote: I
have enjoyed this letter so much. If you will recall the Toddhunter
sisters did not have a garage at their home. They rented the little garage at
the alley across the street facing ours that sat on Kathy VanAmburg's
grandmother's property. It seemed that most everyday they would walk
down, always dressed up, and take their car out for a drive. Our
conversations with each other were memories to be cherished. They were
first class in every way! Thank you for bringing their memories back to so many
readers. You are appreciated!
From Shirley Briggle
Miller: (I wrote) As for preserving the (so far) 144 TLCs, my thought at
this time is to print copies and put into a binder to be kept at the Historical
Museum and/or the local library. If you have a better idea, I’d welcome it! And
Shirley responded: Ummm, yes, I have the same idea I had a couple of
issues of TLC ago: WRITE A BOOK! Or volumes. We'll figure out
a way to publish it and you can keep the proceeds for your years of work. Other
than that, I was surprised to see, compliments of Jim O'Malley, birth
dates for the Todhunter sisters! If you will visit the Todhunter family
plot in the cemetery in Lexington, you will notice there are no birth or
death dates for either Miss Emory or Miss Katherine. I never knew
anyone who could hide age the way they did, or who were more afraid of it.
And another note, the Todhunters lived in that white antebellum mansion at the
east end of South Street (can't recall the name, or "title" of it)
when the girls were children. (Ed. Note: Greystone)
When our class of '53 had a reunion breakfast there several years ago, I
saw where Miss Katherine had left her imprint for posterity in a front
window glass, perhaps made with her mother's diamond ring. I think
it says 'Kathy,' but it may be 'Kate.' As I said...that was
several years ago. Next time you go there, let me know. First
floor, I think in the north front room.
Attorney Jennifer
Teichman Kerr, who grew up here, is a mainstay in preserving the history of
Lexington lore. She wrote: Love your idea to print copies of TLC
and put at the Library & at the Museum! Thanks for adding me to the
list of faithful subscribers because I LOVE reading your TLCs. (She’s not the only one who loves
Lexington history!)
I don’t normally publish addresses, but this one
came from Angel Kelly-Shelby: Does anyone have info on Lexington HS
football team of 1947/undefeated state champions reunion? Frank Shelby, class
of and football team 1947, has moved to The Villages in FL: Address: 627
Quinby Way The Villages 32162 At 85 Lt Col Frank F. Shelby, US ARMY, ret is
enjoying The Villages with wife (Dr. Angel M. Kelly-Shelby, FNP-C), where they
are actively involved in MOAA, the American Legion, the Honor Flight and The
Villages many neighborhood and Community activities.
Looking forward to hearing more about the 1947 class and football
reunion. Jim/James
Shelby is Frank's brother, who graduated in 1941: Frank and Meredith were
classmates and teammates along with Bobby Gadt and many more, who's names I
will need from Frank........I think it would make a great story since many from
that class joined the service, had their own businesses and family connections.
For example: Jim's second wife Judy’s granddaughter married Meredith's
grandson...............Judy knows everything about Higginsville and Lexington;
Jim is the family historian of the Shelby family since coming from
Wales-------they have Governors, Generals......you could have a ball.
I had a visit from Norma Homfeld ’50 Barney before her
LHS Class Reunion, their 64th, and she brought some
memorabilia from the 1940s for our Museum. The major item was a quilt she had
made with every 1950 graduate’s name on it, plus a large quantity old Minuteman
newspapers. Such fun to see, and I knew many of the people (although, ahem, I
am MUCH younger) she mentioned and in the photos that she also brought. The
Museum has just been “freshened” and rearranged. We have a very full archives
area, and new treasures are being collected and displayed. If you haven’t been
there for a while, make time when you are in town.
Wayne Tabb is curious: I was looking through pictures
on "I remember when" in Facebook. Several of you made comments
about an old house on April 23-24 posted by Bill Sellers. Maybe eighth or
ninth on the page. You said, "not the log cabin that was covered
up" Marcia Cope said something about Highland. The house was on
Highland just at the top of the steps of the Memorial on old 24. The
reason I know this is because I have a pocket watch that Ms Gibbons gave me for
"returning" items that some of us kids took from the old place.
It was in terrible shape and we could pass right through the walls. I took
a rifle, and electric clock and this watch. Ms Gibbons caught us in there
one day and found out we'd taken some stuff. Of course my mom heard about
it and marched me to where Ms Gibbons lived at the time across from Wentworth.
After a long dressing down, she handed me the watch for bringing the stuff
back. I had the watch repaired about ten years ago in Austin. When
the guy finished with it he offered me any watch in his jewelry store for that
watch he'd just repaired. In that case were Rolex watches up to
19k. Remembering the story made me turn down his offer and I still have
the watch. If you are doing research on the house, won't do any good
because it isn't there anymore. The last time I was ever in it was years
later when the floors had actually caved in. I remember crawling around
the dark and damp perimeter of the basement before they dozed it down. I
was living at 608 Highland when I was in it the last time before I moved to
Texas in '76. There were a lot of old magazines scattered about from the early
1900's. I recall one in particular that I brought out of the
basement. I think it was LIFE or perhaps Saturday Event Post.
Anyway, there was a British dignitary on the cover. He looked to be about
18 and reminded me of the painting, "Blue Boy" because of the way he
was dressed. The caption was, "What is this young man's
future". It was a picture of Winston Churchill. Someone must
have run across this at my dad's house years later because it disappeared. I don't know how to post on facebook so figured
you could do what you liked with this.
For those of you on Facebook, Bill
Sellers has posted some wonderful, wonderful old photos of Lexington. Look
at “I Remember When.” Bill has the premiere collection in town. The following
could have been part of it, but I have lost track of who gave it to me. Know
you will enjoy!
Mini-Reunion: Thought some of you might get a kick out
of seeing these LHS 1957 classmates. From left: Barbara Lee Fay, Unknown,
Don McGowan, Susan Shea Worthington.
Don Stephenson
sent a note: I had the pleasure of spending a week in the old home town
in late May visiting my brother Meredith, his wife Jo, (who since
passed away) and other members of the Stephenson or related
families. Lexington hasn't changed too much since my last visit but
notable changes for me were the new bridge and the disappearance of the high
school building I attended and graduated from in 1943. I am knowledgeable about
a lot of Lexington history, but one item I am not knowledgeable about is who
the person was that the Tevis Bridge on Highway 13 is named for. I am
curious about this because I have friends in Arizona named Tevis that may have
a family connection in Missouri. If you don't know the answer to this
question, maybe you can pose it in your next TLC. I am looking forward to
your next TLC. I am still on your send list, am I not?
You certainly are, Don. But I don’t know the answer. I hope we hear back from someone about the
bridge. I believe the house, now owned by Bob Estill, was also built by
the Tevis family.
Some very nice words from Kristen Shepard: I hope I am indeed corresponding to
the correct individual responsible for the TLC Newsletter. I came across it by accident
while searching for some photos I could use for an upcoming reunion. I must
say, I was immediately engaged. I think what you are doing is great and I hope
you will continue this legacy for awhile. I could only hope that more people
will take an interest and send photos and stories of days gone by. I mean, we
live in a technological age, but it is hard to find much over five years old
and that is a shame. I believe that you have taken the first steps and I hope
others follow your lead. With avenues such as your newsletter, the past can
never truly be forgotten. So I thank you once again for the history you are
preserving. When I inquired, Kristen wrote back: I grew up in Lexington, my mother
grew up in Lexington, and her mother grew up in Lexington. I still have family
and friends who live there as well. For the record, my maiden name is Shepard,
my mother's is Phillips, and my grandmother's was Smith. All three generations
grew up in Lexington. Lexington is where the heart is for sure.
Another with happy memories of Lexington is Don
Barrot: Hope you are doing well, and hope Lexington is doing
well also!!! This summer I had the opportunity to read both Ike Skelton's book
and also Roger Slusher's. Excellent reading for both. In fact they will be
Christmas presents for someone else this year. I was hoping to get
down home this year but was unable to. TG for the Lexington News....I have been
able to keep up with all the news and people down home. Hope to see Lexington......down home......next year.
Carroll Bertram from Odessa wrote:
I am impressed with TLC. You are providing a beautiful service to your
community. I am grateful that I discovered TLC about 5 minutes ago Wishing you
all the best.
How nice to hear!
Thank you. Everyone please send your tidbits of Lexington history
and other personal memories. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving – and
have much to be thankful for.
Your devoted scribe,
Susan