Lee and Deanna Fox had a house full of company a couple of weeks ago. Their son, Bill Fox, daughter-in-law Trish, and three grandchildren, Will, Nikki and Olivia, spent most of the week here, visiting from their home in Clovis, Cal., where Bill has charge of the computer systems for the City of Clovis They enjoyed visiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum at Mansfield one day, and on another they went to Branson where some of the braver ones in the group flew over the area in a helicopter.
Our sincerest sympathy to the family of Athel Jackson in the loss of their husband, father and grandfather. Athel was such a fine, good man and was beloved of all who knew him. He will be missed greatly in his church and community, and especially at the Friday Night Jamboree. This weekly event in his barn was Athel’s pride and joy; it just will not be the same without his smiling face sitting in the circle of musicians, skillfully playing the mandolin and giving encouragement to all who joined in.
Faye Hampton has been substituting for Linda (Jackson) Howerton who was unable to start the school year due to her father, Athel Jackson’s, illness. Faye is a seasoned teacher who knows how to step into any of the elementary grades with confidence. She got her start in the one-room schools in our part of the county and then taught at Gainesville and Ava, retiring in 1989. But every year since retiring, Faye has continued to spend many days in the schools as a substitute teacher. This role suits her to the proverbial “T.” Faye finds being in the classroom stimulating and says it keeps her connected to the constantly changing flow of children who progress through the school system.
Thom and Karen Holt spent a few days camping at Warsaw last week. They went prepared to fish for crappie after hearing they were biting pretty good. But after that didn’t pan out, the Holts wound up bringing home all the catfish they wanted. Thom was satisfied with the results of their efforts, but Karen was sorry to miss out on the crappie, her favorite.
Sean and Cleta Sweeney have spent a very busy summer filling orders for concrete storm shelters, after the horrendous tornado in Joplin spurred many families to choose to add them to their property. Their shelters are being shipped throughout southwest Missouri as well as to neighboring states.
Delaney Sweeney started her second year at Drury this week, after helping, in her role as Student Leader, to welcome freshman to campus last week. Delaney is committed to involving other students in community service projects, with a special emphasis on the Greek organizations. She has three projects in the works right now.
Paul and Joyce Bonds spent a few days at their farm last week. They were saddened to discover that a huge oak tree in the yard has begun to die. The tree was beautiful, and Joyce remembers that it was measured by the Department of Conservation at one time and recognized for its immensity. Such a loss almost feels like losing a family member
Theron and Vickie Oxley, with granddaughter Blair, attended the special birthday party for Vickie’s step-grandma, Irene Corp, last Sunday afternoon at the Tecumseh firehouse. Vickie said a large crowd turned out to shower Irene with good wishes and to wish her many more happy birthdays. I think everyone who knows her would agree that Irene is one of a kind and very special! Happy belated birthday, Irene!
Also, belated happy birthday wishes to Sharon Hawkins who celebrated on Aug. 16, and congratulations to Sharon and Ed on their recent anniversary where they reached the milestone of 50 years of marriage. Others who’ve had recent birthdays include Susannah Alms and Glenda Mashek on Aug. 19, and Beth Peters whose special day was Monday, Aug. 22.
