Coleman High School - Coleman, Texas

CHS Classes of 1978 and 1979
2004 Class Reunion

25TH CLASS REUNION
SEPTEMBER 10 and 11, 2004


For Candid Images of the 2004 reunion, check out these links ...


Candids from Ralph Terry
Candids from Malinda Carter
Candids from Debbie Jameson



COLEMAN HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES OF 1978 and 1979
CELEBRATE 25TH CLASS REUNION


On September 11, 2004, the CHS Classes of 1978 and 1979 got together to celebrate their 25 Class Reunion.  A total of 29 ex-classmates, along with their spouses and children, attended from the Class of 1978 and a total of 33 ex-classmates attended from the Class of 1979.  After a very busy three months of planning, the reunion was a success!!

The 25th Class Reunion began at Hufford Field for the Sonora vs. Coleman football game on Friday, the 10th.  Those attending the football game were Sherman and Tammy Baugh Smith, Darlene Brinkley, Peggy Faries Calabrese, Leslie Barr Janca, Trey Bowers, Debbie Willetts McKee, Malinda Smith Carter, Teresa Johnson Beckham, Gary Strickland, Kyle Wood, Mark and Viki Johnson Hambright, Philip Devanney, Tony Gutierrez, Claudio Garcia, Henry Villanueva and Debbie Dobbins Jameson.

On Saturday morning, several met at the Coleman Country Club for some decorating.  Due to the event being held on September 11th and in remembrance of this significant date, a patriotic theme was used. On Saturday, September 11, the reunion came to full circle at the Coleman City Park.  An afternoon of reminiscing and catching up was in full swing.  Ralph Terry took lots of pictures of us and we had a group photo taken.

Following the group photo, awards were given.  The "Awards Program" was enjoyed by all.  A listing of the awards, which were presented and gladly received, are as follows for the Class of 1978 and 1979, respectively:

Least Hair:  Ted Dean / Mark Hambright
Least Changed:  Delores Martinez Lazono / Richard Holloway
Most Changed:  Elaine Bigham Thomas / Peggy Faries Calabrese
Futherest Travel:  Claudio Garica (Texarkana) / Max Row (Fort Worth)
Most Children:  Beth Ann Love (5) / Emilio Diaz (4)
Most Grandchildren:  Wanda Franklin Gutierrez (3) / Lisa Baker Milligan (6)
Still Single:  Dan Hudson / Leslie Holloway
Makes Most Money:  Henry Villanueva / Cara Blackmon Harting
Most Marriages:  Joe Villegas / Judy Barkemeyer Heath
Longest Marriage:  Bob Ray / Tammy Baugh Smith
Most Interesting Job:  Edward Diaz (Nurse) / Sue Heath Hasty (Songwriter)
Youngest Child:  Rosa Rodriquez Dean (5 months old) / Trey Bowers (3 years old)
Oldest Child:  Wanda Franklin Gutierrez (27 years old) / Mindy Casey Avants (27 years old)


A potluck meal was planned for 6:00 at the Coleman City Park, however, due to flying insects and the heat, it was decided that everyone would be on their own for the evening meal.  By this time, everyone was ready to find somewhere cool for more visiting.  After all, some of us are not as young as we used to be so a cooler location was found and thoroughly enjoyed by many!
 
Later that evening, the reunion continued at the Country Club for a night of music, more catching up, and a night without the kids.  There were even a few of us who dusted off the dance floor.  The night was enjoyed by many!

A special “Thank You” to all who attended, all who made donations and to all who helped to organize the reunion.  Without all of you, our 25th Class Reunion would not have been a success.  A much deserved "Thank You" to Debbie Willetts McKee and Malinda Smith Carter for getting the Class of 1978 together.  You helped to make this great get together a success!  A very special “Thank You” to my husband, Rex, who helped me with so many things.  You are the best!  Thank you for your support!  Another special "thank you" goes out to Annabell Ramon Cole and Colette Hunt Tabor for giving me some of your time!  Thank you for your help!!  A final "Thank You" goes out to our local newspaper office, our local radio station, Coleman News.Com and Coleman Exchange.com.  You were always so quick and efficient with our articles.  You helped us to reach so many people!  Looking back, our 25th CHS Class Reunion was a huge success and enjoyed by all who attended!  We look forward to our 30th CHS Class Reunion!
 

Teachers:  Mr. and Mrs. Barney Popnoe, Coach Howard Childress visited at the park

In remembrance of former classmates whom we have lost, a table in their memory was displayed at the park and at the country club.  Gone but not forgotten!  Deceased classmates are:

Class of 1978:  Jimmie Walker  ---  Claretta Baker

Class of 1979:  Cassie Walker  ---  Dwayne Rhone

Deceased Teachers:   Mrs. Smith (math)  -  Mr. Crockett (math)  -
Mrs. Andis (nurse)  -  Mr. Yates (DECA, etc.  -  Mrs. Johnson (drama)

See you next time ... Debbie Dobbins Jameson and Debbie Willetts McKee.


CHS Class of 1978 in 2004

front row:  Malinda (Smith) Carter, Teresa (Johnson) Beckham, Janet (Wilkinson) Pierce, Joe Barkemeyer, Sherman Smith, Dan Hudson, Camille (Cradock) Crosson, Elaine (Bigham) Thomas.

middle row:  Wanda (Franklin) Gutierrez, Beth (Love) Dotzler, Edward Diaz, Ross Burdick, Joe Villegas, Ted Dean, Debbie (Willetts) McKee, Claudio Garcia, Tamie (Wood) McCulloch, Martin Thomas.

back row:  Evelyn (Bartek) Harris, Henry Villanueva, Steve Davis, Bob Ray, Rocky Rutherford, Rusty Bowers, Kendall Craig.
 

(Thanks to James Winstead for identifying those in this group picture.)



 
CHS Class of 1978 Index CHS Alumni Directory