November 7, 2011 we received the message from Ray that Susie Hardy Davis had departed this earth. Download SUSIE DAVIS Obituary. Please leave your comments in that section at the bottom of this post.
October 28, 2011 - So soon, and yet another of our classmates has departed ~ Donna Sanford Phillips. Please Download Donna Sanford Phillips Obituary to read details of her life and about the family and loved ones she has left behind. She also gave us some biographical information - click here to read that. Then please use the comment opportunity at the bottom of this page (just scroll to the bottom) to leave your thoughts.
October 20,2011 - We have lost another classmate, Melissa Ann Gray Sepulveda-Grant. You may read her touching and inspiring obituary from the Houston. Also, click here to read Melissa's biography page on the Milby 1960 blog.
Chronicle by clicking on the link below (you can open it without downloading if you choose), and then scroll to the bottom of this post to leave a comment.
Download Melissa Ann Gray Sepulveda obituary
Original Post first published October 23, 2007 by Karla Lofgren Davis
Yesterday morning (October 23rd, 2007) we received an e-mail from Ray in which he informed us – as he has too many times before – that another of our classmates has departed this earth. That’s the third such e-mail in the past 4 months. We learned first, this summer, that Tommy Outlaw passed away on June 12. His passing was made especially poignant when Alton Couvillon closed his comment on the blog with this remark, “I was really effected by T.O.'s death, it hit me hard ...” Sad though it was, I am glad we had that glimpse into Alton’s sorrow at the loss of his dear friend.
We received another e-mail from Ray a couple of months later informing us of the death of John Craig on September 14. (Many of you will remember that John was married to another of our alumni, Jennette Coleman Craig, who died on September 10, 2002.) Both John and Jennette were good friends of mine, and I wanted to say something to someone about what dear people they were. However, here in Waco I am far removed from any gathering where folks might know John and share my admiration for him. At that time I wondered if it might be good to open a post on this blog to provide a virtual community where we could gather at such a time to express our love, sorrow and admiration.
Then yesterday morning, October 23, we received the e-mail from Ray containing this message from Janellen Wilder Cole: “Ray, it is with sadness that I am letting you know that Pat Bain (Belzeski) Hoyt passed away on Thursday, Oct. 18th. There will be a memorial service at Woodlawn Funeral Home on Antoine this Saturday 4-7pm. She died from lung cancer--and was never a smoker. Born Dec 23, 1942. She leaves a daughter and 3 sons, and grandchildren.”
I have thought a lot about Pat lately as I was in Park Place Elementary school and went on to Deady and Milby with her. As the blog has progressed I have identified her in most of my Park Place Elementary class pictures. I remembered fondly that her mother was our Brownie leader, so I thought of her each time someone mentioned our Brownie and Girl Scout Troops. Although I have not seen her in all these years since graduation, I remember her well as a very sweet, kind, and loving person.
Since I was once again faced with the desire to express my feelings about a childhood friend with others who knew her, I decided it really would be appropriate to have a place on the blog for just such occasions. It is my sincere hope we do not have other occasions to use it, but it will be here when it is needed. Please feel free to use the comment opportunity below to leave your remembrances of any of our departed classmates – whether recent or long ago.
Here is another recent loss for our class: Carmen PHILLIPS Inge (03/10/1941 to 09/17/2008)
And here is a link to our Milby 1960 Website "In Memorium" section that lists all of those we know of who have departed.
http://www.milbyclassof1960.org/memoriam.shtml
CLICK HERE to return to the top of the main section after reading comments below, and/or making your own comment.
How sad to hear the news of Pat Bain. My fondest memories are of our times together in Girl Scouts. Prayers and thoughts to her family and friends.
Posted by: Sheila Steele Howard | October 24, 2007 at 12:50 PM
I remember Pat well through Park Place Elementary, Jr. High and High School. I particularly remember her through Girl
Scouts and Brownies. Her mother was our leader and Janellen's mother was assistant. I remember Karla Lofgren, Peggy O'Neal, Grace Moore, Beth Pohler, Kit Cook, Linda Robinson and Kay Lively in that group. There were probably others but things I had saved did not make it through my parents' moves. I recall her as being rather quiet and reserved but caring, concerned and loving towards others. As we are aging I am sure we will see more added to the In Memoriam list. I don't mean to be maudlin, but think it was Mark Twain who said "Live each day as if it were your last and someday you will be right". I feel sad for her family and others who loved her. Ann
Posted by: Ann Herman Beatty | October 24, 2007 at 12:51 PM
I was talking to Gladys Payne Bohac the other day about the class losses and said that I would like to write something about our dear friend, Zynda Carson. She died so long ago at such a young age. I was fortunate to be "in her family" from birth. Our mothers were Milby classmates and Zynda was born on April 5th, I was born on April 8th. Mother and "Aunt Anna" spent many hours together and on those visits, Zynda and I were in the same crib. She was a funny little ugly duckling as a child, but blossomed into a beautiful young woman and had 2 precious little girls before tragically contracting an unknown and lethal blood disorder. She loved her family and friends with her entire being. She gave 100% of herself to whatever she did, from working at Weingartens on Broadway, helping Papa Sporn out in the shoe shop, to babysitting with her many young cousins. She didn't make the best grades, but her uncanny common sense and incredible wit put us to shame. Once I was trying to tutor her for a test and was very frustrated, when she said, "don't worry, I'm in the same grade that you are, and I'm going to graduate with you. You'll be on the front row, I'll be on the back." I remember her smile most of all, the way her face lit up and her eyes danced. I miss her...
Posted by: Charlotte Vann Casselberry | December 20, 2007 at 03:01 PM
Laura McNeil Burns sent this link to a Houston Chronicle article about Beulah Harwood Berry who was a teacher at Deady when we were there.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/deaths/5871151.html
Posted by: Deady Teacher Remembered | July 04, 2008 at 10:24 AM
It was so sad to read Ray's announcement of Kenneth Hammett's passing away. I remember being in class with him at Southmayd. Always a likable, funny guy, he entertained us with his antics. I remember him being so strong and massive for his age. Consequently, I wasn't surprised at his athletic abilities at Deady and Milby. I saw him last at the 20th reunion. His greeting to me was, "There's an old Pecan Park boy!" I'll miss Kenneth being one of us.
Posted by: Charles Simmons | August 20, 2008 at 09:57 AM
#20 (Ken's football number) will be missed. He was always glad to see ya, or at least seemed to be. My favorite memory of Ken was the snapshot of him tossing pizza dough at one of the school Halloween Carnival's. Unfortunately the list continues to grow and we lose more old friends as time goes by. Hopefully we will see them again at a bigger reunion-God Bless them all.
Posted by: John Echoff | August 20, 2008 at 11:39 AM
In Memory of Kenneth Hammett
Ken and I met, I guess, in the 8th grade at Deady when I decided to play football in the 9th grade. Sandy Sanderson said we could be a good combination with Ken at fullback and me at tailback with Paul Schrader and/or Guy Mason at blocking back.
You know, you either loved this guy or had no opinion about him. But I have to tell you, he and his mother were the best friends I had when my parents split in 1958. It was a quick split and I had to have a place to stay and continue to go to school. My brother, Billy, called Ken's mom and asked if I could stay awhile while things worked themselves out. Of course, she said yes and I lived with them for several months.
For those of you who don't remember, Ken had a customized Ford (1956?)which was blue, with naugahyde tuck/roll seats, white headliner, and was just a real hot rod.
I don't know much about Ken's later life but I understand he became a wrestler and had some ups and downs. I regret now that I didn't keep in touch with him because he and his mom were so good to me.
Posted by: Frank Heide | August 20, 2008 at 07:34 PM
I just wanted to say that my husband, Ronnie D. Niday, passed away on May 15, 2008 from Lung Cancer - he also never smoked.
Thanks!
Carolyn Niday
[I believe Ronnie was in the Milby Class of 1962, and I remember him well - his picture in the yearbook matches the mental image I got when I read his name here. Thanks, Carolyn, for sharing your sad news with us. Were you a Milby grad also? KD]
Posted by: Carolyn Niday | August 21, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Carolyn, sorry to read of your loss. As time goes by may your grief be less; I know your memories are holding you together. You are in our prayers.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Strickland | August 23, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I received an e-mail message from Donna Byrd Broussard's daughter on Saturday, 09/27/08. She wrote: "Mom peacefully passed away Friday, September 26th."
Last October Donna (Milby 1962) had logged onto the blog and offered her thoughts to Melanie Winkler Morrison, as follows:
“To Melanie Winkler Morrison,
Melanie, I just read your biography and was so sorry to hear about your bout with cancer. MDA is the best place in the world if you have to go. I have been there 13 years and will be going back on October 29 for carcinoma of the kidney. I am confident the doctor will take care of it and I will be up and about within a short period of time. The prayers of our classmates are so very, very special and keep me in state of peace that I cannot explain or understand, but certainly I thank the Good Lord for giving me the faith to face my life struggles. I will always remember you in my prayers now that I know. Please take care! Donna”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Donna's family during this time of loss. Karla Lofgren Davis
Posted by: Remembering Donna Byrd Broussard | September 27, 2008 at 11:22 PM
I recently learned of the death of Wayne Kirby, the brother of our classmate Shirley Kirby Joiner. I requested, and she responded with, some remarks about him that I could put on the blog.
The following is her response, condensed remarks from his memorial service. (Karla)
Shirley wrote:
"Wayne and his family lived across the street from me and my family in Bryan, Texas for over twenty years. Our children grew up together. I was fortunate to have such a wonderful brother and I will never stop missing him.
On Sunday, June 8, 2008, Charles Wayne Kirby gave his life serving his community and fellow man. In the early morning hours of June 8, his life was taken suddenly while operating a life flight mission. Also killed in the crash were Flight Nurse Jana Bishop, Flight Paramedic Stephanie Watters, and patient David Disman.
Wayne's life of service was one filled with serving in a variety of ways and places. His most recent call to service began in January 2007 when he became one of four PHI Air Med pilots on the Air Med 12 Unit Team based out of Coulter Field in Bryan. His 32-year employment with PHI began in January 1976. During his tenure with PHI, he served the company in many locations along the Gulf Coast in support of the oil and gas industries. Prior to joining PHI's Air Medical Unit here in Bryan, he was a pilot for PHI's operation in Cabinda, Angola, for 12 years.
Wayne was born in Houston, Texas to Mamie and C. L. Kirby on September 10, 1944. He was a member of Broadway Baptist Church for many years until he recently moved his membership to First Baptist Church in Bryan. He graduated from Charles H. Milby High School in 1963.
After graduation, Wayne became a full time student at Sam Houston State in Huntsville, Texas, and later was a student at the University of Houston. While a student at the University of Houston, he married Sally Jean Vinson on November 27, 1965. After his tour of duty in the military, Wayne completed a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Maryland.
Given his life of service, it seems only fitting that Wayne gave nine years of his life in the U.S. Army serving his country. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant as a field artillery officer. However, he soon fell in love with flying and later went to fight school, graduating in February 1968. After graduation, he served two aviation tours in Vietnam; one with the Air Cavalry at Tay Ninh and one with the 20th Engineering Brigade at Bien Hoa. He was honorably discharged from the Army in November 1975 after completing a tour with the 25th Aviation Brigade in Mainz, Germany. During his time in Vietnam, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medals, and a Broken Wing Award.
Until the present accident, as a civilian pilot, he completed 32 years of accident-free flying service. Wayne's hobbies outside of work included motorcycle riding. He was the proud owner of two Harley Davidson motorcycles and was a member of the local Brazos de Dios Motorcycle Club. He had a love for all kinds of hunting, especially hunting deer.
But no hobby or love of hobby was greater than his love for his grandchildren, Tyler, Hannah, Sarah, and Seth. The day before his death, he spent the entire day with his grandchildren, including a workshop where all four grandchildren made toy sailboats.
As an "after note", on September 11, 2008, Wayne received a Star of Texas Award as an "Emergency Medical First Responder who was Killed in the Line of Duty."
Wayne's wife Sally battled colon cancer for 11 years. Wayne transferred back from Angola to Texas so that he could spend more time caring for and being with Sally. After Wayne's death, Sally gave up her fight and she died three months later on September 15, 2008. Cherish your loved ones!"
Shirley Kirby Joiner, Class of 1960
Posted by: Loss of a Beloved Brother | November 04, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Shirley - Thank you for letting us get to know your heroic brother. You wrote such a loving tribute to him. I'm glad your sister-in-law lived to see the Star of Texas Award bestowed. Condolences to his children, you and your family. I know you will miss him sorely.
Posted by: Glenda Burns Minniece | November 06, 2008 at 07:34 PM
[HERE IS A MESSAGE FROM A MEMBER OF THE CLASS OF 1962, SENT TO ME BY E-MAIL ON 5/4/09 kd ]
Karla, your group may or may not remember Juanita Walker in our '62 class. We just got word that she passed away yesterday in Baton Rouge.
Juanita never married and retired just a few short years ago from HISD. She lived and cared for her mother her whole life. After her mother passed away, she decided to sell the house that she grew up in near Milby and move to Baton Rouge to be near family (cousins) since she had no one else in Houston.
She bought a home there and was having it renovated when I talk to her about 6 months ago. At that time, she had been diagnosed with liver cancer but was very optimistic and continued with her plans to move.
Hopefully, she was able to enjoy her "new" home there before she lost her battle. We have lost too many Milby friends so we cherish the ones we still have. Hug a Buffalo today!
Marinell Roberts Mendoza
Posted by: Passing of a 1962 Friend | May 05, 2009 at 07:20 PM
Marinell Roberts Mendoza has sent information about the passing of Connell Pitts - brother of Drew and Susie. Another fallen Milbyite....Brenda, Susie and Drew Pitts' brother, Connell (Butch).
A beautiful and comforting message from his daughter follows:
"Friends - Many of you are aware that my father passed on to be with the Lord this Thursday. My brother and I sent this to some people last night and I am forwarding to others in hopes that you can pass it on to people who knew my father and our family. My dad was full of life and joy on Wednesday evening when I left him at home and he passed quickly from an arrhythmia late that evening. We had a full day at Methodist planned the next day along with his weekly support group meeting and dad said he was going to visit the ICU and rehab and many others to say “thanks and give his support”. Guess the Lord had bigger plans for him that day! I am happy to say that from the autopsy his new liver and kidneys were functioning perfectly and it gave him 3 glorious months to really live life and give back – which he did!!!! I’m certain his only regret is that we didn’t discover his passing until the morning and didn’t get a chance to “pass on his organs”. We are forever grateful for those 3 months and I know he is too. It was his time and it is well! Be well too and rejoice - he is home with his Maker and Father. Thank you for the outpouring of support. Julie Pitts Mount"
Posted by: Karla Lofgren Davis | October 05, 2009 at 06:34 AM
At the end of this comment is the e-mail message that Ray sent to all of us this week, telling of the Sept 27 death of Pat Roberson. I also put a link on the blog this week for a service for Connell (“Butch”) Pitts. Then today I attended the funeral for a 1960 high school graduate here in Waco. She was not a Milby 1960 graduate. In fact, she was a graduate of the high school in the school district where I teach. Her “baby sister” is a dear friend with whom I work.
After the traditional religious ceremony, the eulogy was delivered by the lifelong friend of the deceased. She did a beautiful job of reviewing her entire life, citing their shared activities. Of course, much of what she said parallels our lives – as they grew up in the same decades in which we came of age and went out into the world. She mentioned their class motto, “On third base – it’s time to score.”
I listened, I smiled and nodded, I laughed when appropriate, and I cried. I cried for my friend who had lost her sibling. I cried for the husband, children, and grandchildren, and for the friend who lost her companion of 6 plus decades. I cried for the losses I have experienced . . . and will experience.
The eulogist closed by saying, “Many of our classmates are here today. You know, we have been busy planning our 50th high school reunion for the spring of 2010. I am sorry that she will not be with us in person, but know that she will be with us in spirit.”
Naturally, when she said that I thought of all of you. I do hope we will all be together soon, dear friends. Take very good care of yourselves, and make every arrangement necessary to join us next April. I want to hug your neck and hold your hand, and visit with you – the friends of my youth!
In case you missed it, here is Ray’s e-mail message re a recently departed Milby 1960 friend. Perhaps you would like to leave a comment here in remembrance of Pat or others of our departed classmates.
"Pat Roberson died on Sunday September 27. I talked to her son today and he told me his mother had been sick for some time but her body just suddenly started to crater. All of her major organs started failing in succession and finally it was too much for her to fight against. I should have her picture and statistics posted on the In Memoriam page on our website soon.
Without counting again, I think this is number 68 of our class that we have lost. We have about 40 classmates who are missing and I fear some of them may be dead." Pat Roberson died on Sunday September 27. I talked to her son today and he told me his mother had been sick for some time but her body just suddenly started to crater. All of her major organs started failing in succession and finally it was too much for her to fight against. I should have her picture and statistics posted on the In Memoriam page on our website soon.“
Posted by: Karla Lofgren Davis | October 09, 2009 at 05:32 PM
Father Time marches on, God selects those whom he wishes to have serve him in his kingdom, while the rest of us prepare for the great journey.
May God Bless Us and Keep Us from harm.
Looking forward to seeing most of y'all at the 50th, if not before... John
[Note: Milby classmates received an e-mail from Ray yesterday, informing us that Charlotte REYNOLDS died on September 23 this year. Her daughter contacted Ray and said that her mother was diagnosed with cancer just a few months ago and she died very quickly.
He also mentioned that her name and information will join Charlene Casas and Pat Roberson, who have just been placed on the IN MEMORIAM page of our Milby 1960 website.
Ray concluded this e-mail, "The reminder of Charlotte’s death is a good reason to make plans to come to the reunion next April." Link: http://www.milbyclassof1960.org/memoriam.shtml]
Posted by: John Echoff | October 13, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Since the recent passing of two more of our classmates, I thought this quote might give a little comfort to those in need:
"What is time? The shadow on the dial, the striking of the clock, the running of the sand, day & night, summer & winter, months, years, centuries-these are but arbitary and outside signs, the measure of time, not time itself. Time is the life of the soul." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
Posted by: John Echoff | October 16, 2009 at 03:10 AM
Donald Williamson sent the following information to me today [KD]:
Mrs. Elizabeth Lay passed away on Friday, April 9th. I think during our time as students at Milby that she taught English to the mid-term students. I could be mistaken about this but some of the June students that I know did not have her as a teacher.
She came to the picnic for our 45th reunion and really seemed to enjoy herself. I was in contact with her daughter (Mary Lay Kesterson) about a month ago and was told that Mrs. Lay was in poor health and couldn't attend the current reunion.
Dear Mary,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing, please express my condolences to your family for me. Your mother had such a positive influence on so many students that certainly it had to help them in real-life situations for years to come.
As far as I am concerned, teaching is one of the most important careers that one can enter and your mother was the best teacher I ever had. She always had control of her class and made learning fun. I still can remember passages of poetry that she had us recite, and how to diagram a sentence. I think these are now lost on the current generation.
Your mother will be fondly remembered by so many people and I know that will give you comfort.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Remembering Mrs. Lay | April 12, 2010 at 10:56 PM
Thank you for letting us know about this, Donald. I think that anyone who was ever in one of her classes remembers Mrs. Lay with great affection.
Posted by: Laura Burns | April 13, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Here is the link to Mrs. Lay's obituary in the Houston Chronicle:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=elizabeth-coleman-lay&pid=141866838
[Karla here: I am so grateful to Laura for giving us this link. It is a beautiful testament to a teacher, and whether or not she was ever YOUR teacher I believe you will be blessed by reading it. Written in the poetic style I am sure Ms. Lay would have loved, it is a reminder of the fine ladies and gentlemen who influenced our lives in our formative years. I am grateful to God for our Deady and Milby years, and for the beloved teachers who challenged us to learn and grow. Karla]
Posted by: Laura Burns | April 18, 2010 at 02:44 PM
Today we all received an e-mail from Ray, telling us of the passing of another classmate - Ronald Malone. I immediately pictured Ronnie's wonderful smile and only checked his photo in the yearbook to confirm my recollection. Although I have not seen Ronald in 50 years, I was not surprised to read the glowing obituary comments which were linked from Ray's e-mail. It seems that the promises of the youth were fulfilled in the man. Much love to his family, and to all of you. Karla
Posted by: Karla Lofgren Davis | July 20, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Yesterday, August 30, we lost another classmate ~ Elizabeth Ann Russ Huggins. I sat and visited with Liz at the last 3 reunions, and did a little e-mail chatter with her from time to time. Each time I felt such a kinship with her - as though we never lost touch between visits. She was beautiful to look at, but even more beautiful to know ~ such a sweet and loving spirit. I am glad she was able to attend our 50th reunion ~ so vibrant and joyful. I will carry the memory of her that weekend with me always. Karla
Liz's bio link:
http://milby1960.typepad.com/milby_class_of_1960/elizabeth-ann-liz-russ-hu.html
Posted by: Karla Lofgren Davis | August 31, 2010 at 01:56 PM
John Echoff sent this information:
I am very sad to report the death of Milbyite Lanny Young. As many of you know he was married to our classmate Billie Jean Trombatore ('60). Lanny had suffered health problems the last couple of years and finally succumbed around 4:20am today. His memorial service is planned for 11am, Saturday 12/18/10, at the First Assembly of God on Main St in Marble Falls. Billie Jean ask that if you wish to make a donation in Lanny's name, she would like for the church to have it for their missionary work.
Please support our friend and classmate in her time of need.
Thank you,
John Echoff
Later on the 15th he forwarded this from Billie
Dear Ones,
Lanny's Memorial Service will be this Saturday 11:00 a.m. at the First Assy. of God 96 Main St. in Marble Falls. It's on the corner of Main & 1st St. (2 blocks parallel with 281) near Lake Marble Falls bridge. You can see the church from 281. We decided the chapel at the funeral home wouldn't be big enough. There will be a time for anyone wanting to share a short story or experience, if you like.
Instead of flowers, if you would like to send a memorial gift, they have an awesome Missions Program at the church.
Thank you again for being so precious & dear to our hearts.
Billie Young
Posted by: Billie's Loss | December 15, 2010 at 05:59 AM
Ray sent an e-mail today (3/13/11), notifying us of the passing of our classmate James Verlander. I went through Park Place Elementary with James, and of course knew him at Deady and Milby too. Although I haven't seen James since we graduated from Milby, I cherish good memories of those early school days. And I can still see his smile after all these years. May God bless the family and friends who are grieving his passing.
Posted by: Karla Lofgren Davis | March 14, 2011 at 01:02 AM
As another passes I will take a moment TODAY and say a prayer for all those alumni mentioned here in passing and for those not mentioned here, whether passed of not, because they and you have been aquaintances of mine. In some cases very close friends, in others not so close, but in ALL cases MY PEERS FROM THE DAY ! Each name brings memories of a childs face which I can recognize. Names have not changed but the faces have aged and many, though familiar, are hardly recognizable, but the memories are still there.
Take HEART my friends and know that we are all part of a whole, something bigger than each of us alone but diminished only by the passing of each part ! As I reflect back, the love I feel for each part of this memory brings a satisfaction that we will ALL be remembered by any who visit this BLOG in the WAKE of THE MILBY CLASS OF 1960.
Oh so proud to be your friend, Mike
Posted by: mike roberts | March 14, 2011 at 02:20 AM
Mike, such a sweet tribute. Yes, old friends are so special to all of us. Old aquaintances are special at the time we meet them. Thank God that we still have sweet memories of our past friends and aquaintances. It is hard for me to realize that I too am getting older and time passes quickly. We all need to make the best of each day. Thanks for the sweet memories to everyone that touched my life.
Gladys
Posted by: Gladys Payne Bohac | March 23, 2011 at 09:14 AM
Here is Jimmy's obituary - what a life he had!!!
James Milton Verlander, Jr., PHD, PA.
Aug. 17, 1942 -March 13, 2011
James Milton Verlander, Jr. left this earth March 13, 2011.
Jim graduated from Texas A&M in 1964 with a BS in Biology and was a member of the Texas A&M Corps. of Cadets, Squadron No.13. He earned a master’s degree from Texas A&M in 1966 in Radiation Biology.
Jim began his professional life with the Northrup Space program in 1966 and was assigned to the Gemini program. In 1967 he was transferred with Northrup to NASA in Houston, Texas to begin his work on the Apollo Missions & Skylab program and contributed to the Astronaut Biomedical Harness Monitoring System for the Apollo space flights until 1973.
In 1975 Jim graduated from the University of Houston with his PhD in Hyperbaric and Diving Physiology. Shortly there after he began teaching Biology and conducting research at Texas A&M.
In 1981 Jim graduated from UTMB Physician Assistant program and practiced for several years until 1989 when he rejoined NASA as a biologist on the Space Station program.
He then returned to medicine in 1995 and retired April 2009. He authored 2 science fiction books and was in the process of writing a screenplay.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James M. and Genevieve O. Verlander, Sr. and brother Ralph Verlander.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Adami-Verlander; daughters, Shelly, Gina, Amy and Heather Verlander; sons, Micah and James Verlander; granddaughter, Alaura M. Verlander, great-granddaughter, Emma Rose Verlander; former wife Brenda K. Abbott; sister, Yvonne Marrou; nephews, Trent and Blake Marrou and Ralph Verlander; nieces, Vickie Province, Kim Rush, and Tanya Verlander; as well as a lifetime of friends and acquaintances.
The family would like to sincerely thank the nursing staff of St. Luke’s and Triumph Clear Lake Hospital and Dr. Efrain Soto as well as the other physicians that treated him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the James Verlander ‘64 Memorial by mailing to, The Association of Former Students, 505 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840. Please make payable to The Association of Former Students, or friends and family may donate online at www.tx.ag/memorial
Addison Funeral Home
(281)350-0998
Published March 19, 2011
Posted by: Karla Lofgren Davis | March 23, 2011 at 05:00 PM
At the top of this post you will see a photo of our classmate Melissa Ann Gray Sepulveda-Grant and a link to her obituary in the Houston Chronicle. What a beautiful summary of her life! A scroll through the other comments on this post will bring remembrance of others we have loved and lost. Be sure to leave your comment, too.
Posted by: Melissa's Passing Memorialized | October 23, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Another of our classmates has departed this earth ~ Donna Sanford Phillips. Please see a photo of Donna at the top of this page, click on the link to her Obituary (printed in the Houston Chronicle on Oct 30, 2011) and then leave your remembrances of Donna here as well via a comment.
Posted by: Remembering Donna Sanford Phillips | October 30, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Bo & I just got home from the visitation of Donna Sanford Phillips this afternoon. What a joy to hear all of the wonderful things about Donna. She was a wonderful Christian woman that loved the Lord and served Him all the time. I remember Donna in school as being a quite, sweet, caring young lady to everyone. Always with a sweet smile to everyone that she came in contact with and made that person feel special. Donna was very active in her and her husband Gerald's church. Such a nice man. Her daughters were so beautiful and I know they will miss Donna, but oh so happy that she will not suffer anymore and that she is with the Lord now. They told me that their mother really was ready to go to her Heavenly home. She is now at the feet of the Lord and praising Him and smiling down from Heaven. Maybe someday we will all be up in Heaven with Donna and singing Charlie Buffalo. Praise God for Donna and her witness here on earth to the very end.
Posted by: Gladys Payne Bohac | October 30, 2011 at 07:03 PM
I remember Melissa as being a kind hearted sweet lady with a big smile. The last time I saw Melissa was a one of our first Milby Lady's Luncheon. We had a great time visiting and sharing our lives with each other. I had no clue that she had cancer at that time. You would have never known. Her life was full and blessed with everything she accomplished. I know her family will miss that sweet spirit and big smile of hers. May you Rest in Peace sweet lady and someday I will see you in Heaven and hopefully all of our classmates will be there to harmonize Charlie Buffalo. I know you are smiling down on all of your classmates now.
Posted by: Gladys Payne Bohac | October 30, 2011 at 07:11 PM