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April 10- April 14
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Around Town
June 5, 2025 - In celebration of National Garden Week 2025, Center Garden Club (CGC) has presented a horticultural exhibit hosted by the Farmers State Bank.
If you have not already done so this week, you are invited to view the exhibit located in the main bank's front foyer throughout Thursday (today) and Friday morning. and, on Friday morning, June 6, the garden club will hold its annual plant sale on the Center square across from the Farmers Bank.
Please do come see the exhibit, buy some plants at the Club's sale, and enhance or start your own beautiful garden.
May 29, 2025 - A small contingent of members from the VFW Post 8904 Auxiliary placed flags at the New Hope Cemetery on Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2025.
In honor of the veterans buried in New Hope Cemetery, flags were placed on 72 graves.
New Hope Cemetery Veterans
T.J. Smith - WWII - Army
Jerry Akins - Vietnam - Army
Earl Belsha - WWII - Army
Clemon Moore - Army
Charles Conway - Bronze Star - Navy
Airal Slatter - WWII - Army
Charles Boozier - Vietnam - Army
T.D. Adams - WWII - Army
Michael McGehen - Marines
J.W. Bennefield - WWII - Army
Robert Bowlin - WWII - Army
Lee Ray Bowlin - WWII - Navy
Forest Crocker - WWII - Navy
Theodore Vesely - Korea/Vietnam
Robert Wilson - Korea - Marines
Sylvester Moore - Navy
Joe Foster - Air Force
Charles Goldsberry - Army
James Brown - Persian Gulf - Navy
Billy Mullins - WWII - Army
Edward Steele - WWII - Army
Lewis Fausett - Army
Jimmy Fausett - Korea - Army
Dorman Edison
John H. Edison - WWII - Tx. Pvt. NG. Signal BN.
Earl Mills - WWII - Tec. 4 Mall.
Walter Adams - died after boot camp
Jack Adams - Navy
Louie Adams - Navy
O.M. Dry - WWII - Army
John Taylor - WWII - Air Force
M. Wilson - Navy
Jewell Harrison - WWI - Co. 143 Inf.
Levi Harris - Army
Ray Bush - WWII - Army
L. Hogue - WWII - Army
Obert Logan - WWII - Army
Virgil Worsham - WWII - Army
Charles Perry - Marines
John Barnhill - WWII - Army
James Whiteside - WWII - Army
Lawrence Garrett - WWII - Army
Thomas Garrett - WWII - Army
Charles Lemons - WWII - Navy
Henry Rudd - Korea - Navy
Billy Fausett - Air Force
Jerry Snider - Vietnam - Army
Jessie Snider - WWII - Navy
Floyd Adams - Marines
Ronald Metcalf - Army
Dillon Parker - WWII - Army
Frank Jousan, Sr. - Navy
M.A. Corbitt - Pvt. 2 SC Art.
James Ramsey - WWII
Jalton Faulk - Pvt. Ala. Inf. CSA
L.D. Bush - Pvt. Lanes Tx. Inf.
Lawson Dry - Conf. Army
Roy Miles - WWII
William Shofner - Co. F 3GA CSA
Leon Watkins - WWII/Korea - Army
Gilmer Leach - WWII - Army
Roger Noble - Air Force
John Braddock - 24 IN Inf.
Robert Smith - WWII - Army
Leonard Belsha - WWII - Army
John Samford - WWI - COD 144 Inf.
Johnie Hogue - Army
George Moran - WWII - Navy
Charles Walker - WWII - Army
Ovel Jetton - Korea - Marines
Travis Walker - Army
David Adams - Panama - Army
May 28, 2025 - Due to the passing of David Whitlock, a volunteer at the Shelby County museum on Fridays, the museum will only be open Mondays through Thursdays from 1-4pm. The museum will remain closed on Fridays until a new volunteer rises to the challenge of helping to preserve the history of Shelby County. For more information about volunteering, email shelbymuseum@sbcglobal.net or call 936-598-3613 during open hours, Mondays-Thursday, 1pm to 4pm. Explore Shelby County's history online at http://www.shelbycountytexashistory.net/.
May 27, 2025 - The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Shelby County Class of 2024-2025 visited several locations impacting the quality of life in Shelby County. Quality of Life Day was the final session in the nine month program.
The Leadership Class began the day at The Lily Farm with Mark Carpenter learning the history of The Lily Farm and enjoying all the beautiful plants, flowers and yard décor. Mark Carpenter’s annual Mother’s Day fundraiser recipient was the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library. The Leadership Class participated in the check presentation to Sandra and Roy Davis, for the Library.
After The Lily Farm tour, the class enjoyed some time at Hawkeye Hunting Club. Manager Jason Wiegenga toured the group around one of the lodges and the kennels. Jason talked about the renovations, activities Hawkeye has to offer and upcoming events. The group visited the Center Municipal airport where Chad Nehring and John Soltise talked about the airport history, current use and future plans.
The Leadership Class enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch at Portacool Park. Jason Mitchell, Director of Parks and Recreation, talked about all the City parks and future goals and plans. At the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, Roy Davis talked about the renovation and walked the group around the beautiful newly renovated Library. Mr. Davis talked about all the activities and events the Library offers including the year round programs as well as the very popular Summer Reading/Discovery Program, sponsored by the Center Noon Lions Club. The Program will start on May 29th and end on July 18th. This year’s theme is “Color Our World”.
The Leadership finished the day enjoying tea and coffee at Center Floral.
Thank you to the following for helping make the day a learning success: Mark Carpenter, Jason Miegnenga, Chad Nehring, John Soltise, Jason Mitchell and Sandra and Roy Davis. Also, a huge thank you to Cheryl with Center ISD transportation department.
Leadership Shelby County is a year long program presented by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce designed to identify potential leaders and develop within these individuals the knowledge, skills and vision necessary to enable them to actively participate in the enhancement of the quality of life in their communities.
May 26, 2025 - (Photo Album) - Shelby County VFW Post 8904 and community members gathered at Westview Cemetery in Center on Monday, May 26, 2025.
“What we plan on doing today is spreading out and putting the flags that we have here on every veteran’s grave,” said Larry Hume, VFW Post 8904 Adjutant.
Hume shared some history of Mac Buckley who was one of Shelby County’s own who lost his life in Vietnam. Several of his family were present for the event.
“Shelby County lost its ninth and final son in the Vietnam War, Mac Buckley,” said Hume. “He was killed in action in south Vietnam on July 5, 1968. He was drafted in 1966.”
Buckley was assigned to Company D, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment 25th Division, which was nicknamed “Tropic Thunder.”
“Mac arrived on a Sunday May 12, 1968 and less than two months later he was killed six days before his 23rd birthday. And he was buried right here, of course, full military honors,” said Hume.
Buckley was born to John and Myrtle Buckley on July 11, 1945, and he was a 1963 graduate of C.H. Daniels High School. Hume said that Kenneth McCollister, Mac’s brother, was also buried in Westview Cemetery and is also a veteran of the Vietnam War.
Following a prayer, everyone in attendance placed flags on the graves of veterans in the cemetery.
From left: Laura Anne Scull, Hannah Wages, and Caly Blacksher
May 22, 2025 - The Center Noon Lions Club is pleased to award three $1,500 scholarships for 2025 to Laura Anne Scull, Hannah Wages, and Caly Blacksher.
Laura Anne Scull will attend Baylor University to pursue a degree in Psychology.
Hannah Wages will attend West Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in Agricultural Media and Communications.
Cały Blacksher will attend Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.
May 22, 2025 - The Fannie Brown Booth Library would like to thank the Shelby County community that purchased books during the recent Friends of the Library Spring book sale. We greatly appreciate your support in our successful book sale. The proceeds help our library purchase new books.
We also thank the Friends of the Library and other volunteers for their help in getting ready for the book sale, as well as working the sale and cleaning up afterwards.
May 19, 2025 - The Center Woman’s Reading Club installed officers for the 2025-2026 at the May 15 meeting. Officers serve a two-year term. The officers were installed by member Montie Jones.
Officers in photo from left to right are Alease Copelin Parliamentarian, Corresponding Secretary Fannie Watson, President Janene Walker, Angie Davis First Vice President, Dottie West standing in for Second Vice President Sue Russell and Treasurer Ginia Hooper, and Kim Oswalt Recording Secretary.
The Center Woman’s Reading Club meets in September through May.
Pictured are (from left) Post Chaplain Richard Lundie, Auxiliary member Linda Lundie, Auxiliary President Mary Fausett, Auxiliary Treasurer Theresa Hume, citizen Terry Polly, Post life member Sean Martin, Post Quartermaster Mary Roberts, and Post Commander Derrick Roberts. Courtesy photo by Larry Hume.
May 16, 2025 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary recognized the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 2025 at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on the Center square.
In 1945 the war in Europe ended on what is commonly known as VE Day. Both the American and British people gather to remember. The United States suffered over 213,000 casualties in Europe and the group remembered them all and those who served during that time.
56 of Shelby County's own died in service to their country in Europe and 40 of those were killed in battle.
Brothers, Early and Barron Davis were killed four months apart. Fighter pilot Robert Daw from Joaquin is believed to have been executed by the Nazis after his plane ditched during the Battle of the Bulge. First Lieutenant William Todd was killed in action one week after returning from duty to the hospital where he was recovering from wounds.
Three were wounded in battle, and died of those wounds. Robert Wilburn, wounded in Italy March 22, died five months later in a military hospital in San Antonio. Four of the 56 remain missing in action resulting in generations of family members passing on without the knowledge of what ever happened to their loved one who disappeared so long ago.
Ships cook, Ray Williams was serving aboard the U.S.S. Maddox when it was sunk by German dive bombers. Only 74 of a crew of 284 survived. William’s mother Mattie died two months after he was declared missing in action in 1944.
Four died of non-combat wounds including E.C. White who was in a hospital in England recuperating from wounds he received in battle when he was killed in a bus accident, and Clarence Mahan died of a heart attack.
It’s estimated, by the year 2035 there will be no remaining World War II veterans left just as there are no more World War I veterans that remain.
Post Life Member Sean Martin places the Memorial Wreath in honor of the 80th Anniversary. Photo Courtesy Larry Hume.
Post Life Member Sean Martin placed the memorial wreath in honor of those who served and have passed.
Taps was then played as presented by Richard Lundie, Post Chaplain.
Shelby County, Texas World War II Veterans Who Died in Service to Our Country in the European Theater:
Ralph T. Amoss - Killed in Action, August 5, 1944, England
John C. Anderson - Killed in Action, September 8, 1944, France
Nolan R. Anderson - Killed in Action, June 12, 1944, France
William L. Anding - Killed in Action, December 22, Italy
Lloyd L. Andrews - Missing in Action, December 25, 1944, English Channel
Bruce C. Baker, Jr. - Killed in Action, July 15, 1944, England
Oscar L. Belser - Killed in Action, April 5, 1943, North Africa
Ray W. Bolton - Killed in Action, November 8, 1945, Italy
Joseph B. Brannon - Killed in Action, March 3, 1945, Germany
Richard D. Bray - Killed in Action, July 11, 1944, France
Thomas B. Brittain - Died of Combat Wounds, January 16, 1945, France
Bryan N. Brittain - Killed in Action, September 23, 1945, North Africa
Lee O. Brunson - Missing in Action, December 8, 1944, France
E.T. Burgess, Jr. - Killed in Action, January 11, 1944, Germany
E.C. Campbell - Died of Combat Wounds, June 20, 1944, England
Richard E. Crawford - Killed in Action, November 20, 1944, France
James F. Daniel - Killed in Action, March 21, 1945, France
Early Davis - Killed in Action, October 12, 1944, Italy
Barron Davis - Killed in Action, February 28, 1945, Germany
Robert E. Daw, Jr. - Killed in Action, December 30, 1944, Belgium
Lewis Dockens - Killed in Action, July 1942, Coast of South America
Reed H. Dominy - Missing in Action, April 15, 1944, European Theater
William P. Durham - Killed in Action, May 28, 1944, Italy
Arlie L. Eddins - Died Non-Combat, January 1, 1945, England
O.J. Edwards - Killed in Action, December 16, 1944, Italy
Dewey L. Evans - Killed in Action, April 14, 1945, Netherlands
Charles R. Frame - Killed in Action, January 8, 1945, England
Randle B. Golden - Died Non-Battle, October 4, 1944, France
E.C. Gunnels - Killed in Action, January 10, 1945, Germany
Walter B. Henry - Missing in Action, August 7, 1943, Atlantic Ocean
William S. Hopkins - Killed in Action, November 26, 1945, Germany
J.W. Honeycutt - Killed in Action, February 6, 1945, France
Roy D. Hughes - Killed in Action, August 15, 1944, Germany
Arthur T. Hutcherson - Died in Accident, December 23, 1944, France
Walter B. Hutto - Killed in Action, August 25, 1944, France
James R. Kirkland - Killed in Action, September 30, 1944, Holland
Howard L. Lovell - Killed in Action, December 27, 1944, Italy
Clarence M. Mahan - Died Non-Battle, October 2, 1944, France
John W. Minter - Killed in Action, July 9, 1944, France
Roy H. Mitchell - Killed in Action, December 28, 1944, France
Jimmie H. Mott - Killed in Action, July 26, 1944, France
Hoya B. Murphy - Killed in Action, December 8, 1944, Germany
James E. Pate - Killed in Action, August 18, 1944, France
Pershing Pate - Killed in Action, June 8, 1944, France
Jack Powell - Killed in Action, July 6, 1944, France
Arlen Rhame - Killed in Action, July 28, 1944, France
Ben M. Simon - Killed in Action, March 14, 1945, Germany
Hugh J. Smith - Killed in Action, January 27, 1945, Italy
Robert Swanzy - Killed in Action, July 12, 1944
William R. Todd - Killed in Action, September 13, 1944, France
Sidney E. Watson - Killed in Action, August 22, 1944, France
E.C. White - Killed in Accident, July 4, 1944, England
Robert Wilburn - Died of Combat Wounds, August 26, 1944, Italy
Clifton Williams - Killed in Action, December 15, 1944, Germany
Ray D. Williams - Missing in Action, July 11, 1944, European Theater
Wrayful Willis - Died Non-Battle, July 29, 1945, France
May 8, 2025 - The Friends of Shelby County Go-Texan would like to thank our 2025 Spring Fling sponsors!
The organization has awarded $45,000 in scholarships to Shelby County Graduates this year!
Thank You Sponsors:
Ihlo Sales and Imports; SSBTX; Ray Jones Chevrolet; Center Motor Company; SIATX Insurance; Automotive Collision Specialist; Joe’s Car Spa; Farmers State Bank; Underground Supply Solutions; CSR Rentals; High Roller; Outdoor Temperature Solutions; McAdams Propane; General Shelters; Campbell Portable Buildings; Lucas Vet; Sydney Lucas Marketing; Shelby Savings Bank; Southside Bank; VFW Post 8904; Automotive Collision Specialist; Dr. Heather Ihlo/Golden Eye Clinic; State Farm Chris Mayfield; Steel Building Supply; Southern Fluids; Mathews Real Estate; Quick Stop; 4-C Electric; Hopkins Wrecker Service; High Roller; Cobb; KLN; Nex-Gen; Hutchins Welding; H & R Block; Wings And Whitetails; Raymond Motor; Cecilia Boles; Ace Hardware; East Texas Poultry Supply; White Cottage Mercantile; Covington Lumber; Center Country Club Pro-Shop; Cecilia Boles; Wiggins Hunting Lodge; Brad Nachman Containers; Portacool; Holi Barbee; Smith and Larkin; Epperson’s; and Phyliss Tietjen and Jason Murphy.
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