The Only Scars In Heaven - Music

 https://fb.watch/8WvuOehtTH/

The Only Scars In Heaven

by The Counting Crows

CAROLE O'BRIEN FOX 1948 - 2021 - Class of '66

 

Carole Ann Fox

October 27, 1948 - October 18, 2021

Carole Ann O'Brien Fox, age 72, of Universal City, TX passed away on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021 in Gatesville.  A Memorial service will be held October 30, 2021 at 2pm in the home of Jim and Linda O’Brien.  Burial will follow at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery where her husband of 29 years is interred.

Carole was born in San Bernardino, California.  She attended schools in England and TX.  She attended Randolph High School where she won UIL awards in Choir Ensemble and made many lasting friendships. Carole was known for her beautiful singing voice.  She earned 3 years of undergraduate education at Texas Tech, University of Hawaii, and Texas State University.

She worked as a mortgage specialist for North American Mortgage Company in San Antonio, Houston, and Austin.  Eventually, she became Branch Operations Manager for Chase Mortgage Company in Austin, TX.  She retired to Universal City, TX where she volunteered at the local library and pursued her hobby of photography and traveling with her friends.

Sweet Carole loved the Lord and her heart was filled with the Joy only a relationship with God can create. His love radiated from her eyes and her smile. Carole’s sweet nature passed this love on to all who were blessed to know her.

She is preceded in death by her devoted husband Steven W. Fox, parents Chief Master Sgt. James J. O’Brien and wife Lovey, and nephew James J. O’Brien IV.

Carole is survived by her brother, James J. O’Brien III and wife, Linda of Gatesville, TX; nephew, Jeffrey J. O’Brien and wife, Crystal and their children Kelsey, Allison, and James Jacob of Marshall, TX; great nephew, Tyler O’Brien of Sarasota, Fl.; great nieces, Caitlyn O’Brien, of Orlando, FL, and Shannon O’Brien of Gatesville, TX; sister-in-law’s, Janet Logan of Ardmore, OK and Joann Beck of San Antonio, TX.  In addition, she leaves behind her devoted friends of over 60 years, Teresa DeArza Gauger, Gloria Campbell Gallagher, Judy Minor Villari, Linda Tucker Prater, Kathy Mulligan and Pamela McCall Smith.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Hillside Medical Lodge for the kind care provided during Carole’s extended illness. 

For those desiring, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Linda and Jimmy O'Brien

2850 Old Fort Gates Road

Gatesville, TX 76528

BILL KEM = Passed Away August 21, 2021

 BILL KEM,  Class of 1965

Randolph High School

Bill Kem passed away August 21st.  If you didn't know it before, Bill and his wife, Suzanne owned and ran a Gym in Ponca, Oklahoma.  

William Roy Kem was born in Seattle, WA October 9, 1946. A self-proclaimed military brat, he moved around a lot and even spent 4 years in Japan. His father, Shelton Kem, was an officer in WW II and Vietnam, and his older brother, Bob Kem, helped raise younger brother “Willy”. Thanks to this, Bill learned much from his big brother and always admired him. Bill graduated in 1965 from Randolph Air Force Base High School in San Antonio, Tx, where he played football, baseball, basketball, track, played in the band, sang in the choir and madrigals as President, and was in French Club, Science Club, and Letterman’s Club, as well as playing the lead in the school musical “Down In The Valley”. He went on to University at Oklahoma State where he was a was a rated Marksman in the ROTC program, played basketball on scholarship for Henry Iba, and studied Physical Education.

He met Suzanne Inciardi while she was dancing on campus, but lost contact with her for two years. Thanks to a chance meeting, they were reacquainted and started dating immediately. He gave up a spot in the Army’s Officer Candidacy School so he could get his Masters of Science and date Suzanne. They married only 6 months later on March 7th, 1970 in a small chapel in Oklahoma City, a marriage that lasted 51 years.

Bill wanted to learn how to coach gymnastics, something Suzanne thought he might have a knack for, and they attended the national competition for the United States Gymnastics Federation Junior Olympics. He introduced himself to the coach representing Oklahoma, which lead to him learning to coach gymnastics with the Olympic team that summer and developing a life long friendship with Olympic Silver Medalist, Rusty Mitchell. This started a long coaching career, where he had a nationally recognized competitive program, was a member of the USA Gymnastics Federation as an instructor, and certified by their safety program as well as being a certified gymnastic coach. He was accepted into the prestigious Heart of America Gymnastic Conference, which included the highest-ranked coaches in the Midwest region and was twice voted Coach of the Year, was president of the US Gymnastics Federation for Oklahoma and Age Group Chairman for a number of years, and was published in the National Who’s Who for gymnastics coaches. He and his wife ran their Dance and Gymnastics school in Ponca City for over 50 years.

Accomplishments aside, Bill was a humble, upstanding man of character and was quite involved in the community as a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Lion’s Club, brought gymnastics into schools as part of the Arts Outreach Program, and regularly participated in fund raising efforts for many organizations all over Ponca City. He worked back stage and on stage for numerous theatrical productions, mostly side by side with his wife, son and daughter. He was a devoted husband and father, constantly giving his time, love and devotion, traveling all over the state for his kids to perform, and then all over the country to support them as they gained professional careers. He was a member of the Pioneer Bible Church and Providence Baptist Church, consistently studying the Bible and being a wonderful example of Christ.

“Mr Kem”. Very few people just called him “Bill”. He was a father to all. Every student he touched continued to feel the innocence of a child when they were with him, so he was forever, respectfully, “Mr Kem”. From teaching P.E. at Roosevelt Elementary in the 1970s, to substitute teaching all over Ponca City, to most recently teaching P.E. at St Mary’s Catholic School for 25 years, where he was voted unanimously by the students to speak at graduation multiple times, and, of course, coaching gymnastics at his gym - Mr. Kem molded the lives and athletics for multiple generations. He also was a stock broker for Stifel, Nicolaus & Co for ten years in the 1980s, helping many in Ponca City with their investments. He couldn’t go around town without seeing someone he knew, always waving hello and offering a hug. His family had to share him with so many people, but they never felt they were sharing him. He had plenty of love to go around. He lived such a compassionate life. He poured himself to others, making them feel special, and giving them the motivation to learn and grow, something they could carry with them the rest of their lives. He generously gave his time, his patience, his home, his money, his smile, and his huge hugs. He asked for nothing in return but always accepted homemade chocolate chip cookies and rhubarb pie. Every day of his life was meaningful; this may not have been on purpose, it just was who he was - he put others first and cared about details, and thus, someone benefited from him every day. It seems the entire town of Ponca City, and beyond, is feeling his void. May we use his memory as motivation to step up in his absence and be a “Mr Kem” to those in our lives.

Bill is proceeded in death by his father, Shelton Kem, and mother, Ann, his father-in-law Nilo Francis Inciardi and mother-in-law Marj Inciardi. He leaves behind his wife Suzanne Kem of Ponca City, Ok, son, Kevin Kem of Atlanta, GA, daughter and son-in-law Cara and Rick Cassens of Ponca City, Ok and their children Scarlette and Clint (his mini-me), his brother Bob and sister-in-law Anne of Spokane, WA, siblings-in-law Marc and Pam Inciardi of Kansas City, KS, Annette and Robert Gomez of Canyon Lake, TX, and Gina and Larry Ressler of Arcadia, OK, nephews Mike and Matt Kem and Larry and Logan Ressler, and nieces Ashley Huppe, Erin Angotti and Gillian Aquino, as well as numerous cousins that all loved him dearly, including his “twin” cousin Jill who was born one day after him. Bill and Suzanne also had two unofficial “adopted” children, Cindy Watson of Ponca City, OK and Eric Chambray of Las Vegas, NV. Family was extremely important to him, and he was known for long good-byes and big hugs. He will be so missed.

This is a message from Cara, Bill Kem's daughter. 

Cara Kem Cassens

For the past month, my dad has been battling illness. Fortunately, the studio was closing for the summer, and he was not there much. He spent more time running errands around town, fixing issues for my mom and myself. When he first started feeling ill, he and my mom got tested. They were both negative. For the past year and half, they have been operating the gym, taking precautions, and have stayed healthy. We’ve been quite blessed. But mom started feeling ill as well and dad got a little worse. Despite the negative test, they started on medication two days later. Both got a little bit worse, and they retested, positive this time. Mom was on the medication early in her illness, which has allowed her to heal with minimal issues. But the virus had more time to set into my dad, and he developed pneumonia. His oxygen dropped, and we took him to the hospital. As to be expected, his numbers shifted slightly up and down, but generally he just needed time to heal. We had more good reports than bad, and any bad reports were quickly reversed. He needed to heal quicker, so his wonderful set of doctors made some aggressive choices and thought outside the box. We got to go see him few days ago, and he was positive but tired. He asked the nurses how much longer he was going to have to stay in the hospital.

Dad had a good day yesterday. His heart is strong and it showed it. His liver and kidneys both were working well. His oxygen was up. The doctor was very proud and felt he had turned a big corner. We were very hopeful that he would be out of there soon. and then last night, out of nowhere, everything changed. His oxygen started dropping, and they couldn't figure out why. His heart suddenly went into Atrial Fib. They did everything they could for him. We were standing right outside his room, praying, when the doctor came out and told us he was gone. They took all the wires off of him and let us spend time with him. We stayed for a few hours. We know it was his time to go Home. This sudden issue, that completely shocked the doctors and no meds could help, could have only been the Lord calling him back. He is with Jesus now. My dad was always a very busy guy that never really seemed to sleep; Even during his last days at home, he was doing paperwork and checking on the leaks at the gym after the rain. He never wanted to stop. He finally gets to sleep. He deserves the rest.

Everything Ive asked the Lord for in this, He has given me, except for getting to keep my dad. We have a lot of blessings in this, even in this.

I know he was a treasure to so many in his life- thats what great men are. And the outpouring of love we’ve received from the community is overwhelming. He had the biggest forgiving heart of anyone I’ve ever known. He never allowed differences of opinions to be an issue. He always gave, gave, gave, and never wanted anything in return (except for maybe a Rhubarb Pie). He loved the Lord and was a wonderful Spiritual Leader in our home, always being the example of Christ and treating his family with the utmost respect. Many of you were family too. We know many will want to leave a tribute to him, so I’ve created a page for our “extended family” to leave messages of love and memories. For the next few days, please let this page be your communication with us. Our phone has rung off the hook for the past few weeks, and we’ve had people come into the gym to speak to us while we were working. And while we can appreciate your concern, we really need to rest and need some quite time.

The following link is Bill Kem's Tribute page on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1007021203171695

August 21, 2021 is my dad’s second birthday. There is nothing we could have done different to change that. No matter our choices, the Lord will use them to complete His perfect will for our lives. We may not like it, but His timing is perfect. And we can find complete peace knowing my dad put his complete trust in the Lord and is now enjoying Utter Bliss! No more worldly worries. No more pain or sadness. I’m even a bit jealous. YET knowing my heart also abides in the Lord, I know I’ll get to see him again and worship the Lord with him once more.

Bill's service will be held at the Poncan Theater 104 E Grand Ponca City at 2pm cst on Friday.

There will be a facebook live feed on the group: Bill Kem Tribute Page for all who cannot attend.

If you are in town and would like to visit with my dad, there will be a viewing at Trout Funeral Home on Thursday from 10am-8pm.

This link is to Bill's FB page

https://www.facebook.com/bill.kem.7

Gloria Campbell Gallagher '65

Peace

Suzanne Kem, wife

Cara Kem Cassens, daughter

Kevin Kem, son

1404 N. Pecan

Ponca City, OK 74604

CAROL TURNIPSEED HABERLE - CLASS OF '64

 

Carol Ann Turnipseed Haberle Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Carol Ann Haberle of Jacksonville, Texas, born in Washington, District of Columbia, who passed away on April 27, 2021 at the age of 74. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Carol Ann Haberle to pay them a last tribute. You may also light a candle in honor of Carol Ann Haberle.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church at 1031 SE Loop 456, Jacksonville, Texas 75766.

Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville, TX

Her brother:

Larry Turnipseed

114 Calypso Dr.

Lakeway, TX 78734

DANIEL ARTHUR CIBULKA - CLASS OF '68

Austin - Daniel Arthur Cibulka passed away June 16, 2021. He was born to Bert and Eileen Cibulka on September 24, 1949 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was our treasured husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Danny was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Steven and his baby grandson Method. He is survived by his wife Paula, son Christopher (Jeanette), daughter Jamie (Matt), grandsons Trevor, Nash and Jean-Luc, many nieces and nephews and his faithful canine companion Teddy. He is also survived by his four brothers, David (Cynthia), Carl, George and John (Jan) and his sister-in-law, Marsha Gardner (Clay).
Danny graduated from Randolph High School in San Antonio, Texas. He then settled in Austin, Texas attending the University of Texas. He worked as a lifeguard at several City of Austin swimming pools including Big Stacy in South Austin where he met his wife to be, Paula at the age of nineteen. Following that he worked as a shuttle bus driver for the University of Texas. His was no ordinary school bus, however, as he decided he would install a tape deck and speakers and play rock music like The Stones, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top and lots of others. In 1971 an emerging music scene led Danny to start working at The Armadillo World Headquarters (AWHQ) where he was head bartender which included ordering and stocking drinks, scheduling bar staff and counting bar currency at the end of each night. His time working at AWHQ was the beginning of the Austin music scene and you can bet there are some stories there! In 1976 the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar was created and Danny worked as head of major construction where he designed, built himself or supervised all aspects of work needed. If any complex mystery arose, you could be assured Danny would solve it. He left this job briefly for a few years but then returned in 1984 and worked every year including acting as head cashier until 2017. Sometime in the mid 80's Danny began a career with the State of Texas at the General Services Commission as a master woodworker and locksmith for the Capital complex which included working in the Governor's mansion for then Texas Governor Ann Richards. Starting June 1, 2000 his career continued with a different agency, The Texas Workforce Commission where his job title was a Planner IV in Construction Management performing advanced (senior level) planning and research work until retirement on August 31, 2014.
Danny had an impeccable work ethic arriving on time and exceeding expectations in many ways. He instilled the same in his children leading by example. He was so proud of his kids and the adults they had become and the way they were raising their families. He enjoyed fishing, frequent summer weekend trips to Lake Travis and annual family beach trips to Port Aransas, Texas. Danny had an extensive knowledge of automotive workings and repair and surely saved his family hundreds of dollars or more in auto repair and oil changes. He rebuilt several motorcycles and Volkswagens. The same held true in maintaining the home he loved both inside and outside in the yard. Danny was an avid football fan. He loved watching the Texas Longhorns but especially the Dallas Cowboys on whom he never gave up. He loved enjoying an ice cold Shiner Bock beer and could make a very tasty margarita with fresh lime juice. He also made homemade pies including the pie crust. He often baked his homemade banana bread almost always sharing some with the kids and their families.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Dell Seton for the excellent care of our loved one.
Our lives will forever have an empty space without him and one as well in our hearts. Sending all our love until we meet again.
Arrangements are pending with Harrell Funeral Home of Austin, Tx

Daniel Cibulka Obituary (1949 - 2021) - Austin, TX - Austin American-Statesman (legacy.com)

STEPHANY JAN BURGOON PARKER-RAISSLE - CLASS OF '67

 

Stephany Jan Parker, age 72, of Bulverde, Texas, passed away June 12, 2021, after a short illness.  

She was born May 7, 1949 in Slayton, MN to the parents of Albert and Harriett Burgoon who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was her brother Steve Burgoon. She is survived by her husband William Raissle, daughter Corinna Parker Lally, two brothers Collin and Kevin Burgoon, four grand children, two great grand children and four nieces and nephews.

She attended Randolph High School and graduated in the Class of '67.

A memorial service for Stephany Parker will be held on July 14, 2021 at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East (at Gold Canyon Drive), San Antonio, TX 78232 at 12:30 O’clock, followed by burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

You may post condolences below in the space provided for comments.

PASSING OF JUDY OLSEN ESSNER, Class of '66, DOD 12/23/2020 -- PASSING OF JEFF DUSENBURY, Class of '67, DOD 2/27/2021

 

Jeff Dusenbury (Class of '67) fell during the recent winter storm and has passed away on February 27th. Here are his wife's words from FB:

"It is with a sad and heavy heart that I would like to let you all know that Jeff my sweet husband passed away one day short of our 40th anniversary. He passed of complications from a fractured hip (he slipped and fell on the ice during that horrible winter storm). I am asking for prayers during this difficult time." Kathy Bennie Bennett Dusenbury

You can send cards and letters to Bennie to 309 Sinclair Drive, Spicewood, TX 78669

OR on Facebook Messenger

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Also, sad news from Nancy Olsen Giambalvo (Class of'65). Her sister Judy Olsen Essner (Class of '66), passed away unexpectedly of pneumonia, December 23, 2020. Judy is survived by her sister, Nancy, her daughter, Elizabeth and granddaughter Lauren, all of of Tucson, AZ. Judy played trumpet in the Ro-Hawk band. Judy attended UT and she was a hallmate of Patti Tyler her freshman year and then she roomed with Karen Jacobi '66. She met and married her husband in Austin and they both worked in Austin and Tucson (when IBM moved to Tucson).

If you want to send a note to Nancy or to Judy's daughter, you can send here:

Nancy Giambalvo

4164 E. Calle Cambujo

Tucson, AZ 85712-6403