The purpose of this section is to post news and stories of interest to everyone at large and our classmates in particular.  So don't be shy.  Send in your personal/family photos and stories.  If you have web links of interest you may share those as well.  Additionally, current Obituaries will be posted. Use the Contact Us navigation link on the left panel to send us the information.

Bobby Adcock

 Dear Family and Friends,
   "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

                                                                Ps. 116:15

 On Sunday, August 28 at 10:20 PM Bob left this field and entered into His eternal dwelling place - a victor.  We celebrate the goodness of God through the provision of a gentle and swift conclusion to this portion of Bob's journey.  He valiantly and with perseverance walked the course God set before him, always seizing the joy each day provided and thanking God for it.  He taught us all how to live with hope and reliance on God even when the way was not easy nor what had been planned. 
 
  A Celebration of Bob's life will be on Friday, September 2 at 10:00 AM at Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church, 8351 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside.  Internment  at Riverside National Cemetery are being arranged for a later date. 
  In the book of Philippians, Paul challenges the believers  to shine as lights in a dark and perverse world.  Bob's light shown brightly through a life filled with love, service, unselfishness, integrity, perseverance, and faith in God demonstrated through daily trust. 
   California Baptist University  and the Lancer Baseball team had no greater fan and supporter than Bob.  As a family we thought that, in lieu of flowers, we would like to establish a Memorial Fund at CBU in Bob's name.  The gifts received will be directed to a project which will bring lights to the CBU baseball field. Each time those lights go on we will remember and give thanks for our 'star' who brought so much light by living out the truths of God's Word in daily life.  The contact person for this Memorial Fund will be Kent Dacus - kdacus@calbaptist.edu.
 
We are so thankful for your prayers, expressions of concern, and support throughout this journey. 
 
In His Care,
Coleen and family
(Coleen Adcock [Sons:  Gary & Joe]
1230 Via Vallarta
Riverside, CA 92506)



 BOWEN --Fred Warren. Decorated Army Veteran, Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Son are just a few of the many ways to describe Fred Warren Bowen. Fred had a "can do" attitude and fought a good fight against Alzheimer's Disease before dying amidst those who loved him on March 29, 2011. "Papa" Fred is fondly remembered for his contagious enthusiasm, playful personality and his steady reserve in dealing with anything life threw his direction. He lived by the motto of "If you say it, and you believe it, then it's true." Fred was born on January 29, 1935 in Tucumcari, NM to Charles E. and Louise Bowen. He left his hometown in 1963 married to his bride Carolyn Sue Winstead Bowen, and embarked on a career of serving his country. Fred served our country as a pilot in the United States Army for 27 years, completed two tours in Vietnam, and was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. In 1980 Fred retired as a Lt. Colonel from his final command in Roswell, NM. Upon his retirement from the Army he remained fiercely loyal and patriotic to his country. He proudly flew the American flag wherever he lived and the 4th of July was always a meaningful holiday for him and his family. He was also very active in the community and was a member of the Lion's Club, the Shriners, and he was a 52nd Degree Mason. Fred called many cities home before settling in Rio Rancho, NM after his retirement. Fred enjoyed spending his time with his family, his dogs, and bringing laughter and his own brand of whimsical common sense to whomever had the good fortune of coming into contact with him. Fred is survived by his wife Carolyn Sue Winstead Bowen; his three children Michael Bowen and his wife Kristi, Machele Stefhon and her husband Gerry, Melinda Bowen and her partner Lettie Carpenter; three granddaughters, Karson Bowen, Madeleine Stefhon, and Meridyth Stefhon; his mother Louise Sparks Bowen, brothers Charles and Paul Bowen, their families, and numerous nephews and nieces. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice de la Luz c/o 4075 Jackie Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. The entire family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caring staff and second family at The Retreat Alzheimer's Facility, Papa Fred's final home, and Hospice de la Luz. Services will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 10:00 am at Covenant United Methodist Church, 8015 Wyoming Blvd. NE. A military burial with full honors will follow at 1:30 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so atwww.danielsfuneral.comFred's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 891-9192

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 Word was just received that a well known past resident of Tucumcari, Mrs. Buckley, recently passed away.  She was living in Arizona with her son.  This information came via Jo Ellen (Cookie) Buckley, her daughter.   She was buried February 7th in Tucumcari.

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A very nice comment received August 5, 2010 from Terry Neal, Class of 1967.  Thank you, Terry! 
 
"Best Dogone web site I have ever seen.  A true labor of love!! "
 2010 Rattler Reunion

The annual Rattler Reunion for all classes will be held August 5th, 6th & 7th, hosted by the Class of 1980.  Their theme this year is "FOREVER YOUNG, FOREVER RATTLERS."  
Hopefully, you have received the first addition of the new "Rattler Reunion Annual."  
The new publication provides a fresh new presentation of the previous year's activities.  It is very important to note that three new decisions have been made by the Tucumcari Alumni Association.  They are quoted as follows:

1.  Everyone who is currently on our mailing list will receive a copy of the 2010 "Rattler Reunion Annual."
2.  Anyone who registers for the 2010 Rattler Reunion will receive a copy of the 2011 "Rattler Reunion Annual."
3.  Anyone who DOES NOT REGISTER for the 2010 Rattler Reunion may receive a copy of the 2011 "Rattler Reunion Annual" by mailing $5.00 to the address listed below.  The DEADLINE for this is JANUARY 1, 2011.

**THE GOLDEN RATTLER DIRECTORY IS STILL FREE TO THOSE ALUMNI WHO GRADUATED 50+ YEARS AGO AND WHO ARE ON OUR CURRENT MAILING LIST.**

Hopefully, many of you will be able to attend this year's festivities.


 Delores (Kemp) Bell’s husband, Jerry Bell, died Sunday morning, July 25th.  As many know Jerry and Delores, the class of 1957 sends its sincere sympathy to Delores and her family.
 Notice:
 Ray Sanderson [class of 1953] passed away Sunday, March 28th, 2010.  He will be cremated and there will be a memorial service for him later.  Further information will be forth coming.  Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Young, class of 1956.  Ray was an active member of the Third Street Church of Christ in Tucumcari. The Class of 1957 extends their deepest sympathy to the families.

 JANUARY 17, 2010, A DATE OF LOSS AND COINCIDENCE

 From childhood, the name Abeyta has always been strong in my memory.  I have associated it with large, genuine and beautiful families.  In Tucumcari we were blessed with not one but two Abeyta families who were unrelated except for having the same name.   There must be something very good that passes on with that name, for they all have made strong contributions to community wherever they lived. 

January 17, 2010, two Abeytas passed from this life to a better one.  However, they left much sadness in their departure.   Ultimately comfort will only come from the many beautiful memories, and the legacy these special Abeytas left their family and friends.  As mentioned, neither was related but the coincidence of two Abeytas dying on the same day and related to the Tucumcari High School Class of 1957 is remarkable.

 LaMorah Arnold Abeyta  lived in Albuquerque with her husband and our classmate, Louis Abeyta.  Can you imagine the pain and shock of not only losing his wife of 49 years, but also his friend and classmate Steve Abeyta of Tucson, AZ on the same day?   Louis and Steve had been in regular contact especially since the Class of 1957’s Fiftieth Reunion.  Most people assumed they were related, but it was only from being hometown classmates and good friends.  Understandably, having the same name was a bond.  Although LaMorah was not from Tucumcari, her marriage to Louis bonded her to Louis’ background.  She loved her husband and family in every act of her life.  Attending her funeral and hearing the many eulogies of family and friends proved that.

 Although we were unable to attend Steve’s funeral, his family’s published obituary testified to his devotion to family and community and in turn, theirs to him.  Why do such coincidences occur causing so much grief and pain?  No one can ever answer this to satisfaction, but we must take comfort in having known them and remembering them as the best humanity has to offer.  God Bless them all. 

 Rossanna Hamilton Hays

9-July-2008   The After Glow
Rossanna Hamilton Hays wrote a brilliant essay that captured in a most vivid and eloquent way the true meaning of our class reunions.  It is fitting that we re-visit that essay as we help our sister class of '58 celebrate their golden anniversary.  Click
here to feast your senses from the thoughts and nostalgia conveyed in this essay.
13-July-2008  Vintage Aircraft Air Show
Steve Abeyta submitted an interesting link to a California air show of vintage aircraft.  If you like vintage anything (and who doesn't at our age(;-), then this is for you.  Click here for some colorful and exciting displays. 
 
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11-Sept-2008  SP Railroad Photos
Steve Abeyta sent some old (1920's) photos of the railroad as it looked way back in those times before any of us were even a thought.  The photos are in the Tucumcari Landmarks photo album.  Go have a peek and enjoy some nostalgia.
25-Sept-2008  Juke Box Music of The 50's
Steve Abeyta has done it again.  The hits just keep coming.  He has just shared a really nifty link to some music of the 50's.  Its in the form of a JukeBox and you just press the button just like we used to do with the real ones way back when.  Thanks Bro.  You're ok even in spite of what Hope says(;-)).  And here's the  link - JukeBox.  Enjoy.
21-Oct-2008  Juke Box Music of The 50's Is Now Closed
Regretably the site to the Juke Box Music of The 50's has been closed due to some form of piracy.  I have changed the link so that it now points to another site where they announce it has been closed and the reasons for it.  I'll try to restore something similar in due.

Louis Abeyta