Who Has Departed From Us?

Posted by Dan Jensen

I know that at least three of our former teammates and friends are deceased.  They are Buddy Witte, Tom Goodman and Bobby Rule.  Do any of you know of any others?

Paul White is not a Clear Creek alum.  He graduated from an unmentionable school directly south of League City but he did touch the lives of some of you through Little League and teenage baseball when he had the good sense to move north.  He died about three years ago.

His grandson Steven White was an ace pitcher for Clear Creek and Baylor and is now pitching in the New York Yankee organization.  I saw several of the Baylor games when he was at Baylor since my daughter lived in the Waco area then and I often sat with his parents, Mike and Brenda.  Brenda was a sixth grade teacher in League City and died suddenly two years ago.

Anyway, through our project I have discovered that Edward Davis is a Baylor alumnus, now lives in Waco and saw many of the same games I did and also sat with the Whites.  But our paths never crossed.  Maybe he was that old man I saw sitting with the Whites and I just walked on by since there were no seats available.

Comments

[Pat Jensen]

This is a good thread. We need to remember former Wildcat basketballers who are now deceased. Whether stars, end-of-the-benchers or somewhere in between, the contributions of all of them were real. Just a few that come to mind from my era are Joe Barba, Class of '54, Lawrence Smith, Class of '56, and Stanley Magee, Class of '57. Lawrence passed away only recently (9/30/05).

[Pat Jensen]

We need to add to this. Hopefully, we have all of them already, but I know we don't. As you think of somebody, submit the name here. Henry and Hank Bauerschlag are tragically two more. Johnny Puckett is another.

[Dan Jensen]

And Henry's wife Tony has died also, leaving only daughter Dale from that family. I believe she is married to a former Baylor baseball player. Maybe Ed Davis knows who that is because he follows Baylor baseball too.

I also assume John Ellisor and B. E. Davis are deceased. Not everyone played for those two but some did.

I know that Clarke Tippen died several years ago. I recall him playing football with us in P. E. and he still was fast enough to outrun everyone but Kenneth Chandler. (Kennith Dismukes was not in that class.) He was an outstanding end at Sam Houston State and caught the touchdown pass that upset Rice one year.

[Dan Jensen]

Someone told me that Gene Crawford is deceased.

[Jim Pell]

From the Class of '59, we have lost the following guys that played football with us at one time or another in junior high and/or high school: Ronald Barr, Louis Bocco, Kenneth Cox, Bobby Cripps, Robert Dumas, and David Howton.

[Dan Jensen]

Hugh Taylor has told me that Jerry Witte died Sunday of leukemia.

The Wittes grew up a block north of me in League City and I recall playing a modified baseball game in their front yard with them.

Jerry was a good basketball player on the B team as a junior but did not play his senior year. His best sport was baseball and he may have been our best power hitter ever--although I never saw Jay Buhner. Jerry once hit three home runs in one game but it was spread over two days because of the weather.

His obituary:
Jerome “Jerry” Wayne Witte, Sr., 67, was born in Galveston County, Texas on September 28, 1942 and passed away October 25, 2009. He was a graduate of Clear Lake High School and retired from Merichem Chemical Co. after 42 years.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; daughter Debra Hopewell; son Jerry Witte, Jr.; 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and one on the way, and two step-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 30, 2009, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Brenham, burial will follow in Carmine Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday evening, 5:30-7:30 at Memorial Oaks Chapel, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

[Dan Jensen]

Hugh Taylor has alerted me to an expanded obituary which includes:

Jerry was baptized in 1942 in St. Mary's Catholic Church in League City, Texas, and confirmed March 27, 1955 in the Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church. He attended Shrine of the True Cross Catholic School in Dickinson. He was an altar server at St. Mary's Catholic Church in League City.

Jerry was an excellent athlete, a true competitor and loved all sports. Jerry touched the lives of many young aspiring athletes with years of dedication to youth baseball in Pasadena, Tx. through coaching and umpiring. In his retirement years, there was not a more supportive booster for the sports teams of Burton and Brenham High School. He married his first love, Mary Simmons, while attending Clear Creek High School. They were married 49 years, 11 months, and were looking forward to the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary next month. Jerry and Mary are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Brenham. He worked for Merichem Chemical Company for 42 years. Jerry and Mary were blessed with 2 children, 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and one on the way, and two step-grandchildren. Daughter Debra Hopewell resides in Oklahoma. Son Jerry Jr. resides in Houston. Grandchildren are Scott Hopewell and wife Ashlee of Katy, Tx.; Aaron Hopewell attending Texas A&M in College Station Tx.; Danny Hopewell of Oklahoma, Amber Hopewell of Kansas, David Hopewell, wife Heather and daughter Ora of Tennessee; Donnie Gray and wife Veronica, two sons and one daughter and two step-grandchildren of Dallas, Tx.; Monica Short, husband Josh and baby Natalie of Sherman, Tx.; Sandy Wilson, husband Kevin and son Kristopher and one on the way of Bonham, Tx.; Jerry Jr. and wife Sissy have five children: Caitlyn Witte, attending University of Colorado in Boulder, CO.; Parker Witte attending Stratford High School; Corbin Witte, attending Strake Jesuit College Preparatory; Hunter and Braden Witte attending John Paul II Catholic School. Jerry has two sisters – Juanita Sweet and husband Wesley of Dickinson, Tx., and Jo Ann Morris and husband Bill of League City, Tx.; Brothers are Joddie Witte and wife Ann of Georgetown, Tx.; Andy Witte and wife Renee of Friendswood, Tx.; and preceding him in death brother Buddy Witte and his wife, Herta. In addition, preceding him in death were his parents, two baby brothers and one baby sister. Jerry has numerous beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

[Dan Jensen]

Billy Coleman, who had been in a nursing home for some years, died recently.

He was a senior and played high post on our first district champion in 1954, a team that won its first 28 games and was a trailblazer for our state record of 19 straight district championships.

[Dan Jensen]

Obituary from the Galveston paper:
Bill Coleman, beloved father and successful businessman, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2010. Bill was born in Liberty, Mississippi on October 6, 1935, to Hiram and Helen Coleman. He attended Webster High School in League City, Texas and was the CEO of a nationally recognized architectural millwork firm for more than three decades.

He is survived by his loving brother, Jerry (Barbara); daughter, Sheree’ (Sam); sons, Jeff (Sheree) and Kenny (Thelma); one adopted son, Adrian; six grandchildren; caregivers, Donnie and Sharon Chatman; and a host of extended family and friends that will truly miss him.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 26th from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home. Chapel services will follow on Saturday, March 27th at 10 a.m. with interment at Forest Park East Cemetery.

[Dan Jensen]

Boonie Wilkening, our first great basketball star, has died. He reportedly died of septic shock from a staph infection.

Boonie's great jump shot propelled us to our first two of 19 straight district championships. Joddie Witte is now the only surviving starter from that first championship team in 1954.

Boonie later played on a national championship team in 1960 at Southwest Texas. I assume he attended the recent 50th anniversary of that event.

[Dan Jensen]

I confirmed that Boonie did indeed attend that great anniversary celebration with Vernon McDonald, an assistant coach at Southwest Texas when Boonie played. Since Boonie's mother's maiden name was Boone, I wondered if they were related to Daniel Boone.

He also had the following comments: "I do not really know for sure about the Daniel Boone part but I do know that Boonie told me that he was related to him one time.

I was in charge of our city swimming hole that was in the river here and San Marcos and Boonie was one of my life guards one summer. He was really a good diver especially off the low board. He was also a really good left-handed ping pong player and so was I. When no one was swimming, he would always challenge me and we played many, many games of ping pong.

Boonie, the perfect left-handed jump shooter.

[Dwayne "Curley" Lenox]

That's too sad to hear that Boonie has passed away. He was the first basketball player of any kind that those of us in elementary school during the 50's idolized. Everybody wanted to be a right-handed Boonie when we played pick-up games at the League City Park, or when Coach Hutto divided us into teams during our elementary P.E. classes. The legacy he left us with will always be special.

It was also sad to hear that Bobby Rule has left us as well. He was a year ahead of me when we played on the same teams in my sophomore and junior years. If somebody out there reading this can give me some information about Bobby's death, I would certainly appreciate it. Did he die of a disease, accident, or something else? When and where did he die? Thanks. dll

[Frank McKinney]

Kenneth Chaviers passed away Monday morning August 30, 2010. He was a patient at MD Anderson hospital in Houston where he was being treated for a blood disorder.
Kenneth was in the Webster High School class of 1956. He played Carlisle Ball his junior year but did not play his senior year.

[Frank McKinney]

Kenneth Ray Chaviers - Obituary
Kenneth Ray Chaviers, 72, lost his courageous battle to leukemia on August 30, 2010. He was born in Livingston, Texas on November 1, 1937, to Arthur Lee Chaviers and Rosa Stokes Chaviers.

Kenneth was a loving and devoted family man that will be missed by everyone that knew him. Kenneth was a graduate of Webster High School, Class of 1956; he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Sam Houston State University, as well as an Associates of Applied Science Degree from Alvin Community College. Ken proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army.

Ken leaves behind his nine children, Dianne, Daniel, Michelle, Melissa, Jodie, Jason, Chad, Crickett and Todd; 40 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill and Larry; sisters, Linda and Brenda; his companion and life-long friend, Shirley Bond; and many other loving family and friends.

Visitation will begin on Friday, September 3, 2010, at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be conducted at Forest Park East Funeral Home on Saturday, September 4, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mount Rose Cemetery, Livingston, Texas.

Donations can be made in Kenneth’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society @ www.lls.org.

[Dan Jensen]

Jose Aleman died April 9 at age 63. He had been on kidney dialysis for some time.

He played basketball and once held the high jump record for the track team.

I remember him as a good catcher on the Cubs, a Little League team that I helped Keith Mathis coach.

[Dan Jensen]

Franklin McKinney has just shared with me an obituary from the Galveston News about J.D. Cucco, a good athlete for us in the first year of the school consolidation.

La Marque – Joseph Daniel Cucco, 79, passed away January 11, 2013, at Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston, Texas.

Joe was born June 8, 1933 in League City, Texas, the son of Joseph Andrew Cucco and Mary Marcella Trcka Cucco. He grew up in League City and served his country in the United States Air Force. Joe was a resident of La Marque since 1960. He was a retired operator at GAF Corp. in Texas City. Joe was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and a founding member of the Knights of Columbus in La Marque. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; brother Richard “Sammy” Cucco; mother-in-law Shirley Plitt and father-in-law Fred Plitt; brother-in-law Edward “Kiki” Plitt; and son-in-law Joe Tacquard.

Mr. Cucco is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Shirley Plitt Cucco of La Marque. He is also survived by his son Wayne Cucco (Donna) of La Marque, his three daughters Carrie Tacquard of Dickinson, Susan Froebel (Mark) of Dickinson, Angela Hinther (Ken) of Arlington, Texas; one sister JoAnn Robinson (John) of Dickinson; two sisters-in-law Joyce Cucco of Dickinson and Linda Plitt of La Marque; nine grandchildren Joe Tacquard, Jr., Daniel Cucco (Carrie), Allison Lynn (Matt), Brandon Froebel, Christine Froebel, Kyle Hinther, Katy Cucco, Chase Hinther and Cody Hinther; and one great grandson Gavin Lynn; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, January 14, 2013 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the James Crowder Funeral Home in La Marque, with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Harold Eskew officiating. A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in La Marque, with Father Chacko Puthumayil officiating. Interment will follow at Galveston Memorial Park in Hitchcock, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Mr. Cucco’s (Boogie’s) grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1224 Cedar Drive, La Marque, Texas 77568.

[Bob Winn (WHS, class of 1954)]

Great job.

Boonie's full name was Franklin Boone Wilkening.

[Dan Jensen]

Paul Gips died in Dallas on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. He was 93.

Interment will be at Forest Park East,21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598 ( 281-332-3111), 2:00 p.m on Saturday, April 12.

[Dan Jensen]

Paul White, one of the best power pitcher/hitters ever in the League City Little League and later an outstanding left handed pitcher for Clear Creek, has died too early. Here is his obituary:

Paul Welling White
August 30, 1953 - December 23, 2014
Obituary

Paul Welling White, 61 of League City Texas died peacefully on December 23, 2014 surrounded by those that loved him dearly. He was born in LaMarque, Texas on August 30, 1953 and was a lifelong resident of League City where he made many lasting friendships that he valued throughout his life. He talked about his years on Wakefield Drive as a utopia for the many, many kids his age who grew up there.
Paul was raised in a very sports oriented family, sports were everything to him. He played every major sport until his junior year of high school when he decided to focus his abilities on baseball as a left handed pitcher. His equally athletic father had coached Paul from Little League on. Paul often said that his father knew more about baseball than any other person that ever coached him. His mother, also an athlete, knew sports very well and according to Paul, she let more than one umpire, as well as everyone in the stands hear her opinion, but she always protected her kids.
A 1972 graduate of Clear Creek High School, Paul led the Wildcats baseball team to the district championship and was named district MVP. After graduation he attended San Jacinto Junior College on a baseball scholarship before transferring to Sam Houston State University, also on a baseball scholarship. Paul helped his 1975 Bearkats take a 2nd place finish in the NAIA College World Series in St. Joseph, Missouri.
On February 28, 1981 at St. Mary Catholic Church he married his sweetheart and soul mate Janet Dixon. He always said that was the best decision he ever made because she lovingly cared for him throughout many, many years of very serious health problems starting with a near fatal car accident one year after they were married. Theirs was a love that could not be broken and they were both fiercely committed to each other. They shared almost 34 years of marriage and had lots of fun times, even through adversity. Unfortunately they were unable to have children of their own but they cherished their many nieces and nephews and Paul was very proud to be a godfather to Sarah and Amanda. He loved teaching his young nephews to hunt and fish and all about music. His best little buddy for the last 17 years has been his nephew Sean, who absolutely adored his Uncle Paul. They had a very special bond and shared lots of adventures with memories to last a lifetime.
In 2002 Paul was forced to retire from Sea Lion Technology due to his failing health. He loved his work as a petrochemical Lab Tech and had a wonderful work family at Sea Lion. They genuinely cared about him and took very good care of him.
After retirement, more serious health issues and the loss of his beloved father he made the decision to finally take RCIA courses and convert to Catholicism, something he wanted to do since marrying a Catholic. It was a spiritual and glorious year of classes with the ultimate gift when he was confirmed one year to the day after his father died with his father's widow (his second mom) Sue up on the altar with him as he had chosen her to be his sponsor/godmother. One of his proudest family moments.
Paul was a kind, brave, strong and remarkable man who never let his life situation consume him. He was always optimistic and looking for ways to enjoy the future. Life was very hard for him but he took it like the champ that he was. He will be eternally loved and missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his father Paul Edward White.
He is survived by his Wife; Janet White, Mother; Ann Patrolia, Stepmother; Sue White, Brothers; Michael White and wife Susan, Scott White, Jake White and wife Carrie, Joe Shipley and wife Becky, Randy Shipley and wife Becky, Sister; Jane Shipley, Brothers-in-law; John Dixon and wife Cindie, Ray Dixon, Sister-in-law Debbie Sloane and husband Jerry, Aunt; Linda Lamb and husband Joe. There are 21 nieces and nephews left to mourn the loss of their beloved Uncle Paul. He is also survived by multiple cousins and many loving and dedicated friends.

[Dan Jensen]

This goes back to before there was a Carlisle or a Clear Creek but is the obituary of Kenny Parr, a man with League City ties who has a good athlete at the then small school that played six man football. He was before my time but I remember him as a great fast pitch softball pitcher in a Galveston league when that sport was popular. He is a brother to Ralph Parr and an uncle of John Platzer.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pasadena/obituary.aspx?n=kenneth-neal-parr&pid=174782073&

[Dan Jensen]

Life Legacy

Funeral services for James Franklin Lenox, 88, of Buffalo, will be held at 10 A.M., Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the Walters’ Buffalo Funeral Home in Buffalo, Texas. Rev. Rodger Goins & Rev. Leroy Henson will officiate the service and interment will follow in the Buffalo Cemetery. A public visitation will take place from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Friday, March 11th at the funeral home.

James Franklin Lenox was born on September 28, 1927 in Madison County, Texas to John & Laura (Parker) Lenox. He retired after working for most of his career as a pipefitter. Soon after his retirement in 1985, James & his wife, Nadine, moved from Kemah to their present home outside of Buffalo. As an avid carpenter, James built their home and many of the barns on the property himself. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Buffalo.

James had a number of hobbies including carpentry, sports, playing dominoes and squirrel hunting. He was also an umpire for little league games and a coach for a number of little league teams. Perhaps James’ greatest love was for high school football. He attended his first high school state football tournament in 1956 and each consecutive year after that for the next forty-seven years. James and his wife often attended high school playoff games and would sometimes drive hundreds of miles to see teams play.

James passed away on March 8, 2016 at his home following a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and sisters, Winifred Morgan and Faye Lee. Surviving family members include wife, Nadine (Head) Lenox of Buffalo; sons, Jimmie Dale (Shirley) Lenox of Willis and Ronnie (Lois) Lenox of Santa Fe; daughters, Nita Hart & Rita Townsend of League City and brothers, Bennie (Kathy) Lenox of Bertram and Dwayne (Wanda) Lenox & Joe Glyn (Berry Lynn) Lenox of Georgetown. James is also survived by six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and his faithful "furry companion," Button.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of James Lenox be made to the First Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 417, Buffalo, Texas 75831.

[Dan Jensen]

James was a good athlete at Madisonville before the family moved to League City. I got to know James pretty well when we were both involved in Little League and teenage baseball. Then, of course, with basketball.

I remember sitting with James and Jimmie Dale at a playoff basketball game—I think Deer Park. We jumped out 5-0 or 7-0 and I said jokingly, “We’re going to shut them out.” The opponent scored the next five or so and James asked if we were still going to shut them out. We did win the game.

What a terrific family—and in more than athletics.

[Dan Jensen]

Another old Wildcat star has died. Bobby Galloway was Class of 1953 in the days when there were many who played several sports. Bobby played four and played them well. He was an especially good football player for the school which was located in Webster at the time. He was a lineman until he moved to the backfield in his senior year. He was very hard to tackle out of the single wing that Elbert Pickell employed when George Carlisle was drafted into the military. He and Kennith Dismukes went to Texas Lutheran on multi-sport scholarships. He remained a local resident all his life and Buddy Carlisle credits him with being one of the top Clear Creek basketball fans. Following is his obituary in the Galveston News.

Robert “Bobby” Sylman Galloway of League City went to be with our Lord on March 30, 2016, while in his home of 58 years after choosing hospice care. This choice allowed him to be surrounded by his family which was his highest priority in life. Mr. Galloway was preceded in death by his first wife, Patsy (Kosler) Galloway and his second wife, Pola (Avant) Galloway, his parents, Sylman and Connie Galloway and sisters, Jo An Williams and Jeanne Clary. He was born on December 26, 1934 in Rockport, Texas and graduated from Webster High School and attended Texas Lutheran College. He resided in League City and Webster most of his life and retired after 34 years as a pipefitter with Union Carbide (Dow) in Texas City, Texas.
Mr. Galloway is survived by his sister, Sylvia Corolla; sons and daughter-in-laws, Robert, Jr. and Julie, Patrick, Ronnie and Vicki, and Frank and Dee Galloway; daughters and son-in-law, Debbie Scarcella and Dianne and Rusty Cornett; his grandchildren and spouses, Chris and Olivia Scarcella, Bryan Scarcella, Lesliann and Tripp Vail, Emily and Brad Motley, Robert III, Catherine and Meredith Galloway, Bailey and Taylor Cornett, Alyssa, Sarah, Aaron, and Gabriella Galloway. He also leaves 9 great-grandchildren, Parker Neal, Brylee Butler, Madelyn, Jackson and Sophia Scarcella, Adriana and Skylar Vail, and Addison and Hannah Motley. The family wishes to extend special acknowledgement to Bobby’s friend and companion, Carolyn McCormick.
The family extends heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the team members of Baywind Rehabilitation Center, Clear Lake Regional Hospital ICU, and A-Med Home Care for their support, attention and care over the course of his last illness. Thank you especially to the team of doctors and nurses who have cared for and advocated for him over the years.
A visitation in his honor will be held Friday, April 1, 2016 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00pm, with funeral Services 10:00 am Saturday, April 2, 2016, both at Crowder Funeral Home Chapel, Dickinson, Texas. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

[Ralph Parr]

A friend and fellow Creek/Webster alum was Bobby Galloway. I regret that he is the latest of so many in the 50s generation leaving us. Rest in peace. His first wife, Patsy Kosler, was a friend and classmate of mine for years in LC and CCISD schools. Passed away much too soon several years ago. Life is so precious and I thank God for mine.

[Buddy Carlisle]

Bobby was one of the most loyal Clear Creek basketball fans I know. He, along with Keith Mathis and Ray Petrowski, rarely missed a home game during my 30 year career. I am very thankful to him for his long time support and he was honored at our banquet as one of our Fans of the Year a couple of times. May he rest in Peace and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

[Dan Jensen]

It has been reported that James Collins died this week. This has prompted a discussion among some fans that he may have made the greatest shot in Clear Creek history. His last second shot from the corner broke a tie and beat South San Antonio in the opening game of the 1963 state tournament. We then won our first state championship in the next game. That was the only shot he made in the South San Antonio game but it was a magnificent one.

[James Valentino]

I first heard about the shot that won for Creek their only state title in basketball when I was 10 years old. I was not there when the shot was taken. But that is not important.What should be remembered is that everyone on a team matters, and that when immortality calls, some answer and others do not. Collins did. RIP

[Doug Hopkins]

Was Paul White's battery mate at CCHS during the 1972 season. Believe Paul was selected the 24AAAA MVP... richly deserved. As you cite, Dan, Paul was multi-talented, excelling on the mound, in the field and at the plate. As I recall we weren't expected to make much noise during the 1972 season. Paul and Craig Pence (another outstanding southpaw) saw it differently. We finished the first half of district play 7-0, much to the surprise of the rest of the league. Believe we finished the second half 5-2, 12-2 overall and won the district title. The one characteristic about Paul that moves me to this day was his demeanor on the mound. Never excitable, always in control, expression never changed regardless if he struck a batter out or gave up an HR (don't recall that happening during district play). Appreciate your thread, Dan, and thanks for keeping former 'Cats' in-the-know, especially remembering those who touched us so deeply in this life.