Comanche County Living 2018 Vol I

C O M P L I M E N TA R Y | V O L I 2 0 1 8

Co manche co mmunity guide Explore what Comanche County has to offer

The Wilkerson Tribe Learn about the legacy of the Comanche Chief

Revitalizing History, Connecting to Family Roots Restoring an 81 year-old home

H O M E T O W N L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T

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contents CC L | VO L . I 2 01 8

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The Wilkerson Tribe

BY MELISSA MCGAVOCK

The Comanche Chief has been in the Wilkerson family for nearly a century, and that legacy will be carried on in remembrance of Jim Wilkerson.

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Teaching The Leaders Of Tomorrow TORI TOWNSEND

The Comanche Kiwanis Club hopes to bring the service and leadership-oriented Key Club back to Comanche High School.

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Comanche’s Little White Church Reflects on its Past

BY DAN HAASE

Explore the history of the oldest church building still in use in Comanche County.

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Revitalizing History, Connecting to Family Roots

BY MARTHA HELTON

Bobby and Sandy Lane have made restoring their 81-year-old home their passion project and hope to continue passing the house down through their family.

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Flying Home

BY CONNIE LEWIS LEONARD

Don Ward may have years of awards and accomplishments, but one of his greatest joys is being able to come home to Comanche County.

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Interview with Kasey Middleton

Comanche High School’s Record Breaking Golf Champ

BY ALAN SNAGG

Kasey Middleton uses his natural talent, amplified by his passion for the game, to make him one of the best high school golfers in Texas.

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Visit Your Barber Regularly

BY MELISSA MCGAVOCK

William Kirkland’s barber shop has been on the Comanche Square for 57 years but represents much more than simple haircuts.

Hometown Happenings 12

Comanche High School Football Playoffs

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Tarleton Art Exhibition

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Bayer Ford Grand Opening Comanche County Christmas Fall Festival First Baptist Church De Leon

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Deer Hunter Chili Supper

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Comanche County Pow Wow Heritage Festival

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Hometown Happiness

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Bundles Of Joy

Comanche County Newlyweds

Welcoming the newest additions to Comanche County

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Comanche County Community Guide

H O MET O W N L I V I NG A T I TS B EST

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FROM THE EDITOR

For Nancy

T

he articles in this issue of Comanche County Living remind us to remain true to our roots, but to never stop reaching for our goals. The citizens of Comanche are bound together by the same pioneering grit and continue to persevere while still holding onto what’s important.

The 2018 edition of CCL is dedicated to Nancy Wilkerson of the Comanche Chief. Learn more about Nancy and the Chief on pages 14 - 21 of this issue. In the wake of her beloved husband’s passing, she humbly remained a stronghold for this community, a characteristic shared amongst the entire Wilkerson family. We should all be so lucky to have an advocate like Nancy in our corner.

Here’s to you, Nancy. Here’s to all the history you’ve saved and the hearts you’ve restored in Comanche. May your next chapter be as wonderful as you are, and may we all be inspired by your courageous spirit.

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C OMA NCHE CO UNT Y LI V I N G

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

First Impressions

(left to right) Tori Townsend | Melissa McGavock | Jessica McElroy | Lindsey Haase | Andrew Heller Eric Wilkins | Lindsay Milson | Jared Latimer | Tim Justis | Jason Barbaree | Dawn Skinner

T

his year's issue of Comanche County Living marks the first volume published by the team at GreenFox Marketing. We are excited to be a part of Comanche County Living, which is a beautiful and thoughtful publication that celebrates its unique people, places and stories.

The GreenFox family is grateful to all the people and organizations who support us in business and in our adventures to come. We feel

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So here's to another beautiful year in Comanche County, full of life's achievements, celebrations, and obstacles. We hope that you enjoy ref lecting on these events and stories that made a difference in 2017 as much as we have while creating this issue. We look forward to spending 2018 with you. Cheers!

Eric Wilkins Eric Wilkins, CEO

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C OMA NCHE CO UNT Y LI V I N G

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HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS

Comanche High School Football Playoffs Photography provided by Kimber Wyatt Photography The young men of the Comanche High School Football have much to celebrate after their 2017 season and playoff run.

They fought hard through the entire season, winning against Boyd, Slaton, and Clyde before ultimately falling to Brock High School, who played in the 3A State Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Indians earned the prestigious titles of District Champions, Bi-District Champions, Area Champions, and ultimately Regional Semi Finals Champions. The whole community rallied behind the team. The Comanche Chamber hosted send-off breakfasts for the boys at the Depot. Congratulations on a great season, Indians!

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F E AT U R E

The Wilkerson Tribe Words by Melissa McGavock | Photography by Layth Taylor

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The newspaper has been in the Wilkerson family for nearly a century, and for all these years cherished by the people of Comanche.

L

ongtime publisher of the Comanche Chief, Jim Wilkerson, passed away suddenly on March 15, 2017, leaving his community stunned and heartbroken. The newspaper has been in the Wilkerson family for nearly a century, and for all these years cherished by the people of Comanche; in part because the Wilkersons had always made the wellbeing of the community a priority. “It’s a Wilkerson thing..” explained Nancy Wilkerson, Jim’s wife.

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“Jimmy died on a Wednesday and the paper had to come out the next week.

So, I was down here on the Monday after he died on Wednesday.. And I was not capable.. I could hardly do anything. So, I write a little column, just a chit-chat sort of thing, one of my good friends said, ‘Why don’t you let some of us do that?’ So they did, Jimmy’s friends and grandchildren wrote the whole page as a tribute to him.”

[Excerpts, Issue No. 49 Thursday, March 23, 2017, Page 2A] “I’ll miss him calling up the cows at Newburg, beating me to the office every morning, and his burnt orange UT folding chair set up on the sidelines of my kids’ games..” - Lance Wilkerson “Jimbo was my biggest fan. Not only did he attend every one of my sporting events, he’d spend hours coaching me before the games..” - Logan Wilkerson “You know when I think about it, Jimmy was my first friend… He was the

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“city” kid and I was the “country” kid, and we had lots to teach each other about our respective worlds.” - John E. Dudley “He was a great example of what qualities I should look for in a husband. My dad loved my mom so much. He cherished her every day of their marriage..

My dad loved Comanche. He taught me the importance of volunteering and giving back to your community.. I will always treasure my dad more than words can say.” - Nicole Wilkerson Reilley Jim and Nancy married on Aug 13, 1966 at the First Baptist Church in Comanche, where they grew up together.

Not long after, Jim and Nancy finished their degrees at the University of Texas in Austin where they lived for the first part of their marriage. It was not in their plans to take over the paper, but in 1972, an opportunity to buy out his uncle’s part of the paper arose. His mother owned the other half, and with the absence of Jim’s late father, it seemed like the right thing to do.

Jim’s degree in marketing certainly lent to his success with the paper, which he used to support Comanche’s small businesses, schools, and community groups. His loyalty to his hometown never wavered, as he and his family remained very involved and active in local affairs.

When their youngest son was ready for grade school in 1987, Nancy started work at the paper.

She said, “I helped out Jim at the office with this and that.” Now the owner, and as for her what her title was then, Nancy chuckled, “That’s a good question.”

She told me she took advantage of “being in the right place and the right time” and put her efforts in philanthropy, specifically local preservation and historical restoration projects. “I wrote and published many articles on the history of this place and the buildings… to educate the public.. Which I think really helped us raise money. We worked really,

really hard on the Main Street program, it’s hard to explain something not exactly touchable, but I tried.” And she succeeded, both the Main Street program and the Depot were restored, in no small part due to her valiant efforts.

In addition to the couple’s humanitarian efforts and using the newspaper as a means to make a difference, Jim was sturgently active in community organizations such as the Comanche Chamber of Commerce where Jim had served as President, the Comanche Noon Lions Club, the First United Methodist Church where Jim served on the Administrative Board and Finance Committee, as well as coaching for the Comanche Youth Council’s tee-ball, softball, basketball, baseball, and soccer teams.

It seems, Jim never missed a sporting event in Comanche. He was possibly the biggest Comanche Indians and Maidens sports fan. The coaches felt his support and always looked forward to Jim’s

His loyalty to his hometown never wavered, as he and his family remained very involved and active in local affairs.

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Lance and Bradley Wilkerson

Sons and co-editors, Lance and Bradley, will eventually take full ownership of the Comanche Chief, making them the 4th generation of Wilkersons to own it.

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encouraging words, as well as the published stats of the game the following Monday. Nancy said, “Even if they lost the game, he could always come up with something to turn things around.”

In October 2017, during the pregame ceremonies at a Friday night football game at Indian Stadium, Comanche High School dedicated the sidewalk that leads from the Indians’ locker room to the football field, now known as “Jim Wilkerson Walkway.” They presented the dedication to the entire family of Jim Wilkerson; a bittersweet moment, however, a testament to the extraordinary effort Jim made to support all things Comanche ISD. Sons and co-editors, Lance and Bradley, will eventually take full ownership of the Comanche Chief, making them the 4th generation of Wilkersons to own it. They will be responsible for the 4300+ weekly papers that go out to subscribers (all over the US), and to newstands. For a small town publication, the Comanche Chief has a wide circulation, but there’s no question that the era of the newspaper is beginning

CO MANCHE CO U N T Y LI V I N G

to extinguish. Nancy explains, “It’s hard business, it’s not the big money maker it used to be. I think my sons will be able to make a living from it, but probably not my grandsons, they’ll need to go on to other things.”

Much has changed in the industry, and the business at the Comanche Chief doesn’t escape that, from digital printing to Facebook as a “legitimate” media outlet, internet has changed the newspaper.

The switch to digital printing was largely brought on by the retirement of longtime printer, Woody, who worked at the Comanche Chief for 77 years prior to retiring this year in September. During his long tenure, he worked for four generations of Wilkersons at the Chief. It all started when he was hired by J.C. Wilkerson Sr. to sweep the floors as a junior high school kid at the young age of 12. “After graduation, he just kept on working here,” according to Nancy.

Without Woody to man the machines, it was time to adapt and go digital because “we don’t know how to run the [old] machines, much less fix the things,” she explained.

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As for Facebook, Nancy has firm opinions. She does not have a Facebook page, but is forced to use it as a source for stories. Even still, because of her commitment to factual reporting, she is adamant that her staff take the extra steps to ensure a story’s validity by double checking with the Chief of Police if they have to.

She says, “We never take anything from it [Facebook], unless we are for sure.”

She adds that the newspaper industry is bound to more laws than Facebook and can easily be sued. The wild frontier of Facebook is not yet restrained by such measures, as users are not obligated to tell the truth and sources are almost always unreliable. In any event, it seems that yesteryear’s Society Pages are today’s Facebook notifications.

Despite the changing times, there’s a solid number of subscribers still, to the Comanche Chief. And even as I stood on the front steps of the office for a couple of moments with Nancy, at least four cars pulled up to pick up a paper out of the

old yellow newspaper stand. Nancy and Jim’s dedication to the community is reciprocated by all the long time patrons of the Chief, a generation that is bound by tradition and loyalty, and is sure to hand these sentiments down to their sons and daughters. Technology and innovation bring change, but it is apparent that the dedication the Wilkerson family has for this place, will not for a very long time, be forgotten.

Technology and innovation bring change, but it is apparent that the dedication the Wilkerson family has for this place, will not for a very long time, be forgotten.

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HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS

Tarleton Art Exhibition 122 North Austin St., Comanche, TX November 4, 2017 - November 11, 2017 Photography provided by Riley Studio Art patrons and Comanche County residents gathered in the month of November to enjoy the Tarleton Art Exhibition, presented by the art majors of Tarleton State University. Thirty-nine student-artists were featured. The collection showcased 75 pieces, including works of paper, canvas and sculptures.

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E D U C AT I O N

Teaching The Leaders Of Tomorrow Words by Tori Townsend Photography provided by Rita Dickerson

Character.

Caring.

Leadership.

Inclusiveness.

These are the pillars that Key Club International has been built on.

With more than 270,000 student members from 38 countries, Key Club is a high school organization that strives to have their students “grow as individuals and as leaders by answering the call to lead, summoning the courage to engage and developing the heart to serve� according to their website. This organization, which is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, has done some great things for the Comanche community and is striving to continue that tradition.

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l-r: Darwin Dickerson (VP), Weldon Bragg (Pres), Rick Howard, Mike Carey, Stan Wilson Sitting l-r: Rita Dickerson (Treas), Suzanne Wilson, Kay Zimmerman, Jacci Stewart (Sec)

In years past, several Comanche High School students have benefitted from the opportunity to attend a leadership conference in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex thanks to the financial support of Kiwanis and work of past Key Club sponsors, Tamera Lack and Kelly Baker. At this conference the students were able to attend workshops on everything from organizing fundraisers to applying for scholarships. They were also able to meet and network with other Key Clubs in the area. These conferences were an invaluable experience for all students that attended and gave them skills that would guide them to success in the years to come.

Due to lack of a current teacher sponsor, the Comanche High School Key Club is currently inactive. However, it is a main priority of the Comanche Kiwanis President, Weldon Bragg, to reestablish the chapter and get it up and running again as soon as possible to continue benefiting students. Bragg has been working diligently with the high school to reach this goal.

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When asked what he is looking for in a faculty advisor for Key Club, Bragg said they want a teacher who has “ a heart for working with young people and a strong desire to help them develop leadership skills, learn to work as part of a team, and find out what community service is all about” as well as the time and energy to devote to the Key Club. The volunteer should also have a “willingness to work with and be assisted by a group of interested and caring local Kiwanis members who want the Key Club to succeed and are willing to support it with time and resources”.

The Kiwanis Club of Comanche was started in 1988 and has been faithfully serving the city since that time. This year they will be sponsoring the Comanche Easter Egg Hunt in March, as well as volunteering as crossing guards at the annual “Trick or Treat on the Square” and sponsoring a hole during the youth golf clinic at PAR Country Club. These events are in addition to the annual fundraisers the Comanche Kiwanis Club holds running a hamburger booth at the Pow Wow

“We want to get some more youth organized activities that we could work with and sponsor.

The club hopes to identify some future projects that we can sponsor or be the heart of so that the children of our community could be bettered and their lives be bettered by the members.”

- Rita Dickerson

Two of the Kiwanis Club members during 'Trick or Treat on the square' crosswalk duties.

and selling poinsettias in December.

During their meetings every first and third Tuesday at noon at Mattdaddy’s Restaurant on the northwest side of the Comanche square members hear from various members of the Comanche community including area Boy Scouts, Comanche High School administrators and teachers, and other interesting speakers.

“I loved what they stood for, I loved what they did in the community and the service that they did. There’s always something that they’re doing whether in small groups or large”, said Rita Dickerson, a member of the Comanche Kiwanis Club since 2011, when asked why she joined the Kiwanis Club. “We do these events so that not only the children, but the whole community is encouraged to come and be a part of what we do.”

Kiwanis International has been around for over a hundred years, having been founded in 1915 by a group of businessmen in Detroit, Michigan. With over 600,000 members across their various programs and 80 participating countries, Kiwanis International hosts nearly

150,000 service projects and devotes more than 18.5 millions hours to service each year. In 2017, Kiwanis’ International fund, The Kiwanis Children’s Fund, distributed nearly $4 million to help Kiwanis family members carry out more than 170 child-focused projects worldwide to support Service Leadership Programs, disaster relief efforts, club and district service projects, The Eliminate Project, and the sustained elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.

The Kiwanis Club in Comanche has been hard at work for the past 30 years to establish a positive reputation within the Comanche community and wants in the coming years to even grow that position.

“We want to get some more youth organized activities that we could work with and sponsor,” said Dickerson. The club hopes to “identify some future projects that we can sponsor or be the heart of so that the children of our community could be bettered and their lives be bettered by the members.”

The Comanche Kiwanis Club deeply believes in the valuable benefits that Key

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IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW IS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FACULTY ADVISOR FOR KEY CLUB AT COMANCHE HIGH SCHOOL, PLEASE CONTACT WELDON BRAGG AT (325) 356-7485.

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Club provides to high school students.

Key Club is an excellent first step for high school students that want to lead a life of service and are passionate about bettering their community. Students that join the Key Club will learn skills that will assist them for the rest of their lives.

“They can learn immense amounts of service related information with volunteering for projects and volunteering for fundraisers,” said Dickerson. “It will show them organization skills, it will show them how to work together with others their age to a common goal. It would also prepare them to go into the next level of Key Club in college… It helps to unite young people and give them a cause and a purpose. It helps them to come together in one core to complete a project and make themselves feel better about themselves, be in a group, being a member of a group and accomplishment.”

One of the many accomplishments Key Club International celebrated this year was the launch of Breakthrough - a new service immersion program in which high school students work directly with community leaders to address lo-

cal issues, and also awarded more than $80,000 in service project grants to Key Clubs worldwide through the Youth Opportunities Fund and the HALO Movement contest with partner Nickelodeon.

Outside of being a member of Key Club, students can attend Key Leader, a weekend leadership program that further dives into the skills that students need to become great leaders. Key Club students can also continue their service work and leadership training by going on to become a part of Circle K, the collegiate program sponsored by Kiwanis International. Circle K is the world’s largest student-led collegiate service organization where students can “gain resume worthy skills, find lifetime friends and do community service that changes lives, including your own”.

Comanche Kiwanis members are working hard to be a safety net that creates opportunities for children to be curious, safe and healthy and become involved, service-oriented members of the community. Reestablishing a Key Club at Comanche High School would be just one more step toward that goal.

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HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS

Bayer Ford Grand Opening 200 E Central Ave, Comanche, Texas

December 2, 2017 Photography provided by Riley Studio The team at Bayer Motors is passionate about giving back to the community. During their Open House for Bayer Ford, organizations participated in a raffle to generate revenue for their respective community projects - the raffle raised over $41,000 for charities and community organizations! The generous group at Bayer also donated a 2018 Ford F-150 to Caring Hearts for Children. This fun-filled community event included Bayer's got Talent, a chili cook-off, an appearance from Santa, a bounce house, balloon animals, food and live music. Bayer Motors thanks everyone who participated and contributed to this successful event and fundraiser.

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WHO IS TOTELCOM? Totelcom Communications LLC - a locally owned company with employees living and working in the same community as the customers they serve - provides state-of-the-art technology benefiting community residences and businesses. Totelcom and its served community of De Leon were recently honored with the Smart Rural Community Showcase Award by NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association. This honor recognized implementation of innovative technologies in De Leon and leveraging these in economic development and commerce, education, enhanced health care, government services, security and energy use. Totelcom continually strives to take care of the community’s future technological pathway with high-tech advancement.

SMART RURAL COMMUNITY As one of only three communities in Texas, Totelcom and De Leon’s Smart Rural Community designation not only recognizes Totelcom’s efforts promoting rural broadband networks and broadband-enabled applications in its local service area, but highlights the De Leon community for having a technology backbone available for local anchor institutions to utilize the connectivity of Totelcom’s high-speed internet.

These institutions include the City of De Leon administrative offices connecting and informing citizens of city meetings and city service updates.

Also, Comanche County Medical Center providing services that include transmitting images to radiologists off-site. In addition to the Smart Rural Community award, Totelcom has been certified by NTCA as a Gig-Capable Provider for delivering gigabit broadband speeds and enabling technological innovation.

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H I S TO RY

COMANCHE’S LITTLE WHITE CHURCH REFLECTS ON ITS PAST

Words by Dan Haase | Photography by Norman Young and Riley Studio

Comanche is home to the oldest church building still in use in the county. Its small, but active congregation is proud to be worshipping in a building that spans three centuries. Explore the history of this little country church.

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From the outside, the St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is fairly simple in detail. Upon entering, the stained glass windows are the first thing noticed.

They project a beautiful light into the space, giving it a feeling of grandeur. Their rich, vivid colors almost make it unnecessary to turn on the chandeliers! The windows invite the visitor to view them in detail.

Upon closer inspection, the quality, shading, and artistry of the windows make this little church a very special place.

Attending church is an important part of many people’s lives in small Texas towns. The congrega-

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is the oldest church building in Comanche County, and one of the older church structures in the state of Texas.

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Bishop Alexander Charles Garrett

Bishop Harry Tunis Moore

Bishop Charles Avery Mason

tion of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church meets every Sunday in its white wood-framed building on Austin Street in Comanche. It’s a church building older than any of its members. In fact, at 130 years old, it is the oldest church building in Comanche County, and one of the older church structures in the state of Texas. The Spanish missions throughout the state (which include the Alamo) are, of course, the oldest.

The earliest Episcopal worship services in the Comanche area were conducted in the mid-1870s, at a time when Comanche had a population of about a thousand residents. Bishop Alexander Garrett of Dallas was appointed the bishop over the newly designated Missionary District of Northern Texas.

He gladly took the position, which he himself had suggested was needed at the 1874 Episcopal General Convention in New York. He moved from Omaha to Dallas on the last day of 1874 and set about the business of planting churches throughout 100,000 square miles of Texas frontier. This was about a third of the entire state! It was a daunting task, made more difficult considering the modes of travel in Texas in the last quarter of the nineteenth century.

Bishop Garrett arrived on horseback in Comanche for the first time in the late summer of 1875.

Over the next decade, he made trips to Comanche and other nearby communities looking for “churchmen” whom he could work with to help establish

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Bishop Archibald Donald Davies

the beginnings of an Episcopal congregation. He usually came on horseback, or in a wobbly carriage when the weather was bad. In Comanche, he gave sermons, confirmed individuals as members of the Episcopal Church, performed baptisms, and officiated a marriage. Perhaps one of his most important acts was the appointment of W. L. Sartwelle as a lay leader to lead the growing congregation when he could not be present.

For a number of years, the small congregation met in the Masonic College building. Eventually, Reverend Peter Wager was assigned as mission-

Bishop Clarence Cullam Pope Jr.

Bishop Jack Leo Iker

ary-in-charge, and he would come monthly to Comanche to lead the service. The lay leader, W. L. Sartwelle, continued to lead the other Sundays of the month.

Bishop Garrett’s efforts resulted in a congregation which took on the name of St. Matthew and eventually became large enough for its own church building. Construction of the church building started in 1886 on land donated by one of the members, Mrs. Sarah Jane Wolcott. It was just a block south of the Masonic College building where the congregation had been meeting. The church was completed

by Christmas of 1887, at a cost of about six hundred dollars. Undoubtedly, few would believe that 130 years later, that simple little church would still be in use.

Over the years, alterations were made to the church, but it has never lost its charm as a community icon. In fact, the church building was actually moved westward in 1938 from its original location several hundred feet closer to Austin Street. Just after World War II, Camp Bowie, an Army training camp in Brownwood, sold off many of its buildings as it began to close down. The congregation bought one of the buildings and moved it to Comanche, where it still serves as a parish hall.

Beginning in the 1950s the original clear glass windows began to be replaced with stained glass

DID YOU KNOW? The church was completed by Christmas of 1887, at a cost of about six hundred dollars.

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Each of the eleven windows in the church depicts aspects of Jesus’ earthly ministry. These windows were beautifully rendered by several companies.

Some were made in New Jersey and some were made in Texas.

windows, provided by church members to honor the memory of former members or family. These windows were not all installed at the same time, but fortunately, someone thought early on about creating a theme, so as more windows were added, they told a story. Each of the eleven windows in the church depicts aspects of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

These windows were beautifully rendered by several companies. Some were made in New Jersey and some were made in Texas. In the parish hall, sacristy, and priest’s study are some smaller stained glass windows, which were made right in Comanche.

Some things, of course, have changed on the inside of the church building, such as the addition of air conditioning, which then required a lowered ceiling to conceal the ductwork. The pews, the baptismal font, and the lectern are all original. The white

marble baptismal font is inscribed with a dedication from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Germantown, Pennsylvania, and is dated Christmas 1887. And, of course, the original bell still rings in the steeple tower.

In 1964, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and was honored with a Texas historical marker, commemorating its many years of serving the community in the small white church. The original marker turned up missing within just a few years, but was replaced with a new one.

Eventually, the congregation purchased the property immediately north of the church, which had an old house with a very tall and interesting rock foundation. The house was removed, but the foundation was left in place, and has since become a

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walled memorial garden of sorts. There are a number of bronze plaques honoring the memories of others, and throughout the walled areas are bronze depictions of the Stations of the Cross. The garden area serves as a part of Palm Sunday activities and is a place used for picnics as well. Its tall trees and benches help make it a relaxing, inviting area with plenty of shade.

Today, the congregation is much smaller than in earlier times, as is unfortunately true for many small churches. There are around twenty members present most Sundays. Many of the members have been there for decades, and some are second or third generation members. Several of the members have done an excellent job of accurately preserving the history of this little church. All too often, local history can fade with time, so this is even more

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remarkable.

Various church members do double duty to keep the church going, and this includes maintenance and upkeep. It is not hard to imagine that for a church building to last as long as this one requires attention to detail, just as is the case with any house.

It is also a testament to earlier church members that they did their part in helping to maintain the structure in such good condition.

While this may be a small congregation now, it is a congregation that is proud of its heritage and realizes the importance of maintaining that heritage for as long as it is able. Their desire is to remain a vital part of the fabric of the Comanche community for many more years. No doubt Bishop Alexander Garrett would be proud to see they are still going strong in 2018.

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Visit Historical Comanche!

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HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS

Comanche County Christmas November 22, 2017 Photography provided by Riley Studio This annual display of Christmas spirit all began with a group of 10 exceptional high school students. The students developed the idea to light up Comanche with Christmas lights as part of CECA's one-day Student Leadership Conference in 2012. The displays include various Christmas themes, with miles of lights on all four sides of the square. Support from members of the community and a dedicated Board of Directors help to make it possible for residents and visitors to experience the visible joy of Christmas each year.

For more information visit the Comanche County Christmas page on Facebook.

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KEEPIN G T HE Spirt of Texas Alive Hurricane Harvey Mattress Drive Words by Lucy Larose, Bayer Auto Group COO

A

fter hurricane Harvey hit so many people were effected and on different levels.

Whether their experience is being in one of the towns that Harvey destroyed or feeling the emotionally impact that it left on millions while watching such damages. Here, at Bayer, we have a strong belief of community and strong sense of pride in our customers that Mr. Bayer and the employees have built within the last 30 years. We felt the need to get involved, to act, and to do “something”.

After Harvey left its mark on our fellow Texans, I along with many others were touched. Two of our employees, one of which is Jason Conine who is a part of the chamber here in Comanche, sent me a text asking if we and some others involved in the community could get some non-perishable items and take them down South. That’s when we decided to ask the Comanche School District to get involved along with some other businesses. Krista Munroe called myself and Jason to come up with our plan. As I was listening, I kept saying there has got to be more. I need you guys to think. Think if this were you, think how you would feel, THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. I told them I would discuss it with them further the next day to see what we came up with.

Tomorrow comes and on my way to work, it hit me… MATTRESSES.

I thought if it were me walking into a room after such destruction how do I begin and finish my day and then get up and do it all over again.

Then I thought about my family - my girls, my grand-baby - and how can they renew themselves without rest? From there we set the plan in motion.

How would you summarize this experience?

Well, the extra mile is a vast, unpopulated wasteland. People say they go the extra mile, but almost no one actually does. So, for the ones that do, it’s an endless opportunity to find joy and THAT experience is a part of our purpose. To unite, to help, to give, to support, to all be connected.

So on behalf of the Bayer Auto Group, we say to the City of Comanche, to the City of Hamilton and our customers - WE WENT THE EXTRA MILE! None of this would be possible without all the donations, the support, and the giving of your time. Without your help, it would only be an idea in the wasteland. Some people pursue happiness, others create it. It is with great honor, we THANK YOU for creating happiness for others!

WE WENT THE EXTRA MILE

C U LT U R E

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Revitalizing History, Connecting to Family Roots A TOUR OF THE LANE HOME Words by Martha Helton | Photography provided by Riley Studio

I

parked in front of the 1937 rock, bungalow-style home located in the Newburg community outside of Comanche, and was greeted by a red, gleaming 1953 Chevy pickup parked out front. This bit of beautifully renovated history is a clue to what makes Robert (Bobby) Keith Lane III tick. Bobby’s love of shining up and revitalizing history is a way of preserving treasured memories. It “connects him to people,” his wife, Sandy, aptly summarizes. I wanted to learn more about that ardent connection.

I walked through their red front door—paint covering 80 years of wear-- and, unbeknownst

to me, I was treading on precious family history. Six generations of Lanes have passed through that door. Bobby’s great-grandparents came through that door, all the way down to Bobby’s new grandson, Robert (Rob) Keith Lane V (Bobby’s grandfather was the original Robert Keith Lane).

The front room is decorated with an antique church bench, rock fireplace, old piano and lovingly restored hardwood floors. Treasured memories fill the walls.

The couple first met as firstgrade classmates and grew up together until they graduated in 1965. After graduation, they went their separate ways; Bobby went to Tarleton State University while

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"Probably the grand highlight of Bobby’s antiques is his great uncle Henry’s 1905 Cadillac..."

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Sandy moved to Waco to attend Baylor. For the next 30 years, they built their lives separately until they returned to Comanche for a class reunion in 1995.

“After 30 years, we both had changed a little, matured a lot and decided to start dating. Sandy had two children and I had one, so we took our time to see if things could work out,” shared Bobby.

They delightfully discovered they had a lot of the same interests and values, with a penchant for old houses and antiques. Sandy says “his dry wit and love of family” captured her heart.

In 2004, they finally married. However, both were settled in their respective careers; Sandy, as an elementary school teacher, turned elementary librarian, and Bobby, as an employee of the City of Dallas Health Department. So, they continued carrying on their unconventional, “I-35 romance” until they both retired in 2012.

Upon retirement, both sold their houses. Bobby had purchased his grandparents' home years earli-

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er, renting it out over the years, with the thought of returning to his roots. Settling into his grandparents' home just seemed to fit, especially since Sandy was on board, even though she had loved her life in Waco. So, five years ago, their shared Comanche journey picked up where it left off the summer after twelfth grade. Only this time, they looked forward to creating new memories as beloved life partners.

Renovation of the property started in 1995 with fixing the dilapidated barn and has continued off and on ever since. Bobby fortunately found a true craftsman that enjoys restoring old homes to their original glory. Bobby describes himself as a “traditionalist”—he likes everything to be like it was when it was new. Sandy feels the same way, having renovated and furnished three old houses in Waco.

Take for instance, the windows…rather than replacing them with double-paned, energy-saving windows, he found someone to fix them. “It took three or four years; he took each window—four or

five at a time. He got those windows to look like they were brand new. I’d rather pay extra each month on electricity just to keep the old window look,” shared Bobby.

Talking about the windows reminded Bobby about Christmases at his grandparents. His grandfather, wearing a maybe somewhat scary Santa mask for little ones, would sneak out of the house and peek in the windows at the kids inside who, after spotting him, would squeal in delight. (He didn’t have a full Santa costume; hence, peeking in the windows). Neighbors would ask him to bring his Santa magic to their houses, too.

Bobby loved spending time with his grandparents. “I was the first grandchild, so they kind of doted on me, bought me things,” Bobby explained.

At his grandparents' house, it was a surefire guarantee that he could drink a soda whenever he visited.

Bobby remembers his grandparents as having the best of everything. They had the first television in

the community. Neighbors would pile into a rather small room, curiosity gluing them to that small electronic box.

After a while, I was ready for a home tour. I’ll just hit some highlights. An adjacent bedroom had a brightly-colored, remarkably unfaded horsehair “buggy lap spread”on the bed that his grandpa used while riding in a buggy, pre-car days. Down the hall, his grandparents' original old-fashioned bathtub was in a bathroom.

The kitchen was renovated for a farmhouse look with modern conveniences--granite countertops and a farmhouse sink. His great-grandmother’s clear glass and metal drawer pulls were mixed eclectically on the cabinets and drawers. His grandmother’s dough board—where she would knead her bread--could be pulled out from a slot to the right of the dishwasher. Sandy joked that this was a greatly underutilized piece, but a must-have to preserve memories.

Renovation of the property started in 1995 with fixing the dilapidated barn and has continued off and on ever since.

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Finally, we stepped out the back door into a scene from a 1930s western movie set. There’s an old barn wood smoke house where his grandparents' smoked meats once hung. Two windmills tower in the dry grass… and, of course, there’s a barn, home to his great-grandmother’s feather bed in the renovated loft. His grandfather’s old, rusty farm implements are resting in one area near the old chicken house.

Speaking of the old chicken house… it’s a big attraction for overnight guests. “Sometimes they fight over who stays in the chicken house. They want to stay out there because it’s kind of a novelty,” explained Bobby. A novelty it is. There’s a kitchen in the front, and a bedroom in the back of the room. The walls are lined with sentimental antiques and collections. One shelf has a collection of his grandfather’s old radios. His grandparents said their vows in front of a white fireplace mantel on the opposite rock wall that came from his great-grandparents' 1800s home. Bobby had his grandmother’s old refrigerator refurbished--and it works.

Probably the grand highlight of Bobby’s antiques is his great-uncle Henry’s 1905 Cadillac, originally

purchased in Denton in 1910. His great-uncle helped form the Horseless Carriage Club of Dallas.

When he passed, it was given to Bobby’s grandfather who drove it in parades in the ‘60s and ‘70s with Bobby’s dad. Bobby eventually acquired and fully restored it. Bobby drives it in parades as well.

Fittingly, Bobby is involved with the Comanche County Museum and Revitalize Comanche (Sandy is also an enthusiastic member of Revitalize Comanche). They have donated salvaged materials from their property to Revitalize Comanche’s renovation project downtown.

But his heartbeat is keeping his own treasure trove of family history alive for his family. “My dream is that my son—he’s just 34, so he’s got a long way to go before he knows where he’s going to retire--will keep this place. He already loves it out here. I’ll never sell this and I don’t think he’ll ever sell it. Maybe if he uses it as a hunting cabin when he gets older… that would be good enough for me if he kept it in the family. Pretty sure little Rob’s gonna like things out here, too. Then maybe Rob V will keep it…”

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HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS

Fall Festival First Baptist Church of De Leon November 1, 2017 Photography provided by Riley Studio First Baptist Church of De Leon's annual Fall Festival is a cherished community event. Each year FBC De Leon presents a bible story or character through reenactment, this year's was the story of David from David and Goliath. Every year the theme is different, however the message is the same. In addition to the meaningful presentation of this biblical story, there is also a trunk or treat for kids. Children came to the festival in their costumes and filled up their buckets with candy and snacks like nachos and hot dogs.

For more information on the festival, visit www.fbcdeleon.org.

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Wedding | Senior | Family | Photography

Fine Art Photography 502 Apache Trail | Comanche, Texas 76442 325-330-0624 | rileystudio.com

CO M M U N I T Y

Don Ward in front of an F-15 at the Edwards Air Force Base CA in 1976

Flying Home Words by Connie Lewis Leonard | Photography by Long Photography and provided by Don Ward

D

onald T. Ward was born in 1936, in the small community of Sidney, TX, in Comanche County. As a child, he loved airplanes and dreamed of flying. At age six when he came into the great wealth of $5.00, he bought all the airplanes he could. Happily he spread the parts out on the floor and assembled them. However, his mother wasn’t thrilled because she wanted him to pursue a more grounded career in ministry or education.

At age 18, Don married his high school sweetheart, 16-year-old Joyce Hicks. Following a private

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wedding ceremony at the preacher’s house, they headed to Carlsbad Caverns for their honeymoon.

When he got sick at the motel, a local doctor made a “house call” and diagnosed him with appendicitis. The notorious Billy Sol Estes, a friend of their pastor, paid for the meals and motel expenses while Don was in the hospital.

The Wards moved to Arlington so Don could begin his education at the two-year Arlington State College (now University of Texas at Arlington).

Recognizing the deficit in his math background, Don approached one of his professors about his

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Ward Family 1973 back row Vicki left: Carol, Joyce, Don

Joyce and Don Ward Test Pilot Graduation 1978

“Never undervalue your abilities, no matter what your background. Identify weaknesses and work on improvement, but do not be crippled by them.”

- Don Ward

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engineering goals. The professor offered him a position as a math tutor, explaining that he could learn more by helping other students. This experience helped form the basis of his life motto: “Never undervalue your abilities, no matter what your background. Identify weaknesses and work on improvement, but do not be crippled by them.”

Don went on to University of Texas where he earned a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering (1958), and upon graduation, he entered the Air Force. He said, “Our Air Force life (23 years) shaped everything we have done.

I say ‘we’ because Joyce was and is a partner in all facets of life. She ‘grew up’ in the Air Force and was largely educated there in the ‘school of hard knocks.’

Fellow Air Force wives taught her how to function within their social society.

“The flying was what drew me into the Air Force and what held me there. It is significant that I retired from a ‘flying job’ job rather than a management position that did not include flying in any form. Flying airplanes was essential to my psyche, and the Air Force gave me

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the opportunity to pursue that obsession.

“The Air Force provided me with unique educational opportunities.” He earned a Master of Science in astronautics (1965) from AFIT, and a Ph.D. (1975) from Mississippi State University. After completing Air Force pilot training in October 1960, he flew the F-100 Super Saber with deployments to participate in the Berlin Crisis (1961) and the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962).

One of the high points of his career was attending the Empire Test Pilot’s School in England, which was established in 1942. Adding to the already intense competition, the British pilots didn’t like to be beaten by an American.

Once, a British pilot flew a jet over his canopy just to unnerve “that Texan.”

Ward was the top graduate in 1966, earning him the prestigious McKenna trophy, named for Captain JFX McKenna, AFC, for top fixed wing student. He is one of only seven Americans to ever win this award, the second of three Air Force pilots, and the other four were US Navy pilots.

During his military career, Ward served as an experimental test pilot, an instructor at the Aerospace Research Pilot School, an F-15 Joint Test Force Director, Commandant of the USAF Test Pilot School and Commander of the 4950th Test Wing. He holds the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star and the Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters.

During each overseas deployments, one to Vietnam and one to Korea, Joyce and the kids went “back home� to Sidney. Joyce said she felt it was important with all their moves to give their children a place to call home. She considered it a great blessing to maintain relationships within the community and have support from family.

Upon retiring from the USAF as a full Colonel, Ward served 19 years as a faculty member (Associate Professor, Professor, and Acting Department Head) of the Aerospace Engineering Department at Texas A&M. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and the Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE). He has written a number of papers for engineering periodicals and is the senior author of two text books on flight test engineering. He also teaches continuing education classes for Kansas University Aerospace

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Edwards Air Force Base California Flight Test Center 1979 from left: Captain Paul Tachalbury, Chuck Yeager, General Conley, Colonel Don Ward

Engineering Division. He said, “I have taught as many as a dozen or so week-long classes per year since the mid 1980’s. This next year I am currently scheduled to teach three such classes, with the possibility of a fourth being negotiated with the NASA Langley Research Center.” He has had consulting contracts with NASA (mostly at JSC or Langley) for specific projects. For example, he sat in on several review boards for the X-38 and later for the Space Shuttle accidents—both Challenger and Columbia.

While he was teaching, the Wards purchased land in preparation for their return to the peaceful, serene setting of Sidney, which represented stability even when their lives were not always stable. Don said, “My wife says I ‘flunked retirement three times’ because I remain rather busy. I work parttime for Texas A&M and its AVSI on projects that are important to me. Of course, the teaching for KU also keeps me heavily engaged in keeping up with the aerospace world.

“Finally, but of more importance, our family has grown to include six great-grandchildren (three married couples so far, with two more possibilities).

Our two daughters, their five children, and now the greats keep us active and moving. We never

have to worry about boredom just because we live in Sidney. There is always plenty to do if you pay attention.”

The Wards believe in the importance of priorities—they help determine how you spend your time: God first, family second and profession third.

Of all their accomplishments, the most important contributions have been in relating to people. They try to live out the second greatest commandment “Love your neighbor as yourself.” By ministering to young people, they have “raised a lot of kids.”

Opening their home and hearts, they have demonstrated true love and family stability.

The Wards feel incredibly blessed. They haven’t allowed the negatives to color their lives, make long-lasting imprints or be a dominating force.

They have learned from difficulties, taken the challenges and moved forward.

The most satisfying part of life is their deep abiding love after 63 years of marriage. Joyce enjoys accompanying Don when he teaches. They drive so they can visit their many friends and “kids” of all ages, scattered all over the country. As much as they enjoy traveling and sightseeing, they are always ready to come home again to Sidney.

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HOMETOWN HAPPINESS

Comanche County Newlyweds Photography provided by Jessie Evans Photography

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HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS

Deer Hunter Chili Supper Historic Comanche Square November 3, 2017 Photography provided by Riley Studio The 2017 Deer Hunter Chili Supper was one for the record books! The Historic Comanche town square was filled with chili cookers, volunteers and vendors late into the evening.

Volunteers served chili and drinks to the crowd and distributed welcome bags. Attendees came from all across the state of Texas. Jason Conine, Chamber President and head cook of the Chili Supper, told the Comanche Chief that over 200 pounds of meat were used at the event (plus other delicious chili ingredients, of course).

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S P O R T S

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Interview with

Kasey Middleton Comanche High School’s Record Breaking Golf Champ Words by Alan Snagg | Photography provided by Dedra Simpson

W

hat he thought was a simple family outing a few years ago was, in fact, a turning point in the life of Kasey Middleton.

He was invited by his dad and uncle to join them in a round of golf. Kasey had watched, but never played. He was only 10 years old, with activities such as video games and playground hoops on his agenda.

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Kasey said he now wants to win four straight, something only accomplished previously by Michael Pruitt at Idalou High School from 1995-98.

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"They said, 'We're going as a family,'" Kasey recalled. "I didn't think much about it, but I'm pretty competitive. When I got out there and played, from that day on I loved it.

"I started practicing and working to get better.

I knew this was a game I wanted to keep playing."

And keep playing he has. Now a sophomore at Comanche High School, Kasey accomplished a rare feat this past May. He won the Class 3A state golf individual championship.

Kasey's two-stroke victory in Austin featured rounds of 72 and 73 for a 145 total. It was accentuated by his furious finish.

Kasey was four-over par with four holes to play.

He then fired off four straight birdies.

"I was going on adrenaline after the first one or two," he said.

But even with the fast finish, he wasn't sure he'd won state. There were others on the course yet to finish, so he had to wait a little bit.

After all, golf is game of patience, tested though it was.

"After I finished I waited for about an hour," he

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said. "That was the most nervous I've ever been. I had no control. All I could do was wait."

Then, he found out he won. The celebration began, and he's still savoring the feeling.

And, oh by the way, it was something no golfer in the history of Comanche High had ever done before.

"That's kind of crazy," he said. "It's all kind of surreal, but walking through school I'm still the same.

"It is cool, though, that no one can take that away, me being the first."

Kasey said he now wants to win four straight, something only accomplished previously by Michael Pruitt at Idalou High School from 1995-98.

"But I've got to focus on this year first," Kasey said.

Focusing is a major part of any good golfer's game - and Kasey is a good golfer, along with being a dedicated one. Just ask his personal coach, Jimmy Tidwell.

"I have had the privilege of working with Kasey for a little more than a year. Before I met with him

for the first time I had heard that he was talented. Talent without desire and passion doesn't mean a lot," he said. "My first meeting with Kasey I had him hit several shots and I simply said to myself 'Wow!' He did have the talent, and over the following months I could see the passion as well.

"The young man is blessed with natural hand-eye coordination, speed and touch. All three are very conducive to great play. I certainly hope the passion stays with him because he can go as far as he desires in the game of golf. I have been very fortunate to work with some great players over the years, and I can say that he can be as good, if not better, than any other."

Which is exactly what Kasey wants. He's on the course any chance he gets. Even though he's currently playing basketball, he can be found on the course every weekend. And once basketball is over, he'll hit the links every day.

His home course is Par Country Club. This past summer he shot a nine-under-par 63, breaking his own previous record of 64 from the summer before.

He also plays on the West Texas Junior Champions Tour and in the American Junior Golf Association, having much success in both.

"That competitive side has made me the golfer I am. I don't like to lose," he said.

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He also likes to practice on a regular course, not a driving range.

"I go to the driving range to warm up, but you're not going to be under a tree at a driving range," he said. "You're not going to learn how to hit certain shots."

Aside from winning, what does he like best about golf? The same thing every golfer loves.

"Every round you play there's something that stands out that makes you come back," he said. "There's always that one shot, or that one hole that makes you feel fantastic.�

"I knew from keeping up with Kasey as a junior golfer that he had a lot of potential. His fundamentals in the game are way ahead of his peers," said Comanche High Golf Coach Richard Pringle. "Kasey's work ethic this past spring is what led him to individual medalist honors in the UIL Class 3A golf championship.

"Kasey is pretty much fearless on the course, because he can attack most courses with his length and his short game. I am pretty certain that his success is going to lead our team to even greater heights this upcoming golf season. We have the potential to have a very strong team led by Kasey."

Kasey said at 6-feet-4 and 290 pounds, he's not your average golfer size, something he likes. He calls it an 'intimidation factor."

And if they're not intimidated already, they

are after watching him hit his driver.

"It's my favorite club. I actually feel most confident in my placement with that club," he said. "For a lot of people it's an iron, but I love my driver."

Kasey's played in temperatures below 30 degrees and as hot as over 100 several times.

He'd rather play in heat than cold, but neither really slows him down.

In basketball Kasey plays post. He believes his golf game has helped him become a better basketball player.

"I think basketball keeps me in good shape and golf makes me a better shooter," he said.

"And you have to be in good shape to play golf.

For example, if you're walking a links course with a lot of hills and such."

Though Kasey has a lot of time to ponder it, Kasey said he already knows he wants to play golf in college. He'd like to play at Texas Tech, where his older brother and sister attended.

"Plus, I really like that course. It's hard, but that's what I like about it," he said, referring to the Rawls Course in Lubbock.

And he wants to play professionally some day. His favorite pro is Jordan Spieth.

"I like watching him play. I like how he behaves," Kasey said. "I would definitely like for this to be my career. I can't think of a better way to earn a living."

"Kasey is pretty much fearless on the course, because he can attack most courses with his length and his short game. I am pretty certain that his success is going to lead our team to even greater heights this upcoming golf season."

- Comanche High Golf Coach Richard Pringle

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BUNDLES OF JOY

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1b

Comanche County Bundles of Joy Photography provided by Captured Thoughts Photography & Jessie Evans Photography 1. Conner Cooley | Parents: John & Kacy Cooley 2. Saylor Lynn McCullough | Parents: Taylor & Kylie McCullough 3. Ember Botello | Parents: Brian Botello & Kelsey Atkinson

3 2

2b

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FI

NESS

110

• 24 Hour Key-Less Entry Access • State-of-the-Art Fitness Equipment • Personal Trainer on Staff •

325.356.5261

110 N Austin Comanche, TX 76442 info@comanchefitness110.com

We’d like to hear from you!

FACEBOOK: Lion Media Productions: Photography INSTAGRAM: layth_taylor_photo EMAIL: lionmediaproductions1234@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHERS: Layth & Paige Taylor

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O L D

W E S T

Visit Your Barber Regularly Words by Melissa McGavock Photography by Layth Taylor

A

t one time, there were as many as eleven barbers on the town square in Comanche, Texas. The last of these is owned and operated by William Kirkland, his lone status only made recent as his 91 year old friend, Arvil, who just closed his barber shop on the south side of the square last year. William has been in business for 57 years. Always busy, at one time the shop staffed three chairs. However, since 1972, William has run the shop by himself, no small feat for the 86 year old from nearby Hamilton, Texas.

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DID YOU KNOW? In the Old West, the blood left on white towels from the barber’s clients and patients was what inspired the red and white striped pole we know today as the symbol of a barber shop.

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Barbery is one of the world’s oldest professions and has experienced somewhat shocking transformations. While always responsible for the male “look”, out of necessity, it was only 200 years ago that barbers were called, “barber surgeons.” In the Old West, these barbers were valued as primitive medics and were sought out to perform minor surgeries, dental work and wound care, as well as a trim and clean shave. In fact, the red and white striped pole, the tried and true symbol of a barber, represents the blood left on white towels from the barber’s clients and patients. In fact, until recently, barbers were required to complete a blood test to renew their license, so as to protect clients from any blood borne disease, William explained to me, “now I just have to send ‘em money.”

Not much has changed in William’s old shop, including the antique register that he still uses as an adding machine. A simple sign on the wall simply

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says “Haircut $12.” I asked William what all that included, he answered, “a haircut,” no wash, no beard trim, just a haircut. He explained to me that he no longer does hot shaves since his heart surgery years ago, but at one time, it was typical for him to have more shaves in a day than haircuts.

Like so many of his generation, William was drafted to the Army in 1952. During the Korean War his base was in Europe where he “..spied on the Russians”. After two years, he moved back home to Texas where he found a job working for Higginbotham’s in Justine. His career took him to General Dynamics in Fort Worth where he was employed until a company layoff put him out of work. An old friend from Justine was attending barber school and suggested William join him. William took him up on his idea, thus beginning his life’s work as a barber.

William and his wife, Betty, just celebrated their

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65th wedding anniversary. Married in March of 1953, William smiles and says to me, “She’s still there, I told her let’s try for another year.” Betty worked as the school secretary in Justine for most of her life. Upon retirement, she still works once a week at a little dental office in Brownwood. William and Betty have three children, three grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Great-grandson Blake, TSU grad and manager at Hard Eight, had just been in for a haircut that morning. While there doesn’t seem to be an interested heir to the barber shop, William and Betty’s children and grandchildren still live near home.

Twins Pat and Pam live in Comanche, one is the VP of Comanche National Bank and the other, a teacher. The sign on the wall that reads, “In case of emergency, call Pam..” makes perfect sense to

me now. William and Betty’s son, Kyle, is five years younger than the twins and is a dentist in Brownwood.

As the business of being a barber has experienced dramatic changes in the last few centuries, one aspect that has stood the test of time is the barber shop culture. Like a casual fraternal organization, barber shops everywhere have been a place for men to gather regularly and enjoy friendly conversation. Unlike the incessant chatter and drama of a ladies’ salon, men in the barber shop find comfort in quiet conversation together, sometimes with uninterrupted silence.

It’s therapeutic in a sense, a man’s barber is not only his coiffeur, but he is his friend. Clients leave the shop feeling good about themselves. I believe nothing repairs the male psyche like a clean shave and familiar conversation.

Originally from west Texas, Jackie Gentry has been coming to William for 18 years, since he retired to Comanche where “the fishing is good.”

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During our interview, one of William’s regulars stopped in.

Originally from west Texas, Jackie Gentry has been coming to William for 18 years, since he retired to Comanche where “the fishing is good.” He chuckled as he told me, “Don’t have much left to cut anymore, only have to come see William every other week now.” He was right, the haircut only took minutes while he and William briefly updated one another on recent news.

Jackie inquired on William’s cattle, this is the moment I was shocked to learn that not only does the 86 year old still own and run his barber shop, he also cares for 50 head of cattle.

The practice of barbery has drastically evolved, from small time surgeons to practical hairstylists. William and the rest of his barber friends on the square may feel like they are a yet another casualty to modernity; however, as long as there’s an appreciation for a good haircut and fraternity (and let’s hope there is), a man’s barber is as appreciated as he ever was.

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Not much has changed in William’s old barber shop, including the antique register that he still uses as an adding machine.

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HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS

The 36th Annual Comanche County Pow Wow Heritage Festival Comanche City Park September 23 - 24, 2017 Photography provided by Riley Studio As always, the Comanche Pow Wow was a huge success.

This year's festival included a BBQ cook-off, live entertainment, a car show, tractor & engine show, vendors and an art show. Live music included an acoustic show with Clayton Landua, Ryan Turner and Hayden Huse. Fun was had by all in attendance. Stay tuned for details on the 2018 Pow Wow dates - you won't want to miss it!

Visit www.comanchechamber.org for more information.

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WE STAND FOR MORE. Mazurek & Holliday is MORE than just a law firm.

We don’t deliver a cookie cutter product – we deliver more by solving problems with creative solutions. tO lEaRn MORE:

325-356-1199 MHenergylaw.com Chance Mazurek and Kameron Mazurek

207 North Austin Street • Comanche, Texas 76442

Weddings | Families | Maternity | Children Traveling Photographer based out of Stephenville, Tx

CJ_Photo@outlook.com M facebook.com/caylajustinephotography

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COMANCHE LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE HWY 67 / 377 EAST COMANCHE,TX 76442 • 325-356-5231 Family Owned and Operated Since 2002

W E D D I N G S , P R I VAT E PA RT I E S & G AT H E R I N G S RV Park - Full Hookups - Daily, Weekly, Or Monthly Rentals

www.melodyoaksranch.com Dean and Ronda Cagle, Owners Gayle Jones, Manager & Event Coordinator Office: 325-356-5231 Cell: 325-330-0336

1463 STATE HWY 16 N, PRIDDY, TX 76870 | PO BOX 98 COMANCHE, TX 76442

STOCKMAN WESTERN WEAR

932 W. Navarro Ave. De Leon, TX 76444

254.893.5149

SUREGROW

254.842.8803 | sfranch.net 451 CR 215 Comanche, Texas 76442

AG PRODUCTS

SureGrow operates as a wholesale and retail fertilizer and agricultural chemical business. We’re a Pioneer seed dealer and also sell other varieties of seed. With over 226 years experience, the SureGrow team is knowledgeable about products, their use on crops, and the conditions in which they should be used.

SureGrow is dedicated to providing customers with the best products and services available in the farm industry today.

250 CR 416, Comanche, TX 76442

325-356-1551 | www.suregrowag.com

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Larry Simpson 893-2025 | 325 W. Reynosa St. | De Leon. TX 76444

254.893.6555 501 S Texas St, De Leon, TX 76444

GAYLE’S AUTOMOTIVE, INC. Serving the Comanche area for 37 years!

Holland Chiropractic Clinic Justin Holland, D.C.

325.356.5283 GAYLE & LAREA GRAHAM

If we don’t have it, we can get it!

325-356-5600 | gayleautoparts@gmail.com

910 N. Austin Comanche, TX 76442 hollandchiropracticclinic.com

502 East Central | Comanche, TX 76442 H O MET O W N L I V I NG A T I TS B EST

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Co manche Community Guide 2018

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Co manch e Chamber Directory ACCOUNTING / BANK / LOANS AgTexas Farm Credit Services P.O. Box 812, Stephenville, TX 76401

(254) 965-3151

Armstrong Financial P.O. Box 564, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-1211

Central Texas Farm Credit, ACA P.O. Box 310, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-1616

Comanche National Bank P.O. Box 191, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2577

Edward Jones 207 N. Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

Eagle Auto Parts

Total Image

508 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5034

217 N. Houston St., Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-7200

Holland Country Store

Frontier Tire & Service Inc

CHARITIES

Hi Pro Feeds 1300 East Mill, Comanche, TX 7442

6235 Hwy 67, Comanche, TX 7442

300 W. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3300

(325) 356-5546

Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District

Garcia 24-HR Towing and Recovery

930 Wolfe Nursery Road,Stephenville, TX 76401

(254) 965-6705

Sure Grow Ag Products, Inc. 250 CR 416, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-1551

Texas Sodium Bentonite, Inc. 18301 Hwy 16 South, Comanche TX 76442

(325) 885-2339

1305 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-1735

Gayle’s Automotive 502 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3758

Caring for Comanche County P.O. Box 523, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3477

Caring Hearts for Children 7680 Hwy 67/377, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3471

(325) 356-5600

CASA in Heart of Texas

Hot Rod Ranch

(325) 643-2557

1900 Hwy 589, Sidney, TX 76474

P.O. Box 2326, Brownwood, TX 76801

(254) 842-5611

Salvation Army 400 Industrial, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2528

ANIMAL / VETS

House of Wheels

(325) 356-3258

Comanche County Veterinary Clinic

220 N. Main, Brownwood, TX 76801

H & R Block

(325) 643-5555

CHURCHES

RWR Autoplex

Abiding Life Fellowship

12520 Hwy 16 N., Comanche, TX 76442

121 Bunker Hill, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5231

BAIL BONDS

Centro De Adoracion Y Alabanza

Conway Veterinary Clinic

Bond Bail Bonds

201 W. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2128

Kathryn J. Isbell, CPA - PC 103 1/2 N. Wright St., Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2212 or (325) 646-4443

Keith Dukes Tax Service 100 West Industrial, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2282

Prosperity Bank 101 N. Pearl St., Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-7518

JDR CPA LLC 309 Fisk Avenue, Brownwood, TX 76801

(325) 646-2573

Redstone Park Retirement & Assisted Living Community 221 W. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5274

Texas Bank 400 W. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3781

1306 W. Central, Comanche TX 76442

(325) 356-2711

Comanche Livestock Exchange, LLC. P.O. Box 117, Comanche TX 76442

1100 Hwy 3381, Comanche TX 76442

(325) 356-3355

McCullough Cattle Co. 12850 Hwy 36, Comanche TX 76442

(325) 356-3173

AUTOMOTIVE Carl’s Auto Supply 300 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2518

Comanche Tire & Equipment 401 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5217

Comanche Towing 306 W. Oak Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5348

P.O. Box 532, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-JAIL

BARBER / BEAUTY SHOPS Kirkland Barber Shop 123 W. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5103

Our House of Hair 308 N. Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-1908

Shaw’s Barber Shop 5050 Hwy 67/377, Comanche, TX 76442

Thairpy

AG NEEDS

(325) 330-4690

(325) 356-2646

Gore Bros. Agri-Service

DeBusk Auto Service

The Hair Works

6150 Hwy 67, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2622

401 NW 36, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5173

608 W. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

307 W Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2360

202 E. College, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 330-1533

Comanche County Cowboy Church P.O. Box 992, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 330-2920

Eastside Baptist Church 207 FM 3381, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3667

First Baptist Church 407 N. Houston, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2051

First United Methodist Church 217 E. Grand Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2120

Hope Lutheran Church WELCA 300 E. Cedar Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5165

Mt Pleasant Baptist Church 951 Hwy 2247, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2827

(325) 356-3653

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New Life Pentecostal Church 1804 Noth Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3334

White Rock Fellowship Church 1102 E. Oak Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3256

Zion Hill Baptist

On Target 4-H Shooting Club Jennifer Robison P.O. Box 238 May, Texas 76857 1-325-330-1340

Revitalize Comanche (325) 356-9200 (254) 254-8109

P.O. Box 544, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 879-3510

CLUB / ORGANIZATION American Cancer Society 3301 W. Freeway Fort Worth, Texas 76107 1-800-227-2345

Comanche Antique Tractor Club 8801 Hwy 36, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 330-0449

Comanche Boy Scouts Brent McDonald 1-817-703-3259

Comanche County Area Go Texan 617 CR 215, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 842-8803

Comanche County Car Club 221 Hwy 2247, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2907

Comanche County Museum P.O. Box 22, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5115

Comanche County Republican Party 1681 CR 125, Sidney, TX 76474

(254) 259-2347

Comanche Event Center 126 W. Central Ave , Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 221-5763

Comanche Kiwanis P.O. Box 395, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5429

Community Rehab Project P.O. Box 387, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 893-6285

Dairy Farmers of America 3500 William D Tate Ave. Ste. #100, Grapevine, TX 76051

(800) 994-267

Hope Masonic Lodge #481 604 N. Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-6292

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE Apollo Computers 611 Early Blvd, Early, TX 76802

(325) 643-8184

Legacy IT 104 E. Industrial, Ste “C”, Early, TX 76802

(325) 643-1961

CONSTRUCTION / DRILLING / CONCRETE BNR Electric & Construction P.O. Box 177, Sidney, TX 76474

(254) 842-5852

Charles Carroll Construction 700 East Central Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 842-9613

Harris Drilling Company, Inc. 7651 Hwy 67/377, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3586

Hufstutler Construction 1001 N. Houston, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3916

Ingram Concrete, LLC P.O. Box 1507, Euless, TX 76039

888-422-4089

Kustom King 2110 Hwy 377, Dublin, TX 76446

(325) 642-5167

Lynco Construction 300 W. Armstrong, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 330-3413

Rockin’ R Construction

Pop’s Quick Stop 303 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

Comanche Electric Cooperative P.O. Box 729, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2533

Hill Gas P.O. Box 100, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-9400

(325) 356-5239

DEALERSHIP

Oncor Electric

Bayer Ford-Mercury 200 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2777

Bayer Motor Company, Inc. 11101 W. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

912 Sharp St., Brownwood, TX 76801

(325) 641-4428

EVENT FACILITIES

(325) 356-2541

4 North

Vaughn Motor Company

(254) 319-1093

7665 Hwy 67/377, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 979-1581

DENTAL Comanche Dental

125 Mountainview Trail, Comanche, TX 76442

Comanche Event Center 126 W. Central Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 221-5763

Melody Oaks Ranch P.O. Box 98, Comanche, TX 76442

203 Valley Forge St., Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5231

ELECTRICIAN

20 CR 272, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 642-4231

BNR Electric & Construction

S F Ranch

(325) 356-5263

P.O. Box 177, Sidney, TX 76474

Rustic Ridge Event Venue

451 CR 215, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 842-5852

(325) 842-5563 or (325) 842-8803

Cool Time Refrigeration

S F Ranch Bed and Breakfast

1173 Hwy 2861, Comanche, TX 76442

451 CR 215, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 967-9998

(254) 842-8803

Nance Electric

The Reunion Center

643 CR 165, Sidney, TX 76474

(325) 330-0430

Sheetz Mechanical Inc. 509 E. Alamante, De Leon, TX 76444

(254) 893-3191

EMPLOYMENT Demand Staff 1200 Looney St., Brownwood, TX 76801

(325) 641-8583

Personnel Services 3665 Hwy 377S, Brownwood, TX 76804

111 South Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5777

EXTERMINATING / PEST CONTROL Glen Davis Pest Control 105 Acorn Lane, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 330-1295

Timmons Exterminating 2 Briarwood Dr., Dublin, TX 76446

(254) 445-3704

7171 Hwy 67, Comanche, TX 76442

(800) 965-7904

FITNESS

ST Consulting and Construction

ENERGY

Better Bodies

(325) 356-1439

133 Shenandoah, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-1370

Tunnell Consrtuction, Roofing and Restoration P.O. Box 92, Blanket, TX 76432

(325) 642-7540 92

CONVENIENT STORE

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Atmos Energy 1730 N. Main, San Angelo, TX 76903

(325) 481-3716

223 W. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

Fitness 325 1185 Hwy 2861, Comanche, TX 76442

(720) 606-9689

JL Martial Arts and Fitness

Wendi’s Cakes

108 & 110 Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

206 N. Clark St., Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 978-6454

(325) 330-0539

HOME HEALTH

Pam Marwitz Pope Insurance Agency

Klarus Home Care

214 N. Houston, Comanche, TX 76442

7666 Hwy 67/377, Comanche, TX 76442

FLORIST Comanche Florist 309 W. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-9377

FOOD Chicken Express P.O. Box 356, Bridgeport, TX 76426

(325) 356-5100

Chick-Fil-A Heartland Mall 300 Early Blvd., Early, TX 76802

(843) 496-0228

Cook’s Fish Barn 3669 Hwy 36, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 842-5850

FUNERAL

(254) 842-4699

Comanche Funeral Home

HOME / GARDEN CENTER

411 W. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2531

Comanche Oakwood Cemetery Association P.O. Box 362, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2616

Heartland Funeral Home of Comanche 1508 N. Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

403 W. Central, Dublin, TX 76446

(254) 445-2037

P.O. Box 614, Comanche, TX 76442

Harvest Restaurant 112 N. Austin St., Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2374

(254) 879-4888

Comanche ISD 1414 North Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

Mattdaddy’s 127 N. Houston, Comanche, TX 76442

LAND AND EQUIPMENT

P.O. Box 846, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2050

GENERAL

Comanche Community Garden

(325) 356-2727

900 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

Sorrells Farms 1004 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 879-4677

The Pecan Tree

Comanche Housing Authority 404 E. Cedar, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3181

(325) 356-5441

1000 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

De Leon Chamber of Commerce

Redstone Park Retirement and Assisted Living Ctr

404 South Houston, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2439

Pizza Pro/ Partner’s Grill 12850 Hwy 16, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-7564

Sonic Drive-In 1202 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5080

Starbeau’s Restaurant 134 W. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2869

Taqueria Los Juanes 505 S Austin St, Comanche, TX 76442 (325) 356-5724

Tomorrow’s Keepsakes/ The Sweet Life 101 W. Grand Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-1025

(254) 893-2083

Logan’s Gap Wind Pier 1, Bay 3, San Francisco, CA 94111

(415) 283-4000

Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation 930 N. Wolfe Nursery Road, Stephenville, TX 76401

Clark Tractor and Supply, Inc. P.O. Box 987, Comanche TX 76442

(325) 356-2593

Ferti-Tex 1100 E. Central, Comanche TX 76442

Heritage Hill Place

(325) 356-2032

109 S. Texas, De Leon, TX 76444

(325) 356-2750

HOUSING

Miguels Restaurant

Moonwalks Mexican Restaurant

6250 Hwy 67, De Leon, TX 76444

(325) 356-5460

Comanche, TX Economic Development Corp.

(325) 356-5368

Biggs Farm Supply

6325 Cahoba Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76135

(325) 356-3100 www.superioressex.com

115 W. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

6100 Hwy 16, De Leon, TX 76444

Comanche Appliance Company

(325) 356-5251

(325) 356-2616

Totelcom Networks, LLC (254) 893-1000

(325) 356-3456

Pate’s Inc.

City of Comanche

INTERNET / CELL PHONE

204 W. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3292

114 W. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

Dairy Queen of Comanche

Ace Hardware

(325) 356-5759

Comanche Retirement Village 4 Huett Circle, Bedford, TX 76021

12020 Hwy 36, Comanche TX 76442

(325) 356-3397

Prater Equipment Company, Inc. P.O. Box 746, Comanche TX 76442

(254) 842-5878

SureGrow

250 CR 416 Comanche, Texas 76442 325-356-1551

2410 Songbird Lodge, Brownwood, TX 76801

LAW

Whitestone

Comanche County Abstract Company

(325) 643-9056

100 Alamo, Comanche, TX 76442

Winchester Arms 1630 E. Republic Suite F, Springfield, MO 65804

P.O. Box 747, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2564

Law Office of Cassandra Hutchins Evatt, PC

(325) 885-6000

439 S. Graham, Stephenville, TX 76401

INSURANCE

Texas Abstract and Title Co.

1008 S. Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-9673

Comanche County Farm Bureau

(325) 356-5248

Ranger College

(325) 356-2591

(254) 965-6705

Premier High School

1100 College Circle, Ranger, TX 76470

(254) 647-3234

P.O. Box 391, Comanche, TX 76442

Goodson Insurance 132 W. Central , Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2589

(325) 356-1300

301 W. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

Woodley and Dudley P.O. Box 99, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2502

LAWN CARE Akin Pest Control & Lawn Care 900 CR 119, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 642-1031

Sharp Image Lawn & Landscape

Brownwood Regional Medical Center

P.O. Box 842, Comanche, TX 76442

1501 Burnet Dr., Brownwood, TX 76801

Texas Rural Living, Inc

Comanche Community Health Care

1-877-401-9027 or 325-642-7540

10201 Hwy 16N, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 592-1272

P.O. Box 1256, Blanket, TX 76432

LODGING America’s Best Value Inn 508 W. Central, Comanche TX 76442

(325) 356-5267

Indian Creek Lodge 1207 E. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2364

Regency Inn 1301 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2508

The Inn at Circle T 4021 W. Hwy 36, Hamilton, TX 76531

(254) 386-3209 or 1-877-310-3209

MEDIA Comanche Chief P.O. Box 927, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 646-8541

(325) 356-2509

Comanche County Medical Center 10201 Hwy 16N, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 879-4900

Corner Stone Family Medicine 408 N. Austin , Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-1135

Dr. Raymond W. Stepp P.O. Box 543, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3266

Dr. Richard Byrd 201 Valley Forge, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5595

Heart of Texas Orthopedics 103 South Park Dr. # B, Brownwood, TX 76801

(325) 643-8080

One Source Health Center

(325) 356-2636

902 W. College St., Rising Star, TX 76471

Comanche County Living

Western Hills Healthcare Residence

201 W. Pearl St., Granbury, TX 76048

(817) 330-9015

KEQX 89.7 Pure Country Radio

(254) 643-0006

400 Old Sidney Road, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2571

Kirbo’s Office Systems P.O. Box 2249, Brownwood, TX 76804

(325) 643-3383

TSU Small Business Development Center 105 N. Stockton, Granbury, TX 76048

(817) 573-7681

Workforce Solutions 2202 Hwy 377 S., Brownwood, TX 76801

(325) 646-1591

RANCH/DAIRY 5G Land and Cattle 1612 Summit Ave. Suite 350, Ft. Worth, TX 76102

(817) 313-4854

Chatto Creek Ranch 950 Hwy 3200, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 885-3293

Dudley Bros. Ranch P.O. Box 10, Comanche, TX 76442

PHARMACY Brookshire’s Pharmacy 402 West Grand Comanche, Texas 76442

Comanche Pharmacy 1001 N. Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2585

PHOTOGRAPHY Perfectly Elegant Photography 121 W. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 200-3558

Riley Studio 805 N. Page, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2284

Matthews Family Farm 2405 Summit View Dr., Bedford, TX 76021

(817) 268-1612

S F Ranch 451 CR 215, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 842-8803

Triple X Dairy

P.O. Box 461, Comanche, TX 76442 (254) 842-7677

REALTY Central Texas Realty Mart P.O. Box 429, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5285

(325) 356-3199

Pfingsten Surveyors

PORTABLE RESTROOMS

(325) 356-2267

(325) 356-1766

P.O. Box 39, Comanche, TX 76442

Prime Country Real Estate 701 W. Central Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

3780 West Hwy 6, Dublin, TX 76446

(254) 445-2473

MUSIC

A+ Porta Kans

KYOX-FM/KCOM-AM

DL Bingham Production

(254) 968-2191

Square One Real Estate (325) 356-1188

218 N. Austin, Stephenville, TX 76401

1102 E. Milton, Comanche, TX 76442

P.O. Box 1, Stephenville, TX 76401

(254) 445-2473

(325) 330-1218

Cen-Tex Outhouses

TexansUnited.com

Lightning D Productions & Entertainment

(325) 451-0720

606 N. Elm, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 280-9083

Texas Trails Maps 207 E. Main, Llano, TX 78643

(325) 247-5183

The Dublin Citizen 938 N. Patrick, Dublin, TX 76446

(254) 445-2515

TX Pages 164 W. Graham, Stephenville, TX 76401

(254) 968-0162

MEDICAL AccelHealth 1100 W. Reynosa Ave., De Leon, TX 76444

700 W. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 433-9402

Pitts Stop Porta Pottys P.O. Box 1054, Brownwood, TX 76804

(325) 642-7997

OFFICE NEEDS Benchmark Business Solutions 1917 West Washington, Suite 1, Stephenville, TX 76401

(254) 918-0758

Better Business Bureau 1005 La Posada Dr., Austin, TX 78752

(254) 755-7775

Comanche Chief

P.O. Box 922 Comanche, Texas 76442 325-356-2636

(254) 893-5895 94

P.O. Box 793, Goldthwaite, TX 76844

CO MANCHE CO U N T Y LI V I N G

PROCESSING Cox Processing P.O. Box 685, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 879-3313

Robertson Bison Meats 3408 CR 419, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 893-5411

301 N. Austin., Comanche, TX 76442

RECREATIONAL Antiks and Fun Parlor 113 W. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3701

Par Country Club 1658 Hwy 2861, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 879-2295

Texas Pro Lake Management P.O. Box 883, Comanche, TX 76442

(972) 824-3986

RV PARKS Breezy Hill RV Park 201 Hwy 2247, Comanche, TX 76442

(817) 201-0096

Comanche Trails R.V. Park, Inc.

Gifford TV and Electronics, Inc.

202 W. Wrights Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

1493 W. South Loop, Stephenville, TX 76401

(972) 898-5126

SF Ranch

451 CR 215 Comanche, Texas 76442 254-842-8803

(254) 968-2112

Granny’s Place 117 W. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 330-3601

SERVICES

Lori Dodd - Mary Kay

TRANSPORTATION Long Haulin’ 425 Sandy Lane, Dublin, TX 76446

(254) 366-3440

Southern AG Carrier 425 Hwy 3381, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-1201

123 E. Hamilton, Gorman, TX 76454

Race Day Event Services

(254) 734-5916

TROPHIES

P.O. Box 122, Gustine, TX 76455

Rhonda’s Comanche Thrift Store

Woolsey Trophies

Service Master of Brown County

1206 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2271

(325) 646-1266

Rustic Grace

WELDING

Signs Express Plus

(325) 356-5000

BarTex Welding Services

(254) 918-7446

Scruff y Brand Leather

(325) 330-1213

The Moxie Room

(254) 459-9656

(325) 330-0860

307 W. Baker, Brownwood, TX 76804

1592 E. Hwy 8, Stephenville TX 76401

801 N. Lane, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 330-0978

107 W. Grand Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

310 FM 591, Dublin, TX 76446

(325) 356-3999

Shopko Hometown Comanche

U Name It

(325) 356-2160

200 S. Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-1200

SHOPPING Amanda Baehler-Scentsy 907 W. Paine Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

(469) 693-6046

Brookshire’s 402 W. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

1300 E. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

Tractor Supply 1509 E. Central Ave., Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-2480

1401 Haven Dr., Comanche, TX 76442

206 N. Clark St., Comanche, TX 76442

Conway Welding 7051 Hwy 67, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3442

WINERIES Brennan Vineyards 802 S. Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-9100

Unique Antiques and Collectibles 210 N. Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 642-0573

Wonderful Things P.O. Box 400, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-9200

(325) 356-3248

Comanche Trail Resale 703 N. Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

STORAGE

(325) 356-3717

BVI Self Storage

Courthouse Square Mall

(325) 356-5414

117 N. Houston, Comanche, TX 76442

117 N. Houston, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5414

Cowpoke Storage

Dawson Hicks-Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

(325) 330-1452

121 W. Grand, Comanche, TX 76442

P.O. Box 61, Comanche, TX 76442

Wagon Wheel Mini Storage 1408 N. Austin, Comanche, TX 76442

(254) 979-5719

(254) 842-4861

Dee Dee’s Place

TANNING

107 Twin Creek Road, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 330-0299

Durham-Ellis Pecan Company., Inc.

The Tanning Place 217 N. Houston, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-1209

308 S. Houston, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-5291

Frontier Boot and Shoe Service 122 W. Central, Comanche, TX 76442

(325) 356-3983

H O MET O W N L I V I NG A T I TS B EST

95

Co manch e Important Numbers CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(325) 356-3233 CITY HALL

Comanche County Appraisal (325) 356-5253 Comanche County Clerk (325) 356-2655

(325) 356-2616

Comanche County Commisioner (325) 356-2466

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Comanche County Sheriff’s Office (325) 356-7522

(325) 356-2112

Comanche County Tax Assessor Collector (325) 356-3101

POLICE DEPARTMENT

(325) 356-2222 ***For an Emergency Call 911***

POST OFFICE

(325) 356-3363 MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

(325) 356-2032

Comanche Senior Citizens Center (325) 356-5023 Driver’s License Office (325) 356-3222 Texas State Senate District 24 Senator Dawn Buckingham (325) 643-1646 Texas State House District 59 Representative J.D. Sheffield (512) 463-0628 Texas Representative Michael K. Conaway (202) 225-3605

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CO MA NCHE CO UN T Y LI V I N G

Co manche Outdoor Parks & Rec Comanche City Park • • • • • • • • •

Walking tour of tree sculptors Hiking trails around park with natural wild life to see Skate park Soccer fields Swimming pool Pavilions for picnics Baseball fields Children play areas Slides, teeter totters, monkey bars, swings and much more

High School • • • •

Tennis courts open to public Basketball courts Soccer fields Volleyball nets

Lake Proctor • • • • • • • • • • • •

Water skiing Fishing Boat ramps for the public Boating Horseback riding trails Nature trails Camping RV hook ups Pavilions for family reunions Cabins for rent Fishing supplies close to lake Restaurants and convenience stores nearby

Comanche County Roping Arena • Open for riding your horses • Open for events

Comanche County Fair Grounds • Livestock shows

Par Golf Couse • 18-hole golf course located at Lake Proctor • Bar and restaurant at Par Golf course

H O MET O W N L I VI NG A T I TS B EST

97

Co man ch e Meeting Facilites > Comanche

> Par Country Club

> Reunion Center

Community Center

> Comanche

Located at 1658 Hwy 2861 on Lake Proctor (Approx. 8 miles east of Comanche). 300 people. Large dance floor. Table & chairs provided. Kitchen available or catering. 4 bathrooms.

Beautiful views. Plenty of parking.

One night or weekend rates available.

Advance reservations with deposit required for guaranteed booking.

City Park

Contact: 254-879-2296

Located south of the square at 111 South Austin on the first floor of the Historic Veterans Memorial Building. The 4000 sq. ft. reunion facility includes kitchen, restrooms; performance stage and a single large meeting area which can easily accommodate up to 150 people.

Table, chairs and table cloths provided.

Will seat approx.150 people with tables and chairs (Main Room).

Full kitchen facilities available. 3 bathrooms. NO ALCOHOL or smoking.

Contact: City Hall at 325.356.2616

Located at the West edge of Comanche just South of Hwy 67/377.

Lots of beautiful trees, playground areas, and restrooms. 3 large covered pavilions available ~ $50 each.

Advance reservations required for guaranteed space. Campground also in City Park with water & electricity $20 per 24 hour period.

Contact: City Hall at 325-356-2616

> Brennan Vineyards Three areas are available for rent: The McCrary House, the Winery, and the Austin House. The Austin House is a 4,000 sq. ft. building designed for events for approx. 25-250 people.

Contact: 325-356-9100

> Melody Oaks Ranch Located in Priddy. 7,000 sq. ft. meeting room ~ tables and seating for 300 ~ full kitchen Heating & air conditioning, outdoor barbecue facilities and porch ~ Special weekend packages available. RV hookups, outdoor amphitheater, horseshoe pits.

Contact: Gayle at 325-356-5231

> The Gathering Place Will seat up to 100 people ~ tables & chairs ~ dining table ~ Full kitchen facilities with 2 complete stoves, microwave oven, 2 bathrooms.

Contact: Carolyn Merworth 325- 356-5285 or 254-842-7581

> Comanche

> Best Western

Housing Authority

Meeting room, holds 30 people, tables, and chairs. NO ALCOHOL AND NO RENTAL after 6 pmLocated At: 1505 E. Central Contact: 325-356-2300

Juanes Party Room Contact: 325-356-5724 CO MA NCHE CO UN T Y LI V I N G

325-330-1218

or 325-330-0336

> Taqueria Los

98

Contact: Danny & Linda Bingham

Main room will seat approx. 100 people ~ tables & chairs ~ full kitchen ~ 2 bathrooms. Deposit required. Contact: 325-356-3181

TO FIND OUT MORE AB OUT THE COMMUNITIES OF COMANCHE, VISIT US AT

COMANCHECHAMBER.ORG >

> Proctor

> Matt Daddy’s

> Tomorrow’s

Community Center

127 N Houston St, Comanche, TX 76442

Keepsakes and The Sweet Life

Contact: 325-356-3100

3 rooms available, all 3 will hold 100 people, full kitchen, tables and chairs provided. NO SMOKING OR ALCOHOL

Restaurant 1

Contact: Trevlin Strong

12 N Austin St, Comanche, TX 76442

254-879-2758

Contact: 325-356-2374

> 4 North

> SF Ranch Bed

Event Center

and Breakfast

122 N Austin St, Comanche, TX 76442

1308 E Central Ave, Comanche, TX 76442

Heating & air conditioning, outdoor barbecue facilities and porch ~ Special weekend packages available.

RV hookups451 CR 215 Comanche, Texas 76442

Contact: 325-356-1955

Contact: 254-842-8803

Contact: 254-319-1093

> Rockin J

> The Harvest

101 E Grand Ave Comanche, TX 76442 Contact: 325-356-1025

> Gustine Community Center Contact: 325-667-7553

> Texas Bank Conference Room Contact: 325-356-3781

H O MET O W N L I V I NG A T I TS B EST

99

advertisers CC L | VO L . I 2 01 8

Please thank these advertisers for making this publication possible!

Bayer....................................................................... 48, 49

Golden Oaks Milling..................................................89

CIMA Abstract.............................................................67

Goodson Insurance....................Inside Front Cover

CJ Photography..........................................................86

GreenFox.......................................................................45

Clark Tractor........................................................... 2, 67

Hair Works..................................................Back Cover

Comache National Bank............................................ 3

Holland Chiropractic.................................................89

Comanche Abstract Co........................................... 25

Larry Simpson, State Farm.....................................89

Comanche Chamber of Commerce

Long Photography.....................................................65

...........................................................Inside Back Cover

Mazurek & Holliday Attorneys at Law................86

Comanche Co-op.......................................................... 1

Melody Oaks Ranks...................................................87

Comanche County Living............................... 24, 65

Photography by Layth Taylor................................ 75

Comanche Florist.......................................................65

Prime Country Real Estate.....................................45

Comanche Livestock Exchange...........................87

Riley Studio.................................................................. 57

Comanche Museum of History............................. 44

SF Ranch ......................................................................88

De Leon EDC............................................................10,11

Stockman Western....................................................88

Farmers and Merchants Bank.................................13

SureGrow.......................................................................88

First National Bank De Leon..................................33

Texas Bank Comanche............................................... 7

Fitness 110..................................................................... 75

Totelcom................................................................ 34,35

Gayle's Automotive...................................................89

1 00

CO MANCHE COUN T Y LI V I N G

We’ll always point you

in the right direction January - May • • • • • •

Comanche City Wide Garage Sale Texas Motorcycle RoadRiders State Rally Comanche County Livestock Show Gustine Homecoming and Rodeo Comanche Gospel Music Jamboree Food Truck Rodeo

June - August • • • • • •

Comanche County Dairy Breakfast Jams in June Concert Series Shopper’s Day 77th Annual Comanche Open Rodeo Rodeo Parade Veterans Display

September • • • •

Comanche County Pow-Wow Tribal Trot 5K Comanche County Car Show Barnie McBee BBQ Cook Off

October - December • • • • • • • •

Historic Downtown Trick or Treat Steve Clemons Deer Hunter Chili Supper Veterans Week Celebration Comanche Co. Christmas Lighting Contest Cora’s Christmas Lighted Parade Shopper’s Day Christmas Homes Tour

Hunting Lease List Available at ComancheChamber.org Historic Comanche Depot P.O. Box 65 304 South Austin Comanche, TX 76442

325-356-3233

www.ComancheChamber.org

s k r o W r Hai

back: Laurie Williams, Alissa Westmoreland front: Mary Hernandez, Linda Dittrich, Armi Fuentes

George and Linda McMillan, owners

Full Service Family Salon Walk-Ins Welcome The Hair Works & My Sisters Boutique

325.356.3653

307 West Grand | Comanche, TX 76442