Comanche county 2014

WINTER 2014

Hometown High Congratulations to Comanche County’s seniors and graduates.

Hometown Li v ing At Its Best

325-356-2589

132 W. Central | Comanche, TX 76442

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Proudly serving the counties of: Brown, Callahan, Comanche, Eastland, Mills, Shackelford and Stephens.

Corporate Office 201 W Wrights Ave Comanche Texas 76442 Mon-Fri 7:30 am-4:30 pm Early Branch 1801 CR 338 Early Tx 76802 Mon, Wed, Fri 7:30 am-1:00 pm and 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Eastland Branch 1311 W Main Eastland Tx 76448 Tue, Thur 8:00 am- 4:00 pm

WE ARE ALL UP TO THE CHALLENGE. Using the latest

technology to better serve every member helps Comanche Electric Cooperative achieve energy efficiency. And when we work together to use energy wisely, we all save money together.

Learn more about the power of your membership at www.ceca.coop, or TogetherWeSave.com.

“Dedicated to improving the quality of life for our members and the communities we serve� www.ceca.coop memberservices@ceca.coop 800-915-2533 *Standby crews available 24/7 for power quality issues

A NCHE NATIONA L BA NK M O C FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF SANTO THE BANK OF JACKSBORO MEMBER FDIC

Since 1889 • Banking for Generations Comanche • Santo • Palo Pinto • Mingus • Millsap • Cool • Jacksboro

Celebrating 125 years of STAR service 1889-2014 SERVE TRUST APPRECIATE RESPECT

Texas Bankers Association’s Brian O’Conner presents a resolution in honor of the bank’s 125th anniversary to directors Jim Dudley, Frazier Clark, David Beene, and Jeff Stewart.

Jeff D. Stewart 2007-present

Kenneth Hagood 1999-2006

Jerry L. Vines 1979-1998

Reginald Waggoner 1973-1979

Jack W. Moore 1960-1973

William C. Chilton 1933-1960

T.J. Holmsley 1891-1901

John B. Chilton 1889-1891 1901-1933

The History of Comanche National Bank On the evening of December 19, 1889, John B. Chilton and a group of local businessmen met in Mr. Chilton’s second floor downtown living quarters to establish the bank and elect a board of directors.

Minutes of the organizational meeting declared the name of the bank to be “The Comanche National Bank� with a capital stock of $50,000.

The bank was issued its Charter by the Office of the Comptroller of Currency and opened its doors to the public on March 17, 1890. By the end of 1890, deposits had grown to $47,451 and total assets were $136,064.

On April 14, 1891, the bank purchased the lot on the southwest corner of the square for a new banking house. At this time, extensive construction was taking place in Comanche. The first train arrived in 1891 and the handsome new courthouse was nearing completion.

Scottish stonecutters, imported to work on the construction of the courthouse, made attractive cut stone trim that can still be seen on the building today. The bank occupied this building from January 1892 to June 1969.

The Comanche National Bank has survived frontier times, world wars, droughts, and was one of the few banks in the nation that remained open during and after the Great Depression of the 1930s. As the bank continued to prosper, it outgrew its

facilities on the southwest corner of the square. On March 11, 1968, the bank purchased property from Higginbotham Bros. & Co. to build a new bank building. The new facility was opened on June 2, 1969. Total assets at this time were eight million dollars.

As the bank continued to increase in size and to serve the needs of the Comanche trade area, the bank outgrew its quarters at 200 West Central Avenue. It purchased the present location in late 1984 and completed extensive remodeling and opened the new facility in April 1987.

Total assets at that time had grown to 68 million dollars.

On August 11, 2006, it purchased First National Bank of Santo, an established community bank for over 100 years. In 2008, the two banks united, resulting on over 225 years of combined service to their communities. The bank has now expanded to six other locations, including Santo, Palo Pinto, Mingus, Millsap, Cool, and Jacksboro. Today, total assets equal 315 million dollars.

The Comanche National Bank is proud of its heritage and history of sound banking service. It is committed not only to surrounding communities and their futures, but to providing the highest quality of personal, friendly banking services to its customers.

100 E. Central | Comanche, TX 76442 | 325-356-2577 www.comanchenational.com

contents

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A Weekend in the Country You Can’t Miss

The annual Melody Oaks Ranch Spring Tractor Pull & Gathering draws thousands of people from all over the country.

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Lighting Up the Square

After the tragic death of Russell Reynolds, the community bands together to ensure Reynolds’ vision for Christmas comes to light.

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Where History Comes to Life

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The Comanche County Museum preserves heritage for younger generations.

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Comanche CVFD Brotherhood

Established in 1880, the Comanche Volunteer Fire Department and its dedicated first responders continually show the importance of giving back to the community.

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The Russell We Knew

Russell Reynolds’ devotion to his faith, family, friends, patients and community was evident every day and the stories and legacy he leaves behind will not soon be forgotten.

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Comanche County Living

about t he cover The cover photo is of 2014 De Leon High School graduate Shaina Barnes. To see more of Comanche County’s graduates, turn to page 72.

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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contents

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De Leon Native Proves It’s Never Too Late to Go Back

When Paul Pruitt wrote a letter to the De Leon superintendent asking for a diploma, he didn’t know he would get so much more than that.

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Comanche Rodeo History

Recognized as one of the oldest rodeos in Texas, the Comanche Rodeo has a strong past and a dedicated group ensuring their lasting future.

inisesvueery

Hometown Happenings

A glimpse inside a few of the exciting events recently held in Comanche County.

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Hometown Bundles of Joy

Welcoming Comanche County’s newest residents.

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Hometown High

Congratulations to Comanche County’s seniors and graduates.

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Scenes of Comanche County

Take a look at a few more of the reasons why we think Comanche County is a great place to live.

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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From the Publisher

PUBLISHER

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

PROOF READER

LEAD CREATIVE DESIGN

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! From all of us at With You In Mind Publications, we wish you a wonderful holiday season. Winter is one of our favorite times of year to travel, hunt and spend time with family and friends. We all enjoy creating lasting memories during this magical season.

We are so blessed to bring you another edition of Comanche County Living.

Humbly speaking, we think it’s the best one yet! The saying, “if you’re doing something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,” couldn’t speak more about this publication. The way Comanche County residents have reached out to us about this magazine brings us joy. We at With You In Mind Publications give all thanks to God. Comanche County residents are truly one of a kind; no matter where you’re from you’ll feel right at home. I’m often asked about the time I get to spend in Comanche County and have only one response: it’s like dropping by your best friend’s or a family member’s house. You’re always greeted with a smile, handshake and a friendly face. I cannot say enough good things about it.

Within this issue, you’ll read about several individuals and organizations dedicated to bettering their community. From the Downtown Christmas Lights Project, to the Comanche Rodeo History, the Comanche Volunteer Fire Department and many others, this edition is full of dedicated people who make a lasting impression and impact on those they meet. We would also like to extend a special thank you to the family of Dr. Russell Reynolds for allowing us to share his story. He touched many lives and will not soon be forgotten. Our prayers are with you all.

CREATIVE | DESIGN

CONTENT DIRECTOR

OFFICE MANAGER

With You In Mind Publications Justin Six Hayley Six enVision Creative Services Cassidy Horn Photography & Design Brittny Sanchez Hayley Six

PHOTOGRAPHERS Christine Perkins

Mackie Steele Photography

Plan-it ink

Riley Studio

Shirley Dukes

COVER PHOTO

SALES MANAGER

Brittny Sanchez

SALES

Brittny Sanchez

Photo by Plan-it ink

Justin Six

Kyle Riley

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amanda Leija

Cassidy Horn

Comanche County Living is an annual publication dedicated to the people, places, and things that make Comanche County such a wonderful place to live.

Each issue is complimentary to the public, thanks to all of the local advertisers.

Kim Benestante

Kyle Riley

Mackie Steele

We want to thank our advertisers for their patience and contribution. Help us to express thanks to them by shopping local! Their involvement allows this publication to come free of charge to you! Go by any advertisers’ location to pick up your complimentary copy. Thank you and we look forward to many more issues of Comanche County Living!

Melissa Wren Williams

Shirley Dukes

Comanche County Historical Museum

We give thanks to God for a memorable year and great things to come.

Until the next edition, Wishing you many blessings,

De Leon Chamber of Commerce

Kyle Riley

Shirley Dukes

Justin and Hayley Six Phone: (817) 301-3828 Email: justin.wyim@gmail.com

With You in Mind Publications Comanche County Living Magazine

CONTRIBUTORS

Comanche Chamber of Commerce

Comanche County Living© is published annually by With You In Mind Publications. www.hometown-living.com P.O. Box 1239 | Weatherford, TX 76086 (817) 301-3828 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein.

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Comanche County Living

Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.

YOU CAN’T MISS

By Melissa Wren Williams Photos provided by Melody Oaks Ranch

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Comanche County Living

What started off as 60 acres of hill country covered in cactus, cedar and mesquite just outside of Priddy, Texas, is now the destination for thousands of people each year who travel from all over the country to come to the Melody Oaks Ranch Spring Tractor Pull & Gathering. In 2001, Dean Cagle purchased the property, only to realize there wasn’t even enough grass to raise sheep or goats. So, he came up with another idea.

“When I bought that place it was so thick you couldn’t ride a horse through it,” Dean said. “My son was seven at the time, and along

with his friend, we cleared it ourselves.”

After clearing off the dense area, they along with Dean’s friend, Kelly Spinks, who is a local boy and a Nashville recording artist, discovered a natural amphitheater at the bottom of the hill. That’s when Dean decided to build a stage to do outdoor concerts, which became very successful. Then he built a 7,000 square foot building for dances, weddings, proms, the deer hunter’s ball, New Year’s Eve ball and many other events. The building is booked up an average of 40 out of 52 weekends a year.

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Comanche County Living

Gayle Jones, the manager of the Melody Oaks Ranch, said that somebody suggested using the land to have a cook-off. Dean told him to find out what it would take to do one, and despite only having been to one cook-off in his life, Gayle managed to far exceed the expected numbers with the first one. They partnered with the Lone Star BBQ Society and would have considered 25 people a huge success, but 52 teams showed up, making it as big as any other cook-off in Central Texas.

The event continued to grow exponentially from there, bringing in around 400 people the first year. Twelve years later the ranch hosts as many as 8,000 people annually.

Each year new things were added, such as the Antique Tractor Pull, hot rods doing exhibition runs, more concerts, and games.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on building a weekend away in the country,” Gayle said. “After 12 years I’m really proud that we’ve built a family-friendly event, affordable for people to come in on Friday and spend the weekend socializing and camping out.”

The event is held every April, as people are anxious to get out of their homes and into the warmer weather.

Every year the festivities have gained momentum with bigger music names and other activities, such as adding a tractor-trailer pull with the Texas Truck and Tractor Pullers Association, which draws a bigger crowd. Paid admission includes free parking and camping. Now there are over 75 RV pads and 55 with electricity, water and sewer hook-ups.

Dean was raised in Priddy, and he said the population is about 280 people. The event sits in the middle of Comanche, Hamilton, and Brownwood just outside of Priddy. His main focus for the event is good clean family fun.

“I’m just real big on family, and I just want everyone to come out and enjoy one another,” Dean said. “I want the moms and dads to be able to sit and play and have their kids play with them. I have my family around the whole time and am neck deep in it.”

He just wants them to be able to get out in the country and have some fun. Other activities during the weekend include volleyball, washers, and horseshoes, and he enjoys watching everyone. People even come every year from Idaho, Oregon, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

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The gathering is known for giving back to certain charities. In the past, 10 percent of the cook-off entry fees went to a volunteer fire department of their choice.

Since the American Cancer Society is one of Dean’s favorite charities, now those proceeds go to the local chapter of the Comanche Relay for Life organization. For the past two years, the Hooligan Hoggers, who enjoy the sport of hunting wild hogs, have teamed up with Melody Oaks Ranch to have a benefit to help kids and families who are struggling with major health issues.

Since the crowd has gotten into the many thousands, 2014 was the first year the event didn’t host a cook-off due to logistics and underwriting expenses. The other 90 percent of money made went into prize money for the entrants, so there wasn’t any money to offset the costs of doing the cookoff portion. They’d gotten up to almost 130 teams for chicken, BBQ and beans, which required over 75 judges and other people working. However, the cook-off is important to Dean, and his goal is to try and find a way to incorporate it back into the event. After all, they’ve been one of the

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Comanche County Living

largest cook-offs in the state of Texas for over a decade.

“My favorite part was the cook-off, but it got to be too big of an expense, but that’s what started everything,” Dean said. “I love to cook, and I go to cook-offs all the time.”

This event does have a positive economic impact on the community.

“When we have our big events, people come in from all over the country,” Gayle said. “You never know who is going to show up. I think the event does have an economic effect on this rural area for that weekend that’s important. Some local business owners do as much business in those two days as they would in a month, because people are buying gas, beer, food, supplies and staying in hotels. I’ve joked for years that we were the closest thing to the Chamber of Commerce that the city of Priddy have.”

This Spring 2015 will be the 13th year.

Moving into the future, Gayle said, they are going to be putting in a rodeo corral for roping and bull riding. The Melody Oaks Spring Tractor Pull & Gathering gets bigger and better every year. For more information go to www.melodyoaksranch.com.

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Comanche County Living

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Comanche County Living

932 W. Navarro Ave. De Leon, TX 76444 | 254-893-5149

STOCKMAN WESTERN WEAR Stockman Seed & Fertilizer, Inc.

After the tragic death of Russell Reynolds, the community bands together to ensure Reynolds’ vision for Christmas comes to light.

By Amanda Leija Photos provided by Katy Reynolds, Riley Studio and the Comanche Chamber of Commerce

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Comanche County Living

“It fills me with pride to know that, through the kids and the citizens, we are making a difference in the communities that we serve.” ~ Shirley Dukes

Start off small. Katy Reynolds got those three little words of wisdom from her father Russell Reynolds last year when the two first got the idea about setting up a Christmas light display on the square.

But it’s the three words that followed that will prove to be Russell’s prophecy, and his memorial.

“It will grow,” the father told his daughter.

Russell Reynolds was killed July 3rd, when the trailer with the fireworks for the annual Comanche Kiwanis Club’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show exploded. A Kiwanis Club member, he had been involved organizing and setting up the show since

its inception. Three other club members were injured.

“I remember Dad talking about how once the fireworks show is over it will be time to start building for the Christmas show,” Katy said.

“After the accident, I remember thinking, ‘Who am I going to get to take this over?’ At that time, I couldn’t imagine myself doing the show without my dad.”

But the show will go on. At Russell Reynolds’ memorial service, Katy said she received tremendous offers of support for the Downtown Christmas Light Project.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Rickey and Fredda Jones

“I had several guys reach out to me, saying that they wanted to help. Each had their own set of skills to offer that could take over each part that Dad had done,” Katy said. “It was a big relief off my shoulders. I just felt that everyone counted on and really needed this light show to happen. We all needed something to look forward to and we knew he would be proud of it.”

As a result of not just the offers of help and the financial support, but also the preparations Russell began making while the first season’s light display was still shining, this year’s light display will be more than four times the size of the 2013 show, which was already a larger than imagined first-year effort.

Small Start

It began when a group of Comanche High School students wanted to decorate the courthouse square for Christmas. The year before, students had been part of the Comanche Electric Cooperative’s Student Leadership Program, and they were looking for residents to help with the community project they developed during the CECA Student 22

Comanche County Living

Leadership Conference.

Students from 25 school districts, including Comanche, developed and presented a complete action plan for their project, and had been encouraged to follow through on it.

“The students were discouraged with the decorations – or lack thereof – around our square and through the major roadways coming into town and really wanted to do something about it,” said Shirley Dukes, the Communications/Public Information Specialist for Comanche Electric Cooperative Association. “The students went to several groups to talk about their project to solicit funding and/or manpower.”

Sharon McKinnon, leader of the Revitalize Comanche group, started asking for ideas for this project from Sandy Clark and Katy Reynolds, when Katy mentioned the idea of a synchronized Christmas light show at the courthouse square last October.

“When we talked about it, I thought about how Frisco and some other cities have a synchronized light show for Christmas,” she said.

Katy Reynolds and Breck Driskill

Allycenn Elliot, Madison Brewer and Basty Herrera

Representative J. D. Sheffield attended the light show. He is pictured here with two of them members of the leadership team: Taylor Payne and Taylor Jones.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Katy thought Comanche could do the same, especially if, like her dad said, they started small and added to it year-by-year.

“Our mayor, Ronnie Clifton, was also excited about the idea, and he’s one of the main reasons we were able to get everything together so quickly.” said Katy.

On a tight deadline, the Christmas Light Show team started the fundraising efforts to collect the estimated $8,000 needed to purchase the necessary equipment, which included the software program, LED lights and all of the other items needed to have a synchronized light show on the north side of the courthouse.

“The entire town threw themselves behind this project, and more money was raised than the students ever dreamed could happen,” said Dukes. “It fills me with pride to know that, through the kids and the citizens, we are making a difference in the communities that we serve.”

Lots of work and many long hours went into preparing for the show, but the Downtown Christmas 24

Comanche County Living

Light Project held its inaugural lighting ceremony in early December 2013 – with what turned out to be a minor setback.

On the first try, the lights failed. Russell, who was in charge of all of the wiring, started checking all of the connections. It was an intense few minutes.

“We tested everything the night before and it worked fine,” Katy said. “When the lights didn’t come on, I started to panic, thinking I would have to run the show

Representative J. D. Sheffield attended the light show. He is pictured here with two members of the leadership team: Taylor Payne and Taylor Jones.

manually from my laptop. Dad was so calm and just started looking for a solution.”

But after a brief flicker, the north side of the courthouse lit up and the show began. The setback during opening ceremony was the only problem the show had throughout its run, which lasted until New Year’s Day, Katy said.

Father’s Pride

Every night, just to make sure, Russell “would swing by the square after work,” his wife, Sherry, said. “They always came on. He was so excited and told me about all the cars he saw there.”

The lights were still bright and shining when Russell started thinking about things to do and ways to improve next year’s show.

“He started recording ‘The Great Christmas Light Fight’ [reality TV show] and would watch it with Katy,” Sherry said. “He would use the different episodes as references for ideas.”

Then, in January, Russell decided to expand the show to all four sides of the courthouse, with each side having its own theme. Santa’s Workshop on one side; Winter

Wonderland on another; Christmas trees and Dr. Seuss’s Whoville on the third and fourth sides.

“Everything else we’re doing for this year’s show, Dad already had planned. It’s going to be neat to see his vision come to life,” said Katy.

Seeing the tremendous support from the community, Katy said, she could see continuing with the Christimas Light Project was important to a lot of people. Sandy Clark in collaboration with Clint Tunnell took charge of the Whooville side by working on wood cutouts.

Russell’s brother, Rick, took over building Santa’s Workship, and Eddie Parker took over the Winter Wonderland side.

“We have even had people in the community create fundraisers for the lights in honor of Dad,” said Katy.

“I’ve had so many people stop me in town to tell me that they want to help or donate.”

The Downtown Christmas Light Project can be viewed from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night until New Year’s Day.

Russell Reynolds, Cliff Conway, and Katy Reynolds

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Comanche County Living

701 W. Central | Comanche, TX 76442

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Hometown Happiness Wishing much love and happiness to Comanche County’s newlyweds! photos courtesy of Plan-it ink and Riley Studio

Taylor & Aaron Akin Est. October 11, 2014

Samantha & Travis Eberhart Est. December 8, 2013

Photo by

Plan-it ink Josh & Crystal Beaty Est. March 29, 2014

Photo by

Plan-it ink

Photo by

Plan-it ink

Amy & Chase Akin

Rhonda & Tom Dunn

Est. May 3, 2014

Est. August 2, 2014

Photo by

Plan-it ink

There’s this

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and he kinda has my Photo by

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Gage & Brittany Nall Est. October 18, 2014

Photo by

Riley Studio

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Comanche County Living

The Russell We Knew

Russell Reynolds’ devotion to his faith, family, friends, patients and community was evident every day and the stories and legacy he leaves behind will not soon be forgotten.

Comanche CVFD Brotherhood

Established in 1880, the Comanche Volunteer Fire Department and its dedicated first responders continually show the importance of giving back to the community.

Comanche Rodeo History

Recognized as one of the oldest rodeos in Texas, the Comanche Rodeo has a strong past and a dedicated group ensuring their lasting future.

Hometown High Congratulations to Comanche County’s seniors and graduates.

to

Hometown Li v ing At Its Best

ComancheLiving County Fa l l 2 0 1 2

Car Club Comanche County Living Magazine

The car show has been around for 24 years now and it just keeps getting bigger and better.

All of us here at With You in Mind Publications

We pay tribute to soldier like SPC Jesse Wayne Dietrich who fought for our freedom an paid the ultimate price

The Recipe for Success

would like to thank you for allowing us to be a

You can take the boy out o Comanche County, but you’ never take Comanche Count out of the boy

part of your lives for the past 5 years. Comanche

Progress Rolls into Town

County is truly an amazing place and we feel very

The depot now house the Comanche Chamber o Commerce and Visitor Cente and a Comanche Railroa Museum

blessed to be a part of it. Thank you for growing with us and we look forward to bringing you many more editions of Comanche County Living!

Tribute To A Fallen Soldier

H o m e tow n L i v i ng at i ts B e st

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With You in Mind Publications Executive Editor Justin Six (center) with Comanche Chamber of Commerce directors George Ann Salter (left) and David Twiford (right) showing a copy of the 2013 edition of Comanche County Living which won 2nd place Community Magazine at the TCCE Media Excellence Awards.

Comanche Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christine Perkins with the Comanche County Living’s 2014 1st place Community Magazine Award from the TCCE Media Excellence Awards.

2014 - 1st Place Community Magazine

Texas Chamber of Commerce and Executive’s Media Excellence Awards

2013 – 2nd Place Community Magazine

Texas Chamber of Commerce and Executive’s Media Excellence Awards

10/10/12

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HOMETOWN

Tytan Fiest Parents: Schazden & Leah Fiest Photo by Riley Studio

BUNDLES OF JOY W e l c o m i n g C o m a n c h e C o u n t y ’ s N e w e s t Re s i d e n t s Photos courtesy of Plan-it ink and Riley Studio

Harper Miller Parents: Neil & Amber Miller.

Photo by Plan-it ink

Layla Reign Welch Parents: Tanner Welch & Megan Williams Photo by Plan-it ink Caroline Ingram Parents: Zach & LeAnn Ingram Photo by Riley Studio

Jackson Tucker Parents: Shane & Telisha Tucker Photo by Riley Studio

Makynlie Ryon Parents: Joshua Ryon & Meagan Tamporello.

Photo by Plan-it ink

Caroline Bates Parents: Justin & Amber Bates Photo by Plan-it ink

Lennon Woodley Parents: Judson & Kallie Woodley Photo by Riley Studio

Aubrey Davis Parents: Chase Davis & Breanna Lopez Photo by Plan-it ink

Annabeth Abbe Parents: Gynnalyn and Kiley Abbe Photo by Plan-it ink

Hometown Happenings Comanche Chamber Happenings 2014 has been an eventful year for the Comanche Chamber of Commerce. From Jams in June, to the Comanche County Pow-Wow, to Ribbon Cuttings, to a Murder Mystery Dinner, there isn’t much the Comanche Chamber doesn’t do for its community.

Photos courtesy of Comanche Chamber of Commerce

Saturday, July 12th, the Comanche Chamber presented their first ever Murder Mystery Dinner Theater with performances by Lagniappe Productions.

The Comanche Electric Cooperative Association donated $750 to the Comanche Christmas Light account in memory of Dr. Russell Reynolds. Pictured are Christine Tandy Perkins, Katy Reynolds, Krista Munroe, Sherry Reynolds, Sandy Clark, Sharon McKinnon, Clint Tunnell and Shirley Dukes with CECA.

One of the local favorite bands playing in Historic Downtown Comanche as part of the Chambers “Jams in June.”

Members of the Comanche Boy Scout Troop 67 who posted the colors at the Gustine Homecoming Rodeo and Parade on Saturday, May 24. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Matthew Steele, Josh Johnson and Yancy Perkins. Back row is Dakoda Johnson, Zack Johnson, Lance Shipman, Aubry Millwee and Jared Klein.

Harry Dudley, Marlene Shelton, Linda Rippetoe, John Evridge.

The Comanche Girl Scouts recited the Girl Scout Pledge at the Gustine Homecoming Opening Ceremonies on May 24. Pictured are McKinnzey Hidrogo, Abrianna Reyes, Rose Young, Lainei Gaines, Ashlyn Keeter, Jaiden Klein and Autry Perkins with Troop Leader Tami Williams.

The Skills USA Leadership Group and the Robotics Group under the direction of Mr. Eddy Parker spoke at a 2014 Comanche Kiwanis Club meeting. Pictured are Michael Foix, Chloe Cole, Kiwanis President Darwin Dickerson and John Whiteside.

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Housed in one of the oldest buildings on the Comanche Square, Wonderful Things is a gift/clothing boutique where shoppers can browse through a large selection of ladies’ accessories & clothing, shoes, gourmet foods, home dÊcor, kitchen treasures, baby items and, of course, seasonal delights.

325-356-9200 111 North Houston Comanche, TX 76442

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(Front row L to R) FF Ryan Oyler, Chief Steven Gillette, FF Chris Hill, FF Bobby Cunningham, Lt. Randy Arnold, Lt. Brandon Kolb. (Back R to L) Lt. Marcus Nettleton, FF Sebastian Lopez, FF Rodney Bradshaw, FF Audra Littou. (Not pictured) Asst. Chief Jeffrey Jacinto, Captain Dustin Gillette, FF Coby Kay, FF Kimberly Kay, FF Kevin Burch, FF Charles Kolb, FF Sterlin Zwicker, FF Kenny Kellems .

Established in 1880, the Comanche Volunteer Fire Department and its dedicated first responders continually show the importance of giving back to the community.

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Comanche County Living

Story by Mackie Steele Photos by Mackie Steele, Riley Studio and provided by the CVFD

Passing by the Comanche Volunteer Fire Department, you probably have noticed and/or wondered about the unique rock building that currently serves as the home base for Comanche’s first response team. In the small community of Comanche, TX, the facade of this old rock building is just as interesting as the history and the people that it holds inside.

The Comanche Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1880. The current rock building was built in 1938, with local rock quarried south of town. Up close the rock appears to have turkey feet imprinted in random patterns all across the surface and that is why it is called turkey’s feet rock.

In 2004 the CVFD was able to make the much needed 7,000 square foot extension to the older building. Fire Chief Steven Gillette says that the doors on the old building would hardly shut due to the sheer size of the fire trucks. A bit of history was unveiled when they tore down the old rock structure and replaced it with the new addition. The firefighters of 1939 put a time capsule in the attic and it is now framed and waiting to be displayed, along with many other historical artifacts, pictures, and documents when the department can manage to find enough money for another needed remodel to the original building. If you have any pictures or history to add

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1891

1955 46

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to this, the CVFD is looking to piece together their history, so please share and help preserve their legacy.

The extension in 2004 was made possible with a generous donation from Medford G. Stephens’s estate.

Stephens was a very successful man who returned to his hometown of Comanche to spend his retirement years. With nobody to leave his estate to, he donated part of it to the CVFD. This is one example of how the community becomes essential to the success and growth of the department. “If you want to see how far a dollar can be stretched, give it to a volunteer fire department,” says Gillette. That is exactly what they have to do with a yearly budget of approximately $130,000. That includes what the city budgets them as well as the many fundraisers they have throughout the year. The main fundraiser is on the first Saturday in March starting at 5pm, where they have a fish fry at the station along with an auction.

Gillette made it clear that the city does do a wonderful job taking care of them, but if it wasn’t for the fundraisers and the grants they apply for on a yearly basis, they would not be able to provide the service they do. Jeffrey Jacinto, Assistant Fire Chief, said that they have to become very creative to find new ways to raise the money so they can keep up with the financial demands. At the Comanche Pow Wow this year, the Jaws of Life broke during a training demonstration, and had to be replaced with a pretty penny. “Thankfully it was only a demonstration,” he adds.

Jacinto has been a volunteer firefighter for 28 years and talked about how it is becoming harder to find volunteers in this day and age. People want to be compensated for their time, and every member of the CVFD have full-time paid jobs along with the unpaid job of being a first responder. They are not paid a dime, not even for a call out.

Amanda Gillette, wife of Fire Chief Steven Gillette, gave some insight on how hard it is to have a husband that needs to leave suddenly on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or their child’s birthday party because he is called out for an emergency. She says, “Sometimes the kids don’t understand.” In fact, as I interviewed Hometown Living At Its Best

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them, I found out it was their son’s birthday and their eighth wedding anniversary. Steven Gillette has been a VFF since he was in high school at Comanche. He clearly loves his job, unpaid as it is, otherwise he would not be doing it. He has been a paid firefighter in Austin, TX, and has been the fire chief in Comanche for three years, with a total of 15 years of service.

“Everyone is held to the same standards.

The big city fire chiefs and myself are held to the same standards,” Gillette says. That also goes for the training, gear, equipment and facilities.

None of this comes cheap and it is mandatory to keep up to the same safety standards in the fire service, paid or volunteer. They are legally obligated to do so, and if for some reason they fell short, the volunteers would be held responsible.

Physically and emotionally, this job is very demanding. From a physical standpoint, the members of the CVFD must stay in shape to keep up with the demands. The CVFD has a well-equipped weight room that they received through a $40,000 grant. They also have a certified fitness instructor on the team who helps them keep in shape.

“It is a young man’s game,” Jacinto says. “We need young individuals with youth on their side.

Young men and women are more resilient, but may lack the knowledge and experience. With a combined force of experience and young able bodies we can make this the best fire department for a town of this size. We, as a department, want to lay down something good for the next generation so they don’t inherit a lot of problems and can take it to the next step,” says Gillette.

Recently the CVFD reached an agreement with the city to place a $2.00 optional fee on the water bill that would go towards training, equipment purchasing, and more specifically a Junior Fire Fighter Program. This minimal fee was met with some opposition and only after two months in effect, it was removed and changed to an opt-in vs. an opt-out. The Junior Fire Fighter Program would allow ten young men and women 48

Comanche County Living

FF Ryan Oyler

to join the CVFD and receive two years of training and a chance to be put through Fire Academy or EMT School. A successful candidate would need to be at least sixteen years of age, have parental approval and just so we are clear, they would not be put in life threatening situations. Please find on your water bills where you can opt-in to support your local department and the future of your community.

VFF is not for everyone, but there are many ways you can help.

From a small donation to simply coming out to the fundraisers and

Pictured L to R: FF Kenny Kellems, Asst. Chief Jeffrey Jacinto, Chief Steven Gillette, FF Ryan Oyler, Lt. Brandon Kolb.

purchasing a plate of food, you can make a difference. The CVFD is responsible for 340 square miles in Comanche county. That does not stop them from answering a personal call to a family member who has fallen or a neighboring community who needs a helping hand. The brotherhood of firefighters brings out the heroes and selfless individuals from your community. Become a participant in the CVFD legacy and help out the people who may very well save your life or the life of someone you know and love one day.

The brotherhood of firefighters brings out the heroes and selfless individuals from your community.

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Comanche County Living

Annual Tractor Pull And Spring Gathering Last Weekend In March

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

RV Park - Full Hookups - Daily, Weekly, Or Monthly Rentals Hometown Living At Its Best

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Hometown Happenings Frozen Fun On September 8, 2014 Riley Studio held a Frozen Photo Shoot and Party. After having their pictures taken with Elsa, Anna and Olaf, the kids made marshmallow snowmen, snowflake ornaments and enjoyed frozen themed refreshments. For the grand finale, Elsa and Olaf sang a couple of songs followed by the kids having a blast playing in the “snow”!

Photos courtesy of Riley Studio

Photographer Kyle Riley with his granddaughters.

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The Russell We Knew Story and photos provided by the Reynolds Family and Riley Studio

The opening verse of a song written by Russell Reynolds reads, “Everyone is searching for the answer, everywhere and everyway upon this earth. Who will show them what their life can truly be?

How can they ever know the truth by what they see? And what will

they see when they look at me?”

Many wonderful stories and kind words have been spoken about Russell following the tragedy that took his life on July 3, 2014. As his family, we would like to share some of our remembrances of “The Russell we knew.”

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Family meant everything to Russell. One of his mom’s sweetest memories is of a teenage Russell stopping by her office every Friday afternoon on his way home from school with a flower for her from the local florist. He loved special occasions with all the family and requested his mommy-in-law, Shirley’s, sock-it-to-me cake as often as he could get away with it!

Russell’s parents, Nancy and Gerald Reynolds, tell the story of how Russell made his career choice. In the 6th grade Russell was required to have a physical before he could play football. The physical was performed by the local chiropractor, Dr. Rose, and he must have made an impression, because when Russell got home he announced to the family he intended to be a chiropractor when he grew up.

He never changed his mind, and sure enough, on August 4, 1986, he and his wife, Sherry, opened Reynolds Chiropractic Center, located at 103 l/2 W. Wrights Avenue in Comanche, Texas. Russell believed his ability to treat patients was a gift from God, and he took that gift very seriously. He loved and cared for his patients as both doctor and friend, sharing hugs and prayers as needed and always saying, “Come on back” with that wonderful smile. He was never truly satisfied until their condition improved.

Russell shared his love of sports with his children, Brandon and Katy, from the time they were 4-years-old until they finished high school. He coached them through soccer, baseball, softball, basketball and flag football. One of Brandon’s fondest memories was when his dad taught him a valuable life lesson during the flag football ‘Super Bowl’ game his sixth grade year when he didn’t get to play the position he wanted to play. His dad said, “Focus on the greater good of everyone around you, and you will find it so much more rewarding than your own short-term desires.” They did win the ‘Super Bowl’ and Brandon said, “It was one of my biggest lessons learned.”

Russell enjoyed just about all sports and loved the Dallas Cowboys, but some of his favorite sports were golfing, skiing, camping and fishing. He enjoyed skiing with his brother, Rick in the summer.

Russell’s father-in-law, Jerry Mowrey, loved the story of the first time he took Russell bass fishing. Although Russell had always enjoyed fishing, he had never bass 56

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fished before. He and Jerry were out on the lake in the bass boat, Russell equipped with a Zebco rod and reel and a beat up old lure. Russell cast out and got his lure hung up in the brush with no chance of getting it loose.

Jerry cut the line and they moved on down the lake a little further. Soon after, Jerry somberly shared with Russell that the lure he had just lost had been the last remaining gift Jerry had from his dad who had passed away. Russell was horrified to have lost such a sentimental lure until he saw Jerry’s big grin and knew he had been had, and not for the last time. There were lots of fun family pranks played throughout the years!

Few people knew of his passion for music. After a long day at work, he would unwind by playing the piano or work on writing a song about his faith in God. This was one of Katy’s fondest memories of time spent with him - playing the piano together, singing and trying out new songs they were in the process of writing. He played by ear and would learn new songs for Katy to sing.

His dad said, “As a kid, Russell was small in size, but as a man he cast a very large shadow.” Russell wore many hats: doctor, husband, father, son, brother, uncle, son-inlaw, deacon, Sunday school teacher, friend and coach - but all the hats had Dallas Cowboy colors. In the line of the song he wrote, he asks, “And what will they see when they look at me?” He answered that question every day in everything he did . . . he showed people Jesus.

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“Everyone is searching for the answer, everywhere and everyway upon this earth. Who will show them what their life can truly be?�

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Russell loved living in the country, but he and Sherry enjoyed traveling and seeing new places as well. Once discovered, Russell liked to share favorite places with his friends and family. He would grin and say, “This will change your life!” at places such as Freddy’s Frozen Custard, Babe’s Chicken Dinner House and Raising Cane’s. He even changed his dog Scooter’s life, not only when he adopted him from the animal shelter, but every Saturday morning when he would take him to get a donut!

Russell loved the holidays, but the Fourth of July was very special to him, not only because he was so excited to get ready for the fireworks show every year, but because he always wanted to honor the men and women who served our country.

He always looked forward to Christmas, and even as a teenager wanted his family home decorated with outside lights. His dad didn’t object to the lights but didn’t have time to hang them. Russell was never one to wait for someone to do what he could do himself, so he bought the lights and hung them himself.

His lifelong love of Christmas continued with his enthusiasm for a new project last year: the lighting of the courthouse square. He was so excited to see those beautiful Christmas lights sparkle at night and enjoyed getting to share that experience with Katy as they worked together to design it. He was already making plans for the new lights that were going to surround the entire courthouse square this year.

His dad said, “As a kid, Russell was small in size, but as a man he cast a very large shadow.” Russell wore many hats: doctor, husband, father, son, brother, uncle, son-in-law, deacon, Sunday school teacher, friend and coach - but all the hats had Dallas Cowboy colors. In the line of the song he wrote, he asks, “And what will they see when they look at me?” He answered that question every day in everything he did . . . he showed people Jesus.

The final verse of the song Russell wrote says, “I want to live the life that you intended for me. I look to the One that paid my way. I’ll stand face to face with Him one glorious day.”

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HOMETOWN

BUNDLES OF JOY W e l c o m i n g C o m a n c h e C o u n t y ’ s N e w e s t Re s i d e n t s Photos courtesy of Plan-it ink and Riley Studio

Caroline Ingram Parents: Zach & LeAnn Ingram Photo by Riley Studio

Lennon Woodley Parents: Judson & Kallie Woodley Photo by Riley Studio

Jackson Tucker Parents: Shane & Telisha Tucker Photo by Riley Studio

Annabeth Abbe Parents: Gynnalyn and Kiley Abbe Photo by Plan-it ink

Tytan Fiest Parents: Schazden & Leah Fiest Photo by Riley Studio

Harper Miller Parents: Neil & Amber Miller.

Photo by Plan-it ink

Layla Reign Welch Parents: Tanner Welch & Megan Williams Photo by Plan-it ink

Makynlie Ryon Parents: Joshua Ryon & Meagan Tamporello.

Photo by Plan-it ink

Caroline Bates Parents: Justin & Amber Bates Photo by Plan-it ink

Aubrey Davis Parents: Chase Davis & Breanna Lopez Photo by Plan-it ink

Hometown Happenings Vietnam Memorial “Moving Wall”

On September 25th – 29th, Comanche was honored to house the “Moving Wall”, which is the halfsize replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial that has been touring the country for nearly thirty years. This great and powerful traveling memorial enables those who would not otherwise have the opportunity to go to Washington first hand to still feel its positive power and pay their respects. With a kick off ceremony on the 25th honoring our veterans, families of some of the local men with names on the Wall from Comanche, De Leon and Brownwood were also introduced.

Photos courtesy of Riley Studio

Comanche Chamber of Commerce President Christine Perkins.

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De Leon Native Proves IT’S NEVER TOO LATE to Go Back

by Kim Benestante | photos provided by Paul Pruitt and Cliff Coan

Paul just out of boot camp in 1954.

“This has been a wild trip any way you look at it. When I wrote that letter I thought if they approved it, I would get something in the mail and if I was lucky, it would be suitable for framing. … I didn’t know I was going to have a cap and gown!” – Paul Pruitt

He’s a US Navy veteran, a pioneer in the air traffic control industry, a husband of more than five decades, a father of three, and an expert craftsman whose wares have gifted an American president. But until this year, there was one accomplishment 78-year-old De Leon native Paul Pruitt had not yet achieved: high school graduate.

A self-described storyteller at heart, Pruitt wanted his own life story to be complete. “I regretted not finishing school; there’s times you need a high school diploma,” he expressed; “but you can’t let that hold you down—there’s times you have to go ahead and do what you need to do.”

Pruitt grew up in rural Texas when the United States was involved in its second world war. Working hard to earn money for family was his father Lee’s first priority.

Although labor took precedence over education for Pruitt and his three siblings, working hard became an invaluable lesson he would use throughout his life to open doors despite his lack of attaining an official degree.

Born during the Great Depression in 1936, Pruitt watched his father work diligently as a sharecropper, 64

Comanche County Living

and later as an oilfield hand. “We didn’t have everything the other kids had, but we weren’t hungry either,” Pruitt recalled.

The nature of the economy meant Lee moved the family frequently to find jobs. As a result, Pruitt, and his two brothers and sister fell behind in their studies.

“In school, sometimes we’d sit back a grade,” he said.

He started De Leon High School in 1953, completing his freshman year in 1954—the year he should have graduated had he stayed on track; he was 18. Feeling the vagabond calling to which he’d grown accustomed and already two grades behind, Pruitt decided to drop out of school and follow a friend, Floyd Williams, to the Permian Basin for work. The two found construction jobs in Odessa and began to settle into adult life, which included maintaining current records with the US Selective Service System—the government body that decided what young men would be drafted in the event of war.

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“We went to give a change of address, and they couldn’t find our file,” he recalled about the experience which changed his life. “Then they finally found it, and it was marked ‘September Draft.’” The pair joined the Navy to avoid being drafted into the Army.

Once enlisted, he was given a battery of tests. Upon completion, he learned he’d excelled in all categories. Appointed to radar school, his studies were difficult initially; but he was soon deployed to Japan, where he would take and pass the General Educational Development (GED) test on base. Pruitt officially had completed his education “as far as the Navy was concerned,” he said.

He continued his naval career and was discharged in 1958. Pruitt found himself in the Los Angeles area, where much commerce had stopped due to a labor strike. Reminiscent of the economy his father endured, Pruitt did what Lee would have done: work hard.

He went to work for a janitorial service for a while, and then applied for a position at the Civil Aeronautics Administration, the predecessor to the US Federal Aviation Administration. A week later, he received an offer. Wasting no time, he left L.A. to start his new career as a flight service specialist in Blythe, California, where he met his future wife, Essie Pope. The couple married in 1960 in Las Vegas at the Hitching Post Wedding Chapel ahead of moving to Truth or Consequences, NM for Pruitt’s first assignment with the FAA—and where their three daughters were born: Donna Sue, Joyce Lea and Barbara Jane.

Soon the family was transferred to Dallas, where Pruitt learned and implemented the rules of flight control at Love Field. His job entailed giving 66

Comanche County Living

Essie Pope Pruitt and Paul Pruitt just married in Las Vegas, NV.

Paul Pruitt at about 3-4 years old, taken around 1940.

pilots data that affected their routes, like weather. When the air traffic controllers’ strike hit during the Reagan Administration, Pruitt was a part of the team that “kept the system together” after many coworkers left to picket, he said. He was asked to work for the National Association of Flight Service Specialists’ union in conjunction with the FAA, remaining in Dallas 23 years.

After a combined 42 years of service with the Navy and FAA, Pruitt retired in 1996 after moving his family to San Angelo; later he and Essie moved to Canton, Texas, where he focused full-time on his knife and pen-making skills. Pruitt sent a knife and letter opener he’d crafted to then-President George W. Bush and wife, Laura; “got a real nice letter from them,” Pruitt noted.

By most accounts, Pruitt had lived and accomplished more than many will in a lifetime. But likely it’s that same spirit—and fate—which led him to his latest feat: A few months ago, Pruitt rediscovered his GED scores in a file cabinet, and thought, “I wondered if they would swap that for a diploma.” He decided to find out, penning a letter to De Leon ISD Superintendent Dr. Dana Marable. “I just kind of outlined what I’d been doing since I left school.

I mailed it on a Monday morning and I got a call from her Tuesday morning,” he recalled. “She said, ‘I’ll submit it to the [school] board of directors; I’m going to apply for you an honorary diploma.’ I figured if I was lucky, they’d send me something in the mail and it would be suitable for framing.”

This was the second time Marable had received a letter like Pruitt’s in her career. “The other time was a man who’d left school and gone into the military—he actually had a Ph.D.—so I wasn’t shocked,” she recalled about getting Pruitt’s letter; but still, “We felt like we wanted to do something for him.” She called the high school counselor and asked, “Can you make this happen? Can we get him a cap and gown? Let’s go the whole nine yards.”

Pruitt was contacted by Marable about three weeks later - the De Leon ISD Board of Trustees had voted unanimously to award him with a certificate of completion. “‘Can you come down to graduation?’” Pruitt recalled Marable asking him. “It caught me off guard,” he said with a laugh. “I told my wife, ‘What have I gotten into here? I didn’t know I was going to have a cap and gown!’”

During graduation practice, Marable informed the

Paul and wife Essie Pope around 1959.

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seniors about Pruitt (who wasn’t present), explaining how he would first walk across the stage. “We had intended to do it separately, because it’s a special night for the students,” she recalled, “and then one of the students asked, ‘Well, why is he not going to come in with us?’ We want him to walk with us.’”

Pruitt was delighted when Marable called him with the news. “I said, ‘Whatever y’all want—this is all gravy to me; this is icing on the cake.’” Escorted by another student on graduation night, Pruitt walked across the stage and received his diploma 60 years after he initially would have, had he stayed on course. “They decided they could make more noise than anyone else,” he recalled about the applause and shouts from his family, including Essie and daughters Joyce Pruitt and Barbara Pruitt Dishner; granddaughter Cyndi, and husband Jarett Johnston; brother John, and wife Ona Pruitt; and sister Wanda, and husband John Cornett. And “when I started up on the stage, that class of 2014 just erupted. They jumped up, shouting and waving their arms—the whole crowd followed; it was beyond awesome.”

Some of Paul’s handmade pens.

Pruitt Family – Paul and Essie with children (L to R) Joyce Lea Pruitt, Donna Sue Pruitt, and Barbara Jane Pruitt.

Some of Paul’s handmade knives.

The Pruitt girls Donna, Joyce, and Barbara around 1968.

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Paul and family around 1947 in Hico, TX, where his mother’s family, the Cozbys, held their reunion. Paul is standing in the back. (L) brother John, mom Pauline Cozby Pruitt, dad Lee E. Pruitt holding sister Wanda Jane, (R) brother Troy Gene.

Paul around 1955.

“But I do love telling the story, just in case you didn’t notice.” ~ Paul Pruitt

Pruitt got his diploma and tossed his cap, but “the part that got me, is the class just took me under their wing like they’d known me all their life—and I had never met a one of them,” he said. “It was an unbelievable feeling; I was so appreciative of them because of their acceptance of me.”

De Leon ISD administrators and faculty were equally overwhelmed. “None of us ever dreamed our students would make it perfect, but they just did,” Marable said. “It was a genuine, nice thing to do—something we didn’t ask the kids to do. I can’t tell you how proud I am of the 2014 graduating class.”

Pruitt says the support of his wife helped him with all of his achievements. “She’s been a real life partner to me,” he said. And his biggest lesson in his quest for completing a formal education is essentially elementary, but arguably requires enormous courage. “I found out, ‘If you don’t know something, ask somebody;’ they’re thrilled to death to tell you. So I wrote that letter and asked, and it started the ball rolling and snowballed from there—because of some good people.”

Maybe his joyful and curious attitude has also started the proverbial ball rolling: “I had another man call who is interested in doing it in May—he’s a friend of Paul’s,” Marable said about the next belated graduate.

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Hometown Hometown Happenings Happenings Comanche County Museum Happenings

The Comanche County Museum is a must see for all. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or just passing through, there is much to see and learn. School ďŹ eld trips to the museum are another fun way that the museum is able to share its history, such as with the group pictured below.

Photos courtesy of Comanche County Musuem

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Hometown HIGH Hometown Happenings Please join us in congratulating Comanche County’s seniors and graduates with prayers and well wishes for their future endeavors.

Photos courtesy of Plan-it ink and Riley Studio Photos courtesy of CTCS

Kaycee Colecleasure – Class of 2014 Comanche High School Photo by Riley Studio

Jones Sisters - Classes of 2014 & 2015 Comanche High School Photo by Plan-it ink

Randlee Kunkel – Class of 2014 Comanche High School Photo by Riley Studio

Kaycie Drewes – Class of 2014 Comanche High School Photo by Riley Studio

Trevor Jordan - Class of 2014 De Leon High School Photo by Plan-it ink

Travis Hickman – Class o of 2014 Comanche High School Photo by Riley Studi

Kyli Cotton – Class of 2014 Comanche High School Photo by Riley Studio

Ryder Gore – Class of 2014 Comanche High School Photo by Riley Studio

Shaina Barnes - Class of 2014 De Leon High School Photo by Plan-it ink

Carla Orozco - Class of 2014 De Leon High School Photo by Plan-it ink

Hometown Happenings CNB - Serving Comanche County for 125 years Serving the families in the Comanche area for 125 year, Comanche National Bank has been a community staple since it first opened its doors on March 17, 1890. From their humble beginnings, CNB has continued to grow and thrive, and were one of the few banks in the nation to remain open during and after the Great Depression of the 1930s. Their rich history, caring, professional, service oriented and family atmosphere are just some of the reasons why CNB has grown into the community essential that it is today.

Photos courtesy of CNB

John Dudley, Comanche National Bank director since 1991, with wife, Ginger.

Long standing employees Melinda Edwards, Pam Hurt, and Tonna Clemons welcome guests

Diane Humphrey and Tommy Humphrey, former Comanche resident and football player, visit with Shirley Chilton and husband John, grandson of founding bank director and president, J.B. Chilton.

Kristi Taylor, Elton McDonald, Comanche National Bank director since 1982, Benita McDonald, and Jeff Stewart, President.

Texas Bankers Association’s Brian O’Conner presents a resolution in honor of the bank’s 125th anniversary to directors Jim Dudley, Frazier Clark, David Beene, and Jeff Stewart.

325.356.9377

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

254-485-9070

mackiesteelephotography@hotmail.com

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Comanche Rodeo History

By Shirley Kidd Dukes | Photos by Riley Studio and provided by Linda Rippetoe and Harry Dudley The source for the majority of the information in this story comes from the remembrances of Linda Burton Rippetoe, as well as from her research of past articles from the Comanche Chief. Also contributing to the current day information were Harry Dudley, current Secretary/Treasurer, and John Evridge, President of the Comanche Roping Club.

Recognized as one of the oldest rodeos in Texas, the Comanche Rodeo has a strong past and a dedicated group ensuring their lasting future.

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You can view the lights from miles away, pulling you toward them like a tide. But even if you couldn’t, you would be able to find your way by following the multitude of trucks and trailers winding their way through the countryside with only one thing in mind – saddle up and ride!

Horses of every shape and color can be seen in trailers as diverse as the animals themselves.

Some poke their elegant heads out of elaborate trailers built specifically with the equine in mind. In others, tails blow in the wind as they slip through the bars and slits of their trailers.

Either way, the horses appear as excited and anxious for the show as their riders do; eyes wide, ears perked up and alert, head moving to and fro as they survey the panoramic view from their trailer.

The excitement begins to mount as soon as you see the gates leading to the arena. The parking lot is full of trailers parked haphazardly in the grass. Cowboys, cowgirls, and children decked out in their best pearl snap shirts, Wranglers, boots and cowboy hats race up and down the narrow lanes and between the trailers as they warm up their horses and ponies in preparation for the Grand Entry and the events to follow. Calves bawl, horses neigh, bulls snort, and hooves pound. Yes, there are boots and chaps and cowboy hats, ropes and reins, and spurs and latigo. This is the thing they call “The Comanche Rodeo,” and this is how it all began.

Getting ready for the 1946 Rodeo Parade. Pictured are: Jack Riley, Jack Gore, Linda Rippetoe, Ikey Pipes, Harris Long, and Billye Jo Barnes Pipes.

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The Beginning The year was 1926, and exciting things were coming to Comanche County by way of a young man named Gaston Boykin. This tall, lanky and handsome young cowboy arrived in town with a herd of wild horses he had driven over the rough and open range from Ozona, Texas. In his mind, a plan was developing to break the horses and sell them for profit. But we all know what they say about the best-laid plans. And as the wheels turned in young Gaston Boykin’s head, another plan began to develop, and that original plan soon turned into a much more exciting adventure, especially for the citizens of Comanche.

This year would mark the 70th Anniversary of the organization of Comanche County, and plans had been made for a “70 Year Pageant,” a big agricultural exhibit, plays, and a rodeo and goat roping. On October 6th, 7th, and 8th of 1926, at Comanche County’s “Big Fair,” amidst much fanfare, Gaston Boykin produced Comanche’s first rodeo. Approximately 6,000 people attended that fair and rodeo, and one can only speculate as to where they all came from. The parade alone had around 80 entries, and

Rodeo Clown (Barrel Man) Chase Nolen has been working rodeos and PBR Bullriding as a funny man for about 3 years. He has quickly become one of the most popular in his profession. Living in Hico, TX, Chase also works Friday nights in striped shirt as a football referee. The Clown entertains the crowd while bull riders are preparing to ride and none do it better than Chase Nolen.

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was referred to as a “giant parade.” A big announcement was made stating that a “home men” rodeo and goatroping contest had been arranged for. Some of the cowboys participating in these events were Boykin, Chaille Gray, Perry Holmsley, Ollie Martin, and George Montgomery. Mrs. Linda Burton Rippetoe was pleased to note that, although she doesn’t remember it, at three years of age she too rode in this parade. What an event for this small country town! And what an extraordinary beginning in the history of the Comanche Rodeo!

The following year, the Comanche Chief advertised August 31-September 1 to be “Comanche’s First Annual Roundup.” Frank Hoffman was Rodeo Manager, Bugger Red Jr. was Arena Director, and Fog Horn Clancy, a rodeo producer and one of the youngest members to perform in a Wild West show, was Assistant Arena Director. Mr. Hoffman spoke with the chief of the local Comanche Indian tribe and arranged for a group of them to come to Comanche. Missy Jones, local resident and historian, notes that she had often wondered where they all stayed.

“The paper said they came in on the train,” said Jones.

“Well where did they all stay? Were there hotels to accommodate a crowd of that size? Did they sleep under the stars? What did they do and where did they stay? I just can’t imagine it!” According to the Comanche Chief, the tribe brought their “best riders and bulldoggers” and camped in teepees across from the jail. It was noted that Boykin was one of the participants in the Relay Race.

In 1928, Gaston and his brother Bryan announced a big rodeo coming to the baseball park, with the Comanche County Rodeo Association in charge. “Bring your animals and ride,” they said. “Riders will attempt to ride any horse, mule or steer that’s brought in.” There would be two shows on the first Monday in July, and one on Wednesday July 4th. Along with the best riders from Comanche County, Crockett County sent some of their best riders following their three-day event and rodeo in Ozona, Texas. The show that year boasted Bronc Busting, Goat Roping, Horse Racing, Quick Saddling, and Relay Races.

The Comanche County cowboys continued their goat ropings on Sunday afternoons, and as time passed there was growing interest in having another rodeo. On July 4, 1939 Mrs. Rippetoe wrote in her journal, “To town for

Young Yancy Perkins participates in the 2008 Mutton Busting.

Preparing for the 1983 Rodeo Parade. Pictured with the float are Cameron Dudley, Neil Dudley, Tyler Dudley, Jordan Dudley, Rhonda Dudley and Bryan Dudley.

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the big 4th. I wore my riding suit and rode in the parade and rode Whodiny (Houdini).” And a grand parade it must have been, with bands, floats and sixty-seven saddle horses. The Parade Committee consisted of Oswell Brightman, Rouse Baxter, W. H. Thate, Clyde House, and W. Z. Compton.

There were two performances that year, one at 4:00 PM and one at 8:30 PM. Rodeos at that time could be ranked, or classed, by the cost of admission, and this particular rodeo was considered to be a 75-cent rodeo.

But the rodeo committee was insistent that no one be left out due to the high price for admittance, and lowered the price to 25 cents so that all could go and enjoy the festivities. Contestants signed up on the southwest corner of the square at what was then the Sutton Dudley Drug Store.

Though we don’t have all the details, it seems that this affair was capable of competing with that first rodeo of 1926 with events in Wild Cow Milking, Calf Roping, Goat Roping, Hog Roping, and Bronco Busting. The local talent for the rodeo consisted of: Clint Edgar, Clyde Sibert, S. E. Lacy, Ollie Gandy, Dick Hicks, Walter Hill, Wayne Evridge, E. H. Gray, L. O. Vines, Earl Albin and Ben Millican. For the children they offered a horseriding contest, and for the young men under twenty there was a race called the Cigar Sweepstakes. Entered in the Under 20-Year-Old category were: Dick Hamilton, Leroy Williford, Charles Dudley, D. V. Williford, Tom Evridge, Mary Jo Albin, Frances Holmes, Bill Dudley, Matricia McDaniel and Jack Brightman.

The rodeo stock, as well as the horses owned by the cowboys and cowgirls, were not the only animals present

to entertain the crowds at this rodeo. Special events were provided by Tom Evridge (brother of local rancher Wayne Evridge) of Millersview with his trained horse, and Earl Albin with his trained dog. Albin and his dog caught and held nine hogs out of ten tries. The Comanche Chief reported that the 1939 Rodeo was a financial success with receipts amounting to $579.

1940 was a big year for the Comanche Club. On May 17, 1940, after much planning and hard work on the part of the club, Comanche’s Amateur Ropers’ Club was organized when a group of twenty-five men met at Burton Brothers Warehouse.

On June 29th, the Comanche Amateur Ropers’ Club Charter was issued for fifty years, with twenty-nine Comanche County men purchasing one share each at $25 per share for a total of $725. The Board of Directors were: Ira Clemons, Wayne Evridge, Sutton Dudley, Earl Albin, Joe Evridge, M. E. Gore and W. J Barret. The remaining stockholders were: Eltos Dudley, Pete Love, Jimmie Gore, Hix Bryson, Pete Carnes, Tom Evridge, G. P. Dudley, Walter Hill, Tom Dudley, Sid Burton, J. H Long, A. J. Johnson, J. H Burton, T. J. Williams, C. M. Albin, W. B. Barret, J. H. Pogue, John Burton, J. V. Carter Jr., T. R. Holmsley, C. R. Dudley, and Chaille Gray.

The club then purchased twenty wild Brahma calves to have matched ropings with other clubs. They agreed to charge for the rodeo, but weekly and Sunday afternoon ropings would be free. This year’s rodeo was held on the lighted softball field on July 3rd and 4th with three performances. The club secured plenty of stock for the rodeo and calf branding, and a greased pig catching was added to the events. The rodeo officials announced that

A group of Indians from the Comanche Indian Tribe attended the 1927 rodeo. Here, the Comanche Indians are pictured with local citizens and what appears to be members of The Old Gray Mare Band; the 142nd Infantry Band of the 36th Division of the U. S. Army.

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the success of this First Annual Rodeo and Round Up should assure its establishment as an annual affair.

In preparation for the 1941 rodeo, on June 25th, the Ropers’ Club and many of the town folks turned out for a Booster Trip to advertise the upcoming rodeo on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th as they paraded through neighboring towns. Linda Burton Rippetoe remembers the trip very well. A group of businessmen and women, twenty-eight cowboys and cowgirls, two trucks to carry the horses, and the Comanche Band all made up the traveling brigade.

Gail Dudley and Sutton Dudley were flag bearers. Sol Hoffman, a storeowner, went along to sing “Empty Saddles” and “God Bless America.” Rippetoe remembers, “It is unknown whether this increased ticket sales, but they sure brought people out on the sidewalks when they paraded through the adjoining towns!”

This rodeo was a huge success with near capacity crowds and “ninety contestants battling for top prize money.” (Comanche Chief, Saturday, July 5, 1941) Approximately 200 soldiers from Camp Bowie attended the afternoon performance. Hal Collins and His Crazy Water Gang provided the special entertainment for the evening events. Along with the usual events, a Cow Girl Contest was added, and Ralph Brewer and his trained Mule, Hoover, made a big hit with the crowd. The Ropers’ Club President this year was Wayne Evridge; Secretary, Ira Clemons; directors were Sutton Dudley, Earl Albin, Eltos Dudley, M. E. (Shorty) Gore, and J. H. (Harris) Long. The announcer was J. B. Allcorn.

The 1941 Rodeo marked the beginning of the Comanche Rodeo Queen. Contestants had to be residents of Comanche County between the age of 8 and 88.

Jared Dukes participating in the Saddle Bronc riding. His daughter Pepper and son Rowdy also participated in Mutton Busting.

They would be required to ride in the Queens Parade, and would be judged on their riding ability. There were fourteen contestants this year, with Linda Burton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Burton being chosen by out of town judges as the first Comanche Rodeo Queen.

Her prize was $5 from the Ropers’ Club, and $10 toward a pair of boots from Trujillo Boot Shop.

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With the bombing of Pearl Harbor and America’s entry into World War II, drastic changes were forced upon our great nation. Comanche, Texas was no exception.

The U.S. Army officers led the rodeo parade on July 4, and there was a performance on Friday night and two performances on Saturday. Unfortunately the Ropers’ Club’s plans for the annual rodeo were interrupted by this destructive war, and there would be no rodeos in 1943, 1944, and 1945.

After the War But wars eventually end, and this one was no exception. Our men returned, and life gradually began to return to normal. In 1946, the club reorganized with twenty-six members. M.E. (Shorty) Gore was president, and J.H. (Harris) Long was Secretary. A new fence was constructed around the local ballpark, which included the Comanche Public School Athletic field and the Rodeo Grounds. The Athletic Association paid for the fence around the football field and the Ropers’ Club paid for the fence around the grounds.

The Rodeo of 1946, the first since World War II, was a three-day rodeo, nights only, on August 15th, 16th and 17th, and was sanctioned by the Rodeo Cowboys Association.

The famous Lightning C Ranch of Dublin furnished the stock, and Alec Alexander, the nation’s foremost rodeo clown and bullfighter, was featured at this show. M.E. (Shorty) Gore told the Comanche Chief, “This is to be an action thrill-packed, and real Western Rodeo.” Prize money that year amounted to $1,700 over the three-day event, as well as the three $150 shop-made saddles and other merchandise awards. According to The Comanche Chief, the 1946 Comanche Rodeo was one of the biggest ever.

After the short stint of no rodeos during the war, the Comanche Annual Rodeo continued its course with rodeos each year. The 1947 rodeo was held on August 7th, 8th and 9th, with Belve Bean as President. This year members of the Ropers Club selected Billye Jo Pipes to represent Comanche in the Cowgirl Sponsors Contest at the Texas Cowboy Reunion in Stamford on July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, with expenses paid by the Chamber of Commerce.

The Ropers’ Club had a busy year in 1948. “Indications 82

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are for a bigger and better rodeo than ever before,” said Belve Bean, President of the Club. The August RCAapproved rodeo was held on August 26th, 27th, and 28th, nights only, in the new arena on the Brownwood Highway. Arrangements were made for 5,000 seats, 2,500 permanent and an additional 2,500 leased out of Waco.

The producer was Sprott & Spence Ranch out of Killeen.

Maybe it was curiosity and excitement about the new rodeo arena, maybe it was good advertising, or maybe it was just life finally returning to normal in the United Sates and our little town of Comanche. Whatever the reason, the first night of the rodeo, five of the seven reserved seat sections were filled and an enthusiastic crowd called it “one of the best seen here.” This year Carolyn Bean represented Comanche at the pre-Madison Square Garden Rodeo in Dublin on September 3rd.

Roping Club Directors for 2014 in the newly remodeled arena. Pictured are: Kenneth Harvick, Justin Holland, John Evridge, Grand Marshall Linda Burton Rippetoe, Zane Barnes, Harry Dudley, and Brian Dudley. Not pictured is director Charlie Seider.

Gaston Boykin prepares for the August 7, 1947 Rodeo Parade.

Boykin was the producer of the first rodeo in Comanche.

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Earl Albin on his cutting horse in November of 1942. Albin was a local rancher who helped promote the early rodeos.

In 1991 Comanche celebrated the Golden Anniversary Celebration of the Comanche Amateur Rodeo and Parade. Twenty Five former Rodeo Queens and/or representatives attended and were treated to a reception in their honor. Pictured (Front Row, L to R): Lacy Hall-1991, Melanie McDougal-1986, Misty Salter-1987, Tracy Schoen-1988, Janna Stephens 1989, Jessica Cummings-1990, Andi Hamilton-1991, (Second Row, L to R): Linda Burton Rippetoe-1941, Wayne Evridge-Hill City South Dakota-1941 Ropers’ Club President, Billye Jo Barnes Pipes-1941, Elma Ann Jeanes Kelton-1953, Virginia Aldridge Cason-1955, Deanna Durham Mercer-1959, Sure Gore Arthur-1958, Jean Mims Sibert-1959, Sa Rae Seal Graham-1960, Cassie Wilhelm Hill1961, Vickie Pipes Tiller-1962 & 1967, Sue Albin Majers-1963, Sandy William Steward-1964, Karen Swindle Shelton-1971, (Back Row, L to R): Dee Dee Nowlin Wright-1976, Jill Miller Newman-1977, Carla Hall Carlisle-1978, Rae Anna Gaines DEininger-1980.

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The 1950 rodeo year was interesting! Despite wet ground, 1,500 to 2,000 fans came on opening night, Friday May 26th. After one event, it rained and the crowd scattered. One of the highlights of this rodeo was their special event with businessmen and candidates entered in a bull-riding contest. Wayne (Red) Swindle, candidate for sheriff, won and was presented a pair of cowboy boots for his efforts.

At the end of the Saturday night performance, another rodeo was set for July 3rd and 4th. This show was limited to Comanche County entrants and the stock furnished locally.

1959 found the Ropers’ Club riding in the Grand Entry at the Ft Worth Stock Show. Deanna Durham, Comanche’s Rodeo Sweetheart, and Vicki Pipes, Molly Robertson and Jean Mims were among the mounted group from Comanche. Jean Mims Hicks remembers this trip well. The weather turned to freezing rain and snow; they barely got home, and returned the next day for their horses.

By the mid 1970s, after years and years of use, the arena and the Ropers’ Club were presented with a new dilemma.

The facilities had begun to show quite a bit of wear and tear. In 1974 the club felt the need to repair the pens and decided to put the rodeo off till September of that year.

However, no record can be found of a rodeo in 1974 or 1975, but 1976 found the Comanche Annual Rodeo up and running once more.

Gradually they got back on track, and by 1985, at the th 44 Annual Open Rodeo, attendance was once again up with contests in Bareback Riding, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, Team Roping and Bull Riding. The Comanche Chief that year stated that, “A very popular winner with the crowd was local Roy Sutherland who won the Saddle Bronc riding.”

On July 18th, 19th, and 20th of 1991, Comanche celebrated the Golden Anniversary Celebration of the Comanche Amateur Rodeo and Parade with a series of special events, which included a reception for former Rodeo Queens and other guests. There were twenty-five Rodeo Queens in attendance, and approximately sixty attended the reception. Tumbleweed Smith from The Sound of Texas program was on hand to interview Wayne Evridge, the 1941 President of the Roping Club, and Linda Burton Rippetoe, the first Comanche Rodeo Queen.

The Parade that year was a huge success with over fifty floats, a pet parade, decorated bicycle parade, approximately twenty-five antique cars, six riding clubs, and an exceptionally large group of mounted riders.

Wayne Evridge, president of the club in 1941, came from Hill City, South Dakota to be the Grand Marshall. He and several of the former queens were introduced at the rodeo and rode in the Grand Entry. Nancy and Richard Armstrong furnished the float for the queens who chose not to ride a horse in the parade. In addition, they opened their home on Indian Creek Drive for a reception honoring the visiting queens, the Evridges, Tumbleweed Smith of Sound of Texas, and other rodeo visitors.

The Comanche Chief in 1992 reported that the “Comanche Open Rodeo has been billed by Texas Monthly magazine as the 6th oldest rodeo, along with Amarillo, for the month of July.”

On May 26, 1999, the Comanche Amateur Ropers’ Club filed Articles of Amendment with Secretary of State of Texas to change the name to Comanche Roping Club, Inc. Directors were: Kendal Terry-President, Clay MercerSecretary, Michael Davis, Stan Hicks, Randall Denning, Jim Watson and Gary Wilkerson.

Today Through the years, Comanche County has strongly supported the annual parades and rodeos. However, in 2013 the Comanche Roping Club was considering not having a rodeo due to limited funds, inadequate arena facilities, and the heavy workload on just a few club members. With time running out, a special meeting was called to solicit input and help from the club membership.

New officers and directors were elected, with Jeremy Holland as president and John Evridge as secretary/ treasurer. Directors elected were Harry Dudley, Brian Dudley, Kenneth Harvick, Justin Holland, and Charlie Seider.

The club members decided to try a one-night rodeo on Saturday July 27, 2013 due to money and time limitations.

New members, active members and previously inactive members were enlisted to help with the challenge of quickly putting on the annual rodeo. The dedicated club members managed to pull things together by rodeo time and a huge crowd attended the one night performance on Hometown Living At Its Best

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Bob Brewster and Bob Cummings represent Dudley Brothers in the 1948 Rodeo Parade.

an unusually mild summer night. The 2013 Comanche Open Rodeo was deemed a big success. Subsequently, the Comanche Roping Club’s financial condition improved and plans were made to continue with a one-night rodeo performance the following year.

So when 2014 rolled around, the club held its spring meeting and elected John Evridge as president and Harry Dudley as secretary/treasurer. Directors elected were Zane Barnes, Brian Dudley, Kenneth Harvick, Justin Holland and Charlie Seider. The club chose July 26, 2014 as the date for the annual parade and rodeo.

Club members discussed the urgent need to renovate the arena facilities. The bucking chutes and rough stock pens were in very poor condition and the arena lights were old, undependable and inefficient. The club’s finances were improved due to the successful 2013 rodeo, but funds were still too limited for large renovation projects.

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Everyone agreed that facility improvements had to be made if future rodeos were to be held at the arena.

Roping club member Terry Barnes suggested replacing the old bucking chutes with new portable bucking chutes as a first step in a long-term arena renovation process.

Club members Terry Barnes, Zane Barnes, Kenneth Harvick, and Neil Dudley “took the bull by the horns” and began soliciting sponsorship donations from local businesses and ranches. The Roping Club offered tenyear sponsorships with an upfront payment of $5,000 in hopes of raising $30,000 for the purchase of six new portable bucking chutes. However, local business and ranches responded so overwhelmingly to the request for sponsorships that $85,000 was soon raised for renovation of the arena facilities. Internet savvy club member Danny Armstrong located four “like new” portable bucking chutes with loading alleys for sale at the Wildfire Arena

Linda Rippetoe , Grand Marshall for the 2014 Rodeo Parade.

in Salado, Texas. Club president John Evridge quickly negotiated a deal with Wildfire Arena to purchase their equipment. The club also purchased two new bucking chutes, additional rough stock pens and arena lights and poles.

Now the club members faced the huge tasks of demolition and reconstruction. Workdays were scheduled during May, June, and July, and club members Danny Armstrong, Terry Barnes, Zane Barnes, Greg Beaty, Chris Biggs, Scott Biggs, Steve Clemons, Michael Davis, Brian Dudley, Harry Dudley, Neil Dudley, John Evridge, Kenneth Harvick, Jeremy Holland, Justin Holland, Dale Merworth, Todd Schoen, Charlie Seider, and Clint Seider managed to completely remodel the rough stock end of the arena and erect new lights prior to the rodeo. On rodeo night, the newly renovated arena was decorated with rodeo style bunting, flags, and banners, making

the arena grounds reminiscent of the earlier day rodeos.

Gate proceeds that night indicated approximately 1,200 fans attended the 2014 Comanche Open Rodeo on a hot summer night. The rodeo books recorded 165 contestants competed for $7,000 in prize money, with the Comanche Roping Club making a $6,200 profit from the one night performance.

The roping club members received lots of positive comments from contestants, fans and sponsors about the new arena improvements. The club plans to remodel the roping pens, paint the bleachers, and insulate the concession stand prior to the 2015 rodeo.

Whatever the outcome, rest assured that the Comanche Roping club is going strong and you can plan to see a lot more in the future!

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Hometown Happenings Veterans Day Celebration

On November 11, 2014 the community gathered at Comanche High School to honor those men and women who have served our country during their 15th Annual Veterans Day Celebration. The celebration featured several very moving speeches and testimonies as well as special student and faculty vocal and musical performances.

Photos courtesy of Jim Wilkerson, Editor of The Comanche Chief

A group of Comanche County locals received a rare opportunity to fly in the historic B-25 Bomber “The Devil Dog” from World War II. This plane was one of the 16 used in the famous raid led by Lt. Col Jimmy DooLittle to bomb Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Pictured are (back row, L to R), Marvin McKinnon, Mx Harlick, Gary Easley, Seth Jones, Becky Jones, Steve Jones, DAvid Twyford, George Bingham, (front row) Chief Pilot Beth Jenkins (center), and two of her crew members.

Band Director Kim Reedy’s Guitar Class along with a key board and drums provided patriotic music throughout the Veterans Day Celebration. Members of the band are Annette Calderon, Clarrissa Cole, Taylor Boyd, Aly Estrada, Sydnee, Schwartz, Colton Jones, and Band Director Kim Reedy.

Each year for several years Mayor Ronnie Clifton has honored our veterans At CHS.

U.S. Veteran John Webb, escorted by Juan Noguez, waved to the crowd of the students at the Veterans Day Program.

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Hometown Happenings 8th Annual Gospel Music Jamboree The 8th Annual Gospel Music Jamboree was held April 26, 2014 at the Comanche City Park.

The event included live music, craft vendors and Taco Bill Bar-B-Que. A huge thanks goes to all that attended and made this uplifting event possible. Make plans now to attend the 2015 event on April 25th from 12-8 PM at the Comanche City Park.

Photos courtesy of Linda Bingham

Ricky Russ and The 180 Band

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Comanche Gospel Music Jamboree

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Hometown Heritage

Two or More Coffee House

Photos courtesy of Riley Studio

Don and Peggy Mitchell, owners of Two or More.

Don and Peggy Mitchell opened Two or More Coffee House in June of 2012. The Lord had given Don the desire to have a coffee shop in De Leon after he and Peggy retired and moved back to De Leon where they had both grown up and graduated from high school.

The building downtown, where the coffee house is located, was originally built in the early 1900s and became available in January of 2012 when Don and Peggy purchased the property. Peggy discovered from courthouse records that her dad, Coy Otwell, had owned this building from 1945 to 1950. He had owned and operated Coy’s Café for a time at this location.

After purchasing the building, which was basically the shell of its former self, with extensive roof, flooring and structural damage, the Mitchells along with their daughter Kelly, began to plan the restoration of this great vintage building. Through extensive renovation by local contractors, the roof was fixed, the flooring was restored and then refinished, and the kitchen and restrooms were added. The flooring, windows, doors, and plaster walls are all original.

The ceiling has been lined with metal recycled from the old De Leon Airport hanger.

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Their idea of a welcoming country porch has made a great place for the Coffee House regulars, Rush Creek, a local gospel/bluegrass group, and several other groups and individuals to entertain.

The name “Two or More” was suggested by a friend and comes from the scripture in Matthew 18:20, “Where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I with them,” and it truly has become a gathering place for people to come together, be encouraged and have fellowship.

Don said, “I had hoped at the opening that everyone who walked through these doors would be blessed. Peggy and I and our family have loved creating this special place, but most of all we have come to completely enjoy seeing someone see an old picture that brings back a flood of joyful memories, or have someone come in and see a person they haven’t seen in years, or see a lonesome soul come through the door who just needs a friendly face and a good meal.

Those first hopes and dreams have been met and then some. We hope it will always be a place with great food, warm atmosphere, friendly faces and a blessing waiting to happen. Many customers have commented that it is just a ‘feel good’ place to be.”

Jacalyn Adams, Manager and staff, Christina Vasquez, Kristy Locke, Janie Fraley, Liz Hetrick, Brenda Berry, (not pictured-Glenda Hargrove and Elisa Moreno).

A fun place for the ladies to meet for lunch and play bridge each week.

Interior picture of this building in the late 40s when it was Coy’s Café, owned by Peggy’s dad, Coy Otwell

De Leon Lions Club meeting in this building in 1949 when it was known as Black’s Café.

Rush Creek – Gospel and Blue Grass Group entertain customers. John Paul Loyless, Carl Straube, Lanny Butler, Neal Butler and Wayne Sorrells are regulars on Tuesdays at Two or More.

HOMETOWN SCENES

Photo by Curtis Stahnke

Photo by Plan-it ink

Photo by Plan-it ink

breathe, trust, let go -Mandy Hale

Photo by Curtis Stahnke

Photo by Curtis Stahnke

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journey, -Ben Sweetland

Photo by Plan-it ink

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Bayer Motor Company.................................. 17

Gayle’s Automotive, Inc...............................89

Central Texas Farm Credit, ACA...............89

Golden Oaks Milling Co............................... 75

Clark Tractor & Supply............................ 9, 63

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

Comanche Chamber of Commerce....................Inside Back Cover

HairWorks....................................... Back Cover

Comanche Chamber of Commerce & Ag................................. 16, 50

Holland Country Store.................................89 Mackie Steele Photography....................... 75

Comanche County Historical Museum...63

Melody Oaks Ranch....................................... 51

Comanche County Living...........................38

Nowlin Anders Funeral Home.................... 71

Comanche Electric Cooperative Association.................................1

Plan-it ink........................................................... 18

Comanche Florist........................................... 75 Comanche Funeral Home............................41 Comanche Livestock Exchange................ 51 Comanche National Bank......................... 2-3 Comanche Tire & Equipment..................... 53 Comanche Trail BBQ......................................91 Cross Timbers Health Clinics, Inc............. 53

Prime Country Real Estate......................... 27 Richeson Dairy Queen..................................39 Riley Studio, Fine Art Photography....7, 42 RWR Collision Center.................................... 71 Saladino & Robinson, LLC...........................89 Star Arms..........................................................26 Stockman’s Seed & Fertilizer, Inc..............19 Stockman’s Western Wear..........................19

De Leon Chamber of Commerce............................................. 30-31

SureGrow Ag Products.................................91

De Leon Industrial

Totelcom Communications, LLC...............91

Development Corp.................................. 30-31

United Country Real Estate...........................5

Dr. Raymond W. Stepp, Optometrist.......91

Wonderful Things...........................................43

Please thank these advertisers for making this publication possible!

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