Quarterly e-Mail January 20, 2009

THS/WCHS Clssses of 1965 Jan 2009 e-mailTuesday, January 20, 2009 2:52 PM
From: "WCHS/THS Classes of 1965"

Hi

I have a story to tell.
One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.' I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him.. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.' They really should get lives. He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!' There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!' He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..

When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship.. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.

Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!' He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one)and smiled. 'Thanks,' he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends... I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.' I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable..' I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions..

With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse.

------------------- Going Out of Business Sale ---------------

Note: The Classes of 65 enjoyed the first four Pow Wow's which were in a large part paid for out of the pocket of Ron McMillian. So, I have no qualms about a little pay back via the following: Barb McMillian's, Going Out of Business Sale Monday January 19th �thru Sat. January 24--9 am to 4 pm each day. After 51 years Home Interiors & Gifts is no longer in business. I will be selling all inventory on hand ( 24 years of service creates quite an accumulation). Sale located at The Home Interiors Building 306 Old Highway 7, Garden City Mo 64747, phone 816-773-8430.

----------- Does Chrisman or Truman want what East got? -----

Robie Mathews Chrisman Reunion Coordinator has inquired if we want a night like East High School is having at the Class Reunion Lounge in Blue Springs. East's info:
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH, 2009, 7 to 11 pm, NO COVER CHARGE
Mark your calendar for Thursday, February 5th. The Class Reunion Lounge, located at 1200 North 7 Highway in Blue Springs is hosting a SPECIAL NIGHT just for East High Alumni, former students, their friends, relatives (Over 21 only), neighbors, and anyone else you care to bring along. Round up your "Old Gang", and head out to Blue Springs (One block north of I-70 at exit 20) to The Class Reunion. The Class Reunion has been one of Kansas City's favorite night spots since 1985. This night we will be featuring all your old dance favorites from the 50's,60's, 70's, and 80's. The DJ will be taking special requests, so don't be bashful about asking for "YOUR" all time favorite song. Feel free to share this E Mail with any other East grads you are in contact with. "The more the merrier". I couldn't end without saying: "BE THERE OR BE SQUARE"

If you like the idea for Truman - let Jeannie Sympson Hall know (816) 836-2786. If you like the idea for Chrisman - let Marilyn Lewis Holsworth know at (816) 796-8995.

------------------------------ Vicki Digby -----------------------

Vicki Digby is the cover girl on the Examiner's "Jackie Women & Family Magazine" for January 2009. Two full pages of articles on how Vicki went from the little shop west of the Englewood Shopping District to a Nationally Recognized success.

---------------- Truman v. Chrisman Basketball Game ---------

Chrisman-Truman basketball game, Downtown at Municipal Auditorium 12/20, was attended by several classmates. Truman won in the last two minutes. Dinner was nice. And the company exquisite!!!

-------------- About the Classes of 65 Car Guys ----------------

You have to admit that in 2008, the committee tried to find something our car guys would enjoy and join us in as a class. Well, as you know, the car racing was rained out. So, we asked our stud muffin' Terry Whittle just what it would take to get the car guys to join the class in an event. Terry responded only as Terry would, "Free Sex." The moral to this story is don't ask unless you have an answer. So, it is now our plan to rat out the boy by letting his wife know what gets him to come to our parties. Then, just to call the big man's bluff - we plan to invite Carol to an event so that Terry can get his wish!

-------------------- Mike Kassen's MOM ---------------------

Marthabel (Marty) Wilson Kassen, 93, of Independence, died Sunday December 14, 2008, at Independence Manor after an 11 year battle with Alzheimer�s.

Born Feb. 22, 1915 in Grant City, MO, she had lived in Independence since 1941. Marty was the youngest in a family with 6 brothers, playing sports, piano in the local theater for silent movies, and helping her mother run a boarding house. She graduated from Grant City H.S. and later K.C. Business College. When her husband, Francis, went to war in 1942, Marty worked for the U.S. Signal Corps on Indep. Ave. in KC and later was one of the first employees of the Lake City Ammunition Plant, doing secretarial work in the first building there � a farm house. She finished her career as Executive Secretary to the Mid-Continent Council of Girl Scouts.

Marty was also active as a Cub Scout leader, PTA volunteer and president, Sunday school piano player, and member of the First Christian Church of Indep. She loved tennis, games of all kinds, trips to the lake with friends, and visiting family from Missouri to Wyoming.

Marty was preceded in death in 1999 by Francis (or as she called him � �Kassen�), her husband of 59 years.

Survivors include son Mike (Kay), grandchildren Wes (Sarah) with two great-granddaughters, Bret (Staci), Carly Martz (Jim), -and son Randy (Sharon), grandson Ryan, grandsons Todd and Greg McQuade with three great-granddaughters.

A memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, December 21 at First Christian Church of Independence, with a private family inurnment following at Oakridge Memorial Gardens. Marty requested, in lieu of flowers, donations to Memorial Fund, First Christian Church of Independence, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of Speaks Funeral Chapel.

Online condolences: http://www.speakschapel.com/runtime.php?SiteId=3175&NavigatorId=55385&Keywords=kassen

------------------ Dennis Heimsoth's Mom -----------------------

Mary J. Heimsoth

Mary Heimsoth passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2008, at the age of 80 years. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2009, at the D.W. Newcomer's Sons Noland Road Chapel. Funeral services are on Saturday, January 3, at 10 a.m. at Noland Road. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Published in the Kansas City Star on 1/1/2009

-------------------- Mike Gordon's Father --------------------

William E. "Bill" Gordon, 88, of Independence, MO, passed away Friday, December 19, 2008, at the Missouri Veteran's Home in Cameron, MO. Memorial Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Pleasant, Independence, MO 64050. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. Cremation with private inurnment in Floral Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund at the church. Bill was born on June 7, 1920, in Kansas City, MO to Fred and Pauline (Shepherd) Gordon; his father died when Bill was 3 years old. He worked for 35 years for Standard Oil at the Sugar Creek refinery. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy for five years during WW II and was a member of the USS William Bittle reunion group. Mr. Gordon attended William Chrisman High School. Bill was united in marriage to Betty Lou Wills on January 17, 1945. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Independence, MO for 80 years. Bill was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge and was a 50 plus year Master Mason. He was in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and active in his sons' scouting careers, proud of the fact they both earned their Eagle Scout rank. Bill served on the committee of Troop 203 and was a Unit Commissioner in the district. Mr. Gordon was an honorary warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Gordon of the home; son and daughter-in-law Michael Fred and Mary Kathleen Gordon of Smithville, MO; daughter-in-law Cheryl Lynn Gordon-Farmer of Crescent Springs, KY; five grandchildren Douglas Stuart Gordon (Megan) of Boonville, MO, John Robert Gordon (Margaret) of Houston, TX, Christina Nicole Tuemler (Kevin) of Independence, KY, Elizabeth Anne Kays (Brandon) of Kansas City, MO, and Joseph Raymond Gordon of Crescent Springs, KY; sister-in-law and husband Dr. Wallace Laird and Linda Kay Mealiea of Gainesville, FL; and three unborn great-grandchildren yet to be named. Bill was preceded in death by ! his son John Raymond Gordon in 1984.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com. (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel) Published in the Kansas City Star on 12/26/2008

------------------------------ Lynn Toms' Dad ---------

Howard Matlock Toms, 85, of rural Independence, died at home on December 27, 2008. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Cedric D. and Annabelle Matlock Toms. He retired from Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in 1985. He married Marian L. Van Tuyl in 1946; they were the parents of seven children. Marian Toms died in 1986. Howard married Velma Curtis in 1993; she died in 1998. He enjoyed travel, reading, music, and helping family and friends in any way he could. Howard is survived by a host of friends and family, including dear friend and traveling companion, Norma Storms; sons Lynn Toms, Gary Toms, and Kevin Toms; daughters Laura King, Sharon Toms, Lucie Singh, and Diane Toms; grandsons Roger Toms, Ron Toms, Paul Toms, Cedric Chowdhury, Ryan King, and granddaughter, Simaran Singh, six great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren; also five stepchildren and their families. Also surviving are brothers, Merrill, Warren, Dale, John and Kyle Toms; sister, Clyda Lange; sisters-in-law, Verna Toms and Sally Toms; and twelve nieces and nephews and their families. Two brothers, Gerald and Ronald Toms, preceded him in death. Services will be held at New Salem Funeral Home in Independence on Friday, January 2. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m., with the funeral service following at 3 p.m. Burial will be private, in Old Salem Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Crossroads Hospice, 9237 Ward Pkwy., Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64114.

---------------- Janis Butcher Nelson's Mom -----------

Esther Bernice Butcher, 84, of Lee's Summit, Mo., went to be with her Lord on December 28, 2008. Memorial Services for family and friends will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Burial immediately following at Mound Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held directly prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Esther was born on April 21, 1924, in Independence, Mo., to Ivan and Helen Kramer. On Feb. 21, 1942, she married her high school sweetheart, Alvin Butcher. Esther enjoyed her job as a timekeeper at Remington Arms in Independence. Esther was a member of the East 39th Street Community of Christ Church and enjoyed serving as a Women's Leader for several years. Her strong faith in God was evident during her lifetime in her kind deeds and gentle spirit. Esther was always loving, happy and full of laughter. She was open to new experiences and adventures. She loved traveling with family and friends. She especially loved the beach and mountains, and had a special fondness for Catalina Island, Calif. Esther enjoyed reading, music, cooking, and art. She was an active volunteer with literacy groups in the KC area. She was a beautiful and polished woman - both inside and out. Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Mark Butcher; granddaughter, Holly K. Butcher; two brothers, Ivan Kramer and Robert Kramer; and her sister, LaVon McKean. Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Alvin; daughter, Janis K. Nelson of Lee's Summit; granddaughters, Marci and her husband Benoit Foucault of Morocco; and Kim and her husband Parker Hall of Fla.; and five beautiful great grandchildren, Marc, Paul, Julian, Gracie and Brody. Esther was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. We will carry her in our hearts forever. The family would like to give special thanks to Good Shepherd Hospice and The Villages at Jackson Creek. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Literacy Kansas City, 211 West Armour Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Kansas City, MO 64111, or online at ww! w.literacykc.org.

Fond memories and condolences can be left at www.speakschapel.com. Arr.: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600.

------------------------- One year to go --------------------

Well, by this time next year the committee will have the 45th reunion almost ready to go. You can do your part to keep costs down by encouraging other classmates to get on our e-mail list so we can exchange information for almost nothing as opposed to a 42 cent stamp and printing costs. Just send them to our website - www.WilliamChrismanHighSchool.com click on the Class of 65 icon and then click on the e-mail signup button. Pretty simple for even old folk!

That's all for this quarter,
Cecil

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