55th Reunion in 2020?

Could there be a 55th Reunion for Decatur, Illinois' Douglas MacArthur High School Class of 1965?

I have been approached about the Class of '65 being involved in a combined 1960s class reunion in 2020! Please take a minute and respond to let me know if you would, or would not, be interested and would try to come! There have not been any plans made at this time.....just trying to find out if there is any interest in doing this! 

Thank you,
Millie McCaddon Smith
Mac Class of 1965

Please leave a comment below or on the Class of 1965 Facebook page.

Paul Cutlip, Mac '65, Dies

Sadly, the MacArthur High School Class of 1965 for Decatur, Illinois, has lost another one of our own.

Involved, popular classmate Paul Cutlip has passed away.

Here is Paul in the Senior Class Play, and below pictured in the Senior Yearbook.

The following message has been forwarded from Paul's wife:

It is with a very sad heart that I tell you that Paul lost his battle with cancer on April 9th [2013]. I came across a book with lovely cards from you all when Paul was unable to make the 2011 reunion. It is apparent you all thought much of my husband. Paul was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer back in November 2010 and put up a brave fight for well over 2 years. During that time he discovered that he was quite talented at painting and took up a brush ~ creating many wonderful paintings for friends and family. Thank you again, for taking the time back in 2011, to let Paul know you missed his presence at the reunion and to reminisce with him over your past connections.
Regards,
Barb Cutlip and Family

As the compiler of the 2011 MacArthur HS Reunion Book, Paul sent the following to me to share with his classmates. I reproduce it here (along with his most recent Facebook profile photo), as a fitting tribute and celebration of a great life lived by Paul.

Pacific, MO ~ "Went to Illinois Wesleyan University where I got my BFA in Theater/Drama. I appeared in several plays and musicals and worked in summer stock for three years. In addition, I was shop foreman for three years plus Summer Stock, in charge of building all the sets as well as teaching the students which end of hammer hit the nail. I had planned on a theater career, being the next great song and dance man on Broadway, but blew out my voice singing in a college band.
"Got a job with Florsheim Shoe Company my senior year and started work there one week after graduation in the store design department. Spent 30 years there, ending my career as General Manager of Store Design and Construction. Over the years, I designed stores in every state, Canada, South and Central America, Australia, England, Italy, the Middle East and India. I had my own company from 1976-1981 in the middle of that 30 years, designing everything from doctors' offices to fur salons, advertising to corporate graphics, while continuing to do design work for Florsheim. My job at Florsheim was eliminated just prior to Florsheim going bankrupt in 2000 and I did consulting work for the next two years.
"I went to work for Famous Footwear, then located in Madison, WI, as Director of Store Design in 2002. The highlight, or low light, depending on your point of view, was being in Dubais on Business for Famous and scheduled to fly home the weekend of the terrorist arrests in London that shut down the airports. I was stranded in Dubais for an extra 24 hours and eventually flew home through Gatwick, working my way through customs six times and the hundreds of armed military covering every corridor of the airport. Seventy-two hours later I finally arrived back in Madison by way of Paris, London, Cleveland and Detroit. By the way, if you ever get a chance to go to Dubais, GO!; it is the most exciting place I have ever been (if you don't mind daytime temps in the 110s and higher).
"Famous offices in Madison were closed and relocated to Clayton, Mo in 2008. With the crash of the economy and the decision to not build anymore stores until it turned around, my position was once again eliminated and I was given the choice of looking for another job in a bad economy at my 'advanced age' or taking early retirement. I chose the latter.
"In the two years since, I have suffered a herniated disc and discovered I have stage four colon cancer which spread to my liver. I have been undergoing chemo for six months and will continue for the foreseeable future, which is why I will not/did not make the reunion. So far I am handling it well; to look at me you wouldn't know I was ill.

"For the last year I have taken up painting (pictures, not houses); something I have wanted to do since I was at Mac, and have found I'm actually pretty good at it. I have sold a few pieces and have several commissions I'm working on. I have also been doing wood carving and small furniture pieces for friends for the past several years so I keep as busy as my strength allows.
"I have been very happily married since 1977 to my wife Barbara, whom I met on a blind date in Sheboygan, WI; have two children, a daughter (27), who went to Wesleyan for two years and then transferred to and graduated Suma Cum Laude from UW Whitewater, who is now living with us until she finds her own place, having just moved here from Wisconsin, and a son (21), who will be starting his Senior year at UW Stevens Point, majoring in psychology."

First car: "My first car was a 1950 Chrysler Imperial straight eight, which I only had for a few weeks before totaling it in a head-on collision with a semi on the highway on the way to work at Larkdale swim club the summer before my senior year. (I was a lifeguard that summer, hence the very dark skin and almost no hair in my senior picture.) The car was built like a tank; allowing for my survival to write this; I walked away without a bruise."

It looks like Heaven just got a painter with a sense of humor who can also help design everything from lobbies and offices to showrooms and salons. We'll all miss you Paul.

Pick Up Your Mac 65 Book Today!

The front, sample inside page, and back of the 100 page long Reunion and Directory Book.

Clarification Note:  You do not have to be a Mac 65 graduate to obtain this book. If you were unable to attend the reunion but wish to have this book, see near the end of this blog for instructions on getting a copy via the mail. We are trying to make ends meet, so help out by buying a copy at a reasonable rate. Thank you.

The Commencement Program for the Graduation Class of 1965 for MacArthur High School listed 360 people. What happened to all of these individuals?  Where did they go to school or end up working? Where do your high school friends live today? What have they been doing? How many are married to each other? Who has passed away and how? Now you can have the answers to all those questions and more.

The newly published reunion book was given out to those who are registered for the Mac 65 reunion (June 24-25, 2011, Decatur, Illinois). The publication contains the most comprehensive collection of biographical sketches ever assembled for the MacArthur High School graduates of 1965.

The effort to collect any kind of bio info on every class member has been so extensive, with such superb cooperation from a majority of the Class, the book is a massive tome. The information is presented in a perfect bound paperbound book, 8.5" by 11" in size, totaling 100 pages of text in Times News Roman 10 pt font. The biographies section alone is 23,000 words. Yes, it may require reading glasses for most, but the amount of information is so great, and the desire to keep the book affordable, small print was the solution. 

A variety of MacArthur classmate historical data is revealed. Which high school sweethearts are still together? What others have re-discovered each other years later and are happily with each other today? 

The book tells of the "first cars" of 120 members of the Class of 1965, who shared the type of the vehicle they initially owned. One person even told the name she gave her first car.  The "first car" passages contain an intriguing gathering of humorous memories of those vintage autos.

Finally, when this project began, who could have known that the stories of those who have died would be so compelling. Sometimes this was because of the identity of those who had passed away and the shock of a youthful age for a few deaths. Other times, it was because of how the person had died.

Among the Class of 1965, out of 360 graduates, it is known that 40 of our classmates have died.  Of these folks, the following are their causes of death, as recorded to date and detailed for each person within their bio entry in this new book:

Acute asthma attack (1)

Auto wreck, hit by a lumber truck (1)

Brain cancer (2)

Colon cancer (1)

Drowning accident (2)

Explosive device, Vietnam (1)

Gastric bypass surgery (1)

Head injuries, after a fall (1)

Heart disease (2)

Hunting accident (1)

Liver cancer

Lung cancer (2)

Motorcycle wreck, hit by a semi-truck (1)

Murder (2)

Pancreatic cancer (1)

Ruptured spleen (due to a fall) (1)

Traffic accident (1)

Unknown/age-related? (18)

The Table of Contents for this book is, as follows:

Title page (a page)

Introduction (a page)

Biographical Sketches (48 pages)

Contact Directory (10 pages)

Senior Pages 1965 (40 pages)

Were you unable to attend the reunion but want a copy of the book?  Pick up one for yourself or a relative of a graduate. Order it today, by using PayPal [ to LorenColeman@maine.rr.com ] or sending a check to Loren Coleman, PO Box 360, Portland, ME 04112.  The cost is $17.00, for the book, handling, and priority mailing.

In the meantime, send along new info for the constantly updated database of bios and obits for the MacArthur HS Class of 1965.

Reunion: Couples and More

Shelia Blankenship and Jim Roppa

Millie McCaddon and Keith Rogers

Hank Billingsley and Sandy Bralley

Rick Livesay and George Slater

Margy High and a red Corvette

Upfront is Lynn Calhoun. In back are Del McCoy, Pat Ryan, Jeff Messmore, Mike Davis, and Al Cowgill

Reunion: Car Cruise

Here are some random images from the June 24th car cruise event at the Reunion of the Class of 1965.  More pictures will be posted in the coming days.

The surprise guest of the evening: Donna Camp was able to schedule a command performance appearance by the newly rediscovered and fixed Elam's Silverfross Root Beer sign. Donna adds: "We have Dan Brintlinger to thank for finding the sign and Steve Trebacz for buying it and restoring it."

Beautiful vintage cars abounded. And a couple new retro ones too.

Crowds of alumni gathered like cicadas outside...chattering away.

Talking and telling tales from high school.

Rick Livesay, Reunion Chair, was still hard at work during the car cruise.

Meanwhile, inside, late into the evening, more Mac folks visited with each other.

As the night stretched long beyond our bedtimes, the glow of the Elam's sign merged with the mumblings of MacArthur men and women, as the nighthawks flying above could be heard overhead. It was a perfect night in the Midwest.

Stephen Day

Stephen Day was involved with golf, class representation, and one of the Big Mac Days, during his high school years. Stephen made it through MacArthur, like a lot of us, being involved, but not too involved. After all, for many of us, getting through high school was a chore on the way to the ultimate goal, which was graduating, to be followed by going to college or getting a job and growing up.

The glory years waited for most of us after Mac. Stephen writes me that he thinks his life is boring, but I disagree. Stephen's post-Mac years are rather reflective of the high points that many of us achieved that hardly feel like big deals to us, but viewed from the outside, are good mountains to have climbed.

Indeed, having had a peek at Stephen's beautiful family, he has much to be proud of, but let me get on with his overview of what he's been up to since 1965.



"I graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1971 with a degree in Pharmacy. Worked at St. Mary's hospital in Decatur for a few years. We moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, where I worked for a pharmaceutical company. In 1983, we moved to Mesa, Arizona. I took a position as Director of Pharmacy for a small hospital. Over the years, the organization grew and merged with another hospital group. Today I'm in the same position as the Director of Pharmacy for Banner Baywood Medical Center, Banner Heart Hospital, and Banner Ironwood Medical Center (opening in November). Wow, my whole life in one paragraph."

I can also add that Stephen is married to Fran LeBel Day, and they have three grown children, Krysten, Bradley, and Jaclyn.

In answer to my question about his first car, Stephen shared the following and sent a photo of what it looked like. You have to imagine the color.



"My first car was a 1960 4-door pea green Valiant 3 speed. I went to my dad one day and told him I needed a car for work, to get to school, and there was no way he was driving me on another date (due to the bad experience my date and I had when I reluctantly agreed to let him drive on a previous occasion). All the other guys had cars and I needed one too. He said, 'OK son, I'll pay half,' (then a long pause as he knew I was getting my hopes up)...then he continued, 'up to $150.'

"So I ended up with this ugly faded pea green thing. One very humid day that summer, while working downtown at Osco Drug, someone egged the car (inside). After that it smelled on the inside like it looked on the outside. To this day I blame that damned car for my lack of luck with the Class of '65 ladies! Obviously I still have fond memories of that car and the good times (and memories) that accompanied it."


This 1960 4-door Valiant is shown in "Twilight Blue," not the "pea green" of the vehicle owned by Stephen.

One final note: After my recent posting about Lynn Calhoun, I got an email from Stephen. He wrote, in part, that, "Lynn is my first cousin and he has had it pretty bad in the intervening years since high school. All of what you've written is true....Viet Nam probably triggered the downward spiral....Thanks to you and those who contributed to the piece."

++++

So what have you been up to in the last, well, 45 years?

Can you help us find our missing classmates?

Add your Mac '65 brief biography to the virtual and real reunion project and see your polished and edited notes published at this blog. To contact Loren Coleman or others on the Mac '65 reunion committee, please use this safe contact form here.

Thank you.

Reunion is set for June 24-25, 2011 !, Decatur, Illinois.

Who Has Died?

No, I'm not selling anything. Indeed, out of frustration on my part with the various high school "classmate" locations that require fees to make connections with past high school alumni, I've decided to create this free site to facilitate information exchanges and research.

Here is the first task: Find everyone. Several members of the Class of 1965, MacArthur High School, Decatur, are missing.

I am assisting the efforts to locate folks, and compile data on all members of the class, in conjunction with the Class of 1965 Reunion Committee (see names, at bottom). A reunion of the classes of 1965, 1966, and 1967, is now being planned for Decatur, to be held over the weekend of June 24th and 25th, 2011.

Even for those who cannot attend, the interest in info being found is high. It can be made available online, for all. I thought, why not start now, for this will help build on what we know.

One item that Millie McCaddon and others have already started developing was a very bare bones list of those from Mac '65 who reportedly had died. Using Millie's initial simple list, I am sharing it below, with new enhancements and edits to reflect the full names of these individuals from the 1965 Yearbook and new added information. Keith Rogers, Donna Camp, Gary Blackburn, Greg Dent, Pat Ryan, Stephen Day, Sandy Rentfro and Mike Braughton have gotten in touch and assisted with further data. Thank you all.

If you have dates, causes, and locations of death, please pass this information along. I will continuously be updating the list and writing brief bios/obits on each of these classmates. This list and page will be revised often, with your assistance. (Remember to leave your own email address, or the noted address will show up as mine and I cannot reply to or thank you for your emailed info.)

Therefore, here is the list of over 25 individuals who are known to have passed away from the Class of 1965, MacArthur High School. Married names of the women and nicknames, when they are known, will be placed in brackets. Any info on these individuals' causes of deaths, even minimal, will be noted.

Mac '65: Who Has Died?

Daniel ["Danny"] Bouchez - Killed in Vietnam. Danny is listed on The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D. C., among the list of 58,195 names.
Here is more information:
DANNY PHILLIP BOUCHEZ
PFC - E2 - Marine Corps - Regular
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Jan 2, 1968
Casualty was on Mar 24, 1968
In Quang Nam, South Vietnam
Hostile, ground casualty
Other explosive device
Body was recovered
Panel 46E - Line 3.
(Danny started out with the Class of 1965, and graduated with the Class of 1966.)

Pat Charles Bilyeu. Word has been received that she passed away 12 - 14 yrs ago from liver cancer.

Fred Boyer. Fred Schaefer Boyer III, 62, of Decatur died Saturday May 30, 2009 in Lincoln Manor Nursing Home. Fred was born on May 17, 1947 in Decatur the son of Fred Schaeffer and Virginia (Boland) Boyer, Jr. He attended grade school at St. Patrick Grade School, graduated from Mac Arthur High School, and attended SIU Carbondale. He formed the Rock Bands the Fugitives and the Mystics. Fred left behind his wife, Hilda Boyer, children, Nichole Pantano and Robin Boyer; grandchildren Fiona Pantano and Giacomo Pantano; sisters, Anne Ruble (Robert) of Lawrenceburg, KY; Mary Jo Hammer (Bill) of Cerro Gordo; Dorothy Jenkins of Decatur; Kay Shaw (Brian) of Decatur; and Sharon Gantt (Curt) of Montgomery, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Justin Boyer.

John Edward ["Bob"] Burchard. John Edward Burchard, 54, of Decatur died 4:49 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 19, 2002) in Decatur Memorial Hospital. John Burchard was born Feb. 5, 1947, in Decatur, the son of William E. and Doris Strickland Burchard. He was a shift supervisor at A.E. Staley Mfg. Co. for 25 years. He was a member of Central Baptist Church. He married Debra Morgan Nov. 4, 1972, in Forsyth. Surviving are his wife; sons, John Erik Burchard and wife Jenny of Knoxville, Tenn.; Andrew Edward Burchard and fiancee Kim Bland of Decatur; grandchildren, Samuel, Sarah, Grace and Hannah, all of Knoxville.

Judith E. Burke [Wilson]

Thomas Chambers

Joan Elaine Clapp

Timothy Cleary

Michael Graham Cottle. Michael Graham Cottle, a loving and devoted father, son, brother and friend, died Monday (November 2, 2009) in his home in Decatur. He was 62. The son of Gene F. and Gloria J. (Graham) Cottle, Mike was born March 21, 1947 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. He graduated from MacArthur High School in 1965 and from Yale University in 1970. He was an avid gardener who volunteered for many years with the Macon County Master Gardeners. His passion for horticulture and attention to detail are evident in gardens throughout the city, including the gardens at the Decatur Public Library. He was the self-employed owner of MaGiC Landscapes and worked for many years as a tax specialist with H&R Block. Left behind are his parents of Decatur; his daughter, Selket Nicole, of Washington, DC; his son, Graham Gene, of Park City, UT; and their mother, Gus Heinzmann, of Norris, MT. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Randall and Joy Cottle, of Seymour, MO; a niece, Heather Cottle, and a nephew, Shane Cottle, both of Springfield, Missouri; and an aunt, Jesse Rowe.


John Robert Coutrakon. John Coutrakon was apparently killed in a car/logging truck accident in the late 1980s. More info is needed.

Mary Ann DeCrevel. Mary Ann DeCrevel was murdered. See a separate blog entry about Mary Ann.

Carol Sue Deremiah. The Daily Herald (a Chicago suburban newspaper) listed Carol Deremiah [Heinrich-Kramer] as having died at the age of 53, in Glendale Heights, Illinois. Born Dec. 25, 1946, she died Sunday, Oct. 15, 2000, while visiting a friend's home in Evansville, from complications of a ruptured spleen. Carol worked for the Marriott Corporation. She was a member of Parkview Community Church in Glen Ellyn for the past one and one half years. Carol loved to needlepoint. Survivors include her husband of four years, James E. Kramer of Glendale Heights; sons, James W. Heinrich of Evansville and John B. Heinrich of Evansville; mother, Audrey Borchers of Decatur, Ill.; sister, Diane Brelsfoard of Decatur; and brothers, James Deremiah of Decatur, John Deremiah of Midville, Ga. and Jeffrey Deremiah of Decatur.

Donna Jean Derr.

Greg Duncan Dye. Gregory Duncan Dye, 22, of 1975 S. East Gate Dr. was killed in a hunting accident Sunday morning, November 23, 1969, in Marinette, Wisconsin. Greg Dye was born in St. Louis, a son of Wilber F. and Eileen Hanks Dye. He was a member of Central Christian Church and was a senior at the University of Illinois. Greg Dye left his parents, brother Bradley at home and a sister Pamela of Miami, Fla.

Updated details: Near Wausaukee, Wisconsin, Greg was hunting with his brother, the Rev. Bradley F. Dye, when Greg wounded a deer. When Greg started tracking the wounded animal, Greg tripped and discharged his rifle. The Decatur Review, reporting on the incident on November 24, 1969, noted: "The bullet struck him beneath the jaw. After emergency treatment, he was taken to the hospital, where he was dead on arrival." The death was ruled "accidental" by the Marinette County coroner in Wisconsin. During the funeral, the newspapers' mentioned that Wolfe Furniture in Decatur was closed in memory of Greg, as his father owned Wolfe Furniture.

Michael William Elbl. Michael W. Elbl, 51, University of Illinois ’72, of Mount Auburn, Ill., died on December 28, 1998, at home. Mike Elbl was born on July 7, 1947, in Manhatten, Kan., the son of Bill and Betty Massey Elbl. He was an engineer for the State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. He graduated from MacArthur High School, received a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Illinois and received a masters of science degree in environmental engineering from the University of Illinois in 1972. He was a member of the U.S. Energy Engineers Association and the University of Illinois Alumni Association. He was an avid tennis player, nationally ranked in high school and continued to play on the University of Illinois Tennis Team. He enjoyed hunting and raising reindeer and other animals. He married Deborah S. Kayhs on Oct. 15, 1969. Surviving are his wife of Mount Auburn; daughters, Amy Elbl of Decatur; Erin Summers and husband Scott of Philadelphia, Pa.; son, Joe Elbl of Mount Auburn; parents, Bill and Betty Elbl of Festus; three brothers, Rick Elbl and wife Pam, Marty Elbl and wife Kim, Jeff Elbl and wife Laura, all of Festus; one sister, Cynda Roberson and husband Terry of Cisco.

Linda Carol Garver [McLaughlin] - Linda Carol McLaughlin, 60, of North Manchester, Indiana died Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at her home on East Seventh Street. She was born March 7, 1947, in Decatur, Illinois, to Loren W. Garver and M. June (Small) Garver. She married Michael (Mike) J. Mclaughlin in Decatur, Il, on June 29, 1969. He survives. Also surviving are two sons: Timothy (Tawn) McLaughlin and Benjamin (Janelle) McLaughlin, and five grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister, Donna (David) Brian, of Knoxville, TN, and one brother, Curt Garver, of Decatur, IL. Linda graduated from Manchester College in 1969 with a degree in Art Education. She taught just three years when their first son was born. She was a stay at home mom until their younger son entered Kindergarten. She then worked part-time at the News-Journal designing ads for 14 years. The last twelve years, she worked at Timbercrest Senior Living Community as the activities coordinator. She loved working at Timbercrest, and she especially loved the residents who live there. Linda loved spending time with her family and her grandchildren, which brought her the greatest joy of all. She also enjoyed taking care of her backyard birds and her perennial flower gardens. Linda struggled with brain cancer during 2007.

David Robert Gross. David Gross died in a drowning accident a year or two after graduation (1966? 1967?), when he and a friend went to Lake of the Woods (near Mahomet), where he died accidently.

Rebecca Diane ["Becky"] Grant [Revell]. Becky Revell, 52, of Decatur died 10:55 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1999, in her residence. (Burial was in Ponting Cemetery, Stonington.) Becky was born on April 5, 1947, in Decatur, the daughter of Bob and Mary (Collenberger) Grant. She was a member of the First Christian Church and formerly employed by Grigoleit Co. for several years. She retired as a cook and housekeeper at Hickory Street Group Home. She married Norman Revell, who survives.Surviving are her husband, Norman; son, Joseph Hollingsead of Decatur; stepson, Larry Revell and wife Lisa of Florida; daughter, Wendy McGinnis and husband David of Decatur; stepdaughter, Norma Morr and husband Tom of Heyworth; mother, Mary Chadwick of Decatur; brother, Michael Grant of Decatur and six grandchildren. Special thanks to dear friend Carol Morville and also St. John Hospital Home Health Services. She was preceded in death by her father and one grandson. Source: Herald & Review - Decatur, Illinois; November 26, 1999 - B2.


Frances Diane Johnson. Nov. 1973

Richard Lynn Morris - Died of lung cancer. Richard L. Morris, 58, of Peoria, Ill., died at 12:40 a.m. Sunday, May 21, 2006, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 1, 1947, in St. Charles, Mo., to Bill and Barbara Morris. He married Barbara Jane Eubanks on Aug. 4, 1971, and she survives. Also surviving are three sons, William L. Morris of Springfield, Ill., Andrew A. (and Kristen) Morris of Three Rivers, Mich., and Benjamin W. Morris of Springfield, Ill.; one grandchild, Ethan C. Morris; and two brothers, Doug (and Patty) Morris of Peoria and Jim Morris of Peoria. He was a dedicated school teacher for 32 years and retired from Mossville Elementary School in 2003. He attended Living Water Community Church in Creve Coeur. He enjoyed golf, poker and the Cubs. He waited his whole life for a Cubs World Series title, and said before he died "Well, at least I won't have to wait until next year."

Edward Albert Palmer

Michael Wade Paul. Michael Wade Paul, 27, of 3253 Greenlake Dr. died 11:15 a.m. Saturday, April 5 (?), 1975, in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Michael Paul was born in Columbia, MO., a son of Festus W. and Doris Paul. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and was employed by Tolly's. He married Carol Danner in 1969. Surviving are his wife; daughter, Rebecca Christine, at home; parents of Decatur; brothers, Dennis and Jeffrey, both of Decatur; sister, Jennifer of Decatur; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schoppe of St. Louis, MO.

Stanley Landon Pogue. Stanley L. Pogue, 51, Sioux Falls, S.D., formerly of Decatur, former employee of Sturgis Meat Service, died Nov. 22, 1998. Air Force Vietnam War veteran. Survivors: wife, Dorothy; son, Roger, Sioux Falls; daughter, Jacqueline, Sioux Falls; father, Roger, Decatur; brother, Roger Jr. of Oklahoma City, Okla.; sister, Becky Erickson, Decatur. Stanley Pogue was buried in Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, S.D.

Sandy Lee Reed. Sandra Lee Reed Spain, 33, of 1910 Indiana Court, died Saturday (Dec. 6, 1980) in her home. Mrs. Spain was born in Decatur, daughter of Wallace C. & Marjorie E. (Karia) Reed. She was an employee of Borg Warner Corporation, York Division. Surviving are a son, Anthony Todd at home; parents of Decatur; brother, Robert David Reed of Decatur; sister, Cathy Gibbens of Decatur.

Gina Kay Taylor [Sanders]. Gina Taylor Sanders died on July 3 (?), 1992, in Decatur, IL of pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her husband Ed, daughter Kelly and son Steven.

Steven Alan Volle.

Douglas O. Wilcox. Douglas O. Wilcox, 61, of Decatur passed away Saturday February 28, 2009 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Burial will be at Hall Cemetery in Blue Mound with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Douglas was born on November 8, 1947 in Decatur the son of Orval R. and Helen B. Ficker Wilcox. Douglas was a graduate of SIU in Carbondale with a degree in Marketing. Douglas worked for Standard Oil Credit Union and Norfolk and Western Railroad, was a member of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, and a member of the VFW and DAV. He was in the Army Transportation Corp in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He is survived by his parents: Orval and Helen Wilcox of Decatur; sons: Greg Wilcox, Jamey Wilcox and Aaron Jacobus all of Decatur; sister: Deborah Shepherd and husband Dwaine of Orland Hills, IL; nieces and nephews also survive.

Donald Gene Yelverton. Donald Yelverton, 28, of Santa Ana, Calif., formerly of Decatur, died Tuesday night November 18, 1975 in a traffic accident in San Jose, Calif. Don Yelverton was born in Decatur, a son of Buford and Katie Yelverton. Surviving are his wife, Jane; sons, Jimmy and John, at home; daughter, Julie, at home; brother, Ronald D., of Tustin, Calif.; sister, Linda Paschal of Burkley, MO.; mother of Warner, Okla.

Philip Yocum. Phil Yocum, though technically not Mac '65, was in the Class of 1965 for three years before he traveled to Germany for high school as an American Friends Service student. He died in 2002. Part of the obit from the Bloomington Pantagraph read: "Philip Scott Yocum, 55, of Decatur, formerly of Normal, died at 2:14 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 12, 2002) at BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal."

If you have corrections, updates, or additional information, please use this safe contact form here.

I understand Judy Quinlan is doing something similar for the Class of 1966. I will share about that project when I learn more.

The Class of 1965 Reunion Committee Membership
Rick Livesay - Chairman
Debbie (Burrows) Wilcox
Donna (Camp) Maddox
Millie (McCaddon) Smith
Sandy (Rentfro) Porter
Keith Rogers
Pat Ryan
Julie (Sederlund) Delahunty