CATCHING UP - ODDS & ENDS

Here I am, as usual, madly trying to 'catch up' on something. I have several things to post to the website and here on my blog that I was sent by various classmates. I want to return them this weekend, so I have to get them posted. First, Pat Hoag gave me a few Webster-Kirkwood Times recently. Herewith some items:

OBITUARY: CHARLES 'CHUCK' BEDELL DIED SUNDAY 6/6/10, SURROUNDED BY FAMILY AT HIS HOME IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, AFTER A LONG ILLNESS. Mr. Bedell graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1965. Those who remember him know he was quite a character-friendly and lovable. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Harriet, and his children, Todd, Danielle and Cory. Memorials may be made to Snowline Hospice, 6520 Pleasant Valley Rd., Diamond Springs, CA 95619.

In this same issue, June 11-17, 2010, is an article and obituary of great interest to me and other history buffs. Michael Henry Whitson died 6/3/10. He was a member of one of Kirkwood's oldest families. If you do not know about Quinette Cemetery at Ballas and Big Bend, please let me know. Jerome Rawlings' brother Keith saved that cemetery from certain destruction and its history is important to our community and to the story of the Civil War in Missouri. Michael was the great grandson of Henry Whitson, a slave who served in the Union Army. The story of the Civil War veterans, slaves and others buried in this historic cemetery are all worth knowing. Michael was only 65 and died unexpectedly of heart failure. He was involved in a great deal of community work and his loss will be felt by many. He graduated in KHS62, attended Turner, Pitman, Nipher and in 1965 married KHS65 classmate Mirla Wand. I must admit I know a lot about his family, but I did not realize he was married to our classmate!!! My bad! You can go here to read the full article about Michael. In that same issue there are some gorgeous color pix of KHS10 graduation festivities. You'll probably enjoy seeing the kids in red and white robes, real red, not the burgundy WE had!

While you are on the W-KTimes website, you might check out the June 25- July 1 issue for the obituary of Robert G. Blattner of Des Peres. He is the brother of KHS65 classmate Nance Blattner. Nance was planning to attend the Reunion, but that was before her brother's death. I don't see her name on the list of attendees so perhaps they are no longer planning to be here. I have Nance's new address in Florida, very near where my father lived the last 30 years or so of his life, so I'll probably see her in March when I'm there, so if you wish to contact her, let me know. Bob was a KHS70 graduate and died on 1 June.