
Marshall High School

HEALTH WATCH
PRAYERS CONDOLENCES
This page is intended to provide news of classmates that are ill or infirm, and need our prayers. It may also occasionally be used to provide news of friends and/or family of our classmates and guests.
5/30/22 - Update on Abe from Robert
Marcy and I just returned from a few days in Maryland visiting Abe. We stayed with Mary Etta and spent some time each day with him in the hospital.
As you know, he had spinal surgery on March 17. In the ten weeks since then, he has been moved several times from hospital to rehab center to acute care center and back again. He is currently at the Adventist Hospital at Shady Grove in Rockville, where he finally seems to be getting better and more appropriate care. For example, they have treated a large abrasion that had developed on the back of his head. He is extremely weak, and still relies on the trachetomy tube and the feeding tube, and he is going to need therapy to relearn how to swallow and chew properly before he can eat on his own. However, we were able to see small signs of improvement each day that we were there. He can talk, although it requires a lot of effort, and he responded to us appropriately. He still has a long road before he can even begin the physical therapy you would expect after the extensive surgery he underwent. It is encouraging that he is getting the right kind of care and that he seems to be moving in positive directions.
Thank you for your prayers and concern. If you want to contact Mary Etta directly, her email is Mebn29@aol.co
From: Robert Nader <rlnader108@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2022 4:50 AM
To: Edd Clark
Subject: My Brother Abe Lee Nader
You may or may not be aware that several years ago, Abe had extensive back surgery that left him with a bucketful of screws and plates. These had deteriorated over time, so about two months ago, he underwent additional surgery. Unfortunately, he has had a difficult time recuperating from this. He is breathing through a tracheostomy tube and is also being fed intravenously. He is currently in a rehabilitation facility that is unable to handle his issues, so Mary Etta is seeking an acute care facility for him. The long-term outlook is bleak. Please send your prayers for Abe, Mary Etta, Ashlee, Matt, and Jonathan, to mebn29@icloud.com, or Mary Etta Nader, 17836 Mill Creek Drive. Derwood, MD 20855.
From Sam about Ross Ayers, May 1, 2019
Ross had some kind of episode while visiting Marshall on April 26. Luckily, Jim Harris was present and, with the help of Edd Clark and others, rendered the aid needed. After spending several days in the hospital, Ross is back at home in Kingwood now, and says he is feelling "fine." The docs are still conferring about exactly what happened and hoping to make sure it doesn't repeat.
About Chris Tracy, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018
You'll be happy to see this text from Pat, sent this morning:
We are home! Chris is all right, weak, but getting stronger. He will have out patient physical therapy here in Huntsville. He's not fully recovered, but is well on his way! We are so blessed and so very grateful to all of you "Marvelous Mavs" for your prayers and support. Merry Christmas!
About Chris Tracy, Nov. 30, 2018
Steve and Cathie went to see Chris at Cornerstone Rehab Hospital in Conroe this afternoon and arrive just in time to wish Pat and Chris a safe trip home. Chris and Pat and son Don were checking out! He has finally been "sprung," having improved enough to go home. We all rejoice with them in this big step. It's been a long, difficult, exhausting time away from their new home.
Nina Perkins, wife of Jody, passed away on November 27, 2018. She is survived by Jody, their son Alex, and granddaughters Paisley and Reilly. Memorial service will be private. If you would send a card, the address is:
Joe Perkins
601 E. Austin
Marshall, TX 75670
SIMS McCUTCHAN
from Sam - 11/26/2018
I understand that expressions of sympathy regarding the recent death of our friend Sims should be addressed to:
MARGARET CULBERTSON
2347 SUNSET BLVD
HOUSTON TX 77005-1531
Sims was a good friend and I know his family will appreciate hearing from those who cared about him.
SIMS McCUTCHAN - 11/25/2018
Very sad news today. Our classmate and friend, Sims McCutchan died of a heart attack on Thanksgiving. This news from Jack Cargill via Jim and Sam earlier today. No other details as yet. Obituary will be posted as soon as available.
ABOUT CHRIS TRACY, 11/25/2018:
As I believe everyone knows, Chris is out of ICU, in rehab, and well on his way to full recovery.
From Sam, November 20. 2018
I asked Pat whether there is any progress to report on our friend Chris. This is her response:
"YES! At this very minute (1:42 pm) he is being moved to Cornerstone Hostpital in Conroe for rehab! We appreciate very much everyone's prayers, visits, cards, interest. They have helped us along this 6-week journey of surgeries and recovery. We hope to be home soon. Happy Thanksgiving to all!"
.Received from Steve Verhalen November 11, 2018
I just left the hospital...Chris is awake, recognized me immediately, put a big smile on, and had a brief conversation. . . with the tracheotomy, it is difficult for him to speak and difficult to hear and understand. But he tries . . . .Pat was also smiling and looking relieved, as well as thankful. Don Jr. was also there.
He was able to call all the names right. So even I was relieved and thankful. He will probably be moved out of ICU into a private room tomorrow, and begin therapy, although he was up and walking (with help) this morning. A great improvement from last I saw him, and now a reason for hope and encouragement.
Pat especially is looking better, with a smile and a bit of sparkle in her eyes.... All good news from here. And we had a good time with you'all and look forward to the next time.
Steve
On Thu, Sep 6, 2018 at 17:27 Gerald Watson <atiresoff@aol.com> wrote:
I JUST SPOKE WITH CHRIS AND HE TOLD ME THAT HIS CARDIOLOGIST WAS ABLE TO GET HIM IN TO SEE THE HEART SURGEON. HE IS SCHEDULED FOR OPEN HEART SURGERY ON OCTOBER 8TH. TO REMOVE A RIGID PERICARDIAL SAC. THE SURGEON TOLD HIM THAT HE WOULD PROBABLY BE IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 4-5 DAYS AND HAVE A 6 WEEK RECOVERY PERIOD, BUT HE WOULD THEN FEEL LIKE A NEW MAN.HE SAID PAT(SY) WOULD LET US KNOW SOMETHING ASAP, FOLLOWING THE SURGERY.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO REMEMBER THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS.
LOVE TO ALL, GERALD
Fram James Harris
This is Great. Treatable. Jim
from Ears & Bonnie - 8/14/2018
The following was received by Charles (Ears) and Bonnie Thomas, I believe, over the weekend, from Dianne Watson.
"Yes, Gerald is home now thank goodness. All is ok. He starts out patient rehab on Monday. However he is doing well here at home. No wheelchair or Walker. He will call you tomorrow. God is good and so are both of you. Thanks for your caring thoughts and prayers."
1. from Sam 7/30/2018
2. from Dr. Jim later today (7/30/18)
from Kay Andrews 7/30/18
Denise Daniels asks us to please pray for H.L.'s wife...too. H.L. is out of the hospital for the 2nd time, but she's his caregiver and is pretty exhausted. If you do choose to send a card, Denise thinks giving Janet some pats and moral support would be very meaningful and appreciated.
from Gail Brown to Gary Evers via Sandra Thompson 7/17/18
Gary, our Geraldine passed away this morning. Visitation will be from 5 to 7, Friday evening, July 20th, at Meadowbrook Funeral Home in Marshall, 1804 S. Washington Ave.The funeral service will be at 4 pm, Saturday, July 21st, at FUMC Marshall, with burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
7/6/18 (Friday evening) This email was received by Margaret Ross Bills from H.L.'s sister, Denise
Right now just send H.L. a card. He is so proud & private. I just got back from TN & he hated the fact I was there hovering over him! Right now HL just needs prayers!
Denise
Here is the address if you want to send a card:
H. L. Daniels
308 Osprey
Gallatin, TN 37066
7/6/2018 (Friday morning) From H.L.'s sister Denise
I just got off the phone with Janet. H.L. is resting & seems to be comfortable. He is stable now but he does need your prayers.
7/5/18
from Denise Daniels Jones (H. L's sister)
I just got off the phone with his daughter Jennifer. He is resting & they are monitoring him. I just got back to Texas from helping take care of him! He is in such good shape which is in his favor! He hates being like this bc he is so used to being active! Still playing softball & senior Olympics! We need your prayers!
7/5/18
from Kay Solomon Andrews:
"Guys, I just received a message from Denise Daniels Jones, H.L.'s sister. Unfortunately, H.L. is in the emergency room now with blood clots in his lungs.
7/3/2018
Spencer Jones had 6 hr back surgery June 8. He’s still recovering and having to use a walker. His aim in rehab is to walk without walker, overcoming balance problems. Never one to sit around, Spencer and Paula leave next Wednesday, going to Japan for 12 days. Paula hopes to join daughter Susan climbing Mt Fuji. Spencer says he and his walker will try to find Fox News Channel while waiting on the hikers.
7/3/18
received from Soff this morning
JUST SPOKE WITH PENNY AND SHE'S DOING GREAT. SHE JUST GOT BACK TO HER ROOM FROM HER PACEMAKER SURGERY AND SAID SHE'LL PROBABLY BE GOING HOME TOMORROW.
HER HOME ADDRESS IS:
PENNY LITTLE
230 NORTH BAY DR.
BULLARD, TX.
75757
7/2/18
Soff received the following message from Harold Little, Sunday 7/1/18
Penny Lee Rudd (Little) had a heart attack last night while in the hospital connected to a heart monitor. She collapsed with a heart rate of 30 bpm, then it stopped, restarted, stopped and restarted again. Being connected to the machine, the doctors were able to see the problem, and will install a pacemaker tomorrow.
More recent news is that she is resting and seems to be doing fine. She is in Mother Francis Hospital in Tyler. I will keep you posted.
7/2/18 - Karis (Sam and Kay's daughter)
I have been asked about Karis several times, and while I do not have any up-to-date information, it is my understanding that she recovered quite quickly (a day or two), but that complete rehab will take some time. Let you know if I here more.
update 7/3/18
Karis continues to gain strength and ability to get around. She is home and busy with their two-year-old. Sam and Kay are home and will go back to Georgia next week for a little while.
6/24/2018
11/1/2017
from Sam
Sherry is doing fantastic! Surgery went great and she is skating through her rehab like a real trooper.
10/29/2017
BETTY WHITE MILLS is having total hip replacement surgery today, and has requested to be included in your prayers. If you are not otherwise in contact with her, please "post your response on the Message Forum, or you can email her directly from the website.
8/4/17 News from Sam:
Just a note to let you know that our friend Robert Sullivan is doing well. He still has the same medical issues but his spirit is good and he is up and about every day. He lives during the week at Chandler Nursing Center near Tyler, where they treat him like the rock star that he is. They seem to really love him and he teases them constantly. Amazing how they laugh at things he says and love his comments, when some of his remarks would result in a slap (or lawsuit) if someone else said it. He is able to spend many weekends at home. He is interested in news about all of our classmates and has stories about every one of us. (Some can be repeated, and others not so much.)
Robert's macular degeneration limits his use of email, though I think he does it some. If you want to brighten his week a bit with a card, you can send it to him C/O Chandler Nursing Center, 300 Cherry St, Chandler, TX 75758.
Sam
P. S. I'm not starting a gossip column but I do want to share good news like this from time to time. Got any?
Word was received today (Oct. 22, 2016) that Shirley Haak Lane's mother, aged 92, died last night. Shirley has provided the following information:
Service will be Tues. Oct. 25, 2016
ALICE HAAK
Visitation: 1pm prior to 2pm service
PLACE: Morton Baptist Church
State Hwy 154, West of Harleton
Rader Funeral Home, Longview
Shirley's mailing address is:
Mrs. Shirley Lane
22276 St Hwy 154
Diana TX 75640
BARNEY CANSON
the following from Jack Canson's facebook (10/4/16). Go there to see the many supportive comments from their friends.
Nancy and I and all of Barney's family are overwhelmed with the love and support so many from far and wide have given us since our tragic loss of dear Barney Canson. I want you all to know that the love and affection you have tendered us has helped us, and will continue to help us, forever. Those who are able to attend his memorial service Tuesday 7 PM at Marshall Visual Art Center, we hope to see you then. God bless each and every one who has reached out to us.
Barney Andrew Nathaniel Canson was born March 3, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, and died September 25, 2016, at his home in Marshall, Texas. He was 27. An exceptional scholar and artist of...
NINA PERKINS 10/2/16
On Friday, I emailed the classes to report that Nina Perkins had fallen in her backyard, hit her head on a brick, and had to be rushed to the hospital, where she spent 7 days in ICU. I learned this afternoon that she went from ICU to the neurologist, and is now in rehab. She is able to walk, and reportedly, the chances of a full recovery are good, but she still does not have much control over her left side.
ABE LEE NADER 9/5/2016
from Sam
Dear Friends,
I received the following message from Jeri Lynn, regarding her recent lunch with Abe Lee. I know you will be interested:
Dear Sam,
had lunch with Abe in d.c.--he is doing great and looks wonderful--we talked so much about our reunions--sure he and his wife will attend the next one--let all know to keep him in their prayers that both sides of his brain begin to work in harmony--it was so wonderful to see how well he is. blessings. Jlm-c
from Kay Solomon Andrews 8/29/2016
Hi, Sam,
That's my news. Hope everybody's doing great. Thanks, Sam. Kay
JOHN GALIK
received 7/25/16
Mission - On July 21, 2016, John Jacob Galik went to be with his Lord and Savior after a year long battle with cancer. He was 72-years-old. John was born in East Texas to Walter M. (Guy) and Elizabeth Galik. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan Musser and, in 2013, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. John worked for ATT/Southwestern Bell for his entire career, starting in Austin and then moving to McAllen in 1977. He also served as an active Rotarian and Rotary Club President. After retiring at te young age of 55, Johnny and Susie moved to Mission on the golf course at Cimarron CountryClub. John enjoyed many years of playing golf, helping his community and neighbors with projects, volunteering his engineering and construction skills to United Methodist Church's Cornerstone building project and serving as a board member of Habitat for Humanity. Besides golf, John loved snow skiing, watching the Cowboys, and playing with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Susan, daughters Diane Galik Tijerina (Jaime) of Mission and Amy Galik Holcomb (Trace) of Houston, grandchildren Katie Dunnavant, Lauren Holcomb and John Holcomb, and sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Galik Boyd (Joe) of The Woodlands and sister-in-law Jaynie Galik of Florida and their families. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Kenneth Galick. The family would like to thank IPH Hospice Care, Inc., Sandra Perez and Lupita Chapa, for their excellent and compassionate care. They ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the local Salvation Army, local Habitat for Humanity, or the Sanctuary Fund for the First United Methodist Church of McAllen. A Service of Celebration will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2016 at First United Methodist Church in McAllen. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/themonitor/obituary.aspx?n=john-galik&pid=180746099&fhid=8128#sthash.0B6d4L8g.dpuf
If you want to send Susie a card or note:
408 Rio Grande
Mission, TX 78572
ABE LEE NADER
from Sam - 7/20/16
Dear friends,
You will recall that we learned in April that Abe Lee was facing significant back surgery to correct problems which were resulting in his being permanently bent over. He told us that the surgery would correct "mistakes of surgery done 4 years ago," and avoid paralysis.
Since then, many have asked about Abe Lee, and I have emailed him to wish him well, let him know of our support, and request an update on his condition. I have not received any response until the following text message received tonight:
"Please tell everyone thanks for the thoughts and prayers. Summary: 13.5 hrs of surgery in 2 days. It will take 6 months to 2 years to recover. Came out totally parlayzed from the waist down. So far, 3 months and have some feelings below the waist. Outlook is good. 99 staples to put my back together. Please keep in touch. Abe"
I do not know whether he is doing email, but Abe Lee's mailing address is:
104 Ladyshire Lane, Apt 201
Rockville, MD 20850
his email address is:
Sam
STEVE VERHALEN
(7/18/2016)
SAM JUST CALLED AND ASK SOFF TO RELAY THIS GREAT NEWS ABOUT STEVE:
THE SURGERY TOOK 4 HOURS, BECAUSE THEY ALSO HAD TO REPAIR SOME BLOOD VESSELS, BUT THEY WERE ABLE TO DO EVERYTHING LAPROSCOPICALLY, AND BELIEVE THEY GOT ALL THE CANCER. THEY REMOVED A SMALLER PORTION OF HIS KIDNEY THAN ANTICIPATED. THE DR. TOLD THEM (LINDA, SAM AND FAMILY) THAT THERE WAS ONLY ABOUT A 5% CHANCE OF THE CANCER RETURNING.
STEVE WILL REMAIN IN RECOVERY FOR SOME TIME TO WATCH FOR POSSIBLE BLEEDING.
IF I HEAR MORE I'LL RELAY ASAP.
GERALD
Let's cover Steve up with cards and good wishes. The address is:
Steve and Linda Verhalen
21 N Autumnwood Way
The Woodlands, TX 77381-1306
Johnny Galic
7/11/16
from John via the Marshall Mavs '62 website
John is at home under hospice care surrounded by his family. He is resting comfortably. He is thankful for your interest and prayers.
7/10/16
I received news today that Johnny Galik (class of '62) has entered hospice. He has had kidney cancer for about a year, and it has advanced to stage 4. It is my understanding that he is a Christian, not afraid, and remains upbeat about it.
Johnny and his wife Susie Musser Galik (class of '64), live in Mission, Texas, and have 2 daughters. One lives in Mission and the other in Houston. Please keep Johnny and his family in your prayers. More news as it becomes available.
Edd
STEVE REEVES
from Cathy Cole Reeves 6/23/16
Sam: Thank you for letting us know about our dear Verhalen. Steve plans to call him in a few minutes and he is certainly in our prayers.
Meanwhile I decided it is time to let you guys know what has been going on with the "other" Steve and ask for prayers for him as well. He had been having an irritating cough for a couple of months before we came out to CO, but doctors had thought it was due to first allergies and then medications. Regardless, when we got here it got worse AND his ankles began to swell. A midnight emergency room trip to Durango resulted in his hospitalization for two pulmonary embolisms, one in each leg, and another blood clot was discovered in his leg the next day. He was released on blood thinners and oxygen and he has been pretty much doing nothing but coughing for over a week. However, a trip to the doctor in Durango yesterday has us feeling much encouraged .
The continued coughing is the lungs' response to the irritation from the clots, which are forming "protective" scar tissue. Depending on how much scarring there is, he may or may not have to continue on oxygen for a while. However, this morning he has been without oxygen for several hours and is maintaining 93% oxygen on his own, so we feel there is a real turn-around already.
I think he is happiest about the fact that his doctor in Durango, a fly fisherman, is coming out to fish Bear Creek tomorrow, and he wants to watch over his shoulder!
Seriously, we are both very grateful for the recovery he is experiencing and ask you to add him to the prayers for classmates in need. We love you all.....
Cathie and Steve
STEVE VERHALEN
from Sam - 6/22/16
Steve found out a couple of days ago that he has a malignancy attacking his kidney (he only has one kidney, for some reason that isn't important right now). He was having symptoms of a very bothersome backache over a period of months and the docs discovered this kidney problem was causing the backache.
The cancer Steve has is a slow-growing one and the doctors seem ​very confident they will be able to eliminate it by removing roughly 1/3 of the kidney. There are no plans at this time for chemo or radiation. The exact day for the surgery has not been decided, but it will be early next week at a hospital in The Woodlands. He expects to spend about 5-7 days in the hospital following the surgery.
He isn't taking out any billboards, but he did want to let you guys know what is going on. Although surgery is no fun, the doctors believe he will be back to his old Indian self relatively quickly. He is, after all, in darn good shape for his age - of course, as he is fond of reminding us, he is the youngest guy in our class (okay, except for Bofus).
Steve will let us know when the surgery is scheduled. Meantime, prayers for him and Linda are in order.
STEVE VERHALEN
from Sam 6/23/16
Several of you have asked about Verhalen. Below is the information about the challenge he faces. I talked with him a few minutes ago and they have scheduled his surgery for July 18, which, I think, means they don't consider it to be urgent (good sign.) The surgery will be at The Woodlands hospital (a branch of Hermann Hospital Houston.) He'll be in the hospital 5-7 days and then in bed for 4 - 6 weeks. As you are no doubt aware, Verhalen is - to say the very least - an active guy. Linda will be faced with the daunting task of keeping her ADHD husband indoors for the recuperation period.
He feels fine at this point, and is still "blowing and going." If you are inclined to let him know you are thinking about him, or if you later want to send him a get well card, the address is:
21 N. Autumnwood Way
The Woodlands, TX 77381-1306
ABE LEE NADER
Dear Friends,
As you may have noticed, Abe Lee joined our class website this year, having retired and moved to Rockville, Md to be near grandchildren (well, his son, too, but probably mostly to be near grandchildren.) Over the past several years, Abe Lee has had a rough time with back issues and is now hopeful there may be a solution. He requests the prayers of his classmates. Here is Abe Lee's email:
"April11th I will check into GW Hospital Washington DC for spinal surgery..The first day will be 2-3 hrs of surgery to prepare for the next day of spinal surgery which will be 8-10hrs of surgery to place 2 rods from the top to bottom of my spine. This will repair the mistakes of surgery done 4 years ago when we lived in Jackson WY. Recovery time will be 4-12 months.The prayers of my classmates and friends will be appreciated.The surgery must be done or I will be reduced to paralysis from waist to toes. Hopefully all will be OK and I will be like new with few after effects. At least I will be able to walk standing straight up and down. My head surgeon is Dr.Rosner who has 37 years experience and is the Head of Neurosurgery at the medical school. He was the same at Walter Reed before its closing.I am lucky to have him and his team doing it.
This is an update.Thanks for allowing to share this."
Speaking of the website, by the way, I hope you saw what Edd did with the Ides of March and Easter. Outstanding! Thanks, Edd for keeping the site entertaining and informative.
Sam
I learned yesterday (3/18/16) that our classmate Frankie McConnell unexpectedly died while visiting his son and grandchildren in California. Frankie is claimed by both the 1960 and 1961 classes. He was very well thought of in Marshall, where he operated a photography studio and did beautiful work. For years, he was a photographer for the Marshall News Messenger and did work for many other TV stations and news outlets. He was a quiet and really good guy and loved being in Marshall, though he had lived several other places because of his work over the years.
Frankie and Lynda celebrated their Golden Anniversary in 2013. They had three children, Frankie McConnell II and wife, Mandy (who they were visiting at Acton, Califoria), Amie Grubbs and husband, John, who live in Jefferson, and Eric McConnell who lives here in Marshall. They also have several grandchildren.
The family may be contacted at:
LYNDA McCONNELL
PO BOX 8
WOODLAWN, TX 75694