COUNTY LIFE
Unnamed graves getting new stones
Forty-five souls buried in the Nocona Cemetery are no longer nameless thanks to the hard work of Robert Terry, who began installing markers on unmarked graves earlier this month.
The Nocona native began creating a massive cemetery database in 2007 after he found himself wandering through the cemetery in search of a buddy buried among the headstones. The project morphed into a search for the names of all the unmarked graves through old newspaper articles, family connections and many hours of research.
Recently, Nocona City Councilors approved funds from the cemetery bequeath fund for grave markers on 41 unmarked graves that now have identities, plus four laid to rest without a stone.
Terry explained the installation takes several hours for just one headstone, so the process will be a lengthy, but he expects they will be in by the end of June.
He becomes emotional trying to put into words what seeing those names placed on the unmarked graves means to him after years of dedication to the cemetery
Fortunately, he found a way to express his thoughts and feelings about this project in the poem, “An Unmarked Grave.”
“I cried when I wrote it, and I cry every time I read it,” said Terry through his tears.
These new flag poles were installed at the military markers located near the Bowie Senior Citizens Center in Pelham Park. They were purchased by the Bowie Parks Board. (Photo by Barbara Green)
Hey kids, it’s time to get your letters ready for Santa Claus!
The Bowie News invites families to submit their letters to Santa for publication in the Dec. 21 edition. Forms are available on our Facebook page and at bowienewsonline.com.
Print out a form and drop it off in Santa’s mailbox at the News office, 200 Walnut Street or in one of the school Santa boxes across the county.
Deadline to send in a letter is Dec. 4. While this may seem early there are hundreds of letters to type and then they have to ship off to the North Pole for the Big Guy to read.
A new mayor and two returning aldermen took the oath of office on Nov. 13 for the Saint Jo City Council.
The three races were uncontested during the recent election. Kelly Williamson will take over as mayor, as Colton Thomas and Melissa McPherson continue in their places. Thomas was elected to be mayor pro tem.
Aldermen took care of numerous organizational tasks related to its economic development boards and the council. Former Mayor Shawn Anderson and Hennessey were removed from city-related accounts, with the new mayor and mayor pro tem and McPherson were added to the city accounts.
Read the full story in your weekend Bowie News.
Pictured: New officers took the oath this week: Councilors Colton Thomas and Melissa McPherson, new Mayor Kelly Williamson and outgoing mayor Shawn Armstrong. (Courtesy photo)
-
NEWS2 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS1 year agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS2 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS2 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS1 year agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
NEWS2 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
NEWS2 years agoBowie Police face three-hour standoff after possible domestic fight
-
NEWS2 years ago
Driver stopped by a man running into the street, robbed at knifepoint