The Suburbia News (Seagoville, Tex.), Vol. 39, No. 19, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 31, 2011 Page: 5 of 10
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Page 5A, The Subuxtjia News, March 31,2011
outdoors
obituaries
Becoming A Texas Master Naturalists
By Luke Clayton, Outdoor Editor
Texas Master Naturalists Jim Flood conducting a tour last
week of the Trinity Forest. Photo by Luke Clayton
I’ve spent a lifetime in the
outdoors and, before some in-
tensive studies with the North
Texas Chapter of the Texas Mas-
ter Naturalists Program, I could
identify only about 60% of the
trees I encounter and even lesser
percentage of grasses, reptiles
and amphibians. I’m certainly
not a ‘master’ of anything I’ve
learned so far but, I am on my
way! The Texas Master Natural-
ist (TMN) Program is a natural
resource-based volunteer train-
ing and development program
jointly sponsored statewide by the
Agrilife Extension Service and
Texas Parks & Wildlife Depart-
ment. The programs goals and
objectives are to improve public
understanding of natural resource
ecology and management by de-
veloping a pool of volunteers that
are locally knowledgeable about
natural resource ecology that can
be used to enhance land manage-
ment and education efforts within
local communities.
My studies so for with the
program has been an eye opening
experience. I’ve learned that many
of the names I’ve been taught
for everything from trees to the
various reptiles are not accurate.
Many are names that I learned
growing up in rural northeast
Texas that folks had passed down
generation to generation. Did you
know that the rough barked, very
common tree often found in fence
lines that many of us call Hack-
berry is really the Sugarberry or
that years ago, Native Americans
planted marker trees to help them
traverse the wilderness?
TMN Steve Houser has done
extensive studies on these trees
and developed a method of dating
them by using a cross section of
a dead branch. Listening to Steve
talk about meeting with some of
the Elders of the Comanche Tribe
at one of these trees made the hair
rise on my arms. After learning
the characteristics of these an-
cient landmarks, I plan to keep an
eye out for them on future outing
to remote areas of the state while
collecting fodder for this column.
I am quite sure our Na-
tive Americans were the first
and, possibly most informed of
Naturalists. To my way of think-
ing, each and every member of
the various tribes deserves and
earned the title “Master Natural-
ists.” These folks had a respect
and love for their natural world
that I wish more of us today could
understand. They obviously had
no idea of the proper names of the
flora and fauna they encountered
in the Texas wilderness but they
understood very well how every-
thing fit perfectly together. They
knew how important fire was to
rejuvenate the grassed that sus-
tained the buffalo they depended
so heavily upon and at certain
times, conducted controlled
burns. They were excellent stew-
ards of the land, their very exis-
tence depended so heavily upon it
and, if you stop and give it a little
thought, so does ours!
Since childhood, I’ve been in
awe of the natural world. As an
outdoors writer the past quarter
century, I’ve had the opportunity
to spend a great deal of time out-
doors, here in Texas and many
other places. Regardless where
I’ve traveled to hunt and fish and
obtain information and images
for my articles, I’ve observed a
great diversity of plants and ani-
mals. When hunting waterfowl
up in the Pothole Region of the
Dakotas, the prairies and plants
and animals native there are far
different than what I have en-
countered while spending time in
elk camp up in the high country
of the Rockies. While working on
a series of articles on largemouth
bass fishing in Japan a few years
ago, everything, it seemed, was
foreign. I recognized few of the
plants, birds, grasses and animals
that I encountered half way across
the globe from my home in Texas.
Now, after a little training through
my North Texas Chapter of TMN,
it is becoming clearer why differ-
ent regions support different plant
and animal life.
The process of becoming a
TMN is painless and, for me, fas-
cinating. Thus far, I have attended
six of the 3 hour classes held each
Tuesday evening and one field
trip. Very knowledgeable experts
teach the classes and there’s al-
ways plenty of time for one on
one questions after the classes.
The first class for this year be-
gan in mid February and ends in
early May. Trainees are required
to complete the 40 hour training
program and obtain a minimum
of 8 hours of approved advanced
training. A minimum of 40 hours
volunteer work is necessary and
the opportunities are myriad. I
plan to do much of my volunteer
work at a wetlands center within a
short drive of my home.
The TMN program was de-
veloped in Texas to address the
need of education. There are
about 21 Million people in Texas,
82% of them are living in urban
and urbanizing areas of the state.
Many of these residents and land-
owners are two to three genera-
tions removed from direct land
management (farming, ranching
or forestry) and they rarely seek
raditional forms of outreach
and extension prior to making
their land management decisions.
Many TMN are week end farmers
or ranchers and many are simply
folks that buy a few acres out of
town upon which they hope to
‘get back to nature’. The TMN
program is made up of a diverse
cross section of the population,
everyone from apartment dwell-
ers to ranch owners want to learn
more about the ecosystem in
which they live and now, through
TMN, they have a place to do just
that.
If you are at a stage of life
where you feel you would enjoy
learning more about the natural
world, I suggest you go online
to www.txmn.org. Spend a bit of
time on the TMN website and
most of your questions will be
answered. Find a chapter near
where you live and make contact,
you will discover that participa-
tion in the program is not only
educational fun lots of fun. I’ve
found everyone involved with the
program to be very helpful and,
after completing about half of my
studies, really wish I had become
involved years ago.
TURKEY HUNTING UP-
DATE- Spring turkey season is
almost upon us but there’s still
plenty of time to chalk up the old
box call, break out the camo, pat-
tern the shotgun and make plans.
In case you haven’t located a good
spot to hunt, here are a few ranch-
es that I highly recommend that
still have openings.
Squaw Mountain Ranch
(Jack County)- www.squaw-
mountainwhitetails.com
Live Oak Outfitters
(Schleicher County) www.liveo-
akhuntinglodge .com
continued on p&
Pet Of
he Week
This fellow is looking for a new home and waiting for
you at the Seagoville Animal Shelter. If you are interested
in adding him or another pet to your family, please contact
the Seagoville Animal Shelter Monday-Friday between the
hours of 11am and 2pm at 972-287-6821. The adoption fee is
$15.00 and City Registration is $10.00
TO SPONSOR PET OF THE WEEK
CALL LOUISE 972-287-3277
weather
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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High: 76
High:
80
High: 84
Low: 55
Low:
60
Low: 65
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Partly Cloudy
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
#
High: 89
High: 75
High: 72
High: 78
Low: 67
Low: 49
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Low: 54
Partly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Showers
Sunny
Editha Cozette (Reynolds)
Downing
Cozette Reynolds Down-
ing, passed from her earthly
family to her heavenly fam-
ily on March 16, 2011, after 94
years of memories, experiences,
and elegance that could have
filled 2 lifetimes. She was a
devoted wife and mother, who
was a constant and positive in-
fluence on the lives of all those
with whom she met and loved.
She always had a meal,
shower, and a place to sleep for
anyone in need. Cozette was
born in Payne Springs, TX on
February 27, 1917 and was the
oldest child of Elmer and Len-
nie Boyette Reynolds. Cozette
and her brother L.D. were raised
by their loving paternal grand-
mother Mrs. Sallie Reynolds,
and aunts Irva Deen Reynolds
and LaFaris Brown due to the
death of their mother Lennie
during the 1918 flu epidemic.
Cozette graduated from Ma-
bank High School in Mabank,
TX in 1936, and married her
husband Thomas “Jack” Down-
ing on May 1, 1937. Cozette was
predeceased by her loving hus-
band Jack, her parents and her
brother L. D. Reynolds.
Cozette is survived by her
daughters Linda Jacque Tyre of
Center, TX; Nan Carol Gulley
(Thomas Groessel) of Seagov-
ille, TX; son Jeffrey Reynolds
Downing (Patricia) of Dallas,
TX; and her brother Pat Reyn-
olds (Loretta) of Alvin, TX.
Also surviving are her grand-
children Kathy Miller (Mau-
rey), Jack Tyre Sr., and Dar-
ren Tyre Sr., all of Center, TX;
Devin Smith of Hemphill, TX;
Kayla LaRue of Mesquite, TX;
Staci Breece (Kerry) of Dal-
las, TX and Staci’s father Fred
Gulley; Eric Downing of Little
Elm, TX; Jeffrey Downing
(Francesca) of Frisco, TX; as
well as 13 great-grandchildren,
10 great-great-granchildren,
cousin Barbara Ansley (Joe) of
Tyler, TX, and many other fam-
ily and friends. “Mamaw” was
a foster parent for “Children’s
Protective Services” and fos-
tered 74 babies during her 17
years of service. She retired at
the age of 82, but is still in con-
tact with some of her “babies”.
Cozette was a member of Vic-
tory Baptist Church, Seagovile,
TX and loved her Pastor, Chris
Knowles and her church family.
Our heart-felt thatnks to all our
family and friends, who were
so loving and supportive dur-
ing our Mother’s time of illness.
We will forever miss our mom,
dad’s eternal partner, and the
friend to and of many, but our
lives remain greatly enriched
because of her unconditional
love.
Services were held at 12:00
p.m. on Satruday, March 19,
2011 Grove Hill Funeral Home
Chapel, 3920 Samuell Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75228. Interment
followed at Grove Hill Memo-
rial Park. Her grandsons served
as pallbearers.
Frazier, Tommy Eugene
born Feb. 17, 1946 in Dallas, TX
and passed away March 23,2011
in Crandall, TX. He is survived
by his wife Jeanie Frazier, chil-
dren, Darrin Frazier and wife
Jennifer, Tina Frank, Jenifer In-
gram, Judson Ricks, Terry Go-
mez and wife Alynda, Shearie
Rhodes, grandchildren, Whitnie
Bedunah, Dalton Frazier, David
Morales, Charrleen Hill, Dawson
Frazier, Kevin Mikeska, Britta-
ny Rhodes, Ashlee Gomez, Bri-
anne Gomez, great-grandchil-
dren, Dalton Gomez and Addie
Bedunah. Preceded in death by
father, Captain Clarence Frazier
and mother, Effie Addie Frazier,
sisters, Emma Mitchell , Susie
Huddleston, brothers, Marvin
Frazier, Coy Frazier and son Da-
vid Ricks. He was a member of
the Masonic Lodge and served
in the Army. He loved fishing,
music, singing and played the
Bass Guitar his entire life. He
was loved by many and will be
missed by all. Services will be
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 10:00
AM at Roselawn Chapel. Visi-
tation will be Thursday 6-8:00
PM at Roselawn Chapel. In lieu
of flowers, memorials may be
made to the American Cancer
Society, 8900 Carpenter Frwy,
Dallas, TX 75247
Hitt
Mrs. Jessie Hitt of Dallas
passed away March 25,2011. She
is survived by her husband of 63
years Mr. C. J. Hitt. She is also
survived by her daughter, Ms.
Regina Bonner . She also had a
grandson Hunter Bonner I and
his wife Lynnette. Mrs. Hitt also
had two great-grandchildren,
Alexis and Hunter II.
Mrs. Hitt enjoyed traveling
and square dancing. She was a
collector of hand fans and bells.
The White Rock Center of Hope
benefitted from her time as a
volunteer .Mrs. Hitt was also ac-
tive at her church, Lakeside Bap-
tist , where she enjoyed singing in
the choir.
Services for Mrs. Hitt will
be at Lakeside , Tuesday, March
29th at 2:30 P.M. Visitation will
be at Roselawn Funeral Home
Monday, March 28th from 6-
8:00 P.M.
Jobe
Mr. Bill Jobe passed away
Friday, March 25, 2011 in Dal-
las, Texas. Mr. Jobe was born
in Hopkins County in 1955. He
is survived by 3 sons -Brian and
wife Angela, Rickey and wife
Sarah, and Jared Jobe. He is also
survived by 2 daughters, Brandy
and Lisa Jobe and Amber Ruffin.
He had 7 grandchildren- Lane,
Rylie, Taylor, Ryan, Maddison,
Brooklyn, and Dustin. Mr. Jobe
had 1 brother , David Jobe and
his wife Tammy. He is also sur-
vived by 3 aunts- Amelia Moore,
Leuna Jacobs, Annie Riley, and
niece Chelsea Riley.
Services are scheduled for
11:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 29th
at Roselawn, Visitation 6-8 PM
Monday At Roselawn
Lofton
Terry Lofton was born
April 26, 1962 in Dallas, TX and
passed away March 24, 2011.
Terry loved riding motorcycles
and going to the movies. He
was a stunt man appeared in the
Dukes of Hazard and appeared
in a movie. Survived by daugh-
ter, Bridget Lofton; grandchil-
dren, Shannon Baird, Samantha
Mims, and Paige Mims. Preced-
ed in death by parents, Leonard
and Linda Lofton; grandmother,
Frances Heard.
Roselawn Funeral Home and
Cemetery
Lopez
Mass of Christian Burial
for Jesus Jose Lopez Jr. , age
21 of Crandall, Texas was held
at 11:00 AM Thursday, March
31, 2011 at the St. Ann Catholic
Church in Kaufman with Rev.
James Orosco officiating. In-
terment followed at Roselawn
Memorial Gardens in Seagov-
ille under the direction of Rose-
lawn Funeral Home.
Jesus Jose Lopez was born
December 30, 1988 in Juarez,
Mexico a son of Jesus Jose Lo-
pez Sr. and Yolanda Alvarez Lo-
pez and passed away on October
7, 2010 in Juarez. He graduated
from Crandall High School in
2007 and was Catholic in Faith
and was a manger with Auto
Zone. He is preceded in death
by his father, Jesus Jose Lopez.
Survivors include his moth-
er, Yolanda Lopez of Crandall,
Step-Father Armando Arratia
of Crandall, Sisters Judy Lopez
of Crandall and Alexis Arratia
of Crandall, Brother David Lo-
pez of Crandall, Grandparents,
Ramon Alvarez of Mexico and
Agueda Garcia of Mexico,
Uncles, Jorge Alvarez, Lucio
Gonzalez, Diego Lopez, Luis
Batrez, Andres Batrez, Juan
Bencomo, Ruben Batrez, Man-
uel Batrez and Marcelo Batrez;
Aunts, Sophia Batrez, Ramona
Gonzalez, Rosa Alvarez, Lil-
liana Alvarez, Victoria Batrez
and Concepcion Batrez; girl-
friend Susy Brewster as well
as numerous cousins and other
friends and relatives.
Ray
Mr. Larry Ray passed away
on March 26, 2011 in Dallas,
Texas. Larry worked as a sign
fabricator, and was 57 years old.
Larry is survived by his
mother, Mrs. Sue Ray. He is
also survived by a fiancee,
Ms. Debbie Storey. Larry had
three daughters, Kristen Smith
and husband Billy, Erin Leath-
ers and husband John, and Jory
Hardman and husband Timmy,
one brother, Steve Ray and wife
Sherrie. Larry was a great dad
and especially enjoyed his role
as “Poppy” to his eight grand-
children and five nieces and
nephews that he loved and was
so proud of!
In his spare time Larry was
a fan of crossword puzzles. He
loved music and enjoyed play-
ing the guitar.
Services for Mr. Ray will
be at graveside at Roselawn
Cemetary at 3:30 P.M,, Wednes-
day March 30, 2011.
Taylor
Mr. John L. Taylor passed
away Sunday, March 27, 2011
in Richardson, Texas. Mr. Tay-
lor was 83 years old, and retired
from Dal- Tile.
He is survived by his wife
of 36 years, Mrs.Glenda (Ham-
mer) Taylor. Mr. Taylor had
three sons, Ronny Hammer and
his wife Denise, Bryan Ham-
mer, and John Taylor Jr. and
his wife Dianna. He had two
daughters, Pam Hammer Tyler,
and Cindy Hammer Goswick
and husband, Randy. Mr. Taylor
enjoyed nine grandchildren and
three great grandchildren.
Mr. Taylor was a member
of the Rylie Church of Christ,
and loved to garden. He will be
remembered as a devoted hus-
band, father, and grandfather.
Services for Mr. Taylor
will be 10:00 A.M., Wednesday
March 30, 2011, at the Rose-
lawn Chapel.The visitation is
scheduled from 6:00- 8:00 P.M.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 also at
Roselawn.
YOU CAN BE READY TO RETIRE
OR NOT. READY IS BETTER.
Gerald R Blakely, AAMS®
Financial Advisor
1425 Gross Rd Ste 106
Mesquite, TX 75149
972-288-5106
www.edwardjones.com
Edwardjones
MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING
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Pugh, Tiffany. The Suburbia News (Seagoville, Tex.), Vol. 39, No. 19, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 31, 2011, newspaper, March 31, 2011; Seagoville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth635644/m1/5/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .