More.....Where are they? Some has been updated. If you want to be added let me know...meanwhile, check out the new additions below!


I have been hearing from several classmates that haven't been able to make it down to the Valley nor to our reunions but nonetheless have sent a short bio on where they are and what they've been up to......read on!!


New!


Brand New from Nancy White Carmack --
I'm Nancy of the White twins. My husband, Sam Carmack, and I live in Colleyville, Texas, about 10 minutes west of DFW Airport. We've been married 31 years and have 2 kids: Will, 25 and Laura, 23. I've been a pastor's wife for years - in Brazil, Oklahoma, Kentucky and now Texas. I used to do the music at our church, but now I'm letting the young folks take charge. Soooo, now I play background music (piano) at LoneStar Antique Mall tea room in Haltom City, Texas (15 minutes from my home)and LOVE IT! I'm also a director of Legacy Bank in Oklahoma. My husband, besides pastoring, teaches Greek and New Testament at B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, headquarters in Arlington, TX.
My twin, Peggy, died of cancer in 1989. Her two kids, Cap (almost 29) and Elizabeth (27) live up here in the Metroplex and I get to see them a lot! Cap is married and lives in Dallas. Elizabeth, lives in Southlake, married and has two children, 2 1/2, and 11 months (I'm writing this in July '09.) I get to be kind of a grandmother-type for them - which I LOVE!
I am thrilled to (finally) get in touch with MHS folks - though I have stayed in touch with Diane Williams Thalman and Kathy Fennell Cranfill. My parents moved from the Valley in 1977 to East Texas. Because of that I have seldom made the trek to the Mission....but it's ALWAYS in my heart. I AM going to be there for the 40th reunion!!!

Carla Aldridge Barnett -
I live in I live in Portland, Texas (Outside of Corpus) I'm a counselor at an elementary school here. I have been in Portland for about 20 years. I am still married to David Barnett. (the love of my life) He is a teacher at an elementary school here.

Malcom Moses -
Married in 1978, Divorced in 2000. 5 great kids..... Daughter-31yrs old. works for State of Texas Penal System,
Twin Boys - 26 yrs. old Both in the Navy
Boy- 16 yrs.old High School in Illinois
Boy- 8 yrs.old Elementary School in Illinois
--Yes,folks, an 8 year old. Born the same year I had triple by-pass surgery, 1997. Moved to Illinois in 2000 and am with a woman who keeps saying she loves me. I'll never know why!!!!
Journeyman Electrician since 1980 and am with the I.B.E.W. 9/11 hurt the industry here so right now I am driving a school bus carrying children with special needs.

Linton Stables -- Manhattan, New York
I’m living in Manhattan and loving it. I moved here 2 years ago after living for 25 years in San Francisco, which I also loved. But things change and lives change and I now find myself on the East Coast. I am doing architecture still, and now am responsible for the specifications for a large national architecture firm.

John K. Mikels’ life since May ’70…
• Start college at Pan Am. Transfer to Baylor. B.S. in Geology ’76. Grad school at UTEP (geology & geophysics) • Wife Jo (31 years!) is 8th grade NBCT science teacher & Science Dept. Chair in Austin ISD. • Daughters Shana (1st yr elementary art teacher in Austin ISD) and Erin (College Jr, bio & math major, TWU to UTA transfer) • Lived in Waco (’74-‘76), Fairfield (E. TX, ’76-’78), El Paso (’78-’81), and Austin since ’81. • Professional career: Lignite exploration geologist, Dow Chemical (’76-’78); Hydrogeologist, U.S. Geological Survey (’79-’81); Environmental geologist & hydrogeologist, 2 consulting firms (’81-’94); Independent consulting hydrogeologist, d/b/a GEOS Consulting (’95-today). An interesting career that has taken me all over Texas, a dozen or so states, and some foreign locales (Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Zambia) to take on a variety of challenging projects. In recent years, focus of work has been assessment and development of groundwater resources in Central Texas. Licensed Professional Geologist in TX, AR, MO. • Non-career interests: Seemingly endless years of two daughters and their love of dance (almost daily lessons, shows, competitions, summer workshops in LA or NY; #!*%? - Am I glad they’ve grown past that !). Travel off the beaten path. Guest lecturer on earthscience in Austin schools and on hydrogeology to science teacher workshops. Occasional sub science teacher (the flexibility of being self-employed!). Volunteer work w/ various public-service and charity groups. Can be contacted at: geos-jkm@swbell.net

Norma Lee Asebedo Garza - (April, 2005) -
Retired, doing consulting work, living in Mission, married to Ralph F.Garza of Edinburg, three boys...Danny, married and living in San Antonio, the two younger boys are attending Mission schools.....

Richard Abbott (June 25, 2004) -
living in Lacey, Washington, married to Norma Lopez, his high school sweetheart since he was a sophomore in high school. Three sons, 28, 26, and 19. Retired military. Would like to hear from classmates. Ask me for email address at mission1970@swbell.net.com.

Kathleen McClain Holton -
UPDATED 7/12/09
I'm still single after the second divorce several years ago. But, dating a very nice man. I served 4 years on my city council, and decided not to run again, though I am giving serious consideration to running for mayor in a few years. I am still in the newspaper business, gee, some 30plus years now. Since this is a community paper, there was little conflict with me being on council, now its easier.
My mom died in Mission last year the day before Mother's Day-a major loss to my family, and her many friends-always a kind hearted, wonderful, loving, gentle woman.
My son moved here and is in real estate and doing extremely well. The economy doesn't seem to have affected him at all. He is 36 now (Gasp) making his dad, Armando Cespedes Jr. VERY old! lol My son broke his back in 3 places, yep-almost died- two years ago on his 23rd parachute jump. Praise God he survived and is all better, except sometimes his back goes out.
I'd love t hear from more of you about how life is and what you have heard about other classmates. I am continuing to be in the lawsuit over Hayes Sammons, and think of Celia often. We spoke one time at a meeting with the EPA and I told her about my cancer, tumors, skin problems and poor health, as well as those of many of my brothers and sisters. She understood, and we talked about her mom and dad. Such a travesty! Hopefully, this part of our nightmare will end soon in the courts, and we can focus on our health.
All of you from St. Paul's--lets plan a reunion!! I have pictures of us as kids: first Communion, etc...
Kathleen McClain Holton
PREVIOUS UPDATE - 2006 - Single (second time) - Children, one son, lives in San Antonio and has made me a grandmother twice, two grandsons. Living just outside Houston in a small town (for about six years), but have access to the big city easily. Have been in journalism forever--and am now the publisher of a newspaper wih a circulation of 27,000 and growing! Much of my family still lives in the Mission area. Will be thinking of everyone...have fun!!!

Margaret Speer Dubose - Mission -
Still a valley girl, working in McAllen. I am an executive assistant to a wonderful boss. I have one child, living in East Texas and I have been single for quite some time and having the time of my life.

Terry Lankford (2000) -- Austin, Texas
Terry has two kids (first marriage): Tera-22 years and Thomas "T"- 19 years. Tera wll be attending Pharmacy School at UT this fall. "T" wil be attending Southwest Texas. Married for five years to Barbie (second wife). He's retired from Texas Department of Public Safety after 27 years. Reached rank of Assistant Commander, Special Crimes Service. Retired early to take a job with Dell Computer, Executive Protection. He provides security for the Dell Family....and still doesn't know what he'll do when he grows up!

John Leidner(2002) -- State of Georgia
"I live in a small town in South Georgia. It is about the size of Mission when we were students. We are about a three hour drive south of Atlanta. I've been married for the past 28 years to a girl I met when I was a student at Texas A&M. We have three children, two sons are attending the University of Georgia and a daughter is going into the eighth grade. For almost all of that time, I've been working for Progressive Farmer Magazine.

Mark Mills (2002)-- Coppell, Texas
"Graduated from University of Texas - Austin in 1974 and moved to Dallas immediately. I worked for an insurance company for three years and have been at Hertz Corporation ever since (25 years). I live with my wife and two step daughters (16 and 18) and step poodle (Lucky, age 10) in Coppell, Texas a suburb of Dallas right near DFW Airport. Life has been good to me. Health is good. I still play a lot of golf. I was an old maid until 1996. Jan and I got married in Las Vegas."

Myra Rhyne Baker -- (2002) Sharyland, Texas
Part-time Sec./Bkkg. for Wayne Sparks of Sparks-Townsend Development. Married to Bill Baker (Class of 68). Two kids, Ryan-21 years, at Texas A&M Kingsville majoring in Ag. Science. Sings--has a C/W band called Texas Heat (Check them out at TexasHeat@aol.com---looking for jobs--hint, hint! Chase Amanda Jo - 17 years old, Sr. at Sharyland and All Valley, All Disrict and All Area Catcher and ranked 4th in State among 4A catchers.

Melissa Smith Nelson - UPDATE! -July, 2009
Just to give you a little update on me. I am starting my 29th year as a Methodist pastor and my 5year as pastor at the Methodist Church in Taft. I am married to Harry "Huck" Nelson who is a retired Judge from South Carolina. He is a republican and I challenge him I have two boys.
Andrew who is 18 years old, Drew is special needs and will be starting his senior year in high school and is one of the coolest kids I know. He has some challenges in some areas and in other areas he is way a head of most people. One of the things he excells in is his humor and his kindness. He is also quite an actor and knows the "Wizard of Oz" by heart, both words and movements. He is great with children and helps at the Day School we have at the church during the summer months. In My the Leadership Corpus Christi sponsored a Special Prom. I got to go to the prom as Drew's escort; although he had to remind me that his dates would be there and I was just the escort. He is really a good dancer.
Fletcher is 16 years old and will be a junior. He recently was written up in the Texas Football Magazine as one of the juniors to watch for. He's 6'2" and about 200 #s. He is a good guy and will be getting his drivers licence in a few days. He had his first paying job this summer working for Pioneer Seed and he worked in the fields. For you that remember my brother Paul, he reminds me of Paul a whole lot.
I not only love my boys, I like them and they like me so what could be better. I am very happy with my life and I have never felt closer to Christ.
I recently spent some time visiting with Terry Lankford. . . he is doing good and we talked about the good old days in playing ball in the summer time.
I hope all of you have a great class reunion and a Happy and Safe 4th of July.
Grace and Peace
Melissa Smith Nelson
Class of 1970
A previous UPDATE- April, 2006 - Melissa is back in Corpus Christi, Texas - will update with more info.
Graduated from Pan Am in 1975. Graduated from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1980. Did an overseas residency with the Methodist Church in Liberia W. Africa in 1979. Was appointed as a associate Pastor to First United Methodist Church of Corpus Christi out of Perkins and served there for 9 years where she became the Sr. Associate Pastor. First marriage to Don Jones in 1990. Two sons, Andrew-13 years, and Fletcher-10 years. Divorced in 1998 and remarried in 2000 to Huck Nelson, a retired judge from South Carolina. She was the Senior Pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi. Mel and her family have moved to San Antonio where she is the new pastor at Jefferson United Methodist Church. She celebrated her 23rd year in ministry this June, 2003.

David Silva -- Los Angeles, California
Dave graduated from Pan Am in 78. Taught 4th grade in East LA. 1982 received his masters from Cal State-LA and got out of the education field. Teamed up with Roosevelt Elementary and Mission Jr. High Classmate Trinidad Silva. They started up a production business in the entertainment field (film and tv industry in 1983). Trinidad passed away in 1988 but Dave still manages the business today.
Married to Lupita for six years and live in Tarzana, an urban area of Los Angeles. No children but do love their 3 dogs, one very finicky feline, three squirrels and a bunch of nomadic birds. He's very active doing volunteer work for their favorite charity, "Guide Dogs of America". If ever in Los Angeles feel free to contact him. "Our casa es su casa". Contact mission1970@hotmail.com for phone number.

Gregg Holbrook -- UPDATE - Pottsboro, Texas
Gregg has been married for 29 years to Virgie, who made this short bio possible. They have two children, Summer-24 years and Nick-20 years. He's very active in his community; Service Academy for Youth, keeps books fo a local social service agency, serves on the Advisory Council of the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Pottsboro and is active in the Chamber of Commerce and was recently appointed to be a member of their Community Parks Board.
Gregg was in Mission the week of June 9 - 13th, 2003 with a youth group from Waples Memorial United Methodist Church in Denison, Texas working with the Mission Service Project. Greg has recent begun to write grant requests for anumber of our community organizations; his first attempt resulted in a grant of $25,000.00 for our library.
On April 5, Gregg became a first time father-inlaw when our daughter Summer, married a wonderful young man, Wes Wadle. Greg and I travel as much as possible; this summer we'll be taking Summer, Wes, and Nick with us on a cruise around Great Britain.

Lionel "Lee" Salas --
Going through a divorce after 19 years of marriage to his collge sweetheart. Graduated in Aurora, Ill. Went to college, got a Master's n English Literature...went on to law school and is a criminal defense attorney in Collin County, Texas. "Enjoying life.....When I turned 50 I felt like I was 21"...."

Danny Kalinec -- UPDATE - Buda, Texas
Danny has remarried this past August, 2002. After 25 years, he's retired and working on a new business. He bought a old school house and is in the process of turning it into a old country bar, out in the sticks and away from the city. He says he's put on a few pounds and some grey hair. No children.

Kathy Fennell Cranfill - Wimberly, TX
Very happily married for 35 years! Mom of 3 grown children..ages 33, 29 and 26. Husband retired from Homeland Security as a Criminal Investigator....I was a full time mom and part time floral designer which satisfied my creative juices. Now we love spending time traveling, seeing friends and most important of all, enjoying the little loves in our life...our four precious grandbabies, all under the age of 4years!!

Sharon Kay Jeter --
"I live in Tyler, Texas. I work as a Laboratory Assistant at a Hospital here. I am a grandmother with two grandaughters (ages 13 and 7). The LOVES of my life. I have been married for 13 years."

Gloria E. Gonzalez Pena - Corpus Christi, Texas
"I received a B.S. in 1974, from Pan Am, and taught for 3 years at P.S.J.A; in 1977, I earned a M.S. from Texas A&I, Kingsville. Then I taught 2 years at Tuloso-Midsay, and up to the present, have been teaching in Corpus Christi. After 29 years in teaching (reg. & special ed.), and several starts, and frustrating periods, I am preparing to defend my proposal this summer, or bust. I hope to be busy the next several months in order to finally obtain an Ed.D.
My husband and I have been married for 25 1/2 years. Although we were never blessed with children, 6 l/2 yrs. ago we adopted our beautiful daughter from birth. It was exciting and a loving experience for us both. Isabella is the center of our world, and God's answer to our prayers. We have lived in Corpus Christi and will probably retire (not now) but later on in Riviera, Texas, not the French Riviera, (darn) on our farm land there. I hope to see alot of our classmates and friends on the 27th! God Bless!" (See Gloria getting her Ph.D. on May 7, 2004 at A&M-Kingsville on previous page!!)

Santos Estrada Mattan - San Antonio, Texas
Santos has just remarried in May, 2003 and has moved to San Antonio.

Rigoberto Cardenas - Mission, Texas
Married to Linda Marroquin from Mercedes for 25 years. One daughter, Christina, 22 attending North Texas State in Denton. I also have 3 step-daughers from Linda's first marriage. I have 4 grandkids, all boys. I worked for Southwestern Bell for 28.5 years. I retired in April of last year and now run my own communications business, American Prewire Communications.

Diana Flores Alcocer - Mission, Texas
Graduated from Pan Am in 1973, began teaching 3rd graders at Wilson Elem.(2yrs) Pearson Elem ( 1yr) 24 yrs at J. Castro Elem., 18 yrs. as a resource teacher, counselor and now the principal for 6 yrs. In between that I was Assistant principal at Mission Ninth Gr(3yrs). I totally love my job as a principal. It comes with a lot of stress but I feel that God wants me there to help my “barrio”. Some of you may remember, Mr. Ernesto Gonzalez as their 5th grade teacher at Roosevelt School.. Well, guess what? I call him to come and sub for teachers and he enjoys telling the students that I was his student. I asked Mr. Gonzalez one day when he was subbing on my campus, if he ever figured I would be some day be a principal and his answer was NO! (I guess you have to be careful with the quiet ones in school cause look what happened to me. Who would have guessed I would be a principal!) Married in 1978 to Ed Alcocer from Fort Worth. We have 2 beautiful daughters who were both feature twirlers for the Mighty Mission Eagle Band. Adriana (Adri) 21, was born on Father’s Day, June 20th, so she made by Dad a grandpa, my brothers, first time uncles and well what a better Father’s Day present!) Adri is a Senior at the UT-Austin where she plans to become a pharmacists. Currently she is a registered pharmacy technician at an HEB pharmacy in Austin. Cynthia, 18, graduated from Mission High School. May, 2002. She plans to attend the UT-Austin, majoring in business. Cynthia is the reigning Miss South Texas Teen 2003, the Duchess of Palms 2003 and 2nd alternate to the 2004 Queen Citriana Court. Yes, we are busy with pageants. She enjoys them and I just love watching my daughters compete. I missed many of the reunions because twirling competitions are usually in June for state competition and July for nationals at Austin. We have a house full of trophies for winning first places in their events and grand champions trophies for being the best in their event. Pets….we have acquired them because of my girls….Toby, a maltese, Ticee and Carson, our cats, outside cats that have adopted my home, Melvin, Clover, Poacher who just had babies, a gerbil named Janet and fish in our aquarium. My mom lives with me ever since my dad passed away 7yrs come this Oct. Thanks to my hubby for asking my mom to live with us. There are just not too many hubbies that invite their mother-in-law to be permanent fixtures in their home. Well, this is Diana’s life in a short quick page.


We'd really like to hear more from the rest of you. If you can't make it to our reunions send a "Wish I could be there but...." note and let us know where you are and a little bit about yourself or send pictures for me to post. Email to mission1970@hotmail.com

Until then may I remind you......we're all over 50, who knows where we'll be tomorrow. Take the time to let us know what you're up to.

Return to Website