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Rockport High School Graduates! 1940 Series Of Rockport Graduates Of 1949. A Brief Statement About Each Graduate Plus A Bonus Picture In Most Cases. The idea, Most of written Info, Plans and Legwork by Hilma A. Stewart. Stat by jrd on 7/14/06. Updated on 7/1/07. Updated on 10/6/14. Updated on 6/1/26. |
In 1950, Billy and I were married. He died in July, 1999 after having cancer for
13 years.
We have three children, David, lives in Madisonville, KY with his wife Rosemary.
Meggi Hunt lives in Hartford with husband Larry. Lorri Pile in Owensboro with
husband Paul. We have 6 grandchildren from ages 24 to 13. The five youngest are
still in school.
I live in the house we built in 1952 on Highway 1245. I teach a Sunday School Class
in my church. I like to read, do needlework and quilt. It is easy to stay busy.
I am blessed.
Obituary from Owensboro-Messenger Paper.
Elizabeth Ann Burden.
BEAVER DAM-Elizabeth Ann Barnard Burden, 91, passed peacefully at Dogwood Estates on June 4, 2023.
She was a member of Pond Run Baptist Church where she played the piano for over 50 years. She
had a full life and enjoyed living it every day. She loved to sew, quilt, read, cross stitch,
attend family functions, work in vacation bible school, fix corn for the Baptist Children's home,
and reminiscing about family and friends.
Ann was born to the late Richard and Minnie Barnard on April 18, 1932, at Rockport, Kentucky.
She is proceeded in death by her husband Billy Burden in 1999. She is also proceeded in death
by five sisters and two brothers. Ruth Mabry (Paul), Esther "Bugs" Brown (Glendon), Martha
James (Oscar), Electa Chinn (Roy), Ada "Cricket" Raymond (Rondal), James Richard Barnard (Lelia),
Bobby Barnard (passed at four days old).
Ann is survived by three children, one sister and a sister-in-law; son-David Burden(Rosemary)
of Louisville, Kentucky; daughters-Meggi Hunt(Larry) of Hartford, Kentucky and Lorri Pile(Paul)
of Owensboro, Kentucky; sister- Bettye Jane Harper (LH) of Echols; sister-in-law-Barbara Burden
of Hartford, Kentucky. She had six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren
are David Ross Burden (Leigh Ann) of Nolensville, TN, Sarah Price (Charles) of Louisville, KY,
Christopher Hunt (Ashley) of Hendersonville, TN, Jarrod Hunt (Leah) of Louisville, KY, Justin
Pile Lexington, KY, Kelsey Kuegel (Clay) of Owensboro, KY. Her great-grandchildren are Ryan
and Lauren Burden of Nolensville, TN, Norah and Deacon Price of Louisville, KY, and Francesca,
James, and Josiah Hunt of Louisville, KY.
Services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Bevil Bros. Funeral Home in Beaver Dam
with Bro. Alton "Doc" Crowe officiating. Burial will be in Pond Run Cemetery in the Echols
Community. Visitation will be from 9AM to 2PM Wednesday at the funeral home. The Family
request that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to Pond Run Baptist
Church Cemetery Fund, 468 Chiggerville Lane, Beaver Dam, KY 42320 C/O Shirley Barnes.
Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Patricia Ann Render.
Picture and write-up supplied by Pat. Thanks Pat.
In 1954 I received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Ky. Wesleyan College.
We were the first graduating class after the college moved to Owensboro. I worked
part time for an Attorney while in College. After graduation I taught one year in
Larue County and one year at Centertown School. In 1963 I received a Masters Degree
in Counseling and Guidance. I was offered a position as a counselor with Fayette
County Schools. After six years of subbing and 30 years at Station High School as a
counselor I decided to retire. Those were the best years of my life.
Now my free time is spent volunteering at the KY Horse Park, lunching and shopping
with friends, gardening and walking my four legged friend, Jose'. My daughter, Deborah,
who is a teacher, and I spend summers traveling.
James Albert Laymon was born at Rockport, Kentucky, April 28, 1930 and was the grandson of Mrs. W. T. Jessie. He started to school in Leitchfield at the age of seven and enrolled at Rockport in the second grade in 1938. He planned to study engineering after he graduated. Jimmy's whereabouts, since he graduated in 1949, is mostly unknown to his classmates and to the people in this area that I have talked to. Seems that he has been married more than once, but other than that, information about him is sparse.
Billy Sam Drake.
Billy Sam joined the Air Force just out of High School.
After serving his country, he came back to the Ohio County area to settle. He
married Wilma Ruth Curtis and found work with Young Lumber Company in Beaver Dam.
The two of them moved to Beaver Dam and raised a son. Billy Sam worked for Young
Lumber Company all of his life and probably still does on a part time basis. He
and Ruth lived in Beaver Dam during this period of time, but after their son opened
a Heating and Air Conditioning Service, in Morgantown, they moved to Morgantown to be
with their grandchildren. Ruth worked in the Heating and Air Conditioning business
with her son. The place of business is called Quality Supply Company. Look them up
if you have a few spare minutes when in Morgantown.
OBITUARY-Jones Funeral Home.
William Samuel Drake, known affectionately as Sam to his friends and family, passed
away peacefully on Christmas Day, 2025, at the Hospice of Southern Kentucky. Born on
April 21, 1931, in Central City, Kentucky, Sam's life was a testament to the values
of kindness, friendliness, and wisdom that he embodied throughout his 94 years.
Wilma Ruth Drake, known affectionately as Ruth by her loved ones, passed away peacefully
on December 22, 2025, at her residence in Morgantown, Kentucky. Born on February 9, 1934,
in Echols, Kentucky, in Ohio County, Ruth's life was a testament to her enduring kindness,
humor, and selflessness throughout her 91 years.
Sam and Ruth were both graduates of Rockport High School in Ohio County, KY. They
were married December 11, 1954 in Springfield, TN. Sam was a United States Air Force
Veteran and his professional journey led him to Young Manufacturing Co. in Beaver Dam,
Kentucky, where he dedicated many years of hard work and eventually rose to the position
of Vice President. His commitment to his work was paralleled only by his dedication to
his family and his passions. Ruth's professional life was marked by her tenure as a
clerk at Quality Supply, however, her most cherished role was that of a homemaker,
where she created a warm and welcoming home for her family. Together Sam and Ruth
owned race horses and enjoyed spending time at the race track on weekends. They enjoyed
raising a garden, cooking, canning and telling old story's but most of all they enjoyed
spending time with family especially their grandchildren, great grandchildren and great
great grandson.
Sam is preceded in death by his parents, Owen M. and Dixie Agnes Rhule Drake, his brother
Bobby Drake, and sister Martha Ferrell, Sam's legacy is carried on by his loving family.
He is survived by his son, Tommy Drake (Kim) of Morgantown, Kentucky; his granddaughters,
Jill Hall (J.R.) of Caneyville, Kentucky, and Laura Kent (Raleigh) of Lawrenceburg,
Tennessee; and his six great-grandchildren, Morgan Staten (Carter) of Dalton, Georgia,
Kaitlyn Kitchen (Tyler) of Paris, Kentucky, Bradley Lewis of Bowling Green, Kentucky,
and Aubrey, Ava, and Blakely Kent, all of Lawrenceburg, TN. The joy of his life was
further multiplied by the arrival of his great-great-grandson, Levi Kitchen of Paris,
Kentucky. Sam also leaves behind his cherished niece, Kim Latham (Mike) of Central City,
Kentucky, and nephew, Tim Ferrell of Breman, Kentucky.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents Forrest M. and Myrtle Inez Bowen Curtis and her
brothers Eddie and Darrell Curtis. Her legacy continues through her son Tommy Drake and
his wife Kim of Morgantown, KY. Ruth's joy was multiplied with the birth of her two
granddaughters, Jill Hall (J.R.) of Caneyville, KY, and Laura Kent (Raleigh) of Lawrenceburg,
TN. She was blessed with great-grandchildren Morgan Staten (Carter) of Dalton, GA, Kaitlyn
Kitchen (Tyler) of Paris, KY, Bradley Lewis of Bowling Green, KY, and Aubrey, Ava, and
Blakely Kent, all of Lawrenceburg, TN. The recent addition of her great-great-grandson
Levi Kitchen of Paris, KY, brought her immense happiness. Ruth is also survived by her
sister-in-laws, June Curtis of Guntersville, AL, and Sherry Curtis of Beaver Dam, KY,
as well as several nieces and nephews.
Joint Funeral Services for Mr. & Mrs. Drake will be held at the Jones Funeral Chapel
Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 11:00am with Bro. Leland Geary and Bro. Rob Rowland officiating.
Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery where Bobby Curtis, Tim Ferrell, Raleigh Kent, Tyler
Kitchen, Bradley Lewis and Carter Staten will serve as pallbearers, Tom Palmer and Larry
Arnold as honorary pallbearers and military rights will be presented by the Ohio County
AM Vets in honor of Sam's service. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 31. 2025
from 4:00pm - 8:00pm and Thursday 8:00am until funeral time at 11:00am at the Jones
Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children's Research
Hospital 501 St Jude PL Memphis, TN 38105, Hospice Of Southern Kentucky 5872 Scottsville
RD., Bowling Green, KY 42104 or Norton's Children's Hospital 4001 Dutchman's LN Louisville,
KY 40207.
Fred Robinson was a member of the 1949 Class and after graduating, went to Evansville,
Indiana. In time he became President of the Whirlpool Credit union. He married
Jean Kirby and their marriage produced two children, a boy and a girl. The family
made their home in Evansville, Indiana.
Obituary From The Evansville Paper.
Shelby Fred Robinson, 50, of 1817 North Thomas Avenue, Evansville, died at his home
Monday afternoon, September 7, 1981 of a heart attack while mowing his lawn. He
was born February 18, 1931 at McHenry, son of Shelby and Ava Rowe Robinson.
He was a member of the Church of Christ, Evansville, and manager of a Federal Savings
on Highway 41.
Survivors include his wife, Jean Kirby Robinson, Evansville; one son, Timmy, student
at Freed-Hardeman College, Henderson, Tenn.; one daughter, Tammy, at home; three
sisters and several nieces and nephews.
The body is at Ziemer Funeral Home, Evansville, where funeral arrangements had not
been made at press time.
Billy Gene was born and raised in Rockport and he and his wife raised a family where
he grew up. At age forty-one, he and his wife moved to Twin Hills Subdivision in
Beaver Dam. During the period of time when he was in Rockport, he was very active
in the Rockport Baptist Church and was teaching Sunday School while still in his teens.
He held about every church position available working up to the superintendent. He
was a very active, young deacon there and served until he moved to Beaver Dam.
Billy applied for a job with Peabody Coal Company, Ken Mine, just out of high school,
and was given work. He was just eighteen years old when he started his coal mining
career and worked there until he retired. He worked for Ken Mine for almost forty-five years.
Billy Jean married Anne Lee Nelson and that marriage produced one daughter. Shelia
Welborn Killough and her husband have one daughter, Leah. She is Billy Gene's only
grandchild. Billy Gene is now a widower and still living in Twin Hills in Beaver Dam.
Obituary from Owensboro-Messenger Paper on 4/24/17:
Billy Gene Welborn - Obituary By Danks Funeral Home.
BEAVER DAM -- Billy Gene Welborn, 86, of Beaver Dam went to be with the Lord Saturday,
April 22, 2017, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital surrounded by his family. He
was born April 11, 1931, in Rockport to the late Herbert and Louise Devine Welborn.
Billy was a Christian man and a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church, where he studied
with the Baracca Sunday School Class. He was employed by Peabody Coal Company at Ken
Surface Mine from December 1949 until retirement in January 1993. During his time at
the mine he ran a BUCYRUS ERIE 61R Drill. On June 26, 1954, Billy married his loving
wife of 42 years, Anna Lee Nelson Welborn.
Mr. Welborn was also preceded in death by his wife, Anna Lee Welborn; sister, Betty
Kiper; niece, Cheri Kiper; and grandmother, Iva Nichols.
Survivors include his daughter, Sheila Ann (Jerry) Killough of Hartford; brother, Fred
(Doris) Welborn of Beaver Dam; granddaughter, Leah Michele (Eric) Garner of Owensboro;
and two grandchildren, Gatlin Matthew and Bella Faith Garner. Funeral services will
be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at William L. Danks Funeral Home with the Rev. John Cashion,
Dr. Glenn Armstrong, and the Rev. Doug King officiating. Burial will follow in Sunnyside
Cemetery in Beaver Dam. Friends may visit with Mr. Welborn's family from 4 to 8 p.m.
Monday and 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.
The following write-up was done by Hilma A. Stewart. Thanks Hilma.
James L. Stewart graduated from RHS in 1949. In the fall of 1949 he enrolled at
Western Kentucky University, where along with his studies, he joined the ROTC. This
was the time frame of the Korean War and the draft was still in effect. In the mail,
came to brother Glen, greetings from Uncle Sam, then a few days later the same Uncle
sent the same type letter to James (Jim). The two brothers, not wanting to serve
in the Army, enlisted in the Navy and were told that they could stay together and
were given consecutive serial numbers. They completed "Boot" camp at Camp Pendleton
in San Diego CA and reported to a base in Norfolk VA. They were then assigned to an
ammo ship, the USS Mazama, and were given a destination in Japan. Jim was assigned
to the Radar Room and that was also his battle station. While en route the ship
developed problems and was sent back to San Diego. Glen became ill and was sent
home and Jim was then sent back to Norfolk. While on duty in Norfolk, Jim fell
some 35 feet to the ground, injuring his foot and ankle. The injury was severe
and bad enough for a medical discharge.
On Jim's return to Rockport, he discovered that employment conditions were very bad.
He joined his brothers, Buck and Glen as a construction electrician. From his first
job in Michigan, the three brothers continued this line of work for about fifteen
years. They worked in many states and on many construction sites. During this time
frame Jim married his schoolmate, Hilma Lou Ashton. In 1964 Jim acquired a job
with Peabody Coal Company, Sinclair Mines. This mines had signed a long term contract
to furnish coal for the new TVA plant. The mines closed in 1986 and Jim retired.
Jim always enjoyed hunting all game, however his great interest is in the making
and taking part in the shoots of precision rifle matches. These activities have
taken him to many states where he has found many hours of pleasure. He holds many
trophies he has won over the many years he has been in this sport.
James L. "Jim" Stewart. Obituary from Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer-9/30/14.
Rockport, KY.-James L. "Jim" Stewart, 82, of Rockport, Ky., died Monday, Sept. 29,
2014, at Dawson Health and Rehab in Dawson Springs. Jim was born in Echols to the
late Loften and Mary Jane Fulkerson Stewart. He worked at Sinclair Surface Mine
as an electrician for 20 years, he worked as an electrician for traveling construction
13 years, he was a member of UMWA Local 1342, a member of IBEW for 60 years and was
a lifelong member of Pond Run Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his
brother Duane "Bucky" Stewart.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Hilma Ashton Stewart; a brother, Glenn (Coleen
Hoskins) Stewart, of Rockport; several nieces, nephews and cousins; caregivers Betty
and Larry Lindsey and Dolly West.
Services are at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Bevil Bros. Funeral Home in Beaver Dam with
Brother Alton Crowe officiating. Entombment will be in Pond Run Cemetery in Echols,
with military honors being presented by the Ohio County Honor Guard. Visitation
will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The family requests
expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to Pond Run Cemetery. Envelopes
will be available at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to bevilbrosfuneralhomes.com.
