Lorene and Carl Fulkerson.
Lorene Robinson married Carl Fulkerson after High School. She was a 1948 graduate of Rockport. Not sure of their earlier married life, but they settled in the Echols Community near the old #19 School site and near where her dad had a grocery store. They loved to travel and one of their hobbies was to pick up rocks from each place they visited. These rocks were brought back to their home place and then used in the construction of their house. They raised their family there and continued their retirement, in the house of memories, a lot of those memories coming from the rocks brought back from their travels. Their family consisted of three boys and one girl. There are several grandchildren. As my first remembrance of Carl; he was working for The Tennessee Valley Authority. It was my pleasure to know such a wonderful man, as he and I became good friends when we both worked at the Paradise Steam Plant. After working several years at the plant, Carl retired from TVA. He passed away several years after a wonderful retirement life. Lorene continues to make her home at the old home place.
Wishing you all a great day.
See you......
jrd
Lorene Robinson married Carl Fulkerson after High School. She was a 1948 graduate of Rockport. Not sure of their earlier married life, but they settled in the Echols Community near the old #19 School site and near where her dad had a grocery store. They loved to travel and one of their hobbies was to pick up rocks from each place they visited. These rocks were brought back to their home place and then used in the construction of their house. They raised their family there and continued their retirement, in the house of memories, a lot of those memories coming from the rocks brought back from their travels. Their family consisted of three boys and one girl. There are several grandchildren. As my first remembrance of Carl; he was working for The Tennessee Valley Authority. It was my pleasure to know such a wonderful man, as he and I became good friends when we both worked at the Paradise Steam Plant. After working several years at the plant, Carl retired from TVA. He passed away several years after a wonderful retirement life. Lorene continues to make her home at the old home place.
Wishing you all a great day.
See you......
jrd
Duane "Buckie" and Margie Elder Stewart.
Buckie graduated from Rockport High School in 1946 and Margie Elder graduated in 1947. After graduation Buckie did electrical work and Margie accepted a position in Owensboro with the General Electric Company. After a short work time, she married Buckie. Buckie then secured a job with Peabody Coal Company, Ken Mines and worked as an electrician for a short period of time. The old "Construction Work Itch" got to him and he and Margie left for Detroit to work in the construction field as an electrician. They returned to Rockport in the spring of 1957 and bought a farm in the Echols area. Margie went back to work for G. E. until her first of four children was born and she quit to start a family. Life was good on the farm until a fire engulfed the house. They rebuilt another house on the farm and continued with their life. They raised four children, three daughters and one son. Of these, they now have four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Duane "Buckie" Stewart was always a prankster. As some of his family said: He loved to visit and never knew when to go home. His delight was to get something on someone and forever pick at them about it. He passed away in the 38th year of their marriage in the year 1990. Margie, at the time of this writing lives with one of her daughters in the Echols Community.
Thanks to Hilma for the above information.
Buckie graduated from Rockport High School in 1946 and Margie Elder graduated in 1947. After graduation Buckie did electrical work and Margie accepted a position in Owensboro with the General Electric Company. After a short work time, she married Buckie. Buckie then secured a job with Peabody Coal Company, Ken Mines and worked as an electrician for a short period of time. The old "Construction Work Itch" got to him and he and Margie left for Detroit to work in the construction field as an electrician. They returned to Rockport in the spring of 1957 and bought a farm in the Echols area. Margie went back to work for G. E. until her first of four children was born and she quit to start a family. Life was good on the farm until a fire engulfed the house. They rebuilt another house on the farm and continued with their life. They raised four children, three daughters and one son. Of these, they now have four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Duane "Buckie" Stewart was always a prankster. As some of his family said: He loved to visit and never knew when to go home. His delight was to get something on someone and forever pick at them about it. He passed away in the 38th year of their marriage in the year 1990. Margie, at the time of this writing lives with one of her daughters in the Echols Community.
Thanks to Hilma for the above information.
Juanita Stewart Boyd and George Boyd.
The following write-up was done by Hilma A. Steward from information supplied by Juanita Boyd. The pictures along with several other pictures were supplied by George Boyd. Thanks to the Boyd's.
After graduation, Juanita went to Michigan City, IN to seek employment and stay at the home of her sister, Mrs. Roosevelt (Clemmer) Childers. Always an interest in the clothing industry, she found work at retail shops in Michigan City where she learned the trade of retail sales which she was to follow until her retirement years. During this time, her one-day to be husband, George William Boyd was inducted into the U. S. Air Force, seeing service in the European Theater of War.
As the war come to an end, George joined Juanita and found employment in Michigan City. The country was enjoying the peace after the war years and times were good. This period of time was to become a very important part of Juanita's life. The two were married and the times were no different, as to finding gainful employment in the area, as they were to be in the coming decade.
The young couple tried many locations and in time they returned to the Ohio County area. George finding work as management with a number of local companies. The couple make their home in the Central City area and proceeded to remodel a lovely hilltop house. During this time they were the typical American family raising a son and daughter. Juanita continued to work in retail clothing at Barnes' in Central City, KY.
The children graduated and entered college, leaving George and Juanita with an empty nest. Being the, ever ready to go where ever the employment was, George was offered and accepted a job with the Arnold Legion Trucking Company in Madisonville, KY. Juanita, taking her years of employment experience in clothing retail, found work with Baker & Hickman Company and the couple found a new home in Madisonville, KY.
The retirement years are now a pleasure for the couple, finding pleasure with their children and grandchildren while enjoyment with church and friends and related activities. Their son lives in Florida. They always find time to travel to see him, and the lovely weather, when winter comes to Kentucky.
Many thanks to George and Juanita for their help with all of the pictures and of sharing their knowledge of the people in all of the pictures. We send to you and yours, our wishes for many happy days.
The following write-up was done by Hilma A. Steward from information supplied by Juanita Boyd. The pictures along with several other pictures were supplied by George Boyd. Thanks to the Boyd's.
After graduation, Juanita went to Michigan City, IN to seek employment and stay at the home of her sister, Mrs. Roosevelt (Clemmer) Childers. Always an interest in the clothing industry, she found work at retail shops in Michigan City where she learned the trade of retail sales which she was to follow until her retirement years. During this time, her one-day to be husband, George William Boyd was inducted into the U. S. Air Force, seeing service in the European Theater of War.
As the war come to an end, George joined Juanita and found employment in Michigan City. The country was enjoying the peace after the war years and times were good. This period of time was to become a very important part of Juanita's life. The two were married and the times were no different, as to finding gainful employment in the area, as they were to be in the coming decade.
The young couple tried many locations and in time they returned to the Ohio County area. George finding work as management with a number of local companies. The couple make their home in the Central City area and proceeded to remodel a lovely hilltop house. During this time they were the typical American family raising a son and daughter. Juanita continued to work in retail clothing at Barnes' in Central City, KY.
The children graduated and entered college, leaving George and Juanita with an empty nest. Being the, ever ready to go where ever the employment was, George was offered and accepted a job with the Arnold Legion Trucking Company in Madisonville, KY. Juanita, taking her years of employment experience in clothing retail, found work with Baker & Hickman Company and the couple found a new home in Madisonville, KY.
The retirement years are now a pleasure for the couple, finding pleasure with their children and grandchildren while enjoyment with church and friends and related activities. Their son lives in Florida. They always find time to travel to see him, and the lovely weather, when winter comes to Kentucky.
Many thanks to George and Juanita for their help with all of the pictures and of sharing their knowledge of the people in all of the pictures. We send to you and yours, our wishes for many happy days.
George And Juanita Boyd.
Picture of the Boyd's was taken in 1996. Photographer unknown to me.
George and Juanita Boyd have been a big help in providing pictures and information on classmates, especially of those in the thirties and forties. They have provided a lot of the pictures that have been used. Please allow this extra picture of them to be a small token of appreciation for what they have done for the "Rockport Series". Many thanks you two.
See you......
jrd
Picture of the Boyd's was taken in 1996. Photographer unknown to me.
George and Juanita Boyd have been a big help in providing pictures and information on classmates, especially of those in the thirties and forties. They have provided a lot of the pictures that have been used. Please allow this extra picture of them to be a small token of appreciation for what they have done for the "Rockport Series". Many thanks you two.
See you......
jrd
Durwood and Pat Maple.
Durwood Maple graduated from Rockport High School in 1945 and entered the Army a few months after graduation. Durwood worked at several factories after his military service was complete and gained enough knowledge and experience to become a Construction Millwright. He continued the construction Millwright profession for thirty years and retired in 1987. Retirement is always nice, but Durwood says that he wishes that he could go back to work. Like all of us, he made some wonderful friends during his working years and he would like to see them again.
Durwood married his present wife in 1967 and they have lived in Rockport for almost forty years. Pat Maple was a 1955 graduate of Drakesboro High School. A son was born from this marriage and Durwood has two daughters from a previous marriage and Pat had two daughters from a previous marriage.
Pat and Durwood were instrumental in the initial organization of the old school grounds into a fine playground and baseball field for the area youths. Several young boys and girls from the Beaver Dam area wanted to go to Rockport to play on some of the many Rockport Teams. These teams went from the small "T" ball youths to the older teams just prior to the "Babe Ruth" league and it included girls as well as boys. For several years this Rockport playground and ball field was kept busy with the youth in the area. All of the teams were furnished uniforms and if they played, they earned a trophy. Many a young boy or girl went home with their first trophy and an appreciation for Pat and Durwood. This sponsorship and playground maintenance continued for several years and Pat and Durwood decided to hand the responsibility over to a younger group. May the new team keep the process going.
Durwood Maple graduated from Rockport High School in 1945 and entered the Army a few months after graduation. Durwood worked at several factories after his military service was complete and gained enough knowledge and experience to become a Construction Millwright. He continued the construction Millwright profession for thirty years and retired in 1987. Retirement is always nice, but Durwood says that he wishes that he could go back to work. Like all of us, he made some wonderful friends during his working years and he would like to see them again.
Durwood married his present wife in 1967 and they have lived in Rockport for almost forty years. Pat Maple was a 1955 graduate of Drakesboro High School. A son was born from this marriage and Durwood has two daughters from a previous marriage and Pat had two daughters from a previous marriage.
Pat and Durwood were instrumental in the initial organization of the old school grounds into a fine playground and baseball field for the area youths. Several young boys and girls from the Beaver Dam area wanted to go to Rockport to play on some of the many Rockport Teams. These teams went from the small "T" ball youths to the older teams just prior to the "Babe Ruth" league and it included girls as well as boys. For several years this Rockport playground and ball field was kept busy with the youth in the area. All of the teams were furnished uniforms and if they played, they earned a trophy. Many a young boy or girl went home with their first trophy and an appreciation for Pat and Durwood. This sponsorship and playground maintenance continued for several years and Pat and Durwood decided to hand the responsibility over to a younger group. May the new team keep the process going.
James B. and Gladys R. Reid.
James Bertram Reid and Gladys Robinson married soon after Gladys graduated from Rockport High School in 1947. James, "Buddy" Reid graduated a few years before Gladys and had gone into service, serving with the Army in Japan. He was discharged in 1947. After a few business ventures, Buddy was able to land a good job with Peabody Coal Company, Ken Mine and after a few years he was assigned to a "Shovel Crew". He worked his way up to become a "Shovel Operator" and when Peabody Coal Company opened a mine near the TVA Power Plant, Buddy volunteered to transfer to the new mine. After all, the new mine was to be know as Sinclair Mine, and was in the process of assembling the world's largest shovel. Buddy wanted to be one of the operators and wanted to help train the new miners that would be hired. This new mine was to be an enormous operation and was to supply the new power plant with coal for a twenty-five/thirty year period. Buddy eventually retired from Peabody Coal Company, Sinclair Mine.
Gladys and Buddy made their home in Rockport and lived there for ten years or so before moving to Beaver Dam. They raised two sons and from those sons came two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The older son loved basketball and was a good player in his own right. Coaching was his passion though, and he worked his way up to become head basketball coach at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky. As a coach, he soon became well known in the coaching ranks and led his team to several championship years. He never reached his potential as he died in his prime. The other son became a dentist and has a practice in Georgetown, Kentucky. Gladys, as a widow, still lives in Beaver Dam.
James Bertram Reid and Gladys Robinson married soon after Gladys graduated from Rockport High School in 1947. James, "Buddy" Reid graduated a few years before Gladys and had gone into service, serving with the Army in Japan. He was discharged in 1947. After a few business ventures, Buddy was able to land a good job with Peabody Coal Company, Ken Mine and after a few years he was assigned to a "Shovel Crew". He worked his way up to become a "Shovel Operator" and when Peabody Coal Company opened a mine near the TVA Power Plant, Buddy volunteered to transfer to the new mine. After all, the new mine was to be know as Sinclair Mine, and was in the process of assembling the world's largest shovel. Buddy wanted to be one of the operators and wanted to help train the new miners that would be hired. This new mine was to be an enormous operation and was to supply the new power plant with coal for a twenty-five/thirty year period. Buddy eventually retired from Peabody Coal Company, Sinclair Mine.
Gladys and Buddy made their home in Rockport and lived there for ten years or so before moving to Beaver Dam. They raised two sons and from those sons came two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The older son loved basketball and was a good player in his own right. Coaching was his passion though, and he worked his way up to become head basketball coach at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky. As a coach, he soon became well known in the coaching ranks and led his team to several championship years. He never reached his potential as he died in his prime. The other son became a dentist and has a practice in Georgetown, Kentucky. Gladys, as a widow, still lives in Beaver Dam.
Glen and Coleen Stewart.
Glen Stewart and Coleen Hoskins were in the Rockport High School graduating class of 1947. As the frost began to turn the leaves into a beautiful landscape, the two were married. This was in an era where the job market was at a lull and local employment was very difficult. The job market did not stop many young married couples and this couple was no exception.
Coleen's wish was to pursue a career in teaching and she enrolled at Western Kentucky where she earned her degree in elementary education. Prior to graduation, she taught in several, one-room schools in and around Muhlenberg County. After she completed her student teaching requirements, she was accepted by the Ohio County School system where she taught elementary students in the old Rockport School, where she graduated, and also taught at the new Southern Elementary School until she retired in 1989. Glen sought work in the local area and eventually was employed by Peabody Coal Company, Ken Mine. Coal was not in high demand and the local mines only worked a few days a week. The military draft was in effect in this time frame and Glen, along with most other young men, received his greetings from Uncle Sam. He and his brother Jim enlisted in the Navy rather then be drafted into the Army. They completed "Boot Training" in Norfolk, Virginia and then were sent to San Diego, California for a new assignment. The two brothers were then assigned to an ammunition ship, the U. S. Mazsama. The ship left harbor heading to Japan and developed troubles and returned to San Diego. Before Glen could deploy again, he was discharged for health reasons. He and Coleen then returned to Kentucky.
Kentucky Coal was still not in demand and the mining industry was at a low ebb. Instead of working a few days a week, Glen decided to become a construction electrician which he was to follow for the next fifteen years. In 1959, Glen and his brother Jim went to work on the Time And Life Building across from the Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York. That building today is known as the CNN Building.
In 1966 Glen decided to give the mines another try and was employed, again, by Peabody Coal Company, River Queen Mines in Muhlenberg County. He worked there, as an electrician until he retired in 1989.
The couple built a new house on Highway 1245 and settled in to raise two children, a son and a daughter. A grandson and a granddaughter have since been added to the Stewart family. Coleen is the piano player for her church and has taught Sunday School for many years. They both enjoy helping with the church and in community activities. Glen was an avid hunter of all kinds of game and he often traveled to the home of schoolmate, Johnny Render in Nebraska for the fall pheasant season.
Write-up information from Hilma. Thanks Hilma.
Glen Stewart and Coleen Hoskins were in the Rockport High School graduating class of 1947. As the frost began to turn the leaves into a beautiful landscape, the two were married. This was in an era where the job market was at a lull and local employment was very difficult. The job market did not stop many young married couples and this couple was no exception.
Coleen's wish was to pursue a career in teaching and she enrolled at Western Kentucky where she earned her degree in elementary education. Prior to graduation, she taught in several, one-room schools in and around Muhlenberg County. After she completed her student teaching requirements, she was accepted by the Ohio County School system where she taught elementary students in the old Rockport School, where she graduated, and also taught at the new Southern Elementary School until she retired in 1989. Glen sought work in the local area and eventually was employed by Peabody Coal Company, Ken Mine. Coal was not in high demand and the local mines only worked a few days a week. The military draft was in effect in this time frame and Glen, along with most other young men, received his greetings from Uncle Sam. He and his brother Jim enlisted in the Navy rather then be drafted into the Army. They completed "Boot Training" in Norfolk, Virginia and then were sent to San Diego, California for a new assignment. The two brothers were then assigned to an ammunition ship, the U. S. Mazsama. The ship left harbor heading to Japan and developed troubles and returned to San Diego. Before Glen could deploy again, he was discharged for health reasons. He and Coleen then returned to Kentucky.
Kentucky Coal was still not in demand and the mining industry was at a low ebb. Instead of working a few days a week, Glen decided to become a construction electrician which he was to follow for the next fifteen years. In 1959, Glen and his brother Jim went to work on the Time And Life Building across from the Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York. That building today is known as the CNN Building.
In 1966 Glen decided to give the mines another try and was employed, again, by Peabody Coal Company, River Queen Mines in Muhlenberg County. He worked there, as an electrician until he retired in 1989.
The couple built a new house on Highway 1245 and settled in to raise two children, a son and a daughter. A grandson and a granddaughter have since been added to the Stewart family. Coleen is the piano player for her church and has taught Sunday School for many years. They both enjoy helping with the church and in community activities. Glen was an avid hunter of all kinds of game and he often traveled to the home of schoolmate, Johnny Render in Nebraska for the fall pheasant season.
Write-up information from Hilma. Thanks Hilma.
Johnny and Lou Render.
7/7/06
Johnny Render was a member of the 1947 Rockport High School Class. After high school, Johnny entered the Air Force and served for twenty years, retiring, and then continued to live in the city of his last tour of duty, Lincoln, Nebraska. John served in the Korean and Viet Nam wars, most of the rest of the time was in Nebraska. Nebraska was the home of some of the large SAC Bombers used during the Cold War. The B-49 and the B-52 bombers were used as long range bombers during this time in history and Johnny was an aircraft mechanic.
Johnny was first married to Bobbie Fulkerson of Echols. To this marriage one child Teresia was born. This marriage dissolved. During his service years in Omaha, he met and married Lou Witte in November of 1956. To this marriage three daughters Kim, Pam and Angela were born. After retiring to Lincoln, Nebraska Johnny became an avid hunter and especially enjoyed pheasant hunting. His bird dogs were well trained. Johnny found an interest in raising and showing his dogs winning many awards. On several occassions, classmate Glen & his brother Jimmy Stewart would visit for the fall pheasant season. John loved the Nebraska countryside, but with his declining health returned to Kentucky in the spring of 1992. He lived with his daughter Teresia and family in Fordsville, KY until his death in July 1992.
Thanks to Hilma and Sue for the information on Johnny Render.
7/7/06
Johnny Render was a member of the 1947 Rockport High School Class. After high school, Johnny entered the Air Force and served for twenty years, retiring, and then continued to live in the city of his last tour of duty, Lincoln, Nebraska. John served in the Korean and Viet Nam wars, most of the rest of the time was in Nebraska. Nebraska was the home of some of the large SAC Bombers used during the Cold War. The B-49 and the B-52 bombers were used as long range bombers during this time in history and Johnny was an aircraft mechanic.
Johnny was first married to Bobbie Fulkerson of Echols. To this marriage one child Teresia was born. This marriage dissolved. During his service years in Omaha, he met and married Lou Witte in November of 1956. To this marriage three daughters Kim, Pam and Angela were born. After retiring to Lincoln, Nebraska Johnny became an avid hunter and especially enjoyed pheasant hunting. His bird dogs were well trained. Johnny found an interest in raising and showing his dogs winning many awards. On several occassions, classmate Glen & his brother Jimmy Stewart would visit for the fall pheasant season. John loved the Nebraska countryside, but with his declining health returned to Kentucky in the spring of 1992. He lived with his daughter Teresia and family in Fordsville, KY until his death in July 1992.
Thanks to Hilma and Sue for the information on Johnny Render.
Billy and Martha Robinson.
10/33/06
Between us, we have four children, seven grandchildren and one great grandson.
Picture and write-up furnished by Bill and Martha Robinson. Thanks you two.
10/33/06
Between us, we have four children, seven grandchildren and one great grandson.
Picture and write-up furnished by Bill and Martha Robinson. Thanks you two.
Martha Jane O'Brien.
12/12/06
Picture and write-up furnished by Jane. Thanks Jane.
Jane O'Brien was in the Rockport Graduating Class of 1947 and was married to Ray Rhule for 45 years when he passed away in 1993. We had three daughters-Anna Rhea, Margaret, and Mary Beth and were blessed with five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. All of my children and grandchildren live in Texas but I will always call Kentucky my home..
12/12/06
Picture and write-up furnished by Jane. Thanks Jane.
Jane O'Brien was in the Rockport Graduating Class of 1947 and was married to Ray Rhule for 45 years when he passed away in 1993. We had three daughters-Anna Rhea, Margaret, and Mary Beth and were blessed with five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. All of my children and grandchildren live in Texas but I will always call Kentucky my home..
Jean Reid Reynolds and William Reynolds.
10/5/06
Jean Reid was a 1941 Rockport Graduate. After graduation, she married William Reynolds from Beaver Dam. William was associated with Reynolds Pontiac Dealership in Beaver Dam. Bill and Jean raised a family in Beaver Dam and have made their retirement life in Beaver Dam.
Jean worked for the BD KU office and had two children. A son who is a dentist and a daughter who is a teacher.
10/5/06
Jean Reid was a 1941 Rockport Graduate. After graduation, she married William Reynolds from Beaver Dam. William was associated with Reynolds Pontiac Dealership in Beaver Dam. Bill and Jean raised a family in Beaver Dam and have made their retirement life in Beaver Dam.
Jean worked for the BD KU office and had two children. A son who is a dentist and a daughter who is a teacher.
Ben And Irene Durham.
11/4/06
Ben Durham was a 1940 Rockport High School Graduate. In that time frame, a war was brewing in Germany and was soon to escalate into a World War. The draft was in effect then and a lot of local young men were being called to service. Ben entered the Army after graduating from high school and made promotions in a timely manner. He was considering making the army a career when he got hurt. Ben was never one to tell much about his personal life and never told anyone how he hurt his back. When asked if he went overseas during his military time, he always replied that he was sent to India. That was probably not true, as Ben would just as soon tell a person a tall tale than to tell the truth. Whether he did not want to let anyone know about his personal life and whether he just enjoyed stretching the truth may never be known. Due to his injury, he obtained a medical discharge under honorable conditions and returned to Rockport. He tried making a living locally, but never did find the job that he wanted and ended up in Lexington, Kentucky. There, over a period of time, Ben decided to enter the business world and he opened a radiator and repair shop. He worked hard at his business and soon established a successful business under the name of Durham's Radiator and Repair Garage. When it became time to retire, Ben sold his business to a local person and instead of taking life easy in his easy chair, he went to work for the person that bought him out.
Ben liked Lexington and soon was going steady with a local woman. Ben and Irene married on September 7, 1946. Soon afterwards they bought a house in Lexington and proceeded to live in that house until Ben died. Irene still lives in the old home place. There were no children from this marriage, although Ben had a son from a previous marriage. There are two grandchildren, Tammy and Susan.
Ben was proud of Irene and he never lost his love for Rockport. He brought the love of his life to the town that he loved so much as time and circumstances allowed. He tried to attend every Ceralvo Homecoming as well as all of the Rockport Reunions. In between these times, he would look for any excuse to visit Rockport. May the people of Rockport miss and cherish Ben as much as he missed and cherished the small town of Rockport.
Wishing you all a great day.
See you......
jrd
11/4/06
Ben Durham was a 1940 Rockport High School Graduate. In that time frame, a war was brewing in Germany and was soon to escalate into a World War. The draft was in effect then and a lot of local young men were being called to service. Ben entered the Army after graduating from high school and made promotions in a timely manner. He was considering making the army a career when he got hurt. Ben was never one to tell much about his personal life and never told anyone how he hurt his back. When asked if he went overseas during his military time, he always replied that he was sent to India. That was probably not true, as Ben would just as soon tell a person a tall tale than to tell the truth. Whether he did not want to let anyone know about his personal life and whether he just enjoyed stretching the truth may never be known. Due to his injury, he obtained a medical discharge under honorable conditions and returned to Rockport. He tried making a living locally, but never did find the job that he wanted and ended up in Lexington, Kentucky. There, over a period of time, Ben decided to enter the business world and he opened a radiator and repair shop. He worked hard at his business and soon established a successful business under the name of Durham's Radiator and Repair Garage. When it became time to retire, Ben sold his business to a local person and instead of taking life easy in his easy chair, he went to work for the person that bought him out.
Ben liked Lexington and soon was going steady with a local woman. Ben and Irene married on September 7, 1946. Soon afterwards they bought a house in Lexington and proceeded to live in that house until Ben died. Irene still lives in the old home place. There were no children from this marriage, although Ben had a son from a previous marriage. There are two grandchildren, Tammy and Susan.
Ben was proud of Irene and he never lost his love for Rockport. He brought the love of his life to the town that he loved so much as time and circumstances allowed. He tried to attend every Ceralvo Homecoming as well as all of the Rockport Reunions. In between these times, he would look for any excuse to visit Rockport. May the people of Rockport miss and cherish Ben as much as he missed and cherished the small town of Rockport.
Wishing you all a great day.
See you......
jrd
A Tiger.
The Rockport Tigers were a force to be reckoned with in the forties and fifties. Although, this school was a small one, there were times when the "Old Tiger" placed fear in the hearts of bigger schools. The larger schools preferred not to play some of the smaller schools in sports, as to get beat by them was not in their best interest. Especially in Basketball; When "Tournament Time" rolled around, all schools were on an even footing. Although I do not remember any Rockport teams going to a State Tournament, our basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis and other groups stood in with the best of them. Long live the Tiger....
The Rockport Tigers were a force to be reckoned with in the forties and fifties. Although, this school was a small one, there were times when the "Old Tiger" placed fear in the hearts of bigger schools. The larger schools preferred not to play some of the smaller schools in sports, as to get beat by them was not in their best interest. Especially in Basketball; When "Tournament Time" rolled around, all schools were on an even footing. Although I do not remember any Rockport teams going to a State Tournament, our basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis and other groups stood in with the best of them. Long live the Tiger....