Death of my Dad, Tom Richter

Dad to me, Tom Richter to you, died unexpectedly about 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, after complications due to a knee injury and other health concerns. Needless to say, updating everyone with this news is definitely too up close and personal, however, so many of you made an impact on our lives and that of my dad, so I wanted to make you aware of the visitation and funeral arrangements.

Dad was blessed by being surrounded by almost all of his family at the time of his passing. He didn’t suffer or linger on and for that we are extremely grateful. Dad made a huge impact on our lives and that of many others over the years. He was a good man all the way around, and we will miss him very much. We would appreciate your prayers, especially for my mom, as we make decisions and adjustments to a new lifestyle without his earthly presence.

Again, thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers on our behalf of our entire family. Your concern and acts of kindness are sincerely appreciated.

Visitation with the family and friends of Tom Richter will be on Thursday evening, October 29, from 6-9 p.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home (21620 Gulf Freeway) in Webster. You may take the 518/League City Exit #23. The funeral home is almost immediately after exiting from this ramp, so move to the right hand lane quickly but safely.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, at Southside Church of Christ (4110 Preston Avenue) in Pasadena. Graveside service will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.

Jan McBee Called Home

Our dear sister in Christ, Jan (McCurdy) McBee, died on October 22 after a long battle with cancer. Please pray for her husband, Dennis, and the entire McBee and McCurdy families. Visitation will be on Sunday evening, October 25, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Jeter Funeral Home on 518 in Friendswood. The funeral service will be on Monday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Jan’s obituary can be found at http://www.jeterfuneralhome.com/ under “Current Services” when they update their website.

The family’s addresses and phone numbers may be found in the Reunion Directory as listed below.

For those of you on Facebook, we have set up a Sun Valley CofC Connections Group. Although I’m fairly new to this, I think you can find and join this group via my profile (Debbie Richter Blackburn).

Family Members as listed in the reunion directory:
McBee, Dennis and Jan (McCurdy) (Dennis and Jan’s daughter, Amber, lives at home)
McBee, Chris and Josie (son and daughter-in-law) (Chris and Josie have a daughter but I'm sorry, her name escapes me right now)
McBee, Harold and Juanita (Dennis’ parents)
McBee, Rodney and Valerie (Dennis’ brother and sister-in-law)
McBee, Mike and Theresa (Dennis’ brother and sister-in-law)
McCurdy, Bill and Joyce (Jan’s parents)
McCurdy, Brent and Mary Ann (Jan’s brother and sister-in-law)
Shuck, Gary and Beverly (McCurdy) (Jan’s sister and brother-in-law)

On a personal note, Jack and I met Dennis and Jan at Sun Valley over 31 years ago. Jan and I taught on Wednesday nights together and she was also a bridesmaid in our wedding. They lived just a few streets from us in the Scarsdale neighborhood which had its share of "happenings" (re: gas leaks and/or evacuation from the neighborhood during storms). We were always checking out each other's house projects including waiting for the "stork" to visit our homes, and we loved spending time with them. A funny memory about Dennis is that he used to crank down the air conditioner just to burn his fireplace! Jack and I later moved to East Texas, and by the time we got back to Houston, they were attending Southeast, but we always enjoyed running into them at various restaurants, etc. Jan was a faithful Christian; devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. Selfishly we wanted to keep Jan here and we will miss her, but she is now free from any pain. We are confident she is residing in our Father's house and basking in His wonderful love. May God grant Jan's loved ones peace and strength with the assurance that they will see her again.

A New Era with Facebook

It's been a while since I have posted anything on this particular blog, so I hope you and your respective families are doing well. The post is entitled "A New Era with Facebook" since I have now joined the thousands or maybe millions of people connecting in this format. I was told that I was waaaaay behind the times, so I have set up my profile page and have begun building my contact list. It cracks me up that I must send a request to people that I have known for years in order for them to confirm that they know me before I can add them to my "friend" list. Of course if people ignore your request, I guess that will tell you something in itself! Anyway, my purpose in writing is for all of you former members to connect with me on Facebook. If I learn how to set up a Sun Valley group on Facebook for you to be a part of, I will try to look you up if you don't find me first! Search for me as Debbie Richter Blackburn. I hope to hear from you soon. Oh, and please be my friend!