By Nicole Tull

The very cool weather did not deter a route full of supporters for the Logansport Mardi Gras Parade. The Krewe of Aquarius was postponed a half hour into Saturday evening to allow for the inclement weather to pass.

Judging for the floats and entries took place in front of Rose-Neath Funeral Home. DeSoto Fire District #1 and DeSoto EMS rolled just ahead of the Over Best Marching Group, LHS marching band. LHS Softball Jaws float won Most Spirited. LHS cheerleaders MTV float won Best Depiction of Theme.

 A Cat in the Hat float memorializing Teri Hawsey won Most Unique & Overall Best Group. Overall Best Themed float was Robby Latham, State Farm agent with Jake. Outstanding Vehicle award went to Tuffy Blankenship for SKB Trucking.

Sons of Confederate Soldiers marched with different battle flags, winning the Marching Group category. Lyndzey Odom, Miss Noel 2021 had a bright and colorful float winning her Most Creative. Emmaleigh Brown, DeSoto Parish Junior Miss Mardi Gras Queen, won the hearts of Jeep lovers.

Best Costumes went to Main Street Mafia for the Wizard of Oz float. Best Theme Group was a Trolls float. Best in Show was Jared Harvey’s 3 side by sides. Ultimate Best float was Lou-Tex Ghostbusters.

Overall Best Float went to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office for their Academy Awards themed float. There was a star memorializing their own officer, Deputy Donna Richardson-Below. The parade just happened to roll on the anniversary of her death.

Past Royalty passed a good time with a lively float. Princess Joye’s float was full of joyful folks representing her. Finally, the Krewe of Aquarius ended the parade with flying flair. King Jayson Richardson and Queen Tammy Thomas were riding high in the krewe float. As they rolled by you could see another memorial to Teri Hawsey on the back of their float. She was passionately involved in the community.

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The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) announced today that Logansport High School in DeSoto Parish Schools, Louisiana, has earned $10,000 for its selection as an NIET Founder’s Award finalist. The school is among five across the country under consideration for the $50,000 grand prize, which will be announced at the NIET National Conference in Dallas, Texas on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 12 p.m. CT.

“Logansport High School Principal Diana Curtis leads a cohesive team committed to a shared vision of high expectations for every educator and student – and it shows,” said NIET Chairman and Founder Lowell Milken. “Their efforts to advance the effectiveness of their faculty has enabled the whole school forward and embody ‘The DeSoto Difference.’ I applaud Principal Curtis and Superintendent Clay Corley for their dedication to transforming goals into realities every day.”

For more than 20 years, NIET has partnered with schools, districts, states, and universities to ensure all students have effective educators. Its work to develop teacher leaders, support successful instructional strategies, and build educator capacity to address student needs have served more than 9,000 schools and have impacted more than 275,000 teachers and 2.75 million students.

NIET’s partner schools have shown success by both outperforming similar schools and having greater teacher retention. Schools including Logansport High School have continued to advance during the pandemic through the use of NIET’s tools and resources to support instructional excellence and learning acceleration, provide coaching from expert leaders and trainers, and engage a large network of educators united around shared learning. The Founder’s Award was created by Lowell Milken to honor one school annually for exceptional implementation of NIET’s principles to build educator excellence and advance student success.

What Sets Logansport High Apart

Logansport High School, located in DeSoto Parish, serves 590 students from preschool through 12th grade. Of the enrolled students, 68% receive free or reduced-price lunch benefits. Through the TAP System, Principal Diana Curtis and her team have been able to create common language and consistent structures to create a unified vision and set of goals for all of Logansport’s teachers and students.

“NIET has given us the roadmap that we use to get to the point of success,” said Curtis. “Through our leadership team meetings, our cluster meetings, and our professional development, we grow together. We have a common vision and a common goal. We navigate the issues along the way so we can get to the end goal of serving our students to the best of our ability.”

While many schools have declined academically during the pandemic, Logansport increased its School Performance Score, which is based on student achievement data, by five points from 2019 to 2021. Logansport also maintained its percentage of students scoring at mastery across all subjects and increased its percentage scoring mastery in math by 3 percentage points.

One element of TAP that has transformed Logansport is the establishment of its first instructional leadership team (ILT). By consistently bringing together its educator experts across content areas and grade levels, Logansport’s ILT has been able to create alignment at every level of the school. The ILT organized teachers based on grade level and type of support needed, and then developed their own capacity to provide meaningful, differentiated support for teachers. “Our instructional leadership team knew that teacher support was key to teacher and student success,” said Curtis. “As we systematically leveraged this support, the ILT became the hub of our school.”

Implementing a multi-factor feedback system, including surveys and individualized coaching support, has also been a key lever in teacher growth at Logansport. “To make sure that all teachers are supported equally, we have developed a learning walk schedule so that each teacher is supported weekly by a different member of the ILT,” said Curtis. “The impact of this process results in all teachers receiving feedback from a variety of experienced teachers in different areas of study.”

Logansport High School joins fellow finalists Brown County High School (Brown County Schools, Indiana); Southport 6th Grade Academy (Perry Township Schools, Indiana); Cross County High School (Cross County School District, Arkansas); and Somerset Elementary (Somerset Independent School District, Texas) in contention for the $50,000 grand prize.

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By Brad Dison

One day, 11-year-old Grace Bedell’s father showed her a photograph of a man.  Grace was instantly appalled by what she saw.  She described his appearance as having a “high forehead over those sadly pathetic eyes, [an] angular lower face, with deep-cut lines about the mouth.”  She had never met the man but was determined to help him improve his looks.  Her suggestion was to cover his face with whiskers because, as she said in the letter, “you would look a great deal better for your face is so thin.”  As to soften the blow of her criticism, Grace made a single compliment to the picture in her letter.  She wrote, “I think that rail fence around your picture makes it look very pretty.”  She asked that if the man had no time to reply to her letter, to have his daughter reply in his stead.   She ended the letter with a firm request that he “answer this letter right off.  Goodbye. Grace Bedell.”  

Four days later, the thin-faced man read Grace’s letter containing criticisms which would have been a blow to any man’s ego regardless of the age of the criticizer.  He quickly penned the following response to young Grace:  

“My dear little Miss.

Your very agreeable letter of the 15th. is received.  I regret the necessity of saying I have no daughters. I have three sons — one seventeen, one nine, and one seven, years of age. They, with their mother, constitute my whole family.  As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affection if I were to begin it now?”

He finished the letter with warm affection, “Your very sincere well-wisher,” and signed his name.

Most people would have quickly discounted the letter and would not have given it a second thought.  However, over the next few days, the man pondered over Grace’s letter.  The debate of whether or not to grow a beard plagued his mind.  Finally, after much consideration, he decided to take Grace’s advice and grew a full beard.

Four months later, the now-bearded man stopped at Westfield, New York, to deliver a speech.  At the end of his speech, the man said, “Last Fall I received a letter from this place—and a very pretty letter it was, too.  It was written by a young girl whose name, if I remember rightly, was Bedell.  Among many other things in that letter was a recommendation that I should let my whiskers grow, and it would improve my appearance.  It was partly from that suggestion that I have done so.  If that young lady is in this crowd I would very much like to see her.”  He noticed that people in the crowd turned their gaze to a specific location.  Grace was present but, due to the size of the crowd, had not seen or heard the man’s speech.  The crowd cleared a path and pushed Grace forward.  The man stepped down from the platform, shook Grace’s hand and gave her a kiss.  He touched his beard and said, “You see, I let these whiskers grow for you, Grace.”  They talked only briefly before the man shook her hand again, stepped into his car, and was whisked away.  Grace never saw the man again.

Grace’s letter was, in part, responsible for the iconic look of a man most of us cannot picture without whiskers, though he wore them for only the last four years of his life.  His bearded portrait graces the $5 bill.  The man whose image so appalled young Grace that she was driven to write a letter of criticism was… Abraham Lincoln.  

Sources:

1. Fremont Journal, February 22, 1861.
2. The Evansville Journal (Evansville, Indiana), November 4, 1878, p.1.
3. The Advice of a Little Girl Lincoln – Exhibition Confirms a Family Myth, Library of Congress. loc.gov/loc/lcib/0903/detail/letter02.html.
4. The Advice of a Little Girl Lincoln – Exhibition Confirms a Family Myth, Library of Congress. loc.gov/loc/lcib/0903/detail/letter03.html

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As the Pelican Library put it, “We had an absolute blast with the kiddos.”  It was a great crafts day last week.

They made light-up circuit valentines, Mardi Gras bracelets, cutesy heart characters and a lot more.  To find out more great programs for kids and adults, call the nearest branch of the DeSoto Parish Library.

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The 38th Annual River City Fest dates have been slated for April 7-9, 2022. The RCF Committee has been working very hard to put together an even bigger & better festival than last year.

This year’s fest will begin with a pageant on March 5^th.  It will be held at the Logansport branch of the DeSoto Parish Library.

The April events kick off Thursday, April 7^th with the carnival open on the riverfront.

The Doodah Parade is Friday, April 8^th.  The carnival will be open and so will arts and crafts and food vendors.  There will be a car, truck and motorcycle show sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts.  Other events scheduled during the weekend will be an arm wrestling tournament, In Memory balloon release, numerous children activities, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and a treasure hunt. 

Friday night a street dance is scheduled with live entertainment provided by the “Casey Martin Band.”

The line-up for Saturday April 9^th includes the 2nd Annual River City Fest Run, and a full day of music and entertainment featuring Reid Soria (Singing for Autism).  There will be a street dance provided by “The Jansen Matte Band”.  They will open for “Travis Matte & the Kingpins.”  Fireworks will light up the sky on Saturday night at 8:45 pm.  Closing out Saturday night will be Logansport’s very own “Matthew Shane Band.” 

For more information, including vendor spaces, Kathi Wells, Festival Chairperson at 318-286-3751.

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Some tidbits on events and accomplishments at schools in the parish.

Last week Logansport High recognized the 8th grader softball team.  The school said, “Great season ladies, 10-5 on the season!”

DeSoto Schools issued Congratulations to the North DeSoto High Wrestling Team. They return with 4 state champion wrestlers.

The North DeSoto English III AP students culminated their analysis of American colonial literature with an assimilation from “The Scarlet Letter” by confessing their character flaws to their peers and the first steps to working on making themselves better people.

NDHS Players had 24 outstanding performances of Charlotte’s Web.  Congratulations, Mr. Compas and the NDHS Players.

From Garrison Nursing Home, Thank you to LOGANSPORT Elementary & Savannah Cox Urda for the Valentine cards for our residents!”

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Ms. Annette Hill, of the DeSoto Parish Library, donated Valentine snacks to DeSoto Retirement and Rehabilitation. Mrs. Spencer, Children’s Librarian, also had her library children make valentine cards to send with the goodies.

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Congratulations to Coach Tim Whitman from North DeSoto High. He was recently selected as a finalist for the 2022 National NHSACA Coach of the Year in Softball.

The school said, “We are so proud of him for his commitment to our team and school. He has the opportunity to attend the NHSACA convention this summer where the Coach of the Year will be named. Good luck, Coach Whitman.”

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Earnest J. Phillips

January 6, 1949 to February 10, 2022

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 12:00 pm at Flower Hill Baptist Church.

Cora L. Allen

November 13, 1930 to February 7, 2022

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 11:00 am at Friendship Baptist Church 1556 Blunt Mill Road Grand Cane, LA 71032.

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Friday night is free drive in movie night at the main library in Mansfield.  Weather permitting the show will start at 6:00 pm.

During the month of February, the Mansfield Main Library has a display on Black History Month.  For more information, contact Branch Manager Doris Ross at 872-6100.

Mardi Gras is approaching fast, and the Louisiana Tech Band of Pride is preparing to perform March 1 in the Rex Parade.  Dr. Chris Heidenreich is particularly excited to be asked to participate in one of Fat Tuesday’s biggest parades. Louisiana Tech’s Director of Bands has never been to Mardi Gras.  “I had heard other students talk about Mardi Gras parades in general and with this one being daytime and their 150th anniversary, it just seemed like everything was lining up that this one would be a lot of fun,” Heidenreich said.

From Stonewall town hall, The main number (318) 925-9338 is back up and running.  Earlier the town hall has sent out an alert that they phone service had been interrupted.

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The following arrests were made in DeSoto Parish between January 30 – February  05, 2022, over a one week period.

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The Journal congratulates another winner in our “Valentine $100 and a Red Rose” contest.  Today’s winner is Balinda Youngblood.

As we congratulate Balinda, let us again say congrats to Bubba Clark of Logansport.  Bubba and his daughter are pictured with this article receiving his check and beautiful red rose from Britt at the Flower Shop in Mansfield.  They are the winners from our Wednesday edition.

Pass the word.  Everyone can get all of the local news each Wednesday and Friday morning with a subscription to the DeSoto Parish Journal.  It’s free and we never sell your information.

Here is the button to click on to join the Journal.  BUTTON!

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By Nicole Tull

The Register families of RB4 Event Center in Logansport opened up their own venue to host a ladies luncheon on Saturday, February 5. Kat Arnold, radio personality and speaker, helped start 2022 by equipping the ladies with the Armor of God.

62 ladies braved the cold morning to join fellowship with other believers. Each table was decorated in a different theme. LSU, chickens, sunflowers, tacos and even armor were some of the decorations used.

The ladies played an ice breaker game. They had to collect signatures on a piece of paper from other ladies that had experienced a listed item such as travel to Alaska or have green eyes. Later they played a game trying to find listed items in their purse. Prizes for the games and door prizes were awarded throughout the morning. Snacks, drinks and finally a lunch was served to all in attendance.

Kat Arnold is a woman of many talents, including hunting and professional fishing, but she is devoted to sharing encouragement to women. She spoke on many parts of the book of Ephesians from the Bible but focused in on the full armor of God found in chapter 6.

Kat Arnold Ministries helps people work thought the pain of their past to finally embrace their present-day potential and purpose. She had a book for sale at the event telling a story of a journey from abuse to healing. She can be heard on the Christian radio stations in Shreveport and can be invited to your events.

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By Terri Byrd

Preparations for the DeSoto Regional Health System Foundation’s spring fundraising event are well underway.  BBQ & Bingo event will be Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 5:30 PM at the David B. Means Memorial 4-H Center on Highway 171 in Grand Cane, LA. Attendees will enjoy a delicious BBQ meal followed by Bingo and a live auction.

The first highlight for the evening will be ten rounds of bingo. Guests will have the opportunity to win cash and/or gift cards for the first 9 rounds of bingo, followed by a chance to win $500 cash during the grand finale bingo game! If you want to increase your chances at winning one of these prizes, additional bingo cards will be available for purchase during the event for $10 each.

The second highlight of the night will be the live auction. Bidders will have an opportunity to vie for that special something to take home as their prize!

Tickets are $40; this includes two bingo cards and a meal. Or you may choose to reserve a table for eight guest of your choice for $400. BBQ & Bingo Sponsorships are also available at $5,000 (Platinum), $2,500 (Gold), $1,000 (Silver), $500 (Bronze) levels. Included in sponsorships are complimentary tables or tickets and special recognition as a sponsor.

The BBQ & Bingo event will be one of the major fundraisers for 2022. Proceeds are used to assist DeSoto Regional Health System for the funding of the new building project.

For more information about the BBQ & Bingo event, please contact Terri Byrd, Foundation Director, at 318-270-3272.

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By Mandi Mills

Clara Springs Camp & Conference hosted a Kids Winter Retreat weekend on February 4th-5th. This retreat was created for kids in the 1st-6th grade. There were over 100 campers present and it was a fun filled time.

Kolby King from Three-Thirty-Ministries used creative tools to share God’s Word such as illusions, funny songs, and other stunts along with Biblical preaching to visually illustrate God’s truth. All of the campers learned how we should all trust God and love Him more through Kolby’s messages.

The music portion of the worship was led by former staffer Justiss Dudley (who is the Worship leader at FBC Waskom) and Macy Veuleman. Macy leads worship at Calvary Baptist Church in Many, LA and leads our worship every year for Girls Camp. They did a phenomenal job leading the campers in song.

The Clara Springs staff had fun with all of the campers during Rec time playing Steal the bacon, Ga-Ga ball, and many more camp games.

Clara Springs is so thankful to all of the churches who attended and allowed their campers to come experience the Lord in a fun way at camp!

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By Steve Graf

Over the years, Louisiana has put out some great high school football players who have gone on to professional football. Terry Bradshaw, Bert Jones, Stan Humphries, Joe Delaney, Mark Duper and Bobby Hebert, to name a few. These guys left their mark on the NFL and represented Louisiana in a big way. Well, in the bass fishing world, Louisiana has, and is still, sending guys to the highest level of professional bass fishing with the Bassmaster Elite Series. Today we’ll look at some past anglers, as well as those who are competing now.

First, let’s look at the history of those who set the standard for all Louisiana anglers. Louisiana’s only two Bassmaster Classic Champions are Jack Hains of Many, Louisiana, who won it on Currituck Sound in North Carolina in 1975, and Villis Bo Dowden of Natchitoches, Louisiana, who won the Classic on the St. Lawrence River in 1980. Both anglers set the bar extremely high for all the anglers that followed. Just like so many great fishermen from this region, they cut their teeth on Toledo Bend. The names of anglers who have come off Toledo Bend and made it to the professional level read like a Who’s Who of bass fishing.

But presently, probably the most famous Louisiana angler, and one of the most popular on the Bassmaster Elite Series today, is Greg Hackney of Gonzales. This guy has the reputation as one of the toughest anglers on tour and is considered one of the best power fishermen to ever hold a rod. If there’s a shallow bite going on, Greg Hackney will have a jig rod in his hand and will be a definite favorite to win.  Greg continues his winning ways on tour and continues to strive for the one championship that has eluded him…the Bassmaster Classic. He’ll get another shot at a Classic win March 4th -6th on Lake Hartwell, which sits on the Georgia/South Carolina line. Hackney should be one of the favorites, as Lake Hartwell is known for being a shallow water fishery.  Here are some facts about Greg….he’s been in the Classic 15 times, has won 6 B.A.S.S. events, has 59 Top 10 finishes, has been in the money 80% of the time, and has accumulated over $2.5 million in winnings over his career with B.A.S.S. All of Louisiana will be pulling for Greg as he competes in this year’s Classic.

Another Louisiana angler headed for this year’s Classic is Tyler Rivet of Raceland, Louisiana. If memory serves me right, Tyler is a product of the Nichols State University Fishing Program and is headed into his 5th season on the Elite Series.  Tyler developed his skills fishing for redfish, speckled trout and largemouth bass in the marsh and canals of South Louisiana with his grandfather. Just like Greg Hackney, Tyler is also a shallow water expert who could be a threat to win the Classic.

Next week we’ll cover two more Louisiana anglers looking to make a name for themselves by winning the most prestigious bass tournament in the world…the Bassmaster Classic! Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

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Positive relationships with teachers and students is very important in any educational setting.  North Desoto High Student Advisory Panel met recently to discuss building relationships between teachers and students. 

They discussed relationships they do have and what are characteristics of positive relationships.  The group worked on some ideas to share with teachers and students on how we can all work to build positive relationships. 

North DeSoto thanked the panel for their participation and also the Student Advisor leader.  The school said, “She did an amazing job today facilitating this discussion.  We look forward to our next meeting.”

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By Mandi Mills

We are so excited about our Great Date Escape. It starts at 6pm THIS Saturday evening. The event will be held in our Worship Center which is located to the right of the Dining Hall. This event is semi-formal, so we are encouraging all of our couples to dress fancy! No jeans and t-shirts please. There will be a photographer on hand to take your photo in the foyer of the Worship Center (the background will be black with red glitter in case you need that info.) I will post the photos on the Clara Springs Facebook page when I receive them back from the photographer.

Our meal that evening will be:

Starter: Roasted Pepper Gouda Bisque w/ French demi baguette and a Caesar Salad

Main entree: Prime Rib (cooked medium well) with au jus, Spinach Madeline, & Roasted Rosemary and Garlic potatoes.

Dessert: Chocolate mousse in a dark chocolate cup with fresh whipped cream and raspberries.

Beverage: Sweet or unsweet tea, water, coffee

Our entertainment of the evening will begin with Drew Ley. He is a talented pianist who will have a special guest with him singing some Jazz tunes. This will be followed by David & Kylie Knight. They are multi award winning Christian illusionists. We are praying for a fun date night for everyone that is attending. The evening should conclude around 8pm. Childcare is not provided for this event. If you have not paid, you can pay at the door via cash or check payable to Clara Springs Camp & Conference.

For further information, contact Mandi Mills at Clara Springs Baptist Camp.  Phone numbers are (318)796-3875 office or (318)453-6881 cell.

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Logansport High School Varsity Cheer is hosting a Winter Dance for Pre-K through 5th grade students next Thursday, February 17th.  Pre-K through second Grade students will dance from 5:00 to 6:30 pm.  Then students in grades three through five will dance from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

Dress for this event is Semi-Formal, so wear your Sunday best attire.  Concessions will be sold.  Admission is $3.00 and pictures are available for $5.00.

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Paul Edwin Raborn

May 21, 1941 to February 8, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/02/10/paul-edwin-raborn/

Robert Nelson, Jr.

April 26, 1942 to January 24, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/02/10/robert-bruce-nelson-jr/

Ronald “Ronnie” Chism

August 23, 1943 to February 4, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/02/10/ronald-ronnie-chism/

Leo “Buster” Raines Hatcher

November 16, 1938 to February 4, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/02/10/leo-buster-raines-hatcher/

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The March session of Men of Prayer will feature Food, Fellowship and God.  Men of all ages welcome.  Pastor Dean Register will be the guest speaker.  On the Geaux Catering will be catering the meal.  LifeShare Blood Center will be there for donations.  The date is March 3^rd.

The Spring Livestock Show held at the state fairgrounds is moving to May 5 through 8.  Many area 4-H members exhibit their animals at this show.

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Funeral services honoring the life of Paul Edwin Raborn, 80, of Converse, Louisiana will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 12, 2022, at San Patricio Baptist Church in Converse with Bro. Danny Asbell officiating. Burial will follow at Cassell Cemetery in Converse, Louisiana. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

Paul was born May 31, 1941, to Edwin and Lorenda McDonald Raborn in Converse, Louisiana, and entered into rest on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, in Mansfield, Louisiana.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth Raborn; and son, Timothy Raborn.  Left to cherish his memory include his sons, Christopher Paul Raborn, Donald “Donny” Raborn and his wife, Jill; daughter-in-law, Kelleye Raborn; sisters, Jane Saerwood, Myrt Edwards, brother, Charlie Raborn; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

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Robert Bruce Nelson, Jr. (R.B.) (Bobby), 59 of Lynwood, WA passed away on January 24, 2022, in Everett, WA at the Providence Regional Medical Center due to multiple health issues.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Old Union Cemetery in Catuna, LA with Bro. Jimmy Price officiating.

Robert was born on April 26, 1962 and was a former resident of the Benson Community where he grew up.  Robert loved to play the guitar, draw, and write poetry; all self-taught.  Robert was also in the Army where he received an honorable discharge. His employment over the years carried him down a variety of paths with the last being a handyman.

Proceeding Robert in death are his parents, Robert Bruce Nelson, Sr. and Bobbie Jean Hughes Stephens, and a niece Baby Girl Nelson.  Left to cherish his memory include his wife, Rebecca (Becky) Nelson of Statesville, N.C.; his son, Robert Bruce Nelson, III, and wife Athena of Staton, KY; his sisters, Loretta Gaye Nelson of Zwolle, Debra Kaye Touchton, and husband, Arthur of Converse; brother, Benjamin (Ben) Earl Nelson and wife, Regina (Gina) of Benson; six nieces and nephews, and seven great-nieces and nephews.

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A funeral service honoring the life of Leo “Buster” Raines Hatcher, 83, was held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield, Louisiana. Interment will follow at Union Springs Cemetery in Converse, Louisiana. Visitation was held on Monday, February 7, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Officiating the service will be Reverend Jamison May.

Leo was born to James V. Hatcher and Feriene N. Hatcher on November 16, 1938 in Converse, Louisiana and entered into eternal rest on February 4, 2022 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Leo was a resident of Grand Cane, Louisiana and worked as a plater for Lucid Technology for many years of his life, before eventually retiring. A patriotic man, Leo served his country in both the National Guard and the Navy. Leo was a hard-working man who held a variety of jobs over his career, from yard maintenance to dressing as a clown for children’s camps. A faithful follower of Christ, he was an active member of Grand Cane Baptist Church. Leo was a kind, caring individual who was most proud of his beautiful family. He was a natural provider and knew that his children’s happiness was the most important thing in his life. Leo spent time outdoors working, loved mowing his grass, and even built his own house. He also enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, watching comedies and westerns, and spending time with his family. Anyone who knew Leo would describe him as a “wonderful fellow” who would do anything for anybody. He was a special soul, and he will be dearly missed.

Preceding Leo in death were his parents, and his brothers, James Allen ‘Sonny” Hatcher and Earnest Ray “Tootle” Hatcher. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Elnora Zela Hatcher, sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Moore and husband, Bob; sister-in-law, Joyce Bates Hatcher; son, Dellea G. Hatcher; daughter, Janet L. Jackson; grandchildren, Daniel L. Miller and Alyvia D. Hatcher; step-grandchildren, Josiah, Allison, and Ashley, and a host of friends and other family members.

Honoring Leo as pallbearers will be Daniel Miller, Joe Freeman, Robert May, Bruce Eaves, Ben Eaves, and Lenny Yeglic. Serving as an honorary pallbearer will be his son, Dellea Hatcher.

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