Spouse: Eddie – She used to drive by my workplace,
and she caught my eye.She is a grammar
school teacher in Bunkie. She retired once and decided to
go back.
Children: 4, grandchildren 3,
great-grandchildren 1. They are scattered geographically,
so they don’t get together as often as we would like.
Parents: Earl & Agnes - My
father was in real estate. He also owned a grocery store.
Career History: After high
school I went to work in the oil fields. I started out as a
roughneck and moved up the ladder to do other things. I
left the oilfields after about 10 years, and went to work
for a flange manufacturer. They manufactured a steel
flange, which is commonly used in the oil fields. After a
while I decided I could do this myself. For an investment
of $25,000, primarily to acquire the necessary equipment, I
set up a flange manufacturing process in my garage. The
business grew and I moved it into a warehouse in Bunkie. It
grew to the point that I had approximately 50 employees
working in it. When the business reached that point, I sold
it. Since that time, I started numerous other businesses.
For a time I had a cabinet making shop. Then, I went into
the business of installing residential fencing which I still
do part time. The cabinet making and the fencing businesses
are joint businesses with my oldest son. My primary
business activity today is the installation of steel tanks
for sewage treatment at residences. This is a good business
with a great deal of volume. In addition, I operate, on a
seasonal basis, a retail crawfish business.
Time since high school: My
football injury changed my life, but I simply adjusted to
it. Many of my classmates were especially helpful,
attending to my needs, such as picking me up and driving me
places. This was important to me far beyond helping me get
around. I stayed around Bunkie, for the most part. The
exceptions were a move in 1957 to work in the oil fields. I
returned in 1964. I left again for Houston in 1965 while
working for the flange manufacturing company and I returned
in 1967. I was an avid hunter and fisherman, but my
business activities were so demanding, I had to give up
these activities.
Memories of BHS: Fond memories
of many of my classmates. I thought the teachers were
excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the activities in which I
participated. These activities were a big part of my life.
I have a high regard for Mrs. Hatley, and Ms. Strawitz, but
in the case of the later I also had a warm place in my
heart.
Plans: There are no plans for
change. I enjoy my role in the various businesses in which
I am involved, and I am currently looking at other
opportunities. My hope is that my good health continues so
I can continue with my myriad of activities. |
