Dear Friends of Walnut Lake Cemetery,

This years’ annual meeting was postponed until April, so this newsletter is a summer edition instead of a spring letter. 

We have so much good news to report.  The association was again honored by Deloris Peterson with an additional gift to the endowment fund that the Petersons established through the Dumas Area Community Foundation. The interest generated by this fund will be spent this year to replace some of the English columnar oaks that line the drives into the cemetery.  We are looking at a fall planting date with hopes of a better start for the trees.  This generous gift allows us to proceed with projects that otherwise would have to be put on hold, due to the still low interest returns on our maintenance account.  

The Halsell Family has offered to buy replacement flags for the pole that was donated by their parents, the late Buck and Virginia Halsell. The flag pole is an impressible addition to our cemetery. Our hearts fill with patriotic pride each time we raise a new flag against the blue sky and give thought to all the lives and families to whom we owe our freedom. Last year our community was so supportive of our local men in the arm forces.

As you may have noticed, potholes have appeared in the road from the Old Highway to the cemetery.  A call to our county judge put our minds at ease.  He reported that an overlay for this road was already scheduled for this summer.  Now that was some more “fine news” and all without any begging!  We send our appreciation to County Judge Mark McElroy.

There are people who help keep our grounds that so often go without thanks.  Michael Jones again trimmed the crepe myrtles in February and Don Morton is endless in his trash pick-up.  I can’t imagine how unsightly it would look without his care.  James Henley keeps a sharp eye open on his frequent visits. Ben Williams still goes almost daily and knows how to get a problem corrected.

After a lifetime of faithful service opening and closing the gates, the Terry Family asked to be replaced.  The family has a wonderful story to tell   ---  how as children (and there were 12 ) they would walk to the cemetery with their Dad to close the gates at night.  Can’t you just see happy kids running and playing?  And now these kids have grandchildren!  That is a lifetime of service.  We express our gratitude.  Duey Nalls has been hired as gate keeper.  He has some big shoes to fill.

The care of our cemetery grounds was discussed with Bobby Hood from McGehee, who will continue as caretaker. Ants are still a problem and he will add this to the list of items that need attention. 

Our association will grow stronger as we get more people actively involved.  Hilda Williams attended our meeting this year to express a concern that she had.  We are interested in your ideas and concerns and invite you to attend the annual meeting.  A notice is posted in the Clarion two weeks before the meeting date with time and place.  It is usually held the third Monday in February.

In appreciation of his faithful and dedicated service as a board member for sixteen years, a plaque was presented to Ben Williams, who retired due to his health.  Martin Henry has been elected to fill this position.  We look forward to the youthful outlook Martin will bring to the board of directors and his commitment to be of service. His father, Sterling Henry, was for countless years the unfailing president of our association.

Our board as it stands for 2005:

1 Year                              2 Year                              3 Year          

Bob Stimson                     David Walt                       Jann Farmer

Matsy Shea                       Bruce Gasaway                 Mary Ruth Henley           

Martin Henry                                                           Michael Jones

The officers were re-elected to serve another term.  They are President, Bruce Gasaway, Vice president, Michael Jones, and Reporter, Mary Ruth Henley.                                                                                                                                    

We would like to encourage you to remember the cemetery with your gifts. The following were received last year:

Sue Meador                                          Gift to cemetery

Deloris Peterson                                    Gift to cemetery 

In memory:                                         Given by:

Merle Peterson                                    Iola Elder

Merle Peterson                                    Matsy Shea

Merle Peterson                                    Walter and Betty Shepherd

Annie Mae Matthews                          Walter and Betty Shepherd

Merle Peterson                                        James and Mary Ruth Henley

Paul Aldridge                                               James and Mary Ruth Henley

Mrs. Lee Mizell                                              The Robinson Girls, Genee, Jann & Jaye 

Sincerely,

Jann Farmer