About Me

I was born in Wirt, Oklahoma and moved to Texas at 5 years old. I was raised in Burkburnett, Texas, and finished High School there. During the course of many years, I worked for Bread Company, Morton's Potato Chip Company, Coca-Cola Food Service [Coffee Sales], Ronoco Coffee Company, and then went SYSCO FOOD SERVICE in 1973.

My wife Connie and I have 5 children together, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grand children. We enjoy family gatherings during the year, I enjoy assisting Connie with the family cooking.

How and Why I Got Into Masonry

While working in Oklahoma City in 1970, I was very interested in Masonic Rings that several of my customers were wearing. I asked about this organization, and was told to come to Siloam Masonic Lodge for a meeting. The brethren talked with me that night, I was furnished with a petition, which I brought back the next week. I went through all 3 degrees with-in 3 months, and was a Master Mason in 1970.

After joining, I told my Mother, and she informed me that her father [my grandfather] was a Mason. He died in 1916, and left my grandmother with 4 daughters to raise.

Since he was a Mason, 3 Masonic brothers came and asked my grandmother if they could educate the youngest daughter. She was only 6 years of age. The Masons sent her to The Masonic School in Ft. Worth, Texas. She attended all 12 years of school at The Home and School and graduated in 1928 with a class of 14. During the later years, I talked with her about the Masons, her history, and was very impressed for what the Masons had done for her. Her name was Ceolia Talley.

She informed me that she belonged to The Eastern Star for many years. After graduating she went to work for The Mobile Oil Corp. as a sectary, and retired there many years later.

What Masonry Means to Me

During my early childhood years, in Burkburnett, I noticed several very nice gentlemen in the community that were Masons. They were always helpful in giving me odd jobs thru my early school years. Later, after I became a Master Mason, I realized then what the Masons stood for in the community.

After many years, my work kept me from attending Masonic Lodges, but in 1995, Brother Joe Bennett joined Trinity Valley Lodge #1048, and then I started attending lodge with him and became a plural member of Trinity Valley Lodge #1048 in 1997.

I have enjoyed the Brotherly love they shown me for many years. I have participated in the line of officers for many years. On July 14th 2006, I was installed Worshipful Master of Trinity Valley Lodge #1048, and have to be the 'High Light' of my total Masonic years.

I enjoy attending stated meetings, study clubs, and visiting other lodges. This has been the greatest organization that I have ever been involved with.