The Memorial Wall

Larry L. Melton died after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s on August 19,2024 in Odessa,Texas.

Larry was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma on July 17, 1938, to Yvonne & Leon Melton. After graduating from Odessa High School in 1956 he married the love of his life, J’Nevelyn Williams Melton on September 3, 1960. They were blessed with a loving family: his daughter and son-in-law Julie and Steve Porter, son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Becky Melton; grandchildren Tory and David Krawczynski, Alison and Denver Pradon, Nash and Katie Porter, John Melton and Cate Melton; and six great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Campbell, Dax, Wells, Porter, and Trey. He was also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Margo and Powell Campbell, sister-in-law, Cindy Pass and numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Texas Tech University with a double major in Industrial Engineering and Math, he served as a Lieutenant in the Army. He was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was discharged as a Captain. After a brief career in oil and gas, he went on to an extended career in banking and accounting. His true passion, however, was serving his community by involvement in various leadership and civic organizations. Larry was awarded various recognitions, including Odessa’s Outstanding Citizen, Heritage of Odessa Foundation Community Service, Boy Scouts Man-of-the-Year, Best of the Permian Basin, the Rotary Wall of Fame, Odessa’s Outstanding Young Man, and the Bill Elms United Way Award, to name a few. Serving on the Medical Center Health System Foundation Board was one of his proudest moments, as he served alongside his granddaughter, Alison.

He found his true calling as an Odessa City Councilman followed by 11 years as the Mayor of Odessa. He stepped down as the city's longest serving mayor. Known as an incredible public speaker, he gave 864 speeches during his tenure as mayor. He often joked that he and J’Nevelyn ate more banquet chicken dinners than humanly possible. During his final interview as mayor, he said that he was most proud of being able to renegotiate the contract with the Colorado River Municipal Water District, leaving Odessa independent to find their own water source. Larry also was known for the “Melton Clap” – one clap to recognize greatness. Please join us in giving him one clap for a life well lived.

Alastair was born June 4, 1945 in Bebington, Cheshire, UK to Dr. Benjamin and Mrs. Barbara Carruthers. He passed peacefully and with dignity August 19, 2024 by MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) in the advanced stages of Parkinson's Syndrome at his home in Vancouver.

Alastair attended medical school at the University of Oxford in Brasenose College, graduating in 1968. Initial training in Internal Medicine in Vancouver and Liverpool was followed by Dermatology training at St. Thomas's Hospital and St. John's Hospital for Diseases of the Skin in London UK. After joining the Faculty of the Department of Dermatology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver in 1977, in 1982 he was given Fellowship training at the University of California at San Francisco in Moh's Technique to address the new epidemic of skin cancers. In 1983, he brought this new technique to Canada and was instrumental in setting up the Canadian Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

He was President of the Canadian Dermatology Association 1999-2000 and the first Canadian President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) 2006-2007.

With his wife, Dr. Jean Carruthers, he led the discovery of the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin A. For this generational body of research and teaching, he was awarded the highest honour of the ASDS, the Samuel J Stegman Award in 2010. In 2012, with his wife Jean, he received the Philip Frost and Eugene van Scott Leadership award from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

He was an avid sportsman, having rowed for Brasenose College at Oxford, skied worldwide, biked through Europe and Canada, ran marathons, scuba-dived, sailed internationally, golfed and hunted upland game birds in the Chilcotin and on Kirkland Island in BC. His encyclopedic knowledge of fine wine led him to become Grand Seneschal of the Chevaliers du Tastevin Burgundy group in Vancouver and then Grand Pilier General for the National Tastevin organization 2008-2010.

He retired in 2015 in order to become an undergraduate student once again. This time, he chose to study European and Middle Eastern history at the University of British Columbia.

He soon became aware of mobility issues and he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He bore these new challenges with the grace and determination he had used on all other aspects of his life.

He is survived by his wife Jean, children Thomas (m. Jennifer), Robert (m. Mollie), and Graham (partner Steve Hunt), four grandchildren Ogden, Hazel, Benjamin and Audrey as well as his sisters Gail Cosbie-Ross and Bobbie Lintott and his great niece Sally Cotterell (Amy, Josh and Darcy) and nephew Benjamin Cosbie-Ross( Poppy and Daisy).

Actress Barbara 'Babs' Wheelton has died aged 93 following a battle with Parkinson's disease. The beloved star, who was born in London in 1931 and later moved to Australia, appeared in a string of iconic TV shows in the 60s and 70s.

She was known for playing three different characters in Australian drama Prisoner, also known as Prisoner: Cell Block H, which broadcast from 1979 to 1986. She also starred in hits including The Sullivans, Cop Shop and Homicide. Her family confirmed her death in an obituary published in The Age. It read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Barbara (Babs) Wheelton on Sunday 18th August 2024.

"Dearly loved by her family, their spouses, partners and all extended family and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fight Parkinson's Victoria."

Barbara is survived by children Simon, Stephanie and Paul, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held on Monday, 26 August, in Melbourne, followed by a private cremation.

In a touching tribute, her niece Linda wrote: "In loving memory of my Auntie B and great Auntie to Christian and Ashton. We may have lived far apart but you were always close in my thoughts and heart.

"Our holidays to Melbourne won’t be the same without seeing you. We loved hearing your stories as much as you loved hearing ours. You will be dearly missed but we will hold on tight to the wonderful memories we have of you.

"Deepest Sympathy to Simon, Stephanie and Don, Paul and Angela and families. Until we meet again, Love Linda, Vaughn, Christian and Ashton Favazzo."

Fans also took to social media to pay tribute. One wrote: "She was a great actress in all the tv shows she was in over the years," while another said: "She played some great characters. Funny she got to play Judy’s neighbour in two separate roles. RIP."

Someone else commented: "Rest peacefully," and a fourth added: "I've recently seen her as Mrs. Burke. That's sad. RIP."

"Rip lovely lady," said another, while someone else commented: "God bless." Other comments read: "Such sad news another great gone. Rest in peace Babs," and: "Rest easy my love."

During her career, Barbara worked alongside Australian performers including Charles 'Bud' Tingwell, Michael Caton and Noni Hazlehurst. As well as acting, she also appeared in radio dramas and was a published short story writer.

David Gillece, 74, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2024, in Easton, Maryland. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Roberts, his daughter, Casey Gordon (Griffin) of Winnetka, IL, his son, Patrick Gillece (Jennifer) of Bethesda, MD, and five grandchildren.

Frank Koshere, 73, of Duluth, died August 15, 2024, after an illness with Parkinson’s-plus syndrome.

Born and raised in West Allis, Wis., Frank graduated from UW-Stevens Point and worked for 35 years as a water quality biologist with the Wisconsin DNR, a career he loved. 

Frank and Roseanne Koshere Olsen were married from 1973-1994 and had three children: Kathryn, Frankie, and Lauren.

From building his own cedar-strip kayak to nature photography, Frank taught himself many new skills in his life. He spent all seasons active outside - fishing, hunting, harvesting wild foods, kayaking, trapping, biking, camping, and cross-country skiing.

Frank enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother and looked forward to annual road trips to Idaho for solo elk hunts with his primitive black powder muzzleloader.

He highly valued sharing his wild harvests. Family and friends enjoyed countless homemade fish fries and game meals with him.

Frank met Karen cross-country skiing. They married in 2011 and enjoyed many outdoor adventures, especially camping and fishing up the North Shore. During his final illness, he treasured Karen’s skillful, devoted caregiving in their home.

Frank is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters, Kathryn (Mike), Lauren, and Erica (Matthias); son, Frank; granddaughters, Andrea and Kadence; grandson, Ian; brother, Dennis (Sue); sisters, Jo-Anne and Jean (Scott); mother-in-law, Hazel; sister-in-law, Jana; and brother-in-law, Keith (Cindy).

He is preceded in death by his father, Frank, and his mother, Ruth.

Roy Allen Hankis, ASID, NCIDQ, professional interior designer, age 81, died quietly at his home within the American House, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, on Thursday, August 15, 2024. His death is attributed to a long illness with Parkinson's disease. He passed away peacefully, and comfortable in his well-appointed environment surrounded by the people and the things that he loved.

Roy was born on May 24, 1943 in Greenville, Michigan to the late John Leroy and Nila A. (Taylor) Hankis. He received his Diploma in Interior Design in 1964 from the Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Encouraged by Kendall, Roy travelled on a Grand Tour of more than 88 countries. Post graduate studies were completed at the Cranbrook Academy of Art through 1971. Roy became a professional interior designer of merit and was one of the first within his field to qualify for, and pass the rigorous NCIDQ (National Council of Interior Design Qualification) exam in Michigan and subsequently became a Professional Member of the American Society of Interior Designers. He is listed as an American Interior Designer by Marquis Who's Who as noteworthy.

Roy was the Director of Design of several commercial design firms in Grand Rapids and Detroit, Michigan from 1964-1973. Roy was encouraged by his father, a builder and his mother, a bookkeeper, to open his own practice. Roy Allen Hankis Interiors, Inc. was established in 1974 and Roy served as CEO and principal designer throughout a long and successful career. He served as an adjunct Associate Professor of Design at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan for many years starting in 1981 and was a trustee of the JONIRO Investment Company, Southfield, Michigan. Roy was a set designer for the Lexington Village Players as well as a contributor to the Native American Casino Magazine. Further, he was selected to design spaces for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra/ American Society of Interior Designers Showhouses in the years 1985,1991,1993,1996 and 1999. He was voted 'Best of Show', at the Detroit 'Design Live' presented at the Michigan Design Center. Roy was invited to design a room in the 1995 Designer Showhouse named Health House which paid special attention to sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials. Additionally, he designed a space for the Birmingham Junior League at the Michigan Design Center Celebrity Room event with Michigan's then First Lady Paula Blanchard. Memberships included The Founders Society of the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the American Society of Interior Designers where he held the elected positions Director of the Michigan Chapter 1974, Treasurer 1992-1993, and Vice President 1997. Further memberships included the Christian Business Men's Committee, the Detroit Rotary and The Detroit Yacht Club. Roy's designs were published in many newspapers and magazines including, but not limited to, 14 Detroit Free Press-Cover Stories.

Roy spent decades building and maintaining his well-respected reputation at providing complete interior design services for his clients. His firm took great care in efficiently managing and installing impressive design statements for both residential and commercial properties throughout Michigan and the contiguous United States. Through his long career, his business became known as largely sustained from repeat customers. Roy Allen Hankis Interiors, Inc. specialized in the interior design of Funeral Homes, a niche market, where his design solutions were called upon, again and again. His creative talent combined with a keen business acumen served his clientele well.

Roy enjoyed his clientele, personally and professionally, while entertaining his clients, family and friends at his several beloved water-side homes. He especially enjoyed his corner 28th-floor penthouse suite in the iconic Detroit high-rise cooperative, 1300 East Lafayette designed by Gunnar Birkerts. He lived there for 40 plus years, enjoying his view of the Detroit River, Belle Isle and many passing freighters while always endeavoring to spend time at his weekend homes in Lexington and Grand Haven, Michigan alternating weekend visits between both homes.

Roy Hankis was a professional man possessing a quality of character, substance and fortitude that clients trusted and respected. He was fun-loving and a jokester, a very dear friend to many, a protecting 'older brother' figure to some, a good neighbor to all, a respected design colleague, and an interior designer of distinction to hundreds of clients. He was loved and admired, while his life of exemplary service touched nearly countless people in all walks of life.

Those who never knew Roy in his prime, or much about his long and impressive professional life and career, were fascinated and entertained to hear stories from and about him. To see his lovely downtown penthouse home, read articles about him, and to see his life in pictures and the little treasures he kept or collected. There was always a light in Roy that shined behind his twinkling eyes and mischievous grin. A fight in him that was a surprise to many as he struggled with the effects of his disease and its frustrations. Roy was loved. His last days were filled with dignity. His bespoke surroundings were polished and well-cared for. The attentive care that a good man deserved was bestowed upon him in a joyous and loving manner.

Roy is survived by, and will be missed by, many dear friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and clients. 

Duane Lyders died peacefully of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 93 in Carmel, CA on August 13 with family by his side. He will be remembered as a man of many talents with a keen intellect, a dry sense of humor, and a deep respect for logic.

Born in 1931 in Minot, North Dakota, Duane moved with his first wife Janet to Ventura in 1962 to work as a prosecuting attorney for Ventura County. He retired in 1986 after serving many years as the city attorney of Oxnard. The first member of his family to attend college, he graduated from the University of Southern California and went on to earn a JD from UC Berkeley School of Law in 1959 after serving in the US Navy.

Duane was a talented musician with perfect pitch who came from a musical family. He majored in music at USC and played trumpet in the marching band. He was an accomplished pianist, sang Handel’s Messiah during the holidays, and enjoyed playing the recorder, especially while camping. He taught folk dancing on the Ventura Promenade and at the Unitarian Church. He was a gourmet cook, known for his homemade sourdough bread and traditional Norwegian fare such as lefse and stike.

Duane loved traveling and the outdoors. Sailing solo from Hawaii to Oxnard, he was stranded in the doldrums for several weeks, reporting afterwards that he had ample time to reflect on the meaning of life during his solitude.

In his later years Duane and his second wife Karin took up ballroom dancing, and they custom designed their home in Santa Paula to include a dance floor. He stayed active most of his life, playing tennis well into his 80s. Duane worked hard and thought for himself. He read widely yet was usually a man of few words.

Duane was predeceased by parents Kenneth and Mabel, younger brother Ronald and younger sister Marilyn Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife Karin, his brother Richard, his sister Joanna, his daughters Karen, Greta and Kirsten, his stepson Rob, and his grandchildren Taylor, Quinten, Milo, Sasha, Gillian, Sonia, Rhianna and Matthew.

(Arthur) Wayne Breeland, devoted husband, loving father, brilliant attorney, and Parkinson's warrior, passed away on August 9, 2024. Wayne's life was marked by his Christian faith, intelligence, and leadership skills. He served in the US Army JAG Corps and retired as a Colonel from the Army Reserve.

A graduate of the University of Tulsa and the University of Oklahoma School of Law, Wayne had a distinguished career as an oil & gas attorney, was admitted to the Bar of the US Supreme Court, and celebrated his 70th anniversary with the Oklahoma Bar Association this year.

Wayne married Irmgard in 1957, building a close-knit family in Tulsa. They later moved to Dallas, TX, where he worked with Hrubetz Oil Co., and later, Hunt Oil Co. Irmgard passed away in 1998 after 41 years of loving and supportive marriage.

In 2017, Wayne moved to a Dallas senior community to embrace a new phase of life. He loved being a part of Rock Steady Boxing, The Oklahoma Club, and Parkinsonian's, a group of people who face up to Parkinson's through exercise. He enjoyed his daily devotional, history books, dinner with friends, and his favorite football teams, U of Tulsa, OU and Dallas Cowboys.

Wayne's faith guided him through life's challenges, including his battle with Parkinson's, inspiring others with his determination, grace and wry humor. He is also predeceased by his mother, twin brother Wayman, brother-in-law and sister-in law. Surviving him are his daughter Ruth Ann Becker, niece and nephew-in-law Susan and Phil McCoy, grand-nephews Chase and William McCoy, their wives and their seven grandchildren.

Dr. Richard A. Rettig passed into eternal life on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. He was 87. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Rettig graduated from the University of Washington and came east to pursue professional opportunities. He became a tireless researcher and author on medical technology and government healthcare, specifically cancer and kidney failure. His focus was on how these forces could be harnessed to improve peoples’ lives. He testified before Congress and wrote two books on these topics and in 1993, was elected to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Rettig held a PhD in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and held faculty appointments at three universities. His longest tenure was as a Senior Social Scientist at the RAND Corporation.

In 2001, he retired to St. Augustine and became involved in both church and larger community. At Memorial Presbyterian Church he was strengthened by his faith. He was compassionate and generous, a family man and true scholar. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marisella Veiga, his daughter Kirsten, his son Mark, and two grandchildren.

Former Louisville and Tulsa coach Steve Kragthorpe has died at age 59 following a years-long battle with Parkinson's disease, Louisville and LSU officials confirmed to the Louisville Courier-Journal.

Kragthorpe's lengthy coaching career began at Northern Arizona in 1990 and spanned more than 20 years with stops as an assistant at North Texas, Boston College, Texas A&M and with the NFL's Buffalo Bills. He landed his first coaching job with Tulsa in 2003 and took a downtrodden Golden Hurricane program that hadn't posted a winning season since 1991 to three bowl games in four years. He was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Following his stint with Tulsa, Kragthrope spent three seasons as the coach Louisville from 2007-09, finishing his coaching career with a 44-43 record. After a year away from football in 2010, Kragthorpe was hired as LSU's offensive coordinator in 2011 but ultimately stepped down from his post following his Parkinson's diagnosis; however, he remained with the Tigers for multiple years in an off-field capacity.