Iola Independence Celebration a success

The children at Evergreen Baptist Church had a wonderful time at Camp Pineywoods for the “Seek the Treasurer” themed camp. Seventeen children and three adults left after church June 25 and spent several days there. All spoke during morning worship July 2, about the wonderful time they had. Some of them enjoyed a late-night swim in the pool. A few days later teens left for camp. There were 34 teens and adults making that trip. There will be a report of their trip in my column next week.

Evergreen Baptist Church will host Vacation Bible School July 16-19, from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

I was happy to see the death date on the tombstone of Dyann Flynt has finally been placed. Her date of death is Jan. 6, 2016. She was the wife of E.A. Cooter Flynt. To my knowledge there is only one other tombstone that have a death date. Hopefully that will be taken care of soon.

Orphans Friend Masonic Lodge No. 17 held their monthly meeting July 3, at their lodge hall in Anderson. The meeting began with a covered dish meal. Following the meal was the business meeting. A variety of business was discussed and taken care of. One of the items was a raffle drawing. Prizes given were a gun, gift card and a charcoal grill. The winners will be announced at a later date. The lodges installation of officers is June 27, at 6 p.m. A meal will be served as well.

There was certainly wonderful attendance at the Fourth of July celebration at Iola Community Center Tuesday, July 4. There were around 300 people present. The ladies sold all the t-shirts. Thanks to Jo Baca for the use of her pasture for the fireworks to be launched from. They were certainly enjoyed. The weather was just fine. Thanks to all who participated in any way.

Area residents were sorry to learn of the death of Harley Stabler who died in an accident June 29. He was born Feb. 10, 1998 to Stacey and Sharia. He was one of the triplets born to them. The others are Mariah and Taylor Stabler. They were students at Iola High School. Visitation was held at Nobles Funeral Chapel in Navasota July 11, and the funeral is 9 a.m. July 12, at Iola Missionary Baptist Church. Burial is in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Officiating the service is Doug Jones, a friend of the family. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Raymond Pirtle, who died May 31. God bless this family and keep them in your prayers.

Happy birthday this week to the following: July 9 – Tammye Gonce, Shelby Williamson; July 10 – Elaine Lorance, Gary Glenn Coneley, Cebina Kay Walker; July 11 – Elijah David Topping, Pearl Steinkuehler; July 12 – twins Betty Liu and Barbara Sue Shiflett; July 14 – James Ray Trant, Thomas Eugene Ted Davis, Brody Vaughn, April Uptegrove; July 15 – Kason Lynn Trant, Amanda Kennedy, Kortenay Lauter Thompson. Do hope your special day was a happy one.

Happy anniversary this week to Jeffrey Randall and Traci Rekieta Trant, married June 9, 2011; Morris and Debra Barney, married July 15, 1990. Do join me in wishing the many more years of happiness together.

If you have any Keith news, call either my cell phone at 936-870-6094 or my house number at 936-394-8273.