1955. Dexter Llewellyn Blethen
Dexter L. Blethen, born July 7, 1926, to George and Sylvia Lowe Blethen, passed from this life on December 5, 2007, at the age of 81.
Mr. Blethen served his country for more than 20 years in the U.S. Army, the National Guard and U.S. Air Force. He was also an avid antique car enthusiast and was a member of the East Texas Vintage Auto Club, the Tyler Model A Club and the Autumn Trails Car Club. Dexter restored numerous antique vehicles, including the orange truck on display at the East Texas Oil Museum. Dexter also helped to restore a larger truck also on display in the museum. Dexter was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Glenice Lyford Blethen; his daughters and their husbands, Susan and Roger Fangman, and Dawn and Gary Powell; and his sons, Brett and wife, Lynn Blethen, and Lance Blethen. Mr. Blethen also leaves a legacy of 10 grandchildren, Dawn K. Fourman, Shondee John, Jennifer Pecot, Dexter Blethen, Kim McGre- gor, Mark Blethen, Laura Roseborough, Cristen Allen, Stephanie Blethen and Ian Blethen ; 18 great-grandchildren, Malyssa Moon, Tiffani Fourman, Harrison Pecot, Madelyn McGregor, Carter Allen, Thomas Pecot, Camden Allen, Caylen Allen, Seth McGregor, Matthew Pecot, Brigham John, Liam John, Trenton Blethen, Courtney Blethen, Brianna Blethen, Jonas Blethen, McKenna Blethenand Brynnan Blethen; as well as one great-great-grandchild, Colt Moon; and his cat, Rafiki.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 9, 2007, at the chapel of Lakeview Funeral Home, with David Watts Jr. officiating. Interment will follow the services at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
Roger Fangman, Gary Powell, Brett Blethen, Ian Blethen, Lance Blethen and Clayton Pecot will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jason McGregor, John Roseborough and Chris Moon.
Published in the Longview News-Journal on 12/8/2007.
1957. John Thomas Murdock Jr
He was a graduate of Higgins Classical Institute and attended Clemson State College. He was a pilot in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II holding the rank of Captain. He retired from Fayscott Machine Shop In Dexter and also owned and operated Murdock's Market.
1966. Douglas Van Blethen
Douglas Van Blethen was born October 12, 1941 in Minneapolis, MN to James and Jeannette (Ritter) Blethen. He attended Elementary School in Rochester, MN and High School in Minneapolis, MN. He then went on to attend a Trade School in Minneapolis. Doug served in the US Air Force from October 23, 1959 to April 29, 1963. He worked for Devoe Paint in the Twin Cities and was also a self employed Painter. On December 28, 2002 he married Jeanette Meighan nee Velasquez in Lake City. Doug enjoyed traveling, antiques, motorcycling, doing volunteer work and Missionary work in Belize.