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RUBY HARTMAN holds a picture of her son, Marine Corporal Tim Hartman, who was killed in action in Vietnam, September 4, 1967. Vietnam Veteran Brings Comfort to Family of Fallen Comrade
By Alice Gilroy The circumstances surrounding the death of a soldier in action are usually left unanswered. Comrades in arms are not the only ones who mourn. Family members, left at home, mourn the loss and very often struggle with questions about the last minutes of their loved ones. In one brief visit to Lockney last month, Vietnam Veteran Brian Spradling answered a lot of those questions for the family of Marine Corporal Tim Hartman--as well as bringing a close to a chapter of Spradling's own life. The son of Ruby Hartman, Tim was a 1965 graduate of Lockney High School and enlisted in the Marines after graduation. He was killed in Vietnam September 4, 1967--17 days short of his 20th birthday. Brian Spradling was Tim's friend and part of their same unit-the Delta Co., 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Spradling was fighting with Tim when Tim was killed. He has never forgotten it. Becoming close during their time together, Spradling made a promise to himself that one day he would find where Tim had been laid to rest. True to his promise, Brain tracked Tim down and surprised the Hartman family last month when he stopped by Ruby's home. "I knew he was from Lockney," said Brian. "I always wanted to meet his family and I wanted to see the gravesite of my friend. "Many years back, my wife, Kathy, and I were in Abilene for a visit with a sister. Following our visit we stopped late on a Sunday afternoon in Lockney. I remembered that as being the home town of Tim. "The light was failing--but I searched the cemetery for Tim's marker--or for a Hartman family plot. I wasn't successful and since we couldn't see anymore we gave up and headed out for our home in Colorado." Even though he left Lockney, Brian did not forget his ultimate mission of finding Tim. A September 6 wedding invitation for a niece in Abilene brought the Spradling's close to the Lockney area once again. "Before I left for Abilene I decided to do a little research on the Lockney High School Alumni Association website," said Spradling. "I located someone from Tim's class-- Bobbi Jo (Barclay) Bowman. She told me that Tim's father was deceased but his mother was still living in a nursing home in Lockney." This was all the information Spradling needed to finish his search. The day after the wedding, Brian and his wife, Kathy, headed back to Lockney. Arriving at the nursing home Brian was told that Ruby Hartman had left the Care Center with her son, David, and other family members, to go to Ruby's house for lunch. "A very kind and helpful lady, who worked at the Care Center, said she would drive to Ruby's house and I could follow her." A knock on Ruby's door was answered by Tim's brother, David. "I explained who I was and that I was in search of the last place of rest of my friend Tim Hartman. David invited us in and we had a 2-3 hour discussion about Tim's and my unit--and the circumstances of his death. "It was a very emotional talk as the mental scars of that day have not healed." Brian says that many families of men killed in action lack real hard information about their loved ones death. "Tim's family has been told that he was killed in action while on patrol with his unit in Quang Nam Province in the Republic of South Vietnam. While that was true--it left a lot out. I spent some time filling in the blank spaces for the family. "I told them that on the morning of September 4, 1967, Delta Co., was out and came under attack by the 2nd N.V.A. Division supported by one Company of mainline Viet Cong. That means our Company was attacked by an enemy force of approximately 13 companies in size. We were nearly overwhelmed. "That day we lost 19 men, killed in action, which included our skipper (company commanding officer). Approximately 70 were wounded. "We were reinforced late in the day by Bravo Company of our Battalion and 2 Companies, Kilo and Lima from 3rd Bn., 5th Marines. "It was a terrible day for Delta 1/5. This action turned out to be a 5 day battle that was named Operation Swift. Delta Company lost 4 more K.I.A.'s on September 6 plus one of our wounded from September 4 died of wounds on the 27th." With the death of Tim, Ruby was faced with burying another child. Ruth had already dealt with the death of a 5 year old daughter, Joyce, in 1937, and a 6 year old son, Melvin Ray ("Tug") who died in 1946. Originally from Hall County, Ruby married Shorty (M.W.) Hartman and moved to Lockney to farm. Shorty has been dead approximately 5 years and Ruby has been living at Lockney Care Center for 2 years. "It was good to see Brian," said Ruby. "He told me a lot about Tim that I didn't even know. "He said they talked a lot about being cowboys and that they had planned on doing the rodeo circuit when they got home. I knew Tim was a cowboy but I didn't know he wanted to travel around and rodeo. "I remember a letter Tim wrote me," said David. "He said that he and a friend had seen the Water Buffaloes in Vietnam and they had decided they were going to ride them. But, once they got up close and saw how big they were, they thought better about it and decided not to." "Tim also loved to draw and Brian enjoyed seeing Tim's artwork," said Ruby. "I was grateful to the Hartman family for sharing with me some things about Tim's life before he was a Marine," said Brian. "He had the makings of being a talented artist." "He told us how bad it hurt to lose Tim," said David. "When Delta Company was attacked, Brian said he knew Tim had been hit, but he (Brian) was pinned down and couldn't get to him. He said it was awful not to be able to go to Brian when he knew he had been hurt. "But, Brian said that judging by the injuries Tim had died instantly." After the visit and shared memories, the Spradlings and Hartmans loaded up in 2 cars and went to the Lockney Cemetery to see Tim's gravesite. "It was only a few days past the 36th anniversary of that terrible day in September 1967," said Spradling. "As I stood at Tim's headstone parts of it came flooding back just as if it were yesterday." "We took some pictures and we all said some tearful good-byes. "After the Hartman's left, I said a prayer at the graveside, and Kathy and I went on our way." Brian plans on keeping in touch with the Hartman family and has continued to email David. He also told the family that he would share the stories about Tim at a Delta 1/5 reunion in St. Louis the week of September 22. Brian also planned on giving out the Hartman's addresses to other members of the Company. It may have been impossible for Brian to save Tim on that terrible September 4th, but his words and thoughtfulness have gone a lot way in keeping Tim's memory alive among Tim's family and friends. "I'm glad we made contact," said Brian. "Tim was a special person and his family is special was well. "I told Ruby Hartman that I was proud to have called her son my friend, and that he was a good, courageous Marine." STANDING AT
HARTMAN'S GRAVESITE ARE: (L-R) Brian Spradling, David
Hartman and wife, Frankie Hartman.
Jacob Gross Escapes From Floyd County Jail and Flees Back to Lockney By Darwin Robinson The Floyd County Jail has experienced two jail escapes within a 30 day period. Jacob Gross, 24, of Lockney, escaped from the third floor of the county jail Sunday morning at 5:30 a.m., November 2, according to the Sheriff's office. According to records, he stole a pickup belonging to Scott Faulkenberry in Floydada an hour later at 6:30 a.m. Gross was apprehended in Lockney around 6:50 a.m. by two Lockney police officers. About 28 days previous, Jerry Lynn Williams escaped from the booking room of the first floor of the county jail on Saturday, October 4. Williams stole a pickup in Floydada and he was captured about a week later at Sierra Blanca in South Texas and transferred back to the Floyd County jail. Concerning Gross's escape Sunday, Floyd County Sheriff Royce Gilmore said, "The part-time jailer, Shane Derryberry, went up to the third floor to help prisoner, Jerry Williams, who was complaining about having trouble breathing." "When Derryberry opened the door to the large open jail cell, Gross pushed Williams and Derryberry aside and ran down the stairs and fled out the back door," Gilmore said. The keys were left in the pickup that was stolen, according to the sheriff. Gilmore said, "Please tell the public to quit leaving keys in their vehicles. People will steal them and it is against the law to leave keys in your vehicle." Lockney Police Chief Jerry Edwards told the Hesperian-Beacon, "I just happened to be in Floydada that morning when the jail break happened. I began helping look for the escapee when the pickup was stolen." "I called the Lockney officers to be on the lookout for the stolen pickup," he said. According to Edwards, the stolen pickup was spotted coming into Lockney and it was pursued in a high speed chase through the streets. Edwards said, "The prisoner jumped from the moving vehicle and fled on foot, while the pickup struck and broke a gas main meter near Willow and 4th Street." Another Lockney officer came to the scene from the other direction, according to Edwards. "The escapee was caught and put to the ground by the two Lockney officers and transferred back to the Floyd County jail by a county deputy around 6:50 to 7:00 a.m.," Edwards said. According to Floyd County Court House records, Gross had already given notice of his intention to appeal his 35 year prison term for "aggravated assault with a deadly weapon" that occurred on June 24,2003. "If a prisoner escapes while appealing another case, the escapee does away with the right to appeal," according to District Attorney Becky McPherson. Gross now faces charges of "escape," which carries a 20 year maximum sentence, "unauthorized use of a vehicle," with a maximum two year sentence, and a sentence for evading arrest. If convicted, it will be up to the district judge whether the sentences will be stacked on top of the previous ones or if they will run concurrently.
VETERAN'S DAY
FLAG--Clar and Judy Schacht (center), and son, Spencer
(right) hold up the flag they have donated to be flown at
the Veteran's Memorial, beginning on Veteran's Day, November
11. The flag will be raised during a special wreath laying
ceremony at the mounument at 11:30 a.m. on Veteran's Day.
The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony honoring our
country's veterans. The ceremony will be conducted by Skyler
Cornelius (left) and the Floydada High School Student
Council. This ceremony will follow the Floydada High School
Veteran's Service at 9:30 a.m. at the High School. The
wreath is being made by the art class at Floydada High
School. The flags at the Veteran's Memorial are replaced
every three months because of wear and tear from 24 hour
use. Individuals wishing to donate a flag for replacement
should contact Skyler Cornelius in Floydada. The flags are
returned to the previous donor when replaced.
Obituaries KYLE GLOVER Services for Kyle Glover, 87, of Floydada, will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church of Floydada with Dr. David Jones officiating. Burial will be in Floyd County Memorial Park under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mr. Glover passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2003 at Mangold Memorial Hospital in Lockney. He was born on February 11, 1916 in Grow to Garland Glover and Olga Hurst Glover. He married Diana Gresham in Floydada in 1963. He was an assistant Post Master at the Post Office until he retired in 1980. He was a veteran of the United Sates Army having served during World War II. He was a lifelong resident of Floydada and a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as president of the Methodist Men's Organization and Administration Board. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lois Covington Glover in 1960 and a sister, Rogene Johnson. Survivors include his wife, Diana Glover of Floydada; one daughter Lois Sawyer of Eagle, Idaho; one step-daughter, Pam Rimer of Lake Kiowa; two brothers, Berne Glover of El Paso and Diehl Glover of White Plains, NY; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one half-brother, Keith Glover of San Angelo. The family suggests memorials to the Floydada Senior Citizens, 301 E. Georgia, Floydada, Texas 79235.
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery
The Hesperian-Beacon invites you to read a collection of thoughts and memories by Ken Towery. The "Reflections of Ken Towery" can be found on this website by clicking here.
Classifieds
FOR SALE--1999 Ford Taurus SE. 40K miles - $6950. Call 806-652-3118.
1989 CADILLAC--94,000 actual miles. Excellent condition. Runs great. Final Reduction - $2500. Call 806-983-2278.
FOR RENT--Clean, furnished apartment in Lockney. Call 652-2642. Barker Real Estate.
Lockney 3 FAMILY GARAGE SALE--Friday 8:00 - 4:00 and Saturday 8:00 - ??. 517 SW 6th Street.
GRAZING WANTED--Wheat pasture, milo stalks and/or grass. Call 292-9723 or 983-5431 (nights).
PART-TIME TEMPORARY POSITION for Program Assistant to work with educational programs in basic nutrition, food safety and money management. High school graduation or equivalent preferred. Must have valid driver's license, insurance and transportation. Applications must be submitted on line at greatjobs.tamu.edu. If you need access to complete the application, call or come by the County Extension Office at the corner of California and Wall Streets, 983-4912. Applications will be taken until 11-19-03. AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 require all new employees to present documentation (within three days of employment) verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.
LOCKNEY HEALTH & REHAB CENTER is hiring CNA's and parttime dietary staff. Call Keri at 652-3375.
2 AND 3 BEDROOM house for sale or rent to own. Call 983-5552.
FOR SALE--3 bedroom, 2 bath, 30x30 shop at 110 South First. Call Mike Giesecke, 983-3453 or 983-3787.
FOR SALE BY OWNER!--3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, updated throughout, corner lot, nice fenced yard, storage building.PRICE REDUCED!! Call 983-2064 or 983-2865, ask for J.
BABY BED FOR SALE--Excellent condition. $60.00. Call 983-2559.
MEXICAN VANILLA--8.4 oz. $4.00. Call 652-2575.
$202 - QUEEN MATTRESS SET. Brand new, never used, with warranty. 806-517-1050.
QUEEN PILLOWTOP doublesided mattress set. New, still packaged. Warranty. List - $550, Sell - $236. 806-517-1050.
FULL PILLOWTOP doublesided mattress set. New, still packaged. Warranty. List - $400, Sell - $208. 806-517-1050.
FULL SIZE MATTRESS SET. New, never used. $180.00. Call 806-517-1050.
$230 - KING MATTRESS SET--Brand new, still packaged. Warranty.Call 806-517-1050.
$268 - KING PILLOWTOP mattress set. Brand new, still packaged, warranty. Call 806-517-1050.
QUEEN CHERRY SLEIGH BED. New, still boxed. List - $750. Sell - $399. Call 806-517-1050.
ALPHATEX KENNEL, AIKEN, TEXAS offers superior quality AKC Registered, DNA Certified Collies, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. Puppies and stud service available. www.alphatexkennels.com
Floyd County, pursuant to a tax foreclosure sale, is offering for sale the following property in the City of Lockney: All of Lots No. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in Block 35 and Lots 1 and 2 in Block G of the N.B. Davis Survey located in the City of Lockney, Floyd County, Texas also known as the Webster Service and Supply, Inc. property. Any offers should be submitted to: William D. Hardin, County Judge, Courthouse Room 105, Floydada, Texas 79235.
PAINTING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. Vance Mitchell 983-6111.
LARRY OGDEN AUCTIONEERING--Estates, Farm, Ranch, Business, Liquidations, State Licensed and Bonded. (806) 983-5808. TX. #9240.
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