DAR recognizes El Campo man

Hazel Foltyn, regent of Comfort Wood Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, presents Joe Tom Davis of El Campo with the DAR Community Service Award. Davis was noted for his many accomplishments within the El Campo community and Wharton County. Contributed Photo

Comfort Wood Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, held their annual scholarship/memorial luncheon at noon, Thursday, May 1. The El Campo Community Service Award recipient was honored and three new members received the "Oath of Membership." It was held in the Hutchins Board Room of the Wharton County Junior College. Guests and members were treated to lunch at the WCJC cafeteria.

The pineapple bell, symbolizing the national theme: "Hospitality Opens Doors of Opportunity," was rung by Regent Hazel Foltyn. Pledges and the creed followed.

Guests included Joe Tom Davis, the recipient of the Community Service Award; Betty McCrohan, WCJC presi- dent of Wharton County Junior College; Brother Rick DuBroc and Dayle Aulds of El Campo and Bill Sanders of Louise. McCrohan welcomed everyone on behalf of the college.

Foltyn presented Davis with a certificate and lapel pin in recognition of his community involvement.

He retired from WCJC as a history professor and is married to Kathy. They enjoy visiting the children and grandchildren.

He has spoken to more than 55 area groups on historical topics. He was the featured speaker at the WCJC President's Lecture Series, Matagorda County Independence Day Banquet, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Southern Pacific Depot Restoration Project in Wharton, the El Campo Centennial Celebration, the WCJC 60th anniversary luncheon, and Asa Underwood Chapter, DAR, for their good citizenship awards program for Brazoria County.

Davis has published eight books on legendary Texans and historic towns of Texas. He is working on his ninth book.

Davis is the 2004 El Campo Citizen of the Year in 2004. He serves as director of the El Campo Heritage Center, is a member of the BEEs (Beautify El Campo Extension) committee, and is a mentor in the Special Friends Program. He has led the singing group at Garden Villa Nursing Home every Monday afternoon since 1974, teaches weekly Bible classes at both Garden Villa and WinCrest Assisted Living Center, is the male narrator for the WCJC Annual Christmas candlelight service and organizes the community-wide Christmas Eve candlelight service at the First Baptist Church.

He organized and is a member of a men's quartet, the "Freedom Four," who sings patriotic programs for area organizations. He is a deacon, choir member and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in El Campo and served on the Board of Texas Baptist Encampment of Palacios for many years.

The "Oath of Membership" was presented by Chaplain Betty Hill to Paige Baker Curran, whose patriot is John Miller of Virginia and Pennsylvania, Patricia Simpson Davis and daughter, Susan Davis Stockton whose patriot is William Gooch of North Carolina. Curran and Davis from El Campo and Stockton resides in Louise.

A memorial service was given in remembrance of Lorena "Renee" Brock and led by Chaplain Hill and Regent Foltyn. Brock passed away on March 15. She had been an active member of DAR since Oct. 18, 1961 and after moving back to Wharton in 1993 has been a member of Comfort Wood Chapter.

Seewee Dupuy reported on the group's scheduled trip for June 24 to Moody Gardens in Galveston to see the Titanic exhibit. Nancy Partlow gave a report on shopping bags and ways to conserve.

Members went to Hearthstone on Briar Lane to deliver a card to member Mattie Francis on her 94th birthday.