Memorial Day, May 29, is set aside to honor all those who have lost their lives in service to our county. But, we also should remember the sacrifices of those now serving, or who have served in defense of our nation.
There are many in our community who have answered the call to serve. Here are three we are featuring, but we wish to honor them all.
Jim Hicks and Honey
Jim Hicks
Hometown Hero
Jim Hicks was honored as the Hometown Hero at Port Lavaca Chamber of Commerce’s 56th annual award banquet. This well deserved accolade was in appreciation of Jim’s many years of service to Calhoun County’s senior citizens.
For more than 15 years, Jim has brought hot lunches to Calhoun County shut-ins three days a week. Even when he was traveling to and from Victoria undergoing chemotheraphy, he still faithfully kept up with his route.
A veteran with 22 1/2 years in the service, he retired in 1984 with the rank of Major. He has made Port O’Connor his home for the past 19 years.
Jim’s constant companion is his little dog, Honey. He adopted Honey from the Humane Society 12 years ago. If you’ve been around Port O’Connor any time at all, you’ve probably seen Honey perched in a plastic milk carton on the back of Jim’s motor scooter.
Ray McDaniel and Lila Jane
Ray McDaniel
A Man of Many Hats
Ray McDaniel is a man that has worn many hats… a husband, a father, a business owner, a taxidermist, a hunting guide, a career in the shoe industry, and most notable was the wearing of the uniform in the United States Navy!
Ray is a newcomer to Port O’Connor. He was born and raised in Houston. He was married to his high school sweetheart named Sue for 62 years. Together they had two sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.
It was in 1958 when Ray joined the Navy. He became a radarman and served on the USS McDermut which was a destroyer where he worked in its Combat Information Center (CIC). At the CIC was where all the radar equipment was located down below on the ship. Commenting about his service in the Navy Ray had this to say, “I think the military can be extremely educational due to the travel that enables you to see how people live and at the same time you are serving your country.” While on the USS McDermut Ray traveled to all the major islands in the South Pacific.
About living in Port O’Connor Ray said, “I came here initially to spend three months fishing and within three weeks I decided that I would stay here forever. I just love the people here. It’s just like Will Rodgers once said, “I never met a man I didn’t like.” And that’s the same way I feel about the people of POC. And my diabetic service dog, Lila Jane, loves everyone as well, particularly the mullets at the front beach.”
USS McDermut
USS McDermut (DD-677) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, the second Navy ship named for Lieutenant Commander David A. McDermut. McDermut was laid down 14 June 1943 by the Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Kearny, New Jersey; launched 17 October 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, widow of the 28th President; and commissioned 19 November 1943.
Butch Bothwell
“Always a Hero”
Butch Bothwell will always be a hero. President Truman once said, “Our debt to the heroic men and women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
Born and raised in Tampa, Florida Butch Bothwell came to Texas in 2003. Over the years he worked in all kinds of construction. He settled in Port O’Connor a few years ago because of his love of fishing and hunting. On Tuesdays you could find Butch at the POC Community Center for their luncheon and games.
He served in the Army during the Vietnam War as a munitions technician and was an officer’s chauffeur.
Butch has two daughters, two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. His younger daughter, Charlie, had this to say about her dad, “He always had a heart of gold and helped anyone who ever needed it.”
Currently Butch is at the Port Lavaca Nursing Home and enjoys the company of family and friends. Jay Flemming, pastor of Goliad’s First Baptist Church, is one of Butch’s supporters who comes to visit and check on him. Butch and his daughter, Charlie, consider Pastor Flemming’s church their home church. Charlie, commenting about their church said, “Our home church is amazing.” She, also, wanted everyone to know that her dad hasn’t lost his sense of humor.
