Caddo Mills ISD
Celebrate the Past, Create the Future
Caddo Mills ISD
Celebrate the Past, Create the Future
The Legends Program
Mission:
By creating a Legends Program, the hope is to foster a deeper connection to Caddo Mills ISD with community members, students, parents, teachers, staff, and alumni. Linking the past with the present opens abundant opportunities to build a brighter future for our school district.
Purpose:
The purpose of the Legends Program is to recognize past individuals who have directly contributed to the success and well-being of Caddo Mills ISD in a significant and impactful way.
Who can be a Legendary Fox?
Legendary Foxes should have a relationship or connection to the district for a minimum of 5 years and have personally influenced and provided substantial material and means that led to the progress of any of the following: survival, growth, culture, direction, or improvement. The individual must have been removed from the act or relationship for at least ten years and left a long-lasting positive impact.
William P. Bowen
William P. Bowen's tenure with CMISD ran from 1963-1988, a quarter of a century. Mr. Bowen is responsible for Caddo Mills still having a school system. At one point, the state wanted to consolidate CMISD with the Greenville school system. He successfully fought that battle and won. He won by being extremely frugal with his school management and was able to keep CMISD autonomous.
He drove an old, beat-up truck with a broom in the back. His daughter begged him to get a new one. He told his daughter it would cost the school money if he got a new one, and he was fine with the old army surplus truck. The truck and broom stayed parked in front of his house. The broom was always ready so he could sweep any trash or dirt he saw on the school sidewalks.
A former CMISD student said, "No one rode through the tough times better than Mr. Bowen. The turbulent 60's. Disobedience everywhere. Social Rebellion. Hatred for figures of authority. Your Dad (Mr. Bowen) steered a straight course through those rough and tumbling seas! During the years of awakening social consciousness, your Dad (Mr. Bowen) stood as a beacon. His determination, dedication, and love for the students and the faculty of CMISD are all well known."
During his tenure, the school enrollment increased from 300-750. There were successful bond elections during this time, and a new high school was built (now the intermediate) and a new sports complex with a football field.
In 1965-66, Caddo Mills was the first school district in the area to desegregate the schools. His daughter remembers her Dad asked her to ensure the new African-American school student felt welcome. He knew the student might have a hard time. He was adamant that the student would be welcomed.
In the 1980s, Mr. Bowen successfully added honors classes to the curriculum, which was his long-time goal.
During the years, he did many things that did not come under the title "Superintendent of Schools." During the cold, icy months, he would wake up extra early, listen to the bathroom radio as he dressed, and drive his car to check the icy roads. He didn't want his bus drivers to drive on dangerous roads, nor did he want to subject the students to perilous conditions. If a bus broke down, he and Leon Reagan would crawl under the bus to check it out and try to repair it before they would take it to a repair shop. He was always trying to save the school money. (His wife was always upset at the number of white shirts he ruined with grease and grime.) During football season, he would get up early on Saturday mornings, head to the football field, and pick up trash. Sometimes, he would give his own children a quarter to help him. Someone warned him that there would be trouble at school one Halloween. He went to the school to ensure no mischief occurred.
Many days after school, a student needed help with math problems. Mr. Bowen was always there to help explain the mathematical process. He truly loved the students and was a great teacher as well.
Mr. Bowen has been married for 64 years to Billie Fae Weatherly, a CMHS graduate and Valedictorian. He has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Caddo Mills ISD is successful today because of Mr. Bowen's commitment to building a strong foundation for the future.
Jo Nell Garlington
Jo Nell Garlington has been a Fightin’ Fox just about all her life! Nana Jo, as she is affectionately known by so many, has been a pillar for growth and an advocate for the school district for many years. She grew up in Caddo Mills and started her family with Harry Garlington. Together, they had four boys who also attended Caddo Mills ISD. When her boys were in school, she was an active member of the PTO and an involved parent. Even though her boys are grown, she continues to be active in the school district and community through many different activities.
She has been instrumental in keeping the local senior citizens informed of school activities and rallies around the senior citizens to vote for school growth and progress. Mrs. Garlington has always supported everything CMISD has needed. She was a vocal proponent of the successful bond elections. Mrs. Garlington most recently served on the Collaborative Visioning Committee for CMISD. She continues to be a participating member of the CMISD Alumni Association. There is no recollection of her ever saying no to anything CMISD asked of her.
Mrs. Garlington has not only been a vital part of CMISD, but she has continued to serve the community of Caddo Mills. She is a member of the IOOF Cemetery Board, Historical Society Board, Caddo Mills Church of Christ, Caddo Mills Housing Authority, member and President of the TEEA (Texas Education Extension Association) Club of Caddo Mills, where she served as secretary and treasurer. She continues to serve as a manager and treasurer of the Caddo Mills Senior Citizens Board and volunteers with the Hunt County Fair Arts and Crafts Department.
Mrs. Garlington’s kindness and sweet smile have made her a favorite of so many Caddo Mills citizens over the years. CMISD is at the top of her daily prayer list. She wants the best for our students and loves that we are trying to maintain the past and small-town feel for as long as possible. One of her greatest joys is telling people that her grandchildren are part of the greatest school district in Texas. Caddo Mills has had a special place in her heart, and she will proudly tell you that she has lived in the same place and has called Caddo Mills her home for over sixty years. She is truly a Legendary Fox.
Tony and Linda Gavin
Both Tony Gavin (1958) and Linda Bost Gavin (1959) are alumni of CMISD. Tony played 6-man football and finished his senior year as district football champ. He played football, baseball, and ran track; but his favorite sport was boxing. Tony’s school boxing career ended with 54 wins and 4 losses, including the District Golden Glove Champion and the Regional Golden Glove championship in Dallas.
Tony graduated Valedictorian of the class of 1958. Linda was a cheerleader, pep squad major, and the football sweetheart in 1956. Linda’s favorite high school classes were home economics and English. Tony and Linda have been booster club members since 1967. Tony filmed football games for the school in 1967-1968 and ran the clock in the press box from 1969-1987. Tony and Danny M. Payne built the original backstop and dugouts for the school baseball field and negotiated with TP&L to install the lights that are now used by CMYSA. The booster club purchased the main stadium stands at the football field (now used by CMYSA) from a race track in East Tawakoni and Tony was instrumental in the move and installation in Caddo Mills. Both Tony and Linda have reserved football seats since 1995 and continue to support the Fighting Foxes at home and away games.
Linda taught English/Language Arts for seventh & eighth grade from 1973-1988. Linda’s favorite part of teaching was the middle school students and seeing their growth as individuals. Tony served as president of the CMISD Education Foundation when it was established in 2012 and served until 2017.
Tony and Linda are proud alumni of CMISD; proud of the school’s history, growth, and accomplishments in academics and sports.
Randy Hitsman
A Friday night under the stadium lights is the most fitting place to honor Coach Randy Hitsman as a Legendary Fox. Coach Hitsman served as the CMISD Athletic Director and Head Coach for 18 years from 1979 until 1995. After his first season as a Fox, Coach Hitsman implemented the off-season training of weights and conditioning for the football program. The hard work paid off after four seasons when the Foxes completed the first undefeated season at 10-0 in the Fall of 1982. They advanced to the state playoffs for the first time in 36 years. The playoff game did not end as the Foxes wanted, tying Valley View 22-22 with the edge going to the Eagles with more penetrations inside the 20-yard line.
Randy Hitsman changed the culture of Caddo Mills Football, with the teams advancing to the playoffs nearly every season during his tenure and creating Fox Pride throughout the schools and community. His leadership on and off the field was reflected through his strong Christian beliefs and family values. Coach Hitsman’s workouts were challenging and intense and included study time reviewing the opposing team’s film. It was common to hear the phrase, “Put some ice on it.” He was strict and expected a lot from his players. Years later, players will testify to the value he helped instill in them as they raised their own families.
The changes Coach Hitsman made in the program created a competitive environment in which players knew they could no longer miss practices and were required to be in training throughout the year. His training included 6:30 a.m. conditioning before school and practice after school. The growth and direction of the program made a positive change in a way the community of Caddo Mills supported the teams.
Attendance grew for home and away games, which brought extra revenue for the school. Team numbers also increased with more players wanting to be a part of the winning program. The “Mean Green” was the talk of the town and restored bragging rights over several rivals like Lone Oak, Celeste, and Community. Rowdy Payne said one of his favorite memories playing for Coach Hitsman was from his senior season when the Foxes played Celeste. Both teams were undefeated with 7-0 records. Celeste averaged 60 points per game and was ranked in the top 10 in the state. The DFW news crews came to the game; however, by halftime, the Foxes had already sealed the win and cruised onto a 46-7 victory!
Coach Hitsman has remained in touch with many former players and resides in the Pottsboro area. Caddo Mills Foxes, look around at your stadium and your program, and remember that Coach Hitsman helped put you where you are today.
Jean Anne Johnson
Jean Anne Johnson was born and raised in Caddo Mills where she was the Salutatorian of the Class of 1957. All six of her children and seven grandchildren graduated from Caddo Mills. Three other grandchildren and two great-grandchildren are currently attending Caddo Mills ISD. She dedicated her life to making Caddo Mills and CMISD a better place by serving as a teacher and volunteering on many school, church, and city improvement groups and committees. Sometimes this included working in the concession stands, planning proms, and attending various Fox events. She also led the Caddo Mills Beautification Committee that cooperated with the city of Caddo Mills and CMISD. This led to the Governor’s Excellence Award in 1979 for their efforts.
Mrs. Johnson began teaching at CMISD in 1987 at the Elementary School and later taught at the Middle School until her tragic death in an automobile accident in 1997. The school board named the library at the elementary school the Jean Anne Johnson Library in honor of her. Because of the generosity of so many people wanting to honor her teaching legacy, nearly $200,000 in scholarships have been given to Caddo Mills High School seniors.
Jean Anne Johnson understood the importance of education and the students at Caddo Mills ISD have reaped the benefits. She was uniquely humble and taught with love and mastery. Her love for teaching was passed on to her children and grandchildren which continue to impact the teaching profession, especially in the CMISD. As a result of her legacy, her incredible teaching spirit is still present in the classrooms at CMISD twenty-six years after her death. It is very difficult to describe the impact she had on CMISD to those who did not know her, but CMISD is certainly blessed to have her legacy still being felt by CMISD students today. Jean Anne Johnson is the epitome of a Legendary Fox.
Shannon Karr
When the Legendary Fox program was introduced, the first name from so many was Shannon Karr. Mrs. Karr is just one of those people! She began her career in Caddo Mills ISD from 1960 until 1962 and then from 1968 to 1985 for 19 years as the homemaking teacher, cheer sponsor, and the Foxette Drill Team Director. After retiring from teaching, she served as a substitute teacher for over 15 years. She was the type of substitute teacher that, while you were gone, your students never missed a step.
As a homemaking teacher, the skills she taught carried through to the families of former students. She was a strong disciplinarian who influenced her students to become better people and prepare for their futures after high school. She believed in giving her students experiences beyond the classroom, taking them on trips all over Texas and many other states.
While her classroom influence was superior, the legacy she created as the Foxette Drill Team Sponsor is beyond measure. Her former Foxettes said she was firm and expected much from them, and they were good because she made them that way. Mrs. Karr was a director who accepted all girls and molded them into dancers who executed precision field routines. She started with a line of 4 to 5 girls and eventually gained close to 40 girls, and that was when Caddo Mills ISD was a small school district. Each year at the homecoming game, the crowd looked on with excitement to see what Mrs. Karr prepared for the halftime show. It was always phenomenal! Mrs. Karr continued to serve CMISD as the “official seamstress” for cheer, drill team, and football jerseys.
Mrs. Karr continues to serve in many different capacities with the district and community. She dresses as Mrs. Clause and reads to the elementary students each year. As recently as a few weeks ago, a stack of football jerseys needed to be mended with her careful stitch.
Mrs. Karr has gone above and beyond serving Caddo Mills and our schools. She is a traditional Fox Fan through and through and continues to attend every function she can. She has spent countless hours under stadium lights and has done it all while raising three sons and running her household flawlessly. She wore many hats: teacher, instructor, seamstress, provider, listener, second mom, loan officer, the official whistleblower of “the” whistle, Megaphone Queen, and the list goes on and on. She volunteers in the community and bakes homemade goodies you’ll never forget. She is built on tradition and leaves a legacy of high expectations, love, and service. She leaves an unforgettable impression on those she has taught, directed, and served in Caddo Mills. Her legacy is truly timeless!
C.H. (Pete) and Bonnie Neeley
Pete Neeley was a bus driver for CMISD from 1956-1970. He drove the same bus route for all his years of service. He was also the bus driver typically chosen by school personnel to transport students on field trips, class trips, and other special school events. He met the school district's needs while continuing as a full-time farmer. Sometimes, parents would sign the trip permission slips and leave notes that their child could go as long as Mr. Neeley was driving the bus. During the busy farming season, his wife Bonnie would do the farming so Mr. Pete could drive the bus. Some days called for using two tractors, and both worked into the late evening hours on the farm to fulfill their school duties during the day. Their children were watched by their grandparents so their parents could complete their farm work and their commitment to the children of CMISD.
Bonnie Neely started teaching in CMISD in the 1950s and retired in 1981 from daily teaching. She continued taking the long-term substitute assignments for another ten years. During all these years, she regularly tutored students of all ages, free of charge from her home, so those students had the opportunity to be successful. Before teaching at CMISD, she taught various grade levels and subjects, was a school principal, and even served as a school superintendent. After the birth of her children, she chose to keep the same school hours by becoming a classroom teacher. To keep from teaching her own children, she told the school administrator to feel free to move her from grade to grade or subject to subject.
The Neeleys worked as a team to serve others. A number of students considering dropping out of school were encouraged and worked with by Pete and Bonnie to continue their schooling, to graduate from high school, and with some continuing to graduate from college. Some families would even take their children to have a "talk" with Mr. Pete and Mrs. Bonnie when the talks at home were not working. They routinely hired students to work on their farm, at their gas station, with housework, and gardening to help contribute to their families or to purchase school supplies. They saw each person as an individual with a purpose.
The stories of the Neeley's hours and love given to the students of CMISD could go on forever. Even after retirement, they continued pouring into the lives of students and their families, thus contributing to the betterment of the school environment and community. To celebrate the past of CMISD, you must recognize the impact the Neeleys made while they were here.
Betty Rector
Mrs. Betty Rector was born and raised in Gilmer, Texas. She has been a long-time resident of Caddo Mills since 1961. Betty is the widow of the late Billy Rector. If you have had the pleasure to share space with this great lady, you would instantly become family to her, as she knows no stranger! Ms. Betty served as the Cafeteria Supervisor during the later part of her tenure at Caddo Mills ISD. If you had the pleasure of dining in the cafeteria, then you sampled her cooking, especially the homemade rolls and iced tea! Ms. Betty shows kindness to everyone she meets, whether at school, church, in and outside of her community. She is always ready and willing to help anyone in need, and at age 81, she shows no signs of slowing down and never stops being great!
There are so many things to love about this great lady, from her kind disposition to her infectious laugh! She is part of the fabric that makes up the great people of Caddo Mills! If you have not had the opportunity to meet Ms. Betty, you should plan to meet her and see for yourself just how wonderful she really is!
Additionally, Ms. Betty is the proud mother of Wanda, Timothy, and Susan, who all attended school in Caddo Mills. She is also a grandmother of three, and great-grandmother of six. While Ms. Betty has since retired, she remains active in the community and still enjoys baking cakes, spending time with friends, and sleeping until noon. Ms. Betty has worn many hats that served a need in the community, but most importantly, she is a true servant of God.
Bertha Simmons
During a time when Black educators held very few jobs in public school districts, Bertha Simmons was a trailblazer. After the United States racial integration laws passed, Simmons was the first Black Reading teacher for Caddo Mills Independent School District.
Bertha Johnson was born and raised in Marshall, Texas. Her love for reading started early, as she was eager to attend school. Bertha graduated from Pemberton High School before receiving her formal education from Bishop College, Prairie View A&M University, and East Texas State University. Her love for teaching grew as she began her career in Elysian Fields Schools in Elysian Fields, Texas.
As a Texas Southern University teacher in Houston, Bertha became immersed in reading and education. She surrounded herself with other teachers of inquisitive minds who shared her passion for teaching. Her passion for education was matched when she met and married Clyde Simmons of Greenville, Texas. The couple co-founded Caddo Mills Elementary School in Caddo Mills, where schools were still segregated. Clyde led as principal, and Bertha was one of the reading teachers. She was also known as Coach Simmons for her competitive coaching skills in girls’ basketball, track, and volleyball.
Caddo Mills Independent School District offered Bertha and Clyde teaching positions. Bertha would become the district’s first Black teacher. She taught reading and special education for 42 years in Caddo Mills until her retirement. Clyde accepted a teaching position at Garland ISD. Simmons saw where she was needed in her community. She ended her retirement to teach for several additional years in the Functional Life Skills Classroom at Houston Elementary School in Greenville ISD. She also co-founded and promoted the Head Start and Early Childhood School Readiness Program in Lone Oak, Texas.
As a community leader, Simmons realized local neighborhoods needed her as much as children in the classrooms. She was a member of various religious and civic organizations but found joy in serving as Greenville City Council Woman of Place 6 for two terms. She touched the lives of many families within her community by writing policies and organizing developments. Bertha Simmons died in June 2006. Her legacy as a pioneer is remembered for having a voice of leadership within her community, encouraging students to continue reading, and making education a priority.
Phil Tipton
Mr. Phil Tipton started working at CMISD in 1967. After teaching and serving as the middle school administrator in Caddo Mills, Mr. Tipton moved to Sulphur Springs. He was the Assistant Middle School Principal there until he retired after 30 years in education. He then became an adult probation officer for the next eleven years. He retired in 2010 and passed away in 2018 after a short battle with cancer.
His favorite stories were about his sixth-grade students at Caddo Mills ISD and their antics, which he sometimes instigated. Mr. Tipton was well-known for his Drivers Education instruction while at CMISD, but what some people do not know was the driving incident with one of his 6th-grade classes. Legend has it that a student had a Coke spilled on her during class. She asked if she could run home and change clothes. He tossed her the keys to his car and told her to come right back. He thought they were joking when she and another student left the classroom. The other students ran to the window to see her pulling out of the parking lot in his car. He and the principal promptly went to her house to bring her back to school. Most students remembered the infamous Meathead Beat Head Club, where many ended up being placed in his trash can. If you know, you know.
His wife, Janie, said one of her favorite stories about Mr. Tipton took place not long after their daughter was born. They were not getting much sleep at night. One day, he was standing at the chalkboard teaching and fell asleep standing up in front of the class. Mr. Tipton was a bright light in the memories of many former students of CMISD and was a perfect choice for a Legendary Fox.
Bill Turner
Bill Turner, the former principal of Caddo Mills Elementary School during the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and early 80s, has been honored with the prestigious Legendary Fox Award in recognition of his remarkable dedication and service to the Caddo Mills community.
Bill Turner's legacy at Caddo Mills Elementary School extends far beyond his role as principal. He served as the eighth-grade general education teacher, instilling knowledge and values in countless young minds. Additionally, he lent his expertise to coaching, including football, tennis, and the boxing team in the 1950s, successfully sending teams to Golden Gloves meets. He also coached junior high basketball, contributing to the development of well-rounded athletes and students.
Many in the community fondly recall the annual Halloween carnivals, where Bill Turner's booth featured cork guns that expertly shot down matchboxes, delighting students and families alike. Moreover, he led heartwarming Christmas carols in the elementary school halls, creating cherished memories for generations of students.
Perhaps most famously, Bill Turner is remembered for the legendary "electric paddle" that purportedly resided in his office—a symbol of discipline and a gentle reminder to students to behave. While the stories surrounding this paddle may have been exaggerated, his commitment to maintaining a positive and respectful learning environment was unwavering.
Bill Turner's impact on Caddo Mills Elementary School extends beyond his tenure. He is beloved by all the students who passed through its doors, and his influence is evident in the many lives he touched. His dedication to education extended to his own family, as all of his children graduated from Caddo Mills High School and have gone on to enjoy successful careers in the education field.
As part of the 2023 Legendary Fox Awards, Bill Turner joins an esteemed group of individuals who have left an indelible mark on the Caddo Mills community. His legacy continues to inspire current and future generations, reminding us all of the enduring power of education.
Linda Sue Wilson
In the words of Kansas Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce, "At the end of the day, I feel like if you're not having fun with what you do, there's really not much of a point to be doing it." If Linda Sue Wilson were here tonight, she would agree with him.
Mrs. Wilson served Caddo Mills ISD as a PE teacher and then as an Assistant Principal at Lee Elementary for many years. Her duties continued as she eventually became a bus driver. When asking for information to share tonight about Linda Sue, everyone, including her former students, said that she always had fun.
Her PE classes were a place of organization where students knew exactly what was expected of them when they walked into the gym. They just never knew what to expect from their PE teacher. Mrs. Wilson made PE classes come to life! She was never just a teacher. If there was an activity in her class, she was involved alongside the students. Her contagious energy made students want to be involved.
Beyond her classroom, she wanted to make sure her campus was a place people wanted to work. She was instrumental in creating the KITS program, which sparked a love for basketball in so many young athletes. She is fondly remembered for her Monster Mash performance, the Basket Dance, and the 12 Days of Christmas program involving the teachers. She even coerced her friends to attend a retirement party at Exxon in Houston in a "fancy" hotel, wearing letterman jackets and performing a surprise skit for one of their unsuspecting friends' retirement.
She had a talent for remembering anybody's name. She never lost interest in her students when they left her campus. She was willing to do anything asked of her at CMISD. If she was your friend, she was the best one you could have. She was always positive and served CMISD with a good and kind heart. Because of her fun-loving and carefree demeanor, all of her students loved Mrs. Linda Sue Wilson. Her love for them makes her a CMISD Legendary Fox.