Picture - Texas Rangers Heritage Center

Volume 37
April 2016
Texas flag retirement
ceremony 7
behind the badge
8
Trhc phase 1
grand opening
10
Texas Iron
12
General Store
13
Ranger Tales
14
Calendar of Events 15
As the morning sun rose over the Texas
Rangers Heritage Center, the thermometer
read a brisk 31 degrees with wind gusts of
15 mph. It was not optimal weather by any
Texan’s standards, but the day of the Phase
I Grand Opening of the Texas Rangers
Heritage Center was finally here... A day
to come together as friends and Texans,
to celebrate our achievements of making
the 1st phase of the Center a reality. We
could not ask for a better base of Rangers,
members and friends who came out to
show their support for this historic project.
The 10:00am opening ceremonies for
the event began with Foundation President
Joe Davis giving a speach to commemorate
the day, followed by Boy Scout Troop #511
doing the honors of raising the flags, which
were accompanined by a canon salute. The
Ranger Ring of Honor, which proudly
displays over 500 names of Rangers who
can be proven to have been killed in the
line of duty since Stephen F. Austin raised
the first company of “Rangers” in 1823,
was dedicated in fine fashion. Among
those present was Mr. Larry J. Martin, who
graciously donated the funds needed to
complete the Ring of Honor.
The day's events offered something for
everyone, from World Champion trick
roper Kevin Fitzpatrick performing for the
crowds, to cowboy singer and storyteller
K.R. Wood teaching the visitors, through
story and song, the history of Texas and
the people who created it. We had some
great local food trucks on site, from Clear
River Pecan Co. offering sandwiches and
ice cream, to Buzzies B-B-Q in Kerrville
selling the biggest brisket sandwiches
you've ever laid eyes on. The festivities
continued until 4:00pm, at which time
we closed the site for preparations for our
evenings entertainment.
At 6:00pm, we opened our gates for
our "Top Hand" ticket holders to enjoy
a social hour and a meet and greet with
legendary American singer and storyteller,
Red Steagall. Chuck wagon cookie Bobby
Joe Wood served up Texas-sized ribeyes,
cowboy caviar, cast iron biscuits and some
of the best peach cobbler you can find. The
end of dinner saw the start of a fantastic
concert by Red Steagall and the Boys in the
Bunkhouse. Whether you have seen him
perform before or this was your first time,
he never fails to impress. In May 2005, the
Texas Commission on the Arts named Red
the Poet Laureate for the State of Texas for
the year 2006. He was honored in Austin
before both the House and the Senate. In
April of 2003, Red was officially inducted
into the Hall of Great Westerners at the
National Cowboy and Western Heritage
Museum in Oklahoma City.
We here at the Former Texas Rangers
are so blessed to have the support network
we have from our friends and members.
None of this would be possible without
the unwavering dedication you have to the
mission at hand of preserving the history of
the Texas Rangers for generations to come,
and for that, again, we say THANK YOU.
OFFICERS
President
Lee Young
1st Vice President
Gary Henderson
2nd Vice President
President’s Message
Former Texas Rangers Association
Ralph Wadsworth
3rd Vice President
Sr. Capt. H.R. Block
Secretary
Capt. Dan North
Treasurer
Joe B. Davis
Historian
Jody Ginn, PhD
Associate Historian
Mike Cox
Chaplains
Clayton Smith
Lt. Kenny Ray
DIRECTORS
Lee Young
Chairman of the Board
Milton Wright
Vice Chairman
Jerry Clements
Joe B. Davis
Ray Martinez
Phil Ryan
Capt. Grady Sessums
Capt. Carl Weathers
ADVISORY DIRECTORS
Co. “A”
Kenneth Hammack, Livingston
Haskell Taylor, League City
Capt. L.C. Wilson, The Woodlands
Co. “B”
Tommy Walker, Henderson
Lt. Lane Akin, Decatur
Co. “C”
Bill Gerth, Wichita Falls
Larry Gilbreath, Brownfield
Alvin Schmidt, Canyon
Co. “D”
Doyle Holdridge, Laredo
Kasey King, George West
Oscar Rivera, Sinton
Co. “E”
Jess Malone, Midland
Co. “F”
John Aycock, Flat
Jim Gant, Georgetown
Sr. Capt. C.J. Havrda, San Antonio
Director Emeritus
Bob Dale, deceased
Rev. George Frasier, deceased
Bill Gunn
Rudolfo Rodriguez, deceased
Capt. John Wood, deceased
Historian Emeritus
Connie Rodriquez
2
We have progressed into 2016, the
days are getting longer, and the
Association’s calendar is filling up. As
you are reading this, we are putting
the final touches on the Annual
Membership Meeting that will be
held on April 30, 2016 in
Fredericksburg, TX at the pavilion of
the Texas Rangers Heritage Center.
Registration will begin at 5:30pm.
We will be having a BBQ dinner
from Bill Miller, starting around
6:30pm. This year, we are looking to
include guest speakers and a silent
auction. By now, you should have
received your invitation to this event
along with a proxy vote if you are
unable to attend. Please get those
RSVPs in to the office, and don’t lope
your mule on finding a place to bed
down for the night!
The trhc.org website is up and
running. Use this as your guide for all
the events we have on the books,
including the many Ranger Memorial
Cross Ceremonies planned through
the fall. Check out the online General
Store for FTRA merchandise, books
and many other items.
And lastly, as a member of the
Former Texas Rangers Association,
you are our ambassadors to the world.
Always be on the lookout for people
who believe they are related to a
Ranger but maybe don’t know where
to start. Refer them to the office to
speak with Will Barkley, and he will
be happy to help them begin the
research. As he says, “The best part of
the job is helping that descendant
discover he or she is related to a
Ranger, and that knowledge of their
ancestor’s service will stay with them
forever.”
I hope we will see you in
Fredericksburg on April 30th for the
Annual Membership Meeting, and if
we don’t, please know your
membership is deeply appreciated.
Since 1897, at the first meeting of the
Ex-Texas Rangers Association, you
are continuing that legacy today, and
for that, we are sincerely grateful.
Hasta la vista,
Lee Young, President
Texas Ranger, Retired
Monthly Donation Program
In 2013, the FTRF started a monthly donation program to assist with
operations. Now, anyone can request an amount ($5, $10, $100,
etc.) to be deducted from their bank account monthly by simply
filling out a form available at the FTRF office.
For more information, contact Erin at
erinh@formertexasrangers.org or by phone at 1-888-766-4055.
PRESIDENT
President’s Message
Former Texas Rangers Foundation
Joe B. Davis, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Fredericksburg
VICE PRESIDENT
Sr. Capt. H.R. Block, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Fredericksburg
CHAIRMAN
By the
time you receive
this edition of
Straight Talk,
we will have
had our Grand
Opening
of
Phase I on
March 19th. I
hope many of
you were able to
attend, as it included a full day of activities
for the entire family. The Red Steagall
concert and chuck wagon dinner sold out
in record time with a waiting list.
The FTRF is in the process of
organizing several events during the year
that will become annual events in the new
facility.
One of the events will be held
during March, which is designated Texas
History Month. The event theme will be all
about “Celebrate Texas” and include such
activities and entertainment like we had at
our Phase One opening. It will also include
historical reenactments.
The American Chuck Wagon
Association is planning to have their
Annual Championship Cook-Off in
Fredericksburg. This will be an annual event
beginning in April 2017. The wagons will
be set up between the Texas Rangers
Heritage Center (TRHC) and Fort Martin
Scott. We plan to have a big day on that
date at the TRHC like the “Celebrate
Texas” event, which will include various
Western artists such as spur-makers, saddle
makers, hat and boot makers. This has the
making of a major event and will bring in
lots of people from all over the country to
our facilities.
On May 15th, we will be having a
candlelight memorial service to remember
those law-enforcement officers who gave
the ultimate sacrifice while serving and
protecting the people of Texas. The
memorial service will be held at the Ranger
Ring of Honor. The week of May 15th has
been designated as National Memorial
Week for those officers who lost their lives.
I hope many of you can attend.
Another annual event will be a
Christmas celebration at the Pavilion with
all the decorations and Santa Claus. In
April, the Former Texas Rangers
Foundation (FTRF) will begin the chuck
wagon dinners with entertainment at the
TRHC. This event will take place once a
month through Labor Day weekend. The
annual FTRA membership will meet on
April 30th.
Since the TRHC opened in
September, there have been over 2000
visitors tour the grounds. Visitors have
come from all over the U.S. and even some
foreign countries. They all have a great
interest in the Texas Rangers and their
history. They also learn about our education
programs, teaching our youth to be better
citizens. The TRHC is open five days a
week , Thursday thru Monday, from 9:00am
to 5:00pm. Remember also that the Pavilion
is available to lease if you are planning a
special event such as a family reunion or
wedding, etc.
The best way to keep up with all
the activities and events is to check the new
website. I think you will really like it. The
address is www.trhc.org. Let us know what
you think.
I really can’t say enough about
how proud we are of Phase I of the Texas
Rangers Heritage Center. It represents
what the Texas Rangers are all about in a
beautiful setting.
As we now begin to focus on
Phase II, I want to thank all of you for your
generosity and support. You leading by
example will help us to continue the
traditions and heritage of the Texas
Rangers.
Chad D. Stary, Kerrville
VICE CHAIRMAN
Lee Young, Texas Rangers, Retired, McKinney
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
F.R. “Dick” Brown, Rowlett
Tom C. Doell, Dallas
Brantley Foster, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Mt. Pleasant
Kurt House, San Antonio
Larry J. Martin, Houston
Ramiro “Ray” Martinez,
Texas Rangers, Retired, New Braunfels
Wayne Musgrove, Mountain Home
Walter Pletz, Fredericksburg
Tom Roarick, Fredericksburg
Phil Ryan, Texas Rangers, Retired, Decatur
Charles “Chip” Schweiger, Houston
Greg Thrower, Houston
Capt. Carl Weathers, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Lubbock
Lee Spencer White, Fredericksburg
Milton Wright, Texas Rangers, Retired, Richmond
ADVISORY BOARD
Stewart Armstrong, San Antonio
Tommy Azopardi, Austin
Bill Bailey, Pasadena
Bruce Blakemore, San Antonio
Laurie Brown, Austin
J.P. Bryan, Houston
Capt. Clete Buckaloo, Texas Ranger, Retired,
Kerrville
Jan Bullock, Austin
Sr. Capt. Bruce Casteel, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Helotes
Bill Colston Jr., Riviera
Honorable Joe Dial, Saint Jo
John Eastty, Austin
Homer (Trey) Garrison, III, Austin
Stan Harper, Arlington
Brad Hassack, Austin
Sr. Capt. C.J. Havrda, Texas Rangers, Retired,
San Antonio
H. Joaquin Jackson, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Alpine
Lt. Gen. William Keys, USMC ret., Virginia
E. D. Lester, Houston
Larry Mahan, Sunset
Jess Malone, Texas Rangers, Retired, Midland
Willis Marburger, Houston
B. J. (Red) McCombs, San Antonio
Honorable Doug Miller, New Braunfels
A.L. Mitchell, Texas Rangers, Retired, Midland
Capt. Dan H. North, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Houston
T.Michael O’Connor, Victoria
Gregory Pletz, Austin
Billye Proctor Shaw, Abilene
Reese Ryan, Round Rock
Steve Schmidt, Boerne
Capt. Grady Sessums, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Abilene
John Sturkie, Houston
Ralph Thomas, Houston
Ed Vaughan, Boerne
Honorable Ken Wise, Houston
DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Joe B. Davis, President
Texas Ranger, Retired
Bob Berryman
Griff Carnes
Tom Daniels
Bill Holmes
John B. Meadows
3
FTRF Chairman’s Thoughts
your loved ones, or have your family
names be forever etched in the
foundations of the TRHC. I felt such
strong emotion when Kim, Melyn and
I walked over to see all the names, and
we know most of the families who gave
to have their loved ones immortalized.
It is a feeling I hope you all can
experience for yourself. For us to see
Kim’s grandfather's paver meant a lot,
What really made me think on this
with the USMC after his name and us
was a recent comment by a major
knowing how he gained a purple heart
supporter when he asked “how our
at Iwo Jima . So please give strong
Center is coming along?" and how he
consideration for the pavers and bricks
really wants to come visit. That really
and other naming opportunities. I can
made me feel confident when that
promise you will feel pride and
“our TRHC” comment was made,
ownership hit you once you see the
because it showed “I am committed”
names.
and “I am in this project 100%.” The
other driving picture in my mind was
the recent walk around the Bell Tower
and Ranger Ring of Honor. What
stood out to me were the NAMES.
The names on all the bricks and the
names on the Ring of Honor. The
forever legacy of those who are
immortalized in stone and metal.
We ended up last year strong, with our
So the above two thoughts are where
eyes
fixed on 2016 as being our best
the “OURS” really hit me. For
everyone that donated to Phase One year yet to come. I want to say a huge
in any dollar amount became a part of thank you for all of you who supported
the reality of the completion and the FTRF financially and those who
reality of the dream of the TRHC. gave time and efforts into all of our
That is where the shared vision and programs, events and the gala. We
monetary sacrifice became a unifying could not have been successful without
factor, and a partnership of ownership all giving in some regard. Every effort
was created. The very important point and sacrifice counts and is very much
to this is that everyone who gave or acknowledged and appreciated.
I have always
been careful using
the term our as it
shows ownership,
and I have always
be sensitive about
keeping boundaries
and knowing where
lines need to be drawn.
Our Texas Rangers
Heritage Center
who gives is instrumental and has an
interest in the Center. A TRHC that
will live on well beyond our lives and
into the lives of future generations yet
to come.
That is why, if you have not already
given, I would so much encourage you
to do so, or make a pledge and name
4
We had a great annual board meeting
in Galveston. My personal thanks to
Mr. J P Bryan for his warm hospitality
and wonderful accommodations. If you
are going to visit Galveston, please give
strong consideration towards the Hotel
Galvez. We held our annual meeting in
the Bryan Museum, which is a historic
building built in 1902 as an orphanage.
Again, for those with an eye for the
establishment of Texas and the
Southwestern United States, you will
not find a finer museum dedicated to
that time era.
The collection contains artifacts that
I would have never thought existed
today, along with a full staff and well
recognized professional curators. Mr.
Bryan, thank you for your efforts in
safekeeping the true history of the
time so critical in the creation of our
beloved Texas, Southwestern United
States and ultimately the United
States overall.
This year I would ask all to really do
all we can to spread the “Ranger
gospel,” those Texas Legacy character
traits that we need to teach to a lot of
young folks. Also, please help us with
the memberships and ask others to
join our ranks; our intermediate goal
is still to reach 3,000 members. With
all we have planned this year, I think
we can make a good size dent in that
goal.
Lastly, we hope you were able to
attend our Phase I Grand Opening of
the Texas Rangers Heritage Center
on March 19th. It was a first class
event and served well to show us the
culmination of efforts over the past
few years.
Respects,
Chad Stary
Chad D. Stary
Foundation Chairman
Development Resource Report
A few days
ago, I had the
opportunity to sit
with about seventy
other participants
in a discussion
centered around
philanthropy
or
charitable giving. The discussion’s topic
was, “Whether by choice or by chance,
you will leave something behind for
those who follow.”
What you leave may be great or
small, valuable or meager, honorable
or disreputable, calculated in dollars
or measured in character. You may
wrap what you leave in a will or
safety-deposit box, or in the hearts
and attitudes of your heirs. Your
impact on the future may take the
form of material wealth, the habit
of generosity, or the scars of broken
relationships. You may pass your
baton to people who love you or those
who do not think of you at all.
But whatever survives you when you
are gone will be your LEGACY.
This statement began ringing a bell
in my head and eventually in my
heart. As I began thinking about this
transformational word, LEGACY, the
word began to strike a unifying chord.
The Former Texas Rangers Foundation
is asking you to create a partnership
with us, in order for our organization
and you to leave a LEGACY together.
Your partnership gift of any size will
allow the Former Texas Rangers
Foundation to expand the educational
program all across Texas, through more
partnerships with public and private
schools, churches, civic organizations
and youth service groups. This
expansion will enable the values and
character traits of Texas Rangers to be
taught across this great state to current
and future generations of Texans and
change the course of many who need
these values in their lives.
A partnership with the Former Texas
Rangers Foundation can also help
provide a beautiful and functional
facility for teaching, learning and
historical research. There you can
spend time together with your family
and friends for fun, and spend some
time get into the heart of the Texas
Rangers.
Take a moment and think about your
legacy to your children, grandchildren
and to your beloved state. Then like
me, determine what your legacy will
be and help to support the Texas
Rangers of tomorrow with a Legacy
Gift today.
If you would like more information,
please contact me at:
glenc@formertexasrangers.org,
or call me at 1-254-760-6334
(Fredericksburg office 1-888-766-4055)
Your friend,
Glen Cosper
Glen Cosper
Director of Development
Happy Trails
Retired Ranger
Rudolfo “Rudy” Flores Rodriguez
10/4/1938 - 12/6/2015
Co. D, 1974 - 1994
Retired Ranger
John W. Dendy
3/1/1930 - 3/4/2016
Co. C, 1973 - 1979
Co. F, 1979 - 1992
5
Texas Rangers Heritage Center Pavilion
Leasing options now available
Our 9,000 sq. ft. pavilion is quickly becoming a
top event destination in the Texas Hill Country.
With tabled seating for up to 350 people, HVAC
restrooms, catering kitchen with full amenities,
state of the art audio/video and a prime location
off Hwy. 290 in Fredericksburg, this site makes
an excellent choice for your next family event or
business function.
(Above): The back of the pavilion opens onto
a lush, grassy courtyard with a stone walkway
leading down to the amphitheater and gas fire
pit. (Below): Our industrial HVAC catering
kitchen is equipped to handle your caterer’s needs
and ensure your event goes off without a hitch.
For information regarding leasing options,
please contact Erin Hall at: 830-990-1192
erinh@formertexasrangers.org
trhc.org/events-we-host
Texas Rangers Heritage Center
1618 E. Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
6
Texas Flag
Retirement Ceremony
FTRA and The
Old West Rangers
Luckenbach, TX
March 5, 2016
I am your Texas Flag!
I was born January 25, 1839.
I am one of only two flags of an American state that has also
served as the symbol of an independent nation - The Republic of Texas.
While you may honor me in retirement, the spirit I represent will never retire!
I represent the spirit of Texas - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow!
I represent the bravery of the Alamo and the Victory at San Jacinto.
My spirit rode with the Texas Rangers over the Forts Trail of the Big Country
and herded cattle through the Fort Worth Stockyards.
I have sailed up Galveston Bay and kept a watchful eye over our El Paso del Norte.
My colors are in the waters of the Red River and in the Bluebonnets of the Texas Hill Country.
You’ll find my spirit at the Light House of Palo Duro and in the sands of Padre Island.
I am in the space station at Houston and atop the oil wells of West Texas.
From the expanse of the Big Bend to the Riverwalk of San Antone - all of Texas is my home!
I wave over the cotton & grain fields of the High Plains,
and I am deep in the rich soil of the Rio Grande Valley.
I am proudly displayed under the Capitol Dome,
and I fly high above the concrete canyons of downtown Dallas.
You’ll find my spirit in the East Texas piney woods and along the Grandeur of the Rio Grande.
I represent Texas - every Child, Woman and Man!
The blue field in me stands for the valor of our ancestors in the battles for our country.
Let us retire the blue - Salute!
My white field stands for the purity in all our Texas hearts!
It represents the honor that each of us should pay to our state each day.
Let us retire the white - Salute!
The red is for all of the men and women who have died in service of our state whether as members of the armed services or as citizen samaritans.
Let us retire the red - Salute!
My lone, independent star is recognized worldwide because it represents ALL of Texas
and stands for our unity as one God, State, and Country.
Let us retire the lone star - Salute!
“Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.”
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001
7
Behind the Badge
Stories from the Rangers of the FTRA
Rudolfo “Rudy” Flores Rodriguez - Texas Ranger Sgt., Retired - Company D, 1974-1994
Rudy was born on October 4, 1938 in Floresville, Wilson County, Texas. After serving in the United States
Navy, Rudy became a Wilson County Deputy Sheriff in 1962 and was promoted to Chief Deputy Sheriff in May 1969.
He served in that capacity until August 1974, when he became a Texas Ranger. Rudy retired from DPS, Texas Ranger
Service, on August 31, 1994, after 20 years of service. In his work as a Texas Ranger, Rudy worked cases in Duval
County, Brownsville, Edinburg, Cuero, Carrizo Springs, Crystal City, Rio Grande City, Zapata, Pearsall – basically all of
South Texas. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia. After retiring from the Ranger service,
Rudy worked for the U.S. Marshal’s Office, Retama Park Race Track, and the Comal County Sheriff’s Office.
Without a doubt, the most interesting case that Rudy worked on was the Duval County corruption case. In May
1975, Rudy and Rangers Ray Martinez and Gene Powell, under Capt. John Wood, started working along with members
of the Attorney General’s Office and DPS Intelligence on this case. This case involved fraud, misapplication of funds,
perjury, abuse of office and theft by public officials. This complicated case lasted several years and culminated in
numerous indictments, arrests and convictions, and even included the impeachment of a District Judge.
Corruption in Duval County had existed for many years. The Parrs (father, son, and adopted grandson: Archie
Parr, George B. Parr, and Archer Parr) controlled the elections, their candidates winning every government seat. They
believed that by controlling the elections, they would be able to control the Sheriff, District and County attorneys, and the
District and County judges.
One of the many cases made in Duval County involved the recovery of the Benavides School records. These
records had been sought in connection with an Internal Revenue Service probe of the late George Parr and his nephew,
former Duval County Judge Archer Parr. In July 1972, D.C. Chapa, president of the school district, told a San Antonio
grand jury investigating the school system that school board secretary, Rodolfo Couling, told him that the records had
been thrown away or destroyed. On August 21, 1975, acting on an anonymous tip, Ranger Capt. John Wood and Rudy
found a carload of records in the attic of the school district’s tax office in Benavides, Texas. Canceled checks, vouchers,
receipts and invoices dating from 1968 through 1972 were recovered. The records were stored in file folders, neatly
labeled with the year and the information contained. The folders took up the entire back seat and trunk of Capt. Wood’s
state car, weighing it down and almost scraping the road pavement.
Investigators from the State Attorney’s Office stated that they had hit “pay dirt,” as evidence obtained from
these records resulted in the arrest and indictment of several people. Later it was revealed that Rodolfo Couling, under
indictment for official misconduct, had signed a plea bargain with the state. He gave information that enabled the Texas
Rangers to recover the school records. Acting on this information, Capt. Wood and Rudy found more than 200 pounds of
records dating back to 1968 hidden between the ceiling and roof of the school district office building. Access to the attic
was gained through a trap door located in a lavatory that was adjacent to Couling’s office. It took more that 2 ½ hours to
remove these records from the attic of the office. To protect Couling, whose cooperation had not been disclosed at that
time, the Rangers told newspaper reporters they had been tipped off by an anonymous letter.
Today, the Parr dynasty no longer exists in Duval County. State Senator Archie Parr died in 1942, George B. Parr
committed suicide in 1975, and Archer Parr, the last “Duke of Duval,” died November 2, 2000.
In 1990, Rudy worked on “Operation Southern Star,” a fugitive program sponsored by the United States Marshall’s
Service. “Operation Southern Star” began August 2, 1990 and ended October 21, 1990. Law enforcement personnel
from the U.S. Attorney’s Office-San Antonio, DEA, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, San Antonio Police Department, U.S.
Marshal’s Service-San Antonio and the Seattle, Albuquerque and Texas Rangers participated in this Drug Fugitive Task
Force. During the span of a month and a half, Deputy U.S. Marshal Juan Chapa and Rudy worked together in locating
and arresting over seventy fugitives.
8
FTRF Membership & Events Update
2016 is underway, and we are working to get in front of our goals and objectives for this
year and into the future. How, you might ask? The answer is that we have organized a new element
for expanding our footprint and public awareness around the state of Texas by establishing Former
Texas Rangers Foundation Stations in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Fredericksburg, and San Antonio.
Hereafter each station will be known as FTRF Station - Dallas, as an example, using the last part to
denote the name of the city. We are developing the functions of each station, but to start with, a focus
on planning and executing a membership event that works best for the city the Station is located in.
Our Stations Chiefs are Greg Pletz - Austin, Charles Schweiger - Houston, Buck Murray
-San Antonio, Rod Travers - Dallas, Clinton Bailey - Fredericksburg, and we are working to find the
right person for Fort Worth. Anyone interested in participating as a part of a station and/or starting a
station in your city should contact Walter Pletz at 214-587-2205 or walter.pletz@markprom.com
Best Regards,
Walter Pletz
Chairman, Committee for Membership,
Marketing and Public Relations
Major John B. Jones
Masonic Rangering Company
Maj. John B. Jones Masonic Rangering Company announces plans for 2016 Annual Meeting
In a break from tradition, the Maj. John B. Jones Masonic Rangering Company will hold their annual meeting
independently from the Former Texas Rangers Association’s annual meeting this year.
The date has been set for June 11th, 2016 at the Texas Rangers Heritage Center’s new pavilion. We’ll start
gathering about 6:00 pm for fellowship and will have dinner at 7:00 pm with a short program afterwards. You
may make reservations by calling the Foundation office at 830-990-1192 or register online at www.trhc.org.
Be sure to follow us on FACEBOOK at “Maj. John B. Jones Masonic Rangering Company.”
Respectfully,
Dick Brown
Chairman of the Major John B. Jones Masonic Rangering Company
9
Phase I Grand Opening
10
The Former Texas Rangers office will soon be implementing a new database system that will streamline data entry for all our
membership information. We are asking all members to use the form below to ensure that the information we have on file is
accurate and up to date.
We are also offering members the ability to join the Former Texas Rangers email list that will keep them notified of events, cross
ceremonies and even receive the StraightTalk newsletter in .pdf form by email. If you are interested in this new feature, please
email the current contact information from below to your corresponding organization.
FTRA Members: willb@formertexasrangers.org
FTRF Members: brandij@formertexasrangers.org
Former Texas Rangers
PO Box 3195
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Organization:_____________________________
Name:_____________________________________________
Address:_________________________________
City:_____________________ State:______ Zip:_________
Primary Phone:___________________________
Spouse:____________________________________________
Email:________________________________________________________________________________________
Honored Ranger (If applicable):___________________________________________________________________
11
Texas Iron
Guns of the Texas Rangers
By Bob Moser, Capt. USA (retired)
FTRA Weapons Historian
Since my
last
article,
Volume 36,
December
2015, I have
received the
completed
work of my
book, Texas
Iron: Guns of
the
Texas
Rangers. I would like to do a brief book
review, as it is in my opinion a landmark
publication.
To the best of my
knowledge, it is the first known book
written about the Texas Rangers where
the central subject is the guns they
carried and used. I decided to print a
hard bound, glossy cover book as a first
edition limited print of only 200 copies.
There is no marketing plan, as most are
donated to Texas Ranger organizations
including our Former Texas Ranger
Foundation. When the 200 are gone,
there won’t be another first edition
printing.
I was honored to have Texas Ranger
Johnnie Aycock do the introduction,
with endorsements by Texas Rangers
Joaquin Jackson, Ray Martinez,
Brantley Foster and Captain Carl
Weathers. I addressed some new
subjects at Brantley Foster’s request
that
include
Texas
Ranger
commemorative guns and the collecting
of documented Texas Ranger-owned
weapons. There is also a chapter on
what is referred to as Texas Ranger
“Bar-B-Q” guns. There are over 92
photos of historical guns in the
illustrations, and all but three are from
my collection. The front cover shows a
Hope saddle from the 1850s and a Colt
model 1855 revolving carbine.
Adolphus Hope, from Washington
County, Texas, was one of the first
recognized saddle makers in Texas.
One of the interesting stories in the
book that has basically become legend
is the chance meeting of my great
grandfather, John Armstrong, and the
famous Texas Ranger retired, Lt. John
B. Armstrong. This event occurred at a
cattle auction in the Austin, Texas area
in the 1880s. When they discovered
they were both Armstrongs, the story
goes, they became instant friends. It is
said my great grandfather, John
Armstrong, traded Lt. John B.
Armstrong a Winchester lever-action
rifle for a 7 ½ inch barrel Colt .45
revolver.
If you are interested in not only the
history of the Texas Rangers, but the
weapons they used to tame the wild
Texas frontier, then this is a must-read.
At my age, it was on my bucket list as
something I felt needed to be written.
Numerous Rangers and historians have
told me that a book was needed that
addressed as its central subject the guns
of the Texas Rangers. Good, bad or
indifferent, it looks like I have the
honor of being the first.
For those who attended our last Six
Guns and Silver Stars gala, you will
remember we were fortunate to have as
a special guest Mr. Jim Estelle, the
former director of the Texas Prison
System. He told me some interesting
stories that I have included in the book.
He made one interesting comment
where he stated, “I never had to call a
Ranger, they just came.” He had the
highest respect for the Texas Rangers.
I thank the Former Texas Ranger
Foundation for letting me write the
Texas Iron: Guns of the Texas Rangers
articles, in our StraightTalk magazine.
It was my inspiration for the book, and
I will be forever grateful to our FTRF
staff and directors for giving me this
literary opportunity. I’ll end this article
as I ended the book:
Via con dios and God bless Texas
and the Texas Rangers!
Join Us For The
Former Texas Rangers Foundation’s
Annual Silver Stars & Six Guns Gala
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel & Conference Center
San Marcos, Texas 512-392-6450
To order tickets or receive underwriting information,
contact the Former Texas Rangers Foundation at
1.888.766.4055 * 830.990.1192 * www.TRHC.org
*Ask about our member discount for events!*
12
GENERAL STORE
New Western Cut
New Concealed Carry Vest
Wyoming Traders L/S Shirt
*without logo*
45.00
$
45.00
$
Each
CLEARANCE L/S Shirts
$
Each
25.00
Each
Available Colors:
Available Colors:
Available Colors:
Burgundy
Chocolate
Navy
Straw
White
2 holsters for left or right handed shooters.
Please contact the FTRF office to check
available logos, sizes and colors.
Available Sizes:
Available Sizes:
Available Sizes:
Small - 3XL
Small - 3XL
IN STOCK ONLY
Straps to fit various pistol shapes & sizes.
Black, Rust, Tan, Chocolate
* $55.00 with logo *
Members receive a 10% discount anytime and NEW members receive a
20% discount if they order within 30 days of their new memberships
SPECIAL Offers apply to IN-STOCK items only, Hurry while supplies last!
*Most logo items available with the
Association logo, the Foundation
logo, or the Masonic logo.
Please specify when ordering.
For additional items, go to
www.trhc.org
Call 1-888-766-4055 or
brandij@formertexasrangers.org
to place orders or for size inquiries.
All prices are applicable to tax and shipping.
Please allow two weeks for delivery.
Thank you for your continued support.
13
Texas Rangers tales
by Mike Cox
FTRA Associate Historian
Oscar Warnke spent more than half a century in law enforcement, but his career as a Texas Ranger lasted only three
hours. As a bread wagon driver (actually, he drove a Model T Ford, but it had not been all that much earlier that horses
pulled bread delivery wagons, and that’s what most folks still called them) for San Antonio Richter’s Bakery in 1925, young
Warnke had no notion of becoming a peace officer. Warnke’s route covered all the downtown cafes and hotels, including the
Southland Hotel at 105 1/2 South Flores St. Unknown to him, that’s where the Texas Rangers happened to have their San
Antonio office.
On his afternoon run one day, Warnke stopped at the Southland to replace bread sold earlier in the day and collect
the bakery’s money. Inside the hotel, he ran into Ranger Sgt. Dan Coleman. The state lawman had known Warnke since he
was a boy growing up in Karnes City, where everyone called him “Punkin”. More than fifty years later, Warnke recalled
what Coleman said that afternoon: “Say, Punkin, we’ve got a vacancy on the Rangers. Wouldn’t you like to join?” That struck
the young man as a tremendous career advancement over driving a bread truck. “I couldn’t say ‘Yes’ quick enough,” he re-
called. “Coleman took me over to Captain Will Wright and told him all about me. Wright called Austin, got me accepted,
and I signed up. By that time it was between 4 and 5 o’clock.”
The veteran Ranger captain told Warnke that he and some of his men would be leaving San Antonio that night for
a scout along the Rio Grande out of Laredo. “I didn’t have a pistol, so they took me down to a pawnshop and I bought
a single-action Colt .45, the gun all Rangers carried,” Warnke said. Then he drove the Model T bread wagon back to the
bakery, turned in the day’s receipts, and announced his resignation as a truck driver, effective immediately. From the bakery,
Warnke rushed home to tell his wife Clara the good news, that she was no longer married to a lowly bread wagon driver. Her
husband was now a Texas Ranger and right proud of it!
Warnke figured she’d be impressed, but Mrs. Warnke broke into tears, which he quickly realized were not tears of joy.
“She thought my joining the Rangers meant that I was signing my death warrant,” Warnke remembered from the vantage
point of five decades. “Her mother was there and joined in the protests.” Warnke’s wife and mother-in-law would not listen
to his assurances that he would be safe with the other Rangers. Finally, Mrs. Warnke put the situation in perspective: If he
left for Laredo that night, she would not be home when he came back - assuming he lived to come back. “She insisted that
I resign at once,” he said. “I told her how embarrassed I would be to have to face the Rangers and resign and asked her if
she wouldn’t go to town and tell them I was quitting.” If Warnke were man enough to be a Ranger, she said, he was tough
enough to tell them thanks, but no thanks.
“So I headed back to the hotel, turned in my still unloaded pistol and quit the Rangers,” he said. By then it was about
7 o’clock in the evening. He had been a Texas Ranger roughly three hours. Early the next morning, “Punkin” showed up at
the bakery to explain that he had had a sudden change of mind and really preferred bread delivery to rangering. Fortunately
for him, he got his job back and went to load the bread “wagon”.
Warnke never got to wear a Ranger badge, but he did go on to a long law enforcement career in Bexar County,
starting with a job under one of the county’s constables. He spent eight years as a motorcycle patrolman, later working as a
vice officer with the San Antonio Police Department and then as a deputy with the Bexar County Sheriff ’s Department.
For many years, he served as chief jailer. After retiring from the county in 1969, he worked as head of security for the San
Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. Clara Warnke clearly adjusted to the idea of her husband carrying a badge and gun.
When the veteran officer died at ninety-one in 1989, the couple had been married for sixty-five years.
14
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 2, 2016
Memorial Cross Dedication - Adolph A. Reichenau (1822 - 1904)
April 16, 2016
Memorial Cross Dedication - Etheldred T. F. Tarver (1829-1879)
2:00pm
1:00pm
April 22-23, 2016
10:00am - 5:00pm
Reichenau Family Cemetery - Simonsville, Mason Co., Texas
Little River Baptist Church Cemetery - Cameron, Milam Co., Texas
Ft. Martin Scott Days - Fredericksburg, Texas
Two days of continous living history featuring Military, Texas Rangers, Native
Americans and Civilians representing the fort’s active time period, with special
events for children. General questions: 830-217-3200 or fort@fbgtx.org
April 23, 2016
Memorial Cross Dedication - Michael D. Sessom (1812 - 1876)
April 30, 2016
FTRA Annual Membership Meeting - Fredericksburg, Texas
2:00pm
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Valley Springs Cemetery - Llano Co., Texas
This year's meeting will be held at the Texas Rangers Heritage Center Pavillion.
Order tickets and make hotel reservations soon! Please visit trhc.org for more
information or call 1-888-766-4055 for ticket reservations.
May 2, 2016
Book release and signing at the Alamo - San Antonio, Texas
May 14, 2016
Memorial Cross Dedication - Antonio Coy (1799 - 1891)
June 11, 2016
Maj. John B. Jones Masonic Rangering Co. Annual Meeting -
August 6, 2016
Memorial Cross Dedication - Riley G. Hampton (1841 - 1928)
10:00am - 4:00pm
1:00pm
6:00pm - 8:00pm
9:30am
Attend the release of the new book: Texas Ranger: The Epic Life of Frank Hamer,
the Man Who Killed Bonnie and Clyde by John Boessenecker.
San Fernando Cemetery #1 - San Antonio, Bexar Co., Texas
This year's meeting will be held at the Texas Rangers Heritage Center Pavillion
in Fredericksburg, Texas. Order tickets and make hotel reservations soon!
Please visit trhc.org for more information or call 1-888-766-4055 for ticket
reservations.
Gatesville City Cemetery - Gatesville, Coryell Co., Texas
*We have implemented a new volunteer training program to ensure that we all have the most up
to date & accurate information to provide to our visitors and prospective members. If you are a
current volunteer or a member looking to find out how you can be a part of this great program,
please contact Brandi Johnson at 830-990-1192 to find out when the next training date will be.*
Check out our updated website
for more information on our
organizations, general store and
current projects at www.trhc.org
Follow us on Facebook for upcoming
events and Cross Ceremonies on the
FTRA / FTRF facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/formertexasrangers
15
Volume 37
April 2016
1897 - 2016
119 years strong!