The Deer Park Progress from Deer Park, Texas • Page 1

Qgriedrich Am PHONE: 479-5108' Center Street Deer ParkJgProgress THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF DEER PARK SINCE 1957' SUPERETTE "A Supermarket In Minialurt" 3814 Center St. VOLUME 15 NUMBER 54 TELEPHONE 4794213 SECOND CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT DEER PARK, TEXAS. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1574 15 Father Charged In Son's Halloween Death By ELSIE MOORE Progress News Editor A 30-year-old father who wept Saturday as his eight- year-old son Timothy Marc O'Bryan was buried was formally charged shortly before midnight Monday with murder by poisoning in the Halloween night death of his son. HELP NEEDED Due to an extensive surge of community service activities and with upcoming preparations for the Heart Fund Campaign, this year the American Heart Association, Houston Chapter will need an extensive force of clerical office 'volunteers. General clerical work is avaOable from 8 a.m.

to 5 pjn. Interested persons can call the American Heart Association at 524-8343 or go by the office at 3201 Lake Street. BOOK WEEK Children's Book Week will be celebrated the week of Nov. 11- 17th. Boys and girls of Deer Park are invited to the Deer Park Public Library to see a free full length feature movie which will be shown three times on Nov.

16. Free tickets may be picked up in advance at the library. Information about the film may CHAMBER MEET The regular monthly meet- of the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will be held at 7:30 pjn. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the chamber office.

FINAL WEEKS The british farce, "See How They Run" is entering the final three weeks at the Dean Goss Dinner Theatre. This funny Broadway comedy has Kevin Cconey, Lucinda Ligoh and 1 Dick DePugh, Houston artist, featured in the leading roles. The production will run through Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Dean Goss Dinner Theatre located near the domed stadium. BRITISH FAIR Houston members the Daughters of the British Em- TIMOTHY MARC O'BRYAN Ronald Clark O'Bryan, 746 W.

Parktown; Deer Park, was being held in a Pasadena jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond. Charges were filed against him in Judge V. L. (Bud) West's Jus- tfce of the Peace Court in La Porte. Timothy, a third-grade student at Carpenter Elementary School, died about 10:40 p.m.

last Thursday after eating some Halloween candy about 8 pjn. at his home after he, his father, his five-year-old sister, Elizabeth Lane, and another parent, Jim W. Bates the Bates' young children returned from trick-or-treating in the Bowling Green subdivision. Shortly after eating some of a large Pixie Stick, a long tube containing purple and white powder candy, Timothy complained of severe abdominal pain. He vomited, went into convulsions and lost consciousness.

An ambulance was summoned by the father and Timothy was rushed to Southmore Hospital in Pasadena where he died shortly thereafter. An autopsy performed by the Harris County Medical Exami- ner's office showed the presence of cyanide in a fairly high concentration, a large enough dose to be considered lethal. Potassium cyanide was also found in the Pixie Stick from which Timothy had eaten the candy and in four others turned into the police after Timothy's death. Pasadena Police held a news conference at 9 a.m. Tuesday to announce that O'Bryan had been arrested and charged with the cyanide poisoning of his son, but to all questions as to motive, their answer was "no comment." Pasadena Detective Capt.

R. E. Rhodes would not say what led the investigation to O'Bryan or where he was arrested. They refused to comment on any aspects of the case as they said it may jeopardize their case against O'Bryan. RONALD CLARK O'BRYAN charged with son's mnrder around town If youneedany wine bottles uncorked, don't ask BOA LAFIELD you will have to have a strainer handy, too! DOROTHY HODGES returned home Sunday after a month's visit with her sister, MRS.

ANNA CAST. JERRY WOODIN is improving from his Pair Saturday. MARK HfttmAV remains in Bavs 479-5276'. CORRECTION Funeral services for William Taft Spurlock, Houston, were held Oct. 29 at the Pat H.

Foley Funeral Home in Houston with Rev. J. B. Grimes officiating instead of in the North Main Baptist Church as reported in last week's publication. HALOWEEN PARTY Members of the staff of the Deer Park Public Library say "thank you" to the 225 boys hold Nov.

9, at St. Philips Presbyterian Oilffch, 4807 San Felipe Road at 610 Loop. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Opening ceremonies will commence at 10 a.m.

with the playing of the bagpipes and the parade of the American and British Flags. Theme of this year's bazaar is "London Markets Past and Present." CHEMICAL EARNINGS President Harry Bridges of umiiis. yuu KJ me Shell Oil Company reported a and girls attending its Hallo- "very marked improvement" ween party Tuesday night, in the company's 1974 chemical Oct. fun began at 6:30 earnings and said both the p.m. with films, spooks, term outlooks costumes, and surprises and for the chemical industry in continued until 9 p.m.

Because general look promising. Shell's the response to the party was chemical sales totaled some so overwhelming, the library $750 million in 1973 and to date is already planning an even in 1974, the sales have been more exciting Halloween night running at an annual rate of next year. $1.2 billion, Bridges said. MARK HOLIDAY remains in Bayshpre Hospital ESTELLE CHEECK, mother of MONTY HOLIDAY, underwent major sur- gery at Bayshore Hospital last week ROWENA CHAVNESS' mother, MRS. ROYAL, is in the Southmore Hospital having had surgery last week OLETHA HARVILLE was in Bayshore Hospital having tests.

The Progress staff was happy Tuesday to see former staffer JANE BRUER and husband FRED came by the office after a visit to Jane's doctor to see how her broken hip is mending COWBOY LAWTHER, alias DEAN LAWTHER, hit a winning streak this week, winning a color TV and the football contest. Belated birthday wishes go to BOBBIE MILLER who celebrated her day Wednesday, Oct. 2 3 DOUG BURGESS comes up with a late scoop BOB TAVEL happy over a quick sale, but not as happy as NONNIE AND DICKIE BARTON DR. SEBRON WILLIAMS assists The Progress in an urgent matter You won't have towarn'CLYDB SMITH twice in the future phe is now a believer! ditto, LOUISE KRUSE! DWAYNE AND SHIRLEY MENSCH down for the count with the chicken pox the BOB TAVELS host a most enjoyable get- together for some friends FRED AND VIRGINIA WINGO are the proud new owners of a -HKacres ranch near. Crockett The Wingo family spent last weekend clearing brush and timber making ready for the cattle.

TOXIE WRIGHT plays the good Samaritan last Monday hopefully, certain boys will appreciate what he did or maybe what he didn't do should be revealed GLENN TOLAR, lends a helping hand, or rather truck for a big move. At noon Tuesday a Channel 11 newscaster said that according to Houston News Service, O'Bryan had taken out a $38,000 insurance policy on his two children just five days before Halloween. The newscaster also said that it had been discovered that $12,000 was missing from O'Bryan's employer, but this was found in the employer's office hidden behind a file cabinet. The wife of Dr. Merlin Harger, a Deer Park optometrist, told this reporter about 6:30 pjn.

Tuesday that she had received some calls from friends who said they had heard a Deer Park optometrist had been arrested in the cyanide poisoning death of Timothy. She became very upset and called The Houston Post. She said they verified that O'Bryan was not an "optometrist," but instead an "optician" who was (Continued On Page 14) Two Injured In Luella Collision MURDER CHARGES FILED Captain R. E. Rhodes, captain over detectives with Pasadena Police reads a statement acknowledging that Ronald Clark O'Bryan, father of Timothy O'Bryan had been charged with murder by poison in me death of bis son who ate Halloween candy.

The charges were filed at 11:50 p.m. Nov. 4 and bond was set at $100,000. (PROGRESS STAFF PHOTO) Two Deer Park residents were injured in a head on collision in the 5000 block of Luella on Friday, November 1. Witnesses said Howard Myers, Jr.

of 901 Martha skidded when he applied his brakes and ran head on into a Chrysler with several passengers. One passenger in the Chrysler, Suzette Caddy of 1106 East Brown, received head injuries and was taken to Bayshore Hospital. She was released Monday. Myers also received head injuries, was taken to Southmore Hospital and released Saturday. Police officials were not available for comment on the incident.

ASTRQWORLD Astroworld ended its seventh consecutive season Sunday, (' Oct. 27. The amusement park exceeded one and one-half million in attendance for the season, Astroworld will be closed for the winter and will reopen next April for the 1975 season. MARINE CORPS Governor Dolph Briscoe, in recognition of the approaching 199th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, issued a proclamation declaring the week of Nov. 3-10 as Marine Week in Texas.

Texas plans both officer and enlisted balls and ceremonies Saturday, Nov. 9, as Marines of the recruiting offices and the Reserve Units join together to commemorate the formation of the Corps in 1775 by an act of the Continental Congress, declaring Nov. 10 the official birthdate of the Corps. REGISTRATION Registration for the fall term of High School Credit and Business courses is now in progress at the Community Evening School office in the Vocational Building at Pasadena High School. The terms begins Monday, Nov.

18. Students may register from 8 ajn. to 4 pjn. Monday through Friday and jfrom to 8 pjn. Monday through Thursday or on the of ftf.

LITTLE LEAGUE The annual Little League Baseball meeting will be held at 7:30 p.ra. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Deer Park Civic Center, 601 Center. Included on the agenda will be the election of officers for 1975. CITY COUNCIL Deer Park City Council wfll hold its next meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall. BUILDING PERMITS Three building permits for single family buildings were issued in Deer Park for the month of September. This brings the total for the year to 180. This total puts Deer Park second to Houston in the number of building permits issued Harris County.

BASKETBALL LEAGUE The Deer Park Parks and Recreation Department is presently organizing a basket- ban league. Each team will play one game per week for six weeks. The league is scheduled to begin the latter part of November, and will be limited to eight teams. Entry fee will be $89 per team. For further information or registration please contact the Parks and Recreation Department, located at 601 Center Street or Housewives Protest Water, Sewer Hike Several Deer Park housewives met Nov.

4 at City Hall to protest increases in their water and sewer bills. The women, residents of Deer Meadows, reported that their bills had jumped as much as five times the normal bill. Mrs. Erma Sparks, 1806 Atlanta stated that her bills from March to September had ranged from $8 to a high of $15 in June. Her bill for the month of October was in excess of $45.

Mrs. Melvin E. Freeman, 1614 Atlanta stated, "My bill is usually $6 to $7. The most it has ever been is $11 and that was when we moved and I had to wash every bit of clothing we owned. This month it was $38.45." Mrs.

Dorothy Martin, city secretary, advised the women to file their complaints with the water department and each meter would be checked. Said Mrs. Martin, "We should be through processing the complaints by the end of the week. I feel sure there will be some sort of adjustments made." Two Convicted For Aggravated Robbery DEER PARK BAND --Members of the Deer Park High School Antler Band are, left to right, front row, Gina Kindy, Norma Reese, Kim Stewart, Keffi DeBnsk, June Barley, Mary Nasso, Lynn Shnlti, Breada Romas, Debbfe Goodman, Robhi DeBnsk, Cathy Poe, Margo Giebierteta, Mehnda Bennett, second row, MeUnte KimberUn, Alicia ChanpeQ, Cindy Cooky, Margaret Keppfer, Marty Theissen, Pam Powell, Melody Jones, Dana Theissen, Debbie Robinson, Debbie Moore, Marcia Hart, Ann Ebelt, third row, Patty Wiley, Rebecca Reeves, Jana Owhey, Tommfe Pearce, Joyiin Saffivaa, Ctody Pearce, Cindy Wlthrow, Dianne CarroD, Robm Bradford, Tammy McHenry, Pan! Manning, Debbie Robinson, Sherry Tade, fourth row, Debbie TfWets, Nancy Dexter, Sharon Owbey, Deaise Locke, Laura Murrey, Terrl Watt, Sosan Whttemaa, Pam Moore, Nancy Domlney, DebMe Klaus, Lethe Deobatder, Laatae Fiakeldei, fifth row, Jeanette Meadows, Linda Wesftrook, Breada Stinnett, Mark Cook, Johnny Atkinson, David Benson, Jeffery Murphy, Joel Desuw, John Laag, Deads Bradford, Kerry Dean, Benny dark, Kenny Ben, sixth row, Randy Smith, Larry Bobbins. Km Saddler, Mat Gibson, Debbie Ebarb, "-V Lorreta Seagraves, Cathy Reese, Susan Garden, Marda Carden, Pam Craig, Doddie Tordes, seventh row, Randy MorreD, Sterling Bryant, John Mitchell, Kenneth Shnlti, Tim Coffey, Jay Anderson, Larry Holleman, David Upton, Mike Upton, Danny Reyes, Jacob Bently, Roy Steunet, Johnny Aired, eighth row, Archie Karr, Debbie Sapangh, Janet Wffliams, Chris Swanson, Mike Wilson, Rkky Shifflet, Jeff James, Davtt severin, Mike Evans, Brent Van Sickle, David Walker, David Benfer, ninth row, Mfte Keppler, Tommy Cook, Steve Dexter, Becky Atkinson, Raenefl Barganski, Jim Benfer, Deane Ross, Loyd Jackson, Brenda McCtough, Brenda Barrett, Beatrice Jordon, Rcx- anne Purski, Jamie Dunn, tenth row, Deborah Eades, Charise Pace, Joyce Robinson, Mike WUtmore, Joyce Walker, Grady Cowart, KeQy Dishau, Tommy Thompson, Carol Severin, Cher- rfe Bowden, Lori Carver, Crystal Wttarow, Eleventh row, Carol Deer Park Police reported the conviction of Fred Ritter Cox and Julia Lee Cox, 3322 Pasadena Blvd.

on charges of aggravated robbery in the 79th District Court. The two were given a 10 year probated sentence and were responsible for the restitution of $500. Mr. and Mrs. Cox were charged for their participation in a Sept.

3 robbery at Casa Maria Apartments. The restitution money they were ordered to pay was in return for forged checks and items bought with stolen charge cards. Other persons charged in this robbery are awaiting trial. In other police action, a 7-11 store located at 8095 Spencer was the victim of a burglary Nov. 1.

The safe was rifled and $146 taken from it. At this time there are no suspects. Depositions Taken In Slander Suit Attorneys took depositions neovwocii, uati VBIVCK, uryiuu ITIMUVW, tuw, Odom, Terrl Stefta, Rhonda Shetter, David Baty, Cindy Coddle, concerning a suitfited by W. D. Offa I npf Theresa Stanley, Sandy York, Mimi Wuson, Martin Fenn, Henry Krebs, Cariton WQson, Steve Robinson, Rosemary Petry, twelfth row, James Mcdenay, James Saute, Robbie James, Steve NaD, Darin Tamaiitii and Sherry Wilson.

Lawther against Charles. R. Vkkery November 5 in the office of Vickery and Brown, attorneys at law. alleging slanderous comments' made by Vickery at the April 16, stock holders meeting of the First National Bank of Deer Park. No date has been set for the.