The Odessa American from Odessa, Texas • 14

2B THE ODESSA AMERICAN Thursday. Aug. 11, 1933 kin Woman's Lucas ruled competent to be tried suing doctor 1 pw w.yp.. i i mi i i inimiii! .4 Toxic shock lawsuit names hospital head By TIM MADIGAN Staff Writer The chief of staff at Medical Center Hospital Wednesday was named in a malpractice lawsuit filed by the mother and daughter of a woman who died in August 1981 after reportedly contracting toxic shock syndrome. The suit, filed in 70th Judicial District Court by Austin attorney Marceline Lasater, alleges that Dr.

Life Barnard, "through his agents, servants or employees, was negligent in the care, treatment and diagnosis of Mary Loudermilk." No specif ic amount of damages was requested in the suit. Loudermilk, 30, died Aug. 26, 1981, more than two weeks after being admitted to Medical Center Hospital, Lasater said today. Loudermilk was first treated by Medical Center Hospital emergency room employees Aug. 12, 1981, for symptoms consistent with influenza, Lasater said.

"She didn't have the classic symptoms of toxic shock at that time," Lasater said. "But they never asked her if she was having her period. That's the problem that day." Barnard has stated he first treated Loudermilk two days later when she was admitted to the hospital, Lasater said. "The doctor says she was diagnosed as having toxic shock very early Sunday, but we think it's much later than that," Lasater said. Sunday, Aug.

15, 1982, Loudermilk lapsed into a coma and did not regain consciousness, Lasater said. "They just didn't take her problem serious enough. They didn't even inquire whether she had her tampon in," Lasater said. "If the condition would, have been discovered before it was, this woman would be alive todX, Barnard, a family pMMrtlP tioner, said he has not been served with the suit, "so I really don't know what's involved." "I certainly feel she received the proper care and treatment," said Barnard, who would not comment further "until I learn a little bit more about what's involved." The amount of damages will be included in an amended petition that could be filed in 60 days, Lasater said. She would not speculate on the amount of damages sought, but said they would be 'substantial.

Two corporations and two individuals likely would be added to the suit at a later time, Lasater said. She would not elaborate. The suit was brought against Barnard by 6-year-old Jennifer Loudermilk, Mary Loudermilk's daughter; Loudermilk's mother, Dora Faye Attaway; and Barbara Epperson, administrator of the dead woman's estate. The suit alleges that as a result of the physician's negligence, Mary Loudermilk "suffered terrible pain and suffering, mental anxiety, and in fact died on August 26, 1981. The suit asks that the plaintiffs recover "all of their damages.

of court. and for such other and further relief to which the plaintiffs may show themselves justly entitled." In March, Jennifer Loudermilk was awarded $200,000 in a settlement with a tampon manufacturer and distributor. The settlement sprang from a May 1982 suit filed in Midland's U.S. District Court against Playtex International Inc. and the Kimberly Corp.

That suit alleged that Mary Loudermilk's death resulted "from using feminine tampons which were manufactured and marketed by the defendants." Attorneys reached settlement in that case shortly before a mid-January trial date. From Staff and Wire Reports MONTAGUE A drifter who claims to have killed 100 women in 16 states, including an Odessa woman, was ruled mentally competent and will stand trial Sept. 13 on charges he killed an 80-year-old woman. Henry Lee Lucas, charged with killing Kate Rich of nearby Ringgold, nodded in agreement when asked by District Judge Frank Douthitt if he agreed with the mental competency ruling. Rich was the mother of Odessan Bo Rich, 2524 W.

Murphy St. Douthitt said Wednesday his ruling on Lucas' competency was based on reports from three psychiatrists that the 46-year-old former mental patient was competent to aid in his defense. Douthitt said he would hear pretrial motions Sept. 7. Among the motions pending is one by defense attorney Don Maxfield calling for the trial to be moved because of strong sentiment in Montague County against Lucas, who has been charged with five Texas killings.

Lucas was charged June 25 in the March 1981 strangling death of 46-year-old Odessan Beverly Joyce Luttrull, who was found in her 2525 W. Third St. mobile home with a telephone cord wrapped around her neck, police reports said. Municipal Court Judge Larry McMillion issued the warrant aftet Lucas gave police detectives a statement concerning Luttrull's death. Judge Douthitt also said he would rule on a request by Maxfield that Lucas be transferred to the Clay County Jail at Henrietta so Maxfield, of Wichita Falls, could more conveniently confer with his client.

District Attorney Jack McGaughey has said he would not object to Maxfield's request. Lucas is being held on $1 million bond. He also has been charged in the death of his 15-year-old traveling companion, Frieda Powell, a runaway from Jacksonville, whose remains were found in Denton County. Lucas subsequently was charged in the slayings of an unidentified woman whose headless body was found near Plainview in February 1982. Last month he was indicted in the strangulation of an unidentified woman whose body was found near Georgetown.

Abilene police have made three trips to Montague to question Lucas about the disappearance of one woman and the slaying of another. Police said they could not elaborate further because of a gag order issued by Douthitt. AP Laserphoto Truck explosion Firefighters douse a burning pickup in wasn't hurt. The pickup was pulling a Conway, Tuesday. The driver, 30-foot camper trailer on Interstate 30 Geneva Seay O'Connor of Odessa, when it flipped over then exploded, crawled out of the truck's window and Beat Hightower takes request for money to Washington $700 taken from 1970 Chevrolet pickup parked at Wells Radio, 1418 N.

Grant between 6 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Tuesr day. Officer Richard T. McCoy.

Auto Theft: Ted Earl Moore of Alford's Auto Sales, 600 S. Grant reported 1969 Chevrolet pickup valued at $1,695 taken between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday. Officer F.W.

Garcia Jr. Theft: Antonio Ramirez, 716 Jeter reported two tires and two mag wheels, total value $700, taken from 1979 Ford about 3:10 a.m. Wednesday. Officer J.M. Smith.

ODESSA POLICE Aug. 11 Burglary: Dussie Poole reported 34 pipe valves valued at $3,400 taken from Grant Supply 2105 E. Murphy between 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Officers D. Smith and G. Dickson. Auto Burglary: Gene Neeley reported police scanner and stereo equipment, total value $700, taken from 1982 Ford parked at 1111 W. 13th St.

No. 1 between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. Officer J.

Cronin. Auto Burglary: Herman G. Wells reported tools vaued at ministration's attention," Hightower said. "We're going to talk a little turkey because English isn't working. "Maybe (Agriculture Secretary John) Block hopes it will all dry up and blow away," he said.

"I can assure him that as we are blowing down the road we're going to stop by the voting booth and punch them out." Block should be paying more attention to American farmers and less time "running around Central America doling out aid money to every dictator who can afford a pair of sunglasses," Hightower said. Hightower said the drought has burned grazing land, forcing ranchers to rely on commercial feed and to reduce their sheep and cattle herds by more than 50 percent. By Dallas Morning News WASHINGTON Texas Agriculture Commissioner Jim Hightower whizzed through Washington Wednesday to plead the case of West Texas' drought-stricken farmers. During a news conference, he brandished a plastic bag filled with Texas dust. But he left Washington without attending a meeting with Agriculture Department officials.

Hightower said he. was told his invitation had been rescinded, but the department said he was welcome to attend. Hightower urged the Agriculture Department to help see farmers through the worst Texas dry spell in 30 years. "We've flown up from the high, dry plains of Texas to try and get the Reagan ad Hightower Matter of Record Hamilton; one sister, Mrs. Dewey Kelly of Odessa; and four grandchildren.

Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Summer Phillips Graveside services for Summer Angel Phillips, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Phillips of Odessa, were scheduled for 2 p.m.

today in Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. Steven Vore officiating. The infant was born and died Tuesday in Medical Center Hospital. Other survivors include one sister, Carrie Dawn Phillips of Odessa; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs.

Andy Varga of Odessa; and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Phillips of Aurora, Colo. Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Rilla Dublin Graveside services for Rilla "Dink" Dublin, 78, of Odessa are scheduled for 11 a.m.

Friday at Fairview Cemetery in Midland. She died Wednesday in Medical Center Hospital. She was born July 29, 1905, in Lubbock. Survivors include one son, Jerry Dublin of Piano; one brother, Kyle Coats of Creel, 4428 Esmond boy; Mr. and Mrs.

Walter Fults, 3644 Redbud boy; Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Tan of Pecos, boy; Mr. and Mrs. G.

Max White, 2405 Beechwood boy. Marriages Marriage applications, July 26: John Paul Lawry and Linda Joyce Banks; Richard David Voke and Lori Ann Woodruff; Michael Castellon and Rosa Maria Valles; Michael George Kelly and Teresa Sue Smith; Timothy Douglass Long and Terresa Ann Jeffries. July 27: John Ardon Patterson and Karen Lynn Harbin; Wintred Albert Froehner and Debbie Kay Denny; James Michael Collins and Cathy Marie Baker. July 28: Stephen Samuel Pollock and Camellia Ann Carroway; Terry Joseph Bartram and Regennia Wilcox; Barry Glen Bratton and Sharilyn Marie Fipps; Glenn Allard Hart and Regina Lynn Wooten. Divorces Divorces granted, July 25: Carl Wayne Watters vs.

Mary Dale Watters; Pansy Reed Bishop vs. Grady Lamar Bishop. Divorces granted, July 27: Charlotte Joe Tucker vs. Charles Thayer Tucker Tincl Jean Jackson vs. Owen Lamar Jackson Christie Michelle Grelner vs.

Jerry Walter Greiner; Oscar Marquez Porras vs. Rosa Aguilar Porras; Susan Rachel Fischer vs. Michael Troy Fischer; Lou Ann Huff vs. William Lee Huff; Charles Norman Nunnelee Jr. vs.

Candy Loraine Nunnelee; Kenneth Herman Batch vs. Delrdre Vance Batch. 1 Cemetery. Mrs. Minter died Tuesday at Ward Memorial Hospital in Monahans.

She was born March 16, 1895, in Indian Territory, Okla. She married the late Enoch Minter in 1938, in Ranger. Mrs. Minter moved to Monahans eight years ago from Farmington, N.M. She was a Baptist and former resident of Wink.

Survivors include two sons, Otis Hardin of Brownwood and Ray Hardin of Flagstaff, three daughters, Chloe Johnson of Eufala, Goldie Childs of Monahans and Mary Jane Gibson of Gainesville, one brother, Daniel Carriker of Ardmore, one sister, Liddie McCary of Early; 15 grandchildren; 58 greatgrandchildren; and 29 great-great-grandchildren. Births Odessa Women's and Children's Hospital, July 24: Mr. and Mrs. Jose Aguilar, 800 W. Yukon Road No.

34, girl; Mr. and Mrs. Juan Anaya, 1401 Grand Mesa Drive, girl; Mr. and Mrs. Warren Jones, 1105 Santa Rosa boy; Mr.

and Mrs. Michael Pryor, Route 3, Box 1337, girl; Mr. and Mrs. Russell Reneau, 501 W. 59th boy; Mr.

and Mrs. Howard Ross, 2051 Coahuila boy. July 25: Mr. and Mrs. Prentice Mr.

Cross died Tuesday in Fort Stockton from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was born July 29, 1956, in Thomason Falls, Mont. He moved to Fort Stockton one year ago from Oregon. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include one son, Jeremy Lee Cross of Fort Stockton; one daughter, Daphne Cross of Fort Stockton; his mother, Pauline "Polly" Cross of Fort Stockton; his father, Oscar "Arkie" Cross of Fort Stockton; and one sister, Mary Katherine Cross of Townsend, Mont.

Wilma Andrews Graveside services for Wilma Ruth Andrews, 56, 1601 N. Tom Green will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Sunset Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Curtis Thorpe officiating. Mrs.

Andrews died Wednesday at her residence. She was born Oct. 13, 1926, in Bisbee, Ariz. Her husband, B.L. Andrews, preceded her in death in 1980.

Mrs. Andrews, a resident of Odessa for three years, was a housewife and a Baptist. Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Bill Sears of Odessa; one niece; and one nephew. Deaths Henry Etta Jackson Services for Henry Etta Jackson, 65, Deerings Nursing Home, were scheduled for 2 p.m.

today in Easterling-Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Ronald E. Petty officiating. Burial was to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Mrs.

Jackson died Tuesday in Medical Center Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was bom July 30, 1918, in Spring Creek. Her husband, Eual Jackson, preceded her in death in 1976. Mrs. Jackson was an Odessa resident 50 years and a Baptist.

Survivors include two sisters, Bessie Booth of Odessa and Pinkie Montieth of Stephen ville; and three brothers, Robin Burns of Sterling City, Waymond Burns of Carlsbad, and George Bums of Odessa. Johnny Cross FORT STOCKTON Services for Johnny Lynn Cross, 27, will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Fort Stockton Funeral Home. Burial will follow in East Hill Cemetery. Glen Fink Services for Glen' Matthew Fink, 22, of Austin are pending at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.

Mr. Fink died Wednesday at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin following a boating accident. He was a student at The University of Texas at Austin and a graduate of Odessa High School. He was an All-America hurdler for the Odessa College track team before attending UT Austin. Charles Meyer Services for Charles R.

Meyer, 59, 1414 W. 11th are pending at Easterling-Wilson Funeral Home. Mr. Meyer died Wednesday in Medical Center Hospital after a lengthy illness. Lela Minter KERMIT Services for Lela Ethel Minter, 88, of Monahans will be at 3 p.m.

Friday in Cooper Funeral Home with Rev. Don Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Kermit.