Obituaries published June 29, 2008

Death Notices

Rey Wayne Gatlin "Rey Rey"

Rey Wayne Gatlin "Rey Rey," 9, died June 26; funeral, 1 p.m. Monday, Geisler Funeral Home Chapel, Ponchatoula; interment, Sand Hill Cemetery.

John Henry Klotz

John Henry Klotz, 61, Hammond, died June 27; funeral, 2:30 p.m. Monday, Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond; interment, Carter Cemetery, Springfield.

Danny Miller

Danny Miller, 73, Kentwood, died June 27; funeral, Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home, McComb, Miss.

Helen Margaret Kidder Starnes

Helen Margaret Kidder Starnes, 97, Hammond, died June 24; funeral, First Presbyterian Church; Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home.

Tributes

Rey Wayne Gatlin "Rey Rey"

On Thursday, June 26, 2008, Rey Rey peacefully went to be with Jesus at home sleeping in his favorite chair. Now he is everything God created him to be in his heavenly home.

Rey Rey is survived by his loving grandparents and lifelong caregivers, Johnny and Shirley Creel. He had one big sister, Claudea, who was his helper and protector, and one brother, Myles.

Rey is the biological child of Robert and Bonnie Gatlin. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Charles and Elaine Bardwell, Alonzo Gatlin and great-grandmothers, Ramona Bardwell and Florence Gatlin.

He was preceded in death by his Granny, Patricia Sance , who loved him dearly. Rey was an active member of French Corner Baptist Church. Every Sunday that he was able, Rey and Stanley Kinchen, a family friend, promoted Sunday School together.

Rey was an inspiration of joy and shared a special love with all the members of his church. Family and friends are invited to the visitation at Geisler Funeral Home in Ponchatoula on Sunday, June 29 from 5 until 9 pm. Further visitation on Monday after 9 am until the religious service at 1 pm at the funeral home chapel.

Interment will follow in Sand Hill Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Bridget Brewer, Rey's nurse, who took care of him. Also a special thank you goes out to his many therapists and doctors, Dr. Goie, Dr. Deputy, Dr. Levine, Dr. Vargas, Dr. Accoustic, and Dr. Imesis. Geisler Funeral Home of Ponchatoula in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.geislerfuneralhome.net .

John Henry Klotz

John Henry Klotz passed away on June 27, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. He was 61 years old, a retired teacher and coach, and a resident of Hammond.He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Lester Klotz, Sr., and Ruth Brunig Klotz.

Mr. Klotz is survived by his wife, Judy Hebert Klotz. he is father of Stefanie Klotz Gras; father-in-law of Ernest "Ernie" Gras; grandfather of Austin, Zachary, and Morgan Gras; brother of Charles Lester Klotz, Jr., and brother-in-law of Patricia Goudeau Klotz.

He is also survived by many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, Louisiana on Monday, June 30, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with religious services starting at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be at Carter Cemetery in Springfield. An on-line guestbook is available at www.harrymckneely.com.

Helen Margaret Kidder Starnes

Helen Margaret Kidder Starnes, a lifelong resident of Hammond, died Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at the age of 97.

Mrs. Starnes was well known in the Hammond community and surrounding area for her musical talent. She was a pianist and organist at the First Christian Church and then at the First Presbyterian Church, spanning a period of some forty years.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a charter member of Oak Knoll Country Club and retired from Southeastern Louisiana University, where she was a secretary for over 25 years.

Mrs. Starnes was the devoted mother of Mary Helen De Fraites (Arthur A., Jr.) of Houma, LA and Harry Hall Starnes, Jr. of Hammond. Six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter also survive her.

Preceding Mrs. Starnes in death were her parents, Thomas Grant Kidder, Sr. and Ruth Armstrong Kidder; her husband, Harry Hall Starnes and four brothers and one sister: Conrad Grant, Thomas Grant, Edward Lawrence, Jackson Armstrong and Mary Florence Kidder.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 2:00 pm. Following the church service, a private service for the family will be held at the Episcopal Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the First Christian Church, 305 East Charles St., Hammond, LA 70401, the First Presbyterian Church, 103 North Pine St, Hammond, LA 70401, or to a charity of your choice. An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com.

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Source: hammondstar.com