Gladys Lewallen Longoria (’36, ’48 M.S.), Austin :: She was a teacher and then worked for the American Red Cross for 33 years, first as a caseworker and later as director of service to military families and veterans. After retiring in 1978, she became a volunteer in the local chapter and a reserve disaster worker. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in 1996. She said it was due to the generosity of her uncles that she was able to attend college, and she stayed involved with UNT, following its progress with pride through the years.

Russell Gene Bilyeu (’52, ’57 M.S.), Professor Emeritus of mathematics, died March 12 in Chico. He served on the math faculty from 1960 to 2000. He was a member of the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society. Prior to joining UNT, he was a National Science Foundation Fellow and was employed by Chance Vought Aircraft. Bilyeu earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in math from North Texas and a doctoral degree from the University of Kansas. Bilyeu grew up in Krum and graduated from Krum High School with a love for mathematics and basketball. After retiring, he moved to the country with his son where he attended high school basketball games, learned guitar and became a Texas Master Naturalist, protecting native grasslands and developing his skills as an avid bird watcher.

Tommie Phillips Harris (’37), San Angelo :: She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and taught in rural schools in Burkburnett and Pecos until she retired in 1980. She and her husband moved to Kermit in 1946 to raise a family and work in the oil fields of West Texas. She recalled her North Texas days for the spring 2011 North Texan.

Elma Frances Roberts Miller, Athens :: She attended North Texas from 1938 to 1940. Her daughter Carol Hudson (’66) says that although Frances left to get married before graduation, her years at North Texas continued to be a highlight of her life. She talked about her good friends and many good times while in school. She was a florist by trade and also continued her love of music throughout her life. 

James Richard Griffin, Brady :: He was a retired CPA and a past member of the McCulloch County Chamber of Commerce and the boards of the Brady School District, Memorial Hospital and Historical Museum. At North Texas from 1954 to 1957, he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and FBLA. Survivors include his wife, Glee Crawford Griffin (’57).

David Patrick Spencer (’11), Denton :: He served in the U. S. Army with the 173rd Airborne Division and with the Infantry Division in Fort Riley, Kan. He earned his degree in English-linguistics.

The twins studied music at North Texas and taught in Fort Worth before relocating to California in 1969. Joyce was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Jack and Jill. Sonny had served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and played saxophone in the 6th Army Band. He also performed with the Warlocks, a San Mateo, Calif.-based band. Joyce retired from the San Francisco Unified School District, and Sonny retired from East Palo Alto ISD. They died eight months apart.

Courtney Dianne Deuson (’03), Euless :: She worked her way through school, earning her degree in literature with a minor in sociology and graduating with honors. She taught in St. Louis before returning to Texas and worked at Farina’s Restaurant/Winery in Grapevine. Her family says her giving spirit lives on in those who benefited from organ donations.

Gary Via (’78), Blue Springs, Mo. :: After graduating, he worked as a percussion instructor and drumline director for Dallas high schools and was director of percussion for Trinity Valley College. He also was an in-house composer and drummer for Channel One Productions and a member of The Dallas Cowboys Band in addition to maintaining a busy live performance schedule. He later worked as a session player in Los Angeles and moved to the Jersey Shore area, performing for five years with the EZ Street Band. Moving to Kansas City in 1997, he served as the percussion director for several area high schools and as in-house drummer for Low Key Productions and taught private lessons. He is the author of the method book Studies in Creative Drumming.

Norma Joyce Webb Hartmann (’73), Houston :: She began studying foods and nutrition at North Texas in the 1940s and re-enrolled during the summer sessions years later to earn a bachelor’s degree in secondary education at 43. She taught junior high English and math for the Columbia-Brazoria ISD for two years and then taught high school math for the Angleton ISD for 18 years, retiring in 1993.