WorldWide Drilling Resource

20 APRIL 2019 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® In Memoriam James W. “Jim” Arnold (1931~2019) James W. “Jim” Arnold, 87, of Tyler, Texas, passed away on January 19, 2019. Born in 1931, Jim grad- uated class valedictorian and captain of the football team from London High School in 1948. He attended Southern Methodist University, graduating with honors in 1952, with a bachelor of science degree in mechan- ical engineering. Always a hard worker, he spent his college summers as a roughneck. After graduation, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Bessie. They settled in Tyler, and he went to work as a drilling engineer for gas and oil drilling contractor Woolf & Magee, Inc. Jim rose to the position of president, owning the company until he sold it in 1991. He loved his work in the drilling business and invested in gas and oil ventures. In 1973, Jim was elected president of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Drilling Contractors. He also served on the boards of the American Petroleum Institute and the National Petroleum Council. He was also a founding director of a bank in Tyler. Jim is survived by his wife Bessie; daughters Sherry (Tim), Jamie (Drew), and Mollie (Dan); son Keith (Mary); grandchildren Ben, Walter, James, Stephen, Jonathan, John, Jimmy, Will, A.D., Melissa, Nellie, Bessie, and Lilly; and eight great-grandchildren. Stanley Merjan (1928~2019) Stanley Merjan, P.E., passed away peacefully at his home in Sands Point, New York, on February 7, 2019. He was born in New York City in 1928. An Army Veteran, he earned a bachelor of civil engineering degree from City College of New York, in 1948. He spent most of his career with Underpinning and Foundation Skanska involved with pile foundations and construction. He started as a construction superintendent, then became general superintendent, chief engineer, and eventually executive vice president for operations. Stanley worked joyously and passionately up until his passing. He was a charter member of Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) and served on its Board of Trustees. In 2001, he was the recipient of the DFI Distinguished Service Award, and a scholarship was established in his name. He held 12 U.S. patents for high-capacity driven piles. Stanley is survived by his children Barbara (Gretchen), David (Emily), and Alice (Laurence); grandchildren Jake, Julia, AJ, and Olivia; and his companion of the last six years Harriet. He was predeceased by his wife Florence. Jerry Lee Langhofer (1942~2019) Jerry Lee Langhofer, 76, passed away February 11, 2019, in his home in North Platte, Nebraska. Born in Bunker Hill, Kansas, in 1942, Jerry graduated Bunker Hill High School and attended Fort Hays University. He worked for many years in the oilfield business. A roustabout in his younger years, Jerry owned a directional drilling company, called the A-team, later in life. He was a huge fan of old TV shows (especially westerns), loved playing on computers, and always had a good joke to pass along. Anyone who knew Jerry would say he had a quick temper, but they would also say he was generous to a fault and would give the shirt off his back. Jerry is survived by his niece Jody (Ryan), grandniece Rinley, and sister-in-law Margaret. Donald K. “Butch” Baker (1940~2019) Donald K. “Butch” Baker, 79, of Neoga, Illinois, passed away February 12, 2019. Born in 1940 to Earl C. and Hester Baker in Sigel, Illinois, he married Joan in 1960. He was co-owner and board member of the family water well drilling business E. C. Baker & Sons, Inc. He was a member and past president of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and past president of the Baker family reunion. Butch was also a member of the IL Old Time Fiddler’s group, and he played in the Ache’n Back String Band. He never knew a stranger, and enjoyed visiting or helping anyone he could. Butch leaves his wife Joan; son Kali; brothers Norman (Leona), Arthur “Tuffy” (Ruth), Tom (Joan), J. Curtis (Lo Ella); sister Bonnie; and several nieces and nephews. Allie Samuel Little (1949~2019) Allie Samuel Little, 69, passed away February 12, 2019. He was owner of Littles Drilling Company and a member of Lakeview Church in Ulysses, Kentucky. He is survived by his son John; daughter Michelle; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several brothers and sisters. The management and staff of WWDR extend their condolences to the family, friends, and former col- leagues of these drilling industry gentlemen. Lest we forget...