34 APRIL 2022 WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Memoriam Norman Leroy “Tiny” Smith (1951~2022) SEMCO, Inc. of Lamar, Colorado, is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of long-time employee Norman Leroy “Tiny” Smith on February 12, 2022. He worked for the company for 46 years. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Tiny is survived by his children Joyce, Danny (Tammy), Megan, Kevin, Chad, Jackie, and James (Danin); 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters Nona and Joyce; as well as other relatives. He was preceded in death by his first wife Peggy and second wife JoAnn. Theodorus “Ted” Van Kessel In his 90th year, Theodorus “Ted” Van Kessel of Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, left this world on February 16, 2022. He led an active life, certainly not “boring.” As a young boy, Ted supported his family during the occupation of the Netherlands, then boarded a ship for a brighter future in Canada in his late teens. Church and music became a central part of his life considering he met his sweetheart while rehearsing in the choir loft. He was the founder of a successful family business drilling water wells. The legendary “Flying Cat” enjoyed participation in sport and community from his playing days on the soccer pitch, involvement in minor and oldtimers hockey, to sponsoring local teams and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed celebrating with a good pint or three, cooking up a storm, and supporting his children and grandchildren in their athletic pursuits. The well-witcher of Norfolk County has eternally “GONE FISHIN’!”. Ted is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Clare; children Michael (Marion), John (Shirley), Mark (Linda), Sue (Mike), and Lisa; and 15 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barbara Jean Dewberry (1934~2022) Barbara Jean Dewberry, 87, passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2022. Born in Bristol, Virginia, she spent her life doing exactly what she wanted, when she wanted. Barbara had a fierce love for education and received her degree in English, teaching during the Vietnam War. She met and married Noble “Dewey” and they travelled and lived all over the east coast and south, during his career in the U.S. Air Force. In 1975, they made Howard, Colorado, their permanent home and opened their water well drilling company, American Drilling Service, of which Barbara was an integral part. Additionally, she served the community as a dispatcher for the Howard Volunteer Fire Department and was a staunch supporter of both Salida and Cotopaxi school districts. If you knew Barbara, you’d know she loved a late night perched at her favorite slot machine, four-hour strolls through Wal-Mart, excessively feeding her grandchildren, and a freshly lit Pall Mall between her fingers. Barbara was preceded in death by Dewey. She is survived by her children Bo (Patty), Gay (Scott), and Chris; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Ronald Mike “Ron” Sitton (1947~2022) Ronald Mike “Ron” Sitton passed away February 2, 2022. Born in Kermit, Texas, he attended and graduated from Littlefield High School, where he was voted “Mr. Littlefield High School” in 1965. He went to McMurry College on a full-ride football scholarship, earning his business degree in 1969. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army where he fought in the Vietnam War, and was awarded the coveted Bronze Star. After his service, Ron moved to the Dallas area and worked for Moore Business Forms as a salesman. In 1972, he moved to Lubbock and was the vice president of Sitton Drilling Company. When the business sold, he started Midacox Oil Company. He loved Texas Tech Athletics and was a member of the Red Raider Club for over 40 years. He enjoyed playing tennis and snow skiing, attending sporting events with family and friends, coaching youth basketball, and was very generous with helping and feeding young people. Ron is survived by his beloved children Dusti Ann (Tim), Michael (Leslie), and Richard; granddaughters Madison and Emma; brothers Frank (Windy) and Keith; nephew Johnny and his children Anne Marie and Pete. Lest we forget . . .
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk4Mzk=