October 2022

Qatar’s World Cup

There are now less than 50 days to the World Cup in Qatar, which promoters have taken to describing as a tournament “like no other”. For once the PR hype is justified, and not only because the matches will be played during the lead-up to Christmas rather than in summer. The decision to stage the planet’s biggest sporting event in a country with a notoriously poor human rights record is provoking unprecedented queasiness among competing nations.

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Mary Jane Swindle

Mary Jane Swindle, age 93, passed away peacefully October 6, 2022. She was born April 14, 1929, to Charles Parker Shearin and Marguerite (Huckaby) Shearin.

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Thomas William Wasden

Thomas William Wasden better known by Tom to many and Billy by a few was born on April 9, 1944, in Montgomery, Alabama. He died on October 4, 2022, in Denison, Texas. In between those two bookends of life, Tom lived his 78 years fully. Like most, he knew success and failure; joys and grief; laughter and tears. Tom was a dutiful son, a devoted husband, a dedicated father, and a doting grandfather. Tom moved to Denison with his mom and siblings when he was nine. After graduating Denison High School, Tom met the love of his life, Ruby Ruth Henderson, while riding down Denison’s Main Street, a well-known meeting place for teenagers at the time. They got married in March 1966 and began a 54-year journey together. That quest included 16 duty points all over the country during his military career until finally returning to Denison. Along their journey, they had two sons: Tim and Thomas Jr (known as TJ). Tom was a good father to his sons. He, with Mom, taught them the importance of family, the love of country, and the values of honesty and integrity. He was also there for late-night toy assembly on many a Christmas Eve, coaching their “bad news” Bears baseball team, and driving lessons just to name a few. When his granddaughter Autumn and grandson AJ each came into the picture, Tom was grateful to be grandpa and gave them lots of love. Tom was fiercely patriotic to our country serving 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, including a tour in Vietnam and Japan. He retired honorably in 1984 as a Master Sergeant. In his study hangs a quote by Ronald Reagan, “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in this world. Marines don’t have that problem.” His study also has a thick folder full of certificates and accomplishments, letters of appreciation and commendation, and recognition for his outstanding and dedicated service. Semper Fidelis was ever true in him. Once retired from the military, he used the training and education glean

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