James Harkins

September 10, 1937 – December 4, 202

Francis James Harkins, age 87, of Dallas, Texas passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Francis was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 10, 1937.

He was married to Wilma Roberts Harkins on September 19th, 1964.

Francis had a career in drafting and worked for E-Systems / Raytheon.

He enjoyed his family and friends immensely.

Francis was survived by his children, Michelle Harkins of Albuquerque, NM and Lori Hartgroves (Larry) of Waco, TX; grandchildren, Lauren, Lindsey and Laci Hartgroves; and his siblings, Marion McHale of Virginia Beach, VA and Theresa Csernek of Dowingtown, PA.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Julia Harkins, and his sisters, Ann Strecker and Judy Reinhardt.

Obituary: Click here

Tim Westrich

September 12, 1945  -  August 17, 2024

Timothy Hal Westrich of Fairview, Texas passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the age of 78.

Pam Blackburn

March 12, 1952 — January 2, 2025

Pamela Kay Blackburn, born on March 12, 1952, in Farmersville, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 2, 2025. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Travis Neal and Melba Feagin Frost, as well as her beloved son Philip Blackburn.

Pam was married to Joseph John Blackburn for 52 wonderful years, a testament to their enduring love and partnership. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Lisa Judah and son-in-law Glenn Judah; Bryan Blackburn and daughter-in-law April Blackburn; and Brent Blackburn and daughter-in-law Misty Blackburn. Her legacy continues through her five grandchildren: Travis Judah, Cassie Judah-Wolf, Megan Blackburn, Ashton Blackburn, and Joseph Blackburn; as well as her great-grandchildren: Rylie Judah, Mackenzie Wolf, Presley Judah, Madelyn Wolf, and Jaxen Judah. 

Pam dedicated 25 years of her professional life to Raytheon, where her hard work and commitment left a lasting impression. Beyond her career, she found immense joy in spending time with her family. She especially cherished trips to Florida, where she delighted in watching her grandchildren play on the beach. 

Pam’s warmth and love for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May the memories of her life bring comfort to those she leaves behind. 

Obituary: Click here

Judy Sarah Wellborn

July 17, 1944 — December 20, 2024

Judy Sarah Elizabeth Hunt Wellborn of McKinney, Texas, age 80 years, 5 months and 3 days, went to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital, McKinney, Texas. Judy was born Monday, July 17, 1944, in Pleasantville, Iowa to Bion and Corinne Hunt, the 7th of 9 children.

At the age of 8, her parents moved the family to Vinita, Oklahoma where she attended the one room grade school at Carselowey through the 8th grade; then high school in Vinita where she graduated in 1962 before moving to Texas. From the moment she graduated high school, her adventurous spirit and clear vision for her future was evident. She wrote in her senior book that her hopes and plans for the summer after graduation were to go to Fort Worth, get a job, buy clothes, save money and have fun with some cute boys! She embarked on her journey with determination and a zest for life, always knowing what she wanted and fearlessly pursuing her dreams. As a child, Judy loved riding horses, growing up with Brownie the family horse, riding bareback and unbridled with her sisters and friends.

She started her work career at Lone Star Drive-in where they delivered food and drinks on roller skates. She applied to Texas Instruments numerous times until hired. From there she advanced her career to Collins Radio Co. Judy received her Bachelor of Business Administration from University of Texas at Dallas, then on to E Systems, now Raytheon, from which she retired, enjoying a long career in Systems Engineering where she could hold her own as the only female at a conference table with 20 men.

Judy dedicated herself to archery, practicing diligently twice a day. Her hard work and passion paid off when she earned the title of Women's State Archery Champion of Texas in the summer of 1972, establishing two new state records and qualified for the Nationals in Ogden, Utah where she came in third. She also loved to Bow hunt for deer.

Judy and David met in Alice Springs, Australia, in 1996 while on temporary duty with E-Systems, before their marriage on July 31, 1999. Judy loved traveling and exploring other parts of the world, such as Greece, Italy, Germany, Australia, and many states in the USA including Alaska and Hawaii, taking nieces and sisters as traveling companions.

Because of her love for horses, they purchased their home with acreage in rural McKinney where they raised horses, cows and hay. Judy never shied away from hard work on the farm and could be found at any time in the middle of 525,000 square feet of pasture, picking weeds. She was known for her strong independent will, unwavering determination, and love and support for her family and friends. She was a devout member of Crossway Church of Christ, Celina, Texas. She had a heart for sharing the love of Jesu

During a challenging time for the family, Judy selflessly stepped in to care for two of her grandchildren, including a newborn and her 8-year old brother. She lovingly raised them for several years, providing a stable and nurturing home during their time of need, and proved to be an exceptional mother.

Those left to cherish the memory of Judy include her beloved husband, David Wellborn. Siblings, Jo Jones, Carol Miller, David (Micki) Hunt, Dotty Daniels, and Dr. Priscilla (Ronnie) Hopkins. Bonus-children Rashay (Matthew) Bradford and Breanna Wellborn; Grandchildren Waylon Appleby, Nathaniel Bradford, Zachary Bradford, and Sarah Sue Appleby, and her special childhood friend Linda Smith Fair and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lawrence Lee Hunt, sisters, Elsie Corinne Cole and infant Tommie Michael Hunt and special brothers-in-law, Archie Miller and Billy Jones.

Obituary: Click here

Jerry Kocher

September 25, 1946 – January 19, 2025

On behalf the Kocher family, Ted Dickey Funeral Home sadly announces that Jerry Lee Kocher, age 78 passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025.

A celebration of life for Jerry was held Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Ted Dickey Funeral Home, 2128 18th Street, Plano, TX 75074.

Obituary: Click here

Valerie Cox

January 4, 2025

From Julia Messenger:
To those who remember Valerie Cox, I just want to let you know that she passed away 1/4/2025. Her son Dan contacted me and said they plan to have a small Celebration of Life in the Dallas area in the near future, probably in February. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in her name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the SPCA, or any charity that reminds you of Valerie.

If you want more information, please contact me via Facebook and I will forward your message to Dan. Thanks.

Tom Kummer

January 10, 2025

Tom’s wife called to let everyone know he passed away January 10th at the age of 91. No funeral per Tom’s wishes.

Medical Claims

Medical Claims for reimbursement can be mailed to:
Alight Smart Choice Solutions
PO Box 64009
The Woodlands, TX
77387

This info was posted on our Facebook group.

Alight has a benefits "Gateway" website that will be used for benefits administration. If you haven’t created an account yet go to www.alight.com to do so. Scroll all the way down to the bottom. Click on “Find Your HR Website” and type in RAYTHEON under “Who is your employer?”. This will pop up a link to www.yourtotalrewards.com/rtx and select "New user?". The "New user?" selection links to a couple of identifying questions and then steps you through the account setup. It recognized me and I was able to set up my account so I could create my profile and preferences. They had my old employee email address in my profile and I had to call Alight to get that corrected (800-243-8135). Be sure to check your beneficiary information. This was blank for me so I corrected that. Also, if you are married, your personal information probably transferred over as single. This would cause any medical reimbursement claims for your spouse to be denied. Call the benefits people so they can correct it

Alight will manage the medical reimbursement and we will be able to check our DDB balance, submit claims, authorize direct deposit, etc. online.

IF YOU NEED HELP SETTING UP YOUR ALIGHT ACCOUNT, REIMBURSEMENT CLAIMS, DIRECT DEPOSIT, ETC. PLEASE EMAIL ME AT Eileen. TERRY GAUS HAS OFFERED TO HELP THE RETIREES WHO MAY HAVE QUESTIONS. I CAN ALSO HELP NAVIGATE THE SWAMP IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE.

Eileen continues to collect eye glasses and hearing aids for donation to the Lion’s Club. Thank you all who have donated.