Sam Pittman and I went to Tupelo today for a visit with Karl and Jeep. We were there for about four hours and the conversation was non stop. Both of them look good. I am going to attach a picture of them for you. There is interest in having a one day get together possibly in Memphis in about a month. Comments would be appreciated.

Jeep has started his treatments this week. Sam and I enjoyed our visit.

Jerry Taylor

As you may know,  Ray has been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma cancer of the
liver and colon.  It is very aggressive and they started chemo within hours of
the diagnosis.  They are first targeting the liver and if successful, they will
then tackle the two large masses in the colon.  It is not good.   He will go
home from the hospital in the next couple of days and then return for the next
round of chemo in two weeks.  That will continue as needed.    You may want to
send Ray an email note, and please keep him in your prayers!
A. J. Powell, Jr.
UK Professor Emeritus & TurfDoc, LLC
3429 Gingertree Circle
Lexington, Ky
40502

Ray’s email is: rbcooper@juno.com

Hi ELANCO Friends:

I received this update on Jeep from Jerry Taylor last night. There may be some duplication in his e-mail list and mine but I didn’t want to leave anyone out. I also talked with Jeep this morning and he has an amazing attitude with all the health issues he is dealing with. Please keep Jeep and his family in your prayers and as Jerry mentions in his e-mail, he will really enjoy hearing from his ELANCO friends.

Bill Massey

Karl Underwood called tonight to give me an update on Jeep Simmons. Several years ago Jeep had cancer of the bladder. Recently he had two spots show up on one of his lungs. They did a biopsy of them and today Jeep was told it is the same type cancer he had in his bladder. Wednesday he will go to the cancer center in Tupelo to discuss his treatment options.

Karl says Jeep is down and that he feels that hearing from us would help pick him up. Jeep,s telephone number is 662 844 0687.

Karl sounded good on the phone.

Jerry Taylor

ELANCO Friends:

I just received a very disturbing e-mail from Don Addison that our dear friend, Jerry Keaton passed away. In the good old days, Jerry was a Research Assistant to Don Addison and lived in Zebulon, NC. When he left the Zebulon/Raleigh area, he went to the Illinois Research Farm and worked for Dan Kittle and then Rod Schultz, as Don recalls. Don is not sure if he worked for anyone else before DAS. For more details please visit the web site listed in Don’s e-mail. Please keep Jerry’s wife, Chalisa and son, Nicholas in your prayers!

Bill Massey

Bill I don’t know if you got this or not but Jerry dies Thur. morning. Strawmyer Drury Mortuary . Very sad news. I exchanged text messages with him last week after he had a procedure to clear his lungs and he said he was feeling much better.

Don

Friends –

As most of you know, my father passed away on December 20th. We are having a celebration of his life in Hernando, MS on Saturday, January 7th (Details below). While I know most of you cannot make it to Mississippi, I would really appreciate you sharing any stories or memories you may have of my Dad via email. Please be sure to copy Kacy on your reply as she is putting some stories together to share with those who can attend the services. Some of you have already received this request. If you have a story, please get it to Kacy by Friday at the latest.

If you can think of anyone who may have something to add, please forward this on to them. I am specifically thinking about Dennis Brust, Jerry Nitz, Tom Broderick and George & Carol Kitchie. If any of you know how to contact them, please do so. I would greatly appreciate it.

James “Jimmy” Claude Bryan, 69, went to be with the Lord on December 20th, 2011 at his home in Hernando, Miss. Jim attended Grand Junction High School where he played basketball for four years. He achieved a master’s degree at the University of Tennessee and was employed by Chemtura Corporation until the date of his death. James is preceded in death by his father, James “Mr. Jimmy” Bryan and his son Joel Bryan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; his two loving daughters, Ashley Bryan of Indianapolis, Ind. and Kacy; his son-in-law Chris Gabbard; his mother, Virginia “Chigger” Bryan; his brother, C.F. (Pat) Bryan and his four children; and his former spouse Darlene Bryan. A celebration of his life will be held at Hernando United Methodist Church at 11:00AM on January 7th, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hernando United Methodist Church, 1890 Mount Pleasant Rd., Hernando, MS. 38632, or to the American Cancer Society.

Thanks to all of you for your friendship with my father. I know he loved each of you.
–
Ashley Bryan

ELANCO Friends:

Don Grant have forwarded more details on Jim Bryan’s Celebration of Life Service, which was provided by his daughter, Kacy Bryan. I hope you can participate in his service by providing pictures, memories and/or a family message, if you cannot attend. Kacy has included her mailing and e-mail address to receive your inputs.

Please continue to keep Jim Bryan’s Family in your prayers.

Bill Massey

Dear Friends and Colleagues of Jim Bryan:

As most of you have heard, my father, Jim, passed away December 19th. We will be holding a celebration of his life ceremony at Hernando United Methodist Church, 1890 Mount Pleasant Rd., Hernando, Miss., 38632 on January 7th, 2012 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hernando United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

I am writing you all in hopes of making my father’s service do his life justice. I know he kept three things close to his heart: his family, his friends, and his work. I understand that many of you will not be able to make it to the ceremony because of the distance, but it would be greatly appreciated if you could mail or e-mail your favorite picture of Jim, a fond memory, a story, or a simple message to the family. These will be displayed at the ceremony (unless otherwise specified) and will be kept in a scrapbook for the family. You may send these to the following addresses:

Kacy Bryan
1715 Cedar Lake Circle
Hernando, MS 38632

OR

kacy.bryan@gmail.com

Please do not hesitate to forward this e-mail to anyone who you feel would wish to contribute to this project. I appreciate your cooperation and help during this hard time.

Very Sincerely,
Kacy Bryan

ELANCO Friends:

Another late update from me. Hope to do better after Christmas. Jerry Walker has some good news on Billy Baker’s procedure, but please continue to keep Billy and his family in your prayers.

Bill Massey

Bill,
Below is a clean copy of what I intended to send. Sorry for the address flub.
Jerry

Pacemaker and Defibrillator install went well. Billy and Norma are already in Dallas with kids and grandkids.
Jerry walker

ELANCO Friends:

I am very tardy, due to the “Christmas Rush,” getting out this update on Jim Bryan’s funeral sent by Bob Fowler. Bob, thanks so much for keeping us posted on the funeral details.

Bill Massey

Bill & Doug,

I spoke with Casey Bryan this afternoon and she told me that the celebration of life ceremony will be held on January 7, 2012 at the Hernando United Methodist Church. There will be an obituary published in the Indianapolis Star with details.

Hernando United Methodist Church

1890 Mount Pleasant Rd

Hernando, MS 38632

Phone 662-429-6826

Bob Fowler

ELANCO Friends:

As you will read, David Tarver and his family have serious health problems with their daughter-in-law. The Tarver family can sure use your prayers for Liz and her family.

This has sure been a very challenging Christmas season with all the bad news our ELANCO Families are dealing with and our prayers are so needed.

Bill Massey

Reverend Massey,

It appears your previous acting career has proven to serve you well as a prophet and messenger. Although the serious medical conditions of ELANCO friends remind us constantly how dear and short life is, it also has proven self evident as how wonderful true friendships are and how very important and lucky those who are part of such a close “family” really are. Our 32 year old daughter in law, Liz, just found out she has cervical cancer stage 2, and our Christmas time thoughts, actions and prayers are now focused on seeking expertise from the medical profession and true healing from the Lord. I know she’s not a member of the ELANCO family past, directly, but would it would mean so much if others with similar family challenges, thoughts and cares could include Liz and her two babies, Presley and Bristol Lynn Tarver –age 1.5 and 6.0 yrs. in their prayers too.

Thanks Bill, God Bless,

David Tarver

ELANCO Friends:

Jim Chandler has recently been in contact with Jim and Jim’s family. Thought you would appreciate his comments.

Bill Massey

Bill

Beth & I are in Indy and just left Ashley Bryan (Jim s Daughter)—Things are tough but she just returned spending 2 weeks with Jim.

Sorry he suffered so long—Beth talked with him about a few days ago –He was a good friend of ours. He was one of a kind.

Jim Chandler