Continued from last week...
I was beyond excited to learn that the footlocker that was used to send Felix's personal effects home to San Saba after his death is on display at the San Saba County historical museum right here in town. If you venture into the museum to see Felix’s footlocker, you’ll notice that it was sent to the Scott home by R. Simon. Ray Simon was Felix’s roommate over in India, and he was even stationed with Felix at many of his other training bases as well. I was able to track down and meet with Ray’s son and daughter along with their spouses in an effort to learn more about their service time during World War II.
After five long years, I've compiled an interesting story that chronicles the life of Felix, and the impact that his death had on my family. Sadly, there are some of Felix’s things that have been lost to history. There was an estate sale after my Aunt Pauline passed away in San Saba back in 2001. I believe that there is another footlocker that belonged to Felix. Additionally, his burial flag, military uniform, yearbooks, and even his flight log could be sitting around in someone’s garage right here in San Saba County. I would be thrilled if any of these items could be reunited with me and my family.
I've come to San Saba and Bend once a year for the last four years. I've enjoyed the small-town feel, and the peace and quiet that California just cannot offer. Now that my book is finished, I'd love for the residents of San Saba County to learn about Felix and my family’s history in this wonderful area.
Felix’s maternal grandparents:
W.J. and Polly Ann Millican. Pecan legends and owners of the River Bend farm in Bend, Texas.
Felix’s parents:
Ernest and Viola Scott. They lived in San Saba until they died, and they were owners of the Scott tire and vulcanization shop. Additionally, they owned the Pennant filling station located in the Courthouse Square at one time.
Felix’s sisters:
Pauline Burnham - She and her husband Ted lived in San Saba until they died. Ted owned a local machine shop where he made pecan shakers and other machines that helped many local farmers.
Jonnie Mae Blanton - She lived in High Rolls, New Mexico, with her husband AJ until their deaths. At one time, she owned Ketchum’s Kitchen also located in the Courthouse Square.
Aletha Stephenson - She lived with her husband Steve in Alamogordo, New Mexico, until their deaths. She grew up in San Saba until she went to nursing school. She married Steve, who went on to become a captain during his time in World War II and in Korea.
A few fun and interesting facts: Felix graduated from San Saba High School on his 18th birthday. He was killed on his parents’ 31st wedding anniversary which also happened to be his sister Jonnie Mae’s seventh wedding anniversary.
For me, this project involved picking up breadcrumbs that had been spread across many different places in an effort to make a nearly complete loaf for everyone to enjoy.
Flying with Felix is now at the Rylander Memorial Library. Check it out today!
In case you missed it, be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of “The Story Behind the Story” on our website www.sansabanews.com.