Dennis Duane Sizemore of Ridgecrest died Nov. 30, 2015, from injuries sustained in an accident. He was 71.

Dennis was born to Verna Kathleen Cagle and John Edward Sizemore on Jan. 29, 1944, in Joplin, Mo. He was raised in Galena, Kan., eventually settling in Trona, where he graduated from high school.

Dennis worked as a welder, pipe-fitter, millwright, and supervisor at Kerr-McGee. He later worked at IWV Water District and retired from the city of Ridgecrest in 2000 as manager of the wastewater treatment plant.

Dennis’ life-long passion for horses was manifested in his superior horse training, horseshoeing and team roping abilities. He was a volunteer member of the Tulare County Mounted Search and Rescue Team. His latest adventures were with Harley motorcycles and a Goldwing trike, on which he and Karen cruised to Montana.

Dennis is survived by his wife Karen; children Darryn Sizemore, Tiffaney Frodin, Cathleen and Chris Beausang, John and Stacey Connolly, David Connolly and Russ and Hope Fielder; grandchildren Kodi Frodin, Katy and Gavin Fielder, Shawn Connolly and Josh and Ben Grindheim.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at the All Faith Chapel, China Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wounded Warrior Project in Dennis’ name would be appreciated (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

Arrangements were by Holland & Lyons Mortuary.

— Submitted by the family of Dennis Sizemore

I just got word of the passing of James Haughton. He was born September 20, 1925 in Alabama. His wife was Marydith (Tyler) Haughton ( 1926-2009), Class of 1944 who was well known among Trona residents as a historian of the Searles Valley area.

Jim would have graduated in 1944, however, he joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor was attacked and the US entered WWII. He was one of 20 Trona High students who entered the military in 1944.

After the war Jim returned to Trona and graduated in 1947.

Jim was born in Maxine, Alabama, September 20, 1925 to Gayle and Charlcie Haughton.  He was the third oldest of four children.  He passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017 surrounded by family at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington.  He lived in Trona, California from the age of 6.   He attended the Trona schools, joined the Navy at 17, then married his childhood sweetheart Marydith Tyler.  Jim and Marydith raised their family and lived in the same home in Trona since 1947 – nearly 70 years.  They were married for 62 years before her death in 2009.

He was predeceased in life by his wife Marydith, sons Jim and Artie, brother Gayle and sister Marjorie.  He is survived by his brother Paul, of Troutman, NC, sister-in-law, Wanda, daughter, Margaret and son, Tom of Washington, daughters-in law Sheila and Jan and son-in law Matthew as well as 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Jim apprenticed as a Carpenter with AP&CC in Trona.  He then started his own business building homes in Searles Valley.  He retired after 35 years then joined his two sons in business by operating the Trona Hardware store.  He loved the outdoors.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to camp.  He had a strong family influence, not only personally but within the community.  His hobbies were centered around camping, hunting and fishing with family and lifelong friends.  He really enjoyed trap shooting and that passion was shared by his children and their children.

A graveside service will be held at the Trona Cemetery, Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.  There will be a reception following at the family home.  http://www.taftmidwaydriller.com/news/20170923/james-wesley-haughton-september-20-1925—september-3-2017