News

Frank A. Logoluso (93) died peacefully at home on Sunday, February 4, 2018 in Fresno, California. He was the son of Pantaleo and Grazzia Logoluso, immigrants from Bari, Italy. He was the 9th of 12 children, and the youngest son. He farmed from an early age, and in 1946 began Logoluso Brothers with his four older brothers.

In the early 1970’s, he began Frank A. Logoluso Farms, which continues today, and includes the fourth generation of the Logoluso Family. He began with wine and raisin grapes, and diversified over the years to include table grapes, cherries, apricots, almonds, and pistachios. He was one of the first grape growers to obtain a cannery contract for Thompson seedless grapes in California. At his peak, he farmed over 10,000 acres in 4 counties in California.

Carolyn Chloe Felix (81) passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Carolyn is the daughter of Martin and Catherine Calaway. Carolyn was a long time resident of Madera, and was a graduate of Madera High School. Carolyn’s family ran their own business, Calaway's Drugs, for many years in Madera. Carolyn was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Dave Lee Felix and her sister Marilyn E Paynter. She is survived by her children, Catherine, Martin, Bart, Dean, David, and Terri Felix, as well as her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carolyn also leaves behind Lilly the Cat. 

Ernest (Ernie) Donald Fernandez (93) went to be with the Lord January 18, 2018.Ernie was born in Livingston, California May 24, 1923; his parents were Cruz(born in Firebaugh, CA) and Francise Shiel (born in Hornitos, CA) Fernandez.

Ernie's spouses Libby and Anne preceded him in death, as did his daughter Norma Jean Fernandez. His sisters and brothers have also preceded him in death: Stella, Lenora, Carmelita, Madeline, Ida, Isabel, Bruno, Gus, Frank and Tony and step-daughter: Claudia Holt.

Steven “Todd” Bacon (50), a native and lifelong resident of Madera, passed away suddenly on January 16, 2018 at his Madera residence. The son of Charlotte and the late Chuck Bacon. Todd attended local schools and was part owner of the family business, “Bacon Estates”.

He was an outdoors person and avid sportsman. Todd loved playing hockey, motorcycles, motorcross, and surfing in the ocean. A devoted Christian he loved his Lord and Savior.

James (Jim) Ernest Chastain (98), a native of Lebam, WA and a resident of Fresno, CA for 3 years, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2018 in Fresno. He was a retired aircraft mechanic and a member of Madera First Baptist Church. James was a member of the Senior’s Club in Madera and was a Chaplain for hospice as well as local hospitals such as Valley Children’s Healthcare and the Madera Prison.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents James and Hazel (Adams) Chastain, his wife Edith Chastain, his two brothers Joseph and Clement Chastain, and his sister Alice Steen.

Samuel Timothy Barnes (29) passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at the age of 29. Sam was a lifelong resident, born on April 24, 1988 to Leo and Candice Barnes. He was a graduate of Liberty High School class of 2006. Sam then attended Fresno City College and received certificates in Maintenance Mechanics, HVAC, EMT and Fire Academy; he was also a certified, first responder and volunteer firefighter. Sam was an Eagle Scout Troup 331 in Madera and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He is survived by his wife, Tanlynn Woolsey-Barnes, his parents, Leo and Candice Barnes all of Madera, his in-laws, Jodi Ragsdale and Gary Ragsdale of Madera and father-in-law Wayne Woolsey of Arkansas. He also leaves behind his siblings, Meghan Hunt and her husband Daniel, Breanna Lopez and her husband Chris both of Madera, Kassie Humann and her husband Brian of Clovis, his brother-in-law, Gary Dean Ragsdale of Clovis and sister-in-law Katelynn Ragsdale of Madera, and many nieces and nephews.