News

Marc Erwin Garner II (36)

Marc Erwin Garner II (36) was unexpectedly called home to his Lord following a traffic accident in Fresno on August 1, 2017. He came into this world on September 24, 1980 in San Diego. He graduated from Chowchilla Union High School in 1998 where he met his best friend of 22 years and future wife Christina Soltau.

The two were married in 2005 and began a family with the birth of their two daughters, Abbigail and Allison. Their family would continue to grow when they received guardianship of their two nieces and nephew. Marc took a particular joy in spending time with all his children.

Linda K. Whistler (72)

Linda K. Whistler, 72 passed away peacefully at the Carmel Village Senior Living in Clovis, CA on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. Linda was born on February 22, 1945 in Independence, KS to Herbert and Evelyn Whistler.

Her family moved to Hanford in 1958 where Linda attended Woodrow Wilson Junior High School and graduated from Hanford Union High School in 1963. She was employed as a secretary with several businesses in Fresno until she was hired at the Valley Medical Center in the payroll dept. and later with Fresno Community Hospital.

Gerald L. Purcell (70)

Gerald L. Purcell (70), passed away on Thursday morning, June 29, 2017 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center of Fresno, California following a brief illness. Gerald a resident of Madera, California since 1978 was the owner and operator of Newton Property Management in Madera, and was a former long - time resident of Salinas. Gerald was born in Salinas California in 1947 to Lyle and Margene Purcell.

Gerald received is education in Salinas, graduating from Salinas High School and later attended Hartnell College. He served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Alaska. Completing his military service he returned to Salinas and later married Vicki Bayless in 1974. Gerald was an avid Street Rod enthusiast and had many friends nationwide who shared his passion for the sport.

Woody Miller: Fresno’s First Black Radio Station Owner Passes

FRESNO – The life of Mr. De Arthur Woodrow “Woody” Miller, the Valleys first Black radio station owner and radio personality, is being celebrated by the African-American community Saturday, June 24,at the Fresno’s African American museum.

Woody Miller, owner and founder of Fresno’s first soul and RnB radio station KLIP 1220 AM in the 1960’s, is considered a statewide media icon. Mr. Miller died on May 13 at 89 years of age of Alzheimer’s disease.

Oscar Chapa Sr (83)

Oscar Chapa Sr (83), of Madera, CA, passed away Monday, June 19, 2017 at a Fresno hospital. Oscar was born in Laredo, TX, but lived in Madera for the last 70 years. He was a retired clerk for Safeway working in Madera and Fresno for 41 years. Oscar was a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church in Madera and he served in the National Guard.

Oscar is survived by his wife of 61 years, Olivia Chapa of Madera, 4 children: Oscar Chapa Jr. of Madera; Elsa Razo of Madera; Bobby Chapa of Morro Bay, CA and Fred Chapa of Fresno, CA, 1 brother: Eddie Chapa of Madera and 3 sisters: Mary Chavira of Madera; Yolanda Chavira of Fresno and Irma Gaither of Merced, CA. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Former Big Top & Sub Shop Owner Passes: Jack Johnson at 85

Jack Johnson (85), beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend passed away on June 4, 2017 at the age of 85. He was born on February 21, 1932 in Mississippi to Eloise and Lemmie Johnson.

Jack is survived by his wife, Gay, daughter and son-in-law, Nanette and Jack Bigus and son, Greg Johnson. Jack is preceded in death by his parents and eight of his siblings and is survived by his brother, Johnnie Johnson.

Ronald Leon Koop (79)

Ronald Leon Koop (79) was born on February 14, 1938 in Enid Oklahoma; he passed away on June 7, 2017 in Fresno, California at the age of 79. Born to Abraham and Anna Koop, Abraham was also known as A.P. Koop. Ron was the youngest of five children who have predeceased him.

A.P. Koop worked for Union Equity as a grain elevator operator, and on weekends, he developed his evangelistic ministry. Ron and his brother, Marvin, moved with their parents to Fresno for a year, and then the family moved to Winton. Ron gave his life to the Lord and was baptized in Winton, where his Dad was a minister.