News

Local Childrens Musician Loses Battle with Cancer: Oklin Bloodworth Passes at 66

MADERA - Oklin Bloodworth passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at the age of 66. He was born to Oklin and Fannie Bloodworth in Fort Worth, TX and a resident of Madera, CA for the past 62 years. Oklin graduated from Madera High School, class of 1968.

In the early 1990’s Oklin started preforming by playing and singing at children’s events throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Many years he worked for the Madera County Arts Council PACES program, performing for the Madera Unified School District. Oklin brought a smile to children’s faces, he loved to perform for the children and they loved to sing and dance along with him.

Sgt. Charles Reiring (68)

Sgt. Chuck Reiring (68), a native of Burbank, CA and a resident of Madera, CA for 56 years passed away suddenly Saturday, September 3, 2016 at a Madera hospital. He was a Deputy Sheriff for Madera County Sheriff Office working for 32 years until his retirement in 2003.

Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Reiring.

Former Owner of Local 7 Eleven Dies: Terry O'Neal (83)

Michael "Terry" O'Neal (83) passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2016. Terry was born in Netherland West India, Aruba and a resident of Madera, CA for 40 years. Terry worked as a Correctional Officer in Madera County for 20 years. He also owned and operated the 7 Eleven on Howard and Schnoor for 6 years.

Terry was preceded in death by his daughter Patricia “Kathleen” Cunningham and his brother King O’Neal.

Beloved Little League Coach Passes: Larry A. Cervantez

Larry A. Cervantez (66) - Heavy hearts are left behind with the passing of Larry A. Cervantez, who died peacefully with his loving family at his side on July 30, 2016, after a 2 1/2 year courageous battle with cancer.

Larry was born and raised in Madera, the son of Jose Maria and Petra Cervantez.He attended Madera schools graduating from Madera High School in 1969 and attended Fresno City College. Soon after graduating high school he met the love of his life, Marge Gutierrez. They fell in love and were married in 1971.

Daniel Engelhaupt, Jr. (27)

Daniel Louis Engelhaupt Jr. (27), a native and lifelong resident of Madera, CA passed away Monday, July 11, 2016 in a Fresno hospital. He was a merchandiser for Pepsi Cola for 1 year and a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church. Daniel was a graduate of Madera High School Class of 2007 and received his Associates at Fresno City College. He also enjoyed movies.

Daniel was preceded in death by his grandpa Tony Fuentes, big grandpa Jim Englehaupt and little grandpa Jim Feramisco.

Robert Simonian (74)

Robert Lee Simonian (74), better known as “Bob” passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at the age of 74 years. Bob was born to Vasken and Lorena Simonian in Fresno where he was a lifelong resident. Bob attended Madison Elementary School and graduated from Central Union High School with the Class of 1960. He later received his Associates Degree from Heald College.

Bob was active in numerous endeavors, most notably his membership at the Biola Congregational Church, his service on the Board of the Herndon-Barstow School Board, where he was a Past-President and his position of President of the Madera County Air Crafters, Inc. In his leisure time he enjoyed his flying time and was also an avid hiker, spending time in the outdoors. For the past 26 years he was an employee of Cal-West Rain where he was in sales, and also was a grape farmer.

Royce King (88)

Royce "Boots" King (88) of Madera passed away on June 19th, 2016. Royce Elaine was born on May 23rd, 1928 in Salinas, CA to parents Roy and Auris Root. As a very young girl she earned the nickname 'Boots' because of the white cowboy boots she wore. The name stuck with her throughout her life.

Royce received her BA from San Jose State University in 1950. She excelled in journalism and was working for a publicity firm when she met Earl King. She was on an assignment to interview a local rodeo participant, who turned out to be her future husband. She and Earl were married on March 20th, 1952. Together they had 4 children; Jodie, Amy, Will & Connie. Most of their married life was spent in Madera County.