Anderson Fair marquee for New Years Eve

Photography by Karen Farrell

I first met Bill in the kitchen at Camp Creek. I'm not sure which one....maybe 11th or 12th. It's been awhile back. He was BIG, and as everyone knows a pretty tall guy carrying a load of pans and food and who knows what. And if you've been in the kitchen at Camp Creek, you know what kind of situation this can put you in, especially if one's trying to get out and one's trying to get in.

And then, the person that I am, never taking slack, I explained to Bill that it would be easier for me to get out of the kitchen and make room for him than for him to keep coming. Maybe in no uncertain terms, I was a bit gruff.

But Bill, also being one of those people who never takes slack, stood his ground. This kind of lead to what some might consider to have been a semi-wrestling match....or maybe a sumo-wrestling match?

I was so amazed later on, after really backing down from this bear of a guy, when I began to hear him sing. And how a voice like that could come from such a large, crusty...well, what kind I say? Gulf Coast Guy!! I was amazed and astonished. And have admired him ever since those early days at Camp Creek.

And when that little girl started showing up with him, and SINGING, well it's amazing to me that this earth is heaven, or as close as it gets.

Somewhere, somehow I know there are at least two angels singing. One still here, and another somewhere else.

I'll miss Colleen, but I will always hear her singing.

John Melton

 
Life is one of the many journeys we enter. Meeting many people as we pass through. Some people are more memorable then others. Colleen was one of those people. You only had to meet her once. Anyone who ever heard her sing knew she had an amazing voice. One of the rare people that can send emotion to the crowd with lyrics. Turn lyrics into substance. Colleen did not have to sing to give off that air...... That aura.... That something special that made an impact on people. She just had to be. I will miss her. I am so very sad for her..... Her dad..... Her husband...... Her many many friends..... Still.... I feel blessed that she was one of the people I met on my journey. She will always be remembered and kept alive in our hearts.

Until we meet again Colleen.....

Candice Kettell
 

 

I only met Colleen once.  I was at a beach party with my mother, Candice and her boy friend, Jerry, whom most of you probably know.  I was visiting for 3 months, and was invited with my mom and jerry to go to a beach party.  The day began, and people arrived, everyone singing, and dancing, and partying, everyone was so laid back.  She came on the floor to do a set, she had on a yellow hat, with flowers attached to it, opened her mouth and made mine drop.  Her voice was just so amazing.  So beautiful.  I couldnít tell her enough times just how wonderful it was.  I told her how I loved to sing, and she said that if its something I love I should go for it. She made a difference in my life. I came home from a friends house and had to hear the ever so sad news that she had been in an accident.  She was so beautiful, so peaceful, she glowed when she came in the room, she cared so much for others.  Her voice was like an angel, and know, thatís what she is.  An angel.

 With lots of love and sadness.

Erica A. Kettell

Lucille & Bill:

I'm Linda Holt Frank & I saw this horror on the news New Years Day. Carol Ann Noe DeWeese told Glenda Shine & I last Monday that this was your daughter. I read the article Lucille had in the Conroe Courier today & had to respond. We are so saddened for your loss. This is such a nightmare for you both & our thoughts and prayers are with you both & to her husband, Russell. Wish we'd known her but from the tributes and pictures above, I can see what a joy and delight she must have been to all who knew her. Again, I have sent this information to Carolyn Hoover Stratton, Paula Kee Robinson, Cindy Owen, Pat Snyder Shoffit, Fran Martin Linton, Johnelle Jackson Luetsch, along with Glenda & Carol Ann. We are so very sorry for your loss & pray the person responsible for this will be found very soon. If there is anything any of us can do for you during this time of tremendous grief, please contact us & we will be there for you. May God Bless you.

Linda Holt Frank
 

Oh my God!  I'm so sorry to hear about this awful tradgedy. Colleen was so sweet and such an incredible singer.  She was so nice to me this past summer when I had the great good fortune of getting to play mandolin with her and Bill.  I had been hearing about her and Bill's singing for years but it wasn't until I was down in Houston to play with the Women In The Round 2002 tour that I got the chance to hear her in person.  She was so gracious and friendly and just as wonderful as can be.  My heart goes out to Bill and Russell and all of her family, friends and everyone that knew her.

Love and hugs to all, Becky Smith

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