Those of us who have been privileged to do something we love dearly all of our lives belong to a group I named in a speech years ago as the Brotherhood of Community Newspapers. Over time, with more experience in that genre, I decided it could also be called the Texas Country Newspaper Family.
That is in reference, of course, to small town newspapers and, more succinctly, to those folks who man the presses, so to speak.
Therein lies one of the major reasons I found that segment of the journalism profession to be most appealing to me as a way to make a living doing something I love.
People in country newspaper publishing have more in common than the old saying “ink in my blood.” The connections of shared experiences extends to a family affection that is so strong that we can finish each other’s sentences or resume an interrupted conversation by a newspaper convention adjournment at the next gathering months or even a year away.
Perhaps this is not unique to our profession, but I daresay the affection and closeness created by the commonality of experience in serving a community in our manner is somehow extra special. Other than spousal and familial love, I’ve experienced no greater or stronger feeling than those bonds between country newspaper editor-publishers.
And, so it is that when there is a loss, we all feel it deeply. There are those who may have additional connections to a fellow country newsperson and the death of a compatriot is even more painful.
Such an experience happened recently with the deaths of several dear friends in the country paper business: Nick and Mary West of the Palacios Beacon (just months apart); Bill Wilkerson, publisher of the Pleasanton Express; and Vana Tidwell of Granbury — wife, helpmate and partner — of Hood County News publisher Jerry Tidwell.
In addition to newspapering, Nick and Mary shared the common bond with Julie and me of fighting cancer. And, we often met during his and my treatments at Houston’s M.D. Anderson Hospital.
Their spirit, determination and refusal to let the disease stop them from enjoying life was a great boost to my spirits and provided an impetus for my fight. Nick’s battle went on for almost a decade, so intense was his mind-set.
Bill Wilkerson’s great, happy spirit was silenced recently at age 90. This great, gregarious man was an inspiration to young journalists. He could encourage you but keep your ego from puffing beyond tolerance with some offhand remark.
Once, early in my career when I was making a move to a better job every few years, I was greeted at a press convention by Bill with an arm around my shoulder and a foghorn question ricocheting off the walls: “Where in hell are you now?!”
However, he never hesitated to help when I sought his advice and took advantage of his fine newspaper mind.
Julie and I enjoyed shared experiences with Jerry and Vana Tidwell — Texas Press Association conventions and meetings (he and I both served as president of that group); and National Newspaper Association meetings in Kansas City and Washington D.C.
Vana’s omnipresent and dazzling smile was always a beacon to great visits. Her great sense of humor exhibited her optimism and enjoyment of life. Those who knew Vana well, knew she fought back problems for years. Yet, her good humor glowed and charmed all who knew her.
While we will all miss Vana’s great smile, we are grateful for the time we were able to know and enjoy her.
The Texas newspaper family has lost some wonderful members — friends whose value is incalculable. Additionally, the communities each of these folks served have suffered a great loss as well.
Willis Webb is a retired community newspaper editor-publisher of more than 50 years experience.
wwebb@att.net
