RIP

If You Can’t Be Good, Be Great!

What's in the Water6 Comments

Remembering Our Founder – Dr. John McElligott

By Dana Karnowski

This post has taken me some time to write. Losing John left a space that words simply could not fill right away. It comes with heavy heart and many tears. I know that all of you that knew Dr. John will understand.

However, this blog was built on memories and continuing to share them is exactly what he would want us to do.

Some people come into your life for a short time. Others stay long enough to change it forever.

Dr. John McElligott was one of those people.

In 2017, John and I first talked about the idea for this blog. At the time it was just a dream — make a place where Midlanders could share memories and stories from a special time in their lives.

In 2018, we decided to make that dream a reality.

What started as a simple idea became something much bigger.

Together we helped create a place where more than 500 stories now live, and where thousands of readers and proud “water drinkers” return to laugh, remember, and reconnect. Through this project he and I met many Texans who now feel like family.

Somewhere along the way, Dr. John became my best friend.

John believed deeply that stories mattered. He used to joke, “Why write a blog when you can’t spell?” But then he would answer his own question.

Because once a story is written down, it can last forever.

He also liked to say that he would retire “the day before they cremate me.” That was John, always working to save lives, always laughing, always finding a reason to celebrate life.

Dr. John McElligott passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026.

Please see his obituary here: Dr. John McElligott Obituary – Knoxville News Sentinel

I miss him terribly and probably will for the rest of my life. But his dream will not end here.

As long as these stories continue to be shared, his spirit will live on — in every memory, every laugh, and every story told here.

And maybe that is the real story John left with us…that as long as memories are shared and stories are told, the people we love are never truly gone.

John believed this blog belonged to the people of Midland, Texas who lived these stories.

If you have a memory of Dr. John, a story that made you laugh, or even a small moment you remember from those Midland days, I invite you to share it. That was always John’s hope — that the stories would continue long after he was gone.

By sharing those memories, we keep his spirit alive and carry forward the dream he started.

Let’s keep telling the stories. Let’s keep remembering. And together, let’s carry on the legacy John believed in so deeply.

Each day, as I would leave him, he always reminded me, “If you can’t be good, be great.”

He was the greatest of all time.

Please join his live stream funeral mass celebrated March 14, 2026 at Noon All Saints Catholic Church, Knoxville, TN here:

https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-mass-for-john-mcelligot-md-ixtzsdqlj5grjgcmtqjg

Anne Canon Conrad

What's in the Water4 Comments

February 18, 1944 — July 15, 2024

Anne Lenore Conrad, fondly known as “Ma” and “Big Anne” took her first breath of heavenly air on July 15, 2024 surrounded by family. Anne, 80, of Claude, TX., was born in Midland, Texas to Joe and Verna Canon on February 18, 1944 and was the second oldest of eight children. She often talked about her fond childhood memories involving her siblings, their vacations and the mischief they all got into. Anne attended St. Ann’s Catholic School during her elementary years. She graduated from Midland High School and went on to attend college her freshman year at the University of Dallas. She transferred to West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966. While attending WT Anne was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and was voted the KA Rose as well as “Best Dressed”. As soon as she graduated from WT, Anne, who was always up for an adventure, decided to go to work for Braniff Airlines as what was then known as a stewardess. After her time in the skies, she accepted a teaching position in Arizona where she taught art classes for a brief time. She eventually made her way back to Texas and reunited with a young man she had met a few years before. Anne and Glenn Conrad were married on July 20, 1968. They moved to Claude, Texas where they established their family farm and home for the last 55 plus years. Anne was a woman of strong faith who dedicated her life to caring for her family and was a do-it-yourself kind of homemaker. She was passionate about maintaining their home with the utmost care. Her children recall many times coming home from school to her on her hands and knees with a washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher disassembled so she could repair it. Anne enjoyed playing tennis, painting, swimming, fishing, camping and instilled a love of these hobbies in her children and grandchildren. Anne was an active member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, a member of Christian Mothers, a Girl Scout Brownie troop leader and a 4-H adult leader. After the children were grown and gone Anne had fun spending time with friends playing bridge with the weekly bridge group. According to Anne, her proudest accomplishment other than her children, was catching the largest fish out of the pond at the Midland Country Club when she was a child.

Anne is survived by her husband of nearly 56 years, Glenn Conrad of Claude, TX, her four children 11 grandchildren, Shannon Cornell and husband Clint of Claude(Jessica Bevill, Devin Cornell, Bradley Cornell), Chris Hall and husband Mark of Canyon (McKinsey Ogle, Kayla Stokes), Cory Thornton and husband Cade of Weatherford (C.J., Emma Thornton), and Sean Conrad and wife Christie (Alexia, Kaylee, Annelyse, and Kynlie Conrad) of Amarillo as well as 11 great grandchildren.

Her surviving siblings include Joe Ed Canon of Abilene, Mike Canon of Midland, Gerry Canon of Lubbock, Chris Canon of Canyon, Kem Canon of Wickenburg, AZ. and Tim Canon of Keller. She has also been blessed with 7 wonderful sisters-in-law, 23 nieces and nephews as well 59 great nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Verna Canon, a sister Carol Canon, a baby brother Patrick Canon and two loving brothers-in-law.

A vigil service and rosary will be held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church on July 24, 2024, at 6:30 pm. The funeral Mass of Christian Burial concelebrated by Fr. Hrudaya Raju Kondamudi, Fr. Tony Neusch and Fr. Scott Raef will be at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Panhandle, TX on July 25, 2024 at 10:00 am. In honor of Anne’s love of a vibrant palette, feel free to wear colorful clothing to her services.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, July 24th from Noon-3:00 pm at Glenn and Anne’s home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 366, 110 Little Flower Way, Panhandle, TX 79068-0366 or Franciscan Sisters of Christ the Light, 119 Franciscan Way Box 906, Panhandle, TX 79068.

Glenn Whittington

What's in the Water2 Comments

Written By Ron Peavy

Upon hearing of the passing of Glenn Whittington, I was struck with mixed
emotions, extreme sadness and wonderful memories. Glenn valiantly fought cancer
for 17 months until he decided to move on to his heavenly home.
Glenn and I first became acquainted in the San Jacinto Junior High boys’ locker
room in September 1956. As I recall, Glenn was consoling me while recovering
from being forced by Coach Volpe to tackle Eric Moore 1-on-1 during our 8 th
grade football practice. With Glenn’s thoughtful support and encouragement, I
fully recovered.

Click Here to read more

Norman “Glenn” Whittington (RIP)

What's in the Water2 Comments

September 12, 1943 – June 6, 2024

Southlake, Texas – N. Glenn Whittington (80) passed away surrounded by family and friends on June 6, 2024, after a battle with cancer. Glenn was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a good friend to everyone he met.

Born on September 12, 1943, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Glenn grew up in Midland, Texas where he attended Midland High School. He later attended Texas Christian University where he was an active member of Sigma Chi.

After graduating from TCU in 1967, Glenn served in the U.S. 8th Army overseas in Korea.

Glenn’s successful career in the securities industry began in 1970 and included 23 years with UBS PaineWebber, where he held a variety of senior management positions. He retired in 2004 as a senior vice president of Wachovia Securities and created NGW Consulting through which he provided expert witness testimony in financial-related matters.

Outside of work, Glenn enjoyed supporting all things TCU, playing golf, traveling, and spending time on Lake Tyler with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dianne Whittington, of Southlake, TX; son Richard Whittington, wife Courtney and grandsons Michael and Benjamin of Greensboro, NC; daughter Lara Clark, husband Brian and granddaughters Kendall and Madison of Lewisville, TX; sister-in-law Inger Whittington; nephews Owen Pratt, Neal Pratt and Arlen Whittington; and niece Ellen Whittington. He was preceded in death by his father Jim Whittington, mother Ginny Whittington; sister Patty Williams; and brother Jimmy Whittington.

The family extends their thanks and appreciation to those that loved and helped care for Glenn during the last two years, including UT Southwestern, Baylor Scott & White Grapevine, BrightStar, Encompass Health of Bedford, Harbor Chase of Southlake and especially care-giver Joel Che.

In his desire to continue helping others, Glenn donated his body to science. The family is planning a memorial service at 1:00pm on Monday, July 15, at White’s Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake followed by a celebration of life. To honor Glenn’s memory, consider a donation to Circle of Friends (P.O. Box 374, Colleyville, TX 76034), a charity supporting children with cancer at Cook’s Hospital, or to a charity of your choice.

Ferrell Davis (RIP)

What's in the WaterLeave a comment

MHS Class of 1962


Frank Ferrell “Chivo” Davis, a dedicated family man, respected oil man, and active community member, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 24th, 2024 in Midland, Texas. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and loving father who left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Born on March 12, 1944, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ferrell led a remarkable life filled with significant achievement and cherished relationships.
Ferrell married his beloved wife Polly Chappell on March 18, 1967, and together they were blessed with twin daughters, Jennifer and Shelley. His devotion to family extended to his two sons-in-law, Jack Harper and Dan Hord and his six adored grandchildren and one great-granddaughter who brought immense joy to his life.
Ferrell attended Midland High School, then the University of Texas before earning his Bachelor of Science degree at Stephen F. Austin University. Following his time in the military, Ferrell began his professional career in 1967 at Shell Oil Company. He then worked for various independent oil and gas companies before embarking on his own in 1977. Over the past thirty-five years he has enjoyed growing Davis Partners, a family partnership focused on oil and gas investments, into the successful business that it is today. Among his many passions were teaching the land business to young people and other interested men and women.
Ferrell’s commitment to community service was evident in his board roles at organizations such as Midland Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Developmental Disabilities Center, Manor Park, Bynum School and Texas Commerce Bank-Midland. He was a proud member of First Methodist Church of Midland and actively participated in associations related to the petroleum industry and ranching.
Recognized for his contributions to Texas agriculture and land preservation, Ferrell received the prestigious “Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture” award in 2001. His passion for ranching in Bandera County, Texas, where he managed a successful cow/calf and meat goat operation, was a testament to his love of land and livestock.
Neighbors and friends will remember Ferrell for the love of his many dogs, hospitality and enjoyment of a good party. Sitting on his front porch, he invited anyone walking by inside for a glass of wine or dinner. Words commonly used to describe Chivo are: youthful, loyal, passionate, tough, family-man, guardian, strong-willed, and generous. Ferrell is preceded in death by his parents Mary Frank and Paul Davis, and sister-in-law Marian Chappell Miles. He is survived by his loving family: wife Polly Chappell Davis; daughter Jennifer Davis Hord and husband Willis Daniel Hord III, daughter Shelley Davis Harper and husband Jack Farmer Harper; his six grandchildren, Lauren Ferrell Harper, Davis Lee Hord and wife Margaret Ellen Hord, Ellen Claire Hord, Hunt Daniel Hord, Caroline Bryant Harper, and Olivia Chappell Harper; one great-grandchild Frances Fox Hord; brother, Paul L. Davis, Jr. and wife Betty Rae Davis; sister-in-law, Carolyn Chappell Light and husband, David Light; brother-in-law David Scott Miles; and a host of supportive and loving extended family and friends.
Honorary Pallbearers include Charlie Semple, Don Jones, Ted Fergeson, Charlie Younger, Joe O’Neill, Don Evans, Bill Granberry, Tevis Herd, Jim Chandler, Randy Geiselman, Tom Johnson, Dennis Grubb, Skeet Doss, Van Pearcy, and Tom Craddick.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the Intensive Care Unit staff at Midland Memorial Hospital and to Dr. Summer Merritt.
The service will be held at the First Methodist Church of Midland on Thursday, May 30 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to Manor Park of Midland (2208 N Loop 250, Midland, TX 79707) or Lonehollow Ranch Young Life Camp (1010 Cooley Lane, Vanderpool, TX 78885).
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

RIP-William “Bill” Joseph Connery

What's in the Water4 Comments

William “Bill” Joseph Connery, aged 78, peacefully passed away following a prolonged illness.
He was born in Philadelphia, PA, but later his family relocated to Texas. In 1963, he proudly graduated from Midland High School. Bill’s sense of duty led him to join the army, where he was selected for officer candidate school. After an honorable discharge, he ventured into the world of finance, becoming a successful stockbroker and pursuing various entrepreneurial endeavors.

click here to read more

Richard D. “Dick” Mogle (RIP)

What's in the WaterLeave a comment

Richard D. “Dick” Mogle, 79, died Saturday, February 4th at his College Station home surrounded by family.

Dick was born September 19th, 1943 in Winfield, Kansas to Jack and Dixie Mogle. He and his sister Donna grew up in Midland, Texas. Dick graduated from the University of Texas Dental School in 1969. After graduation, Dr. Mogle served with the United States Public Health Service completing a dental internship at the USPHS Hospital in San Francisco. He then served as the Chief Dental Officer for the 8th District of the U.S. Coast Guard in New Orleans for two years. He moved to Bryan-College Station in 1972 to begin his private practice which he continued for 45 years, retiring in 2017.

In 1974, Dr. Bob White introduced Dick to Donna Dale. Dick and Donna were married on December 20th, 1975. Together they raised four children – Misty, Greg, Micah and Hannah.
Dick was a board member and President of the local chapter of the American Diabetes Association. He was also an active member of the Rotary Club of College Station for many years having served as a board member and as President. He served with Rotary District 5910 as a Committee Chair.

Dick had a passion for aviation and obtained his private pilot license and loved flying. He was an active member of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), an organization dedicated to preserving aircraft that saw action during World War II, and served as Wing Leader of the past local chapter, the “Ghost Squadron.”

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Donna, his children Misty Smith of College Station, Texas, Greg and Erin Mogle of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Micah and Julia Mogle of College Station, Texas, and Hannah and Travis Sawin of Temple, Texas. He also loved and adored his 7 grandchildren, Miriam and Joseph Mogle, Haley, Riley and Brayden Sawin, and Jackson and Mikayla Mogle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dixie Mogle.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandpappy, and a faithful friend.
A come- and- go reception and celebration of his life, will be held on Saturday, February 18th from 2-4pm at Grace Bible Church (Creekside Campus), 4601 Williams Creek Dr.,College Station, TX 77845.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Rotary at https://www.rotary.org/en/donate or the American Cancer Society at https://donat3.cancer.org

Jerry Reese (RIP)

What's in the Water1 Comment

Written by Jerry Reese

(Jerry passed away April 4, 2020. Rest In Peace.)

I was born in Wink, Texas the sixth child of Alice and A. C. Reese. I can neither confirm nor deny, but my recollection, based on relatives’ stories, is that my Mother and Dad both quit school when they were very young. My Dad died when I was 7, so I remember little about him. My Mother was way too old to have another baby when I was born, and I fear my birth contributed to her being almost housebound with illness until she died during our senior year. My folks were wonderful but unremarkable in terms of worldly achievements.

My family moved from Wink to Odessa, and then in the summer between the 7th and 8th grades, we moved to Midland. I met the cutest girl I had ever seen while riding a bicycle somewhere on Cuthbert Street. I remember her feet being dirty but they were attached to movie star legs, and I fell in love with Jackie Garrett. We both had separate lives for 30 years, but in 1997, I achieved the highest honor of my life and married Jackie.

click here to read more

Smile Because they Lived and Drank the Water in Midland

What's in the WaterLeave a comment

Click below to listen to “Let It Be” by The Beatles

Be glad you can remember these Midland friends and shed a tear knowing they are gone. Or be like some of us and smile because of the memory of their life. Memories come to some of us by closing our eyes and to some by a picture and also a written memory. All serve to remind us that they lived and we documented what they left.

Your heart may ache because you can’t see them but if you close your eyes think deeply of them you can often see them and that will make you smile. This smile keeps you happy so you can live another day and remember all the friends who we knew and who tasted the water in Midland Texas.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

Bill Bearden (RIP) and Tinkerbelle

What's in the Water5 Comments

Click below and listen to “Paradise by The Dashboard Light” by Meatloaf

Tinkerbelle?…. first thought, “the Peter Pan fairy”.  But not in Midland, Texas.  In Midland Tinkerbelle is the beloved puke-green Ford Falcon piloted by Bill Bearden.  There is no telling how many things happened between the doors of that well-exercised car, but I know some of them.  

 That Ford Falcon was driven all hours of the days and nights for a variety of purposes; from carrying Bill to work on weekends with his dad’s floor refinishing company; to an epic cross-country trip with Nugent Brasher and me.  Three young and not so smart teenage boys, starting out I think over some holiday period (I don’t remember the timing), with a trunk full of cold drinks and frozen TV dinners.  A trip of the century, financed with cash from deposit returns on collected empty Ozarka water and soft drink bottles. 

 An ambitious undertaking that included Carlsbad Caverns, Roswell, (NMMI), Ruidoso, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, El Paso, Garner State Park and Monahans before cruising back into Midland.  At least that’s my memory of the itinerary.  Go Tinkerbelle.

 Bill was the master of the highway, although he allowed Nugent and me to “spell” him in irregular shifts.  We didn’t have enough money for motel nights, so we slept in the car, or just stayed up all night…. except for an extravagant and luxurious evening or two when we checked-in for showers and a soft bed.  We saw a lot of real estate, but that Falcon brought most of it by pretty quickly as we slowed down only enough for the towns with major attractions where we spent a few hours.  A major attraction could be defined as cruising the main street, and cool-looking drive-ins trolling for girls.

 Safely back in Midland, with lifelong secrets in each of our minds, Bill resumed his romance with Carole Scrivner, Nugent kept on cheerleading, and I returned to the swim team. Speaking of that Scrivner romance, it turned into real love and a permanent marriage for Bill which he parlayed into a remarkably successful sales and management career, two wonderful kids, and a happy retirement in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  

 Since that trip and MHS graduation, Bill and I shared time at Texas Tech, one MHS reunion, a couple of group retired-guy trips for “fishing” (spelled d-r-i-n-k-i-n-g)  and a brief visit near Mountain Home, Arkansas where he and Carole with friends over the years had enjoyed Gaston’s Fishing Resort on the White River.  In total, my time with Bill was relatively short, but the connection was genuine and spanned these almost 60 years. 

I learned from Carole today that Bill passed away this month, leaving us all with the memories we shared.  I don’t know what ever happened to Tinkerbelle, but I am proud to have known Bill, admired his relationship with Carole, and am lucky to have shared the adventures we lived.  I will miss him, but will enjoy the memories.  Thank you, Bill.