Tag Archives: Class of 1952

Donald F “Don” Dill — Class of 1952

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Donald Frederick Dill

1933 – 2026

Donald F. Dill, a  standout athlete of the Trona High School Class of 1952, passed away in February 2026. News of his passing was shared by his wife, Roberta, through the Searles Valley Historical Society newsletter.

A Life of Leadership and Athletics

Don’s journey in Trona began around 1948, when he moved from Michigan with his parents, and sister. His parents were originally from Canada. He quickly became a fixture of Trona High School life, where his natural leadership and athletic prowess were on full display.

A versatile and gifted athlete, Don was a four-year letterman in both Football and Baseball, while also competing on the basketball and track teams. His peers recognized his character and vision early on, electing him Class President for both his junior and senior years. Don also helped preserve the memories of his classmates by serving as the Sports Editor for the 1952 yearbook.

Family and Legacy

Don was preceded in death by his brother, Lloyd, and his nephew, Ron (Class of 1961). He is survived by:

  • His beloved wife, Roberta.

  • His sister, Marjorie Brooks (Class of 1953).

Don will be remembered by the Trona community as a man who embodied the spirit of his graduating class—active, involved, and always ready to lead. His legacy remains a part of the long history of Trona High School and preserved in the hearts of those who knew him.

Leonard Terral — Class of 1952

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Leonard was born November 8, 1932 and passed away May 10, 2023. Today I noticed that his email address was no longer valid and I decided to investigate. I cannot tell you much about Leonard except that he lived in Ridgecrest and that I was good friends with his nephew, Chuck Terral before he moved to Bloomington, California.

Leonard’s picture wasn’t in the 1952 yearbook so I am assuming he left school to join the Army.

It is better late than never. My condolences to his family.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/254432075/leonard-garner-terral

John Marshall

John W Marshall — Class of 1952

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We just received word from someone that John Marshall has passed away.

John’s father was an electrician @ Westend. His sister, Viola (1930-2018), class of 1948 married Edward Fair, son of Tiny Fair. John’s sister, Jeanne (Marshall) Olsen (1927-1996) was in the class of 1949, and his sister, Dorothy (Marshall) Park (1937-2007) was in the class of 1955.

John Webster Marshall passed away on September 2, 2023 with his beloved wife of 64 years, Beverly at his side, John was born on April 8, 1934 in Lone Pine, California to John Webster Marshall and Rosella Merrick Marshall. He and his three sisters were raised in Cartago, California. John had many fond memories of growing up in this desert area. He graduated from Trona High School in 1952.

John served in the United State Air force, after which he graduated from California State University, Fresno with an engineering degree. He met Beverly, the love of his life, at Fresno State and married in 1959. Their son, Scott, joined the family in 1970.

John was a gifted engineer and problem solver. He worked for the State of California and Owens Illinois Glass before joining The Dow Chemical Company. During his 30-year career, leading manufacturing operations with Dow, he worked at the Pittsburg, California and Plaquemine, Louisiana manufacturing plants. In addition, he led the design and construction of a plant in Bahia, Brazil in the mid 1970’s and served as manager of various departments at the Freeport, Texas site. John loved his work and was a respected colleague, an expert in his field, an admired leader and a valued friend. John is also remembered for mentoring young engineers and as a visionary in encouraging women to become engineers.

After retirement, John enjoyed spending time with Beverly and Scott, as well as other family members and friends. He and Beverly traveled extensively, including many river cruises in Europe. John also enjoyed motorcycle trips with friends and skiing with Beverly, and he enjoyed sailing as a captain of yachts in the Virgin Islands for many years. Additionally, after retirement from Dow, John used his expertise to consult for several large chemical manufacturing companies including corporations in Japan.

John was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Jeanne Olson, Viola Fair and Dorothy Park.

He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly of Lake Jackson, Texas; son, Scott of Rosharon, Texas; sister-in-law, Karen Smith (Rick); brother-in-law, Edward Fair; special friends, Charles Raynor and Perry Hallmark and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. He was a beloved and admired member of his family and will be missed greatly by family and friends.

Kenneth “Leroy” Bradburn — Class of 1952

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Kenneth “Leroy” Bradburn, age 81, life long resident of Elwood, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2015, at his residence surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness.  Leroy was born on January 31, 1934, in Elwood to Kenneth Greenstreet and Doris (Hicks) Bradburn.  Leroy was retired from Continental Can of Elwood after 22 years and later retired from Chrysler Corp. after 19 years.  Leroy was a veteran of the US Army, member of the Daleville American Legion, and the Elwood Elks.  He enjoyed wood working, golfing, and fishing.
Leroy is survived by his loving Wife, Shirley (Browning) Bradburn of Elwood, Son, Gene Bradburn of Elwood, four Daughters, Bobbi Fanning, Tracy (Fred) Albers, Kimberly Boes, and Robin (Bill) Copeland all of Elwood, eleven Grandchildren, Leslie, Brian, and Ryan Fanning, Holly (Ryan) Abbott, Michelle Albers, Lacey Copeland, Cole Bradburn, Jack Bradburn, Tori Clough, Misty Bradfield, and Jessica Hendrix, 11 Great Grandchildren, Sister,  Joyce Call of Elwood, Several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Leroy was preceded in death by his Parents, Brother, Gene Greenstreet (Class of 1951), Sister, Linda, Brother in law, Ralph Call, and a  Daughter in law, Michelle Bradburn.

A Celebration of Life Funeral service will be at 3:00 pm Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Dunnichay Funeral Home, Elwood, Indiana.  Burial will be at a later date.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 10, 2015, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, at Dunnichay Funeral Home, 1113 S. Anderson Street, Elwood, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Animal Shelter.

Sharing memories and online condolences can be given at www.dunnichayfuneralhome.com

Note: Leroy’s family left Trona in 1950 so Leroy and Gene did not graduate from Trona High School.