News

Thomas Gutierrez “Tommy Gun”, resident of Madera, CA passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at the age of 27. He was born March 4, 1992, to Tommy Gutierrez, Jr, and Stephanie Valenzuela in Fresno, California.

Thomas, better known by most as Tommy Gun, graduated from Madera High South Campus. He loved playing baseball and was on numerous teams throughout his life. Tommy Gun was a huge fan of the Raiders, the Lakers and the Dodgers.

Neil Ellwood Peart, (67) was a Canadian musician and writer best known as the drummer and primary lyricist of the rock band Rush. Peart received numerous awards for his musical performances, including an induction into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1983, making him the youngest person ever so honored. His drumming was renowned for its technical proficiency, and his live performances for their exacting nature and stamina.

Peart grew up in Port Dalhousie, Ontario (now part of St. Catharines). During adolescence, he floated between regional bands in pursuit of a career as a full-time drummer. After a discouraging stint in England to concentrate on his music, Peart returned home, where he joined Rush, a Toronto band, in mid-1974.

Carol Sue Martin (49) a native of Fresno and a 40 year resident of Madera, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2020, at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno.

Carol attended Madera Schools, including Webster School in the Ranchos and later graduated from Madera High School with the Class of 1988. Carol was an employee of Valley Children’s Hospital for 14 years, most recently as a Lab Technician. Carol enjoyed her work at Valley Children’s and the friendships of her co-workers.

Samantha Lilly Martinez (20) from Madera California passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2019. She was the oldest daughter of Isaac and Victoria Martinez.

Samantha graduated from Madera South High School in 2017. She had an adventurous spirit and lived life to the fullest, creating laughter wherever she went. Sam will be greatly missed by all who came in contact with her.

Paul Thomas “Bud” Sanders (81), a former Madera City Council member and mayor of Madera, died Dec. 6, 2019, after having suffered from a lung illness of long duration. Mr. Sanders was born on May 10, 1938, in Blytheville, Arkansas. 

He married Pamela Gordon in October 1960, and they were married for 59 years. They had four children. Mr. Sanders was proud of his military service, having served in both the Army and Navy. Mr. Sanders moved with his family to Madera in December 1967 after being transferred with the California Highway Patrol (CHP).  He worked in the Madera CHP office for 19 years.

Edgar “Ed” Thomasson (89) passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2019, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fresno after a brief illness. Ed’s parents Joseph S. Thomasson and Lillie Belle Rowe married in 1915 in Hastings, Oklahoma and moved to California in 1916 where they farmed and owned a dairy. Ed was born on October 11, 1930, and grew up on the family farm along with his older brother Joe. Ed attended local schools and graduated from Madera High School in 1949. He was athletic and participated in track events.

Ed and Barbara (Simmons) met in Madera and were married on Feb 5, 1966. They loved U.S. and Civil War history and traveled frequently especially in the Southern and Eastern United States. His question was always “where are we going next?”. Special friends, Janet and Ken Seibert frequently traveled companions. We cherished sharing time together with them “on the road” and at home with their children Kyle, Mandy, and Shane.