News

Michael Emmett Purl (70)

Michael Emmett Purl (70) died August 16, 2017, at home surrounded by his loving family after a short and courageous battle with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease. Michael was born December 22, 1946 in Madera, California to Mary Grace Leggett and Emmett Purl, Jr. He graduated from Madera Union High School Class of 1964. Many of his classmates were his lifelong friends. While in high school, he was in the band under Mr. Allen Harkins playing the clarinet and the saxophone, and was the drum major for the “Showband of the Valley” leading the band in statewide parades.

Michael attended Fresno State College and graduated in 1967 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. He began his broadcasting career doing voiceovers of the Sunday comics on KMJ while still in college. During college, he took a job at KFSN Channel 30, working his way up from floor man to news director. He successfully implemented the format of Action News.

Glenn Mays (84)

Glenn Mays (84), a native of Huntington Beach, CA and a resident of Madera County for 70 years, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2017 in Coarsegold, CA. He was in logistics and a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, a member of the Madera V.F.W. and Madera Noon Lions Club. He was also the Veteran Service Officer and Public Guardian Administrator for Madera County.

Glenn is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pauline Mays of Coarsegold, CA. 2 daughters: Glenna Gaugel and her husband Gerhard and Andrea Mrosko and her husband, Dave all of Bakersfield, CA. He is also survived by his grandchildren: John Gaugel and his wife Elaina, Marlena Gaugel, Matt, Amanda and Zac Mrosko and 1 great granddaughter, Hannah Gaugel.

Madeline Mary Medellin (89)

Madeline Medellin (89), lifelong resident of Madera, CA wife to Martin for over 69 years, mother to daughters Toni and Judie and son Reg passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on Friday, August 11, 2017. Madeline was a professional cosmetologist who owned and operated Madeline’s Beauty Salon for over fifty years forging many friendships and cultivating the careers of coworkers.

She took great pride in her all-female business and its contribution to economic development to downtown Madera in the 60’s – 70’s. In contrast to her busy professional life she took great comfort in her passion for gardening and took great pleasure in providing fruits and vegetables for her family and friends. A woman of many strengths and opinions she never shied away from a good debate on political, social or personal issues with friends or acquaintances -- which were a draw for her husband, Martin whom she met post-WWII while he was on leave. It was a match that lasted for over 69 years. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Marc Erwin Garner II (36)

Marc Erwin Garner II (36) was unexpectedly called home to his Lord following a traffic accident in Fresno on August 1, 2017. He came into this world on September 24, 1980 in San Diego. He graduated from Chowchilla Union High School in 1998 where he met his best friend of 22 years and future wife Christina Soltau.

The two were married in 2005 and began a family with the birth of their two daughters, Abbigail and Allison. Their family would continue to grow when they received guardianship of their two nieces and nephew. Marc took a particular joy in spending time with all his children.

Linda K. Whistler (72)

Linda K. Whistler, 72 passed away peacefully at the Carmel Village Senior Living in Clovis, CA on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. Linda was born on February 22, 1945 in Independence, KS to Herbert and Evelyn Whistler.

Her family moved to Hanford in 1958 where Linda attended Woodrow Wilson Junior High School and graduated from Hanford Union High School in 1963. She was employed as a secretary with several businesses in Fresno until she was hired at the Valley Medical Center in the payroll dept. and later with Fresno Community Hospital.

Gerald L. Purcell (70)

Gerald L. Purcell (70), passed away on Thursday morning, June 29, 2017 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center of Fresno, California following a brief illness. Gerald a resident of Madera, California since 1978 was the owner and operator of Newton Property Management in Madera, and was a former long - time resident of Salinas. Gerald was born in Salinas California in 1947 to Lyle and Margene Purcell.

Gerald received is education in Salinas, graduating from Salinas High School and later attended Hartnell College. He served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Alaska. Completing his military service he returned to Salinas and later married Vicki Bayless in 1974. Gerald was an avid Street Rod enthusiast and had many friends nationwide who shared his passion for the sport.

Woody Miller: Fresno’s First Black Radio Station Owner Passes

FRESNO – The life of Mr. De Arthur Woodrow “Woody” Miller, the Valleys first Black radio station owner and radio personality, is being celebrated by the African-American community Saturday, June 24,at the Fresno’s African American museum.

Woody Miller, owner and founder of Fresno’s first soul and RnB radio station KLIP 1220 AM in the 1960’s, is considered a statewide media icon. Mr. Miller died on May 13 at 89 years of age of Alzheimer’s disease.