Jewell R. Laine (1888-1961) and Willie Dee Montgomery Laine moved to Spur in January 1910. They were married in Fisher county in May 1907 and had resided in Dickens in 1908 and 1909. J.R. drove a mail hack from Dickens to Guthrie. Their daughter, Clarice, was born in Dickens on April 18, 1909. The Laines were true pioneers in Spur, which was less than three months old at the time of their arrival, and were active in the building of the community. J.R. was a member of the Knights of Pythias. In the early days, he was a volunteer fireman in the "bucket brigade." He was a painter by trade and helped build many homes, school, and churches throughout the county. His Irish wit matched his red hair, and he was well liked by young and old and among all citizens. A special prayer service held by his colored friends during his terminal illness was evidence of his esteem by them. He loved sports - especially hunting, fishing and football. He was happiest when on a camping trip with Boy Scouts or other youth groups. He served as a member of the Official Board of First Methodist Church for many years.Mrs. Laine taught a Sunday School class in the Children's Department for over 50 years. Her pupils included the first, second, and third generations of some pioneer families. She is a life member of W.S.C.S and is still active in that organization. She proudly boasts that all three of her children and two granddaughters were honor graduates of Spur High School.
Clarice Laine graduated from Spur High School in 1925 as class Salutatorian. She attended McMurry College, Abilene and texas Tech, Lubbock. She was married to L.A. (Jack) Thannisch on Aug. 24, 1926, and he passed away June 24, 1927. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Thannisch of the Wichita Commuunity. On March 24, 1932, Clarice was married to Horace B. Wood.
Morris C. Laine, better known as Tanner (B.) 1913, was Valedictorian of the class of 1931 Spur High School. During his high school days, he was editor of "The Rowell", and won honors in debate, extemporaneous speaking, track, and football. He attended Southern Methodist University of Dallas, and graduated from Texas Tech. He did graduate work at Highlands University, Las Vegas, New Mexico. He servede in the U.S. Army Air Force during W.W.II, and was stationed in England as a Captain in Public Relations Dept. with a P51 Fighter Group. He is Regional Editor on the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. Tanner Laine is author of a recent book "Campfire Stories", a collection of stories and legends of Dickens Co. and this section of West Texas. He and his wife Marjorie and their son Tanner live in Lubbock.
William (Bill) Jewell Laine attended Teas Tech College following graduation from Spur High School where he played in the band and played basketball. Following W.W.II, during which time he served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a gunner with a Bomber Squadron based in England, he returned to college and received his B.B.A. degree. He is married to Marie Whitwell and they with their chldren Nancy and Jim live in Ft. Worth. Bill is a finance department head with Texas Elecric Co.
The Laine home in Spur is 620 N. Parker where Mrs. J.R. Laine still resides in the third house they have had on the same lot for 50 years.
The Laines gave much to Spur and Spur gave much to them during the period 1910-1966.
Funeral services for J.R. Laine, 74, were held Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. in the First Methodist Church, Rev. William McReynolds, officiating.Mr. Laine, who had been ill for some time, died January 7th.
Born October 12, 1886, he came to Spur and Dickens County in 1910, shortly after the town was founded. He married the former Miss Willie Dee Montogomery in McCauley, Texas in 1907. He was a member of the Methodist Church. He worked for many years as a painting contractor and was retired at the time of his death.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. J. R. Laine; one daughter, Mrs. Horace Wood, Spur; two sons, Tanner Laine, Lubbock, and W.J. Laine, Fort Worth. One brother and one sister also survive. They are Morris Laine, California and Mrs. Turie Stephenson, Houston.
Six grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive.
Pallbearers included D.J. Dyess, Frank Watson, Clarence Foreman, George Link, Dr. Bob Alexander and Bill R. Barrett.
The Roundup SS Class served as honorary pallbearers.
Interment was in Spur Cemetery.
©The Texas Spur, January 12, 1961
from the records of Lillian Grace Nay
© Dickens County Historical Commission 1997-2022
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