Nov. 10, 2001, which was also their 38th anniversary
I hadn't seen or heard from Cygni since graduation. After just completing extensive research on her parents, I found both died in Harlingen, Texas, her mother in 1995. I hope to have that obituary in the next few weeks which should indicate who Cygni married and where she lived in 1995.
I found some very interesting information on her father. Her father was Naval Aviator #133. I found an article where he was testing a seaplane in 1933 for recovery by battleships. (The plane was catapulted from the battleship)
How did I learn all of this, when all I knew about Cygni was that she lived around Orange Beach? I spoke with Godbee Smith who lived at Orange Beach. He confirmed that she lived by Alabama Point and that her father was an officer in the Navy.
Reading all of the old Onlookers from May 1959 to May 1961, I found no record of her going into the service (which we think she did) or to college. It is assumed that she did go to college, then the military.
I then decided to find out her parents name for further research. There are no old phone books at the library, museum, or phone company. I went to Bay Minette and looked for land records or deeds indicating the sale of their property. I found that they sold the property in July, 1963 and that her parent's names were George A. Ott and Alpha Harper Ott. From that, I found the above Navy records.
Searching the Social Security death records, I first looked for the unusual name, Alpha Ott and found her death in Harlingen, TX in 1995. I then looked for a George Ott that also died there, and bingo! Found it. That provided confirmation that her parents died in Harlingen, Texas.
I contacted the public library in Harlingen yesterday, and obtained a copy of the her mother's obituary. That provided Cygni's married name and location. I contacted her, and here we are.
August 22, 2002 Information received from Cygni
After graduation, I attended Judson College, traveled to Mexico with my parents, and then joined the U.S.Marine Corps. Upon completion of training I was stationed at the Marine Corps Recruite Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
I met my future husband there. He was a Primary Marksmanship Instructor. We were married at the base chapel. I became pregnant and left the Marine Corps. Our first son Charles (Chuck) was born at Parris Island. Our next duty station was Camp Lejuene, N.C. From there Delbert (he goes by his middle name �Ray�) received his orders for Vietnam. He brought me to Texas to stay near my parents. Upon arrival in Texas, we discovered our second child was on the way. George Andrew (Andy) was born halfway into Ray�s first tour of duty in Vietnam.
When Ray returned from Vietnam, he was ordered back to 2nd. Recon Bn., Camp Lejeune, N.C. for two years. Then Ray received orders back to Vietnam where he served with the 3rd Recon Bn., while I came back to Texas to be near my parents. Ray�s 2nd enlistment ended at the same time his 2nd tour in Vietnam did. He got out and we settled here in Harlingen, Texas (near Brownsville)
The Rio Grande Valley has been very good to us. We raised and educated our two sons, and Ray has been successful in the business world. He is the General Manager of a Chrysler Dodge Kia dealership. Our son Andy is in Federal Law Endorcement and his wife is in banking. They have a daughter 14 and a son 4. They live near by so I have many chances to spoil them. Chuck is a master welder, married to a computer company executive. They have a daughter age 5 and live in the Austin area.
As for myself, most of the time I have been �my children�s mom�. along with some teaching, office work and helping my husband with his business ventures. Now I just endeavor to be the best grandmother I can.
Last November 10 (2001), Ray and I received a great honor. We were invited to be the �Guests of Honor� and Ray was the Guest Speaker at the 226th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, held on South Padre Island by the Marines of Charlie Company, 1st. Bn., 23rd Marines. It was a night we will long remember. Ray told the Marines that on that same night 38 years earlier, at the Marine Ball at Parris Island, he ask me to marry him. He said, "I guess she said yes since she is here beside me tonight".
