Charles Dana Pereau, BHS 1947

Charles Dana Pereau, BHS 1947

October 2, 1929 - October 26, 2024

"A life well lived." That is how the family describes their father, grandfather & great-grandfather. Chuck passed away on October 26, 2024 at the age of 95, surrounded by family and friends, including his wife of 75 years, Charla, and son-in-law, Denny Lombard, Burbank High School class 1967.

Following a career as an Los Angeles Fire Fighter, Chuck dedicated the rest of his life to serving the Christian mission he and Charla co-founded in Baja Mexico. In 1966 they formed Foundation For His Ministry in Vincente Guerrero, which eventually included an orphanage, hospital, K-12 school, plus fed and cared for children left alone in the encampments. Two additional missions were created n Oaxaca and Sinaloa, as well as transitional housing for young adults in Tijuana and housing to provide support for men following drug & addition recovery, release from prison &/or being deported from the US. Chuck made the 178 mile journey almost weekly to deliver truckloads of donations to the missions as long as he was able, and then he took charge of sending out their monthly newsletter ... truly a life well lived! 

Joy Raydene Fall Manley, BHS 1946

Joy Raydene Fall Manley, BHS 1946  

Coeur d’ Alene Press, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, Saturday, November 10, 1990

Joy R. Manley, 62, Post Falls, died Friday, November 9, 1990, at her home. Born May 18, 1928 in Glendale, California, to Howard and Gladys (Graham) Fall, she graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, California. In 1967, she moved to Coeur d’ Alene from Ontario, California, then later moved to Post Falls. She worked at Gridley’s Real Estate, Modern Drug and Montgomery Wards. She then worked at East Greenacres Irrigation District in Post Falls, then at Consolidated Irrigation District in Spokane Valley.

She was a member of Community Presbyterian Church, Post Falls. She was a member Soroptimist Club, Credit Women’s Association, Women Accountants, Historical Society and Genealogy Society. She was past guardian of Jobs Daughters Bethel 7, Coeur d’ Alene, and was accountant for Adoptions in Idaho.

Survivors include daughters Sharon Fultz and Susan Smith of Post Falls and Judy Linville of Coeur d’ Alene; brothers, Arthur Fall of Coeur d’ Alene and Wally Fall of Reseda, California; 25 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be 3 p.m. today at Forest Cemetery, Riverview Section; with the Rev. Patrick Mecham officiating. English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of North Idaho, 2003 Lincoln Way, Coeur d’ Alene or North Idaho Cancer Center, 700 Ironwood, Coeur d’ Alene, or Community Presbyterian Church building fund, Post Falls.

James Dean Lawson, BHS 1955

James Dean Lawson, BHS 1955

November 19, 1937 - April 11, 2025

Loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, James D. Lawson, and long-time resident of Acton, California, passed on to be with his Lord on April 11, 2025.

Known as "Jim", he was born on November 19,1937 in Glendale, California to Thomas W. and Lucill C. Lawson. He graduated from Burbank High School and was a 30-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department serving the citizens of the City of Los Angeles.

He married Rebecca J. Brown on March 15, 1957, and celebrated 61 years of marriage until Rebecca's passing on July 6, 2018.

In 1988 they built their retirement home in Acton, CA and lived there 35 years where they enjoyed their retirement.

Jim enjoyed working on cars and was a stock car racer (#57) at the Saugus Speedway in Newhall California, restoring old tools and equipment as well as his dogs, donkeys and chickens. He was quite the craftsman working with wood, being able to build decks, patio coverings, sheds and great skills in being able to take something old and broken only to make it new again.

He is survived by his children; daughter Renee, son, Jim; grandsons, Nick (his wife Hannah), Ian, James and Joseph; great-grandchildren; Gwyn, Logan and Jackson; brother in-law, Paul (his wife Julie) their children and grandchildren, sister in-law June, her children and grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Becky, his parents Thomas and Lucille Lawson, his brother Thomas Lawson and brother in-law, Steven M. Brown.

He is a descendant of the Lawson and Legro's family of Los Angeles however his family lineage is traced to Demark, Alsace Lorrain France, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Boston/Cambridge, Massachusetts before the family moved to Los Angeles in the late 1800's.

Dad is and will be greatly missed but he is now dancing with his Lord.

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 16, 2025.

Marlene Hill Sayre Shryock, BHS 1945

Marlene Hill Sayre Shryock, BHS 1945

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Marlene Hill Shryock of Newport Beach, California, died February 7, 2002 in Newport Beach, California, due to complications from cancer.

Marlene was born September 14, 1928 in Wellington to Rufford Wade and Ella Shimmin Hill. On July 4, 1955, she married Henry C. Coburn, later they divorced. They had one child, Henry Christopher, born July 17, 1956. On February 14, 1987, Marlene married Clifton Shryock Jr. in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. They made their home in Newport Beach, traveling extensively while Clif served as a judge at national and international Chow breed dog competition shows.

Marlene graduated from Burbank High School, attended Barbazon School of Modeling and later attended the RN School of Fashion Design in New York City. Her greatest joys in life came from her son, Chris, her family, church and friends. She was active in the LDS Church and enjoyed art and social activities. 

She is survived by son Henry Christopher (Sandra), Costa Mesa, California. She was preceded in death by beloved husband, Clifton Shryock, brother, Gary Norman Sayre; and parents.

Marlene will be missed by family, cousins and many friends. Funeral services Wednesday, February 13, 11 a.m., at the Newport Beach LDS Ward Chapel, California. Graveside services will be Saturday, February 16, noon, at Price City Cemetery. Friends and family may call at Mitchell Funeral Home one hour prior to services. Interment Price City Cemetery.

Robert (Bob) Escobar Jr., BHS 1955

Robert (Bob) Escobar Jr., BHS 1955

May 17, 1937 — April 10, 2025

Robert (Bob) Escobar Jr., age 87 of Gatesville, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Gatesville, Texas

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Scott’s Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Crosby officiating. Interment will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Bob was born on May 17, 1937, to the late Robert Escobar Sr. and Helen Ochoa Escobar in Whittier, California. He graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, California, before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1956. Serving as an In-Flight Avionics Maintenance Technician, Bob dedicated nearly two decades of his life to the military, a commitment he took great pride in until his retirement in August of 1975. His friends often remarked that he lived and breathed Navy, embodying the values and discipline instilled in him during his service.

On July 19, 1975, Bob married Helen Bechtohold in Northridge, California. Their union was marked by a love for adventure, as they embarked on motorcycle trips across the United States together, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime. After spending many years in Northridge, they moved to Gatesville in 2001, where Bob was an avid supporter of local law enforcement, generously volunteering his time in many different capacities. Bob never met a stranger and consistently offered his help and kindness to anyone in need.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marian Nelson, and his brother Robert “Chino” Escobar Jr. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 49 years, Helen Escobar; his stepson, Robert Logan; his grandson, Vaughan Logan; numerous cousins; and a wealth of friends who will always remember him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development Department, 875 N Randolph St, Suite 225, Arlington, Virginia 22203; or to the Gatesville Boys and Girls Club, 2533 E. Main Street, Gatesville, Texas 76528.

Published in Scott's Funeral Home, Gatesville, Texas, April 10, 2025

Maria (Maggie) Magdalena Gomez Sands, BHS 1949

Maria Magdalena Gomez Sands, BHS 1949 

August 19, 1930 - March 20, 2025

Maria M. (Maggie) Gomez Sands, a lifelong Burbank resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Born in El Paso, TX, she moved to Burbank at a young age and built a life filled with family and joy. 

Maria was free-spirited, the life of the party, and had an unbreakable bond with her siblings. She was ambitious, loving, and always made sure everyone felt comfortable and happy. She was blessed with a big family, having four children, six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored. 

One of her greatest achievements was working at The El Chiquito and eventually owning the restaurant alongside her siblings, creating a place filled with love, community, and lots of fun. She touched countless lives with her generosity and warmth, from her Burbank High School days to her beloved holiday tradition of collecting Santas. Though she will be deeply missed, her love and spirit will live on in all who knew her.

Maria M. Sands passed away about 2 weeks ago on March 20, 2025 at the age of 94. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family. She lived a long and amazing life, and she often talked about how great her High School years were. She made many lifetime friends because of BHS and always shared those memories. 

News article on her Santa collection Link

NOTE: When I first started attending the Senior Bulldog Lunches, Maggie Gomez was always in attendence. I was always the younest and I asked Maggie what year she graduated from and she said 1949 and I laughed and told her that was the year I was born. She said you make me feel old and we had a good laugh. There was a news article in the Burbank newspaer on her Santa collection and she had a copy and was showing it to everyone. She was very proud of her collection. I am glad that I got to meet her as she was the sweetest and nicest person. I bet she is in heaven starting a new Santa collection in heaven. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Valois Jean Smith Gilbert, BHS 1947

Valois Jean Smith Gilbert, BHS 1947

Orange County Register, May 8, 2008

Valois Jean Gilbert, was born in Ohio on February 15, 1930 and went to meet the Lord in her Costa Mesa home on April 30, 2008. She spent her childhood in Burbank, California, graduating from Burbank High School in 1947. 

While attending Southern California College she met her husband Dean. They had two sons, Stephen and Gary. After college Jean and Dean both began teaching jobs in Costa Mesa. They built their first home there together in 1953. After retiring from teaching they devoted their time to traveling and doing missionary work in Papua New Guinea. 

Jean was a tireless worker who spent hours gardening and canning, doing volunteer work with the women of her church, and lovingly serving her family which included 6 grandchildren, Adrianne, Rachel, Lauri, John, Judah and Hosanna as well as 2 great-grandchildren, Tristan and Rainer.

She loved boating and camping, traveling and sewing. She loved knitting and shopping for bargains. She loved to share her home and meals with others. She loved Jesus and her family and her life was an example to all who knew her. For all these things and all that she was she will be missed and remembered with fondness and love.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Harbor Lawn-Mt Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa (Harbor Blvd and Gisler Ave), followed by a 2:00 p.m. Memorial service at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa (Fairview Rd and Sunflower Ave). Arrangements under the direction of Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park and Mortuary in Costa Mesa.

James Lee (Jim) Haws, BHS 1977

James Lee (Jim) Haws, BHS 1977

3/12/1959 - 3/15/2025

It’s with heavy heart that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Haws who passed peacefully in his sleep on March 15, 2025 in Palmdale, California.

Jim grew up in Burbank, California, and attended Horace Mann, John Muir and Burbank High School, Class of 1977. Jim was a carpet installer for many years and later in life worked as a lighting electrician for the studios. He was a member of IATSE Local 728 in Burbank.

Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting and going on rides on his Harley motorcycle. In his retirement, he was a longtime member of the Moose Lodge 507 and spent many summers running the firework concessions for the lodge in Palmdale.

Jim’s wife Courtnay preceded him in death in 2023. He is survived by his father Glen, his brother John and sister-in-law Kathy, Brother Bob and sister-in-law Terrie and his sister Linda (Wright) and brother-in-law Mark. He had 7 nieces and nephews and 8 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Published in Burbank Leader

Victoria Kathleen Esra Echols, BHS 1994

Victoria Kathleen Esra Echols, BHS 1994

November 8, 1976 – March 13, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Victoria Kathleen Echols on March 13, 2025. Born on November 8, 1976, in California, Victoria was a bright light in the lives of her family and friends. She grew up in Burbank, CA, and graduated from Burbank High School in 1994 where she enjoyed cheerleading and swimming. Creative and passionate about design, she pursued higher education at Brooks College, a design school in California, where she earned an Associate Degree in 1998.

Victoria built a career in the furniture and textile industry, where her keen eye for design and dedication to her work left a lasting impact. She contributed her talents to several companies, including Minson Corporation; Tropitone Furniture; Trivantage, LLC; Outdura , ultimately ending up as the Director of Outdoor Sales for Revolution Fabrics. Known for her creativity, commitment, and the friends she developed during her career, her passion was connecting people in the industry.

A Life of Love and Family

More than anything, Victoria’s true passion in life was her family and her friends. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished daughter, adoring grandmother, and a passionate friend who always put the needs of her loved ones first. She found immense joy in spending time with her family, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Victoria is survived by her husband, Bryan Echols, and their four beloved children:

Madison Bolt

Maverick Bilsky

Chandler Echols

Gabrielle Yow

She was a proud and loving grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren:

Beau Echols

Cassie Yow

Wyatt Echols

Victoria’s family also includes her dear parents, brother, and her extended family:

Susan Dawson

Gerald Esra

Kathleen Esra

Phil Esra

Megan Bergkessel (sister-in-law)

Rebecca-Lynne Echols (daughter-in-law)

Orion Yow (son-in-law)

Jacob DeWitt (Madison’s boyfriend) 

Her kindness, love, and unwavering support made her the heart of the family, and she was always the first to offer a listening ear, a warm embrace, or words of encouragement.

A Legacy of Strength and Kindness

Victoria had an incredible ability to make people feel valued and loved. She was someone you could always count on—whether for advice, a good laugh, or a shoulder to lean on. Her presence lit up every room, and her laughter was infectious. She enjoyed design, anything creative, and spending time outdoors, often finding joy in life’s simple moments. Her family will forever cherish the memories of her warm hugs, her passion for life, and the unwavering support she provided to everyone she loved. 

Victoria’s love, kindness, and strength will remain in our hearts forever. While she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those she touched. 

For service information see link below:

https://everloved.com/life-of/victoria-echols/

Debra Jean Baumgartner May, BHS 1969

Debra Jean Baumgartner May, BHS 1969

Debi (Baumgartner) May went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. 

Debbie was born on December 12, 1950 in Glendale, California. She graduated from Burbank High School in 1969 before coming to Denton, Texas in 1970. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Millie Baumgartner, and her brother, Rev. John D. Baumgarnter. 

She is survived by her husband of Michael, as well as four children and their spouses, David (Terah) of Irving, Rebecca (Jared) of Denton, Jennifer (Brandon) of Denton, and Melissa (Matt) of Denton; nine grandchildren – Nicholas, Mackenzie & Karleigh Johnson, Nathan & Sarah St. John, William & Ashley Fowler, Marcus Tolson, Marley Basham; and one great-grandson, Jesse Johnson.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 15 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery funeral home, 705 N. Locust St. Funeral service will Thursday, September 16 at 10 a.m. at Central Baptist Church, 2221 N. Carroll Blvd.