News

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.

Oscar Chapa Sr (83)

Oscar Chapa Sr (83), of Madera, CA, passed away Monday, June 19, 2017 at a Fresno hospital. Oscar was born in Laredo, TX, but lived in Madera for the last 70 years. He was a retired clerk for Safeway working in Madera and Fresno for 41 years. Oscar was a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church in Madera and he served in the National Guard.

Oscar is survived by his wife of 61 years, Olivia Chapa of Madera, 4 children: Oscar Chapa Jr. of Madera; Elsa Razo of Madera; Bobby Chapa of Morro Bay, CA and Fred Chapa of Fresno, CA, 1 brother: Eddie Chapa of Madera and 3 sisters: Mary Chavira of Madera; Yolanda Chavira of Fresno and Irma Gaither of Merced, CA. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Former Big Top & Sub Shop Owner Passes: Jack Johnson at 85

Jack Johnson (85), beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend passed away on June 4, 2017 at the age of 85. He was born on February 21, 1932 in Mississippi to Eloise and Lemmie Johnson.

Jack is survived by his wife, Gay, daughter and son-in-law, Nanette and Jack Bigus and son, Greg Johnson. Jack is preceded in death by his parents and eight of his siblings and is survived by his brother, Johnnie Johnson.

Ronald Leon Koop (79)

Ronald Leon Koop (79) was born on February 14, 1938 in Enid Oklahoma; he passed away on June 7, 2017 in Fresno, California at the age of 79. Born to Abraham and Anna Koop, Abraham was also known as A.P. Koop. Ron was the youngest of five children who have predeceased him.

A.P. Koop worked for Union Equity as a grain elevator operator, and on weekends, he developed his evangelistic ministry. Ron and his brother, Marvin, moved with their parents to Fresno for a year, and then the family moved to Winton. Ron gave his life to the Lord and was baptized in Winton, where his Dad was a minister.

Long Time Supporter of Education Passes at 83: BJ Robinson

Benard Robinson (83), also known by many as “Jake” or “BJ”, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2017 in Madera. BJ was a very well-known member of the Madera Community. He was a member of the 2nd Missionary Baptist Church in Madera for many years. BJ was also involved with Kiwanis, the NAACP, Chairman of the Deacon Board, and a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Madera.

BJ also served as a member on the Madera Unified Board of Trustees for many years. Before his retirement, BJ worked for Vintage Buick as a Parts Manager for almost 40 years. The impact he had on the community of Madera will never be forgotten. In 2007, the Gymnasium at Thomas Jefferson Middle School was named after him.

Local Race Car Driver and Farmer Bobby Trigueiro Passes

CARUTHERS - Robert “Bobby” Edward Trigueiro was born January 2, 1942 in Fresno, Ca. and passed away May 1, 2017 in Caruthers, his hometown his entire life. Bobby at the time of his death, was the owner of Bob Trigueiro Custom Farming specializing in Hay Harvesting. Previously, Bobby was partners with his brother Larry, who preceded him in death in December of 2000. They farmed their own ground, as well as doing custom work for various customers for 40 years.

Bobby and Larry also had Trigueiro Brothers Racing, which was famous first in California short track racing then in the later years on national circuits. Their cars were famous for their color orange, and the #1 they carried. The Trigueiro Bros. cars were known to be fast and look as good as any of the cars in the pits.

Gregory Gleichweit (87)

Greg Gleichweit (87) was born on May 10, 1929 to George and Mildred Gleichweit in Madera; he passed away on, April 7, 2017 at the age of 87 in Fresno. He attended Lincoln Grammar School, and graduated from Madera High School class of 1949.

After a course of study at the Brooks Institute of Photography, he began a short career as a photographer. This ended when he enlisted in the Army, and became a Radio Teletype Equipment Repairman. When he was discharged from service, he began repairing radios and televisions, eventually opening his own shop.