Local family helmed EDN for 80 years
By Randy Bigham
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of The Ennis Daily News, and as readers and advertisers reflect on the importance of the local newspaper to the life of the Bluebonnet City, many are recalling the Gentry-Nowlin families, who have been associated with the publication for almost its entire history.
“I lived out of state for many years but grew up in Ennis,” Clare Johnston recalled. “And I remember the Gentrys very well. They were not just owners of the paper. They really were part of the community, involved in everything.”
Longtime publisher Charles E. Gentry passed away at the age of 88 in 2012, after more than 45 years of service to his community, accomplishing good work that extended far beyond his position with The Ennis Daily News. His wife, the former Mary Helen Nowlin, is still a beloved figure who has also been active locally for nearly her entire life, not only as a column writer and editor but as a member and officer of many civic, cultural and charitable organizations.
“Ennis is a great place to live and we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Mary Helen Gentry said recently.
In 2008 Charles and Mary Helen Gentry were honored for their support of Ennis with the Outstanding Citizen/Community Builder Award, presented by Ennis Masonic Lodge #369. At that time, Masonic officials told the EDN that there were no more deserving people in Ennis to receive the honor than the Gentrys.
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Posted by Justin Tubbs
on Jun 25 2016. Filed under Business, City news, News.
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