Past High Priest Amos B. McCluney III was born on August 19, 1965, in Wilmington, Delaware, into a Christian family and was raised by parents devoted to serving God and others. He graduated from Howard Career Center in 1983, where he excelled in football and track. He later attended North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in electrical engineering, and Vista College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Trades Management. He married his college sweetheart, Vickie, and together they have celebrated 35 years of marriage. They are the proud parents of three daughters and grandparents to one beautiful granddaughter.
PHP McCluney entered the United States Army in March 1988 as a Power Generator Equipment Repairer and retired in June 2012 after more than 24 years of honorable service to the Nation. Throughout his military career, he served in numerous locations and deployed multiple times in support of Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Mechanics Badge, Wheeled Driver’s Badge, and the prestigious Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe Award.
During his tenure as Excellent High Priest (King), he helped establish the Annual Appreciation Banquet and continued the tradition of activities such as PHAmily and Friends, the Annual Christmas Party, and the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. PHP McCluney was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Henry U. Ayres Lodge No. 120 in Würzburg, Germany (Maryland jurisdiction), and later demitted into Sunset Lodge No. 76 in El Paso, Texas, where he served as Worshipful Master from 2010 to 2011. He is also a member of DeMolay Commandery No. 22 (Eminent Commander 2018–2021), Rio Grande Consistory, Crenshaw Commanders of the Rite, Lemuel L. Raynor Council No. 8, Oro Temple No. 9 A.E.A.O.N.M.S., and the Dr. William O. Jones Class of 2015 Grand Inspectors General. He is also a member of The Military Order of the Purple Heart “Lone Star” Chapter 393.
PHP McCluney remains active in the York Rite, serving as King of RAC No. 90, Captain of the Guard for Lemuel L. Raynor Council No. 8, Treasurer of DeMolay Commandery No. 22, and Chaplain of Sunset Lodge No. 76. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, and his hobbies include reading, working on cars, and woodworking.
Companion Curtis L. Smith is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the oldest of Dorothy Patterson’s six children. He graduated from Gordon H. Garrett High School in North Charleston, South Carolina. He attended Troy University obtaining an Associate in General Education and has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Park University. He has three children Laiyah Smith, Landon Smith, and Tyler Woods.
Companion Smith entered the United States Army on August 13, 1992, as a Motor Transport Operation and retired on August 31, 2016, with 24 Years of military service which includes his reserve time. He served in the following combat campaigns Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. He is a two-time Bronze Star Medal Award recipient, two-time Meritorious Service Medal Award recipient, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Award recipient just to name a few of his awards.
Companion Smith was raised as a Prince Hall Affiliated Master Mason on November 9, 2009, at Providence Wing Lodge No.229 in Newport News, VA, and demitted into Pride of the West Lodge No.53 in El Paso, TX in April of 2014. Currently holds the seat of Worshipful Master. He became a member of El Paso Holy Royal Arch Chapter No.90 in May of 2012 (El Paso, TX). He is also a member of L.G. Raynor Council No.8 Royal (El Paso, TX) Royal and Select Masters; Demolay Commandery No.22 (El Paso, TX); Rio Grande Consistory No.24 (El Paso, TX); Oro Temple No.9.
His Masonic titles and accomplishments include Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, Pride of the West Lodge No.53; Captain of the Host 2013, Royal Arch Captain 2014, Scribe 2015, and King 2016-2021, El Paso Holy Royal Arch Ch.90; Junior Warden 2014, Captain General 2015 and Generalissimo 2016, Demolay Commandery No.22; Oro Temple No.9 Oriental Guide 2013, High Priest and Prophet 2014, Assistant Rabban 2015, Illustrious Potentate 2016, 2018, 2019, Legion of Honor Recipient 2020. Currently serves as the Imperial Deputy of the Oasis of El Paso.
Community awards and titles include the Points of Light community Service Award, El Paso Community College Diversity and Inclusion Council Member, El Paso Inter-Club Council Secretary.
Past High Priest William J. Mikels was born on March 27, 1984, in Inverness, Florida. He was raised in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida, by his parents, James and Charlotte Mikels, alongside his three siblings: Jamie, Tricia, and Sarah. In 2002, he graduated from South Sumter High School in Bushnell, Florida, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army, where he continues to serve on active duty. Over the past 20 years, William has had the opportunity to travel the world, defend this Nation, and contribute to the welfare of communities across the globe.
While serving in the Army, he pursued higher education through American Military University. After many years of service and multiple deployments, he proudly earned his Bachelor of Science in Operations Management with a Minor in Psychology from AMU. William has served with distinction as Excellent High Priest of El Paso Holy Royal Arch Chapter No. 90 for four years. He is also an active member of numerous organizations and fraternities in Texas, Florida, and Georgia—each committed to strengthening communities, mentoring future leaders, and advancing knowledge for the betterment of humanity.
He remains deeply involved in outreach programs and charitable efforts both locally and internationally, striving to leave the world better than he found it.
EHP Dax D. Thomas was born September 9, 1980 in the city of Joliet, IL. He was born to Thurman and Linda Thomas with sister Missina. He is married to Priscilla Rivas, of El Paso, TX and has two children. He graduated from the Ministerial Excellence Christian Academy of Mackinaw, IL, in 1998. He joined the United States Army in July 2000 out of St. Louis, MO, and separated in 2013 after 12 years of service. He’s currently a studying for his B.S. in Social Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice at Park University, El Paso. He was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason April 23, 2011 at Pride of the West Lodge No. 53, F&AM. One year later he was Exalted to Companion of Holy Royal Arch degree in El Paso Chapter No. 90. He’s enjoys reading history, science, culture and law works of many authors, listening to many genres of music, and art. He looks to better himself and help others each and everyday.
PHP Dennis J. Elder was born on January 17, 1978. He was born and raised in Montgomery Alabama. He has one sister and four brothers. He graduated high school in 1995. He joined the military in June 1997 and attended Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) as a 63B Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic in Fort Jackson South Carolina. He earned a Master’s of Art in Psychology for Ashford University in 2017.
He joined Sunset Lodge # 76 PHA in February 1999. He became a member of Rio Grande Consistory #24 PHA in August 2000, and a member of Oro Temple #9 in October 2000. He served as the Worthy Patron for Rising Sun Chapter # 7 (OES) for the masonic year 2000.
In November 2002, He demitted into Unity Military Lodge # 92 Washington Jurisdiction PHA. He served as the Worshipful Master from October 2003 through November 2005. During his tenure Unity lodge # 92 received the following awards: Most improved lodge of the year, lodge of the year, secretary of the year, and worshipful master of the year. He became a member of Royal Arch MasonS PHA and Knight’s Templar PHA in 2003. He’s also a member of the American Legion Post # 832.
He moved back to El Paso, Texas and demitted back into Sunset Lodge # 76 in August 2009. He demitted into EL Paso Holy Royal Arch Masons # 90 in 2012. He held the office of Excellent High Priest for the 2014-2015 masonic year. During his tenure as high priest the chapter won the chapter of the year award, secretary of the year award, and Treasure of the year award.
PHP Emanuel Tucker was born in Madison, Florida, on 2 March 1977. Following his high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served honorably for 20 years on Active Duty, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant.
During his military career, Master Sergeant Tucker was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington; Larissa, Greece; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Daegu, Korea; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Fort Drum, New York. He deployed seven times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning the Bronze Star Medal for his distinguished service.
While serving, he pursued higher education, completing an Associate’s degree from Pierce College in Steilacoom, Washington; a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland University College; and a Master of Arts from American Military University in Charlestown, West Virginia. He is currently completing his Doctorate of Education at Grand Canyon University.
As EHP, Tucker implemented new initiatives while continuing established traditions such as PHAmily and Friends, the Annual Christmas Party, the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, and the Annual Banquet. He currently serves as editor of the newsletter and webmaster for www.elpasoholyroyalarch.com.
He is an active member of several Masonic organizations, including Pride of the West Lodge #53 (where he served as Worshipful Master from 2010–2011), DeMolay Commandery #22, Rio Grande Consistory, Crenshaw Commanders of the Rite, Lemuel L. Raynor Council #9, As Salam Temple #215, and the Hubert L. Reece Sr. Class of 2014 Grand Inspector Generals.
In his spare time, Tucker enjoys spending time with his wife, siblings, and Masonic brethren.
Franck Richard Bonhomme was born on February 4, 1951 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He relocated to the United States on November 10, 1965, at fourteen years of age. While attending local schools in America he earned an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Restaurant Food Service Management.
Franck Bonhomme was a religious man who led by example. Franck enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and continued to serve his country during Desert Storm. He retired in El Paso, Texas after twenty years of service.
Franck Bonhomme became a Master Mason on June 19, 1982. He was a Past Master of the Pride of the West Lodge No. 53, Past High Priest of El Paso Holy Royal Arch Masons Chapter No. 90 and became a Grand Inspector General in October 2008, receiving the 33rd and last degree in Masonry. He belonged to every Prince Hall Masonic organization in the state of Texas.
He supported all the Masonic houses and many other organizations here in our El Paso community. He helped to organize many fundraisers for youth groups and youth athletic programs. Franck even went so far as to fund math and science programs for schools that could not afford them. Franck Bonhomme spoke several different languages fluently and used his knowledge on many occasions working in the community. Everyone truly remembers him for his cake and pie fundraisers.
When Franck couldn’t raise enough funds for these endeavors, he would finance them himself. He was also an educator; Franck would have weekly study halls at his home to educate his brethren on all Masonic studies. When he gave a lesson to study he would make sure that we followed through and truly studied. He would quiz us on everything, and if you failed or didn’t study he would let you know in his own way, which wasn’t always nice.
He loved every organization, but he took El Paso HRAM No. 90 under his wing and strived to make it the most successful chapter in Texas. For years Franck Bonhomme wanted to establish a way to appreciate everyone for their Good Work, True Work, and Square Work, so on September 17, 2012 he established our first Annual Appreciation Banquet. He wanted to make it clear that the banquet should honor all the members of Masonry, their families, their friends, and especially the El Paso Community for their support to El Paso HRAM No. 90. On June 16, 2013 Franck Bonhomme passed away, but his dreams and visions continue to live on. El Paso HRAM NO. 90 has won Chapter of the Year seven out of the last ten years, the last five times consecutively. Our Chapter has been mentioned at the Annual General Grand Conference as the best in the country. On September 17, 2015 the Appreciation Banquet was renamed the Franck R. Bonhomme Appreciation Banquet in honor of his accomplishments and the lives he has influenced.
