OBITUARIES
January 1 through June 30, 2002
Lowell Hunt
FORT WORTH- Lowell P. Hunt, 77, a lifetime newspaperman in the State of Texas, died Saturday, June 29, 2002 in Fort Worth.
Funeral: Wake was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Thompson’s Harveson & Cole Funeral Home. Graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Merriman Cemetery in Ranger.
Lowell Hunt was born in Ranger on January 18, 1925, to I.D. Hunt, a farmer and oil field worker, and Laura Funderburk Hunt. He lost his little sister, Betty Jean, to a childhood illness when he himself was a child, but he rose from that tragedy and humble beginnings to a life of accomplishment. He left high school to serve three years in the Navy during World War II. As a petty officer, third class, with the Seabees, he won a battle star in the Iwo Jima campaign.
Upon his discharge from the Navy at the end of the war, he joined the Brownwood Bulletin, one of five newspapers owned by the late C.C. Woodson of Brownwood. Woodson took the young Hunt under his wing and Hunt worked in the mechanical department of that paper as a floorman, Linotype operator and machinist. He also traveled throughout central Texas as one of the best Linotype repairman in the state. In the same year he began with the Bulletin, he married Mary Frances Cole of Dublin. In 1957, Hunt became publisher of the Lamesa Reporter and Brownfield Bulletin and at 34 was the youngest publisher in the chain of newspapers.
In 1966, Hunt was named publisher of the Alice Echo-News. Hunt became heavily involved in all aspects of the community, serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Alice Urban Renewal Agency, Chairman of the United Way, and as a bank director for the Bank of South Texas and later First City Bank. He was awarded many honors over the years for his community involvement. Hunt was also founder and chairman for the energy industry held each year in Alice, owned a stationary store and was active in real estate, hotels, ranching and politics in South Texas.
In 1988, he was named publisher of the Stephenville Empire- Tribune, as well as the newspapers in Dublin and Hico, a position he held until the sale of the Woodson papers in 1988. After the sale of the papers, he raised Limousin cattle until his retirement in 1997.
Hunt was known for his kind and compassionate nature, his honesty, and a genuine desire to help people. He went out of his way to be of service to others and to help improve the communities in which he lived and worked, both through the operation of his newspapers and through volunteer and community effort. Every newspaper he published was successful on all accounts. His wife Mary also served in many capacities at each paper, including managing the circulation department, classified advertising, and bookkeeping. Mr. Hunt’s career spanned some of the most important news stories of the 20th century as well as the evolution of the modern Texas newspaper.
Hunt was a loving son, brother, husband, father and lifelong, faithful friend to many, including the other publishers in the Woodson newspaper organization. He loved to joke, tell stories, fish, hunt, and barbecue. He especially loved social occasions, playing dominoes and being surrounded by his family and friends.
His wife, Mary, preceded him in death in 1999, as well as his brother, June Hunt of Arlington, and sister, Betty Jean Hunt of Ranger.
Survivors are daughters, Paula Rice of Fort Worth and husband, Bryan , Linda Smith of Hewitt and husband, Dewayne; four grandchildren; sister-in-law, Inez Hunt of Arlington; and a host of loving relatives and friends.
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January 1 through June 30, 2002
Hampton Baucum
ANSON- Hampton E. Baucum, 71, died Friday, June 28, 2002 at a Big Spring hospital.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 1, 2002 at the First Baptist Church, Chaplain B.W. Baucum officiated and Rev. Paul Smith assisted. Burial was in Mount Hope Cemetery, directed by Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home.
He was born on March 31, 1931, on family farm in Jones County. Hamp was a son of the late Tom and Alice (Caffey) Baucum. He graduated from Olton High School in 1948 and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. Hamp married Helen Bond in 1953 in Plainview. They had two children together (Kim and Connie).
Helen preceded him in death after 41 years of marriage. Hamp retired from Skelly Oil Company in 1979. He moved to Colorado City in 1992 and married Helen Ruth Webb in 1995. Hamp was a Mason and was a member of Westbrook First Baptist.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Marie; and one brother, Eudell.
Survivors are his wife, Helen Ruth Baucum of Colorado City; two daughters and a son-in-law, Connie Hinson of Westbrook and Kim and Russell Phipps of Fredricksburg; one brother, B.W. Baucum of Seagraves; five sisters, Helen Mc Laurin of Garland, Alta Gardner of Cisco, Laverne Diffee of Jal, NM, Mary Black of Granbury, and Velma Youngblood of Millsap; five grandchildren, Tracy Hinson, Kevin Hinson, Kimberly Ivy, Nathan Phipps, and Corrie Phipps; and eight great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Tracy Hinson, Kevin Hinson, Nathan Phipps, Brent Baucum, Russell Phipps, and Tim Baucum. Honorary pallbearers were Enick Diffee, Joe Williams, Jay Blackwell, and Gilbert Rodriguez.
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Victor King
CISCO- Victor King, 59, of Cisco, died Tuesday, June 25, 2002 at Brownfield, Texas.
He was born on March 1, 1943 in Houston, TX. to James and Sallie King. He moved with his family to Lubbockin 1956 where he attended school. He joined the Army in 1963 and served overseas for 3 years. He received several medals during his tour of duty. He enjoyed playing guitar and running. He ran in many marathons for charity.
Survivors are one sister, Marcia Wilson of Seagraves, TX.; two brothers, Eddie King of Carbon, TX. and Bennie King of Meadow, TX.; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held at Monroe Cemetery, southwest of Cisco, TX. at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 6, 2002.
Memorials may be made to the Monroe Cemetery Association c/o Anita Webb, Rt. 2 box 243 A, Cisco, TX 76437.
The family will meet at 112 Golden Kinglet Lane in Cisco.
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Jack Coleman
CISCO- Jack E. Coleman, 79, formerly of Cisco, died Thursday, June 13, 2002 at Arlington, Texas.
Jack Coleman was born February 2, 1923 at Tuckertown in Navarro County, Texas. He was the son of Scottie Coleman and Ruby Eeppler Coleman and was raised in Cisco and Cross Plains, Texas. At 17 he joined the U.S. Army and after training at Fort Sill, Okla. and Iron Mountain, Calif. he was sent to Europe to participate in the Invasion of June 1944. He was in the 68th Field Artillery and second under General Patton in the Third Army until the cessation of hostilities in Germany, helping liberate Paris and Concentration camps along the way.
For his participation in the liberation of France he was awarded the Jubilee of Freedom Medal from France in 1997.
Jack returned to Cisco in Nov. 1945 and worked for Hickock Oil and the Pueblo Gasoline plant at Moran.
On Feb. 7, 1948 he married Betty Sue McCanlies in Cisco. They have two children, Steve and Sarah. In 1950 he became employed by Standard of Texas (later Chevron Oil) at Snyder, Texas. He also worked for Chevron at Sherman Gas Plant, finishing his career as Plant Manager there in April 1985.
Jack is survived by his wife, Betty Coleman of Arlington; his son and wife, Steve and Marisol and their daughter Andrea of Ft. Worth; and his daughter Sarah Shallcross and husband Lewis Shallcross of Arlington, TX; a brother, Bill Shaffner, his wife, Corene and family of Big Springs; sisters, Anna McClain and husband and family of League City, TX. and Janie Brown of Ocala, Florida.
Services were held at Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco and buried at Oakwood Cemetery on June 15, 2002 at 10 a.m. Gary Turner of First Methodist Church officiated.
He was a member of Cisco Masonic Lodge VFW Post 10782 and First United Methodist Church.
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Nell Cooper
RISING STAR- Nell Cooper, 93, of Rising Star, died Thursday, June 13, 2002 at the Rising Star Nursing Home.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2002 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Dick Williams officiated. Burial was in the Long Branch Cemetery.
Mrs. Cooper was born on July 26, 1908 in Carbon. She married Ulysses S. Cooper on December 22, 1927 in Eastland County. He preceded her in death in 1988. She was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist Union Center.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and a son.
Survivors are a daughter and son- in-law, Ginger and Albert Witcher of Waco; a daughter, Gerrie Cooper of Rising Star; sister, Bonnie Eckstine of Whitney; two brothers, Roy McAlister of Granbury and Bill McAlister of Whitney; six grandchildren, Mark, Leah, Melissa, Damon, David and Tucy and 15 great grandchildren.
Grandsons serving as pallbearers are Mark Witcher, Phillip Jackson, Mark SoRelle, Damon Cooper, David Cooper and David Caster.
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James Newton Odom
MAY- James Newton Odom, 91, of May, died Wednesday, June 12, 2002 at the Brownwood Regional Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2002 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Dennis Hester and Rev. Bill Campbell officiated. Burial was in the May Cemetery.
Mr. Odom was born on September 4, 1910 in Bangs, Texas. He married Olive Laverne Bills on November 28, 1930 in Carlsbad, N.M. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a carpenter and a member of the Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
Survivors are his wife, Olive Laverne Odom of May; two sisters, Grace Newman of Tucumcari, N.M. and Connie Lee Hightower of Phoenix, Arizona.
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Juana Pacheco
EASTLAND- Juana Montecion Pacheco, 64, of Eastland, died Wednesday, June 12, 2002 at an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2002 at the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Pacheco was born on June 24, 1937 in Havana, Cuba. She moved to Eastland 22 years ago. She was a Catholic.
Survivors are her husband, Jose Pacheco; six sons, Jose Antonio Pacheco of Dublin and Ramiro Pacheco, Jose M. Pacheco, Pedro Pacheco, Geronimo Pacheco and Luis Pacheco, all of Eastland; and three grandchildren.
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Ken Willis
EASTLAND- Ken Willis, 67, of Bandera, Texas and formerly of Eastland, died Thurs- day, June 13, 2002 at New Mexico.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Eastland, Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated, assisted by Dr. Stephen Barry. Services were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Willis was born on September 7, 1934 in Idabel, Oklahoma to Jesse and Edna Estelle (Ives) Willis. He married Margaret Wilkins on February 27, 1954 in Reno, Nevada. He was a District Service Manager, working for IBM for 11 years and Digital for 21 years, in the Albuquerque, NM, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Dallas areas. After his retirement in 1991, Ken and Margaret moved to Eastland where they owned and operated the Budget Host Motel until 1995. They moved to Bandera, Texas in 1999. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Survivors are his wife, Margaret Willis of Bandera; his mother, Edna Willis of Brentwood, Ca.; four children, Debbie Moore of Coffeyville, Ks., C.J. Teare of Spicewood, Tx., Melody Akins of Antioch, Ca. and Ken Willis, Jr. of San Antonio; two brothers, Robert Willis and his wife, Kathryn of Auburn, Wa. and Charles Willis and his wife, Betty of Mena, Ark.; seven grandchildren, Dyan Smith, David Moore, Jeremiah Johnson, Gydel Moore, Jason Renshaw, Megan Renshaw and Savannah Teare; 11 great-grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
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Paul Raines
GRANBURY- Paul Raines, 74, formerly of Ranger, died Sunday, June 16, 2002 at his residence.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2002 at the Church of God in Granbury. Burial was at 2:30 p.m. in the Hico Cemetery in Hico, Texas. Wiley Funeral Home of Granbury was in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Raines was born March 28, 1928, in Garvin County, Oklahoma. He married Mary Stewart in 1972 in Renden. He served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Church of God.
Survivors are his wife, Mary Raines of Granbury; daughters, Betty Johnston of Abilene and Brenda Stewart of Granbury; sons, Jackie Raines of Capitan, N.M. and Marvin Raines of Kennedale; brothers, Hershall Raines and Tommy Raines, both of Lamesa and Doyle Raines of Renden; 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
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Mark Kincaid
RANGER- Mark A. Kincaid, 32, of Ranger died Sunday, June 16, 2002 at Cleburne, Texas.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2002 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Mr. Kincaid was born on February 18, 1970 in Ranger to Melvin Kincaid and Ann Sousa Myers. He attended school in Ranger, Fort Worth and Arlington. He worked for an auto parts company in delivery. He was a Baptist.
Survivors are his parents: father, Melvin Kincaid of Ranger and his mother, Ann Myers and step-father, Jeff of Burleson; maternal grandparents, Nita and Red Arsbon of Hobbs, New Mexico; a daughter, Katie of Keller; two sons, Mark, Jr. of Keller and Dustin Kincaid of Fort Worth area; four brothers, Carl Kincaid of Lewisville, stepbrother, Jeff Myers, Jr. of Fort Worth, Mike Kincaid of Wichita, Kansas, Melvin D. Kincaid, Jr. of Arlington; 7 sisters, Marlene Kincaid of Ranger, Tonya Hillman of Phoenix, Az., Michelle Brown of Fort Worth, Melinda Kincaid of Wichita, Kansas, Ylonda Kincaid of Bach Springs, Shanna and Shayla Myers both of Fort Worth; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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Bette Russ
MECHANICSVILLE- Bette Wilcox Russ, 70, died Sunday, June 16, 2002 at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, after a long illness.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2002 at Chester Baptist Church. Burial followed in Sunset Memorial Park, Chester, Virginia. Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home of Burnet, Texas was in charge of the arrangements.
She was born in New Mexico and grew up in Cisco, Texas. She was a 1949 graduate of Cisco High where she played in the Lobo Band. She then attended Texas Christian University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Education. She was an Elementary School teacher with the Public School System and served as Music Director for several churches. In addition, she enjoyed teaching piano for more than 20 years.
A long time Hampton, Virginia resident, Bette along with her husband, Dr. William C. Russ served the West Hampton Baptist Church until Dr. Russ’s retirement in 1990 after more than 12 years. Recently, they moved to Mechanicsville, where she joined Mechanicsville Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents G.W. and Faye Wilcox.
Survivors are her husband of 50 years, Dr. William Russ, Sr.; daughter, Betsy Frazier and her husband, Doug of Mechanicsville and their children, Mark and Caris; sons Joe Russ of Mechanicsville and his children, Adam and Sierra and Bill Russ, Jr. of Richmond; brother, Billy Wayne Stratton and his wife, Cora of San Bernadino, Calif. and their children, Tommy and his wife, Donna and Donnie and his wife, Sharla and brother, Bill "Butch" Wilcox and his wife Janice of Burnet, and their children, Ginger Riley and husband Quint and son Ty and Melissa Wilcox.
Contributions may be made to Dover Baptist Association 11006 Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland, Va. 23005 or Middle District Association, 9413 D Hull Street Road, Richmond, Va. 23236 to start churches.
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Floyd Botts
LAKE BROWN- WOOD- Floyd J. Botts, 80, of Lake Brownwood, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at his home.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 21, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Rising Star, Dick Williams and L.L. (Shorty) Lewis officiated. Burial followed in the Rising Star Cemetery with Military Honors. Higginbotham Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Floyd was born on January 22, 1922 in Hawley to William Jefferson and Mary Ann (Vandivere) Botts. He served in the U.S. Army during WW II where he was awarded several medals, including a Purple Heart. He married Elsie McComack on September 14, 1989, in Hamlin. Mr. Botts was a member of the American Legion in Rising Star, where he served as Vice Com. for 7 years. He was also a member of the DAV and the Calvary Baptist Church in Cisco.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Arlie Arlene Botts and a son, Michael Glen Botts.
Survivors are his wife, Elsie Botts of Lake Brownwood; 3 sons, Russell Botts and wife, Ginger of Rising Star, Johnny Botts of Cisco, Stephen Botts of Rising Star; three daughters, Shirlene Campbell of Brownwood, Jeanette Mitchell, and husband Chris of Abilene, and Judy Fink, and husband Gary of Cisco; four stepsons, Andy McComack, and wife Clara of Abilene, Richard McComack, and wife Linda of Alvarado, Michael McComack of Baltimore, MD, Jacky McComack, and wife Kimberly of Chicago, IL; two stepdaughters, Marie Mattox, and husband Leroy of Richland Hills, Bell Cogsdil, and husband Bill of League City; a brother, Aldon Botts of Salina, KS; a sister, Nola Mirop of Abilene; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, 15 step grandchildren, 16 step greatgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Bo Allen, Bo E. Allen, Gus Templeton, Ottis Lee, Dwayne Marler, and R.L. Smedley.
Honorary pallbearer was Shorty Lewis.
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Wesley Pearce
CLYDE- Wesley William Pearce, 68, died at his home Tuesday, June 18, 2002.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2002 at the Bailey Funeral Home. Brother James Radford officiated.
Mr. Pearce was born on March 2, 1934 to John and Ora Mae Pearce in Three Rivers, Texas. He attended school in Three Rivers. He married Wanda Sue Medlock on March 17, 1956 in Coolidge, Arizona. They moved from Globe, Arizona to Clyde in 1983. He served in the United States Army in the Korean War and worked as a diesel mechanic following his years of service.
Survivors are his wife, Wanda Sue Pearce of Clyde; one son, Wesley Glen Pearce of Rockledge, Florida; four daughters, Sheryl Ann Pearce of Kennewick, WA, Sandra Sue Brown of Potosi, Julie Marlene Wilson of Abilene, and Brenda Denice Monson of Abilene; four brothers, James Earl Pearce of Globe, Az., Joel David Pearce of Albuquerque, N.M. Norman O. Pearce of Clyde, Doyle A. Pearce of Sacranmento, CA; two sisters, Deborah W. Cramer of Abilene, and Marilyn Carpetner of Abilene; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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Fred Cummings
CLYDE- Fred Cummings, 87, of Clyde, Texas Thursday, June 20, 2002 at his home.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2002 at Ross Cemetery Annex, Rev. Riley Fugitt officiated, directed by Parker Funeral Home.
Mr. Cummings was born on April 24, 1915 in Annona, Texas. He was a heavy equipment operator for Texas Department of Highways and worked for Abilene Paving Co. and E.F. Smith paving contractors. He married Annie Merle Cummings in Baird, Texas in 1934.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Merle Cummings on May 30, 2002, and a son, David Cummings in Dec. of 1991.
Survivors are one daughter, Mona and her husband, Don West of Alvin; three brothers, Truman Cummings of May, William Cummings of Baird, and Donald Cummings of Brenham; one sister, Bertha Mary Cummings of Abilene; three grandsons, Randy Cummings of Clyde, Don Paul West and Steve West both of Alvin, TX.; one granddaughter, Rhonda Pfeffer of Cedar Park, TX; and five great- grandchildren.
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Ernest Morris
LAKE BROWNWOOD- Ernest Udell Morris, 73, of Lake Brownwood, formerly of Clyde, died Wednesday, June 5, 2002 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Graveside services were held Friday, June 7, 2002 at 2 p.m. at the Mitchell Cemetery in Eastland County, Dan Hoover officiated, directed by Heartland Funeral Home of Early.
Mr. Morris was born in Eastland County, Texas to the late Ernest William and Rena Horn Morris. He was a retired Telegraph Operator of the Texas Pacific Railroad. He had been a resident of Lake Brownwood since 1998, formerly of Clyde. He was a Baptist and a member of the Clyde Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Retha Morris; his parents, Ernest William and Rena Morris; two sons, Jackie and Randy Morris; and one sister, Mina Banks.
Survivors are one son, Rodney and Cheryl Morris of Clyde; three daughters, Rhonda Schaefer of Yuma, Arizona, Paula and John Aguilar of Odessa, and Sondra Morris of Rockdale; three brothers, Billy Morris of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Phil Morris of Plano, and Stan Morris of Newark, California; two sisters, Maxine Birdwell of Bethany, Oklahoma and Janie Williams of Abilene; and four grandchildren.
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Melvin Horn
FORT WORTH- Melvin Burette (Doc) Horn, 89, of Fort Worth died at his home Friday, June 7, 2002.
Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 9, 2002 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco with Rev. Cynthia Lee officiating, assisted by Rev. Danny Martin. Services directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Horn was born on March 17, 1913 in Eastland County to Talmadge and Ola Ophelia (Lane) Horn. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Roberson and was a retired broom maker and a member of the Methodist Church.
Survivors are a niece Dean Thompson of Cisco; two great nephews, Paul Thompson and wife Laurie of McDade and Jack Thompson and wife Charlene of Abilene; great-great nephews, Tommy Melvin Thompson, Jr., Timothy Dewayne Thompson and Tony Thompson; and great- great niece, Belinda Moore.
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Tommy Pence
CISCO- Tommy Allen Pence, 35, of Cisco died Thursday, June 6, 2002 in Clifton.
Graveside services were held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 9, 2002 at Oakwood Cemetery, Rev. Gary Turner officiated, assisted by Dr. Chris Craig. Kimbrough Funeral Home directed.
Mr. Pence was born December 6, 1966 in Greenville, Texas to Jerry and Carolyn (Carr) Pence. He graduated from Mc Murry University. He married Amy Miller on December 23, 1989 in Cisco. He was employed by Texas Department of Public Safety as a Crimi- nologist.
Survivors are his wife, Amy Pence; daughters, Tera Crosby and Whitney Pence; a son, Branden Crosby; his parents, Jerry and Carolyn Pence; his grandmother, Lois Carr, all of Cisco; a sister, Jerri Lynn Suriff of Killeen; and several uncles, aunts and cousins.
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Evelyn Romines
RISING STAR- Evelyn Janette Romines, 55, of Rising Star, died Friday, June 7, 2002 at the Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 9, 2002 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Terry Simmons and Billy McCannon officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
She was born on July 30, 1946 in Stamford to Earl Wyson and Pearl Ellen (Green) Aaron. She married Kenneth Romines on December 23, 1981 in Comanche. She moved to Rising Star about 3 1/2 years ago from Lake Brownwood. She was a self-employed truck driver for years, and later managed the Flat Rock Park at Brownwood. She was a Baptist/Pentecostal.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Earl and Gerald Aaron.
Survivors are her husband, Kenneth Romines of Rising Star; four daughters, Penny Citro of Dallas, Pamela Sutton of Rising Star, Anita Moore and husband, Charley of Rising Star and Rhonda Seabourn and husband, Johnny of Price, TX; two sons, Clint Phillips of Huntsville and Jesse Romines of Houston; two sisters, JoAnne Futrell and Jackie Berryman, both of Lake Brownwood; 16 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
Pallbearers were Butch Burcham, Raymond Burcham, Floyd Rush, Jerry Green, Jimmy Miller, Bob Green, Allen Lundgren, and Tommy Ramos. Honorary pallbearer was Ricky McMillian.
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LaJean Lawrence
RISING STAR- LaJean Lawrence, 68, of Rising Star, died Friday, June 7, 2002 at her home.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 10, 2002 at the First Baptist Church, Armo Bentley, Dick Williams and Terry Simmons officiated. Burial was in the Elm Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
LaJean was born on September 25, 1933, in Taylor County to Howard and Ethel (Thornton) Moore. She married Aubrey Lawrence on May 14, 1955 in Elmdale. She had lived in the Rising Star area for 32 years, where she was the Executive Director for the Rising Star Housing Authority for about 16 years. She was a member of and very active in the First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors are her husband, Aubrey of Rising Star; three daughters, Teresa Law- rence, Derenda Walker, both of Brownwood and Janetta Holmes of White House, TN; a son, Howard Lawrence of Rising Star; three sisters, Shirley Slack of May, Pat Shackelford of Abilene, Martha Childress of Brown- wood; and eight grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Tx 79605.
Pallbearers were Charles Morgan, Johnny Singleton, Robby Stuteville, James Ramsey, Al Clausen, and Brandon Geye.
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Carolyn Smith
ARLINGTON- Carolyn Lee McBay Smith, 61, a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister and daughter, died peacefully Sunday, June 2, 2002 at her home, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2002 at the First Baptist Church of Arlington. Burial was at Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington.
Carolyn Lee McBay Smith was born May 27, 1941 in Ranger, Texas to Thomas Carl and Bobbie Lee Coffman McBay. She moved to Fort Worth when she was six years old. She accepted the Lord and Savior into her life at age 13 at Ridglea West Baptist Church. She and her husband were 1959 graduates of Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, where they made many lifelong friends. Carolyn attended Texas Christian University. After living in Richardson, Texas for eight years, Carolyn and her family moved to Arlington in 1971 and are longtime members of First Baptist Church in Arlington and Rolling Hills Country Club. Carolyn loved flowers and was a dedicated member of the Westward Hoe Garden Club where she served as President. Carolyn used her floral skills as a member of the floral committee at First Baptist.
She yearned for adventure and enjoyed traveling to new places. She turned this passion into a job when she worked as a travel agent in Arlington. Carolyn took great pleasure in travel and worked to help others enjoy it as well. The Hawaiian Islands and Europe were her particular favorites.
Carolyn was a long time member of Rolling Hills Country Club where she served as President of the Women’s Golf Association and held many other positions of leadership. Some of her fondest memories were of her friendly games on the golf course with many wonderful friends.
Carolyn was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She had a great zest for life and a special spark that was recognized by anyone who met her. Carolyn was one of a kind and will be sorely missed. Her family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to all their friends who supported them and Carolyn through her illness. The way in which their friends came to their side is a wonderful testament to Carolyn’s caring and courageous spirit.
Survivors are her husband of 38 years, Alvin Smith; children, Kerry Alvin Smith, of Fort Worth and Krista Lee Smith of Austin; sister, Mary L. Penner of Fort Worth; parents, TC and Bobbie McBay of Fort Worth; an uncle, Alton Coffman and wife, Cleta of Ranger; mother-in-law, Mary Ellen Smith of Fort Worth; brother- in-law and sister-in- law, Dennis and Lois Myers of Waco; and many loving cousins and friends.
Memorials may be made to Community Hospice or Mission Arlington.
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Charles Rutherford
BROWNWOOD- Charles Curtis Rutherford, 87, died Sunday, June 2, 2002 in the Cross Country Health- care Center in Brownwood.
Charles was born on October 2, 1914 in Fort Worth to Curtis and Myrtle (Jones) Rutherford. He joined the Air Force in 1941 and served in WW II. He served a total of 32 years and retired as a Lt. Col. from the U.S. Air Force. Prior to entering the service, he taught school for 4 years at Pioneer, Texas. He married Nelda Gregg in 1936. They had one infant son who preceded them both in death. Charles moved to Rising Star at the age of 5 with his mother, Myrtle Jones Rutherford and a brother, James Ruther- ford, who preceded him in death, and a sister, Frances Ruther- ford Thomas who is still living in Midland. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nelda Rutherford. After they moved to Rising Star, his mother met and married William (Bill) Tyler. His stepfather, Mr. Tyler, owned the bank and Charles was employed by him in the bank. At that time, Charles was the youngest bank cashier in the state of Texas. After Mr. Tyler’s death, Charles and his brother James, owned the bank at Rising Star. He was also a business owner and partner with George Steel for many years. He also did farming and ranching. Mr. Rutherford was the first Eagle Scout in Eastland County, and a 50 year member of the Rising Star Masonic Lodge #688. He was also a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Moslah Temple Shrine in Ft. Worth, and served as Ambassador at Large until his death. Mr. Rutherford was a member of the Rising Star Eastern Star Chapter #277 and Eastland Eastern Star Chapter #280, and a life time member of the American Legion of Rising Star. Charles has lived in Rising Star for 83 years and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Rising Star. He married Geneva Keith on December 6, 1990 in DeLeon.
Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2002 in the First Baptist Church, Dick Williams and Lynn Starnes officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Survivors are his wife, Geneva Keith Rutherford of Brown- wood; a son, William "Bill" Rutherford of Brownwood; 2 stepsons, Kenneth Keith, Max Keith, both of DeLeon; step- daughter, Anne Keith of Brownwood; sister, Frances Rutherford Thomas of Midland; 3 stepgrandsons, 4 step granddaughters, and 12 step great-grand- children; 6 nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a stepgrandson, Ken Keith.
Pallbearers were Jory Lee, Arley Bibby, Terry Geye, Franklin Cox, James Cox, and Daryl Medford.
Honorary pallbearers were George Steel, Frank Pendleton, Bob Busbee, Kenneth Murdoch, Cole White, Homer West, E.J. Browning, Gene Moore, Perry Curtis, Luther Mauldin, John J. Joyce, and Ronnie Green.
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Carl Lewis
CISCO- Carl Dee Lewis, 70, of Cisco died Sunday, June 9, 2002 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2002 at the First United Methodist Church, Rev. Gary Turner officiated. Interment was at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Rest- haven Cemetery in Lubbock.
Mr. Lewis was born on March 19, 1932 in Seven Shooter, OK. to Earl and Eunice (Miller) Lewis. He married Millie Marshall on October 11, 1952 in Silverston, Texas.
He served in the US Army during the Korean War and was a member of Disabled American Veterans. He was a board member of Cisco Lions Club, member of the finance committee of First United Methodist Church, former board member of United Way of Lubbock, Lubbock Telco Union and a member of Telephone Pioneers. She was also a member of First United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by a son, Blake Lewis; and a brother, James Lewis.
Survivors are his wife, Millie Lewis of Cisco; a son and daughter-in-law, Carl Wayne and Jane Lewis of Alpine; daughters and son-in-law, Debra Westbrooks of Paris, Cristy and Lance Johnston of Parker, Co.; sisters, Geneva Smith of Lubbock, Mae Baird of Lubbock, and Suzy Shannon of Quitaque; brothers, Clarence Lewis of of Cisco and Raymond Lewis of Oklahoma City, OK.; grandchildren, Emily and Katie Westbrooks and Hunter and Landry Johnson.
Nephews served as pallbearers. Lions Club members served as honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 405 W. 8th St., Cisco, TX. 76437.
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William Hill
CISCO- William A. (Bill) Hill, 81, of Cisco, died Wednesday, June 12, 2002 at Arlington.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2002 at East Cisco Baptist Church. Rev. C.P. Floyd officiated, assisted by Rev. Larry Linam. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Hill was born on September 20, 1920 in Paris, Texas to Louis and Pearl Dovie (Permenter) Hill. He married Juanita Nelson on November 12, 1944. He was a gasoline distributor for Gulf & Chevron. He was a member of East Cisco Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and had served as Chairman of Deacons, he was also a 32 degree Mason.
Survivors are his wife, Juanita Hill of Cisco; sons, Charles Hill of Arlington, Richard Hill of Cisco and Major John Alan Hill and wife Marsha of Cisco; grandchildren, Lori Watkins, Robert Hill, Jennifer Ward, Richard William Hill, II, Josh Mellette and Caleb Mellette; and great-grandchildren, Dirk, Marquis, Krystal, Kaylee, Taylor, Hailey and Warren.
Pallbearers were Jim Moylan, Ronnie Ledbetter, Gail Hogan, Ruben Gaeta, Ronnie Yeager, Stacy Esco.
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Jack Coleman
CISCO- Jack Coleman of Arlington and formerly of Cisco died Thursday, June 13, 2002 at Arlington.
Funeral services were held Saturday, June 15, 2002 at 10 a.m. at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery.
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Nell Cooper
RISING STAR- Nell Cooper, 93, of Rising Star, died Thursday, June 13, 2002 at the Rising Star Nursing Home.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2002 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Dick Williams officiated. Burial was in Long Branch Cemetery.
Mrs. Cooper was born July 26, 1908 in Carbon. She married Ulysses S. Cooper on December 22, 1927 in Eastland County. He preceded her in death in 1988. She was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist Union Center.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; and a son.
Survivors are a daughter and son- in-law, Ginger and Albert Witcher of Waco, daughter, Gerri Cooper of Rising Star; sister, Bonnie Eckstine of Whitney; two brothers, Roy Mc Alister of Granbury and Bill McAlister of Whitney; six grandchildren, Mark, Leah, Melissa, Damon, David and Tucy; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Grandsons served as pallbearers were Mark Witcher, Phillip Jack- son, Mark SoRelle, Damon Cooper, David Cooper, and David Caster.
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Hazel McKinney
MORAN- Hazel Marie McCollum Mc Kinney, 82, of Moran, died Wednesday, June 13, 2002, at the Canterbury Villa Nursing Center in Cisco.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Moran, Rev. Jack Clack and Rev. Cole Farmer officiating. Interment was in the Dennis Cemetery, directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
She was born on October 19, 1919 in Callahan County near Moran and was the daughter of the late Pete and Rosa McCollum. She was a member of First Baptist Church and the Dorcas Sunday School Class in Moran. She was a homemaker and a waitress.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Jewel Harper of Moran; a brother, Woodrow McCollum of Odessa.
Survivors are her husband, Kenneth W. McKinney of Moran; a son, Kenneth L. McKinney and wife, Diana of Ft Worth; one daughter, Patricia Gross and husband, Ron; two grandsons, Michael and Ryan; one granddaughter, Savannah of Castle Rock, CO.; two sisters, Opal Boyd and husband, Theo of Rising Star, Doris Star of Odessa; a sister-in-law, Marie McCollum of Odessa; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Moran or your favorite charity.
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Floyd Caraway
RANGER- Floyd Irlan Caraway, 50, died Wednesday, June 12, 2002 at Ranger.
Services were held Saturday, June 15, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. at the Second Baptist Church, Rev. Adam Barker officiated. Burial followed in the Evergreen Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Caraway was born on August 7, 1951 to Floyd Earl and Bennye R. (Berryhill) Caraway. He attended school in Ranger and Olden, and was affiliated with the Second Baptist Church in Ranger. He worked at the family business, Caraway Auto Parts.
Survivors are his parents, Floyd and Bennye Caraway of Ranger; one son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Cynthia Marshall of Abilene; one granddaughter, Makala Marshall of Abilene; two special aunts, Wanda Porter of Ranger and Annie Doorman of Mabank; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Irlan will be remembered for his loyalty to his family and the family business. Those who knew him best knew his true heart.
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