OBITUARIES
July 1 through December 31, 2002
Gina Simon
Gina Gail (Swafford) Simon, 41, of Midland, Texas, passed away Saturday, December 14, 2002 at her residence, after a courageous 14 month battle with cancer.
Memorial services were held at Pipkin Funeral Home Chapel in Midland on December 18, 2002, conducted by her pastor and friend, Rick Denson of Fredricksburg, Texas, with graveside services at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Pipkin Funeral Home.
Gina was born on February 2, 1961 in Ranger, Texas. She graduated from Eastland High School with the Class of 1979. She resided at Lake Leon with her parents until her marriage to Greg Simon on January 28, 1984. She was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, and friend. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all of her heart, and her life was dedicated to sharing that love, and her heart and home, with others. Gina's love for teaching and sharing was evident in the fact that she home schooled her children, as well as taught many local youths who visited her home. Gina loved being surrounded by family and friends. Her love will be remembered always.
She was preceded in death by her father, W.L. 'Hoot' Swafford, her maternal grandfather, G.A. Church, and paternal grandparents, John and Lillie Swafford.
Survivors include her husband, Greg Simon of Midland; two sons, Cody Simon and Evan Simon, and one daughter, Eden Simon of the home; her mother, Peggye Swafford of Eastland; her maternal grandmother, Opal Church of Clyde; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pallbearers were Jim Cates, James Vaughan, Juan Brummett, Curtis Buss, Bill Franks, Bobby Neatherlin and Danny Dean.
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Ruby Williamson
RANGER- Ruby May Williamson, 88, of Ranger, died Sunday, December 15, 2002 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Williamson was born on November 1, 1914 in Eastland, Texas the daughter of James Agnew and Flora May (Williams) Sharp. She graduated from high school in Olden, TX. She was a nurse at Western Manor Nursing Home for 30 years, she was a member of the Bullock Quilting Club, delivered meals on wheels, and enjoyed doing crafts and Bible study with the children at her and other churches. She was a member of the Eastside Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Rickey Williamson; and two infant children.
Survivors are two daughters and sons-in-law, Glenna May and J.B. Ruff of Abilene and Patsy Ruth and Charley Gosselin of Fort Worth; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Hazel Dudley
RANGER- Hazel Harrell Dudley passed away on the morning of December 16, 2002.
Funeral services were held at the First United Methodist Church of Ranger on Friday, December 20, 2002 at 10:00 am, with the Reverend Bill Reed officiating. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger. She was born to Bessie Orvel and Sarah Rilla (Hair) Harrell on April 19, 1916, in Lampasas, Texas.
Later, she moved with her family to Eastland, Texas, where she graduated from high school.
While Hazel had no middle name, she had a colorful nickname bestowed upon her by her family: "Jiggs". This nickname originated because of her expression, "I’ll be Jiggers!" Hazel attended North Texas State University for 2 years. She then worked at Consolidated in Fort Worth. After returning to Eastland, she worked as a secretary for the Human Resources Department at the Eastland County Courthouse. While later working at the Eastland County Vocational School, she met and subsequently married Beverly S. Dudley, Jr., a teacher there, who later served as vocational agriculture teacher at Ranger High School. They married on August 1, 1948 in the home of Hazel’s parents in Eastland. Hazel and Beverly had one daughter, Teresa Ann, born January 7, 1952, at West Texas Hospital in Ranger. Teresa has served as a teacher, tennis coach, and librarian, and is now the library coordinator at Azle Independent School District. She has one dog, "Thumper". A big part of Hazel’s life included worship and activities at the First United Methodist Church in Ranger. She was a member of the Willing Workers Sunday School Class and the United Methodist Women for many years. Among her hobbies for various parts of her life were reading and oil and palette knife painting. Her daughter Teresa rejoices that her Mother was there to take her to dancing lessons, twirling lessons, piano lessons, and most of all - swimming lessons and the swimming pool! Hazel had been residing at Western Manor Nursing Home in Ranger since July 29, 2002.
She is survived by her husband, Beverly S. Dudley, Jr. of Ranger; one daughter, Teresa A. Dudley of Saginaw; one sister, Frances Walters of Eastland, one brother, Travis Harrell also of Eastland; two nieces, Gaila Arther of Fort Worth and Elaine Johnson of Aledo; and one nephew, James Rick Harrell of Fort Worth. Hazel was preceded in death by one sister, Opal Foust of Valley Mills and one brother, Orvel Harrell of Fort Worth.
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Georgie Skaggs
GORMAN- Georgie Fae Skaggs, 89, of Gorman died Wednesday, December 18, 2002 in the DeLeon Hospital.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 21, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Gorman. Rev. Craig Rhoton and Rev. Bill Campbell officiated. Burial was in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Mrs. Skaggs was born on September 20, 1913 in Comanche County to Roscoe Sanders and Etta Hirst Sanders. She married Archie E. Skaggs on December 6, 1931 in the Rock Bluff Community. He preceded her in death in July of 1998. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church.
Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Virginia Skaggs of Gorman; a daughter and son-in-law, Julia and Wallace Cook of De Leon; a daughter, Emma Jane Larch of Irving; sister and brother-in-law, Bobbie Jo and Arvel Bennett of Gorman; six granddaughters and grandsons-in-law, Susan and Trace Eden, Kaycee and Kurt Richarz, Sharon and Randy Ellis, Kendria and Steve Leighton, Kelli and Kent Styron and Karla and Todd Swearingen; seven great-grandsons and five great-granddaughters; several nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends.
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Wanda Martin
DENVER CITY- Funeral services for Wanda Martin, 76, of Denver City were held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2002 at the First Baptist Church of Moran. Rev. Bob Fred officiated. Interment followed in the Dennis Cemetery, directed by Ratliff Funeral Home of Denver City.
She died Tuesday, December 17, 2002.
Wanda was born on September 14, 1926 in Shackelford County. She married R.C. Martin on January 22, 1946 in Moran. They moved to Denver City 38 years ago from Andrews.
She was preceded in death by her husband on Sept. 25, 1995;and a sister, Juanita Grimes in Oct. 1998.
She was a homemaker and a Baptist.
Survivors are two sons Rassie Martin of Lubbock and Billy Jack Martin of Midland; two daughters, Shirley Woods and Sheila Trout both of Denver City; three sisters, Bobbie Jernigan of Cisco, Betty Pilcher of Eunice, New Mexico, and Billie Mae Proctor of Albany; six grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Patrick Durham, Rassie Martin, John Pilcher, Larry Jernigan, Buddy Wilson, and Larry Farley.
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Lloyd Mize
CISCO- Lloyd E. (Ayers) Mize, 95, died at a local hospital Friday, December 20, 2002.
Services were held Sunday, December 22, 2002 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Chamber-Wilcox Funeral Home, Jonathan Elms officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery.
She married Samuel B. Mize on November 26, 1925 at Cisco. She was a member of the United Pentecostal Church and lifelong resident of Eastland County.
She was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Samuel B. Mize, Jr.; one daughter, Mary Lou Skaggs; two brothers; infant, Clifford and Roy L. Ayers and an infant sister, Linna.
Survivors are two sons, Robert E. and Daniel L. Mize; four daughters, Zerna Beddo, Frances Reeves, Elizabeth Rice and Sue Enderbrock; one sister, Mrs. Pearl Carson; 23 grandchildren; and a number of great-grandchildren.
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Mary Allcorn
ABILENE- Mary Elizabeth Cheairs Allcorn, 94, of Abilene died Sunday, December 22, 2002 in the Eastland Memorial Hospital, after a brief illness.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2002 at North’s Funeral Home Chapel, 242 Orange Street, Abilene. Eddie Sharp, Minister of the University Church of Christ officiated. Burial was in the Abilene Masonic Cemetery.
Mrs. Allcorn was born on June 23, 1908 in Johnson County at a rural location near Cleburne, Texas to Mary Etta Brock Cheairs and John Monroe Claudius Cheairs. Following an education in Fort Worth, she married Harvie Edward Allcorn on December 11, 1926 at her sister Effie’s, home there. Her husband preceded her in death on October 15, 1983 in Abilene. She lived and worked in Abilene, Fort Worth and Dallas for many years, moving back to Abilene in 1968, and retired as Assistant Manager of Jean Hart Hat Shop in Abilene. She was a member of the University Church of Christ.
For about twenty five years she was a member of the Abilene Philharmonic Guild, a lifetime member of the Women For ACU, active as former President and National Convention Delegate of Abilene Chapter 113, AARP, and volunteer for the Christian Service Center, Paramount Theatre, and Cobb Park Senior Citizens Center. She attended Symphony and AARP conventions regularly and took various tours including a visit to London and Paris in 1979. Following her retirement, she was pleased to take several courses at ACU where her husband worked for a number of years.
Survivors are a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Jean Allcorn of Abilene, and a son, Harvie Edward Allcorn, Junior, of Eastland; nephews, Curtis Lee Inglis, Senior, of Fort Worth, and George Clyde Cheairs, Junior, of Houston; a cousin, Jeff Davis Wolf, Junior, of Abilene; plus numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Effie Mae Inglis and Lydia Margaret Dunsworth; and four brothers, Claude Earl Cheairs, George Clyde Cheairs, Robert E. Lee Cheairs, and John M. Cheairs.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Majestic Theatre in Eastland, Women for ACU, the Christian Service Center, or the donor’s favorite charity.
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Verna Norvell
CISCO- Verna Bell (Tommie) Norvell, 86, of Cisco died Monday, December 23, 2002 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Howard Stovall officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Norvell was born September 19, 1916 in Cartersville, Oklahoma to Otis and Pearl (Michie) Carroll. She married Chester Brooks Norvell on December 26, 1932 in Oklahoma. She was a homemaker and a member of First Christian Church.
Survivors are her husband, Chester Norvell of Cisco; sons, Mickey Brooks Norvell of Dallas and Tim J. Norvell and wife Debbie of Pasadena; daughter, Sondra Douglas and husband Jerry of Cisco; grandchildren, Sheri and Jack Sandefer of Cisco, Scott and Tammy Douglas of Cisco, Trey and Cathy Douglas of Carrollton and Brooks Norvell of Pasadena; great-grandchildren, Jack and Jessie Sandefer of Cisco and Trace Douglas of Carrollton; and a sister, Dub Wood of San Angelo.
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Oleta Wade
GORMAN- Oleta A. (Moseley) Wade, 88, of Desdemona died Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Interment was in the Alameda Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
She was born on November 1, 1914 in Gorman to James Frank and Addie Belle Moseley and raised in Eastland County. She attended school in Gorman, Abilene Christian College and University of Texas. She taught school in Wayland, Union, Aruba NWI, Caracas, Venezuela, Mingus, Olden, Graford and Mineral Wells School Districts, where she retired. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Olden. She was also a 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star in the Gorman and Strawn.
She met Howard F. Wade in Aruba and they were married. After his retirement, they moved to their ranch north of Desdemona. He died in 1980. In 1981 she married E.M. Wade who died in 1997.
She lived with her nephew and niece, Bill and Karen Moseley of Ranger for the last three years of her life.
She was also preceded in death by four brothers, Walton, Warford, Fred, and Billy Clyde; and two sisters, Alta Faye Gentry and Bernice Moseley.
Survivors are her brother, Pat Moseley and wife Oleta of Olden; two sisters-in-law, Mary Moseley of Ranger and Francis Moseley of Hattisburg, MS.; three stepsons, William Wade and wife Emily "Tiny" of St. Francesville, La., John Wade and wife Beverly of Jackson, La. and Windell Wade of Baton Rouge, La.; and two step-daughters, Evelyn Richardson and husband Harold of Crosby, Tx. and Eleanor Thomas and husband Glen of St. Francisville, La. and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.
Pallbearers were Bill Moseley, James Moseley, Randy Moseley, Jim Moseley, Eric Wilson, and Donald Holder.
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Mildred Yeager
TYLER- Mildred Yeager, 96, died Thursday, December 26, 2002.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2002 at Lloyd James Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Roy Lee Williams officiated. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2002 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, directed by Lloyd James Funeral Home of Tyler.
Mildred was born October 3, 1906 in Putnam, Texas. She graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a degree in English Education. She has lived in Tyler for the last 20 years. Mildred was a member of Dean Baptist, she was a Legislative Secretary for Texas Representative Garrett in Washington, D.C. She taught in West Texas schools and was the Editor for the Putnam newspaper. Mildred moved to Dallas with the Agriculture Department. She retired to care for her parents and sister. She enjoyed doing for and giving to others who were less fortunate.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J.S. and Ursula Yeager and sisters, Ruth Yeager and Mary Wallace and her husband, Carl.
Survivors include cousins, a host of friends and charitable neighbors.
Pallbearers were Tim McKinney, Bobby Pence, Jack Houts, W.T. Donham, James Donham and Drew Dan Jackson.
Memorials may be made to Hardin-Simmons, Logsdon School of Theology, HSU Box 16235 Abilene, TX 79698.
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Modell Crawley
GORMAN- Modell Crawley, 91, of Gorman, died Saturday, December 28, 2002 at her home.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Victor Pena officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger.
Mrs. Crawley was born October 10, 1911 in Eastland County to Ben F. Wood and Veda (Hagar) Wood. She married Roy Brown Crawley on November 11, 1927 in the Kokomo Community. He preceded her in death in July of 1981. She was a seamstress, homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church. She had lived in this area all of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jimmy Max Crawley in 1952 in Korea; a brother, Dick Wood; and a sister, Bessie Jennings.
Survivors are three daughters, Billie Jo Craddock of Sundown, Beverlie Phariss of Haskell and Dena Roy Cornelius of Coppell; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
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Era Reis
RISING STAR- Era (Pete) Reis, 98, of Rising Star, died Saturday, December 28, 2002 at the Rising Star Nursing Center.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, December 30, 2002 at the Coleman City Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.
Mrs. Reis was born January 26, 1906 in Callahan County, Texas, a daughter of Samuel Joseph and Susan Jane Beeler Day. She attended school at Echo. She married Charlie S. Reis on February 6, 1924 in Coleman. He preceded her in death on June 30, 1981. She moved to Rising Star from Coleman in 1964 and worked at the Rising Star Nursing Center. She was a member of the Bible Baptist Church in Rising Star.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, six brothers and one sister.
Survivors are one daughter and son-in-law, Charlene and Robert Grider of Rising Star; two grandchildren, Alan Grider of Lucas, TX. and Claudette Grider Flynn of Dallas; three great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
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Bobby Blair
ARLINGTON — Bobby Blair, 39, a loving son, brother, nephew and friend,
passed away Monday, December 30, 2002, in Dallas.
Memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2003 at Greenwood Garden Chapel.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 3301 West Frwy., Fort Worth, Texas 76107.
Bobby Blair was born March 9, 1963, in Gorman to Roy and Oleta Blair. He
graduated from Eastland High School, attended Cisco Junior College and UTA.
He was an employee with Zales Corp. Bobby loved animals and was a most generous friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors are his parents, Oleta and Roy Blair; brother, Wayne Blair and wife, JoLinda; nephew, Brady and niece Keely.
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Sue Belle Williamson
EASTLAND- Sue Belle Williamson, 91, died Friday, November 1, 2002 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 4, 2002 at the Bakker Funeral Chapel, Pastor James Teel officiated. Interment followed in the Eastland Cemetery.
Mrs. Williamson was born on November 27, 1910 at Mobeetie, Texas. She married Houston Williamson on July 10, 1926. He preceded her in death on August 9, 1959, and a son Dale preceded her in death on August 23, 1978.
Survivors are a daughter, Darrell Weldon and husband Harry; a son, Monte Williamson and wife Flora; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Williamson; eight grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
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Rickie Reese
LAKE LEON- Rickie Reese, 52, of Lake Leon died Sunday, November 3, 2002 at an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 4, 2002 at Murray Cemetery in Carbon, Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated. Burial followed, directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland.
Mr. Reese was born on April 26, 1950 in Lamesa, Texas to Travis and Sadie (Crosby) Reese. He was a graduate of Olden High School and attended Tarleton State University. He worked as a wielder for a number of years. He also worked for Eagle Construction and Environmental Services, Inc. for 8 years. Most recently he had worked for Effluent Recycling Inc. of Ranger, Texas. He was a Baptist.
Survivors are two brothers, Kenneth Reese and wife Sandra of Ovilla, TX. and Ronnie Reese and wife Kathy of Clear Lake, Calif.; two sisters, Barbara Whitehead of Cleburne, TX. and Mary Ann Williamson and husband Chuck of Las Vegas, Nevada; eight nieces and nephews; 12 great-nieces and nephews; two great-great nieces; and 12 cousins.
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Mary Sutton
RISING STAR- Mrs. Mary Sutton, 92, of Rising Star, died Friday, November 1, 2002 at Rising Star.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 4, 2002 at the Union Center Baptist Church. Burial was in the Mt. Zion Cemetery near Lingleville directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
She was born May 30, 1910 in Topaz, Texas to William and Laura Little Ellison. She married Russell Sutton in 1928 in Roby. They moved to Rising Star in 1955. She was a member of the Union Center Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters and a brother.
Survivors are her daughter, Patsy Huber of Rising Star; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren.
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Geneva Stone
HASKELL- Geneva Viola Stone 70, died Saturday, November 2, 2002 at Haskell.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 3, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Haskell, Rev. Kevin Hall officiated. Burial followed in Willow Cemetery directed by Holden-McCauley Funeral Home.
Geneva was born on March 12, 1932, in Haskell, Texas, the daughter of Richard Clovis Bartley and Wilma Viola Anderson. She married Marion Stone on August 15, 1948 in Haskell. She was a retired LVN, a resident of the Haskell community since 1932, and a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Haskell.
Survivors are her husband, Marin Stone of Haskell; three sons, Randy and wife, Janie Stone of Early, Billy and wife, Connie Stone of Abilene, and Sam and wife, Darla Stone of San Antonio; one sister, Melva and husband, Hollis Cogburn of Lubbock; one brother, Richard and wife, Judy Bartley of Austin; eight grandchildren, Cody and Tyler Stone of Early, Toby and Lacy Stone of Abilene, Jason and wife, Sherry Stone of Crowley, Rowdy Stone of Cisco, Joshua and Eleanor Stone of Abilene.
The family would like to request memorials be sent to Hospice of the Big Country, Attn. David Hooker at 3113 Oldham Lane, Abilene, TX 79602.
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Gadayous Edwards
NIMROD- Gadayous Charlie Edwards, 73, died Saturday, November 2, 2002.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2002 at the Nimrod Cemetery. Rev. Eugene Dillard of Cross Plains officiated. Arrangements were directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco.
Mr. Edwards was born on October 12, 1929 in Guion, Texas to Oscar and Laura (Harrison) Edwards. He lived in Abilene and Midland, Texas then moved to Hugoton, Kansas where he was employed by Enron Gas Corporation until his retirement. He later moved to Kingsland, Texas and in 1993 he moved to Stamford, where he resided until his death.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his infant brother, Von Edwards.
Survivors are his four children, Vivian Wooten of Cross Plains, Tonja Foy of Abilene, Gadayous C. Edwards, Jr. (Bubba) of Mesquite and John David Edwards of Abilene; six grandchildren, Jessie, Kyle and Joshua Davis, Becky Collier all of Nimrod, Jared and Levi Wooten of Cross Plains; his most prized possessions who brought to him laughter, joy and love are his great-grandchildren, Jordan and Jacob Collier also of Nimrod.
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Darren Baucum
GAINESVILLE- Darren Baucum, 35, died at his home in Gainesville, Texas on Wednesday, November 6, 2002.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Rev. Bob Ray officiated. Interment followed in the Nelson Grove Cemetery, directed by George J. Carrol & Son Funeral Home.
Darren was born on August 9, 1967 in Eastland, Texas to Gayle and Pat Newman Baucum. He married Patricia Price on August 22, 1992 in Callisburg, Texas. Darren graduated from Dallas Baptist University in August, 2001, with a degree in Christian Ministry. He was the pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Gainesville and had also served as Minister at First Baptist Church, Valley View; Harvey Street Baptist Church, Gainesville; First Baptist Church, Kruger-ville; and First Baptist Church, Sunset. Darren served on various committees with the Cooke County Baptist Association, including the Executive Board and the Baptist Student Ministry. He also served on the Small Church Advisory Board for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Survivors are his wife, Patricia Baucum of Gainesville; four children, Hunter, Hayden, Fallon and Seth Baucum, all of the home; his parents, Gayle and Pat Baucum of Truby; his maternal grandmother, Anna Bell Newman of Truby; brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Cheryl Baucum of Sugarland; sister and brother-in-law, Ronda and Chad Baldwin of Gainesville; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
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Dr. Hugh 'Chief' Brown
CISCO- Dr. Hugh 'Chief' Brown, 86, died Monday, November 4, 2002.
Graveside services were held at Oakwood Cemetery, Cisco at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 7, 2002, directed by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Directors.
Dr. Hugh 'Chief' Brown leaves behind a legacy of healing. He touched the life of many people throughout his life. He served his country in World War II as a Private, Air Corps Enlisted Reserve pilot instructor. He was honorably discharged from military service, November 17, 1944.
He served his fellow man as a dedicated Chiropractor with a special gift of healing. Chief was president of the Cisco Junior College board of regents for several years, served as Mayor of Cisco, was one of the major founders of the restoration of the Hilton Hotel, he worked effortlessly to improve the Cisco Airport and countless other projects that benefited the City of Cisco.
Chief was preceded in death by his wife, Paulette Ruppert Brown.
Survivors are his son, Rupert Hugh Brown; daughter, Colette Anne Latson; son-in-law, Jim Latson; and former son-in-law, Bill Hall; grandchildren, Stephanie Anne Kennemur, Patricia Lynne Hall, Brian Allan Kolenc, Kristina Dawn Liccketto and Aaron Hugh Scott Brown; great-grandchildren, Cole Thomas Kennemur and Haley Ann Liccketto; and one great-nephew, Alan Austin Withee.
Memorials may be made to Cisco Junior College.
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Recel Ott
JACKSBORO- Recel Royce Ott, 75, of Jacksboro and formerly of Strawn died Monday, November 4, 2002 at his residence.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 7, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Strawn, Texas, Rev. Ray White officiated. Burial followed in the Mt. Marion Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Mr. Ott was born on July 13, 1927 in Thurber, Texas to Ernest and Velma (Roberson) Ott. He grew up in the area of Thurber and Strawn and was a graduate of Strawn High School. He attended Ranger College before entering the Air Force during World War II. After serving his country he married Christine Kyle on December 6, 1947 in Strawn. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for Mitchell Industries for 18 years. He also worked for Southwestern Pipeline and owned and operated Ott's Service Station in Strawn. He lived in Strawn for 27 years before moving to Jacksboro. He was a Baptist.
Survivors are his wife, Christine Ott of Jacksboro; children: Marilyn Robin of Baton Rouge, La., Debbie Law of Weatherford, Tx., Terry Ott of Weatherford, and Caroline Worthington of Jacksboro; a brother, R.D. Ott of Strawn; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
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Ricarda Galvan
BALLINGER- Ricarda Castellano Galvan, 92, of Ballinger, Texas died Saturday, November 2, 2002, at the residence of her daughter in San Angelo.
A Holy Rosary was held at 7 p.m. Monday, November 4, 2002 in Rains-Seale Funeral Chapel. Christian Mass was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2002 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ballinger. Burial followed in the Miles Cemetery. Grandsons served as pallbearers.
She was born April 3, 1910 in Boquillas Coah, Mexico. She lived in Ballinger most of her life. Her husband, Julio, preceded her in death on November 9, 1989. Three infants, five sisters and two brothers also preceded her in death.
Survivors are eight daughters, Antonia Gonzales of Plainview, Jovita San Miguel and Severiana Aguero of San Angelo, Juanita Picon, Margrita Lopez, Maria Jalomo, Felis Galvan and Lupita Villarreal of Ballinger; five sons, Jose Galvan, Julio Galvan and Juan Galvan of Ballinger, Mike Galvan of Cisco, and Isaisas Galvan of Paragould, Ark.; 60 grandchildren; 129 great-grandchildren; 52 great-great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-great-grandchildren.
Ricarda was a very loving mother, wife, grandmother and friend to her family and to those who knew her. A very devoted Christian, she was a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Monastery, La Virgin de San Juan and many more.
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Slina Brixey
GORMAN- Slina Katherine Brixey, 76, of Gorman, Texas died Wednesday, November 6, 2002 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2002 at Murray Cemetery near Carbon, Gene Brian officiated.
Mrs. Brixey was born November 13, 1925 in Tulia, Texas to William Edgar Ham and Mary Laier Ham. She married Archie R. Brixey on September 24, 1945 in Dallas. She was a retired bookkeeper of the Texas State Bank & Trust in Dallas. She was a homemaker and one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Earl Ham.
Survivors are her husband, Archie R. Brixey of Gorman; one son, Paul W. Brixey of Fort Worth; three daughters, Becky Villarreal of Arlington, Kathy Coffey of Hillsboro, and Jannet Smith of Fort Worth; three brothers, R.C. Ham of Odessa, Carlton Ham of Canton and Jearl Ham of Cooper; one sister, Helen Ray of Carrollton; 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
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Rodrigo de la Torre
RANGER- Rodrigo de la Torre, 58, died Saturday, October 19, 2002 in Sabinas, Coah.
Burial was Monday, October 21, 2002 in Castanos, Coah.
Rodrigo was born on March 14, 1944 to Manuel de la Torre and Apolonia Mata de la Torre in Castanos, Coah. He married Aurora Fraga on March 22, 1989 in Monclovia, Coah. He had been a member of the Emanuel Iglesia Criastana Bautista in Olden, Texas for 3 years. He had lived in Eastland County for 30 years. He worked for the Gorman Milling Company in Gorman, Texas for the past 12 years.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Apolonia Mata de la Torre.
He is survived by his wife, Aurora Fraga de la Torre; two sons, Rodrigo de la Torre and Julio Cesar de la Torre both of Ranger, TX; his father Manuel de la Torre of Castanos, Coah; eight brothers, Abelardo de la Torre, Amadro de la Torre, Benito de la Torre, Jesus de la Torre, Martin de la Torre, Juan Manuel de la Torre, Juan Manuel de la Torre and Crispin de la Torre; one sister, Maria Torres all of Ranger, TX. and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2002 at the Emanuel Iglesia Criastana Bautista in Olden, TX, with Pastor Jeff Jackson and Intern-pastor Cristobal Cruz officiating.
A fund has been set up at the First National Bank in Eastland, Texas to help defray with family expenses.
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Mary Partlow
ABILENE- Mary O. Partlow, 74, died Friday, November 8, 2002 at an Abilene medical center.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Rev. Margaret Walker officiated. Interment of her cremains will be in Breckenridge Cemetery at a later date.
Mrs. Partlow was born to Rhuel and Lottie Livingston Pace in Breckenridge, Texas, on November 8, 1929. She moved from Breckenridge to Abilene five months ago. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Breckenridge.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Billy Ottow Partlow, who died in 1976.
Survivors are a son, David Partlow and his wife, Beverly, of Austin, TX; two daughters, Marsha Collins of Phoenix, Az. and Betty 'B.J.' Partlow of Abilene; a brother, J.D. Pace of Hawley; two sisters, Margaret Thomas of Eastland and Imogene Kennedy of Sulpher, La.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society P.O. Box 41, Abilene, TX 79604.
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Patsy Kinnison
MORAN- Patsy Ann Kinnison, 67, died Saturday, November 9, 2002 in an Abilene hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 11, 2002 at First United Methodist Church in Moran, Rev. Douglas Stenberg officiated. Burial was in the Moran Cemetery directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Patsy was born September 13, 1935 in Moran. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and was a member of American Legion Auxiliary. Patsy worked in law enforcement for many years.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Myra Belle Grace and Evelyn Hutzenbieler; and one brother, Bill Huskey.
Survivors are two sons, Arthur LaBonte of Albany and Mark LaBonte of Clyde; three daughters, Teresa King of Cisco, Carol Miller of Clyde and Karen Rains of Cisco; three sisters, Juanita Boyett of Ibex, Sandy Huskey of Moran and Ladena Huskey of Eula; one brother, Alvin Huskey, III and wife, Jeanine of Big Spring; one aunt, Elma May Huskey of Moran; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, The American Diabetes Association, The Moran Cemetery Association or the charity of your choice.
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James Randolph, Jr.
BROWNWOOD- James (Jimmy) Randolph, Jr. was born January 9, 1958 in Temple, Texas. He died Friday, November 8, 2002.
Jimmy lived his life as we all hope to. He expressed his love of his mother, father, wife and daughters by giving of himself. Jimmy's deep-seated faith enabled him to share the abundance of his blessings with all of those around him. Jimmy was a small-town guy who chose Brownwood, Texas as a place to hang his hat. A car dealer extraordinaire, he embraced the community and took pride in contributing to its many needs. He was a member of the Temple High School Key Club and other lesser organizations such as the Brownwood Country Club and Card Group, and Founding Father of HAT FEST.
He is preceded in death by his father James Alfred Randolph, Sr.
Survivors are his wife Jean Lee Kostohryz Randolph of Brownwood; five daughters, Carolyn Joyce, Martha Jean, Charlotte Ann, Helen Elizabeth, and Grace Marie; his mother, Carolyn Faye Wilder Randolph; his brother, Mark Randolph and a sister, Caryn Randolph; his special friends, Sally, Barnie, Mr. Meanie, Mimi-Meanie and Girlie.
Memorial services were held Monday, November 11, 2002 at 7 p.m. at the Brownwood Depot at the corner of Adams and Depot St. Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Brownwood. Interment was at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Cemetery in Ft. Worth.
A Memorial fund has been established at Citizens National Bank in Brownwood, TX. in his name, at 1 Carnegie Ave., Brownwood, TX 76801.
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Alma Quinn
SAN ANTONIO- Alma White Quinn, 88, of San Antonio, Texas, died Saturday, November 9, 2002.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, Texas. The Rev. Jerry Hall officiated. Arrangements were by Porter Loring Mortuaries of San Antonio.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Claude and Fannie White; and brother, Jesse White of Ranger.
Survivors are daughters, Beth Darner and Guylynn Keeton; grandsons, Eddie Aaron and Johnny Aaron; granddaughters, Lisa Aaron, Jennifer Keeton, and Kelly Wallace; great-granddaughters, Caitlin and Casey Aaron.
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Bradford Galaway
WEATHERFORD- Funeral services for Mr. Bradford Wayne Galaway, 31, of Weatherford, Texas, formerly of Bonham, were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at the Wise Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in the Arledge Ridge Cemetery.
Mr. Galaway died Friday, November 8, 2002 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Arrangements directed by Wise Funeral Home of Bonham, Texas.
Mr. Galaway was born November 12, 1970 in Dallas, Texas the son of Eddie Lee Galaway and Lou Ann (Hart) Galaway. He was a 1990 graduate of Bonham High School, he later attended East Texas in Commerce and Austin Community College. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was a salesman at Brownwood and Managing partner at Randolph Dodge in Eastland.
Survivors are his parents, Eddie and Lou Ann Galaway of Bonham, TX.; brother, Charles 'Chuck' Galaway of Abilene, TX; sisters, Leigh Ann Schedule of Athens, TX, Shelley Williams of Anna, TX, and Robin Galaway of Bonham, TX; his grandfather, Barney Lee Galaway of Corsicana, TX.; numerous nieces, nephews and one great-niece.
Friends may sign the online guest register at www.wisefuneralhome.com.
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Flossie Elmore
STRAWN- Flossie Elmore, 89, a long time resident of Strawn died Monday, November 11, 2002 at a Ranger nursing home.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2002 in Mt. Marion Cemetery. Burial will follow at Mt. Marion Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
She was born on July 18, 1913 in Baird, Texas to Oscar and Effie (Youngblood) Jackson. She graduated from Gordon High School. She married Murl Elmore in 1931 in Oklahoma and he preceded here in death in January 1994. She worked for a number of years for the Polka Dot Cafe in Strawn before owning and operating Flossie's Cafe for about 10 years. She was Church of Christ.
Survivors are three sons, Dale Elmore of Mingus, B.J. and Jim Elmore both of Strawn; two sisters, Katherine McKinzey of Lubbock, Melba Jean Jackson of Tucson, Az.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Mac Harrelson
LUBBOCK- Services for Mac Harrelson, 74, of Lubbock, were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at Lakeridge United Methodist Church, Rev. Bill Couch officiated. Burial followed in the Resthaven Memorial Park directed by Resthaven Funeral Home.
Mr. Harrelson died Saturday, November 9, 2002 in Lewisville, Texas.
He was born on November 23, 1927 in Gorman, Texas. He married the former 'Kitty' Lomax in Cisco, Texas on May 22, 1948. She died on June 2, 2002.
He retired as the Lubbock Division Sub-station Superintendent, with 39 years of service with Southwestern Public Service in 1988. He was a member of the Yellowhouse Masonic Lodge, Lakeridge United Methodist Church, and the Foundation Sunday School Class. He had moved to Highland Village, TX, from Lubbock, in August.
He officiated high school football and basketball, and coached Little League and Pony Baseball. He was coach of the State Little League Championships in 1968, and took the team to play in the Little League Regional Tournament in Florida.
Survivors are a daughter, Kathy Belt of Columbus, Ga; a son, Brad Harrelson of Dallas, Tx; a sister, Sue Adams of Burleson, TX; 6 grandchildren; and 2 great-granddaughters.
The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Lubbock or Meals on Wheels.
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Wilford Phillips, Sr.
TYLER, TX.- Wilford Leo Phillips, Sr., 87, died Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at his residence.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 15, 2002 at Burks Walker Tippit Chapel. Thelma Hostetter officiated. Burial was in the Primrose Cemetery, Van Zandt County, Texas, directed by Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Directors.
Mr. Phillips was born on May 31, 1916 in Cisco, Texas. He lived in Tyler for 27 years. He is formerly of Lovington, N.M. He attended Lakeview Church of the Nazarene. He was retired from Warren Petroleum as an Engineer and Tyler Independent School District as a crossing guard.
He was preceded in death by his parents Oliver H. Phillips and Vera Palmer Phillips; a brother, Woodrow Phillips; a sister, Drucilla Stillwell.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Bonnie Ruth Boyd Phillips of Tyler, TX.; sons, Wilford L. Phillips, Jr. of Tyler, James E. Phillips of Bullard, TX, Larry W. Phillips and Terry L. Phillips both of Tyler; daughters, Bernyce Allison of Lake Palestine, TX., Renee' Herrin of Tyler, and Linda Cox of Lovington, N.M.; a sister, Mozelle Phillips of Cisco; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
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Levi 'Mac' McMillan
AMARILLO- Levi 'Mac' McMillan, 82, of Amarillo died Friday, October 25, 2002.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 28, 2002 at Schooler Funeral Home, Brentwood Chapel, Jim Loper, Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Borger, and the Rev. Terry Tamplen, of Kingswood United Methodist Church in Amarillo, officiated. Burial was in the Llano Cemetery.
He was from Carbon, Texas and had lived in Gorman, Texas.
Mr. McMillan served in the Marines during World War II. He married Billie Eldridge in Gorman on May 26, 1945. He then moved to Borger in 1951 where he retired from the Phillips Plant in 1964.
He worked as a sales manager for Cooper Buick Pontiac for 17 years before retiring in 1982. He was a Mason and a Shriner and had recently been honored with his 50-year Masonic membership.
He was formerly a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Borger and then moved to Kingswood United Methodist Church of Amarillo.
Survivors include his wife, Billie McMillan; a daughter, Elaine Eason of Amarillo; a brother, Eldon 'Corkey' McMillan of Brownwood; a granddaughter, Tammy Davis and husband, Justin, of Canyon; a grandson, Jonathan Eason of Arlington; and three great-grandchildren, Jacob, Kelly and Nicholas.
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Virgil Boynton
KRUM, TX.- Virgil K. Boynton, 82, formerly of Ranger, Texas went to be with his Heavenly Father on November 11, 2002 at a hospital in Denton.
Mr. Boynton is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Ruth; 3 beloved children, Jeanie Yates of Frisco, Kenny Boynton of Krum and Stanley Boynton of Ranger; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Services were held at 2 p.m. at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home in Lewisville on Thursday, November 14, 2002.
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Gillmer Barnes
ABILENE- Gillmer Gordon Barnes, 64, died Sunday, November 10, 2002 at his home in Abilene.
A graveside service was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2002 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, Rev. Jim Lively officiated. Burial followed directed by Elmwood Funeral Home in Abilene.
Mr. Barnes was born on June 16, 1938 in Eastland County the son of Joe Gillmer and Mable James Barnes. He worked as a boiler room operator at Abilene State School retiring after 21 years of service. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joy Barnes, one brother, Robin Barnes, and one sister, Betty Goforth.
Survivors are one daughter, Angela Tumminello of Abilene; four grandchildren, Rocky Martinez, Cory Williams, Kimberly Williams, and Jasmine Tumminello; two great-grandchildren, Cheyenne and Elaina Martinez; numerous nieces and nephews.
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Juanita Fullen
EASTLAND- Juanita Mae Cummings Fullen went home to be with the Lord on November 14, 2002.
She was born in Eastland and had lived in Eastland County all of her life. She was a graduate of Eastland High School and Homecoming Chairman of the Class of 1938. She was a member of First Baptist Church and active in Inspiration Church of God in Eastland. She was active in civic organizations and bride clubs. She enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and she was a good cook. She married Thaddeous Milton Fullen, also of Eastland, May 7, 1939. She was active in their businesses, first in their plumbing business and later when they purchased Fullen Motor Co.
She is survived by her husband Thaddeous Milton Fullen of Eastland, Texas. Other survivors include her daughter, Patricia Ann Fullen Jarrett and husband Jaye C. Jarrett of San Antonio, Texas; son, James Milton Fullen and his wife Diane Fullen of Eastland, Texas; five grandchildren: Tami Jarrett Plummer and husband Jim Plummer of Houston, Texas; Lisa Jarrett Ritchter and husband Kris Richter of San Antonio; John Milton Jarrett of San Antonio, Texas; Kellye Fullen Stuart and her husband Gary Stuart of Nashville, Tennessee; and James Tracy Fullen of Eastland, Texas; four great-grandchildren: Jarrett Nathan Richter and Kristina LeVaughn Richter of San Antonio, Texas; James Zachary Stuart and Grayson Tyler Stuart of Nashville, Tennessee; her brother Leo Cummings of Cameron, Texas; her daughter-in-law Robbye Fullen of Llano, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
She was deeply loved by her family and friends. One of motherÕs last wishes was to relay how much she loved her family, friends and caregivers.
Services are pending with Bakker Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas. Officiating the services will be Rev. Larry Smith of East Prairie, Missouri, and former minister of Inspiration Church of God in Eastland, Texas. Memorials may be made to Eastland Memorial Hospital, Inspiration Church of God, or to your favorite charity.
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Adelein Franklin
EASTLAND- Adelein M. Franklin, 91, died Saturday, November 16, 2002 at a local nursing home.
Graveside funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2002 at the Eastland Cemetery, Rev. Gary Mauldin officiated, directed by Bakker Funeral Home.
She was born October 28, 1911 in Hopkins County, Texas to Jessie and Beaulah Robinson Craig. She grew up in Ranger and married Douglas Franklin on July 25, 1928. She lived in Morton Valley and Kermit before moving to Eastland in 1967. She was a longtime employee of Eastland Memorial Hospital and Coats Furniture. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Eastland and the Order of the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her husband Douglas in 1967 and a son Douglas Dale in 2002.
Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Ken Hill of Eastland; a brother and sister-in-law, T.R. and Nancy Craig of Breckenridge; a sister, Darphurne Shamburger of Breckenridge; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Craig of Oklahoma; a grandson, Joe Dale Franklin and other granddaughters.
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Frank Riojas
BURKBURNETT, TX.- Frank B. Riojas, 68, of Burkburnett, Texas died Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at a Dallas hospital.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2002 at Abundant Life Apostolic Church in Dayton. Interment followed at Moss Hill Cemetery in Moss Hill, Texas. Sterling Funeral Home of Dayton was in charge of the arrangements.
Frank was born on December 18, 1933 in Floresville, Texas to parents Francisco Bernardo Riojas, Sr. and Gregoria Garcia. He was a veteran of the US Army during WW II. He was a longtime resident of the Houston and Moss Hill area where he worked as an auto mechanic and owned Big State Transmission before moving to Ranger, TX. and later to Burkburnett where he spent the last two years. He was a member of the Apostolic Faith UPC and a faithful prayer warrior who was known to pray in his sleep. He loved raising his many children and step-children and will be remembered as a very easy going person who was very honest and would always help others. He enjoyed boating, camping and hunting as well as being involved in the Boy Scouts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jean Riojas, and sister Elvia ÒMarieÓ Lopez.
Survivors are his wife, Aurelia Riojas; children: Kolin (Brenda) Burmaster of Village Mills, TX., Kyle (Brenda) Burmaster of Hardin, TX, Kelly (Becky) Burmaster of Hardin, TX, Mark (Diane) Riojas of Hardin, TX, Shelly Barnes of Gardendale, AL., Carlos (Cheryl) Martinez of Burkburnett, Diana Clay of Burkburnett, Ricky (Michelle) Martinez of Cleburne, TX, Ramon (Melanie) Martinez of Cleburne, TX, Robert (Carol) Martinez of DeRidder, LA, Ruben Martinez of Phoenix, AZ., Rodger Martinez of Ranger, TX, and Becky Lopez of Ranger, TX; brothers, Johnny (Barbara) Riojas of Houston, Avil Riojas of Houston, Emilio (Adela) Riojas of Houston and Pete Riojas of Houston; sisters, Helen (Ruben) Garcia of Houston and Gregoria Riojas of Houston; 31 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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Cloe Proffitt
CROSS PLAINS- Cloe B. Proffitt, 93, of Cross Plains, died Sunday, November 17, 2002 at the Rising Star Nursing Center in Rising Star.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2002 at the Higginbotham Chapel, Ronnie White officiated. Burial was in the Cross Plains Cemetery, Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains was in charge of the arrangements.
Cloe was born March 23, 1909 in Henderson County, Texas to Silas Wesley Skipper and Gertrude Brownlow Skipper. She married N.E. (Noah) Proffitt in Quannah, Texas on June 5, 1929. She was a longtime resident of Rising Star and Cross Plains and had been a resident of Rising Star Nursing Center for the last 10 1/2 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cross Plains.
Survivors are one daughter and son-in-law, Wesley and Joe Ingram of Cross Plains; and one son and daughter-in-law, A.E. (Gene) and Louise Proffitt of Amarillo; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
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Olan Wilson
RISING STAR- Olan Max Wilson, 70, of Rising Star, died Friday, November 15, 2002 at the Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2002 at the First Baptist Church, Terry Simmons officiated. Burial followed in the Rising Star Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Max was born on January 7, 1932 in Van Zandt County to Fred and Verna Lambert Wilson. He has lived in Rising Star for 52 years, where he was a business partner in Oilfield Supply Company. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Olan Michael Wilson; two brothers, Dean and Jacky Wilson; and a sister, Bertha Ann Wilson.
Survivors are his wife, Bobbie Wilson of Rising Star; a son, Mark Wilson and wife, Jeanie of Springtown; five brothers, Wayne Wilson of Lake Brownwood, Jerry Wilson of Houston, Herman Wilson of Wichita Falls, Jimmy Wilson of Cross Plains, Billy Wilson of Stephenville; five sisters, Edna Faye Harris of Cisco, Linda Oates of Plano, Sandra Puntney of Mansfield, Joan Gerhardt and Janie McIntire, both of Cisco; two grandchildren, Mitchell and Madison Wilson of Springtown.
Pallbearers were Darren White, Danny Wood, Bud Linney, Jackie Pancake, Sonny Quimby and Davy Jones.
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George Spalding
RISING STAR- George H. Spalding, 85, formerly of Rising Star, died Sunday, November 17, 2002 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2002 in the Pioneer Cemetery. Higgin-botham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of the arrangements.
George was born April 4, 1917 in Rising Star to Jim and Ethel Bush Spalding. He has lived all his life in the Rising Star area. He married Mattie Crutchfield on August 26, 1939 in Eastland. He joined the U.S. Army in 1945 where he served as a Military Policeman. He did farming and worked and retired from S&M of Cisco.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Raymond, Glen, Aubrey, and Eugene Spalding; and five sisters, Ila Mae Berry, Jewell Berry, Faye Warner, Foye Thompson, and Billie Joe Hines.
Survivors are his wife, Mattie of Brownwood; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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J. E. 'Bud' Guess
LEVELLAND- Masonic graveside services for J.E. 'Bud' Guess, 75, of Levelland were held Monday, November 18, 2002 at 2 p.m. in the City of Levelland Cemetery. Interment followed under the direction of Head Family Funeral Home.
Mr. Guess died November 14, 2002 in Levelland.
He was born January 18, 1927 in Lacasa to the late George Austin Guess and Winnie Pearl Newhnam. He married Jean Anz on July 3, 1948 in Breckenridge.
He was a lifelong Texan, having lived in Levelland since 1963, moving from Midland. He retired as the owner of Commercial Printing of Levelland. He was a past Master of Levelland Masonic Lodge 1236; past Worthy Patron of Levelland Order of the Eastern Star; a charter member of the Lubbock Scottish Rite; a member of the First Baptist Church of Levelland; past president of the Levelland Lions Club; past president of the Levelland Exchange Club; and former Levelland City Councilman. He was also a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Navy at Okinawa.
He was preceded in death by a son, Forrest, in 1988.
Survivors include his wife, Jean Guess; a son, Donny Guess of Levelland; a daughter, Cheryl Coleman of Levelland; six grandchildren; and a brother, Billie Guess of Ranger.
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John Gregg
NEW YORK- John Lewis Gregg died November 11, 2002.
He was born in Brownsville, Texas in 1912. He was the son of Saunders Gregg and Anna Mae Thompson Gregg and longtime friend of Ivan Kaminoff.
He is survived by his brother, Saunders Gregg and wife Edwina; nieces, Martha Ann Snyder and Alexandra Dilg.
Funeral services were in New York City on November 15, 2002 and burial was in Kilgore, Texas at the Thompson Cemetery on November 16th.
"Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh." George Bernard Shaw
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Rex Berry
CISCO- Rex Berry, 73, of Cisco, died Saturday, November 16, 2002 at his home.
His body was cremated and no services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements were handled by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Directors of Cisco.
Mr. Berry was born at Cisco on May 25, 1929 to Marshall 'Dude' and Margaret Jewell Berry Thomas. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Army. He worked for Delta Airlines. He lived at Englewood, Calif. and in Oklahoma before returning to Cisco. He was a Christian Scientist.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors are sisters, Rose Mary Berry Williams of Abilene and Jean Berry Lyon of Mason; two half sisters and numerous cousins and special friends including: Dee Nell Madison, Trent Madison, Johnny Waskom all of Fort Worth and Sylvia George, Florine Hagan and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Humphries all of Cisco.
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Bro. Claude Harris
OLDEN - Bro. Claude H. Harris, 93, of Olden, passed away Wednesday morning at the Eastland Memorial Hospital. Services will be at 12:00 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church in Eastland with Dr. Shawn Brewer and Roy Lee Williams officiating. Burial will be in the Necessity Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5 until 7 p.m.
Bro. Harris was born on August 24, 1909 in Necessity to Samuel Lilburn and Maggie Harris. He married June Morton on March 10, 1931 in Ranger. He was a Chaplain in W.W.II, serving with General Douglas McArthur. He attended Hardin Simmons University and Southwestern Theological Seminary. He moved to different areas including Morton Valley and Eastland, preaching the gospel. He was known as the founder of the Girls Ranch in Stephens County, that later was donated to the Southern Baptist Convention and became a part of Buckner Baptist Children's Services. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Bertie, Beatrice and Odessa.
Survivors include his wife, June Harris of Olden; three children, Claudia K. Cook of Grand Prairie, Samuel Harris of Olden and Frances Cleckler of Abilene; a brother, Roy Harris of Breckenridge; two sisters, Ovella Turner of Ranger and Lottie Newnham of Breckenridge; five grandchildren, Teena, Aleesa, Patrick, Amy and Curtis; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Earl Granbery
Earl Eugene Granbery passed away November 23, 2002. Earl was born December 21, 1924 in Dallas, TX. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High, 1943, volunteered for service in the Merchant Marines, May 1943, and attended the University of Texas. He married Betty Blackburn, from Seymour, August 11, 1950, in Dallas, TX. He was employed by Varel Manufacturing Co for 14 years, and a manager of Tecco Electronics. He was a Real Estate Agent with Ebby Halliday for 15 years, and Keller-Williams Agent for the past seven years.
He was a charter member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Dallas, a member of American Legion Post #379, S.S. Stephens Hopkins Chapter, a fifty year ham radio operator (W5YYC) and a member of the Quarter Century Ham Club.
Survivors include his loving wife, Betty, two daughters and sons-in-laws, Julie & Dan Elrod of Eastland, Christi & Brian Sullivan of
Longview; four grandchildren, Bryan Elrod & wife Brandy, Brent Elrod, Shannon Sullivan, Melanie Sullivan; two great grandchildren, Brady & Briley Elrod; one brother, Dick Granbery of Wichita Falls, and several nieces and nephews.
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Ometa Clark
OLDEN- Ometa Lewis Clark, 84, of Olden and formerly of Desdemona, died Monday, November 25, 2002 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Rev. Jerry Maston officiated. Burial followed in the Desdemona Cemetery in Desdemona, Texas.
Grandsons served as pallbearers.
Mrs. Clark was born in Erath County, Texas on September 12, 1918 to James Elliott and Sir Vielia (Chissum) Roberts. She grew up and attended several different schools in Lamesa, Desdemona, Putnam and Cisco. She married R.D. 'Jodie' Lewis on December 28, 1935 and he preceded her in death in 1960. She then married W.A. Clark on January 13, 1966 and he preceded her in death in 1997. She was active in the First Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. When she married Mr. Clark she joined the Desdemona Church of Christ where she remained active in the church. She loved the Lord and the Lord's work.
She was also preceded in death by a son, Larry Ray Lewis and two sisters, Dorothy Fonville and Eva Mae Fonville.
Survivors are sons, David C. Lewis and wife Barbara of Killeen and Eugene Lewis and wife Alicia of Abilene; daughters, Doris Frith and husband Ray of Midland and Ruby Stewart and husband Joe of Olden; stepchildren, Gary Clark of Eastland and Judy Thomas and husband Dan of Waco; sisters, Leona Allen of Desdemona and El Wanda Rainey of Gorman; 19 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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October 2002
Hazel Beckom
CISCO- Hazel Mae Damron Beckom, 81, of Cisco, died Tuesday, October 15, 2002 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2002 at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Dr. Chris Craig officiated.
She was born in Paducah, Texas on January 9, 1921 to Oscar and Susie (Biddy) Fields, who preceded her in death. She married Eugene Damron in 1942, he preceded her in death in 1993. She married Bill Beckom on May 6, 2001. She was a Licensed Vocational Nurse and a member of First Baptist Church.
Survivors are her husband, Bill Beckom; daughters and sons-in-law, Genie and Olin Odom III and Martha and Steve Brackeen; grandchildren, Chris Arevalo and Melody Brackeen; sister-in-law, Marjorie Davis; step grandchildren, Chrystopher McKinney, Tommy McKinney, Stephen McKinney and Darrell Williams; cousins, Orville Robinson and Pat and Tommy Mertl; and numerous life-long friends.
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Marvin Tarver
RISING STAR- Marvin James Tarver, 85, of Rising Star, formerly of Ranger, died Sunday, October 13, 2002 at a Brownwood hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, Tx. Rev. Otis Fox officiated, directed by Community Memorial Funeral Home of Abilene.
Mr. Tarver was born in Eastland, Texas on August 27, 1917, to the late James Ollie and Lettie Lee Norton Tarver. He was a graduate of Eastland High School. He served in the Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He was also owner/operator of a cleaning business in Ranger before retiring.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Cleo Perrin Tarver.
Survivors are a sister, Joyce Ann Fox and her husband, Otis Fox of Oxnard, CA; and a brother-in-law, Billie Jack Perrin of Fort Worth.
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Paul Murphy
RANGER- Paul Warren Murphy, 58, died Sunday, October 13, 2002 at Charleston, Arkansas.
Paul was born in Ranger, Texas on October 8, 1944 to Jack and Annie (Robinson) Murphy.
Services were held Tuesday, October 15, 2002 in Charleston, Arkansas on October 15, 2002. Burial was held in Ranger, Texas at Evergreen Cemetery on Friday, October 18, 2002.
Paul was retired from the City of Fort Worth, Texas. He was married to Juanita Morgan on October 15, 1976.
Paul served in the US Army from 1965 to 1968. He served time in Vietnam where he obtained Specialist E-4 status as well as the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.
Paul was a Past Post Commander, Junior Vice Commander, Adjutant and Assistant Quartermaster, in his VFW Post.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 10 years Juanita; his father and mother; two brothers, A.L. and James C. Murphy.
Survivors include a step-son, Jimmy Morgan; one step-daughter, Patricia Hargrove; four brothers, Richard Murphy of White Oak, TX, Gary Don and Raymond Murphy of Wills Point, TX, and A. Dwaine Murphy of Cedar Hill, TX; one half-brother, Dale Clark of Wills Point, TX; a sister-in-law, Barbara Murphy of Fort Worth; a brother-in-law, Sidney Morgan of Fort Worth, TX; four step-grandsons; one step-great-grandchild; and aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made to the VFW of Eastland, Texas, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or American Cancer Society.
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Geraldine Sommers
RANGER- Geraldine Sommers, 76, of Ranger, died Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 4 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2002 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Curt Ratcliff and Rev. David Snyder officiated. Burial followed in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Mrs. Sommers was born on January 18, 1926 in Nash, Texas to Emmitt and Mary (Pope) Williams, who were lifetime residents of Mansfield, Texas. She married Louis H. Sommers on August 17, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan and he preceded her in death in 1998. She in her lifetime had resided in Mansfield, and Fort Worth, Texas, Detroit, Michigan and Ranger. She was a graduate of North Side High School in Fort Worth. She retired from the Chrysler Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan. She was a member of the Church of God in Ranger.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Louis Sommers; son, Don E. Sommers; and brother, Emmitt Lee Williams.
Survivors are a son, Louis A. Sommers and wife Vicki of Irving, TX; daughter, Wendy Erwin and husband Larry of Ranger, TX, daughter, Stormy Sommers of Austin, TX; son, Gregory J. Sommers of Ranger, TX; son-in-law, Mark Crank of Cedar Park; brother and sister-in-law, Don E. and Evelyn Williams of Mansfield, TX; 9 grandchildren; her very special dog, Izzy; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Bonnie Sledge
RANGER- Bonnie Mae Sledge, 94, of Ranger, Texas died Thursday, October 17, 2002 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 21, 2002 at The Church of God, Rev. A.J. Fox and Rev. Curt Ratcliff officiated. Burial was in the Bullock Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Sledge was born on August 11, 1908 in Sallisaw, Oklahoma the daughter of Lewis Edward and Lillie Leanna (Alexander) Trotter. She graduated from high school in Empire, Oklahoma. She married Gerald Douglas Sledge on December 19, 1933 in Stinnet, Texas. She worked as a practical nurse and was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She was a member of the Church of God in Ranger.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gerald Sledge, sons Kenneth and Loren Sledge, and grandchildren, Kenneth Scott Barr and Preston Tipps.
Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Leanna and Jack Lindsey of Eastland; son and daughter-in-law, Lanny and Jeralyn Sledge of Ranger; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Kenneth Barr of Alice; daughter-in-law, June Sledge of Kingsland; 8 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
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Sammy Ritchey
RANGER- Sammy Ray Ritchey, 70, of Ranger, Texas, died Friday, October 18, 2002 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Burial was in the Merriman Cemetery in Ranger, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Ritchey was born on May 23, 1932 in Post, Texas to Ray and Bess (Vaught) Ritchey. He was a graduate of Brownfield High School. He married Judy Sipes on April 10, 1992 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He served in the military for 21 years and traveled overseas. He retired from the military at Dyess Airforce Base and resided in Abilene until moving to Ranger in 1986. He was owner and operator of Ritchey Motors in Ranger. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
Survivors are his wife, Judy Ritchey of Ranger; sons and wife, Scott and Debbie Ritchey of Sherman; son and wife, Frank and Brandy Ritchey of Bellville; sons and wife, Rick and Rhonda Ritchey of Abilene; daughter and husband, Jami and Ronnie Ingram of Cisco; son and wife, Jason and Tammy Bernard of Ft. Worth; a daughter, Shanda Ritchey of Abilene; brother, Jim Ritchey of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, Dorothy Landis of Shallowater; grandchildren, Nathan, Christi and Corey Ritchey of Abilene, Brittany Ritchey of Arlington, Laura, Sarah and Mathew Ritchey of Sherman, Kody and Kaycee Ingram of Cisco, and Alissa and Jayson Bernard of Ranger; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Owen Finley
PALESTINE- Owen Dean Finley, 78, died Friday, October 19, 2002 at Cartmell Home for Aged.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2002 at Eastland Cemetery in Eastland, Texas. Arrangements directed by Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home in Palestine.
He was born on December 1, 1923 in Eastland County, Texas to Jesse George and Maude McClarney Finley. He was raised in Eastland County and had lived in Palestine since 1989. He was a retired precinct superintendent with the Texas Highway Department after 35 years service. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater.
He was preceded in death by two daughters, Sandra and Karen.
Survivors are his wife of 60 years, Gladys Finley of Palestine; three sons, Jim Finley of Palestine, Larry Finley of Palestine and Terry Finley of Spring; one brother, A.G. Finley of Florida; 3 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of choice.
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Daniel Bryson
CLYDE- Daniel G. 'Dan' Bryson, 67, of Clyde, Texas, died Thursday, October 17, 2002 at his home.
Services were held Monday, October 21, 2002 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Clyde, Rev. Riley Fugitt and Rev. Clayton Pennington officiated. Burial was in the Potosi Cemetery, directed by Bailey Funeral Home.
Dan was born on November 28, 1934 in Oplin, Texas to William Hicks and Iva Lee Watson Bryson. He attended school in Oplin. He married Joyce Jolene Fannin on June 18, 1955 in Abilene, Texas. She preceded him in death in 1976. He later moved from Lubbock to Clyde in 1994 where he met Mary Jo King. They were married March 12, 1997 in Ovala, Texas. He worked for the Wooten Food Company which later became McClaneÕs Food Company retiring after 43 years in 1992. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Clyde where he was a member of the Whosoever Will Sunday School Class. He was ordained a Deacon in 1969.
Survivors are his wife, Mary Jo Bryson; three sons, Mark Bryson of Houston, Darrell Bryson of Abilene, and Dennis Bryson of Anson; four daughters, Tern Bryson, Becky Diaz, Cindy Bryson, and Danna Bryson all of Abilene; one stepson, Todd King of Denver City; two step-daughters, Jayna Russell of Neweilton, La. and Jamie Griffith of Cisco; three sisters, Collene Miller and Sue Dell Freeman both of Baird and Billie Knox of Elmendorf; 10 grandchildren, Many Diaz, Pedro Diaz, Jolena Diaz, Chelsea Diaz, Anthony Bryson, Candis Bryson, Caleb Daganhart, Ezekiel Mendosa and Cory Bivens; two great-grandchildren, Tyler Stedham and Destiny Diaz; 10 step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Clyde First Baptist Church.
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S. Neil Hurt
S. Neil Hurt, a long-time resident and local businessman since 1957, died on Oct. 16, 2002. Jeanne, his loving wife of 53 years, was at his side.
Neil was born June 23, 1929, in Eastland, Texas, to Carl and Eddie Belle (McCleskey) Hurt. He married Betty Jeanne Greene in 1949 and graduated from Texas Tech University at Lubbock with a degree in business administration.
In 1957, he and Theo Lamb established Neil Hurt Chevrolet, Olds and Cadillac in Prescott. In 1967, they opened Lamb Chevrolet in National City, Calif. In 1970, Neil and Jeanne bought the Prescottonian Motel, which they expanded over the years.
Neil was a rancher and land developer and also enjoyed aviation, which included owning nine planes over the years. He was a member of Atzlan Lodge #1, Golden Rule, Bradshaw Shrine Club, Yavapai Shrine Club, Royal Order of Jesters and Sobib. He was instrumental in bringing the first Shrine Circus to Prescott. He was interested in Crippled Children and Clothe a Child projects. Neil was director of Court 17 in 1992. He was appointed to the Governors Board of Best Western, serving for 12 years. Also, Neil served on the Motion Picture Board for the State of Arizona.
Survivors are his wife, Jeanne; his sons, Allen and his wife, Julie, and Craig; daughter, Carol Unangst; sisters, Geneva Loyce Willis of Birmingham, Ala., Beth Sellers of Payson, Ariz., and Rhea Ward of Brownwood, Texas; and his grandchildren, Jeffrey and his wife Elizabeth, Matthew, Katie and Amy.
Funeral services for Neil will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2002, at the American Evangelical Lutheran Church. A wake is to follow at the Country Kitchen Restaurant in Prescott.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in NeilÕs memory to Margaret T. Morris Center, Brown Challenge Fund or YRMC Hospice.
Arrangements entrusted to Sunrise Funeral Home and Crematory of Prescott Valley.
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Jesse White
RANGER - Jesse 'Jess' Washington White, 86, passed away early Sunday morning, October 20, 2002 at his home.
Services were held at 10:00 am Wednesday, October 23, 2002 at First Baptist Church in Ranger, Dr. David Cash officiated. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. White was born on May 20, 1916 in Stone County, Arkansas to Ernest Claude and Fannie Elizabeth (Bagwell) White. He graduated from Ranger High School and attended Ranger College. He married Margaret Frances Hatton on October 4, 1952 in Ranger. He began his career with Community Public Service in Ranger, and then went on to work in Texas City with Community Public Service, where he was employed during the time of the Texas City Explosion. After leaving Texas City, he was affiliated with the Gulf and Magnolia Pipeline Companies in Breckenridge, then in 1955 he went to work with the Eastland County Water Supply District where he served as plant superintendent, and was employed there for 40 years until his retirement in 1995 at the age of 79. Mr. White had been a member of the Ranger Lions Club for 35 years, where he served as club secretary and treasurer and received the honor of Lion of the Year in 1971-1972 and again in 2001-2002. Mr. White was a 50+year member of First Baptist Church in Ranger he also served as Training Union Director and Sunday School teacher for many years. He was also a charter member of the Water Works Association Research Foundation, and a charter member of the Ranger Volunteer Fire Department.
Survivors include: wife, Margaret White of Ranger; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda Sue and Lou Guardino of Gun Barrel City; daughter, Diane Wilson of Ranger; son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Debra White of Midland; daughter-in-law, Beverly Cherry of Midland; sister, Alma Quinn of Midland; grandchildren, Jeri Ann Shlemon of Tampa, Florida, Steve White of Tampa, Florida, Cindy and Tim Seymore of Heath, Vicky and Tim Gibbs of Garland, Tracy and Jerry Archer of Rockwall, Jay and Kellee Abbott of Arlington, Ben White of Lubbock, Jacob White of Midland, and Johnathan Wilson of Ranger; and nieces, Guy Lynn Keeton and Babeth Darner, both of San Antonio. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Jerry Don White in 1969.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jesse White Memorial Scholarship Fund at First Baptist Church of Ranger.
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LaVada Roberts
BRECKENRIDGE-LaVada (Vada) Lee Roberts died Thursday, October 17, 2002.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 23, 2002 at First United Methodist Church in Breckenridge, Texas. Interment was in the Breckenridge Cemetery.
LaVada was born on December 10, 1960 to Reverend and Mrs. A.L. McCarty. She attended Breckenridge High School and graduated in 1979. She later attended Cisco Junior College where she was a member of the Wrangler Belles.
Survivors are her husband, Tracy Roberts; her son, K.C. Brons and wife Christina; her daughter, Shayla Brons; step-daughter, Schaniqua Roberts; and two step-sons, Tracy and Renardo Roberts; two granddaughters, Aryana Brons and Destiny Smith; her father, A.L. McCarty; mother, Lucille McCarty; mother-in-law, Gloria Roberts; father-in-law, Ketral Roberts; two sisters, Debra Foster and husband, Gary of Eastland, Dana Denise Waller of Plano; four nieces, Venetta McCarty of Lewisville, Tawanna Foster of Plano, LaToya Waller of Denton and Artora McCarty of Plano; two nephews, Kelly Foster of Brownwood and Gary Foster, Jr. of Cisco; several aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.
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Violet Lindelof
ARLINGTON- Violet Grace Lindelof, 76, of Arlington, Texas died September 12, 2002 in Arlington.
Her cremains were interred in the Eastland City Cemetery.
She was born on October 20, 1925 in Youngstown, Ohio to Otto and Lillie (Carlson) Lindelof. She married Lester Mahood in Youngstown, Ohio. He preceded her in death. She later married Norman Sabin in Sycamore, Illinois. He also preceded her in death, as well as her sister, Jeanette Arther and her brother, Lawrence Lindelof. She moved to Arlington in 1980. She enjoyed crocheting and playing the violin.
Survivors are a sister, Eleanor Shoup of Wheatridge, CO; two nephews and two nieces.
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Dolores Miller
EASTLAND- Dolores Rushing Miller, 75, died Saturday, October 26, 2002 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 28, 2002 at the Bakker Funeral Chapel, Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated. Private interment services followed in the Eastland Cemetery.
She was born September 1, 1927 at Desdemona, Texas. She was the daughter of Herman and Orita Whitfield Rushing. She grew up in Desdemona and moved to Eastland in 1943, where she graduated from Eastland High School in 1944. She married Darwin Miller on November 27, 1946 in Eastland. She was a homemaker and mother and a member of the First Baptist Church of Eastland.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Dorothea Smith; and a brother-in-law, Gordon Smith.
Survivors are her husband of 56 years, Darwin Miller of Eastland; a son, Mike Miller and wife Dawn of Mansfield; sister, Pat January and husband Don of Dallas; three grandchildren, Jason Miller and wife Amy of Irving, Jennifer Miller of Ft. Worth and Kristofer Miller of Mansfield; a niece, Cherie Stowe; nephews, Tim January, Darrell Smith, Terry Smith, Richard January and their families.
Memorials may be made to the donorÕs favorite charity.
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Bonnie Elliott
RISING STAR- Bonnie Inez Elliott, 87, of Rising Star, died Friday, October 25, 2002 at the Eastland Healthcare Center.
Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 27, 2002 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Richard Massey officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Inez was born on August 18, 1915 in Rising Star to Joneous C. and Betty Whitehead Smith. She married E.G. (Bobby) Elliott on August 29, 1933 in Rising Star. She has lived in Rising Star all her life. She worked as a sales clerk for Herrington's Five & Dime, Higginbotham Lumber & Hardware and Palace Drug for many years. Inez was a lifetime member of the Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Scottie LeGrady Elliott; grandson, Bobby J. Elliott, Jr.; sister, Nita Elliott; brother, Jessie Lee Smith.
Survivors are her son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Pat Elliott of Eastland; sister, Vera Johnson and husband Sidney of Lumberton; two sisters-in-law, Ellie Elliott, Mary Jane Sain, both of Rising Star; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Larry Wilson, Dean Bailey, Bernie Barnes, Arley Bibby, Jerald Maynard and L.T. Owen.
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Clifton Jarrett
GORMAN- Clifton E. Jarrett, 85, of Gorman, died Saturday, October 26, 2002 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 27, 2002 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Richard Watson officiated. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Clifton was born on July 16, 1917 in Eastland County to Thomas Richard Westbrook Jarrett and Ella J. Gaines Jarrett. Mr. Jarrett was raised in Red River County, Texas and moved back to Eastland County about 1930. He married Frankie Lee Knox on February 4, 1939 in Carbon. He was a rancher and member of the New Hope Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Frankie in December 2001 and three sisters and two brothers.
Survivors are his two daughters, Kay Watson of Gorman and Rita Hall of Kerrville; four grandsons, Jeffery Watson, Mark Watson, Steven Watson and Trevor Watson; granddaughter, Tanya Robertson; great-granddaughter, Jaclyn Watson; great-grandson, Jarrett Robertson; and several nieces and nephews.
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Kenneth Tucker
HOOKS, TX.- Kenneth Douglas Tucker, 45, of Hooks, Texas died Saturday, October 26, 2002 at a local hospital.
Mr. Tucker was born May 10, 1957 in White Sands, Texas and had lived in Hooks for the past 7 years having moved from Abilene and Eastland. He was retired from the Texas Highway Department, was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, and was a member of the Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Enid Tucker, and a brother, Jack Tucker, Jr.
Survivors are his wife, Belva Tucker of Hooks; two sons, Jerry ÒJ.PÓ Tucker of Sulphur Springs and Michael Tucker of Pittsburg, TX; two daughters, Alice Cogburn and Christie Roark, both of Pittsburg; four brothers, Ralph Tucker, Phillip Tucker, and Monte Tucker all of Eastland, and Thomas Tucker of Brownwood; one sister, Sandra Orrell of Eastland; six grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2002 at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens, Charles Schroeder and Bishop Terry Funderburk officiated. Services were under the direction of Chapelwood Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude ChildrenÕs Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.
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Merlene Wisdom
DESDEMONA- Merlene Wisdom, 75, died Sunday, October 27, 2002.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2002 at Desdemona Baptist Church. Burial was in the Desdemona Cemetery.
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Laura Bailey
BEEVILLE, TX.- Laura Jean Gilbert Bailey, 46, died Monday, October 28, 2002.
Arrangements were by Angelus Funeral Home, Funeral Directors, Beeville, TX.
She was born in San Diego, California on October 22, 1956. She married Michael Bailey on April 14, 1989 in Eastland, Texas. She was a resident of Beeville and a former Dispatcher for Bee County Sheriff Dept. She was the daughter of Weldon Bruce Gilbert, Sr.
Survivors are her husband, Michael Bailey of Beeville, Texas; four sons, Richard B. Hamilton of Houston, James D. Hamilton of Missouri, Christopher H. Hamilton of Eastland, and KC Scott Hamilton of Beeville; a daughter, Tori R. Bailey of Beeville; and a brother, Bruce Gilbert of Eastland.
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Phala Bost
GAINESVILLE- Phala Lee Bost, 97, formerly of Abilene, died Monday, October 28, 2002, at a Gainesville, Texas care center.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2002 at Elmwood Memorial Park, Murphy Rhoads officiated, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bost was born to Jack and Laura Benson Norman on January 18, 1905, in Lockney, Texas. She was the founder of McCall's Chapel School for the Mentally Retarded in Ada, Oklahoma. In 1969, she moved from Abilene where she lived until 1995.
She married Charles Elvin Bost on October 2, 1922. She was a member of 5th and Grape Street Church of Christ, and a volunteer at Christian Service Center in Abilene.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elvin Bost in 1980; a daughter, Wanda Sides in 1986; two brothers, and seven sisters.
Survivors are a grandson, Charles Sides of Midland; two granddaughters, Becky Lee of Gainesville and Carol Willis of Midland; two sisters, Ruth Jordan of Eastland and Betty Hall of Washington; and six great-grandchildren.
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September 2002
Doyle Knight
MORAN- Doyle Earl Knight, 85, died Saturday, September 21, 2002 at a local medical center.
Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. Sunday, September 22, 2002 at Moran Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Doyle was born to Ola Miller and Walter Knight on April 16, 1917 in Rochelle, Texas. He married Maxine C. Ayers in Eastland, Texas on August 25, 1939. They moved from Moran to Abilene in 1949. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year.
Doyle was self-employed for 32 years. He was a member of the Full Gospel Church. Doyle was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Abilene and a 32nd Degree Mason.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
Survivors are his wife, Maxine C. Knight of Abilene; a son, Doyle Darwin Knight of Alameda, Ca.; a daughter, Patricia Doylene Hokanson and husband, Jim of Stamford; three sisters, Helen McCollum of Moran, Jewel Hillan of Ft. Stockton, Alpha Bryson of Hurst; four grandsons; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Mary Sue Richards
STRAWN- Mary Sue Leath Richards, 26, of Strawn died Friday, September 20, 2002 after an accident.
Services will be Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 11 a.m. in the Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Orsini officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Marion Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
Mary was born on December 12, 1975 in Ranger, Texas to Joel and Ruthie (Shubert) Leath. She attended school in Strawn and in Ranger. She worked as a customer service representative for Bar-B Truck Plaza. She was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Strawn.
Survivors are her daughters, Nokomis Orenda "Nikki" Leath of Ranger, Ruth Jean Tirrell of Strawn and son, Joel Richard Wesley Tirrell of Mineral Wells; her mother and father, Ruthie and Joe Leath of Lindale, TX.; brothers, LTJG Joel E. Leath of Strawn and stationed in Japan and Fred Wesley Leath of Strawn; maternal grandfather, Joseph B. Shubert of Strawn and paternal grandmother, Mary Lois Leath of Strawn; aunts and uncles, Mr. and Mrs. James Pruitt, Mr. and Mrs. William Leath, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Leath, Sandra Leath, Nancy Couger, Effie Covey and Sybil Bailey; and numerous cousins.
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Barbara Murdock
EASTLAND- Barbara Sue Dickson Murdock, 62, of Eastland died Sunday, September 22, 2002 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jim Wright officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger.
Mrs. Murdock was born on February 29, 1940 in Ranger, Texas to Harold and Ruby (Britton) Dickson. She was a graduate of Technical High School in Fort Worth and received her LVN training from Cisco Junior College. She worked in several hospitals and nursing homes in the area and she loved her work. She married Dale E. Murdock, Sr. on October 13, 1959 in Weatherford, Texas. She was a Baptist.
Survivors are her husband, Dale E. Murdock, Sr. of Eastland; four daughters, Dce of the Big Country.
Mr. Kim was born on November 18, 1934 in Thurber, Texas to Lester and Louise (Cowen) Kim. Mr. Kim was a district sales manager for several different businesses. He owned a leather shop in Tomball, Texas and repaired boots, shoes and saddles. He married Glenda Hurst in June of 2002.
Survivors are his wife, Glenda Kim of Eastland; his mother, Louise Kim Kelly of Eastland; three children, Vicki Dullye of Southlake, Texas, David Kim of Cleveland, TX. and Chris Kim of Needville, TX; 8 grandchildren, Chelsea and Carrie Dullye, Amy Kim, Valerie Logdston, Rebecca Kim, Christina Kim, Cory Kim and Cole Kim; four great-grandchildren; six nieces and nephews.
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Marie Welch
CISCO- Marie Elizabeth Welch, 82, of Cisco, died Sunday, September 22, 2002 at Canterbury Villa Nursing Home in Cisco, Texas.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Bob Ferguson of the Cisco Church of the Nazarene officiated. Burial was in the Eastland Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
She was born August 14, 1920 in Eastland County to Omer Lee and Mattie (Johnson) Hogan. She enjoyed singing and playing her guitar in church. She was very active in church work all of her life until her illness forced her to be shut in. She taught her children and grandchildren to sing and play in church at an early age. She worked at Birdsong Peanuts in Gorman for 17 years and was a Pentecostal.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, four brothers and two sisters.
Survivors are four children: David Price of Cisco, Donna Kay Parrigan and husband Jimmy of Cisco, Darrell Lynn Price and wife Dora of Cisco, and Charles Dale Price and wife Ann of Cisco; six grandchildren, Deanna Ocampo and husband Bert of Irving, Sandra Shong and husband Allen of Lampasas, Daresa Galvan and husband J.R. of Carbon, Heather and Heath Price of Eastland, and Joshua Price of Cisco; three great-grandsons, Jacob and Nathan Shong of Lampasas and Caleb Galvan of Carbon; two step-grandchildren, Tonya Fronk of Weatherford and Jessica Ingram and husband Robert of Abilene; three step-great-grandchildren, Rebecca Fronk of Weatherford and Silas and Haley Ingram of Abilene; one sister-in-law, Ruby Hogan of Carbon; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Pallbearers were Carroll Hogan, Ronnie Johnson, Burl Petree, Burl Petree Jr., Bill Phillips and Ronnie Pipkin.
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Jim Bob McCanlies
CISCO- Jim Bob McCanlies, 85, of Cisco, died Monday, September 23, 2002 at his home.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 26, 2002 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Turner officiating. Jimmy McCanlies will give the eulogy. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. McCanlies was born in Cisco on June 11, 1917 to Shelby Hale and Josie Louisa (Bryan) McCanlies. He served in the US Navy during World War II. He was a rancher and before his retirement he worked for the US Postal Service as a Rural Route Carrier. He married Flora Bacon on March 28, 1938 in Palo Pinto and was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Veteran of Foreign Wars.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Hale, Guy, Garth, and Sheb Jo McCanlies, and a grandchild Jeffery Hale McCanlies.
Survivors are his wife, Flora McCanlies of Cisco; sons, John H. McCanlies of Cisco and Pat McCanlies of Kaplan, Louisiana; daughter, Julia White of Tuttle, OK.; sisters, Helen Wolter of Caliente, Nevada and Betty Sue Coleman of Arlington; brothers, Ralph McCanlies of Hurst and John L. McCanlies of Kerrville; grandchildren, Julanne Masterson of Carrolton, Johnny L. McCanlies of Lubbock and Jimmy McCanlies of Katy; great-grandchildren, Chase McCanlies and Haleigh McCanlies of North Richland Hills, Jacob McCanlies, Rick McCanlies and Cora Lee McCanlies all of Katy.
Pallbearers will be Rex Fields, Matt Johnson, Robert Dunning, Rodney Callaway, Preston Midkiff, Billy Wright.
Memorials may be made to Cisco Public Library, Cisco Cemetery Assoc. or First United Methodist Church, Cisco.
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William 'Jack' Fuller
MAY- William "Jack" Fuller, 59, died Saturday, September 21, 2002 in a local hospital.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at Starbuck Funeral Home Chapel in Merkel, Rev. Terry Way officiated. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
Jack was born July 3, 1943 in Tupelo, Mississippi to William Clayton and Bernice Ruth Essary Fuller. He married Kathy Browne on December 2, 1985 in Sweetwater. He was a truck driver and heavy equipment operator for 40 years. He loved his family and friends. He also loved fishing, golfing, the outdoors, and wildlife.
Survivors are his wife, Kathy Fuller of May; his mother, Ruth Baughman of Snyder; a daughter, Bridget Shelton of Batesville, MS.; two stepsons, Lynn Gregory of Abilene and Richard Gregory of Decatur; a step-daughter, Mandy Gregory of Merkel; three brothers, Jim Fuller of San Angelo, John Fuller of Ira, and Harold Fuller of Slidell, Louisiana; a sister, Elaine Ducro of Slidell, Louisiana; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Johnny Tonn, Jessie Moreno, Richard Gregory, Randy Browne, Lynn Gregory, and Ted Martin.
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Bennie Snodgrass
ODESSA- Bennie L. Snodgrass died suddenly Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at his home.
Memorial services were held Saturday, September 21, 2002. Mr. Snodgrass was cremated. Cremains will be buried in the Murray Cemetery at Carbon, Texas.
He was born December 15, 1925 to the late Elbert and Pearl (Rhyne) Snodgrass. He married Modess Hill in 1960 in Midland. She preceded him in death January 12, 1997.
He had lived in many towns in West Texas, and retired from Haliburton Oil in 1992. He was a Baptist, and was preceded in death by one brother, Harold of Midland.
Survivors are two daughters, Melannie Johnson of Collinsville and Thelma Yeats of Denton; three sisters, Ann Murray of Eastland, Lottie Fox of Olden, and Dorothy Tracy of Mesquite; one brother, W. Jack Snodgrass of Deerfield Beech, FL.; five grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
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Pat Hinkson
STRAWN- Pat Hinkson, 79, resident and rancher all of his life in Strawn died Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at a Mineral Wells Hospital.
Rosary was said at The Hinkdson home on Thursday at 7 p.m. Funeral mass was at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church, Father’s John Nagle and Bob Strittmatter officiated. Burial was in the Mt. Marion Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Pat was born on March 26, 1923 in Weatherford, Texas to Robert Dillahunty and Laura (Dalton) Hinkson, both descendants of pioneer families of Palo Pinto County. Pat was a life long resident of Strawn, graduating from high school in 1940 as Salutatorian of his class. He then went to Notre Dame and played football for 1 year. Pat returned to Strawn and enlisted in the US Army in 1943 serving overseas in Burma India until 1946 when he was honorably discharged. He married Betty McMillen on June 3, 1944 in Ranger, Texas. He joined his father and brother Bill ranching as a fourth generation rancher on the family ranch dating back to the mid 1850’s in Palo Pinto County. Pat was a partner with his brother Bill for over 45 years where they raised and sold quality cattle. He was a well-respected and trusted cattleman in the area. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Pat served his community unselfishly throughout his life as member of the Strawn Lions Club for 55 years, as member of the American Legion for 55 years, and the Strawn ISD school board for 35 years. Active in the Strawn Ex’s Homecoming activities for over 50 years. He took an active part in the Mt. Marison Cemetery Association for many years. He was also a founding member of the Palo Pinto Sheriff’s Posse. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church all of his life. Two sons preceded him in death, Danny Hinkson in 1972 and Rick Hinkson in 1998. Pat loved watching Greyhound football and watching his grandchildren play school sports.
Survivors are his wife of 58 years, Betty Hinkson of Strawn; a son, Kirk and wife Jan Hinkson; grandchildren, Kirk Michael, Laura and Derek all of Strawn; grandchildren, Benet and husband Bob Henderson of Denver, CO., Holly and husband Charles Durbin of Fort Worth, TX.; brother, Bill and wife Jacqueline Hinkson of Strawn; four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. John Catholic Church in Strawn or West Texas Rehab in Abilene.
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Everett Linger
CROSS PLAINS - Everett Linger, 79, of Cross Plains, died Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at his home in Cross Plains.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2002 at the graveside with Jim Maxwell officiating. Burial was in the Cross Plains Cemetery with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Linger was born October 5, 1922 in Boise City, OK to James Earl Linger and Jessie Wiona Bell Linger. He married Lorraine Trusty in Lubbock on April 24, 1943.
He is survived by two sons, Allen and Everett Linger both of Tye; four daughters, Debra Jean Linger of San Angelo, Carol Lee Babbitt of Flagstaff, AZ, Kay Linger of Stephenville, Traci McGuire of Oklahoma; one sister, Zola Breeze of Clovis, NM. Everett was preceded in death by his wife, parents, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters.
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August 2002
Fred Rogers
GORMAN- Fred E. Rogers, 69, died Friday, August 9, 2002 at the DeLeon Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Sunday, August 11, 2002 at the Church of Christ, Larry Stogsdill and Durward Webb officiated. Burial was in the Oaklawn Cemetery directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home of Gorman.
He was born September 7, 1932 in the Alameda Community of Eastland County to Alfred Jessie and Lucy Inez (Melton) Rogers. He married Joy Hallmark on February 2, 1952 in Gorman. Fred was a cattle buyer and a member of the Gorman Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Jessie (Jack) Rogers.
Survivors are his wife, Joy (Hallmark) Rogers of Gorman; a son, Wesley Lane Rogers of Granbury; daughter, Joyce DaSha Penny of Atlanta, TX; his mother, Lucy Inez Rogers of Gorman; a brother, Alton Rogers of Ranger; a sister, Lugene Morris of DeLeon; five granddaughters; five great-grandsons; and one great-granddaughter.
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Virginia Parr
Virginia Rogers Parr, 88, died Thursday, August 8, 2002 at Fort Worth, Texas.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 11, 2002 at the Gorman First United Methodist Church, Rev. Victor Pena officiated.
She was born in Edenton, N.C. on June 14, 1914. Her parents were Ira James Rogers and Peytona Brown Rogers. She graduated from high school in Henderson, N.C. in 1932. She received a Registered Nurse degree from Methodist-Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia, Penn. in 1935 and entered the Navy Nurse Corp in Sept. 1937. She served in Washington, D.C., Florida, California, the Philippine Islands and was a veteran of WW II. She resigned from active duty in Sept. 1947 and resigned from the Naval Reserve in August 1950.
She married Willie Oliver Parr on August 27, 1947 and took an active role in her husband’s hometown of Gorman for 55 years. She was a member of the Gorman First United Methodist Church and served as secretary/treasurer of the Friendly Ladies Sunday School class over 30 years. She joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1947 and served as Worthy Matron for six years, secretary for 4 years and held other stations during her 55 years of membership.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Marion Rogers and Peyron Rogers.
Survivors are two daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth and Doyle Welch of Lubbock and Catherine and Johnny Eaves of Gorman; four grand- daughters, Jennifer Eaves of Weatherford, Melissa and Jonathon Dostert of Grape- vine, Michaelyn Eaves of Gorman, and Allison Welch of Lubbock; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great-nephews.
Memorials may be sent to the donor’s favorite charity or Gorman First United Methodist Church.
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Betty Hood
Betty Ann Hood, 67, died Friday, August 9, 2002 after a four-year struggle with cancer.
Funeral services were held at Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene on Monday, August 12, 2002 at 2 p.m. Willard Tate officiated. Interment was in Restlawn Memorial Park, Sulphur Springs, Texas on Tuesday at 2 p.m. directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Betty Ann was the youngest of three children born to B.D. (Boy) and Vera Fausett Maddox on August 3, 1935. She graduated in 1953 from Sulphur Springs High School. Betty then graduated from Abilene Christian College where she met her husband, Don Wade Hood. At ACC, Betty was an active member of the Ko Jo Kai social club. She maintained a strong interest in the organization long after leaving ACC. Don and Betty Ann were married on Sept. 27, 1955. She was a member of the Church of Christ and had worshipped with the Hamby congregation for the last 15 years. Betty was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
She spent a lifetime teaching, serving, and raising a family. She used every opportunity to do good and teach others about Jesus Christ. She worked for Pride Refineries for a few years, but her life work was with children. She retired from the AISD Woodson Early Childhood Center. She has previously taught at Abilene Christian Elementary and in the Azle ISD.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Randall Maddox.
Survivors are her husband, Don; three sons, Joel Hood and wife, Stacy of Rising Star and their children, Jacie, Alyssa, Koby, and Karson, Don D. Hood and wife, Rachel, of Lubbock, and their children Victoria, Julianne, and baby due in December, Derek Hood and wife, Lex Ann, of Abilene and their children, Aubrie, Morgan, and Hayden; a sister, Wilma Shipley and husband, Dan, of Burnet, TX.; one sister-in-law, Linda Mad- dox; and six nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were nephews Ben Shipley, Bob Shipley, Stephen Shipley, Randy Maddox, Kyle Hood, Caleb Hood, and Josh Hood.
Donations may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1922, Abilene, TX 79604 or Medina Children’s Home 21300 State Highway 16 North Medina, Texas 78055.
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Eula Parsons
Eula Lee Dwiggins Parsons, 97, died Sunday, August 11, 2002 at Villa Haven Nursing Home.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Rev. John Tunnell officiated. Burial was in the Harpersville Cemetery directed by Melton- Kitchens Funeral Home.
She was born on June 27, 1905 in Eolian, Texas. She moved to Breckenridge in 1999 from Albany. She was a school teacher and a member of the First Baptist Church in Albany. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, the Albany Study Club and the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by two husbands, Bill Dwiggins and Red Parsons; her parents, R.N. and Leona Cook Chalker; a sister and two brothers.
Survivors are one sister, Merle Wilcox of Cisco; three brothers, John M. Chalker of Breckenridge, Sam Chalker of Bastrop and Durwood Chalker of Dallas; nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers were Mark Wilcox, Chad Wilcox, Justin Stockdale, Brandon Wilcox, Danny Stephens and Sloan Thompson.
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Ora MacDonald
CARROLLTON- Ora T. MacDonald, 100, of Carrollton, died Monday, August 12, 2002 at a Carrollton nursing home.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2002 at Simpson Cemetery in Eastland County, Rev. Victor Pena officiated. Services were directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home of Gorman.
She was born on January 7, 1902 in Comanche County. She was a retired teacher and a member of the Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Paul C. MacDonald, Jr., M.D. in Nov. 1997; four brothers and four sisters.
Survivors are three grandsons, Cary P. MacDonald of Dallas, Don N. MacDonald of Denton and S. Scott MacDonald of Dallas; and nine great- grandchildren.
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Ralph Bradshaw
EASTLAND- Ralph Rankin Bradshaw, Jr., 85, of Eastland, died Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2002 at the First Baptist Church, Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Bradshaw was born on October 20, 1916 at Scranton, in Eastland County, to Ralph Rankin Bradshaw, Sr. and Lenora Barbara Harris. He married Marzelle Wright on March 3, 1940 in Upton County, Texas. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He lived in McCamey from 1940 until 1993 where he and his brother owned and operated an oil well service and production company. After his retirement they moved to Eastland where he was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur Bradshaw and Edwin Bradshaw; and by a sister, Bernice Buckbee.
Survivors are his wife, Marzelle Bradshaw of Eastland; two daughters, Sandra Kurtin and husband Bill of San Antonio and Micki Hogan and husband Bill of Lubbock; a son, Donald Bradshaw and wife Rosalie of Eastland; two sisters, Eunice Gaverick of Las Cruces, NM and Flora Mae Hoffer of West Reading, PA; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
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Addie Walker
Addie Mae Walker, 87, died Thursday, August 1, 2002 at an Abilene care center.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, Rev. Jerry Joplin officiated. Burial was in Elmwood Memorial Park.
She was born on May 11, 1915 in Eastland County, Texas, to the late C.E. Lum and Mary Lou Adams Clements. She had lived in Clyde since 1965, and moved to Abilene four years ago. She was head of the catalog department at Sears & Roebuck, retiring after 34 years.
She married William H. "Buck" Walker in the Iberis Community on July 14, 1930. He preceded her in death on May 9, 1988. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Abilene, Senior Citizens in Clyde, and Fireman’s Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Franklin R. Walker, who died on July 29, 1933.
Survivors are three sons, William Riley Walker and wife, Roberta of Clyde, and Kerry L. Walker and wife Sue, and Robert G. Walker and wife, Roberta, all of Abilene; a brother, Eldon Clements of Abilene; three sisters, Etta Oliver, Charlie Lee Walker, and Lessie Scarbrough all of Abilene; six grandchildren; and eight great-grand- children.
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Hazel Kinard
CISCO- Hazel Jewel Kinard, 78, died Monday, August 5, 2002.
Services were held Wednesday, August 7, 2002 at 2 p.m. at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. C.P. Floyd officiated, assisted by Rev. Larry Briley. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery.
Jewel was born September 1, 1923 in Mineral Wells, Texas to Harold and Hazel (Scrimpture) Simpson. She was a member of the Northside Baptist Church and Pioneer Club of Southwestern Bell. She worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell.
She was married to George Kinard on October 31, 1958. He preceded her in death on May 24, 1977.
Survivors are sisters Clara Hallmark and husband Bob of Cisco, Anne Fink of Cisco; nieces and nephews, Al and Mary (Hallmark) Rogers, Wallace and Hazel (Knight) Grieger, Rita and Bob Fink, Shelley and Billy Knight, Dale and Linda (Knight) Burns, Judy and Gary Fink, Sy and Sue (Hallmark) Tabor; 12 great nieces and nephews; and 7 great-great nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Billy Knight, Dale Burns, Bob Fink, Wallace Grieger, Sy Tabor, and Chad Rogers.
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Sidney Mahaney
CISCO- Sidney Lee Mahaney, 95, died Sunday, August 4, 2002 at his home in Cisco.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at Oakwood Cemetery, Rev. Dutch Bazil officiated, directed by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Directors.
Mr. Mahaney was born on November 6, 1906 at Comanche County, Texas to George and Mardie (Butler) Mahaney. They moved to Cisco in 1910. He graduated from Cisco High School and had one year of college. He married Willie Velma Powell on August 1, 1942 at Galveston, Texas by 1st Lt. Melvin T. Wilson, Chaplain. He worked for Mahaney and Son Taxi Co. until he entered the U.S. Army in June 1942. When he returned to Cisco he worked for L & M Motors, Eastland County Precinct #4 and later owned and operated Cisco Upholstery Shop.
He was preceded in death by his wife in 1986.
Survivors are two sons, Sidney D. Mahaney of Cisco and Phillip Mahaney of Jonestown, TX; one daughter, Priscilla Gwilt of Clyde; five grandchildren and four great-grand- children.
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Bertha Alford
EASTLAND - Bertha Alford, 86, of Eastland, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2002 in Eastland.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bob Hayes officiating. Burial will be in the Merriman Cemetery in Ranger.
Mrs. Alford was born on May 10, 1916 in Swisher County, Texas to Lonzo and Talatha (Fox) Taylor. She attended Eastland county schools. She married Doc Alford on April 2, 1934 in Ranger. Mrs. Alford was an employee of the Lancaster Clothes Factory and the Melrose Dress Shop. She was a very talented seamstress and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and handy work. She was a member of the Camp Inspiration Church of God in Eastland. She had lived in Dallas and most recently at Lake Leon. She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Shirley Lynch, and a brother Andy J. Taylor.
She is survived by her husband Doc of Eastland; daughters, Barbara Jones Brown of Ranger, Sylvia Moreland of Lake Leon, & Ida Lea Norris of Eastland; son, Robert Lonzo "Bud" Alford of Pearl, Mississippi; 20 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; one niece and one nephew.
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Fred Wheeler
CISCO- Fred Wheeler, 78, of Cisco died Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 8, 2002 at Hamlin East Cemetery in Hamlin, Rev. Gary Turner officiated, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Wheeler was born on September 13, 1923 in Wilson, Texas to William Penn and Minnie Mae (Meixner) Wheeler. He graduated from Pettit High School in Hockley County. He was in the US Army during World War II, serving in the European Theater and participated in the Normandy Landing and Battle of the Bulge. He married Beryle Jo Wheeler on October 27, 1948 in Lovington, New Mexico and worked as a driller in West Texas and New Mexico, later he owned and operated Wheeler Floral in McCamey then Philpott Florist in Cisco until his retirement. He was a member of the Church of Christ and Cisco Lions Club.
Survivors are his wife, Jo Wheeler of Cisco; a son, Fred Wheeler, Jr. of Midland; grandchildren, Stacey Wheeler of Euless, Aaron Wheeler, Jeremy Wheeler and Joshua Wheeler all of Midland; great-granddaughter, Alexis Jo Wheeler; a brother, George Wheeler of Levelland; and a sister, Bernice Gutherie of Colton, CA.
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Lela Weldon
MINGUS- Lela Beth Barron Weldon, 76, of Ranger, formerly of Mingus, died Monday, August 5, 2002 at her daughter’s home in Dodson Prairie.
Memorial services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2002 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Strawn, Rev. Michael Orsini officiated.
Mrs. Weldon was born on September 13, 1925 in Erath County, Texas to Granville and Jessie Mae (Hughes) Barron. She grew up in Palo Pinto and Erath Counties and attended school there. She was a housewife and mother. She lived in Mingus for 30 years prior to moving to Ranger 7 years ago.
She was preceded in death by one son, Gary Don Lane; three grandchildren, Kari, Taylor, and Destiny; two brothers and three sisters.
Survivors are her children, Pat Venable of Dodson Prairie, TX., Ronnie Lane of Weatherford, Beverly Bryan of Fort Worth; two sisters, Anna Godfrey of Tulsa, OK. and Billie Ruth Hickson of Dallas; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
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M. L. Skiles
GORMAN- M. L. Skiles, 89, of Gorman, died Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at the DeLeon Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2002 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Bill Campbell officiated. Interment was in the Desdemona Cemetery.
She was born on July 28, 1913 in Coryell Co., Texas. She married Frank Skiles on Sept. 22, 1932 in Strawn, Texas. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Skiles; a daughter, Sylvia Jo Carr; an infant son, Bobby Skiles; brothers, Jim Huff and Bob Huff; and a sister, E.J. Whitlock.
Survivors are one son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Nina Skiles of Gorman; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
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July 2002
William 'Bill' Britain
Graveside services for William Birt "Bill" Britain, 76, of Gainesville, Texas were held at 10 a.m. July 31, 2002 at New Resthaven Cemetery, Jimmy L. Pettigrew, Church of Christ minister, of Versailles, Missouri, officiated.
Mr. Britain died July 29, 2002 at Pecan Tree Manor Nursing Home, following a brief illness.
He was born on December 8, 1925, in Cisco, to Clinton and Prudie Mae Swan Britain. On November 5, 1944, he married Billie June Smith in Eastland. He served in the United States Army Infantry, in the Philippines, from 1944 until 1946. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, receiving an honorable discharge in November 1946. Following his discharge, he attended Cisco Junior College. He was a long time member of the Broadway Church of Christ, in Gainesville. He was the owner and operator of Britain Plumbing Company from 1968, until his retirement. Following his retirement, he was employed by TLC Hardware. An avid fisherman, he was named Sportsman of the Year by the Gainesville Bass Club, in 1987 and 1989.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, C.M. Britain, Jr., of Childress, Texas.
Survivors are his wife of 57 years, Billie June Britain, of Gainesville; sons and daughters-in-law, Barry and Paula Britain, and Mark and Devone Britain, all of Gainesville; son, Tommy Britain of Gainesville; grandchildren, Blaine and Heather Britain; Clint and Tiffany Britain; Tambra Britain and Shane Britain, all of Gainesville; and great-granddaughter, Alexia Britain,