Site Links

OBITUARIES
January 1 through June 30, 2003
 
JANUARY 2003

Faye Matthews
ABILENE- Faye Matthews, 89, an Abilene resident and a former longtime educator in Odessa, died Wednesday, January 1, 2003 at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center in Abilene.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2003 at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Leroy Mason and Rev. Rudy Fambrough officiated. Burial will follow at 4 p.m. at the Corinth Cemetery in Eastland County.
The last survivor of 13 children of farming pioneers, Timothy and Martha Broomfield West Matthews, Faye was born on December 22, 1913 in Eastland County, Texas. She graduated from Cisco High School in 1932, received her BA degree from Sul Ross State University in 1936, and her M.A. degree from Texas Tech University.
She taught school for 46 years, 39 years as a teacher and 16 years as a student counselor at Permian High School in Odessa. During her teaching career, she also taught at Odessa Jr. College, Scranton, and Cross Plains. After retirement, she and her sister, the late Jane Matthews, moved to Abilene in 1993 to be near other family members.
Faye was a life member of Retired Teachers Assoc. and Delta Kappa Gamma of which she was a past president. She was a member and past president of American Business Women and Odessa Retired Teachers Assoc. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Abilene and a former member of First Baptist Church in Odessa, where she was a member of the Keep In Touch Club. She was a former member of the Home Demonstration Club of Odessa.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and ten sisters.
Survivors are numerous nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren, and many friends and former students.
Memorials may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.
-------------
William Garner
STEPHENVILLE- William Loyd Garner, 82, died Thursday, January 2, 2003 at his home in Stephenville, Texas.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2003 at Lacy Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Emil V. Becker and Nicholas Garner will officiate. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at North Brown Cemetery in Goldthwaite, Texas.
Mr. Garner was born July 21, 1920 in Mills County, Texas. He married Jessie Ruth Ellis on August 17, 1943 in Mills County, Texas. He attended First Baptist Church. He was a member of Rising Star Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. He was employed 35 years with Soil Conservation Services and owner of Garner Seed for 19 years before retiring in 1995. He served in the Army during WW II.
Survivors are his wife, Jessie Garner of Stephenville; two sons, Bill Garner of Irving and Bryan Garner of Amarillo; a brother, John Garner of Stephenville; two sisters, Mae Price of Stephenville and Dean White of Elizabethton, TN; four grandchildren, Jana Starritt of Mansfield, Ty Garner of Louisville, Matthew Garner of Ithaca, NY, and Nicholas Garner of Amarillo; one great-grandchild, Ryan Starritt of Mansfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
-------------
Austin Curb
EASTLAND- Austin Wayne Curb, 24, of Georgetown, died Saturday, January 4, 2003 at Austin, Texas.
Graveside funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at the Eastland Cemetery, directed by Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland.
Austin was born on June 7, 1978 in Ranger, Texas. He grew up in Abilene and graduated from Cooper High School in 1997. He also graduated from Cisco Junior College, Abilene campus. He moved to Georgetown in 1999.
Survivors are his father and step-mother, Don and Cindy Curb of Gorman; his grandfather, Wayne Durham of Georgetown; a half brother, William Nolan Curb of Gorman; an aunt, Betty Hendriks and her husband Paul of Round Rock; uncles, Larry Garrett and Buddy Garrett of Eastland, Noel Curb of Virginia and Dale Curb of Gorman.
-------
Jarrell Bishop
RISING STAR- Jarrell Bishop, 58, of Rising Star, died Saturday, January 4, 2003 at the Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2003 in the First Baptist Church, Rev. Mark Gardner, Brother Dick Williams and Brother David Williams officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
He was born on January 16, 1944 in Houston to John Wesley and Lovie Fae Jarrell Bishop. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Jarrell married Janice Hancock on July 18, 1981 in Bastrop. He worked as an administrative assistant for a law firm while living in Buda. They moved to Rising Star 4 1/2 years ago. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Survivors are his wife, Janice Bishop of Rising Star; two sons, Dean Bishop of Rising Star and Daniel Bishop of Austin; mother, Fae Bishop of Rising Star; two brothers, Gene Bishop, Curtis Bishop both of Rising Star; and four sisters, Barbara Smedley of Rising Star, Lovie Nichols of Cross Plains, Ginger Botts, Dorothy Ivey both of Rising Star.
Pallbearers were Butch Butler, Jimmy Wilson, Ted Murphree, Greg Clay, Sr., Willie Vandivere, Billy Bush, James New, and J.D. Clark.
-------------
John Brown
RANGER- John Jeremia Brown, 62, of Ranger and formerly of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma died Sunday, January 5, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jim McGaha and Dr. David Cash officiated. Burial was in the Merriman Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Brown was born on February 13, 1940 in Hampton, New York to Romaine Herbert and Hazel Sophia (Fortier) Brown, Sr. In June of 1989 he married Barbara Alford Jones in Decatur, Texas. He worked for Ram Industries in Cisco as a quality control inspector. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Ranger.
Survivors are his wife, Barbara Brown of Ranger; sons, Joseph of Hardy, Arkansas, Jeffery of Atlanta, TX. and Romaine of Dallas, TX.; daughter, Julia Ann Baker of Atlanta, TX.; brothers, Louis Barone of Scotts City, Missouri and Romaine Brown, Jr. of Benton, Missouri; sisters, Hazel Jones of Boring, Oregon, Pamela Smallwood of Gun Barrell City, TX., Charmaine Thomas of McClure, IL., and Diane Keith of Seven Points, TX.; two grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
-----------
Harry Gurney
ABILENE- Harry E. Gurney, 84, of Abilene, died Monday, January 6, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2003 at the Moran Cemetery, Rev. Douglas Stenberg officiated, directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Mr. Gurney was born June 4, 1918 in Moran, Texas. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. He operated with his father, Martin Gurney, the Chrysler Dealership in Cisco until his health failed.
One sister, Fern Kimmel, preceded him in death.
Survivors are one daughter, Harriet Gurney of Fort Worth; one sister, Virginia Meyer of Littleton, Colorado; two grandsons, Steven James Threlkeld and David Michael Threlkeld both of Denton, TX.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Moran Community Center, Moran, TX 76464.
----------
Jo Tone
EASTLAND- Jo Tone, 75, of Cisco, died Tuesday, January 7, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2003 at the Eastland City Cemetery, Gene Tone officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Tone was born February 23, 1927 in Henrietta, Texas. She was a graduate of Monahan High School. She moved to Eastland in 1967 where she lived until 1977. In 1988 she moved to Cisco where she was a member of the Eastside Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and had briefly worked as a cook.
Survivors are three sons, James Tone, Sr. of Cisco, Richard Larry Tone of Corpus Christi and Steve Tone of Eastland; four grandchildren, James Tone, Jr., Jerry Tone, Jason Tone and Stephanie Tone.
-----------
Ollie Offield
BRECKENRIDGE- Ollie Mae (Pat) Offield, 87, died Tuesday, January 7, 2003 at Stephens Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2003 at the Breckenridge Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco. Rev. Andrew Channer officiated.
She was born October 1, 1915 in Nimrod to James William and Minnie (Keeney) Cooper. She was married to Clarence Franklin Offield, Jr. on July 26, 1935 in Mineral Wells, Texas. He preceded her in death in October 1991. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Breckenridge.
A son Tommy Offield, a daughter, Patsy Offield Gray and a grandson Len McMillan preceded her in death.
Survivors are sons, Claud F. Offield of Crowley and Travis W. Offield of Lake Leon; a daughter, Youvonne McMillan of Cisco; brother, James Cooper of Weatherford; grandchildren, Lee McMillan, Bret McMillan, Martin Offield, Phillip Offield, Deloris Howard, Jeffrey Gray, Patrick Gray, Valerie Gray, Deona Offield, Travis Offield and Craig Offield; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Whitney McMillan.
--------
Vernon Mahan
EASTLAND- Vernon Mahan, 71, of Eastland, died Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jim Wright officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
He was born on October 7, 1931 in Long Mott, Texas to Virgil and Bessie (Lamb) Mahan. He graduated from Waco High School, then attended Baylor University, Texas Tech University and ICS, studying electrical engineering. He married Nancy Henson on June 1, 1957 in Lubbock. He was in the Navy for four years during the Korean War, serving on the USS Gregory. He worked for Texas Utilities and Comanche Peak in Granbury for 19 years as a relay technician and in quality control. He was a board member and very active in the First Christian Church in Granbury for 13 years. After retirement they moved to Eastland where he was Past Board President of the First Christian Church. He worked for Allegro Mobility Scooter Mart for several years. He was a member of the Eastland Masonic Lodge #467 and enjoyed playing in Friday and Wednesday musicals. He loved to hunt, fish and spend time at his country place feeding the deer. He was a jack-of-all trades and was always willing to help with electrical work that needed to be done.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Maurice Mahan Dyer and a son, Ray Dan Mahan.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Mahan of Eastland; two sons, Lon Mahan of Houston and Blake Mahan of Swansea, Illinois; his mother-in-law, Louise Henson of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Drew, Dusty, Daniel, Nicholas, Sean Michael, Holynne, Patrick and Siobhan.
------
Mary Bennett
DALLAS - Mary Modena Bennett, 79, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2003 at her home in Dallas, Texas. Private burial was held at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 6, 2003 at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Ranger, Texas, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Bennett was born on March 22, 1923 in Sweetwater, Texas to T.B. and Willie Dee (Jennings) Thompson. She was married to Earl Vincent Bennett and was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, Earl Bennett of Dallas; two daughters, Janis Butcher of San Diego, CA and Susan Bennett; one brother, J.B. Thompson of Houston; and one granddaughter, Meredith Butcher of Boston, MA.
-------------
Charlie Walker
ABILENE- Charlie L. Walker, 82, died Thursday, January 9, 2003, at her residence.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2003 at Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Memories. Rev. Oscar Fanning officiated. Interment was in the Potosi Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Vernon Perry, Don Perry, L.H. Marsh, Kerry Walker, Eldon Clements, Jr., Randy Scarbrough, and Robert G. Walker.
Charlie was born February 6, 1920 to C.E. and Mary Lou Adams Clements in Eastland, Texas. She lived most of her life in Abilene. Charlie married Ned B. Walker on March 3, 1938. She retired as a seamstress and was a member of the Wylie Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1992; her son, Ed Milton; and four sisters, Ethel Perry, Ora Marsh, Addie Mae Walker, and Evadene Walker.
Survivors are one daughter, Mary Jean Cole and husband, Larry of Houston; one brother, E.H. Clements of Abilene; two sisters, Etta Oliver and Lessie Scarbrough, both of Abilene; one grandson, Calvin Cole and wife, LaDonna, of Tennessee; two great-grandchildren, Dayla and Bailey Cole, both of Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX. 79605.
--------------
Esther Whitehead
CISCO- Esther Lee Whitehead, 101, died Saturday, January 11, 2003 at Canterbury Villa.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Monday, January 13, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Larry Fitzgerald officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Whitehead was born April 15, 1901 in Comanche to George W. and Louisiana Tobitha (Henderson) Weatherby. She was preceded in death by her husband Filo Belton Whitehead on September 7, 1966. She was a homemaker and a member of the Cisco Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Joe Whitehead and F.B. Whitehead.
Survivors are a son, Jim Whitehead of Cisco; daughters, Ruby Nunnally of Cisco and Bette Maynard of Abilene; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-great-grandchild.
-----------
Wilburn McMillan
ABILENE- Wilburn McMillan, 86, of Abilene, Texas, died Sunday, January 12, 2003 at Coronado Nursing Center.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at the Woodlawn Church of Christ, Larry Fitzgerald and Sonny Guild officiated. Burial, with Military Honors, was held at Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by North's Funeral Home.
Mr. McMillan was a native of Mart, Texas. He attended Tarleton State College and Abilene Christian College. He was a veteran of the Army Air Corp during World War II. He married Edith McClaran on May 30, 1946, in Winters, Texas. They moved to Abilene in 1950 where he worked for and later owned and operated RoddenÕs Studio for a total of 30 years. They lived in Cisco, Texas from 1980 until 1995 when they returned to Abilene.
Survivors include his wife, Edith McMillan of Abilene; two daughters, Marylyn and Marvin Cole of Round Rock, TX. and Martha and Mark Stewart of Angel Fire, New Mexico; three grandchildren, Jeff and Rebecca Cole, Caleb Stewart, and Hunter Stewart; a sister-in-law, Nada McMillan of Winters, Texas; several nieces and nephews.
Remembrances may be sent to the Lake Cisco Christian Camp Box 629, Cisco, TX 76437 or the West Texas Rehabilitation Center 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.
----------------
Homer Kirk
EASTLAND- Homer H. Kirk, 78, of Eastland died Sunday, January 12, 2003 at the Dallas Veterans Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery near Duster, Texas, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Kirk was born on March 28, 1924 in Duster, Texas to Henry H. and Gertie Lee (Boykin) Kirk. He attended school in Duster and was a graduate of Gorman High School. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Mr. Kirk married Rena Mae Smith on October 23, 1948 in Cisco, Texas. He worked as an aviation electronic technician for General Dynamics and MacDonald Douglas for 19 years and was self employed. He was active in several organizations, including Crimestoppers, historical association, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Volunteer Fire Department in Olden.
Survivors are his wife, Rena Mae Kirk of Eastland; sons, Tim Kirk and wife, Kathy of Coppell, TX. and Jim Kirk and wife, Fariba of Irving, TX; daughters, Linda Wooldridge and husband, Daniel of Eastland and Brenda Newton and husband, Jerry of Irving; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Members of the Olden Volunteer Fire Department served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Bruton, Robert McCleskey, Rob King, Paul Duncan, Brad Stephenson, Wayne Marshall, Burton Phillips, and Bill Culverhouse.
----------
Anna Murray
BROWNWOOD- Anna Louise Chrane Murray died Sunday, January 12, 2003 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel, Donnie Carroll and John Pellin officiated. Interment was in the Jenkins Springs Cemetery.
She was born in Brown County on November 30, 1919 the 7th child of George Lee and Lucille Wright Chrane. She graduated from Early High School and attended Daniel Baker College. She had been a cook in Brownwood for 30 years, retiring in 1970. She was a member of Early Church of Christ all of her adult life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Wright Chrane, Charles Chrane and Ralph Chrane; and one sister-in-law, Olene Chrane; and three infant siblings.
Survivors are a daughter, Delores Moore of Early; a granddaughter, Leslie Ann Rasberry Zander and husband, James of Cisco; three brothers, George Chrane of San Angelo, Doug Chrane and wife, Lavern of Lubbock and Bill Chrane and wife, Billie Nelda of Austin; three sisters-in-law, Adeline Chrane of Marble Falls, Louise Chrane of San Saba and Alva Chrane of Wichita Falls; and several nieces and nephews. She was known as Granny Annie by many.
Memorials may be made to the Early Church of Christ or to a favorite charity.
-----------
Jane Clinton
Jane Clinton, 74, died in Corpus Christi, Texas on January 13, 2003.
She was born in Eastland on March 26, 1928, and attended Grade School in Scranton. She graduated from high school in Cisco and McMurry College in Abilene. She taught Grade School for a number of years in Corpus Christi, and was employed by a real estate firm there at the time of her death.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Zoe and Leo Clinton of Cisco. She was their only child.
Survivors are several cousins in Corpus Christi; and many friends.
A Memorial Service is pending in Corpus Christi. Memory Gardens Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.
------------
Eva Parrish
MORAN- Eva E. Parrish, 72, died Monday, January 13, 2003 at her home in Moran.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at First Baptist Church, Rev. James Shields and Rev. John Tunnell officiated. Interment was in the Moran Cemetery directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Mrs. Parrish was born June 11, 1930 in Cross Cut, Texas. She married Alvis Parrish on June 27, 1948 in Callahan County, Texas at the home of her parents, Henry and Lillie Bailey. She was a member of First Baptist Church and was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene Bailey and J.R. Bailey.
Survivors are her husband, Alvis Parrish of Moran; three daughters, Alice Branahm of Moran, Ellen Stutsman of Spring Branch, TX, and Janet Swanner of Wichita Falls, TX; one son, Billy Parrish of West, Texas; one brother, Warren Bailey of Clyde; one sister, Marjorie Barnhill of Brady, TX; and eight grandchildren.
-------------
Milton O'Conner
GORDON- Milton O'Conner, 85, of Gordon, died Tuesday, January 7, 2003 at a Tulsa, Oklahoma hospital of complications from a recent surgery.
He wished to be cremated immediately and for Katie and Herb to take his ashes to his native Nebraska.
A memorial service was held at the First United Methodist Church in Gordon on Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 2 p.m. Rev. Gene Ratcliff officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Donations in his memory may be made to The Salvation Army.
He was born June 3, 1917 in Huron, S.D. He graduated from Arcadia, Neb. High School and a BA from Neb. Wesleyan University and from the University of Nebraska with a Master of Science in Education. He married Virginia Katherine Lutz on July 18, 1938 in Arcadia, Neb. She preceded him in death on Oct. 27, 1999. He moved to Gordon in 1963 and taught school in the Gordon School from 1973 to 1985. He was a member of the Old Time Fiddlers and the Odd Fellows Lodge and the First United Methodist Church in Gordon. He loved singing, music and running.
Survivors are his daughter, Katie O'Conner of Tulsa, OK.; son, Herbert O'Conner of Rowlett, TX.; a brother, Edwin McLeane of Riverside, Calif.; and a sister, Vivian of Sacramento, Calif.
---------
Carl Boyer
RANGER- Carl A. Boyer, 77, of Ranger died Monday, January 13, 2003 at a Dallas Veterans Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2003 at the Second Baptist Church, Adam Barker, Terry Hancock and Jerry Speer officiated. Burial was in the Alameda Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.
Mr. Boyer was born on September 29, 1925 in Akron, Ohio to Samuel and Maude (Pontious) Boyer. He grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico graduating from high school there and received 2 masters' degrees from the University of Albuquerque. He entered the United States Marine Corps. During World War II he was one of the first to land on Iwo Jima with 240 troops and one of seven survivors to come home. He remained in the service during the Korean Conflict. After being discharged Mr. Boyer taught school in Albuquerque, Lampasas and Smithville for 27 years teaching foreign languages and coaching. He married Vi L. Seay on December 25, 1960 in Ranger. They moved to Ranger in 1975. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church and was an ordained deacon on November 5, 2000.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David Boyer.
Survivors are his wife, Vi Boyer of Ranger; a daughter, Cheri Rivera of Albuquerque, New Mexico; a brother, Marvin Boyer of Peoria, Ariz.; his mother-in-law, Gladys "MeMaw" Seay of Ranger; brothers-in-law, Fred Seay of Midland and Martin Seay of Abilene; sisters-in-law, Margie Weems of Eastland and Pearl Harper of Abilene; numerous nieces and nephews.
------------
B. E. 'Red' Townzen
MIDLAND- B.E. 'Red' Townzen, 72, of Midland died Tuesday, January 14, 2003 in Big Spring, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2003 at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel. Ronnie White officiated. Interment was in the Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements directed by Ellis Funeral Home of Midland.
He was born in Strawn, Texas on June 9, 1930 to Arthur Grayson Townzen and Ida Mae Barron Townzen. At a very young age the family moved to Ranger, Texas where he attended school, graduating from Ranger High School in 1948. He attended junior college and graduated from Sul Ross College. He served his country in the U.S. Army as a Forward Observer in the Korean War. He worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for many years and owned Overhead Door Company for 25 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of Golf Course Road Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Donna Townzen; and three brothers, Tom Townzen, James Townzen and Bobby Townzen.
Survivors are his wife, Sue Townzen of Midland; five sons, Steve Miller and wife Donna of Abilene, Conn Townzen and wife Debbie of Houston, Brock Townzen and wife Lisa of San Antonio, Wade Townzen of San Angelo, Shalor Townzen and wife Kathleen of Childress; one brother, Jack Townzen and wife Mary of Midland; one sister, Mary Lou Samford and husband Jimmy of Austin; grandchildren, Shannon Miller of Abilene, Jackie Thomas, Cody Townzen, Josh Townzen and Micah Townzen all of Houston, Garrett Townzen of San Antonio, Amanda Townzen of San Angelo, Grayson and Travis Townzen of Childress.
Pallbearers were George Miles, Bill Green, Jack Townzen, Jimmy Samford, Bill Nolan and Tom Canton.
----------
D. E. 'Buck' Bush
RISING STAR- D.E. 'Buck' Bush, 90, of Rising Star died Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2003 at the Church of Christ. Richard Massey and David Harris officiated. Burial followed in the May Cemetery directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Buck was born on October 7, 1912 in Rising Star to Tom Harvey and Dennie White Bush. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He married Louise Killough on August 17, 1942 in Muleshoe. They moved to Rising Star over 15 years ago from Abilene. He was a farmer and a member of the Rising Star Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Kay and Marnita Bush; and three brothers, Bryan, Jack and Jake Bush.
Survivors are his wife, Louise Bush of Rising Star; three sons, Paul Bush of Abilene, Mack Watson Bush of Wisconsin, and Johnny Watson of Ft. Worth; two daughters, Tammy Martin of Rising Star and Cathy Tate of Burleson; a brother, Grady Bush of Rising Star; four sisters, Veda Thompson of Blanket, Doris Crutchfield of Cisco, Ola Killough of Rising Star, Tennie May Simpson of Blanket; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were nephews Jake Bush, Dennis Bush, Thomas Bush, Junior Bush, Billy Bush, Mickie Bush, James Coffee and Willie Thompson. Other nephews served as honorary pallbearers.
-----------
Patrick Collins, Jr.
EASTLAND- Patrick H. Collins, Jr., 34, of Ranger, died Thursday, January 16, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 19, 2003 at the Bakker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Speer and Rev. Frank Spangler officiating. Masonic Graveside services will follow in the Simpson Cemetery.
Patrick was born to Pat and Patsy (Norris) Collins on August 13, 1968, in Ranger, Texas. He grew up in Ranger and graduated from Ranger High School in 1987 and attended Ranger College. Patrick was a musician, performing with groups in Ft. Worth and Austin, and had his own group, The Collins and Hill Band. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ranger, the Eastland Masonic Lodge and had been Master of the Ranger Masonic Lodge the past two years.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Brad Collins in 1990.
He is survived by his parents, Pat and Patsy Collins of Eastland; a brother, Bill Collins of Watauga; three nephews, Zach Collins, Heath Collins and Bradley Collins; a special friend Lisa Reason of Ranger and her children Katy, Aaron and Daniel; and by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
-----------
Ralph Morton
CISCO- Ralph Tempitist Morton, 80, of Cisco, died Friday, January 17, 2003 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 20, 2003 at East Cisco Baptist Church, Rev. C.P. Floyd and Rev. Bob Ferguson officiated. Burial with Military Honors followed in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Morton was born in Glen Cove, Texas to Odus C. and Ida Emiline (Jackson) Morton. He married Leona Fay Gibbs on June 4, 1942 in Crews, Texas. He was a rancher and was a member of East Cisco Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Kerry Ralph Morton.
Survivors are his wife, Leona Fay Morton of Cisco; a son, Ricky T. Morton and wife, Wanelda of Cisco; a daughter, Vicklea M. Spruill and husband, Shannon of Cisco; brother, Curtis Eugene Morton of Glen Cove; and grandchildren, Melissa DeAnn Morton, Fredrick Matthew Morton, Grandle Levi Thompson, Lea Kay Thompson, Shandi Lynn Spruill, Kelsie Shanea Spruill, Laramy Bryson Spruill, Zachary Quade Spruill, Chisholm Latico Spruill, Blatiney Nicole Spruill and Sierra Chyenne Spruill.
Pallbearers were Mark Harris, Bubba Eaker, Scott Tipton, Leon Gibbs, Connie Mack Gibbs and Wayne Gibbs.
Honorary pallbearer was Stanley Callahan.
Ralph loved the land. He loved his horses and his dogs, he loved his family and loved to laugh, he will be missed by all those he touched.
----------
Becca Siebert
EASTLAND- Becca Siebert, 22, died Saturday, January 18, 2003, as a result of injuries received in a car accident near Athens, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at the First Baptist Church of Eastland. Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated, directed by Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland. Interment followed in the Eastland Cemetery.
Becca was born on April 21, 1980, in Abilene, Texas, to Becky and Mike Siebert. She grew up in Eastland, Texas, graduating from Eastland High School in 1998.
At the time of her death, Becca was a senior at University of Texas at Tyler and would have graduated in August with a degree in Elementary Education. She also attended Weatherford Junior College and Trinity Valley Community College. She was employed at the Holiday Cleaners in Athens.
Becca was a member of the First Baptist Church in Eastland. She was active in Acteens and taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. In high school, Becca was a chapter officer in FHA (now FCCLA), was a member of the band and the flag corps, and was elected 1997 Band Sweetheart.
Becca loved family gatherings. Her vivacious energy would fill the room. She had a wonderful sense of humor; and, like her mother, she loved working with children. Becca was looking forward to following in her motherÕs footsteps as a teacher. She also enjoyed riding jeep trails with her family on their annual vacations to Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her mother Becky in 2001 and her grandfather, Wendell T. Siebert.
Survivors are her father, Mike Siebert of Eastland; her sister, Katy Siebert, a sophomore at Texas A&M; her grandparents, Mary Lou Siebert of Eastland and Eddie and Margie Simms of Georgetown; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorials may be made to the Becky Siebert Library Fund or to the Wendell T. Siebert Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 31, Eastland, Texas 76448.
-------------
Elva Jones
EASTLAND- Elva Lee Jones, 84, of Eastland died Sunday, January 19, 2003 at Eastland.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
She was born on October 29, 1918 in Ranger to R.L. and Ina (Barber) Jones. Her family moved to Eastland when she was an infant. She graduated from Eastland High School in 1935 and from Hardin Simmons University with a Bachelors degree in 1938. She taught school near Cross Plains for a year and then in Carbon for 4 years. She worked for the F.B.I. in Washington, D.C. for 15 years and in Dallas for 17 years before returning to live in Eastland. In her early years, she was very involved in many civic activities. Her membership in the First Baptist Church of Eastland was very special to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Elizabeth Jones Parrish; and a niece, Patricia Taylor.
Survivors include a nephew, Robbie Parrish and his wife Anita of Houston; and her special neighbors, Joe and Fern Taylor of Eastland.
-----------
Truett Been
SEMINOLE- Graveside services for Truett E. Been, 87, of Seminole were held Monday, January 20, 2003 at 1 p.m. in Buffalo Gap Cemetery, Dr. Rob Jeffress of the First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls and Dr. J H Wright, retired, officiated, directed by Ratliff Funeral Home of Seminole.
Mr. Been died Friday, January 17, 2003 at Covenant Hospital in Lubbock. He had been a resident of Memorial Health Care Center in Seminole for three years.
He was born on August 4, 1915 in Eastland to Judge and Mrs. Elzo Been. He graduated from Eastland High School in 1932. He attended Tarleton in Stephenville and Daniel Baker College in Brownwood.
He met Oleta Oliver in Abilene when he was working for J M Radford Wholesale Grocery Co. They were married January 23, 1937 in Cisco. She preceded him in death April 5, 1999. They lived in Abilene for a number of years where he served as Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pythias Lodge and was active in the Masonic Lodge.
During his career as a sales representative the Beens lived in Sweetwater, Abilene, Oklahoma City, and Grand Prairie. He retired in 1980 as General Manager of the Texas Division of Scrivner, Inc. and moved to Eastland in 1980. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eastland, and had served as Deacon, and taught Sunday School for many years at Grand Prairie First Baptist Church.
He was an avid gardener who loved to share the fruits of labor.
His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a source of great joy and pride to him.
Survivors are his daughter, Kay Robinson and her husband Bob of Seminole; a son, Ray and his wife Owanda of Spring; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
---------
Bettie Gourley
RANGER- Bettie Morris Gourley, 62, died Monday, January 20, 2003 with her daughters at her side after fighting a long and courageous battle against cancer. Despite her illness, Bettie always thought of others before herself and her gentle kindness will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Services were held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger with Rev. James Upshaw officiating. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Bettie was born on January 16, 1941 in Stephens County, Texas to John and Nora (Crawford) Morris and attended school in Breckenridge. She married Gene Gourley on November 4, 1970 in Mexico. He preceded her in death in 1994. Bettie worked many years at The Peoples State Bank of Ranger and also part-time for Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger. She also worked for Ranger General Hospital and Tex Pac and was an excellent seamstress and cook.
Bettie is survived by: two daughters, Gena Tonroy and husband Andy of Hollywood Park, TX, and Betsy Gourley and Chris Dettbarn of Austin, TX; one step-daughter, Lacey Gourley of Austin, TX; one step-son, Garlan Gourley of Eastland, TX; one brother, J.C. Morris of Wayland, TX; one sister, Imogene Vick of Hawley, TX; and two step-grandchildren, Chelsea and Taylor Gourley of Austin, TX.
Her family wishes to thank the many friends their mother had for their continued support during her illness. All of your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.
----------
Hazel Hooks
EASTLAND- Hazel Rose Hooks, 75, of Eastland died Monday, January 20, 2003 in Eastland.
Memorial graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2003 at the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hooks was born on November 15, 1927 in Ottawa, Kansas to Otis Duke and Thelma Mae (Bingham) Dabbs. She married Bobby Hooks in Breckenridge in 1965. She was a nurse's aide working in nursing homes in the Eastland area.
Survivors include her husband, Bobby Hooks of Eastland; 3 daughters, Linda Joyce Taylor Shaw of Colorado, Brenda Sue Muras of Arlington and Janice Marie Edwards of Baird; one son, William "Willie" Edwards of Eastland; one brother, James Dabbs of Eastland; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
--------
Dorothy Pendley
RISING STAR- Dorothy Dunn Pendley, 83, of Rising Star, died Monday, January 20, 2003 at the Abilene Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2003 at the Rising Star Church of Christ, Richard Massey officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
She was born on November 20, 1919 in Brownwood to Giles and Pearl Maples Lockhart. She had lived in Rising Star all her life. She owned and operated the Powder Puff Beauty Shop for over 20 years. She married Paul Pendley on March 26, 1979 in Del Rio. Dorothy was a member of the Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors are her husband, Paul Pendley of Rising Star; three sisters, Janell Caudel of Rising Star, Mary Alford and Greta Burkett both of Sweeney; brother, Giles Lockhart, Jr. of Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
----------
Lucy McDaniel
CISCO- Lucy Ann McDaniel, 73, of Cisco, died Tuesday, January 21, 2003.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Rev. Bayliss Pope officiated.
She was born on September 13, 1929 in Kerrville, Texas to William J. and Annie Pearl (Oatman) Glenn. She married Andrew Jackson McDaniel on August 4, 1945 in Kerrville. He preceded her in death on June 19, 1984. She was a housewife and member of the Northside Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Cordella Ann Bailey and a son, Joe Keith McDaniel.
Survivors are three sons, James A. (Jim) McDaniel of Lewisville, William J. (Billy Mac) McDaniel of Cisco and Andrew McDaniel, Jr. of Beaumont; two daughters, Sharon Lindsey of Blue Mound and Joyce Galyean of Kingsland, TX.; one sister, Eva Johnson of Victoria; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
----------
J. V. Pilcher
J.V. Pilcher, retired Air Force CWO-4, died Wednesday, January 22, 2003.
J.V. was born February 28, 1916 to Gomer Pilcher and Comilla Harvil Plumlee in Ballinger, Texas. His older brother, Gomer Boyd, resides in San Lorenzo, California and his younger brother Kenneth Oran resides in Auburn, California.
J.V. grew up in Cisco, Texas. As a young man he worked as a truck driver helping to build the Buchannan, Inks, and Possum Kingdom dams. He also played guitar in a Texas Swing Band and was proud to have seen Bob Willis and his Texas Playboys play in Cisco several times. He entered the U.S. Army on October 14, 1939 joining the Army Air Corps. He went to Tech School at Chanute Field, Illinois.
While stationed at Chanute Field, he and a friend went to a dance in Danville, Illinois where he met Anne Pauline Stump. Two weeks later, on August 31, 1941, he and Polly married. They remained married until PollyÕs death on August 8, 1988.
During his 29 years of service, first in the Army Air Corps, then the Air Force, JV was primarily an aircraft mechanic. During WW II, however, while stationed at Kimbolton, England, he was a nose gunner-toggleier on B-17s, completing 32 missions. Also, while stationed at Kimbolton, his squadron was "reviewed" by then Princess Elizabeth. He enjoyed showing photographs taken then of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, and Princess Anne. Following the end of WW II, JV was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone where his son Jay Vernon was born in 1947.
Later he was re-stationed at Chanute Air Force Base where he was an instructor in aircraft mechanics. His daughter Lynn Ann was born there in 1956. J's final station was in Tucson, Arizona, but was assigned to Bien Hoa, Viet Nam. He was chief of mechanics for the U-2 and "Lightening Bugs" which were used for ariel surveillance photography, which was then used to determine troop movements. J V retired from active duty with the Air Force on July 31, 1968. During his military career JV received many awards, commendations, and medals.
After retiring from the military, JV became a real estate agent and later a Realtor, owning his own company. He loved helping families get into homes of their own, frequently gifting them with something for their new homes.
JV was never completely comfortable being "retired" always looking for something new to keep him occupied. He loved to garden, go RVing, but found his favorite retirement escape to be genealogy. He was a member of the Austin Genealogical Society. He traveled around the U.S. searching for his "roots", which he discovered went back to the 1680s in the United States. He also loved going to family reunions.
His other great love was the Lady Longhorn Basketball team. He was a season ticket holder for many years and, with his best friend Marge Brito, tried never to miss a home game.
JV enjoyed the Masonic Lodge as a young man and was proud of the fact that he took his 3rd degree, becoming an A.F. and A.M. at York Castle, home of the York Rite, while serving in England during WW II. He was a member of the Hill City Lodge.
JV has four grandchildren: Jay's son Michael Eddleman, and Lynn's children Stephani Hass, Edgar 'Buddy' Nooning, IV, and Sioban 'Grandpa's little Bon Bon' Nooning. All of them reside in Austin. He also has two great-grandchildren, Brittany and Adrian.
JV will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Though there are no real words that can be used, the family would like to deeply thank the caregivers and staff of the Christopher House, Hospice Austin, for the kindness shown during J's final days. They would also like to thank all of JV's friends who visited during his final illness.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2003 at the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home. Interment followed with Full Military Honors and Masonic Rites at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery.
-----------
Cleta Dunagan
CISCO- Cleta Jean Dunagan, 67, died Thursday, January 23, 2003.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 26, 2003 at Scranton Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Larry Fitzgerald officiating.
She was born September 1, 1932 to Charles Edward and Nina Mae (Bullington) Kimbrough. She worked for many years in food service.
She was preceded in death by two daughters, Edith Dunagan and Charlene Dunagan and two brothers, Don Kimbrough and James Kimbrough.
Survivors are a son, Alan Wayne Dunagan and wife Julie of Iraan; a daughter, Judy Morgan and husband Terry of Scranton; sisters, Ann Weston of Carlsbad, New Mexico and Roberta Frye of Mt. Gilian, Ohio; grandchildren, Jason Morgan, Jake Morgan, Jim Morgan, Keith Dunagan, Brandon Dunagan, Niki Newell, Jeri Dunagan, Bobbye Dunagan, Allison Dunagan; and 3 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Cisco Meals on Wheels or Scranton Cemetery Association.
------------
Leona Baker
Leona Marie Baker was born to Fred and Ethel Goswick on November 24, 1932 in Colorado City, TX. She was reborn into paradise on Saturday, January 26, 2003 in Tulsa at the age of 70 years, 2 months, and 2 days.
Marie is survived by her husband of almost 54 years, Otis Baker, her son Richard and his wife, Nancy of Alvarado, Texas, and her daughter, Rita, and her husband, Randy Diamond of Silverdale, Washington.
Marie has four grandchildren, Marty Baker, Melanie Little, Chris Diamond and Stephen Diamond. She has two great grandchildren, Rachel and Brayden.
Marie had four siblings who preceded her in death; Fred Allen, Lloyd, Mary Ruth, Miller, and Eula May Barber.
She is survived by four siblings, Leon Goswick of Sweetwater, Lester Goswick of Ranger, J.D. Goswick of Snyder and Margaret Green of Ranger. As well as a worldwide friends.
Marie married Otis Baker on April 7, 1949 and they made their home in Odessa, TX. In the Spring of 1950, they were baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, known today as the Community of Christ, which launched them into a lifetime of service.
While being involved with her children's activities, such as cub scouts, skylark and oriole girls, and teaching various Sunday School classes, Marie also participated and held office in several religious and civic organizations within the community. She served as president of the Odessa Chapter of the League of Women Voters and was involved in both local and state league activities. She founded the Odessa chapter of Cystic Fibrosis and organized their first of many fund raising activities. It was also during this time that she was a member of Church Women United.
After serving many years as West Texas District Women's Leader, Marie was asked to expand her ministry by serving on the World Church's Council of Women. During her 6 year term, she traveled to many parts of the U.S. and Canada giving ministry at women's retreats and reunions. She helped organize what was to become the Girls Club of America. Once established, she became its executive director.
Between 1975 and 1981, Marie and Otis lived in Jakarta, Indonesia. During her time there, she participated in various activities. She organized a women's Bible class which was attended by both expatriate and Indonesian women. Wanting the women to share in a retreat experience, she first petitioned the Indonesian government for permission to hold a Christian retreat and then she had to locate a place in which to hold the retreat. This was accomplished after finding a Dutch Catholic monastery located in the jungles of Java and communicating with the non-English speaking nuns.
On returning to the states, Marie and Otis started a Bible study class including towns of Burlington and Mount Vernon. As the word spread, she was asked to lead classes in Bellington as well.
Marie did course work in the field of Social Sciences at Skagit County Community College and the University of Washington. She developed a club for young single mothers which was devoted to giving support and teaching parenting skills. Also seeing the need in Eldercare, she became an advocate for Alzheimer's patients by organizing adult daycare for the patient and relief to the caretakers. During this time, she also worked with the political leaders in Olympia, Washington developing a pilot program aimed at providing job skill training for welfare recipients. These programs re still in effect today.
Marie's ministry was expanded in scope after being called to serve in the office of Elder in November, 1985. Servings as the Christian Education Director for Seattle Stake, she used her talents in writing and teaching to develop intergenerational class materials which were used at two summer reunions. During the 1986 Church World Conference, she received the International Youth Award.
Marie and Otis moved to Independence, Missouri in 1990, and became involved in the ministry of struggling congregations within the Blue Valley Stake. In 1991, she went on a church assignment to Taiwan. While ministering in the Taiwanese church, she taught both English as a second language and held Bible study classes. She had the privilege to baptize several Taiwanese. On returning to the states, she continued teaching the English language to Asian immigrants.
In 1995, Marie and Otis moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. And, as in the years past, she found opportunities for ministry of service to our Lord Jesus Christ serving in the Tulsa Stake congregations of Tulsa Central, Sand Springs and Owasso. Today, she continues to minister to us through the many beautiful banners that she created for the Owasso congregation.
---------------
B. H. 'Buck' Morris
BROWNWOOD- B.H. (Buck) Morris, 89, of Brownwood, formerly of Rising Star, died Sunday, January 26, 2003 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center after a lengthy illness.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2003 in the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Dick Williams officiated. Burial followed in the Rising Star Cemetery directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Buck was born on May 24, 1913 in Cisco to Allen H. and Dolly Russell Morris. He married Willa Mae King in 1934 in Rising Star. Buck enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1943 at the age of 30. He was assigned to Co. G 18th Inf Division and served in the European Theater. During an attack by German troops, the company commander was killed and Pvt. Morris was put in charge of his squad. They later destroyed a machine gun nest, but he and his company were captured. They were forced to march without boots or clothing, resulting in frozen feet and bullet wounds. Later a counter attack was launched which freed the company. For his heroism, Pvt. Morris was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal and the Middle Eastern Service Medal. He was honorably discharged from active duty on September 11, 1945 due to his wounds. He settled back in Rising Star with his family where he worked as a mechanic at Fullen Motors in Eastland. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death b his wife; his parents; three brothers and three sisters.
Survivors are his son, Allen Morris of Rising Star; two daughters, Dorothy Horton of Big Spring, Nancy Smith, and husband James, of Early; 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; 4 great, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
-------------
Velma Martin
RISING STAR- Velma Leisa Orange Martin, 86, of Rising Star, died Sunday, January 26, 2003 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Lynn Starnes officiated. Burial followed in the West End Cemetery in Stephenville directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
She was born on November 3, 1916 in Midlothian to Newton and Mattie Mae Hanna Orange. She married Louis J. Martin on June 26, 1948 in Wink. Her passion in life was traveling and her last trip was to the Holy Land. She spent the last 40 years of her life in the city of Rising Star, where she was a great inspiration to many. The family wishes to thank her friends in Rising Star for their assistance during this difficult time. They would also like to extend a very special and heart felt thank you to Mary Ann Underwood for the special care and love she gave to Velma over the years. She is loved by all and will be deeply missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband; mother; step father and father.
Survivors include several cousins, five of whom she called her Guardian Angels; and many close friends.
----------
Benny Hadderton
Benny Wayne Hadderton of Antelope, Texas died Monday, January 27, 2003 at his home in Antelope.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at Antelope Cemetery with Rev. Gary Zeitler officiating under the direction of Coke Funeral Home.
Benny was born August 1, 1946 in Gorman Blackwell Hospital to Davis and Faye Norris Hadderton. He had been a resident of Young and Jack Co. since 1952. He attended Gorman Primitive Church.
He worked in the oil fields as a pumper most of the time and was a long time member of the Antelope Fire Dept. serving as Chief.
Benny finished high school in Antelope in 1964.
He and Darlene Ellison were married June 1965.
He was preceded in death by his father Davis Hadderton, brother Jerry Davis and a sister Barbara Ann.
Survivors include two sons, Bobby Wayne of Graham and Robby Layne of the home; his mother, Faye (Norris) Hadderton of the home; one sister, Deann Matthews of Plano; one brother, Lanny of Bryson; 3 grandchildren, Deidra, Paige and Alex; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.
-----------
Carol Smyrack
Carol Smyrack passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 28, 2003, at her home in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Born Ruby Carol Salter to Jessie and Maudie Salter of Merkel, Texas on November 1, 1933, she was the youngest of nine children. She grew up and graduated high school in Merkel. She was the mother of two sons, Lewis and Stephen, and the wife of Edward Smyrak. She was always full of energy and never met a stranger. Her family and friends were always able to count on her wit to make them laugh and her advice to get through problems. She was always supportive of her son's adventures and would express her pride in successes and a positive attitude in failures. She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company 25 years before her retirement in July 1994. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America which included the Buccaneer Club as an active employee and the Gulf Coast Life Club as a retired employee. She held many of the offices in both clubs. She started her career in Merkel, Texas as a Telephone Operator. She then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas in the early 1970's and continued her service as a Telephone Operator there. At the time of her retirement, she worked as a clerk in the Service Control Center. She was the Assistant Curator and Board Member of the H.R. Brunner Telephone Pioneer Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas. She took great pride in showing off the museum and telephone history. She was also a member of CWA #6137 in Corpus Christi.
Carol had a great sense of humor and was always the life of the party. She kept everyone laughing with her many jokes, stories and just expressions. If one of her fellow employees or friends needed help, Carol was the first person in line to lend a helping hand. She had a special way of always making everyone feel welcome at all the Telephone Pioneer events by greeting each one there and giving them one of her welcome hugs. She was a good, close and loyal friend and is already missed by her family and her many, many Telephone friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; three brothers and four sisters.
Survivors are her husband, Edward Smyrak of Corpus Christi, TX; her son, Lewis and wife Donna Britton of Winnsboro, TX, son, Stephen Britton of Corpus Christi, TX; her sister, Pauline Ingram of Cisco, TX; her granddaughter, Brooke Nix of Winnsboro, TX; many nieces, including Ann Boyette of Cisco, nephews, numerous friends and her cats, Christine and Malcolm.
Memorial services were held at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2003 at The Lexington Baptist Church.
---------
Reva Luster
RALLS- Reva Luster, 89, of Ralls, died Thursday, January 30, 2003 at Lubbock.
Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, February 2, 2003 at Emma Church of Christ, Minister James Luster officiated under the direction of Adams Funeral Home of Ralls.
She was born November 11, 1913 in Ralls. She married Hubert William Luster on December 22, 1932 in Tucumcari, N.M. He preceded her in death on October 20, 1978. She was a member of the Cone Church of Christ, was a nurse's aid and a volunteer at the Ralls Nursing Home. She moved to the Ralls area in 1978 from Ranger.
She was also preceded in death by a son, Hubert Luster, Jr. in 1935; by a sister, Lurana McCuskey in 1998; and by a grandson, Mitchell Ray Levingston in 1995.
Survivors are two sons, Hulan Wesley Luster of Abilene and Johnny Luster of Buffalo Gap; four daughters, Treasa Fern Faber of Ralls, Neva Lee Levingston of Oklahoma City, OK, Ethel Maude Dodson of Lubbock and Huberta Kayrene Knoll of Phoenix, AZ; one brother, Johnathan Silvanus Bedingfield of Lodi, Calif.; two sisters, Dorothy Sage of Yakima, Wa. and Sylvia Fox of Globe, AZ; 25 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
---------
Maxine Adcock
Maxine Adcock, 71, of Breckenridge died Friday, January 31, 2003, in the Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. The body was cremated and memorial services were held Sunday, February 2, 2003, at Morehart Mortuary. Father George Foley of Sacred Heart Catholic Church officiated.
She was born Ruth Maxine Donaldson to Joe Foster and Ana Marie (Hill) Donaldson, Dec. 31, 1931 in Bristow, Okla. She attended 11 grades of school at Gypsy, Okla. graduating from Catholic High School in Guthrie, Okla. She married Albert L. Adcock in Sapulpa, Okla. June 19, 1950. She moved to Breckenridge in 1974 where she worked for Whoa-N-Go-Quick Stop. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, one sister and one grandchild.
Survivors are four daughters, Sandra Lorene Brown of Eastland, Wilhemina Phyliss Nickell of Combine, Rhonda Lea Talley of Haughton, La. and Brenda Gaye Reed of Bismark, N.D.; two sisters, Mary Hendrickson of Stroud, Okla. and Joan Reid of Ranger; two brothers, Jack Donaldson of Gypsy and Bill Donaldson of Bristow, Okla.; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and left at Morehart Mortuary.
---------
R. B. 'Bob' Lane
R.B. (Bob) Lane, 88, died Friday, January 31, 2003.
A graveside service was held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, February 2, 2003 at the Cross Plains Cemetery, directed by Abilene Funeral Home.
Mr. Lane was born in Scranton, Texas on August 14, 1914, to Homer and Addie Mae Lane. He was a retired funeral director, working many years for Stotler's Funeral Home in Donna and Higginbotham's Funeral Home in Cross Plains.
Survivors are his wife, Wilma Lane of Abilene; a daughter, Tamara Lane of Abilene; two grandchildren, Shayla Wooten and Travis Wooten both of Abilene; and a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Wooten of Abilene.
-------------
 
FEBRUARY 2003
 
Charles Williams
OLDEN- Charles K. Williams, 81, of Olden, died Sunday, February 2, 2003 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at the Olden Baptist Church, Rev. Jeff Jackson officiated. Burial was in the Desdemona Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Williams was born on February 14, 1921 in De Leon to Clayton Hope and Bula (Kay) Williams. He attended school in Desdemona and graduated from the University of Maryland. He married Sara E. Crawford on August 16, 1942 at the Olden Baptist Church. He served his country in the Air Force for 20 years. During WWII he began working for the State Comptrollers Office until his retirement in 1988. He had resided in the Metroplex and Granbury area until moving to Olden two years ago. He was an avid gardener, a member and Past Master of Masonic Lodge #392 in Granbury, a member of Chapter & Council and a member of the Olden Baptist Church.
Survivors are his wife, Sara Williams of Olden; children, Charles D. Williams of Decatur, Larry W. Williams of Port Aransas, Elizabeth Kay Williams of Mexia, James D. Williams of Lingleville, and Laura A. Hatcher of Olden; a brother, Leo Williams of Desdemona; sisters, Ruth Daffron and Evelyn Yardley both of Desdemona; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
------------
Mary Horn Matthews
EASTLAND- Mary Horn Matthews, 52, of Eastland, died Monday, February 3, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at the First Baptist Church, Dr. Shawn Brewer and Dr. Robert Jeffress officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Matthews was born on June 17, 1950 in Houston to Raymond O. and Manie Sue 'Susie' (Grier) Horn. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1968 and attended Southwestern University in Georgetown from 1968 to 1970, and received a B.A. in History from University of Texas at Austin in 1972. She taught at Southside High School in San Antonio from 1972 to 1973. From 1973 to 1974 she taught English on the island of Crete in Greece. In 1974 she worked for radio stations KLOL and KTRH and in 1977 she went to work as a paralegal for Bakker-Botts law firm in Houston until 1980 when she moved to Galveston where she worked for Dibrell, Dibrell, Greer & Brown Law Firm until 1982. She married Robert Matthews on June 14, 1980 in Houston. They moved to Eastland in 1986. In 1989 Mary and Robert went to Africa for a two week mission trip. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Eastland and had been teaching director of the Community Bible Study Group for 5 years. She was a member of Eastland Civic League and Garden Club, and very active in the community.
Survivors are her husband, Dr. Robert 'Bob' Matthews of Eastland; daughters, Charlotte and Anna Matthews and a son, Ben Matthews all of Eastland; her mother, Susie Horn of Houston, TX.; brother, Richard Horn and wife Jan of Austin; sister, Jane Horn-Dorerries and husband Eric of Houston; nieces and nephews, David and Jaime Horn, Elizabeth Meister, Meredith, Janet and David Dorerries.
The family request donations to be made to M.D. Anderson Hospital and Community Bible Study.
---------
Joe Cagle
CARBON- Joe Cagle, 59, of Eastland County whose home is outside Carbon, TX, lost his valiant struggle with cancer on Tuesday, February 4, 2003.
Joe was at his home with his wife Darlene, family and friends throughout the last days. Joe and Darlene lived in Odessa from the mid-1960's until the early 1980's while Joe was a barber and an employee of Ref-Chem and El Paso Products Co. at the Complex in Odessa. They moved to the Noel Plant at Carbon with El Paso Hydrocarbons in the early 1980's. In recent years after the closing of the plant Joe did what was a passion for him as a farmer in the area around Carbon.
As a loving husband, father, and friend Joe is survived by his wife, Darlene, three children and nine grandchildren. Joe and Darlene were married November 17, 1963. Their children are Ronnie and Jody Cagle of Eastland; Darla and Jack Lowrance of Eastland and Ricky and Stephane Cagle of Lone Camp. Joe is also survived by two brothers and a sister, Gary and JoAnn Cagle of Big Spring, Agatha and Jim Thomasson of Clyde and Bud and Marva Cagle of Odessa; along with a host of nieces, nephews, their children and special friends Clyde Hamilton and Jimmy Needham.
Joe's parents Rupert and Mayme Cagle of Big Spring along with one child, Scottie Eugene, preceded him in death.
Many friends along with Joe's family saw Joe battle cancer and through it all Joe remained the same loving, caring and friendly person that he had always been. The family asked that in lieu of flowers that send memorials to Hospice of Eastland, The Texas Cancer Center of Abilene or Hendrick Memorial Hospital of Abilene. The family believes that if you wish to see God's angels at work they can be seen at any of these places.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland. Interment followed in the Stagg Creek Cemetery which is located 12 miles west of Comanche on Hwy 36.
-----------
Morris Snyder, Sr.
Morris Driskill Snyder, Sr. died Thursday, February 6, 2003 at Hendricks Medical Center Hospice Unit of congestive heart failure.
He was 1 of 10 children born to pioneer rancher Byron Snyder and Lula Belle Driskill Snyder. He was born in Baird, Texas on October 11, 1915. Morris graduated from high school in 1933. In the fall of 1933 he hitchhiked to Lubbock to attend Texas Technological College, which he attended for five years. After college he worked as a cowboy on the home ranch at Moran, Texas or looking after the ranch's steer herd at Beaumont, Kansas.
He volunteered for service in the Army Air Force. Expert shooting of skeet and trap led to assignments at Harlingen, TX. and Havana Cuba instructing air combat gunnery.
He was sent overseas early 1944. He was the armorer gunner on a B-24 Bomber. His missions included the Battle of Northern France, The Battle of the Ardennes or the winter campaign of 1944-45, (commonly referred to as the Battle of the Bulge) and the Battle of Rhineland. The three volunteer missions included dropping badly needed medical supplies, ammo and food to paratroopers during the Battle of Arnheim and during the battle of the Bulge. His decorations included a Lead Crew Commendation, a citation for Meritorious Achievement, two citations for valor for performance of duty and courage under fire, the E.A.M.E. Campaign medal with three Bronze Stars and Five medals.
After the death of his father in 1945 Snyder Ranch was broken up into smaller ranches and divided equally among the surviving children. In 1947 Morris married Juanelle Sparks Roberts in Eastland, Texas. Morris and Juanelle bought the Everett Jones Farm in 1950 and moved in what is still referred to as the 'White House'.
Morris was a member of the Moran School Board for many years, also he was active in the First Methodist Church of Moran.
He was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters and his wife, Juanelle.
Survivors are his only child, Morris D. Snyder, Jr. and wife Cindy, who reside on the ranch and their son, Jason, daughter-in-law Brandie, granddaughter Haleigh and grandson Hunter; two siblings, Ralph Snyder of Moran and James Snyder of Baird; and two sisters-in-law, Beth Snyder of Albany and Maurice Snyder of Moran.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church of Moran, Doug Stenberg officiated. Burial was in the Moran Cemetery.
Pallbearers were nephews, Jeff Clark, Byron Cooley, Jim Snyder, John Snyder, Sam Snyder, Robert Snyder, and family friends, Tom Siewert and Bert Jones.
Donations may be made to Hendrick's Hospice or the charity of your choice.
----------
Janice Sullivent
BOULDER, CO.- Janice Sullivent, 49, died February 8, 2003 at Boulder, CO.
Memorial services were held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2003 in Lafayette, CO. Crist Mortuary of Boulder, Colorado directed.
She was born October 16, 1953 in Sidney, NE to Elmer H. Sullivent and Marie Boss Young.
She was involved with ACL (Assn. For Community Living and Expand). She was a volunteer for People's Clinic and Meals on Wheels through Community Employment, a division of Employment Link. She also worked for the University of Colorado Transportation Dept. through Employment Link.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Elmer W. Sullivent and her step-father, Bill Young.
Survivors are her step-mother, Delores McDiarmid of Ranger; 10 brothers and sisters, sister: Pat Campbell of Gentry, Ark.; brother: Jesse Sullivent of Ranger; step sisters: Donna Barrett of Abilene, TX, Lindsay Alford of Ranger, and Brenda Edmonds of Guthrie, OK.; half sisters: Debra Lee-Nelson of Munford, TN, Mary Hernandez of Cisco, TX, Kelly Bezayiff of Ranger; step brothers: Will Barrett of Ranger and Greg Young of Lincoln, NE.
Contributions may be made to ACL of Boulder County, 5744 No. 71st St., Longmont, CO. 80503.
---------
John Carlile
CISCO- John Howard Carlile, 88, of Cisco died Saturday, February 8, 2003 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by David Danielson. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Carlile was born on September 26, 1914 in Nix, Texas to Luke Nelson and Beulah Carlile. He was a retired engineer for Exxon Oil Company. He married Gladys Juanita Fenley on January 30, 1937 in Cisco. He was a member of East Cisco Baptist Church.
Survivors are his wife, Beulah Carlile of Cisco; sons, John Howard Carlile, Jr. of Lubbock and Omar Nelson Carlile of Bedford; brother, Lowell Carlile of Weatherford; sisters, Wilma McCain of Fort Worth and Louella Rice of Hallsville; grandchildren, Carrie Smith of Kingsport, TN, JDana Lindley of Abilene, Cathi Long of Grinnell, IA, Cindy Danielson of Fort Worth, Jena Moore of Lubbock and Craig Carlile of Bedford; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Tom Lindley, Tim Smith, Paul Lang, Josiah Danielson, Jordan Smith, Craig Carlile and Curt Moore.
----------
Gloria Faulkner
Gloria Bennie Faulkner died February 9, 2003 at Garden Terrace Care Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Bennie was born in Navarro County on September 22, 1923. She graduated from Tarkington High School in 1942 as the Valedictorian of her class. She then left home and aided the war effort by welding in an airplane factory. At the close of her patriotic tenure, Bennie met Wayne Dubart Faulkner or 'Curly'. After a whirlwind courtship, the two married and enjoyed a long and fruitful marriage. Bennie worked periodically to add to her family's income, but decided to stay home when her children were young. Bennie and Curly's children were: first Ronnie, then Paula, Beth, and Frankie. Sadly, Ronnie died as an infant, but Bennie proudly raised her three children in the way of the Lord. She ran a cafe' and saved the profits to pay for cosmetology school. After working the cafe', and managing to keep up with three children and an active husband, Bennie succeeded and opened her own beauty shop. Bennie and Curly built their lives in Wink, Texas, where they resided from 1946-1978. After this period, Curly and Bennie moved to Oklahoma. Bennie then took a position in the local nursing home where she worked for several years then offered her services as a volunteer.
Cancer left her a widow in 1984, but Bennie remained steadfast in her service to others. She continued her volunteer work at the nursing home. Her work distinguished her as the selfless woman that she was and in 1991, the governor of the State of Oklahoma recognized Bennie with the highest honor that a volunteer can receive. She was presented a certificate of appreciation for outstanding volunteer services for her work with the elderly. While all of Bennie's achievements highlight her extraordinary character, she took the most pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her greatest loves were simply visiting with those that she loved, playing Skip-Bo, and fishing.
As Bennie joins the Lord, she is survived by two sisters, Tressa Mae Keith and Thelma Donaho and her husband Neil; two sisters-in-law, Helen Bain and Mary Summa; three of her children, Paula Faulkner Barker of Ranger, and her husband Jessie; Beth Faulkner Ream of Fort Worth, and her husband Robert, Frankie Faulkner of Dallas; four grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren: Karen Barker Volpitta, her husband John, and their children Kasey, Korey, Krista and Keith; Candy Barrett, her husband Mark, and their children Heather, Austin (who named Bennie 'Great'), Chelsea, and Shilo; Carl Barker, his wife Kathy, and their children Gus, Sam and Morgan; Samuel Faulkner and his mother Lenore Faulkner; many nieces and nephews and many friends from Corsicana to West Texas, to Oklahoma, to Ranger where she lived the final years of her life. A host of Christian brothers and sisters complete her family that remains tied together with common love.
Services for Bennie were held at 10 a.m. February 11, 2003 at Corley Funeral Home in Corsicana, Texas with interment at Mexia City Cemetery. Pallbearers included: Frankie Faulkner, Samuel Faulkner, Jessie Barker, Robert Ream, Mark Barrett, John Volpitta, and Carl Barker.
-----------
Howard 'Jim Bo' Shelton
CISCO- Howard (Jim Bo) Shelton, 84, of Cisco, died Monday, February 10, 2003 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2003 at Greater St. Mark Baptist Church with Reverend Joe Philpott officiating, assisted by Reverend Bobby Lee. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Howard was born June 27, 1918 in Cisco to Joe and Lilly (Anderson) Shelton. He served with the 392nd Army Engineers during World War II. Howard and Sally Jo McFarland were married on December 9, 1939 in Cisco. She preceded him in death on December 27, 1999. He was a long time member and Deacon of Greater St. Mark Baptist Church. For 35 years he worked as a trackman for Texas Pacific Railroad.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 60 years, Sally Jo; a son, Troy and a daughter, Alma; and 17 brothers and sisters.
Survivors are daughters, Shirley Gayle of Cerritos, CA, Harriett Shelton Collins and Renee Shelton Shipp both of Cisco; granddaughters, Pamela Rose of Eastland, Denise Clifton of Mesa, AZ, Carol Gayle of Cerritos, CA, Hillerie Shelton of Fort Worth; a grandson; Billy Collins, Jr. of Corpus Christi; great-grandchildren, Cristal Rose of Dallas, DeAnn Rose of Denton, Melissa Collins, Marcus Collins and Leah Collins of Corpus Christi, Andrea Clifton, Camille Clifton, Kenny Clifton of Mesa, AZ., Autumn Gayle of Cerritos, CA; a nephew, Curtis Shelton of Cisco; a niece, Bernice Allen of Waco; and many friends and loved ones.
------
William 'Bill' Wheatley
CARNENCRO, LA- William 'Bill' Oliver Wheatley died Monday, February 10, 2003, following a brief illness.
He was born March 29, 1911, in Clifton, Arizona, he resided in Carencro with his family for the past thirteen years.
Bill grew up in Cisco, Texas where he graduated from Cisco High School in 1929. A true 'Oilman', he lived most of his life in Texas and Louisiana working in the oilfield working as a casing hand, a roughneck and then as a toolpusher. He enjoyed traveling and had the opportunity to work in several foreign countries during his long and successful oilfield career. He especially enjoyed his work in England and the North Sea, Spain and Saudi Arabia. At the time of his retirement, in 1987, he was Offshore Superintendent for Pool Arabia Ltd. in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the El Mina Shrine Temple in Galveston, Texas, the Knights of the Templar of Texas of Corpus Christi, and a member of the Scottish Rite for 50 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Mable Fultz Wheatley; his parents William and Annie Rhea Wilson Wheatley; and one sister, Virginia Collier.
Survivors are one son, William Oliver Wheatley, Jr. and his wife Sue of Union, MS; four daughters, Virginia Ruth and her husband, Frank Eldridge of Lubbock, TX, Ann Wiley of Ft. Worth, TX, Olivia Wheatley and her husband Robert Sioke of Arlington, TX, Melva and her husband Randal McCann of Carencro, LA; 11 grandchildren, Steve Eldridge, Kimberly Duke, Dwayne, John and Cody Wiley, Monica Knight, Sidney and Matthew Wheatley, Rebecca Hardesty, and Scott and Matthew McCann; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2003 at Chuvin Funeral Home Chapel, Houma, LA. Burial followed at St. Francis de Sales #2 Cemetery. He was honored with a special Masonic ceremony.
Pallbearers were Bill Wheatley, Jr., Randal McCann, Scott McCann, Matthew McCann, Rhett McCann and Phillip Himel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill's name to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103.
He will long be remembered as a loving father and grandfather, a poet and an avid Saints fan. His wit, charm, and love for story-telling will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
---------
Irene Stephens
MESA, ARIZONA- Irene Vaughan Stephens, 90, of Mesa, Arizona, died Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at Mesa Lutheran Hospital.
Services were held Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 1 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Strawn, Texas with Rev. Clarence Kelly officiating. Burial was in the New Gordon Cemetery in Gordon, Texas, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Born on November 5, 1912 to William Curtis Vaughan and Alma Pond Vaughan in Gordon, Texas. Mrs. Stephens married Lonnie C. Stephens in 1937 in Gordon, Texas. She was a graduate of the Brady Hospital School of Nursing and worked for many years as a registered nurse in Texas living in Ranger, Texas and then following retirement, in Tyler, Texas. She was a member of the Brown Road Baptist Church in Mesa, Arizona and also attended the Church of the Master Presbyterian Church in Mesa, Arizona.
Survivors are two sons, Curtis L. Stephens of Satellite Beach, Florida and James C. Stephens of Orlando, Florida; daughter, Janice M. Aspbury of Mesa, Arizona; sister, Pauline Anderson of San Angelo, TX; four grandchildren, Derek Clayton Stephens of Plano, TX, Darren Blair Stephens of Plano, TX, Jonathan Ryan Stephens, presently on active duty with the US Navy, Shelley Lynn Stebbins of Mesa, Arizona; four great-grandchildren, Desiree Lynn Stephens of Plano, TX, Adam Christopher Stebbins of Mesa, AZ., Emily Kathryn Stebbins of Mesa, AZ. and Christopher Kenkade Stephens of Plano, TX.
------
Jimmy Nash
ABILENE- Jimmy C. Nash, 62, died Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at his home in Abilene.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Buffalo Gap, Rev. Steve Joiner officiated. Burial followed in the Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elmwood Funeral Home of Abilene.
Jimmy Charles Nash was born March 2, 1940 in Fort Worth, the son of Charlie and Louise Nash, who preceded him in death. He graduated from DeLeon High School where he was captain of the football team and received awards for Golden Gloves boxing. He married Neoma Anderson on March 27, 1959 in DeLeon. They lived in Fort Worth until 1987, then in Cross Plains before their move to Abilene in the 1990's.
Jimmy worked at and eventually owned Cabinet and Door Unit Manufacturing in Ft. Worth from 1959-1973. A major dealer in rare coins, precious metals and gem stones, Jimmy established a silver refinery where he manufactured silver bars under the CPM trademark. He was a member of the American Numismatic Association and the Texas Numismatic Association. Other investment activities included ranching, oil and gas production in Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama, and commercial and residential real estate in Texas.
Jimmy took on new challenges and ventures throughout his life with energy and a sense of humor. He was a generous man who often helped others in need, especially the homeless in ways that few ever knew.
Survivors include his wife Neoma of Abilene; two daughters, Kelly Kramer of Ft. Worth, and Debra Smith and husband Darrel of Abilene; three grandchildren, Hunter Smith of Ft. Worth, Justin and Brandon Smith of Abilene.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX. 79605.
-------------
J. H. 'Buddy' Melder
BEDFORD- J.H. 'Buddy' Melder, Jr., 59, died Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at a local hospital.
Memorial services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2003 at Forest Ridge Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
Buddy was born on April 7, 1943 to J.H., Sr. and Kathryn Melder in Talladege, AL. He served 4 years in United States Navy on the USS Bon Homme Richard. In 1965 he settled in San Diego, CA where he started his family. In 1974 he and his family moved to Texas where he began a 30 year career in the oil and gas industry, where in his travels around the world he made so many friends that became his extended family. Buddy will always be remembered as the one who worked hard and played hard.
Survivors are daughter, Deanne Mathis; a son, Gary T. Melder; sisters, Mary Lou Davis, Betty Meacham, Melba Rhames, and Yvonne Ingram; grandchildren, Courtney and Kathryn Mathis, Jesse Lewison, and Molly Melder; and many special friends.
----------
Jean Clark
CARBON- Jean Clark, 73, of Carbon, died Friday, February 14, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel at 11 a.m. Monday, February 17, 2003 with Jody Forbus officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Clark was born on May 11, 1929 in May, Texas to Claude C. and Fannie Mae (Anthony) Jones. She married J.W. Clark on October 29, 1950 in Brady, Texas. She was a member of the Carbon Community Baptist Church, a loving wife, mother and friend to all.
An infant son, Michael, preceded her in death on October 8, 1958.
Survivors are her husband, J.W. Clark of Carbon; two sons, Barry and Linda Clark of Comanche and Ben Claude Clark of San Angelo; six daughters, Rosa Jean McDowell, Laura Clark, Karen Clark and Bonnie Williams, all of Eastland, Joan Holman of DeLeon and Sharon Stratton of Brady; two brothers, Marvin James Jones of Fort Worth and Junior Lee Jones of Ecuador, South America; four sisters, Betty Lou Regian of Gorman, Mary Jone Jones of Plainview, Cartha Fay Sperger of Denver City, TX., and Lavena Stubbinfield of Kingsland, TX; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Donations can be made at Farmers & Merchant's Bank in memory of Jean Clark.
---------
Ray Pryor
EASTLAND- Ray Pryor, 79, of Eastland, died Monday, February 17, 2003 in the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church of Eastland, Rev. Sarah Miller officiated. Interment followed in the Eastland Cemetery under the direction of Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland.
He was born to Ben and Ethel (McMillan) Pryor on September 2, 1923 in Eastland. He grew up and attended school in Eastland, and served with the U.S. Navy Seabees, detached to the U.S. Marine Corp, in WW II. After the war, he returned to Eastland where he graduated from Cisco Junior College and married Betty Jones on August 31, 1946 in Eastland. He was employed by Victor Cornelius Printing as a silk screener from 1952 until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Eastland, former member of the Eastland Lions Club, Eastland Jaycees and was a former Boy Scout Troop Leader.
He was preceded in death by a son, Chris in 1974.
Survivors are his wife, Betty of Eastland; a daughter, Jennifer Wilson of Grand Prairie; a brother, E.J. Pryor of Midland; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Eastland First United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.
-------------
Oscar Weeks
CISCO- Oscar Thomas Weeks, 70, of Cisco, died Monday, February 17, 2003 at a San Antonio hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Jordan officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Weeks was born May 12, 1932 in Slayton to Alex and Celia (Cook) Weeks. He retired from the US Air Force where he was a chef; he owned and operated Oscar's Barbecue Shack for many years. He was a member of Faith Deliverance Community Church in Abilene.
Survivors are a friend, Weltha Brown of Cisco; children, Celia Weeks, Oscar Weeks, Jr., Janie Fletcher, Herman Johnson, Darryl Johnson, Dedria Johnson, Patsy Morrison, Nathaniel Morrison, Thomas Morrison, Estelle Smith, Sonya Johnson, Christina Hamilton, Jimmy Wright, Larry Wright, Michael Jones and Zeleen Wright; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Isaac Jones, Adolph Hamilton, Pete DeLeon, Robert Chriesman, Oscar Weeks, Jr., and Larry Wright.
--------------
Delmas 'Sam' Justice
CISCO- Delmas Samuel Justice passed away peacefully on the evening of February 18, 2003. While family and friends mourn his absence, we rejoice in his victory.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2003 at First Baptist Church in Cisco, Pastor Mike Justice officiated, assisted by Pastor Randy Lawson. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Sam was born on Easter Sunday morning on March 28, 1937, the son of evangelistic parents, George and Vivian Justice and lived in many different places throughout his youth. He met and married Frances Williams in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1969 they moved to this area and have resided in Cisco for the last 15 years.
Sam was a member of the Eastland Church of God. He served in his church, as he did in his life, a servant of Jesus Christ and his fellow man.
Survivors are his wife, Frances Justice of Cisco; children, Billy Justice and wife Suona of Fort Worth and David Justice of Dallas, Lori St. Ama and husband Darrin of Early; siblings, David Justice, Sr. of Abilene, Ophelia Merrill of Cross Plains, James Justice of Brownwood, Martha Kay Justice of Cisco and Mike Justice of Dayton, TN; six grandchildren; 10 nieces and 5 nephews.
Pallbearers were David Justice, Jr., Steve Justice, Michael McClure, Kyle McClure, Clay Koening and Cole Koening.
---------------
Garner Altom
Garner Howell Altom of San Angelo, Texas died Wednesday, February 19, 2003.
He was born on July 21, 1917, in Cisco, TX, and attended Cisco High School and Draughon's Business School.
Services were held at Bakker's Funeral Home in Eastland. Burial was at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 22, 2003 at Eastland Memorial Cemetery.
A veteran of WW II, he served as Detachment Clerk in various hospital groups in France, Japan and the Philippines. Garner was a life-long Kiwanian (18 years perfect attendance), and received his 25-year award in 1973 from the Masonic Lodge. He served three years on the School Board of Cisco ISD, serving one year as President. His service and dedication to many Baptist churches and committee groups span five decades, culminating a six-year member of the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
He spent twenty years as a Clerical Supervisor with Humble Pipe Line in Cisco, Midland and Pampa, TX. His second career was in hospital administration serving in Wellington, Pampa, Cisco and Denver City, TX. He was Director of Admissions at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. He retired from Hendrick's Mesa Springs Retirement Center Community as their Marketing Counselor. In his 'retirement' Garner and Mary belonged to the Mission Service Volunteer Corp, Baptist General Convention of Texas from 1989 to 1992 where they served in various capacities at the Heart of Texas Baptist Encampment, Brownwood, TX.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar F. Altom and mother, Lizzie Ada Altom of Eastland.
Survivors are his spouse of 62 years, Mary Elizabeth Altom of San Angelo; a sister, Elaine Tow of Temple, TX; a son, Garner Prince Altom of Corte Madera, CA; a son, Doug Altom of San Angelo; and 4 grandchildren, Courtenay Kehl of CA., Kelsey Kling of Austin, TX, Clayton Altom and Cole Altom, both of San Angelo.
Memorials may be made to Sagecrest Alzheimer's Center, West TX Rehab Center or Heart of TX Baptist Encampment.
------------
Pearl Brinegar
RANGER- Pearl Harris Brinegar, 82, died Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2003 at the Merriman Baptist Church, Rev. Jimmy Lively officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Pearl was born on February 29, 1920 in Campbell, Missouri to Bert and Maudie Lewis. She married and settled in the Eastland/Ranger area with Frank Harris. Pearl appreciated life's simple pleasures to their fullest. She had a wonderful ability to make you laugh at life's situations. All enjoyed Pearl's strong character and bold personality. She was a member of the Merriman Baptist Church.
She was the beloved mother of 12 children. This was the legacy she would leave this world. She instilled ethics of hard work and perseverance in her children. Pearl understood that her children were a way of sending a message into a time and place that she would not go. Her message would be one of hope, love and peace. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Josephine and her son, Frank.
Survivors are Sterling Morrow, Lavonda Lewis, Wanda Franklin, Joe Harris, Don Harris, Jessie Harris, Franklin Harris, Sue Stuart, Floyd Spencer and Linda Maddox; 38 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
----------
Jessie Falls
STANTON- Jessie Lee Falls died Thursday, February 20, 2003 at a private care facility in Stanton.
She was born December 11, 1915 in Altus, Oklahoma to the late Claud and Hattie Renfro. She was raised and educated in Duke, Oklahoma, and later moved to Eastland, Texas.
She met and married the late William E. Holliday on August 10, 1946. After his passing in 1953, she later married the late Eugene Falls in August of 1978.
Ms. Falls worked in the Olden Public School District until her retirement. She has resided in Midland for the last 11 years.
She is preceded in death by two husbands, William E. Holliday and Eugene Falls.
She was a member of the Olden Church of Christ.
Private Graveside services will be held in Ranger, TX.
Memorials may be directed to the Stanton Care & Rehab Center Rehabilitation Dept. 1100 W. Broadway, Stanton, TX 79782.
Survivors are a daughter, Sharon Dublin of Midland, TX; a brother, Clifton Renfro of Montgomery, AL; two grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 niece; 2 nephews; 1 cousin; and a host of friends.
---------
Jackie Frasier
GORMAN- Jackie Frasier, 50, died Thursday, February 20, 2003 at the Harris Methodist Hospital in Stephenville.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Ron Carroll officiating. Burial was in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman.
Jackie was born August 4, 1952 in Gorman to James Burns and Jerry (Ashworth) Burns. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
Survivors are a daughter, Christi Wallace and husband Ryan of Montgomery, TX.
---------
Jesse Moon
CROSS PLAINS- Jesse Moon, 51, of Cross Plains, died Thursday, February 20, 2003 in Callahan County, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2003 at the Higginbotham Chapel with Mike Reed officiating. Burial was in the Coleman Cemetery with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains in charge of arrangements.
Jesse was born April 12, 1951 in Cisco, Texas to Robert L. Moon and Gertha Naylor Moon. He married Allyson Jackson in Brownwood, Texas on May 21, 1983. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Chris.
Survivors are his wife, Allyson Moon of Cross Plains; son, Shane Moon of MN; two sisters, Patricia Crumbacher of South Carolina and Ethel Ferebee of Sarasota, FL; one brother, Johnny Moon of South Carolina.
Memorials may be made to your favorite charity.
-----------
Ethel Heagler
CISCO- Services for Ethel Lee Reynolds Heagler, 86, were held Monday, March 3, 2003 at the Greater St. Mark Outreach Church, Rev. Clarence Holliman officiated. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Directors.
Mrs. Heagler died February 22, 2003 at her home.
Mrs. Heagler was born March 1, 1916 in Hempstead County, Arkansas. She was born to the late Frank and Josie (Reader) Reynolds. Mrs. Heagler married Rufus Heagler in 1945, he preceded her in death in February 24, 1995. She became a Christian at an early age and was true to her Lord until her death. She first joined the Methodist Church in Cisco, when it closed she joined the Methodist Church in Eastland, Texas. She visited Greater Saint Mark Baptist Church for years. She always found a way to serve her Lord Jesus Christ. At her death she had become a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Breckenridge, Texas under the leadership of Rev. Clarence Holliman of Mineral Wells, Texas; where she found her place to work for the Lord toward Kingdom building.
She leaves to mourn her passing one sister-in-law, Laura Mae Reynolds and a host of relatives, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Nephews served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Bro. Thomas Cyperiam and Rev. Clarence Holliman.
----------------
Kenneth Jackson
CARBON- Kenneth L. Jackson, 76, of Carbon, died Sunday, February 23, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Eastland with Rex Boggs and Cliff Jackson officiating. Burial was in the Flatwood Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Jackson was born on February 2, 1927 in Elmwood, Oklahoma to Grant and Isabelle (Tilton) Jackson. He graduated from Balko High School, and then attended college for two years in Goodwill and Shawnee, Oklahoma.
He moved to Eastland in 1962 and to Carbon in 1964. He was a meat market manager for Safeway and then for Brookshires for 30 plus years.
He married Betty Jo Byrd on May 29, 1964 in Carbon. She preceded him in death on July 21, 1999. Kenneth enjoyed playing dominoes, working with wood crafts as well as spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond Jackson, Harold Jackson, and Forest Jackson; and two sisters, Hazel Weikle and Ruth Siebert.
Survivors include three children, Ronnie Jackson and wife Patti of Houston, Brenda Arther and Billy Carlton and wife Sharon, both of Eastland; two sisters, Geraldine (Gerry) Tidwell of Fort Worth and Mabel Halsey of Perryton; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; and a host of special nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to M.D. Anderson.
------------
William 'Bill' Kelley
CISCO- William Reed (Bill) Kelley died Sunday, February 23, 2003 at his home.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2003 at East End Cemetery in Lingleville, Lee Lewis officiated.
Mr. Kelley was born October 4, 1925 to Pleasant Lee and Jessie B. (Reed) Kelley. He served in the US Navy during World War II and was a retired electrician. He was a member of the AARP and Cisco Church of Christ.
Survivors are a brother, Pleasant Lee Kelley of Comanche; a sister, Maureen Gist of Granbury; and several nieces and nephews.
-----------
Jack Hopkins
STRAWN- Jack Allen Hopkins, 59, of Strawn, Texas died Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Strawn, Rev. Michael Orsini officiated. Burial was in the Mt. Marion Cemetery at Strawn directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
Mr. Hopkins was born November 10, 1943 in Strawn to Jack Lyard and Opal Nadine Meredith Hopkins. He graduated from Strawn High School and attended Ranger Junior College. He was a veteran of the US Army during the Vietnam War. He married Michele Girard April 8, 1983 in Strawn. He was an aircraft tech with the FAA in Buffalo, N.Y. He was President of Mercy Flight and was instrumental in getting it started. He moved to Strawn in 1996 and worked as President of Southwest Masonry Products in Strawn. He was a member of a Non-Denominational Church and Strawn Lions Club.
Survivors include his wife, Michele Hopkins of Strawn; his mother, Opal Hopkins of Strawn; a daughter, Kim Marie Shugart of Strawn; a son, Kenneth Hopkins of Virginia; two brothers, Jimmy Hopkins of Strawn and Bill Hopkins of Strawn; a sister, Jo Roberson of Abilene; five grandchildren, Jennifer Lewallen, Kurt Wallberg, David Shugart, Cody Hopkins, and Aaron Walter.
----------
Scott Stallings
ARLINGTON- Scott Tristan Stallings 35 of Arlington and formerly of Strawn passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2003. Services will be 11 am Saturday in the First Baptist Church in Strawn, Texas with Rev. Michael Orsini officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Marion Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Scott was born on December 26, 1967 in Ranger, Texas to Fred and Linda (Boyd) Stallings. He grew up in Strawn and attended school there and finished his education in Fort Worth. Scott worked as hotel security for 14 years and for the last five at Omni Mandalay Hotel in Irving. He married Mary Graves on March 30, 1996 in Fort Worth, Texas. Scott was a history buff. Scott was a care giver and protector, learning ways to make sure his family as well as other people around him were taken care of. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Strawn.
Survivors include his wife Mary Stallings of Arlington, Texas, Dad and Mom, Fred and Linda Stallings of Strawn, Tx. Grandmother Martha Stallings of Houston, Tx. Sister Shan Nowak and husband Brad of Strawn, Tx. Brother-in-law Michael Graves and wife Marjorie of Weatherford, Tx. And a Niece Hannah Nowak, numerous great Aunts and host of friends.
-------------
Jana McAskill
CISCO -- Memorial services for Jana Alene McAskill, 48, of Cisco, were held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 2003, at the Kimbrough Funeral Home. Gary Johnson officiated, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. She was cremated.
Mrs. McAskill died Friday, Feb. 28, 2003 at her home.
She was born March 16, 1954 in Henderson, Texas to Gerald and Murlene (Rice) Newbill. She married Glen Campbell McAskill in Marshall, Texas on October 21, 1974. He preceded her in death on November 27, 2002. She was a nurses aide at Canterbury Villa of Cisco.
Survivors are a daughter, Kyle McAskill; two sons, Derek and Duane McAskill; a sister, Judith Brockwell and a nephew, Ashley Brockwell.
--------------
 
MARCH 2003
 
Johnny Botts
Services for Johnny Jay Botts, 54, of Brownwood, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2003, in the Rising Star First Baptist Church with Dick Williams officiating. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Mr. Botts died Friday, Feb. 28, 2003, in the Brownwood Care Center.
He was born on January 5, 1949 in May to Floyd J. and Arlene Hardy Botts. He worked as a truck driver for years. He has lived in Brownwood for a short time moving there from Cisco. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Cisco.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Michael Botts.
Survivors include his son, Jeffrey Botts of Abilene; daughter, Pamela Jenkins of Abilene; two brothers, Russell Botts and Steve Botts, both of Rising Star; three sisters, Shirlene Campbell of Brownwood, Jeanette Mitchell of Abilene and Judy Fink of Cisco; and a grandson, Jeremy Jenkins.
---------
Minnie Schkade
ALBANY -- Services for Minnie A. Schkade, 70, were at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2003, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Don Loeschen officiating. Burial was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Mrs. Schkade died Friday, Feb. 28, 2003, in an Abilene hospital.
She was born May 7, 1932, in Albany. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Albany. She was a domestic and was always eager to help whenever needed.
Survivors include three brothers, Carl E. Schkade of Albany, Fred E. Schkade of Techachapi, CA, Curtis E. Schkade of Albany; three sisters, Henrietta Schkade of Albany, Bertha Ann Lehman of Georgetown and Dorothy Donaway of Cisco; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutherna Church or a favorite charity.
---------
Alvin King
BROWNFIELD -- Services for Alvin Hawkins King, 73, of Meadow, were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at Brownfield Church of Christ with Bob Reynolds and Derek McNamara officiating. Burial was in Scranton Cemetery, directed by Brownfield Funeral Home.
Mr. King died Sunday, March 1, 2003, in Lubbock.
He was born March 16, 1929, in Scranton. He graduated from Cisco High School in 1947, and attended Cisco Junior College.
He married Ruth Inez Cook on May 28, 1948, in Cisco.
He lived in Brownfield and Meadow areas since 1949. He was the Manger for Meadow Co-op Gin for 22 years, retiring in 1982. He also managed the Terry County Co-op Gin for 15 years, retiring in 1998.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth King of Meadow; a son, Kyle King of Brownfield; two daughters, Patty Snider of Greenwood, and Paula Martin of Brownfield; and eight grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Vistacare Family Hospice, 1010 Slide Road, Lubbock, TX 79401, or favorite charity.
------------
Travis Sherrin
BRAD- Travis Sherrin, 17, of Brad, died Saturday, March 1, 2003.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at First Baptist Church in Gordon, Rev. J.K. Wood officiated. Burial was in the Brad Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Travis was born on April 3, 1985 in Houston, TX. to Dwain and Joyce (Clendenen) Sherrin. He was attending high school in Gordon where he was to compete this week in the State UIL competition for the debate team. He played football and baseball and was studying to be an EMT. Travis was a member of the First Baptist Church in Gordon. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking.
Survivors are his parents, Dwain and Joyce Sherrin of Brad; his grandmother, Maudie Jenkins of Breckenridge; brothers, Dainen Sherrin of Stephenville and Gerald Wright of Decatur; sisters, Kim Cupps and Jodi Qually both of Brownwood, Stephanie Elms of San Antonio, Kacie Sherrin of Stephenville and Karl Draper of Austin; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews.
---------------
Martha Cox
ABILENE- Martha Rae Cox, 82, of Abilene, died Saturday, March 1, 2003 at a local hospital.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 3, 2003, at Cedar Hill Cemetery, James Stovall officiated. Burial was directed by North's Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cox was reared in Farmersville. She graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in Education. She married Palmer Cox on February 24, 1944 in Ranger.. She taught schools in Ranger, Eula, Littlefield, and Wylie. She retired from teaching in 1966. She operated Martha's Invitations store from 1976 until 1996. She was a member of the Westgate Church of Christ and the Retired Teacher's Association.
Survivors are her husband, Palmer Cox of Abilene; a daughter, Melinda Simmons of Abilene; two grandchildren, Mrs. Melissa (John) Gladman and Mrs. Lesleigh (Darrell) Chrisman; four great-grandchildren, Eric and Sarah Chrisman, Blake and Brittany Gladman; one sister, Mrs. Billie Jean (Edward) Bailey of Lubbock.
----------
Vera Westerman
RISING STAR -- Graveside services for Mrs. Vera Montfort Westerman, 91, were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2003, in the Albany Cemetery, under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star.
Mrs. Westerman died Monday, March 3, 2003, at Hendrick Medical Center.
She was born June 16, 1911, in Young County to Washington Payne and Lora Lee Mapp Stephens. Mrs. Westerman lived in Rising Star for 25 years. She was a homemaker and a Baptist.
Survivors include her son, Kenneth Montfort of Abilene; two daughters, Mary Francis Schmidt of Dublin, Connie Montfort of Dallas; nine grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.
---------
Charles Mathis
A memorial service for Charles Wayne Mathis, 72, of Carson City, Nev. will be held Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. in First Baptist Church, Carbon, Texas. Bro. James Holt will officiate.
He died February 26, 2003 at St. Mary's Medical Center.
He was born September 21, 1930, in Gorman, Texas to Willis Wayne Mathis and Nellie Mae Greenwood Mathis.
He married Evelyn Couch, his childhood sweetheart, June 30, 1948 in Coleman, Texas.
Charles was a resident of Carson City for 38 years, a district manager of National Federation of Independent Business, retiring in 1982. He was a Baptist.
Survivors are his wife, Evelyn of Carson City; daughters, Yvonne Wynette Wolfsen of Weatherford, TX, Kathryn A. Lathrop of Carson City, Marsha L. Corlley of Bloomington, Ill.; a son, Charles W. Jr. of Auburn, Wash; a brother, Billy J. of Arlington; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
----------
Lucille Angus
RANGER- Lucille Angus, 91, died Sunday, March 2, 2003 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at Eastside Baptist Church, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Angus was born on May 19, 1911 in Colony, Texas to William Joseph and Willie May (Works) Davis. She attended school in Colony then went to beauty school in Fort Worth. She married Jack Orville Angus. She was the owner and operator of LucilleÕs Beauty Shop in Ranger for 50+ years. She was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Orville Angus, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Bobby Gene and Wanda England of Olden, TX; a daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline and Odis Ball of Pasadena, TX, a daughter and son-in-law, Mona and Sandy Presslar of Odessa, TX; and a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Sande Angus of Ranger, TX; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
--------
Beulah Chamness
INDIANA- Beulah (Bea) Chamness, 67, of Crawfordsville, Indiana died Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at her residence.
Graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2003 at Sugar Plain Cemetery in Thornton, Indiana (Hwy 47). Rev. Claudia Grant will officiate. Burial will follow directed by Powers-Priebe Funeral Home, Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Beulah was born on April 6, 1935 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Antonio and Ava (Cazzee) Pagano. She married Richard W. Chamness on May 8, 1954 in Lebanon, Ind. He preceded her in death in 1998. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked for Drs. B.B. Alexander and Herald Bulgrin in Eastland. She also worked at Witham Hospital in Lebanon, Ind and several nursing homes.
She was a member of First Christian Church, Crawfordsville and American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries. She was a 1954 graduate of Thorntown High School, Thorntown, Ind. and attended Pima and Cochise Colleges, Arizona and graduated from Cisco Jr. College.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters, Grace White and Elsie Littrell; and one grandchild, Tina Marie Chamness.
Survivors are a son, Ricky L. Chamness of Phoenix, Az.; daughters, Theresa A. Worcester of Indianapolis, Ind., Patricia D. Mullins of Crawfordsville, Ind., Mary M. Isbell of Crawfordsville, Ind. and Sherry L. Cully of Florida; sisters, Mary Davis of Whiteland, Ind. and Carolyn Grant of Lebanon, Ind.; one brother, Frank Pagano of Indianapolis, Ind.; 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren.
-------
Garland Thompson
CISCO- Garland Junior Thompson, 60, of Cisco, died Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2003 at Corinth Cemetery.
Mr. Thompson was born October 29, 1942 in Indio, Oklahoma to Garland Wilson and Lola (McGarah) Thompson. He was a painter and a Baptist.
Survivors are his wife, Shirley Thompson of Bonham; a brother, Robert (Sonny) Thompson of Cisco; and two sisters, Jo Briscoe of Artesia, N.M. and Virginia Trujillo of Tipton, CA.
------------
Noblea Henry
ROBY- Noblea (Toni) Pharris Henry, 78, of Roby, died Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2003 at Roby Cemetery in Roby, Texas with Rev. Bob Ferguson officiating. Burial followed directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
She was born to John Ervin and Nancy Virginia (Lane) Walker on January 31, 1924 in Coleman, Texas. She worked as a chauffer and was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 brothers.
Survivors are daughters, Mary Alice Patton of Midland and Doris Sutton of Cisco; a sister, Billie Tunnell of Graham, Washington; 4 grandchildren, Mary Gomez, Jerilyn Brown, April Rains and Angela Fullerton; 9 great-grandchildren, Scott Rives, Jarod Rives, Jodie Rives, Tifnie Rains, Cody Fullerton, Braxton Rains, Austin Fullerton, Tanner Fullerton and Wake Brown; nieces and nephews.
----------
Rennie Pyle
Memorial services for Rennie Mac Pyle, 72, of Weatherford, Texas were held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2003 at the Anderson Clayton Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Kemp with Rev. Ralph Ivy officiating. Cremation services were under the direction of Anderson Clayton Brothers Funeral Home of Kemp.
Rennie Mac Pyle was born on August 10, 1930 in Henderson County, Texas. He passed away on March 5, 2003 in Denton, Texas. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean Conflict in the 7th Infantry, 31st Division, Company M.
Survivors are his sisters, Geraldine Watt of Italy, TX, Colene Busby and her husband Judge of Mabank, Mary Wells and her husband Johnny of Ranger, TX; a brother, Arnold Phillips and his wife Sue Ann of Tyler; aunts, Lila Heather of Styx and Rachel Hodges of California; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and other friends and relatives.
------
Betty Stowe
ABILENE- Betty Lynette Stowe, 42, died Thursday, March 6, 2003, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas.
Funeral services were held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Abilene, Saturday, March 8, 2003 at 3 p.m. Rev. Berry Glover officiated. A graveside service was held in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery Monday, March 10, 2003 in Weatherford, Texas at 2:30 p.m.
Betty fought an ongoing battle with cancer for two years. Her strength is an inspiration to all who experienced her courage. Betty's smile and spirit will continue to be an uplifting memory to all.
Betty was the daughter of "Wild Bill" and Ima Mae Johnston. Ima is a resident of Ranger. Betty devoted herself in matrimony on May 16, 1986, to the love of her life, Johnny Wayne Stowe, who resides in Anson, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Johnston, and a brother, Corkey Johnston.
Betty was a loving mother to a son, Anthony Stowe and his wife, Adrienne, of Abilene, and two beautiful daughters, Amber and Ryan Stowe of Anson. She was also a grandma to three precious grandbabies, Jaimalee, Jaiden, and Kaileigh. She is also survived by four brothers, Billy Ray Johnston, Jimmy Johnston, and Rodger Dale Johnston all of Ranger, and Jerry Don Johnston of Cisco; and three sisters, Jo Ann Kinder and Mary Choate both of Ranger, and Gladyse Walker of Bridgeport, Texas.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society P.O. Box 41, Abilene, TX 79604, or YWCA of Abilene, 1350 N. 10th St., Abilene, TX 79601.
-----------
John Fehl
EASTLAND- John William Fehl, 86, of Eastland, died Thursday, March 6, 2003 at Eastland.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Fehl was born November 20, 1916 in Cleveland, Ohio to John Fred and Cora (Root) Fehl. He grew up in Eastland. He served in the U.S. Army with the 36th Infantry Texas Division in the European Campaign and Korean Conflict. He married Vetrice (Tresa) Watson on November 1, 1952 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was a machine operator for the Hexel Corporation in Livermore, CA retiring in 1977 when he moved back to Eastland County. He was active in the V.F.W.
Survivors are his wife, Vertrice Fehl of Eastland; a son, John Fehl and his wife Jodi of Brentwood, CA.; a granddaughter, Allison Fehl of Brentwood, CA; and special friend, Joyce Coleman and her husband Ken of Eastland.
----------
Joseph Sitton
CISCO- Joseph Bruce Sitton, 85, of Cisco, died Saturday, March 8, 2003 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.
Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Russell Pogue officiated.
Mr. Sitton was born on December 23, 1917 in Marlow, Oklahoma to William F. and Beatrice Jane (Sheffield) Sitton. He was a Major in the Air Force during World War II where he was an aerial photographer. He married Kathleen Fortenberry on February 5, 1942 in Denver, Colorado. He was a printer for 47 years and owned and operated Commercial Printing in Cisco. He was a member of First Baptist Church and taught the Shepard Sunday School Class for many years.
He was preceded in death by 5 brothers, Jerry Sitton, Jack Sitton, Eb Sitton, Dick Sitton, and Bob Sitton; one sister, Rebecca Walker; and one great-grandchild, Owen Worthington.
Survivors are his wife, Kay Sitton of Cisco; son, Mike Sitton and wife, Deanna of Tylertown, Miss.; daughter, Martha Brown and husband, Ken of Abilene; sisters, Gladys Bunger of Dallas, Nell Snyder of Seattle, Wash.; brother, Buck Sitton of Snyder; four grandchildren, Monte Seese, Melissa Worthington, Kevin Brown, and Kayte Davis; four great-grandchildren, Sean Marrow, Sarah Marrow, Kayla Worthington, Michael Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to First B