Site Links

OBITUARIES
July 1 through December 1, 2003
 
JULY 2003
 
Floyd Spencer, Jr.
RANGER- Floyd Edgar Spencer, Jr., 42, of Ranger died Tuesday, July 1, 2003 at his residence.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 5, 2003 at the Eastland Cemetery, Rev. Jim Lively officiated. Burial followed directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Spencer was born on August 1, 1960 in Parkin, Arkansas the son of Floyd Edgar and Pearl Emily (Lewis) Spencer, Sr. He attended the Pentecostal Church in Eastland and was a lifelong resident of Ranger.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Fred Smith.
Survivors are his children, Nicholas and Starsha of Minnesota, and Nicole Dawn of Breckenridge; brothers, Don Harris of Springtown, Sterlin Morrow of Kilgore, Joe Virgil Harris of Crosby, Jessie Harris of Baytown, and Franklin Harris of Midland; sisters, Lavonda Lewis of Talpa, Wonda Franklin of Azle, Linda Nell Maddox of Ranger and Sue Stuart of Lake Worth; and numerous nieces and nephews.
-----------
Donald Ponder
CISCO- Donald Wayne Ponder, 71, of Wimberly and formerly of Bangs died Thursday, July 3, 2003 at Deer Creek Nursing Home in Wimberly.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery, Cisco, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco.
Mr. Ponder was born February 19, 1932 in Merkel to Lee and Alta (Moore) Ponder. He was a Baptist and for the last 18 years he owned and operated Lake Brownwood Flea Market.
Survivors include his daughter, Beverly Nesmith and husband Gary of Wimberly; grandsons, Clinton Nesmith and wife Anne of Dallas and Brian Nesmith of Wimberly; and a brother, Doyle Ponder and wife Afton of Hamlin.
------------
Howard Hamilton
CISCO- Howard Ray Hamilton, 65, of Cisco, died Thursday, July 3, 2003 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Burial with Military Honors was in Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco.
Mr. Hamilton was born March 7, 1938 in Monahans to Raymond and Gladys (Tickner) Hamilton. He served in the US Navy, was a Methodist and worked as a journeyman electrician and was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Survivors include his mother, Gladys Glenn of Breckenridge; a sister, Wanda Perry of Breckenridge; a brother, Donald Hamilton of Lake Dallas; sons, James and Anthony Hamilton of Cisco, Todd Hamilton of Queensland, Australia; grandchildren, James Hamilton, Jr., Amber Hamilton, Kayla Perez and Alexandria Hamilton; a great-granddaughter, Elisa Perez; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. Also, he was cherished and loved by his extended Arizona family: Edna Mott, Rhonda Porter, Barbara Asmussen, Ginger Peters and Amanda Edmonds; all will dearly miss him.
----------
Gene Scott
EASTLAND- Gene Edward Scott of Bartlett, Texas died on Friday, July 4, 2003 at Temple, Texas.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 10 a.m. at the Eastland Cemetery. Bakker Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
He was born to Robert Lee and Sarah Jean (Biles) Scott on April 10, 1919 in White Lake, S.D. He had lived in Bartlett for many years working as a powderman in dam construction for 25 years before retirement. He was also a veteran of WW II serving in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater and a member of the Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
Survivors are his wife, Lila Scott of Bartlett; two daughters, Kathryn Fellers and husband, Bill of Joplin, Missouri, and Billie Pryor and husband, Glen of Claremore, OK; five grandchildren and eight great-grandsons.
------------
Olene Wood
Memorial services for Olene Rogers Wood will be July 11, 2003 at 10 a.m. at the Harpersville Cemetery. Rev. Jimmy Lively is officiating. A covered dish luncheon will be served after the graveside service at the Gunsight Baptist Church, which is located between Breckenridge and Cisco.
Olene died May 28, 2003 in the Eastland hospital and was cremated.
Olene was born to Effie and Asa Rogers on Double Mountain in Harpersville Community on January 4, 1916. Her five brothers and sisters, Pauline, Jolette, Temple, Warren and Joy all preceded her in death.
Olene lived mostly in and around Breckenridge, Eastland and Abilene. She lived a few years in Oklahoma with her family between the age of two and eight. She worked as a nurses aide at Breckenridge Memorial Hospital and Eastland Memorial Hospital, also during some private duty. She also ran the golf pro-shop for a while.
Olene was previously married to Irven Gray and Winter Wood, both deceased.
She has been married to Howard Franks since March 6, 2000. They have resided in Ranger, Texas since their marriage.
Survivors are her husband, Howard Franks; her daughters, Vondell Elliott, and Brenda Rumfelt; nine grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.
-----------
Lenora McIntire
BRECKENRIDGE- Lenora Grace Lewis McIntire, 79, died Wednesday, July 2, 2003 at a local hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2003 at Melton Kitchens Funeral Home, Rev Herman Merritt officiated. Burial was in the Gunsight Cemetery directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
She was born on May 26, 1924 in Eastland County, Texas to Newt and Mary Ellen Elliott Lewis. She attended grade school at the Bedford Community School, Junior High School in Eastland and graduated from Cisco High School in 1941. She attended business college and worked as a typist and taking tickets at the Interstate Theatres (now Majestic Theater) in Eastland. That is where she met her future husband, W.A. McIntire. They were married on March 2, 1946 when he returned home from WW II. She lived in Breckenridge and the Gunsight Community the rest of her life. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and Stephens County Extension Homemakers. She taught Sunday School, was a 4-H adult leader, and was instrumental in obtaining the historical designation for the Gunsight Community.
She was employed by the Breckenridge Sale Barn and Bloxom Feed Store. She was named ÒWoman of the YearÓ by the Home Demonstration Clubs of Stephens County in 1975.
Lenora and W.A. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in March 1996 and enjoyed a trip to Branson Missouri to celebrate.
Survivors are her husband, W.A. McIntire of Breckenridge; children, Ronald McIntire and wife, Kathy, of Breckenridge, Myra Hall and husband, J.R. of Weatherford, Fayla Taylor and husband, Phil of Breckenridge, Monte McIntire and wife, Becky of Breckenridge; grandchildren, Annie Laurie Lowrance of Austin, Stacie and Mike Phineas of Arlington, John and Julie Lowrance of Stephenville, Shannon and B.J. Roberts of Bridgeport, M.J. McIntire of Breckenridge, Aaron and Andrew Taylor of Breckenridge; great-grandchildren, McKenly Roberts and Isabella Phineas; brother, Vernon Lewis of Breckenridge; sister, Louise Stansell of Ft. Worth; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Gunsight Cemetery Association or to the First Methodist Church and may be left at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
-----------
Robert Hall
EASTLAND - Robert E. Hall, 80, died Saturday, July 12, 2003 in an Eastland nursing home.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 14, 2003 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland with Rev. Sarah Miller officiating, followed by burial in Eastland City Cemetery.
Mr. Hall was born April 13, 1923 in Sylvester, Texas to Edward and Myrtle (Bertram) Hall. He served in the United States Army during WWII in the European Theatre in five major battles, including the Normany Invasion. He married Frances Richardson on January 27, 1947 in Abilene. They lived near Dallas and Abilene where he worked as a Communication Engineer for 32 years for Southwestern Bell. After his retirement, he moved to Eastland in 1988. While in Abilene, he was a charter member of Elmwood West Methodist Church. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eastland. Not only was his family his world, but his career made the world his family; experiences included Alaska to Florida and back to reside in his home state of Texas.
He is survived by his wife, Frances of Eastland; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia and Herb Dethloff of Wichita, Kansas, Deborah and Oscar Garza of Austin; five grandchildren, Abi Griffin and husband Rick, Jennifer Grant, Amy Grant, Bradley Dethloff, and Travis Grant; one sister, Sarah LaVerne SoRelle, of Sweetwater.
Memorials may be made to Eastland County Food Pantry, Hendrick Hospice, or First United Methodist Church, Eastland.
--------------
Joe Ingram
CROSS PLAINS - Joe David Ingram, 74, died Friday, July 11, 2003 at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas after a 15 year battle with cancer.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 14, 2003 at First Baptist Church with Ronnie White officiating and Burlie Taylor assisting.
Mr. Ingram was born February 5, 1929 in Cross Plains, to W. H. (Bill) and Althea Ingram. He married Wesley B. Profitt on January 21, 1950 in Phillips, Texas.
Joe worked for Phillips Petroleum for 17 years in Phillips, Texas before returning to Cross Plains, wherehe was a farmer and rancher. He also served as Callahan County Commissioner for two terms and several years on the Cross Plains City Council.
He is survived by Wesley, his wife of 53 years; four daughters and sons-in-law, Patsy and John Moran of Abilene; Sherry and Brad Harris of Lexingon, KY, Barbara and Donnie Dillard of Cross Plains, Edith and Rex Beggs of Cross Plains; a sister, Wanda Tyler of Eula; two brothers, Mike Ingram of Mammoth Lakes, CA and Mack Ingram of Richmond, Texas; 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; as well as a large extended family and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Willie Mae Ingram and Bonnie Ingram.
Honoring their grandfather as pallbearers are his grandsons, Elvan Goode, Jr., Donnie Dillard, Jr., John Moran, Jr., Tony Beggs, Joseph Dillard, Bo Harris. Honorary pallbearers include, Irwin Clark, Franzelle Odom, Arvin Brashear, and R. C. Merryman.
Memorial may be made to the Cross Plains EMS; First Baptist Church; or the American Cancer Society.
-----------
Reagan Hudson
WEATHERFORD - Reagan Lavell Hudson, infant, died Wednesday, July 9, 2003 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2003 at Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel, in Weatherford, Texas. Burial was in the City Greenwood Cemetery.
Reagan was born June 2, 2003, in Weatherford, to Audie and Jessica Hudson.
Survivors are parents, Audie and Jessica Hudson of Weatherford; brothers, Nicholas Garcia and Tyler Hudson; grandparents, Danny and Dione Hudson of Eastland, James and Amy Moore, George and Deborah Harding, and grandmother, Carolyn Baxter; great-grandparents, J.F. and Ela Mae Ward, Lloyd and Madelyn Niblett, Dan and Debbie Smith and great-grandmother, Dorothie Harding.
--------
George 'Joe' McKinney, Sr.
CISCO -- Services for George Clifford (Joe) McKinney Sr., 66, were at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2003, in the Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Shackelford officiating. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery.
Mr. McKinney died Sunday, July 13, 2003, in Abilene Regional Medical Center.
He was born October 12, 1936, to John Walter and Mary Frances (Dulen) McKinney. He married Claudie Mae Campbell on August 1, 1975. He was a truck driver for Cisco Pump.
Survivors include his wife, Claudie of Cisco; sons, Charlie Joe McKinney of Chicago, IL, Perry Joe McKinney and George Clifford McKinney Jr., both of Cisco, Clifford (McKinney) Wilhoit and Jimmy (McKinney) Wilhoit, both of Perrin; sisters, Beth Dudley of El Paso and Charlotte Hastings of Waxahachie and several grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Tim McKinney, Mike McKinney, John McKinney, Joe Bob Moore, Mike Bacon and Forrest Walker.
--------
David Bufkin, Sr.
BRECKENRIDGE -- Services for David M. Bufkin, Sr., 72, were at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2003, at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home with Rev. Danny Lee officiating. Burial was in the Hart Cemetery, directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Mr. Bufkin died Saturday, July 12, 2003, in an Abilene hospital.
He was born April 3, 1931, in Brown County. He married Kay Strickler on August 21, 1980, in Lawton, OK. He worked in oil field service, was a Baptist and a U.S. Army veteran.
He was preceded in death by his father and two sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Kay Bufkin of Breckenridge; three daughters, Connie Akins of Longview, Tonna Mustian of Salt Lake City, UT, and Michelle Escobedo of Cisco; six sons, David W. Bufkin of Pampa, Jerry Don Bufkin of Athens, David M. Bufkin Jr. of Abilene, and Mike R. Bufkin, Jerry Don Strickler, and Malcolm K. Bufkin all of Breckenridge; his mother, Susie Bufkin of Quanah; three sisters, Bernell Mille of Quanah, Carol Stefanick of Everett, WA, and Judy Dorn of Santa Rosa, N.M.; 26 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be left at the funeral home.
----------
Christene Cox
Graveside services for Christene G. Cox, 92, were at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2003, in the Eastland Cemetery, under the direction of Bakker Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cox died 1:30 a.m. Monday, July 14, 2003, in Odessa where she has been the past nine years.
She was born Willie Christene Garrard in Margargle. She worked at a bank in Wichita Falls, then for Muirhead Motor Company in Eastland for many years.
She married Cecil Cox on June 17, 1958, retiring from the work force shortly thereafter to keep books for him. She was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church of Eastland and the Order of the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil on October 26, 1977.
Survivors include a niece, Bettye Joe Smith of Odessa; a nephew, Billie Kenneth Price of Oklahoma; a step daughter, Hazel Underwood of Eastland, and many great nieces and nephews.
--------------
H. Everett Weaver, Sr.
CROWLEY - H. Everett Weaver Sr., 79, died Friday, July 18, 2003, in Fort Worth.
Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2003, in Greenwood Chapel. Burial was in Greenwood Memorial Park.
Harold Everett Weaver was born Feb. 14, 1924, in Avery. He grew up in Ranger and entered the Army during World War II. He was a proud member of the 4th Infantry Division and was a survivor of the Normandy Beach landing on D-Day.
He turned 19 in France and 20 in Germany.
After the war he returned to Ranger and married Luella Blackwell Feb. 14, 1947. They celebrated 56 years of marriage. He lived his remaining years in Fort Worth. He worked for General Dynamics, the state Comptroller's Office of Texas for 15 years and at Ridgmar Mall in maintenance.
He was a member of the Ridglea Masonic Lodge for many years. Everett was an avid sports fan and his favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys. His favorite hobbies were gardening and cooking barbecue. His famous briskets and ribs were coveted by everyone. He loved his family and was proud of each of them.
His great sense of humor will be missed by everyone he knew. He spent his last years at St. Francis Village in Crowley. He volunteered his services in many ways at the Village.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Lynn Wende; brother, Joseph P. Weaver; and parents, Elisha P. and Annie Weaver.
Survivors include his wife, Luella Weaver; children and spouses, Janice and Mickey Edwards, Harold E. Weaver Jr. and Joe Weaver; grandchildren and spouses, Tamara and David Fiorenza, Melody and Shawn McFall, Todd and Tomoe Wende, Josh and Mistie Weaver, Justin Weaver; extended family, Rick Wende, Vanessa Edwards and Melissa Edwards; great-grand-children, David, Cody and Dalton Fiorenza, Shelby McFall, Bradley Weaver; and brothers and sisters, T.C. Weaver, Dale Weaver, Clara Mae Boney, Mary Allen.
---------
Katherine Wells
RICHARDSON- Katherine Carter Wells died Thursday, July 17, 2003 at Richardson, Texas.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2003 at Sweetwater Cemetery in Sweetwater.
There will be a memorial service August 20, 2003 at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church in Richardson. Services will be under the direction of Restland Funeral Home.
Katherine was born July 26, 1913 in Sweetwater, Texas. She was a noted string violin teacher. She studied with Wilda Dragoo of Eastland, Texas. She was still teaching in June of this year. She will be greatly missed by her students.
Survivors are a daughter, Katherine Knighten; granddaughter, Kathy Johnson of Illiniois; grandson, James A. Knighten, Jr. of Michigan; numerous relatives and friends.
Donations may be made to Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church pipe organ fund.
---------
Billy Ray Baker
BRECKENRIDGE- Funeral services for Billy Ray Baker, 55, will be held Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 11 a.m. at the Elliott Street Church of Christ in Breckenridge, Texas with minister Jim Cox officiating. Burial will follow directed by Morehart Mortuary at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, Texas.
Mr. Baker died Saturday, July 19, 2003 in a trucking accident five miles north of Breckenridge.
Billy was born on November 11, 1947 in Fort Worth to C.W. Baker and Corrine Pennington Baker. He grew up in Fort Worth and moved to Breckenridge 24 years ago. He married Gayle Brown on April 13, 1975. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and friend to many. He worked as a lifetime in the trucking industry and was currently employed by Sentenil Transportation, LLC. He was a member of the Elliott Street Church of Christ.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Frank Baker and Daniel Grooms; and by twin infant children.
Survivors are his wife, Gayle Baker; two daughters, Sherri Gray and Lori Parsons and husband Mark all of Fort Worth; two sons, Billy Baker, Jr. and wife Ann of Massachusetts and Cody Baker of Breckenridge; three grandchildren, Monty Heatley, Dillon Gray and Katie Parsons; four brothers, C.W. Baker, Jr., David Baker and John Baker all of Fort Worth and James Baker of Burleson; three sisters, Joyce Pettis and Elizabeth Ritchie both of Fort Worth and Charlene Vinson of Waco. Also, his very beloved ÔTashaÕ.
Memorials may be made to the Humane Society and left at Morehart Mortuary.
---------
Joan Morton
LUBBOCK- Joan Morton, 93, of Lubbock, formerly of Eastland, Texas, died Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at her home in Lubbock.
Private graveside funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2003, in the Eastland Cemetery, Dr. Carrol Green officiated, directed by Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Lubbock, Texas.
She was born Joan Tarrant on March 28, 1910 in Ranger, Texas. She was the daughter of James Alvin and Sarah Lavina (Harrell) Tarrant. She grew up in Ranger and married Ernest H. Morton on May 1, 1927. They lived throughout west Texas, and moved to Eastland in 1984. She was a homemaker and mother, and a former member of the First United Methodist Church of Eastland.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1987.
Survivors are a son, E.L. ÒSargeÓ Morton of Lubbock; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
--------------
Gilbert Hansen
STAMFORD- Gilbert Weldon Hansen, 79, of Stamford, died Friday, July 25, 2003 at his residence.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2003 at the Orient Street Church of Christ, Bill Luttrell and Wes Horn officiated. Burial was in the Bethel Lutheran Cemetery in Ericksdahl. Tankersley Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Hansen was born on January 12, 1924 in Stamford to Gilbert and Ella Hansen. He was a lifetime resident of the area. He was a member of the Orient Street Church of Christ, a World War II veteran, a farmer, and a mechanic. He married Marie Evelyn Hall on April 15, 1945 in Lueders. He farmed for many years, worked as a mechanic both for Mason Gambil Motors and the City of Abilene and owned and operated his own used car lot. He retired and moved back to Stamford in 1985 from Abilene.
Survivors are his wife, Evelyn Hansen of Stamford; three daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda and Stan Harvey of Ranger, Brenda and Russell Williams of San Angelo, and Sherry and Michael Gilly of Abilene; one sister, Pearl Ham of Stamford; one brother, Kenneth Hansen of Avoca; 7 grandchildren: Traci Young, Clay Harvey, Justin Harvey, Darren Highsmith, Gina Marie Harvey Smith, David Gilly and Jason Gilly; five great-grandchildren: Amber McCall, Tanner Long, Tyler Young, Steven Harvey and Halen Harvey.
Memorials may be made to Stamford VIP Community Center 508 E. Gould St., Stamford, TX.
--------
Joe Hanna
BRECKENRIDGE- Joe C. Hanna, 83, died Saturday, July 26, 2003 at a Dallas hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at First United Methodist Church, Rev. Herman Merritt officiated. Burial was in the Breckenridge Cemetery directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
He was born May 19, 1920 in Lawton, OK. He moved to Wichita Falls as a child and graduated from Wichita Falls High School and John Tarleton College in 1940. He entered pre-law at University of Texas in Austin. He joined the US Navy Air Force in 1941. He served as a fighter pilot, flyying off carriers in the North Atlantic. He was discharged from San Luis Obispo Naval Air Station where he served as commander of the base in 1945 as rank of Lieut. Senior grade. He returned to Breckenridge in 1945, purchased the Stephens Co. Abstract Co. where he served as owner and manager for 25 years. He was a licensed real estate broker and appraiser, leasing oil and gas. He served on the Breckenridge ISD as member and president for 13 years. He was a director of First Federal Savings & Loan.
He was elected to the State Legislature in 1970, serving as chairman of the Energy Committee for 10 years. He later was a consultant for the Independent Oil and Gas Producers of Texas. While in the legislature he was chairman of the Southwest Regional Energy Council, the Texas Energy and Resources Committee and was appointed to the Interstate Oil Compact Commission by 4 different governors.
He married Betty Elliott in 1942 in Breckenridge.
Survivors are his wife, Betty Hanna of Breckenridg; children, Steve Hanna of Dallas, Judi Hanna of Twin Peaks, Calif. and Mark Hanna of Austin; two sisters, Roy Ann Weeks and Madie Hanna both of Denton; and 7 grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Swenson Museum, Breckenridge Public Library or the First United Methodist Church and memorials may be left at the funeral home.
------------
Rozelle Gish
CISCO- Rozelle Gish, 65, of Cisco, died Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at Canterbury Villa Nursing Home in Cisco.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 31, 2003 at 10 a.m. at Cisco Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Bob Ferguson officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Rozelle was born December 8, 1937 in Cisco the daughter of Floyd Lee and Leta Viola (Horn) Rains. She married Richard Ervin Gish on November 28, 1970 in Cisco. He preceded her in death on June 22, 1998. She was a member of the Cisco Church of the Nazarene.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Odell, Waddell, and Hershel Rains; and a sister, Mozelle Rains.
Survivors are a sister, Juanita Roberson of Cisco and a sister-in-law, Frances Rains of Cisco and Zona Rains of Fort Worth; and several nieces and nephews.
--------
Helen McCanlies Wolter
FREDERICKSBURG, TX.- Mrs. Thomas L. Wolter, 90, (Helen McCanlies), of Caliente, NV, died Wednesday, July 9, 2003, in Caliente.
Graveside services and interment were held Monday, July 14, 2003 at 11 a.m. in the Greenwood Cemetery in Fredericksburg, Rev. Jarrell Sharp officiated. Beckmann Funeral Home of Fredericksburg was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Wolter was born December 9, 1912, in Cisco, the daugher of Sheb and Josie McCanlies. She married William Keith Hitchcock of Chico, CA. He preceded her in death in 1948.
On November 22, 1952, she married Thomas L. Wolter in Cisco and he also preceded her in death.
She was a retired bookkeeper, a graduate of Chico State University in 1934 and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, William and Rosanne Hitchcock of Caliente, NV; a brother, John McCanlies of Kerrville; a sister, Betty Coleman of Fort Worth; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
---------
Jimmie Harrison
CROSS PLAINS- Jimmie Beth Harrison, 82, of Cross Plains, Texas died Friday, August 1, 2003 at Medical City Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
She was born January 3, 1921 in Ranger, Texas.
Survivors are one brother, Monty Todd and wife, Dorothy of Boyd, TX; three sisters, Mary Jane Hale of Deer Park, TX., Jean Griffith of Eastland, and Connie Johnstone of Pearland, TX; one son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Gwen Harrison of Terrell, TX; one grandson, Cooper Harrison of McKinney, TX; one granddaughter, Brandy Tomlin of Bullard, TX; nephews, Derrell and Ferrell Harrison of S. Houston, TX, Phillip and Ralph Harrison of Cisco, Terry Harrison of Eastland, Tony Harrison of Manor, TX, Bub Sylvester of Cisco, Johnny Ferrell of Ranger, Johnny Joe Jackson of Gordon, TX, Monty Jackson of Mingus, TX, Larry Johnstone of Pearland, TX, Rusty Johnstone of Pearland, TX; nieces, Elizabeth Ann Harrison of Cisco, Nancy Ann Findley of Eastland, Phyllis Jane Richardson of Pasadena, TX, Marion Adair of Pearland, Janice Harris of Corsicana, TX, Nita Merritt of Moran, TX; sister-in-law, Bermalee Bradford of Eastland; brother-in-law, Bill Harrison of Cisco.
Pallbearers were Phillip Harrison, Ralph Harrison, Derrell Harrison, Ferrell Harrison, Terry Harrison and Johnny Ferrell.
--------
Ernest Gray, Jr.
MARBLE FALLS- Ernest C. Gray, Jr., 80, died Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at his home in Marble Falls, Texas.
Graveside services and interment were at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park in Burnet, Texas.
Shot was born May 11, 1923 in Ranger, Texas and was a 1940 graduate of Ranger High School. He served in the United States Army in Europe during World War II. After his service in the Army he graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He had a successful career in sales.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest C. Gray, Sr.; a step-father Fred Tibbels; his mother, Jewel Gray Tibbels; a brother, Bill Gray; and a sister, Norma Jo Gray Gordon.
He is survived by his wife, Vivian; a daughter, Gail and her husband Jim Rogers of Marble Falls; a son, Matthew and his wife Melissa of St. Louis, Missouri; and one granddaughter, Elizabeth of Houston. Two half-brothers, Pete and Charles Tibbels of Ranger; one half-sister, Sandra Tibbels Welch of Colorado City, Colorado; and one step-sister, Billie Joe Tibbels Newsom of Sulphur Springs, Texas.
--------
August 2003
 
Adrian Hastings
EASTLAND - Adrian Hastings, 75, of Eastland, passed away Monday, August 4, 2003 in an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2003 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard Watson officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Mrs. Hastings was born on April 9, 1928 in Hankinson, North Dakota, to Edwin and Bertha Pankow. She grew up in North Dakota. She moved to El Paso where she met and married Ellis Howard Hastings on Sept. 8, 1951. They lived in Midland and Midkiff before moving to Eastland in Jan. of 1981 when Mr. Hastings retired from El Paso Natural Gas Company. Mr. Hastings passed away on July 10, 1981. She was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Hunter Hastings Skinner, and by one brother and one sister.
Mrs. Hastings managed the Sleephouse Motel in Eastland, worked at the Redstar CafeÕ, Double Vision, and at the Cisco CafeÕ as a hostess and cashier.
Survivors include a son, Terry Hastings of Eastland; a daughter, Cheryl McMillin of Eastland; two grandsons, Breck Knox of Denver, CO and Chris McMillin of Eastland; one granddaughter, Krista Skinner of Eastland; and four great-granddaughters, Chelsea Knox and Brianna Knox both of Denver, CO, and Jaycee Skinner and Tobi Skinner, both of Eastland.
A fund has been set up at the Eastland National Bank to help the family with medical and funeral expenses.
--------
Vera Wheat
Vera Mae Wheat, 84, died on Monday, August 25, 2003 in a local hospital.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 28, 2003 at Abilene Funeral Home Chapel of Hope, with Rev. Rufus Wilson officiating. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, directed by Abilene Funeral Home.
Mrs. Wheat was born on April 2, 1919 in Cisco. She was raised and went to school in Cisco. She married Joe T. Wheat on September 24, 1938 and was married for 54 years. She was a nurse for many years, after retiring she went to work for Girling Health Care taking care of clients that were younger than herself. She walked 5 miles to work and 5 miles home five days a week at age 73. Her whole life was devoted to her family, before she had children she and Uncle Jay loved to take their nieces and nephews to stay as long as they liked, they were never told to go home. Then after having been told they would never be able to have children, she had a son that died a few days after birth and then ten months later she gave birth to a daughter that was still born, then 11 months later she gave birth to JoNell and 21 months later she gave birth to Jay.
She was preceded in death
by her parents, Joseph Ely and Minnie Sue Foster Reeves; her husband, Joe T. Wheat; two children, a son, Joe Wheat and a daughter, Susan Estella Wheat; three brothers, Edd C. Reeves, Andrew P. (Jack) Reeves, James Ray Reeves; and 3 infant brothers; two sisters, Evie Pierce and Pearl Crowder Cade.
Survivors include a daughter, Mattie JoNell (Wheat) Maples of Abilene; a son, Jay Tillman Wheat of Abilene; a sister, Mabel Thetford of Brookshire, Tx; four grandsons, Michael Ray Maples and Jacob Tillman Wheat both of Cisco, Timothy Jay Wheat of Abilene and Joseph Tillman Wheat of Brown-wood; 2 granddaughters, Stephanie Jo (Maples) Weems of Riverdale, Utah and Sarah JoAnn Wheat of Cisco; a great granddaughter, Toni Rae Maples of Cisco; three great grandsons, Dakota Ray Maples and Johnathan Dakota Maples both of Cisco and David Ray Weems of Riverdale, Utah; a host of nieces and nephews.
-------
Douglas Burns
EASTLAND- Douglas Burns, 93, of Eastland died Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at an Eastland nursing home.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2003 at the Bethel Baptist Church, Rev. Jim Andrews officiated. Burial was in the Elm Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Burns was born on November 1, 1909 in Leon County, Texas to Horacio and Mary (Arnie) Burns. He married Francis Hines in 1942, in Carbon. He served in the Army during WW II. He was a farmer in Eastland County and he was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Carl Burns, and by a sister, Irene Goodwin.
Survivors are his wife, Francis Burns of Eastland; five children, Patricia Ann Wooley of Union Grove, Larry Burns of Eastland, Royce Burns and Boyce Burns both of Arlington, and Beverly Thomas of Eastland; 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
-------------
Aileen James
SAVOY- Aileen James, 74, of Savoy, Texas, died August 26, 2003 at Mullican Care Center in Savoy, Texas.
Graveside services were held Saturday, August 30, 2003 at the Eastland Cemetery at 10 a.m. Mullican Little Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Ms. James was born on September 13, 1928 in Eastland, Texas. She was the daughter of Cyrus James and Vera Kinnery James.
Survivors are one brother, Fred James of Beaumont, Texas.
--------
Ola Scott
MINGUS- Ola Marie Scott, 84, died Monday, August 25, 2003 at her home.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Gordon, Rev. Bryan Crittendon officiated. Burial followed in the New Gordon Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Donations may be made to The Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #788, c/o Shirley Dickson, P.O. Box 276, Gordon, Texas 76453, or WomenÕs Club of Mingus, c/o Pauline Reed, P.O. Box 188, Mingus, Texas 76463 or The Over The Hill Gang, c/o Melba Blue, P.O. Box 452, Gordon, Texas 76453.
Mrs. Scott was born on December 12, 1918 in Gordon, Texas to Joseph Franklin and Ceclia Clarise (Davis) Vaughan. She attended Gordon High School. She married P.J. Scott on July 15, 1939 in Erath County, Texas. He preceded her in death on January 26, 1988. She was always very active in her community of Mingus, serving in the Gordon Eastern Star Chapter #788 in 1988, past president of the Home Extension Assoc. for 6 years. Volunteer for the Community Assoc. with the Mt. Zion Church. President of the Blue Flat Cemetery Assoc. for many years and President of the WomenÕs Club of Mingus. She was a homemaker, which she took very seriously with being involved with her 7 children and continuing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors are her children, Wayman Curtis Scott of Gordon, Joe Ed Scott of North Carolina, J.T. Scott of Mingus, James Allen Scott of Mingus, Martha Hopkins of Strawn, Jean Roberson of Wichita Falls and Jane Dixon of Strawn; sisters, Wino Gene Gonzales of Denver, CO., Elizabeth Gayton of Sacramento, CA., and Eunice Terry of Montrose, CO.; 16 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
-------
Avis Garrett
BRECKENRIDGE- Avis Emogene Walker Garrett, 89, died peacefully in her sleep Monday, August 25, 2003 in Austin, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 30, 2003 at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home. Graveside services at Shady Grove Cemetery. Rev. Charles Kuhn officiated.
The youngest of five, Avis was born in Sabanna, TX. in Eastland County, on May 10, 1914, to Isaac MacClure ÔMackÕ Walker and Georgia Linnie Norvell Walker. She graduated 11th grade from Parks High School in Parks Camp just south of Breckenridge. She married Jesse Lee Garrett on Dec. 23, 1934 in Kirkland, TX. They moved to the Hamlin area and later returned to their ranch between Cisco and Moran for 2 years before settling at their present ranch in the Harpersville Community in 1951. They raised Aberdeen Angus cattle for 52 years, selling breeding stock from the ranch and farming.
Survivors are a daughter, Rev. Charlotte Avis Garrett Matzinger; her daughter-in-law, Sarah Garrett; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four grandsons-in-law; and granddaugher-in-law.
Memorials may be made to Eolian Methodist Church, The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 1440 West Washington Blvd., Chicago, Ill. 60607 or charity of your choice.
---------
Melvin Wilcoxen, Sr.
CISCO- Melvin Louis Wilcoxen, Sr., 73, of Cisco, died Thursday, August 28, 2003 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2003 at Cisco Church of Christ. Larry Fitzgerald officiated. Burial was at 11:30 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Brown County, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Wilcoxen was born in Cottonwood, Texas on April 25, 1930 to Gilbert and Jessie (Ashabranner) Wilcoxen. He was a truck driver and a member of I-20 Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Chad Williamson.
Survivors are a son, Melvin Wilcoxen, Jr. of Abilene; daughters, Sharon Elizabeth Sorrells of Midland and Jessie Geneva Nelson of Abilene; brothers, Frank Wilcoxen of Cisco, Everett Wilcoxen of Ranger; sisters, Violet Edwards, Delilah Goble and Laverne Ballinger all of Cisco; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
---------
Vallie Parker
CISCO- Vallie Faye Parker, 86, of Cisco, died Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at Canterbury Villa.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Gary Turner officiated. Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Vallie was born on April 7, 1917 in Mason, Texas to Walter Terrel and Bessie (Moreland) Kirby. Her husband Willis Parker whom she married on August 26, 1935 in Comanche, Texas, preceded her in death. She was an artist and a homemaker. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and Cisco Civic League.
Survivors are her son, Bill C. Parker of Snyder; three grandsons, Captain Joseph Parker, Lieutenant Matthew Parker and Andrew Parker; and one brother, Jerome Kirby of Kingsland.
-------------
Floyd Isbell, Sr.
Floyd S. Isbell, Sr., 84, of Abilene, passed away Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003 at a local nursing center.
Services were 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003 at the Trinity Baptist Church with Dr. Kevin Kennedy officiating. Burial followed in Elmwood Memorial Park, under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 North Second Street.
Floyd was born October 13, 1919 in Stamford, TX to the late William Henry and Nettie Bell (Miers) Isbell. He served as a Staff Sargent and a Supply Officer in the U. S. Army during World War 11. He moved to Abilene from Stamford in 1953 and was a Captain for the Abilene Police Department for nine years. He left Abilene for California, where he worked for the State of California until he retired, and then moved back to Abilene. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Euna E. Isbell of Abilene; a son, Floyd S. Isbell Jr. of Clyde, TX; two daughters, Judith Ann Cooley of Clyde, TX and Floy Kay Pfeiffer of Humble, TX; a brother, Darrile Isbell of Carthage, TX; four sisters, France Isbell and Nina Brownlee both of DeLeon, TX, and Janette Payne of San Angel, TX, Ruby Rogers of Palmdale, CA; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brother.
If desired, memorials may be made to the Noah Project, 1802 Grape Street, Abilene, TX 79601.
Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Memorial Funeral Home in Abilene.
-------
Eunice Davis
CISCO- Eunice Auralie (Thomas) Davis, 81, of Cisco died Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at Canterbury Villa.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 31, 2003 at Scranton Cemetery. Roy Lee Williams officiated. Burial followed directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
She was born January 1, 1922 in Elmdale, Texas to J.D. and Eunice (Wilbanks) Pittman, Sr. After the death of her husband, K.O. Thomas she moved to Dallas where she worked at the VA Hospital until her retirement. She married Albert L. Davis and moved to Cisco where they lived for several years, he preceded her in death in the mid 70Õs. She then moved to Abilene.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother J.D. Pittman, Jr.
Survivors are her sister-in-law, Julia Pittman of Abilene; two nieces, Alice Gregory and Pam Tucker and husbands; two great-nephews, Thomas and Charlie; cousins, Cary Pittman, Mike Pittman and Pat Pittman.
------
Ronald Robinson
Ronald 'Shorty' Robinson
CISCO- Ronald Gayle 'Shorty' Robinson, 64, of Cisco, died Wednesday, October 29, 2003 in Cisco.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2003 at the Johnson Cemetery, north of Moran, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Robinson was born on July 23, 1939 in Bryson, to Hugh and Bonny (McAnear) Robinson. He was a Seaman 1st Class in the U.S. Navy from 1958 until 1962, where he served in the Phillipines and Asia. After his discharge, he worked in the oilfields in Jack and Shackelford Counties. He managed the Truck Harbor Truck Stop in Cisco. He then worked as a welder for Burgess Industries before returning to oilfield work. He married Martha Smoot on June 23, 1982 in Del Rio. He enjoyed hunting gardening and reading. He was a member of the VFW in Moran.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Floyd Derwood Robinson, a sister, Velma Lee Robinson and step-grandson, William Albert Smoot.
Survivors include his wife, Martha Robinson of Cisco; children, Ronnie Robinson of Fort Worth, Dorene Scoggin of Fort Worth, Grant Robinson of Moran, and Donnie Jorgenson of Magdalena, New Mexico; step-children, James Smoot of Angleton, David Smoot of Sargent, Fred Smoot of Cross Plains, and Cecilia Smoot-Adams of Cisco; brothers, Donald Wayne Robinson of Bryson and Larry Robinson of Graham; sisters, Aleen Malmborg of Pacifica, CA, Anita Cutbirth of Graham and Bonnie Gay Robinson of Arlington; 1 grandchild; 12 step-grandchildren; and 5 step-grandchildren.
The family request memorials be made to the donor's favorite charity.
---------
Freddie Welch
GORMAN- Freddie Joe Welch, 67, of Gorman, Texas, died October 28, 2003 at the DeLeon Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 30, 2003 at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman. Rev. Doyle Welch officiated, assisted by Rev. Denver Rainey.
He was born April 26, 1936 in Gorman. He was a Baptist and a Longshoreman. He married Patricia Ann Rushin on June 17, 2002 in Stephenville, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his father and one grandson.
Survivors are his wife, Patricia Ann Welch of Gorman; three sons, Alan Welch of Bangs, Larry Welch of Sipe Springs, Chris Welch of Omaha, Nebraska; his mother, Pauline Welch of Gorman; one brother, Bill Welch of DeLeon; three sisters, Yvonne Whitlock of Gorman, Lula Faye Craig of Deer Park, Louise Hutson of Gorman; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
---------
Jessie Swift
RISING STAR - Jessie Rae Swift, 76, of Waco, died Monday, October 27, 2003 at the local hospital.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 30, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel with Richard Massey officiating. Burial will be in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
Jessie was born September 8, 1927 in Sipe Springs, Texas to John M. Clark and Tennie (Pierce) Clark. She married Luther Gaylon Swift in October 17, 1946 in Cisco, Texas.
Survivors include her two daughters and their husbands, Gayla Sue Roberson and husband Jim of Andrews, Nancy Weissman and her husband Joel of Waco; two sisters, Ellie Elliott and Ollie Burns of Rising Star; three grandchildren, John Randall Roberson of Andrews, Lindsay Weissman and Ryan Weissman of Waco. Many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Luther, parents and her brothers Skeet Clark and Alton Clark.
-----------
Betty Jane Maddox
EASTLAND- Betty Jane Maddox, 45, of White Settlement died Thursday, October 30, 2003 in Fort Worth.
Graveside services will be at 2:30 Tuesday, November 4, 2003 in the Putnam Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Born July 21 1958 to John and Syble (Larkins) Threet, she grew up in Moran and Putnam and enjoyed playing sports in School.
She worked as a certified Nurse's Aid for 28 years working in Granbury, Eastland Ranger and Cisco for various health care companies retiring in 1994 due to medical disability. She raised her children in Cisco and Eastland before moving to White Settlement for the past 4 years. She enjoyed shopping, cruising, hunting, fishing and sports. She was a Baptist.
Survivors include husband, Eddie Pevehouse of White Settlement; children, Sabrina Gail Maddox of Gatesville, Tracy Maddox and Jason Maddox both of White Settlement; stepson Kelly Maddox of Eastland; father, John Threet of Breckenridge; brothers, John Roy Lancaster of Stephenville, Raymond Wayne Threet of Scranton; 2 sisters-Syble Kanady of Baird, Dorothy Grumbles of Cisco; 2 step daughters- Yvette Lee of Tye, Texas, Alana Hunter of White Settlement.
She was preceded in death by husband, Herman Maddox, mother Syble Threet, step daughter Lori Ann Lee Maddox and grandson Tyler Maddox.
---------
Harold Hudson
EASTLAND- Harold D. Hudson, 74, died Saturday, November 1, 2003 at Eastland.
Graveside funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2003 in the Eastland Cemetery, Rev. Rex Boggs officiated, directed by Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland.
Harold was born to Romie and Veda (Butchee) Hudson on May 22, 1929, in Rule, Texas. He grew up and attended school in Eastland and was later employed by the City of Eastland for 38 years, retiring in 1994.
He was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister.
Survivors are 17 nieces and nephews, including Doris and Jearul Gwinn, Kenneth and Nina Hudson and Danny and Dione Hudson, all of Eastland; cousins Burl and Martha Williams of Abilene, Johnny Morren of Palo Pinto, Winnie Boyd and Thomas Edward Lyles both of Eastland; 46 grandnieces and nephews; 51 great-grandnieces and nephews; many friends and a very special friend, Anna.
-------
Debra Whitehead
CISCO- Debra Whitehead, 41, of Cisco died in an accident in Ranger on I-20 Sunday, November 2, 2003.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at Cottonwood Cemetery, Rev. George Malis officiated, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco.
She was born in Cisco on August 2, 1962 to Richard and Dahlia (Moreno) Salinas. She married Bryan Lee Whitehead in November 1979 in Cisco. He preceded her in death on April 11, 1991. She worked as a paralegal and was a member of Bible Baptist Church.
Survivors include a special companion, Ben Hanlon and son Cole Hanlon of Llano; sons, Joshua Reese Whitehead and wife Shannon, Sterling Glen (Jack) Whitehead and wife Dana, Ruben Dylan Whitehead, and Aaron Neil Whitehead, all of Cisco; brother, Ricardo M. Salinas, Jr. of Oklahoma; sisters, Dianna Riggs and husband Ronald of Cisco, Alice S. Bonney of Cisco; grandchildren, Lyssa Blane Whitehead and Josie Elizabeth Whitehead; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Charlsie Whitehead; sister-in-law, Brenda Robinson; brother-in-law, Buford Whitehead; nieces, Rebeca Salinas, Latisha and Kelly Fron, Vanessa and David Spann, Jessica Bonney; nephews, Ricardo (Trae) Salinas, III and wife Rachael, Ronald Perek, Steven Ray and Richard Duane Riggs, Scott F. White, David Glen Black and Andrew F. Black; great-nephews, Logan and David Paul Spann; great niece, Katlyn Salinas.
She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Trino and Gabriela Moreno and paternal grandparents, Delfino Salinas and Antonio Elosia Leyja and a brother, Ruben M. Salinas.
Honorary pallbearers: Robert Flores, Scott Geisner, Jimmy Escovedo, Robert Gilky, Jerry Taylor, Cole Hanlon and Mickey Moreno.
---------
Glenn Davis
GORDON- Glenn E. Davis, 38, of Gordon died October 31, 2003 in an automobile accident.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Gordon with Pastor Noel Baker officiating. Burial was in the New Gordon Cemetery with military honors under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Glenn was born on September 8, 1965 in Leadville, Colorado. He was a graduate of Walsenburg High School in Colorado. He served in the United States Army for seven years. Glenn married April Parsons on August 14, 1999 in Colorado Springs Colorado. He worked for IESI in Mineral Wells for the last 3 years. He moved from Mineral Wells to Gordon in April of 2003. He attended the Faith Covenant Church in Mineral Wells. Glenn enjoyed coaching Pee Wee football and helping his daughter sell Girl Scout Cookies.
Glenn is survived by his wife April Davis of Gordon, his children Cassi and Brandon both of Gordon, his parents Glenn Richard Davis of Cannon City Colorado and Marilyn Davis of Amarillo, a sister Evelyn Nicholson of Amarillo, an exchange student Elisa Ng formerly of Hong Kong and living in Gordon and 3 nieces and 2 nephews.
----------
Angie Everett
EASTLAND- Angie M. Everett, 91, died Monday, November 3, 2003 at the Valley View Nursing Home in Eastland.
She was born Angie M. Stephens on May 20, 1912 at LaRue, TX. She was the daughter of William F. and Elizabeth Jane (Mahurin) Stephens. She grew up in Palo Pinto County and graduated from Olden High School. She married Everett H. Everett on September 24, 1934 in Stephenville, Texas. He preceded her in death in 1977.
Angie was a longtime resident of Olden and was a cashier at the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store in Eastland.
-------
Billie Chapman
MAY- Billie Ruth Chapman, 76, died Friday, October 31, 2003.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2003 at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Fort Worth, directed by Heartland Funeral Home of Early.
------
Toby Dirickson
RANGER-Toby Ray Dirickson, 28, a policeman from Ranger, Texas, died Sunday, November 2, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital. He was in an accident involving his police car and a truck on Interstate 20 two miles east of Ranger.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at the Hall & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Comanche, Rev. John Boone and Rev. Jonathon Elms officiated. Interment followed in the Comanche County Gardens of Memory. Hall & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Toby was born October 31, 1975 in Andrews, Texas to Brenda Dirickson Swindle and the late Leslie Dirickson. He married Annette Kellems on July 24, 1999 in Comanche, Texas.
Toby was a Police Officer for the Ranger Police Department and had been involved in Law Enforcement for 4 months after graduating from the Weatherford College Police Academy in Decatur. He was a member of the Texas National Guard and a Volunteer Fire Fighter for the Ranger Fire Department. He had been a Jailer for the Ector County Law Enforcement Center and a Distributor for the Abilene Reporter News, the Dallas Morning News and the Fort-Worth Star Telegram. He was a member of the United Pentecostal Church in Ranger.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Dirickson, earlier in 2003.
He is survived by his wife, Annette, of Ranger; his mother and step-father, Brenda and Elton Swindle of Comanche; three brothers, Bobby and wife Alexandria of Bossier City, Louisiana, Shawn and wife Pat of Comanche, and Brian and wife Jennifer of Eastland; grandmother, Marie Morgan of Rising Star and several aunts and uncles.
Memorials may be made to First United Pentecostal Church 1804 Hwy 16 North, Comanche, Texas 76442 or United Pentecostal Church, Cato Road, Ranger, Texas 76470.
---------
Lois Dreinhofer
RANGER- Lois Dreinhofer, 90, of Ranger died Tuesday, November 3, 2003 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Pastor Richard Call officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Dreinhofer was born on December 11, 1912 in Whitney, Texas. Her parents were Thomas L. and Elizabeth (Shelton) Bush. She attended school in Ranger and was a graduate of Draughn's Business College. She married Joseph Henry Dreinhofer on July 3, 1942, and they traveled to different states and came back to Ranger in 1980. Mr. Dreinhofer preceded her in death on February 2, 1992. She was a homemaker and also an artist. She also worked as a secretary. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ranger, Texas.
Survivors are a daughter, June Davis and husband Bill of Ranger; son, Donald L. Drinkard and wife Ann of Fort Worth, son, Arthur Dreinhofer and wife Martha of New Braunfiels, and a son, Fred Dreinhofer and wife Jeanne of Brownwood; brothers, Durwood Bush of Fritch, Tom Bush of Fort Worth, J.M. Bush of Puerto Rico and Ron Bush of Fritch; sisters, Bernice Walthall of Ponca City, OK. and Audrey Rose of Ranger; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
--------
Donald Dragoo
CISCO- Donald Ray Dragoo, 63, died Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at his home.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery with Military Honors. Rev. Ronnie Shackelford officiated.
Ray was born March 11, 1940 in Roscoe, Texas to Ira Clayton and Dorothy (Dickson) Dragoo. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during Viet Nam. He was married to Thelma Lue Alexander on June 19, 1998. Ray was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jerrie.
Survivors are his wife, Thelma Lue Dragoo of Cisco; sons, Kenneth Ray Dragoo of Andrews, Mike Alexander of Cisco, Stephen Alexander of Foley, Alabama, and Dowell Warren of Memphis, TX; daughters, Linda Campbell of Guymon, Oklahoma and Carol Kauffman of Apache, Arizona; a sister, Julia Pipkens of Bakersfield, California; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
---------
Vernon Franklin
Vernon LaChester Franklin, 79, died at Hendrick Hospital in Abilene on Tuesday, November 4, 2003.
Funeral services were held Friday, November 7, 2003 at 10 a.m. at the Daugherty Street Church of Christ. Interment was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Vernon was born on February 27, 1924 in Dundee, Texas. He graduated from Eastland High School and married Cora McCoy Hensley in Stuttgart, Arkansas on September 4, 1945. They lived in Eastland until 1968 when they were transferred to Junction, TX by Lone Star Production Company. They lived in Junction until he retired from Ensearch Exploration in 1985 with 40 years of service. They moved back to Eastland in 1990 where they raised cattle on the family farm.
Vernon was a veteran of WW II and served in the 646 Squadron of the United States Army Air Corps, serving in Germany and France.
Vernon was preceded in death by his father, James Estel Franklin, mother, Ada Mary (Langley) Franklin, brothers, Estel Carl Franklin and Clifton Boyd Franklin.
Survivors are his wife, Cora McCoy (Hensley) Franklin of Eastland; sons, Vernon Chris Franklin and wife Brenda Kay (Hall) Franklin of Vernon, TX, Jerry Steve Franklin and wife Mary Sue (Vavrina) Franklin of Early, TX., David Dale Franklin and wife Barbara Ann (Mims) Franklin of Channelview, TX; sisters, Hazel Novell (Franklin) Steddum of Eastland, Margie Faye (Franklin) Hollander of Mineral Wells, TX.; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins; and friends.
---------
Bonnie Eckstine
FORT WORTH - Bonnie Eckstine, 93, a retired secretary, died Wednesday, November 5, 2003, at a Clifton hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2003 in Mount Olivet Chapel. Burial is at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Memorials to Alzheimer's Association or charity of choice.
Bonnie was born October 25, 1910, in Carbon and had lived in Fort Worth most of her life. She was a longtime Tarrant County employee in the public road and county extension department. She was active in the Home
Demonstration Club and gave book reviews to various groups. Bonnie was an active member of the United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She was preceded in death by her husband, W.F. Eckstine, in 1973; they were married March 12, 1955.
Survivors include brothers, Billy McAlister and wife, Carol, of Whitney and Roy McAlister Jr. of Levelland; and many nieces and nephews.
-------
Juanita Gonzales
CISCO- Juanita Gonzales, 73, of Cisco, died Friday, November 7, 2003 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 10, 2003 at Calvary Baptist Church, Rev. Ronnie Shackelford officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
She was born in San Benito, Texas on May 6, 1930 to Guadalupe and Maria (Ramirez) Gutierrez. She married Ralph Torres Gonzales on March 22, 1952 in Osceola, Arkansas; he preceded her in death on April 22, 1981. She was a homemaker and attended Calvary Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by a son, Reyes Mireles.
Survivors are sons, Ralph Gonzales, Jr. and Lupe Gonzales both of Dyess, Arkansas, Tony Gonzales of Abilene, Mike Gonzales of Andrews, Manuel Gonzales of Fort Worth, and John Gonzales of Cisco; daughters, Juanita Garza of Cisco, Delores Sims of Cisco, Mary Sims of Dyess, Arkansas, Louise Reeves of Percy, IL., and Frances McDowell of Clyde; sisters, Celestina Silvas of Okeechobee, Florida, Aurora Garcia of Ohio, Sara Gutierrez of Okeechobee, Florida, and Flora Martinez of McAllen; brothers, Guadalupe Gutierrez of Okeechobee, Florida, and Amado Juarez of Okeechobee, Florida; 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
--------
Helen Peak
EASTLAND- Helen Floreine Peak, 83, of Eastland, died Sunday, November 9, 2003.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at the Eastland Cemetery, Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated, directed by Bakker Funeral Home.
She was born April 7, 1920 in Eastland County, Texas and graduated as Salutitorian from Olden High School. She married Grafton Peak in 1936 and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eastland. Most people will remember Floreine from her more than 35 years of work with the law firm Turner, Seaberry and Warford in Eastland.
Survivors are her son, Gary D. Peak, an attorney in Eastland; and cousins Lee Carol, Earline Sims, Emma Hoover, Johnny McMahan, Ginger Russell, Robert Russell and Albert Russell.
Floreine was preceded in death by her husband, Grafton Peak; a son, Clayton Peak; and her mother Jewell Reaves.
Honorary pallbearers were Seth Smith, Tommy Warford, Bill Hart, Saul Pullman, Mike Siebert and Lee Carol.
--------
Mava Frazier
ABILENE- Mava Maxine Roberts Frazier, 77, died Friday, November 7, 2003 at an Abilene care home.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2003 at the First Assembly of God Church. Burial was in the Abilene City Cemetery, directed by Elmwood Funeral Home.
Mrs. Frazier was born on July 17, 1926 in Abilene. She married Joe Alton Frazier on September 28, 1943. She was a loving and devoted mother to seven children, a talented homemaker and a great cook. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband in Dec. 2002 and a great-grandson, Reid Crowe.
Survivors are four sons, Alton F. Frazier and wife Darla of Cisco, Jimmy Frazier of Abilene, Gerald Frazier and wife Debra of Eula, and Ronnie Frazier and wife Lisa of Tuscola; three daughters, Shirley Gibson, Barbara Gray and husband Doyle all of Abilene, and Sharon Jones and husband Don of Dudley; two brothers, Martin Roberts and wife Elaine of Clyde, Clarence Roberts and wife Margie of Kingsland; two sisters, Evelyn Young of Abilene, Hazel Johnson and husband Bill of Clyde; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
----------
D.D. 'Buzz' Daniel
ABILENE- D.D. 'Buzz' Daniel, 90, died Friday, November 7, 2003 at an Abilene nursing home.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2003 at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Rev. Stan Allcorn officiated. Interment was in the Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
He was born to James Daniel, Sr. and Lela L. (Cook) Daniel on February 16, 1913, in Eastland, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and moved from Eastland to Abilene in 1938. He married Faye Davis on April 8, 1939, in Albany. He was a laboratory technician for Lone Star Gas Co. He was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.
Mr. Daniel was preceded in death by his wife on October 8, 2002.
Fourteen nieces and nephews survive him.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.
-----------
Clifford Watkins
Clifford Watkins, 93, of Rising Star, died Sunday, November 9, 2003 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Lynn Starnes officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery. Higginbotham Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Clifford was born May 14, 1910 in Comanche County, TX. to M.M. Watkins and Edith (Parker) Watkins. He married Lou Lewis on October 23, 1940 in Ardmore, OK. He lived in Rising Star all of his life. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Rising Star. He was a member of the Rising Star Masonic Lodge #688 for 67 years. He owned and operated Watkins Grocery Store for 41 years. He was a Veteran in the United States Air Force and served during World War II. He will be deeply missed by all his friends and family.
Survivors are his brother, Ed Watkins and wife Dickie of Coleman; his sister, Billie Watkins Page and husband P.B.; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years Lue (Lewis) Watkins; parents; 3 sisters, Edra Claborn, Claudia Boggs and Opal Jo Guess.
----------
Vernon Franklin
Vernon LaChester Franklin, 79, died at Hendrick Hospital in Abilene, TX on Tuesday November 4, 2003. Funeral Services were held Friday, November 7, 2003 at 10:00 A.M. at the Daughtery Street Church of Christ. Interment was in Eastland City Cemetery.
Vernon was born on February 27, 1924 in Dundee, TX. He graduated from Eastland High School and married Cora McCoy Hensley in Stuttgart , Arkansas on September 4, 1945. They live in Eastland until 1968 when they were transferred to Junction, TX by Lone Star Production Company. They lived in Junction, TX until he retired from Enserch Exploration in 1985 with 40 years of service. They moved back to Eastland in 1990 where they raised cattle on the family farm.
Vernon was a veteran of WWII and served in the 646 Squadron of the United States Army Air Corps serving in Germany and France.
Vernon was preceded in death by his father, James Estel Franklin, mother, Ada May (Langley) Franklin, Brothers, Estel Carl Franklin and Clifton Boyd Franklin.
Survivors include wife, Cora McCoy (Hensley) Franklin of Eastland, son, Vernon Chris Franklin & wife Brenda Kay (Hall) Franklin of Vernon, TX, son, Jerry Steve Franklin & wife Mary Sue (Vavrina) Franklin of Early, TX, son David Dale Franklin & wife Barbara Ann (Mims) Franklin of Channelview, TX, sister Hazel Novell (Franklin) Steddum, of Eastland, TX, sister Margie Faye (Franklin) Hollander of Mineral Wells, TX, 9 grandchildren & 3 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, & friends.
--------
Janice Carlin
Janice Kay Carlin, 60, died at home Sunday, November 2, 2003.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2003 at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel Father Fred Nawarskas and Father Jim Bridges officiated. Burial followed in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home.
Jan was born April 28, 1943 in Dublin, Texas and graduated from Ranger High School in 1962. Jan married Jim Carlin on July 13, 1963 in Abilene, where the couple lived for more than 40 years. They moved to Lake Leon 6 years ago, and recently moved back to Abilene.
Jan was involved in VFW Post 2012 Auxiliary, Abilene Women's Bowling Association, a coach of junior bowlers, and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A homemaker, who loved gardening, Jan's most important roles was that of wife, mother, and 'Nana'.
Jan was preceded in death by her father, R W 'Woody' Gryder and two granddaughters, Alex and Alysse Carlin.
Survivors include husband, Jim Carlin of Abilene and Lake Leon; two sons, Butch and wife Tonya Carlin of Abilene, and Joey and wife Lara of Abilene; four beloved grandchildren, Cole, Meghan, Cris, and Jack; mother, Oneta Martin of Abilene; sister, Frankie Woodyard and husband David of Abilene; brother Jimmy Gryder and wife Linda of Tuscola; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
-------
James Barton
CISCO- James Irvin Barton, 83, of Cisco, died Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, November 17, 2003 at First Christian Church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4-6 p.m. Sunday.
He and his wife Dorothy have been residents of Eastland County for the past twenty years, having lived on their ranch in Eastland before moving to Cisco a few years ago. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on September 3, 2003.
Before his retirement, Jim was a mechanic, having begun his career at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, shortly after the outbreak of World War II. After the war, he moved his family to a number of towns in
the Hill Country, including Brady, Kerrville and Boerne.
After retirement, he got a chance to do what he had wanted to do all of his life; be a rancher. He and his youngest son Tim, also from Cisco, were partners in the cattle business for a number of years. He was an avid hunter throughout his younger years and could always be heard listening to country and western music whether he was at home or driving his pickup truck.
He was especially proud to have serve for many years as an elder at the First Christian Church in Cisco, where he and Dorothy formed many lasting friendships.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Cisco; four sons and their wives, Tom and Emily of San Diego, Ca., twin brothers, Ron and Don and their wives Lynda and Connie of San Antonio, Tx., and Tim and wife Debbie of Cisco. These sons blessed him with six grandsons and three granddaughters as well as a total of eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Mabe Cain of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Although he suffered from the debilitating effects of Parkinson's Disease throughout much of the final months of his life, he took great consolation in the certainty that after he passed from this world, he would go to be in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, from whom he knew he would hear the words, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord'.
Jim Barton's entire family praises God that he has now entered into the joy of the Lord.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Brad Barton, Dane Barton, Brian Barton, James Barton and Allen Barton.
-----
Shane Young
EASTLAND- Shane Alan Young, 41, died in Abilene on Monday, November 10, 2003.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2003 at the Edwards Funeral Chapel. Interment was in Eastland City Cemetery.
Shane was born on September 7, 1962, in Ranger. He attended school in Fort Worth and was the husband of Terry Mehogan. He worked in the oilfield most of his life and was a Baptist. He will be remembered as a loving son, father, husband, and friend to many. He was preceded in death by his sister, Tommie Young-Rex, in 1981.
Survivors are his mother, Doris Young of Eastland; father, Tommy Young of Anson; wife, Terry of Abilene; daughters, Nicole Young of Eastland and Demi Young of Canyon Lake; stepchildren, Lindsay Byers of Phoenix, AZ, Christopher Byers of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jimmy and Kendall Allison of Tye; sister, Shaye Morley of Abilene; maternal grandmother, Dean Pevehouse of Eastland; aunt, Vickie Reeb of Sheridan, WY; uncle, Marty Sharp of Eastland; a special nephew, Cody Rex and his family of Houston; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
-------------
Marlyn Emberling
CISCO- Marlyn Gaia Emberling, 52, died Friday, November 7, 2003 at her home at Cumby, Texas.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery. Burial followed, directed by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Directors of Cisco.
Ms. Emberling was born May 30, 1951 at Cisco to Mervin and Frances (Brown) Strothers. She grew up in Cisco and moved to Dallas. She graduated from Eastfield and North Texas State University with a degree in Nursing. She worked for Big Bend Memorial Hospital at Alpine.
Survivors are one daughter, Sasha Whitney and son-in-law, Rex Smith of Richardson, TX.; one granddaughter, Ana Smith of Richardson, TX.
----
Christine Scott
ABILENE- Christine Wilson Scott, 85, died Thursday, November 13, 2003 at an Abilene care center.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2003 in Coleman Cemetery, Rev. Joan Rudolph officiated, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
She was born to Edgar and Florine (McWilliams) Boyd in Coleman, Texas on October 9, 1918. She had been a resident of Abilene for 12 years, moving here from Austin.
She married Fred Scott in Cisco, TX on October 27, 1978. Mrs. Scott was a homemaker and a member of Church of the Heavenly Rest, Episcopal.
Survivors include her husband of 25 years, Fred Scott of Abilene; a son, Tommy Wilson of Stephenville; daughters, Mary Ann Dempsey of Tolar and Mary Reynolds of Austin; a sister, Jean Cunningham of Wichita Falls; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
---------
Dr. William Oswalt
EASTLAND- Dr. William M. Oswalt (Bill), 51, died Thursday, November 13, 2003 in a tragic accident on the outskirts of Eastland. Dr. Bill, affectionately known by friends and patients, was an avid pilot, diver, skier, and outdoor enthusiast. Dr. Bill loved the excitement of this life and lived it to the fullest.
Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2003 at First United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Eastland Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Bill was born October 13, 1952 to the late Dr. Charles E. and Gene Oswalt in Fort Stockton, TX. Dr. BillÕs father was a longtime family physician in Fort Stockton who set a standard for his four sons, all of whom became doctors. BillÕs sister, Judy Oswalt Swift, is a homemaker and interior designer, who had to clean up after her brothers.
Dr. Bill was a graduate of Texas Christian University, Texas Tech School of Medicine, and completed his residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. He married his wife of 23 years, Lesa Burner Oswalt on June 21, 1980. They were blessed with two sons, B.J. (Bill Jr.) Oswalt, a freshman at McMurry University in Abilene, and Patrick Oswalt, a junior at All Saints Episcopal School in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Bill and Lesa moved to Eastland in 1985 where he joined the practice of Dr. Harold Bulgerin and Dr. Bob Alexander. Later, Dr. Bob Matthews joined the practice. Dr. Oswalt later became a founding partner of the Family Health Clinic with his long time friends and partners Dr. Robert DeLuca and Dr. Sandra Hazelip. As their practice expanded, they were joined by Dr. James Slayton and Jackie Tucker, FNP. Assisting Dr. Bill in his practice for many years were Kelly Skinner, Shellye Truran, Cathy Bird, Linda Walls and the many other valued employees of the Family Health Clinic.
During his life, Bill was an active member and leader of the First United Methodist Church of Eastland where he was an integral part of the music ministry. Bill and Lesa were also active in the Eastland Emmaus Community. He was member of the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Academy of Family Practioners, and the American Academy of Family Practice.
Throughout his life, Dr. Bill was a unique individual who made a positive impact upon the lives of the people he touched. From Fort Stockton to Conroe to Fort Worth to Lubbock and especially Eastland County, Bill Oswalt made a difference and leaves innumerable family, friends, patients and loved ones whose lives have been enriched by him.
Dr. William M. Oswalt is survived by his wife, Lesa; sons, B.J. and Patrick of Eastland; his brothers, Dr. Charles E. Oswalt III (Chuck), his wife Bootie, and their son Chase of Waco, TX; brother, Dr. John D. Oswalt (Chip), his wife Karen, and their daughters Sara and Claire of Austin; sister Judy Swift, her husband Steve, their children Bethany, Jessica and Curtis Rice of Tulsa, OK, Rebekah and Luke Sullivant of Kansas City, MO; and brother, Dr. Barry F. Oswalt (Cita), and his wife Susan, and their children Dawson and Lauren of Waco. He is also survived by his Aunt Dottie Oswalt and Marilyn Anderson; his mother-in-law, Ann Burner of Ft. Worth; brothers-in-law, Todd Burner and Mark and Jill Burner and children Clay and Brett all of Ft. Worth.
-------
William Carlin
CORPUS CHRISTI- William Worth Carlin died Thursday, November 13, 2003 at Corpus Christi.
He was born and raised in Ranger, Texas.
Worth was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving with the U.S. Army. Prior to his retirement in 1987 he had been employed with PPG as a chemist for over 30 years. During his retirement for the past 15 years, Worth was very active with the Corpus Christi Literacy Council and the Ships of Discovery at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.
His wife, Jo Cathryn Carlin; son, Timothy Carlin and daughter, Stephanie Carlin precede him in death.
Survivors are his three sons, Worth Carlin (Sue) of Houston, TX, Chris Carlin (Linda) of Gillette, Wyoming, and Brian Carlin (Leslie) of Austin; one daughter, Dorothy Carlin of Chicago, Ill.; daughter-in-law, Paige Carlin of Friendswood, TX; brother, Charles Michael Lavery of Grand Prairie; and 11 grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 17, 2003 at Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Corpus Christi Literacy Council 4044 Greenwood Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78416.
--------
Russell Latson
CISCO- Russell Latson, 76, died Friday, November 14, 2003 at Canterbury Villa Nursing Home in Cisco.
Graveside services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, November 17, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery, Rev. Baylis Pope officiated. Arrangements were handled by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Directors of Cisco.
Mr. Latson was born on March 17, 1927 at Big Springs, Texas to Vol and Thelma (Clements) Latson. He grew up in California and was employed as a house painter. He returned to Cisco in 1981 and served in the US Army.
Survivors include one son, Rusty Latson of Farmersville, TX; two daughters, Fay Wold of Indianapolis, Ind. and Kathlene Bryan of Raleigh-Salem, North Carolina; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
---------
Idell Warren
GORMAN- Idell Warren, 89, of Gorman, died Friday, November 14, 2003 at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2003 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Bill Campbell and Rev. Jody Forbus officiated. Burial was in the Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Warren was born September 13, 1914 in Eastland County to Joe and Dovie (Pittman) Gilmore. She married D.B. Warren on December 26, 1939 in Eastland. He preceded her in death in January of 2000. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, three sisters, and a grandson.
Survivors are two sons, Jerry Wayne Warren of Brownfield and Wesley Neil Warren of Gorman; two daughters, Kay Frances Warren Womack of Coppell and Antha Elizabeth Warren of Gorman; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
------
James E. Teter
RANGER- Dear husband James E. 'Coach' Teter, 63, of Ranger died November 12, 2003 and went home to our Lord Jesus.
Services were held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 16,2003 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jan Baldwin officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Coach Teter was born in Greenville, Texas on October 26, 1940 to Cecil and Winna (Covington) Teter. He was a graduate of Texas Christian University in 1963 where he played as tackle. He married Saundra Jones in 1960 and later he married Connie Brassfield on May 26, 1978 in Waurika Oklahoma. Coach Teter was a coach for 35 years coaching in Azle, Richardson, Burkburnett and Cotulla and in Ranger, Texas, where he lived the last 9 years. He touched many young men and young women as a coach and it was his great joy not just his job. His saying was 'Never say can't, always say we can'.
Coach Teter is survived by his wife Connie Teter of Ranger, Tx., children Shelly Hill of Caddo Mills, Tx., Whitney Kemper, of Fort Worth, Tx., Jammy Brassfield of Ranger, Tx., Jeremy Teter of Bridgeport, Tx., Michale Redding of Crowell, Tx., Justin Teter of Ranger, Tx., brother Doug Teter of Minneola, Tx., a sister Nancy of the Fort Worth area. Mother in law Jean Wallace; 11 Grandchildren and 2 great grandsons.
------
Robert May
CARBON- Robert (Robbie) May, 35, of Carbon, died Friday, November 14, 2003 after a long illness.
Services were held at 4 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Bill Campbell officiated. Burial was in Murray Cemetery near Carbon.
Robbie was born June 8, 1968 in Ranger to Gene May and Shirley (Hogan) May. He married Julie Grice on July 22, 1989 in Gorman. He was a member of First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gene May; brother, Ronnie May; and daughter, Alissa May.
Survivors are his wife, Julie May of Carbon; daughter, Mallory May and son, Ethan May both of Carbon; mother, Shirley Morgan of Gorman; three sisters, Sonya Neill of Gorman, Randa Bradley of Ranger and Darla Dale of Carrollton; 5 nephews and 4 nieces.
----
Claud Blackburn
CISCO- Claud William Blackburn, 88, of Andrews and formerly of Cisco, died Tuesday, November 18, 2003 in Andrews.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 20, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Rev. Gary Turner officiated. Kimbrough Funeral Home directed.
Mr. Blackburn was born in Cisco on September 8, 1915 to Frank and Vina Lou (Warren) Blackburn. He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was a Field Superintendent for Humble Pipeline and was a Methodist.
His wife, Anna Belle Allison, preceded him in death.
Survivors are a daughter, Pat Morrison and husband Bill of Andrews; granddaughter, Linda McCown and husband Jerry of Lake Ivie; grandson, Bill Morrison and wife Tina of Amarillo; great-grandsons, Dirk McCown, Jason McCown and wife Traci; great-grandchildren, Gavin Morrison, Garrett Morrison and Jayden McCown; brother, Donald Blackburn of Big Spring; and numerous nieces and nephews.
---
Mary 'Sally' Qualls
CISCO- Mary L. 'Sally' Qualls died in Conroe, Texas on Tuesday, November 18, 2003.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2003 at Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Chapel in Cisco. Graveside services followed at Oakwood Cemetery.
She was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 19, 1918 to Lon Y. and Cora B. Siddall and lived much of her life in Cisco. She married Charles J. Qualls at Cisco on November 12, 1935. He preceded her in death in 1985.
Survivors are one daughter and her husband, Nancy D. and Jesse R. Haynes of Fairfield, TX; three sons and their wives, C.R. 'Bob' and Pat Qualls of Spring, TX., F.R. 'Ron' and Barbara Qualls of Montgomery, TX, J.J. 'Jack' and Gwen Qualls of Pipe Creek, TX; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Sarah Guion of Auburn, CA; and many nieces and nephews.
--------
John 'Steve' Kent
CISCO- John Steven 'Steve' Kent, 53, died Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at Eastland Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Directors.
Steve was born on April 17, 1950 to John H. and Carlene (Moates) Kent in Cisco. He was a life long resident of Cisco graduating from Cisco High School and Cisco Jr. College. He also attended Southwestern Texas State University and graduated from Tarleton University.
He married Gay Gambs on August 1, 1971 at San Antonio. They made Cisco their home where Steve had various places of employment. He worked at Ted's & Rex's One Stop for many years, Cisco Jr. College, Woodmill, Russell-Newman, Taylor's, and Red Barn Stores.
His interests and hobbies included Cisco Gun Club, Karate, and Bicycling. He was an avid reader and enjoyed discussions on many varied subjects, including Philosophy, War and History of War, Religion, and English Literature. He enjoyed old movies and especially Groucho Marx and W.C. Fields.
He was preceded in death by his father, John H. Kent, his grandparents, Marvin and Willie Kent and Carl and Dorothy Moates.
Survivors are his wife of 32 years, Gay Elln (Gambs) Kent; his mother, Carlene Moates Hancock of Midland; his brother, Gary and sister-in-law, Terry of Crane; his mother-in-law, Nell Gambs of San Antonio; sister-in-laws, Junelle Gambs and Kathy Warmack of San Antonio; uncles, George Kent of Ft. Worth, Donald and Betty Kent of Tulsa; aunts, Ruby Latson of Abilene and Billie Jean Blair of Burnet; step-grandmother, Pearl Moates of Cisco; nieces, Kirsten Kent and Aleisa Warmack; nephew, Nick Warmack; also many other friends.
------
Armando 'Herman' Alvarado
EASTLAND- Armando 'Herman' Alvarado, 56, of Eastland died Thursday, November 20, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
A Rosary was said at 7 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2003 at the Edwards Funeral Home. A Mass was at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2003 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Mr. Alvarado was born December 14, 1947 in Dallas to Ramon and Josefa (Garza) Alvarado. He graduated from Olden High School. He then attended Tarleton State University for two years. He worked for Ruben's Gulf, local nursing homes as well as the City of Eastland, retiring in the late 1980s.
He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. He enjoyed reading his Bible, books and playing card games.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Josefa Alvarado, and a sister, Carmen Orosco.
Survivors include a sister, Esther Quiroga of Euless; several nieces and nephews, including: Julie Lopez of Austin, Alfredo Orosco, Isaac Orosco, and Ramona Orosco May, all of Eastland, Josefa Gutierrez of Grand Prairie, Connie Moreland, Tommy Quiroga, Margaret Karis, Teresa Quiroga, and Sheila Quiroga Fuqua; 7 great-nephews; 4 great-nieces; 1 great-great-niece; and 1 great-great-nephew.
Pallbearers were: Steve Morgan, Rodney May, Anthony Lopez, Steve Lopez, Jeremy May and Juan Gutierrez.
-------
Dorothy Miller
RANGER- Dorothy Lee Miller, 74, of Ranger, died Saturday, November 22, 2003 in Ranger.
Services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, November 24, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Ronny Guess officiated. Burial followed in Bullock Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Miller was born on August 17, 1929 in Ranger to W.L. and Cordie Leo (Stepehnson) Squyres in Ranger. She married Winfred Nathaniel Miller on May 15, 1947 in Ranger; he preceded her in death on March 26, 1980. She was a homemaker and enjoyed painting, music, dancing, and playing cards.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Doris Highsmith.
Survivors are a daughter, Jean Ainsworth and Billy of Ranger; son, Truman Miller and Janie of Ranger; brother, Don Squyres of Breckenridge; grandchildren, Sherry Roberts and Gordon of Eastland, Mendy Griffin and Biff of Weatherford, Waylon Ainsworth and Stephanie of Lipan, Tony Miller and Stella of Weatherford, and Cindy Merka and Eric of Elgin; great-grandchildren, Shelby Griffin, Tyler Miller, Grant Merka, Nicole Miller, Blake Merka, Thomas Miller, Parker Roberts, Julie and Cassidy Griffin, Tandy Miller, and Wriley Ainsworth; and several nieces and nephews.
--------
Dixie McCracken
Dixie Louise McCracken, 50, died Friday, November 21, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.
Elmwood Funeral Home is handing arrangements. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Dixie was born on July 24, 1953 in Abilene one of 13 children born to Joe and Edna Price Ramsey. She attended Butterfield and Wylie schools. She worked for several companies in the food service industry including White's Cafeteria.
Dixie was a very loving and generous mother, grandmother and sister. She loved helping others, which she demonstrated even in death when she chose to donate her organs to help others with medical needs.
Dixie was preceded in death by her mother; one brother, Bobby Joe Ramsey; one sister-in-law, Cookie Ramsey; three brothers-in-law, Frank Voyles, Jerry Wheeler, and David Wheeler.
Survivors include two sons, Burney Davenport of Abilene and Jackie Floyd, Jr. of Caps; one daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Jeff Collins of Abilene; four grandchildren, Ethan and Elisabeth Davenport of Midland, and April and Kendra Collins of Abilene; her father, Joe Ramsey of Caps; seven sisters, Alene McQueen and Jim of Locker, Wanda Wolf and Sheldon of Greenville, Susie Wallace and Darrell of Abilene, Linda Joyce Voyles of Caps, Mary Helen Nurmi and Lewis of Tye, Mildred Liske of Trappers Creek, Alaska, Jean Ramsey of Abilene; four brothers, John Ramsey of Caps, Wayne Ramsey and Mary of Tuscola, Jimmy Ramsey, James Ramsey and Tracey all of Big Sandy, TN.; one aunt and uncle, Rena and Douglas Foster of Ranger; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Transplant Service Center, University of Texas Southwest Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75390-9074.
-------
Billy Joe Glenn
SARGENT, TX- Billy Joe Glenn, 78, died Friday, November 21, 2003 in Sargent, Texas.
Visitation was held at Baker Funeral Home on Sunday, November 23, 2003 between 3 and 6 p.m. in Brazoria. No other services were held.
He was born July 11, 1925 in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
He was a lifetime member of Sargent VFW and DAV.
Survivors are his wife, Phyllis Cade Glenn of Sargent; sons, Michael Glenn and wife Charlotte of Midland, David Glenn and wife Shawn of Midland; daughter, Janet Waldroup and husband Frank, Jr. of Mobile, Alabama; brother, Bobby Lee Glenn and wife Vivian of Houston; sister, Doris Williams of Sulphur Springs; grandchildren, Andy, Rebecca, Emily, Jeremy and Sara Glenn, Zachery and Joshua Boyd, Trent, Cody, Brittney, Cassie and Trey Thompson, Dustin and Christopher Waldroup; great-grandchildren, Celeste Nicole Waldroup and Joshua Boyd, Jr.
---------
Thoran 'Tom' Anglin
SAN ANGELO- Thoran Ferrell (Tom) Anglin, 85, of San Angelo, Texas died Sunday, November 23, 2003.
Tom was born October 21, 1918 in Comanche County, Texas in the Duster Community to Lee and Elvira Anglin on the Anglin Farm and was reared there. He married Frankie Jo Nunley on March 1, 1939.
He served in World War II in the Pacific Theater and was involved in the Liberation of Japan. After being discharged Tom and his young family moved to West Texas to Andrews County where he went to work in the oil and gas business working for AMOCO for many years. He retired from AMOCO in 1983 in San Angelo.
After retirement he went back to his roots where he became well known for his farming and ranching in Comanche, Smith and Rusk counties.
Tom served as Master of the Andrews Masonic Lodge, was a member of the Andrews Mustang Quarterback Club for many years, member of El Madria Shrine Temple and a charter member of the Scottish Rite of Ft. Worth.
Tom was well known for his love of family.
Survived by his wife of 63 years, Frankie Jo Anglin of San Angelo; one son, L. Pat Anglin and wife Kay of Colleyville; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren--the love of his life. Todd F. Anglin and wife Pam and their children Charlie and Logan Anglin of Pais, TX, Thad J. Anglin and wife Sharon and their children Natalie and Kelsey Anglin of Commerce, TX, and granddaughter Trisha Kay Anglin of Colleyville, TX; and one sister, Faye Alldredge of Abilene, TX.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2003 at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman, Texas. Rev. Bill Campbell officiated. Masonic Graveside rites followed at Oakland Cemetery, Higginbotham Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
-------
Joan Fugler
LONGVIEW- Joan Ruth Walton Fugler, 70, of Longview, died Thursday, November 20, 2003.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2003, in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview, Rev. Spurgeon Dunnam, Jr. and Kelly Coghlan officiated. Burial was in Memory Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Fulger was born June 3, 1933 in Stamford, Texas. She attended Stamford High School where she graduated Valedictorian of her 1951 graduating class. She received her nursing degree from Hardin Simmons University graduating Cum Laude. She was employed by Sabine Valley Center, MHMR, and had previously worked for Dr. James Johnson for 25 years. She was a member of the Wesley-McCabe United Methodist Church where she volunteered as a youth leader from 1965 to 1974.
She was preceded in death by her husband of ten years, Richard Fugler.
Survivors are her two sons, Jon Marc Johnson, Jr. of Longview and Leroy 'Lee' W. Johnson of Lake Highlands, Dallas; a granddaughter, Kendall Johnson of Lake Highlands, Dallas; step-mother, Doris Walton of Cisco; half-brothers, Joe Walton of Cisco and Ronnie Walton of Richardson; and half-sister, Peggy Ledbetter of Cisco; and many beloved friends.
A memorial guest book may be signed at www.raderfh.com
--------
Florencia Vasquez
RANGER- Florencia Vasquez, 86, of Ranger died Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at her home.
Rosary was at 7 p.m. Friday, November 28, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home and Mass was said Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 10 a.m. at St. Rita's Catholic Church. Father George Foley officiated and burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Vasquez was born on November 7, 1917 in Strawn, Texas to Pablo and Edwarda (Montegenlongo) Mendoza. She married Emeterio Vasquez, Sr. on August 4, 1934 in Ranger, Texas. He preceded her in death on March 23, 1968. She was a member of St. Rita's Catholic Church in Ranger and a member of St. Rita's Altar Society. She was well known for her generous nature and great cooking.
She was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 1 sister and twins that died at birth in 1936.
Survivors are her nine children, Cruz of Canutillo, TX, Luis of Lake Dallas, Hilary Vasquez of Ranger, Nancy Mayo of Olden, Alfonso of Balch Springs, John of Ranger, Fernanda of Ranger, Teresa Ponce of Houston, E. Vasquez, Jr. of Ranger; a brother, Clemente Mendoza of Denver, Co.; four sisters, Trinadid Garcia of Fort Worth, Anastica Gonzales, Luisa Mendoza Garcia and Ramona Morales all of Denver, CO.; 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
--------
Forbes Wallace, Jr.
NORTH CAROLINA- Forbes Lee Wallace, Jr., 59, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, formerly of Cisco, died Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at Duke Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2003 in Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home with Reverend Gary Turner officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m. at Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Lee was born on October 20, 1944 in Cisco, the son of Forbes Lee and Melba Bostain Wallace. Lee was an officer in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and graduated with a BBA in business marketing in 1967. He served in the Viet Nam War from 1969-70. Lee received his Masters in Business Management from North Texas University in 1971. Lee and his wife Lynn, moved from Dallas to North Carolina in 1972. Lee was president of the Fayetteville Division of the Ivey Mechanical Company. He had been in the mechanical contracting business for over 25 years at the time of his death. He served as an Elder at Peace Presbyterian Church.
Survivors are his wife of 35 years, Lynn Jones Wallace of Fayetteville, N.C.; children, Brad and Anna Wallace of Charlotte, N. C.; a sister, Kay Morris of Fort Worth; daughter-in-law, Susan Wallace of Charlotte, N.C.; and a future son-in-law, Phillip Chandler of Charlotte, N.C.
The family suggests memorials to The First United Methodist Church 405 W. 8th St. Cisco, Texas 76437 or the North Carolina Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 5950 Fairview Road, Suite 250 Charlotte, NC 28210 in memory of F. Lee Wallace.
-------
Johnny Huffaker
CISCO- Johnny Will Huffaker, 80, of Cisco died Sunday, November 30, 2003 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery, Larry Fitzgerald officiated, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Huffaker was born in Tarrant County, Texas on March 26, 1923 to William Caples and Ruth (Flanagan) Huffaker. He owned and operated Huffaker Upholstery in Abilene. He married Wilma White on January 31, 1948 in Weatherford and was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors are his wife, Wilma of Cisco; a daughter, Patty Odom of Tuscola; son, Jerry Huffaker of Abilene; sister, Billie Fleming of Abilene; grandchildren, Wade Odom, Brian Odom, Chad Havens, Tefany Bates; and great-grandchildren, Raine Havens, Skye Havens, Lakon Havens, Sonny Bates and Erin Bates.
Memorials may be made to Lake Cisco Christian Camp P.O. Box 629, Cisco, Texas 76437.
--------
Forbes Wallace, Jr.
CISCO- Forbes Lee Wallace, Jr., 59, died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2003. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery.
------
Carol Pelfrey
EASTLAND- Carol Duane Pelfrey, 69, of Austin, died Friday, November 28, 2003 at an Amarillo hospital.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 1, 2003 at the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Duane was born on March 6, 1934 in Eastland, Texas to J.C. and Selma (Bishop) Pelfrey.
Duane was a 1951 graduate of Cisco High School and greatly enjoyed the class reunions that he attended the last few years. He attended Cisco Jr. College and Hardin Simmons University before serving in the U.S. Navy for four years. Duane then completed his education by receiving an Accounting Degree from Memphis State University in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a Certified Public Accountant. He had lived in Austin, Texas for the last nineteen years.
Survivors are a sister, Kay Crouch and husband Dennis of Austin; three nephews and their families, Johnny and Debbie Burleson, daughter Stephanie and son Joshua, of Kerrville, Roy and Margaret Burleson of Jefferson City, Missouri and Jimmy and Cindy Burleson, son Jayden, of Kerrville; three nieces and their families, Kellie and Tex Crouch, Kristie and Dennis Pompa, son Jacob, and Karie Crouch, son Kaleb; several cousins and many friends.
--------
Velma Hartsfield
STEPHENVILLE- Velma Jewel Hartsfield, 86, died Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at her residence in Stephenville.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2003 at Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Dale Cartwright officiated. Burial was in the West End Cemetery in Stephenville.
Mrs. Hartsfield was born December 27, 1916 in Bonham, Texas. She married Oscar Hartsfield on July 20, 1937 in Rotan. He preceded her in death on July 29, 1994.
Mrs. Hartsfield was a faithful, loving and helpful companion to her husband of 57 years as he patored until his death in 1994. She was a homemaker who loved to cook, embroider, read and tend to her flowers. She was a member of Grace Bible Baptist Church in Stephenville.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her mother and father; a step-father Fred Driver; sisters, Mavis Dickey and Lucille Lear; her brother, Freddie Terry.
Survivors include sons, Laguin Hartsfield and wife Peggy of Stephenville, Randall Hartsfield and wife Janelle of Mesquite, and Jackie Hartsfield of Mesquite; daughters, Sharon Champman and husband James of Mesquite and Margie Hartsfield of Stephenville; grandchildren, Michelle Gooch, Vicki Dixon, Melissa Hartsfield, Melina Edwards, Brian Hartsfield, Beth Shaw, Bradley Hartsfield, Jamie Slaten, Jeffrey Chapman; sisters, Lois Hooks of Stephenville, Ruth Garner of Austin, and Mabel Rogers of Cisco; brothers, E.L. Terry of Shive and M.D. Terry of Johnson City; 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
--------
Don Blackwell
BELTON- Don Blackwell, 66, of Belton, formerly of Stephenville, died Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at Temple.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2003 at Cole Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Tony McCrohan officiated. Interment followed in Post Oak Cemetery.
Mr. Blackwell was born November 29, 1937, in Octavia, Oklahoma, the son of the late Ambrose Washington and Thelma Jewell (Caldwell) Blackwell. In 1955, he was a graduate of Smithville High School in Smithville, Oklahoma and continued his education at an electrical trade school in Oklahoma. He served his country in the United States Army. From 1973 until his retirement in 1990, he owned and operated Blackwell Electrical in Stanton, Dilley and Stephenville, working for area REA Corps. He was a member of the Good Sam's Club and was a Baptist.
Survivors are his former wife, Shirley Faye (Weisinger) Blackwell; two sons and daughter-in-laws, Larry Don and Patty Blackwell of Commerce, Bobby Lee and LaDona Blackwell of Eastland; one brother, Wayne Blackwell of Belton; one sister, Inola Gaydos of Midwest City, OK.; three grandchildren, Braden Blackwell, Bryson Blackwell and Chestin Keeton.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Eastland Building Fund.
-------
Mike Rodriguez
DEL RIO- Mike G. Rodriguez, 75, died November 29, 2003 at Del Rio, Texas.
Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. in the chapel in Bracketville, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, December 3, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Magdalene Catholic Church in Bracketville, Texas. Burial followed at the Catholic Cemetery.
Mr. Rodriguez was born May 8, 1928, in Yoakum, Texas. He was a Veteran of World War II and served in the Army Air Corps.
He was preceded in death by Lydia Rodriguez, Jerry M. Rodriguez, Jackie Rodriguez, Joe Rodriguez, Tony Rodriguez, Ben Rodriguez, Nick Rodriguez, Victor Rodriguez.
Survivors are a son, Jose Ray Rodriguez and wife Isabelle of Cisco; long time companion, Julia Martinez of Bracketville, TX.; a brother, Ralph Rodriguez of Yoakum, TX; sister, Pauline Rodriguez of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Nicole Dawson, John Mathew Rodriguez, Cheyenne Rodriguez, Paul Michael Rodriguez, Andrew Rodriguez.
---------
James 'Jim' Britt
Funeral services for James H. 'Jim' Britt, 67, of Carmine, TX. and formerly of Houston and Odessa, were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 4, 2003 at Round Top Church, Christian Fellowship, 440 E. Mill in Round Top, Rev. Matthew Diehl officiated. Graveside services and interment was held at 5 p.m. Thursday, December 4th at Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas. Arrangements were made by Koenig & Strickland of LaGrange, Texas.
Mr. Britt suddenly died December 1, 2003 at the Veterans hospital in Temple.
He was born December 10, 1936 in Brownwood, TX. and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 until 1959. He married Linda Gray on October 2, 1965 in Odessa and later moved to Houston working for McDermott Engineering as Senior Mechanical Engineer until his retirement in 1998 and continued to serve as a consultant until his death. In 1999, he moved to Carmine where he was active as an Elder at Round Top Church, Christian Fellowship, 1st Vice President of the Carmine Lions Club; Director of Faith Mission in Brenham, meber of the Texas Equestrian Trailriders Association (TETRA) and the Professional Trailriders Association of Texas; Founding director of Breath of Life Childrens Clinic in Houston.
Survivors are his wife of 38 years, Linda Gray Britt of Carmine; two sons, Timothy Stewart Britt and wife Ramona Smith Britt and Curtis Dale Britt, all of Houston; daughter, Rebecca Britt Akers and husband Lee of Richmond; mother, Mamie Ray Lockhart Britt of Houston; two grandchildren, Larissa Sarajean Akers and Amanda Lee Akers of Houston; two sisters, Linda Britt Hall and husband Robert and Janyce Britt Theisman and husband Dalan, all of Houston; mother-in-law, Peggy White Gray of Dallas; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry Gray and wife Pamela Barrett-Smith Gray of Houston; uncle, Arthur Lee (Skipper) Lockhart and wife Kathy of Tyler; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Round Top Church, Christian Fellowship P.O. Box 301, Rount Top, TX 78954 or Breath of Life Children's Center, 1550 Foxlake Dr., Suite 190, Houston, TX. 77084.
--------
Lavoyce (Wallace) Hirst
GORMAN- Lavoyce (Wallace) Hirst, 76, of Gorman, died Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at the Three Oaks Assisted Living Facility in Dublin.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Gorman, Ronny Barnett and Gerald Freeman officiated. Burial was in the Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Hirst was born June 9, 1927 in Comanche County to Sam Wallace and Toy Lane (Wood) Wallace. She married Bruce Hirst on January 6, 1946 in Gorman. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband, Bruce Hirst of Dublin; a son, Daryl Hirst and wife Cecilia of Gorman; daughter, Patty Hirst and husband Ike Wade of Dublin; two grandsons, Kevin Hirst and wife Debbie of Burleson and Sam Hirst-Wade of Dublin; and one cousin, Freda Nell Carruth of DeLeon.
--------
Roberta Hill
RANGER- Roberta Mae Hill 89, of Ranger died Wednesday, December 3, 2003 at a Eastland Hospital.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2003 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Mrs. Hill was born on February 9, 1914 in Ranger, Texas to John A. and Myrtle (Barrett) Blankenship. She was a 1933 graduate of Ranger High School. She married Odis Lee Hill on December 16, 1942 in Stephens County on the family ranch. He preceded her in death on August 7, 1991. Mrs. Hill worked along side her husband as a bookkeeper and accountant and working for National Life and Accident Life Insurance Company in Galveston, for many years. She became dorm director of Ranger College and retired from there. She was a member of the Eastside Baptist Church in Ranger.
Mrs. Hill is survived by son George Hill of Houston and Rex Hill of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews.
------
Donnie Mathison
CARBON- Donnie Ruth Mathison, 83, died Sunday, December 7, 2003 at her home in Carbon.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2003 at the Bakker Funeral Home Chapel, Kerry Williams and Joe Wilson officiated. Interment followed in the Bear Spring Cemetery.
Born Donnie Ruth Barrett on February 28, 1920 at Jewlell, Tx, she was the daughter of Joseph and Willie May (Murray) Barnett. She grew up in the Carbon area and graduated from Carbon High School. She married Elmer D. Mathison on May 12, 1950, in Rising Star, TX. She lived in several places including Brownwood, before returning to Carbon in 1972. Mrs. Mathison was a homemaker and mother, and a member of the Flatwood Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer in 1998.
Survivors are two sons, Joe Stewart of Irving and Paul Mathison of Lubbock; two daughters, Ruth Martin of Brownwood and Barbara Jenkins of Round Rock; a brother, Arvel Barnett of Gorman; two sisters, Connie Cate and Dortha Cate, both of Eastland; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
---------
Jeffrey Germany
EASTLAND- Jeffrey C. Germany, 51, died Thursday, December 4, 2003 in Eastland.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2003 at the Bakker Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Henry Grubb officiated. Interment was in the Eastland Cemetery.
He was born to Jack and Catherine (Cornelius) Germany on May 8, 1952 in Ranger. He grew up in Eastland and graduated from Eastland High School in 1970. He later received his B.A. degree from Tarleton State University, and served over twenty years in the Texas National Guard. Mr. Germany owned and operated Menu Concepts in Eastland, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eastland.
Survivors are a son, Samuel Crane Germany of Florida; his mother, Catherine Germany of Eastland; and a sister, Lisa Germany Zeigler of Austin.
--------
Dolores Sharpe
CISCO- Dolores K. Sharpe, 75, died Friday, December 5, 2003 at Canterbury Villa Nursing Home in Cisco.
Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery, Rev. C.P. Floyd officiated. Services were directed by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home of Cisco.
Dolores was born on November 1, 1928 to William and Helen (Pelfrey) Kilgore at Cisco. She grew up most of her life in Cisco and graduated from Breckenridge High School. She married Billy Sharpe on January 18, 1953 in Cisco. She and Billy raised a family togehter at Cisco. She was a housewife and worked as a bookkeeper, retiring in 2000.
She was a member of the East Cisco Baptist Church.
Survivors are her husband of fifty years, Billy of Cisco; one son, Rodney and his wife, Donna of Eastland; one daughter, Gayle and her husband, Lane Alldredge; her mother, Helen Kilgore of Cisco; one brother, John Kilgore of the Metroplex; two sisters, Ann Nichols of Fort Worth and Linda Anderson of Sacramento, CA; five grandchildren, Kristopher, Kelsey and Kaleb Sharpe, Julia and Zachary Alldredge.
----------
Eva Pittman
McPHERSON, KS.- Eva Arlene Pittman, 85, died Saturday, December 6, 2003 at The Cedars, McPherson, KS.
Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 11 from noon to 9 p.m. at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2003 at First Baptist Church in Gorman, Texas with Rev. Bill Campbell officiating. Interment will be in the Gorman Cemetery, Gorman, Texas with Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, KS. and Higginbotham Funeral Home of Gorman, TX. both in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Pittman was born February 5, 1918 at Gorman, Texas to Joseph John and Winnie Ona Lane Brown. She married Ardeth 'A.D.' Pittman on May 14, 1939 at Gorman, TX. He preceded her in death on August 25, 2001. She had been a resident of McPherson since July of 2002 moving from Great Bend. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Gorman. She was preceded in death by one son, Neal Ray Pittman; 1 daughter, Julia Ann Belgau and one brother, J.W. Brown.
Survivors include one daughter, Patricia Jane Anderson of Great Bend, KS; one brother, Eldon Neal Brown of Kankakee, IL.; six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to The Cedars, 1021 Cedars Drive, McPherson, KS 67460.
--------
Curtis Pittman
RANGER- Curtis Aaron Pittman, 22, of Ranger, died Friday, December 5, 2003 at Ranger.
Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2003 at Merriman Cemetery, Doyle Roberts officiated. Arrangements were directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Curtis was born on March 10, 1981 in Ranger to Victor Allen and Doris (Baugh) Pittman, Sr. He was a 2001 graduate of Eastland High School and a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his father, Victor Pittman, Sr. in April of 1999.
Survivors are his mother, Doris Pittman of Ranger; brothers, Victor Pittman, Jr. of Eastland and Robert Pittman of Ranger; sisters, Jennifer Lee of Ranger and Robyn Maddox of Eastland; numerous nieces and nephews.
--------
Mendel 'Doc' Vernon
EASTLAND- Mendel Dean 'Doc' Vernon, 86, formerly of Brownwood and Fort Worth, died Sunday, December 7, 2003 in Eastland.
Memorials funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at the Daugherty Street Church of Christ, Larry Roberts officiated. Burial was in Eastland Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland. Poinsettias are requested to be sent to the church for the funeral and will be left for the 'Poinsettia Sunday Service.'
Born March 7, 1917 in Mariana, Arkansas to Lutie and Minta (Dean) Vernon, he was raised in Tennessee and East Texas, graduate of Gaston High School where he excelled in football and track. He attended Howard Payne University and on Jan. 8, 1944 he married Audrey Almand in Edom, TX. He worked for McKee Contracting and for movie theaters in Houston. They moved to Brownwood in 1952 and managed the 'Camp Bowie Drive-In Theater' he later was self-employed and had several vending machine routes out of Brownwood. In 1968 they moved to Fort Worth where he continued to work for Electrolux from which he retired with 30 years of service in 1991. They moved to Eastland in 1994 to be close to their grandchildren.
Mr. Vernon had been an elder in the Meadowbrook Church of Christ in Fort Worth before moving to Eastland and Daugherty Street Church of Christ. He enjoyed grand and great-grandchildren, playing 42, watching sports of all kinds as well as collecting and tinkering on antique ceiling fans.
Survivors are his wife of 60 years, Audrey of Eastland; three sons, Dean and wife, Cindy, Don, Larry and wife, Cathy all of Eastland; two sisters, Jane Gower of Oklahoma City, OK. and Betty Jo Alcon of Fort Worth; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
--------
Georgia Hennessey
RISING STAR- Georgia Hennessey, 86, died Friday, December 5, 2003.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2003 at Heartland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Macedonia Cemetery.
------
Arleta Mace
EASTLAND- Arleta Terry Mace, 84, died Monday, December 8, 2003 at Hendrick Hospital in Abilene, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jim Andrews officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Arleta was born May 20, 1919 in Eastland County to Wiley and Martha Ann Terry. She was a former member of the Volunteer Fire Dept. Auxillary, Royal Neighbors of America, AARP, a former nursing home volunteer for 6 years, CB Club member, and Eastland Quarterback Club member for many years. She and her late husband, Jack Mace owned and operated Lake Side Country Club for a number of years and she operated the snack bar at Hollywood Vasserette until its closing. She graduated from Eastland High School in 1936 and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents Wiley and Martha Ann Terry; her husband, Jack Mace; her sister, Ada V. Terry Morren; and a great-grandson, Matthew Wharton.
Survivors are four children, Gail Norris and husband Robert of Lake Leon, Norma Taylor of Lake Leon and Jerome Chaney, Larry Mace and wife Cyndie of Eastland, and Robert (Bob) Mace and wife Denise of Abilene; grandchildren Randy Wharton and wife Debbie of Eastland, Kevin Wharton of Eastland, Tab Norris of Eastland, Tim Norris and wife Tiffany of Houston, Ted Norris and wife Julie of Edgewood, NM, Brad and Tracy Mace of DeLeon, Ashley Mace of San Antonio, Paul Koestle of Norfolk, VA, Teri Koestle of Abilene, Tiffany and Jason Colliver of Hewitt, Jeffrey Mace of Euless, Felicia and Alecia Mace of Eastland; 19 great-grandchildren; a niece Rita Hyatt of Arlington; and nephew, Terry Cox of Carbon.
Pallbearers were Tim Norris, Ted Norris, Tab Norris, Bradley Mace, Jeffrey Mace and Steve Key.
--------
Emma Rushing
RANGER- Emma J. Rushing 61 passed away on Tuesday at an Abilene Hospital. Services will be 11 am Friday in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with Arthur Camacho. Burial will follow in Bosley Cemetery near Santo, Texas. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Mrs. Rushing was born on February 13, 1942 in Longview Texas to Thomas Elmo and Margie (Johnston) Smith. She married Bennie L. Rushing in 1965 and he preceded her in death. She worked in Mineral Wells as a cook for the local nursing home for about 5 years. She was a homemaker also.
Mrs. Rushing is survived by her children Stephen Casey of Ranger, Raynita Polkey of Leakesville, Miss., Johnie Skelton of Abilene, Tx., Teresa Reed of Vidor, Tx., Lisa Roberts of Sandhill, Miss., and Thomas Rushing of Ranger, Tx., a sister Connie Eaton of Mobile Alabama; 18 grandchildren and 1 great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews.
-----
J. B. Shubert
STRAWN- J. B. Shubert 81 of Strawn passed away on Wednesday at his home. Services will be 2 pm Sunday in the Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Orsini officiating. Burial will follow in Brad Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Mr. Shubert was born on February 28, 1922 in Albin Oklahoma to Robert Andrew and Effie Etta (Dill) Shubert. He married Lena McCoy, May 26th, 1943 in Palo Pinto and she preceded him in death on October 23, 2000. He served in U.S. Army Aircorp during World War II. Mr. Shubert was a self employed cabinet maker and worked and lived in Strawn many years. He attended the Mingus Baptist Church and was a member of the Smelter Valley Baptist Church in Amarillo serving as a deacon.
Mr. Shubert is survived by a son J. L. Shubert of Strawn, Tx., three daughters Sybil Bailey of San Angelo, Tx., Effie Covey of Granbury, Tx., Ruthie Leath and Nancy Couger both of Strawn, Tx., a brother Dan Shubert of Step