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January 2005 - June 2005

Leonard Vaughn
EASTLAND- Leonard L. Vaughn, 79, of Eastland, died Sunday, December 26, 2004 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at Eastland City Cemetery, Rev. Hubert Foust officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland.
Mr. Vaughn was born April 19, 1925 in Hall County, TX to John P. and Martha (Haskett) Vaughn. He was a baker in the Army during WW II. He worked for Texas Electric for 28 1/2 years, moving to Eastland from Graham in 1974. He married Mildred Willene Bynum on December 27, 1977 in Breckenridge. She preceded him in death on May 13, 2003. He was a member of the V.F.W. in Graham as well as the Graham First Baptist Church.
Survivors include two sons, Daniel Vaughn of Graham and Russell Vaughn of Euless; two step-daughters, Cheryl Livengood of Aledo and Liz Bennett of Abilene; sister, Jeanett Floyd of Headley; two grandsons, Joshua of Austin and Matthew of Lubbock; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Perchard and Clint of Fort Worth, and Jessica Bundrick and Larry of Graham; three step-grandchildren, Jennifer Livengood and Amanda Livengood both of Denton, and Melissa Higbee-Vern of Reading, Michigan.
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Micaela 'Mickye' Jimenez
FORT WORTH- Micaela 'Mickye' Jimenez, 50, passed away Monday, December 27, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Funeral services were held at noon Friday, December 31, 2004 at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel of Fort Worth. Burial was in Laurel Land Memorial Park. Rosary was said at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2004 at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel, visitation followed.
Micaela was born October 25, 1954, in Fort Worth, Texas. Mickye was a lady with strong faith and family ties. She had a great sense of humor and was known as a very happy person. She ended up being the center of attention at any gathering, through her story-telling and ability to put everyone at ease. She was a member of St. Thomas Moore of Fort Worth for the past three years, and the American Legion.
Survivors are her husband, Julio Jimenez; children, Monica Rene Jimenez, Melissa J. Jones and Julio Jimenez III and girlfriend, Jaclyn Gonzalez; granddaughter, Allison Marie Jones; mother, Guadalupe Perez; sisters, Juanita Herrera, Maria Helena Armenta, Rosalinda and husband, Miguel Armenta; in-laws, Everisto and wife, Nita Jimenez, Jimmy and wife, Renee Jimenez, Phillip and wife, Jan Jimenez, Alex and wife, Maryellen Jimenez, John Jimenez, Larry and wife, Rosie Boles, Ramona and husband, Ruben Gaeta, Frances Rodriguez, Albine Jimenez, Rosie and husband, Manuel Ochoa, Marie Jimenez, Maggie Jimenez and Jesse Jimenez; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Johnnie Gail Macphail, 51, of Mineral Wells passed away December 28, 2004, in a Ft. Worth hospital. Graveside funeral services will be 11 am Friday at the Woodland Park Cemetery with Rev. Chad Gosnell officiating.
Mrs. Macphail was born November 28, 1953, in Irving, TX, was raised in Mineral Wells, moved away and returned in 1993 from Eastland. She was a member of the Mangum Baptist Church in Eastland. She married Donald A. Macphail, August 24, 1994 in Mineral Wells.
Survivors include her husband, Donald Macphail of Mineral Wells; daughter and son-in-law, Shelby and Billy Phelps of Mineral Wells; sons and daughter-in-law, Dean and Becky Stricklin and Donnie Macphail of Mineral Wells; brothers and sisters-in-law Billy and Debbie McMillan of Bryson, Larry and Angie McMillan of Mineral Wells and Eldon and Angie Criswell of Anchorage, AK; parents, Bob and Evelyn McMillan of Mineral Wells; 10 grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A son Bobby Derrell Stricklin and a sister Mary Kathryn McMillan preceded her in 1998.
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Larry Grice
GORMAN- Larry Dale Grice, 65, of Gorman died Thursday, December 30, 2004 at the DeLeon Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 3, 2005 Kenneth Steel and Alfred Grice officiated. Burial was in the Gorman Cemetery.
Larry was born September 4, 1939 in Gorman to A.L. Grice and Delma Maupin Grice. He graduated from Gorman High School and was a carpenter.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Delma Maupin.
Survivors include a son, Larry Dale Grice, Jr. of Midlothian; father, A.L. Grice of Weatherford; and one brother, Alfred Lee Grice of Lake Leon.
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Freddie Cooper
RISING STAR- Freddie Cooper, 82, of Rising Star, died January 1, 2005 at the Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
Freddie was born on June 17, 1922 in Eastland County, Texas to Willie Edward and Ora Ordella (Hill) Cooper. He married Lucille McGowen on February 12, 1977 in Carbon, Texas. He lived in Rising Star area all his life. He served in the Army during WW II. He was a farmer.
Freddie is survived by his wife, Lucille Cooper of Rising Star, TX; 2 sisters, Redar and her husband Troy Head of Ft. Worth; Lattie and her husband Guy Anderson of Athens, TX; one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one niece.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Bob Pipes officiated. Burial was in the Long Branch Cemetery in Eastland County, Texas, Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge.
Helen Louise 'Wymer' Plumley, 73, of Odessa died December 31, 2004 at Medical Center Hospital.
Mrs. Plumley was born January 15, 1931 in Stephens County, Texas to Robert and Mahdeen Wymer. Helen graduated from Ranger High School in 1947. She attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. She married Robert Charles Plumley on January 20, 1951 in Eastland, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her husband in 2000 and sister Dorthy Beck and her parents.
Mrs. Plumley is survived by a son, Robert Plumley II of Odessa; three daughters, Deborah and husband Gene Dyas of Glen Rose, Diana Plumley and Lynn Plumley of Odessa; sisters, Bobbie Harbin of San Angelo, Betty Williams and Shirley Griffin of Ranger; three grandchildren Michael Paul Dyas of Morgan Mills, TX, Justin L. Dyas of Fort Worth, Rene Dyas of Abilene.
Services were held Wednesday, January 5, 2005, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.
Pallbearers were Michael Paul Dyas, Gary Page, Justin L. Dyas, Justin L. Dyas, George Bunt, Ricky Chambers, and Dr. Rocky Terry.
Services entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home of Odessa.
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Luther Swinson
Luther Cicero (L.C.) Swinson, 72, died Tuesday, December 28, 2004, at his home in Breckenridge.
After a brief, private viewing, he was cremated, under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home in Breckenridge.
L.C. was born April 3, 1932 in Cisco to Cicero Van and Emmie Reeves Swinson. He started school at Morton Valley, north of Eastland and graduated from Lueders High School.
He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany.
After an honorable discharge, he worked in the oil fields around Anson, Texas for several years. Later, he moved to Eastland and worked for Lone Star Gas Company. For a time, he operated heavy equipment in the construction business.
An excellent mechanic, he opened his own shop Swinson Automotive in Eastland.
After retiring, he moved to Breckenridge.
L.C. was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mardell Trout and sister Lavada Hargrove, of Hawley, who died only five days before L.C. did.
His survivors include his wife, Jerry of the home and sons Johnny of the home and Randy Swinson, and wife Carmen, of Joshua, Tx; two daughters, Debbie Robinson and husband, Alan of Breckenridge and Tonja Parnell and husband, Terry, of Athens, Tx. Also one brother, Homer Swinson and wife, Torchy of Stanton and sisters Patsy Brown of Midland, Byrdie Daniels, and husband, Bobby of Abilene, and Maybelle Trout of Eastland. L.C. also leaves 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
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Richard 'Dickie' Hodges
EASTLAND Ð Dr. Richard 'Dickie' Hodges died Friday, December 31, 2004 at an Abilene Care Center.
Funeral Services were held at First United Methodist Church in Eastland on Monday, January 3, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger.
Dickie was born to Dr. Bob and Opie Bristow Hodges on February 25, 1921. He was born with his twin brother, Ross, in Ranger Texas. He was a graduate of Ranger High School, entered Texas A&M University to pursue the pre-vet program, however College was interrupted by World War II where he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot instructor. Upon his discharge, he returned to Texas A&M in the College of Veterinary Medicine and he graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1949.
Dickie first worked for the Department of Agriculture and Texas Animal Commission. His professional memberships included the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Texas Medical Association. He was also a member of the Lions Club International, The Men's Fellowship Bible class, attended the First United Methodist Church in Eastland and Served on the Olden Water Board during the 1980Õs.
He returned to Ranger to open his veterinary practice in 1950 where practiced large and small animal medicine all over the north Texas area. He retired his practice in 1961 but continued to ranch for years in the area. In 1963, a beloved daughter arrived, Mary Ellen.
Dr. Hodges married Dois Lynn Morton on December 18, 1971, his wife of 33 years. They lived in Olden until recently when they moved to Abilene. He was a devoted family man as well as an avid hunter and fisherman.
Dr. Hodges was preceded in death by: Father and Mother, Dr. Bob and Opie Hodges; brother, Bob Jr.; and twin brother, Ross Hodges.
He is survived by wife, Dois Hodges; daughter, Mary Ellen Pearcy; son, James Morton and wife, Suni; daughter, Jannie Rodgers and husband, Al, of Abilene; grandchildren, Mallory Kate and Justin Ross Pearcy, McKayla, McKall and Behren Morton, Richard Rodgers and wife T. Lee, Rodney Rodgers, Randal Rodgers and wife Lori; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; several nieces and nephews and cousins.
The family asks that memorials be made to the Windcrest Alzheimer's Facility at 6050 Hospital Drive, Abilene, Texas 79606.
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Arthur Shelton
Arthur L. Shelton, 88, of Odessa, died Friday, December 31, 2004 at Seabury Nursing Center.
Graveside services were held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, Texas.
He was born May 25, 1916 in Greenville, Texas. He married Ella Joyce Norton September 5, 1941 in Ranger. They moved to Odessa from Ranger in 1951. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Joyce in 1993. He was a member of Central Baptist Church. Before his retirement in 1983, Mr. Shelton was employed by Ref-Chem for 25 years.
He is survived by; a son, Don Shelton and wife Rena of Monahans; a daughter, Kathleen Lackey and husband Mike of Odessa; two grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to Central Baptist Church of Odessa, Together We Grow Fund.
Arrangements by Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.
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Velma Harris
Velma Harris, 91, of Bronte, Texas, former resident of Sweetwater, Texas, died Saturday, January 1, 2005 at Bronte Health and Rehab Center.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 3, 2005 at Murray Cemetery in Carbon, Texas. Under the direction of Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home. Burial was in Murray Cemetery in Carbon. Rev. Jody Forbus officiated.
She was born September 6, 1913 in Carbon, Texas. She married E.L. (Ted) Harris on October 3, 1929 in Carbon, Texas.
She was a homemaker and a Baptist.
Survivors include two daughters, Darlene Bixler and husband Arthur of Sweetwater, TX and Joy Smith and husband Howard of Abilene, TX; one son, Lyndol Harris of Abilene; 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband E.L. (Ted) Harris; two daughters, Mona Jean Harris and Peggy Karch and two grandsons, Edward Arlyn Harris and Edward Gene Smith.
Honorary pallbearers were: Lyndon Bixler, Richard Bixler, David Bixler, Noal Smith, Mike Barnes, and Michael Barnes.
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Walter Morgan
Walter Ray Morgan, Sr., 78, of Big Spring, died Monday, January 3, 2005 at a local hospital.
Graveside funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 6, 2005 at the Longbranch Cemetery in Rising Star. His nephew, Rev. Tommy Adams, officiated. Arrangements directed by Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring.
Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
He was born to Faye Earp Morgan and Walter Milam Morgan on January 23, 1926, in Rising Star, Texas.
Mr. Morgan was raised and attended schools in Carbon. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He had worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad and as an appliance repairman in Abilene for D & W Appliance Repair. He moved to Big Spring in 1959 and worked for Cosden Refinery until retiring. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John Morgan; and a son, Walter Ray Morgan, Jr.
Survivors include two sons, Daniel Morgan of Abilene and David Frank Morgan and wife, Teresa of Big Spring; one daughter, Lynda Faulkner of Abilene; a grandson, Stephen Faulkner of Abilene; a granddaughter, Christy Rains of Big Spring; and a great-grandson, Christian Rains of Abilene; one sister, Minnie Jo Evans of Cleburne; and one brother, Charles Morgan of Carbon.
The family suggests memorials to the Abilene Adult Day Care Center 3518 South 7th Abilene, TX 79605.
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Boby Freeman
RANGER- Boby Ray Freeman, 69, of Ranger died on Wednesday, January 5, 2005.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 7, 2005 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel of Ranger, Texas. Burial was in Kermit Cemetery in Kermit Texas.
Mr. Freeman was born on September 25, 1935 in Rising Star, Texas to Jack Lee and Bernice Pauline (Benson) Freeman. He worked as a heavy equipment operator in the oilfield starting at age 12. He lived in Pecos for some time and then later worked on a pipeline on the coast. He married Betty Claudine Moore on May 12, 1960 in Wink, Texas and she precedes him in death. Boby was a free spirit living life to it's fullest.
Boby is survived by daughter; Lanette Burkhart, grandsons; Boby Ray 'Bo' Freeman III, Sonny Freeman, and Jack Lee Freeman all of Ranger; granddaughter Rayna Jeanelle Freeman of Eastland; Aunt Emma Williams of Ranger and nieces; Tammy Venable, Sue Braddock both of Ranger and Diana Davis of Eastland.
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Ollis Burns
CARROLLTON- Ollie Mae Burns, 92, of Carrollton, Texas died Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at Brookhaven Nursing Center.
Ollie was born on July 13, 1912 at Eastland County, Texas to John M. and Tinnie (Pierce) Clark. She married Ozzie Burns on January 31, 1931 in Sipe Springs, TX. They were married for 64 years. Ollie and Ozzie made their home in Rising Star most of their married life. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Rising Star.
Ollie is survived by two daughters, LaQuita Lucas of Rising Star, TX and Peggy Wilson of Carrollton, TX; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ozzie; parents, John and Tennie Clark; two sisters, Ellie Elliott and Jessie Swift; two brothers, Alton and Skeet Clark.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Ted Kell officiated and Robert Wilson assisted. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers were Frazier Clark, Bob Clark, Jack Clark, Gerald Maynard, Joel Wiessman, and Nick Coats.
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Walter Hardy
Walter C. (Jake) Hardy, of May, Texas passed away on December 12, 2004, at Brownwood, Texas.
He was born on December 14, 1923 to W.T. Hardy and Maudie Lee Scott Hardy.
He married Wanda Ruth Nay on November 25, 1948 at Eastland, Texas.
He was retired from Mobil Oil Co. and moved to May, Texas in 1986.
He was a member of the Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, W.A. Hardy, Eldon Hardy, Andrew (Pete) Hardy and Richard Hardy, also one sister, Arlene Botts.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda of May; four sons, James of Odessa, Timothy of May, Bill of Monahans and David of Odessa; two sisters, Mildred Johnson of Ft. Worth and Pat of Ruidoso, N.M.
He was cremated and no services are planned.
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Earl Bradley Jr.
EASTLAND - Earl Clarence Bradley, Jr. went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 7, 2005. He was 80 years of age. His last words were to his immediate family at the Eastland Memorial Hospital, Eastland, Texas. He touched countless lives and will be missed and never forgotten.
He was born February 11, 1924, in Houston, Texas, to Louise and Earl C. Bradley, Sr. He attended Texas A&M University until he enlisted in the U. S. Navy at the outbreak of World War II. Upon his return, he earned a B.A. degree in History and Government from the University of Houston, but in his heart he was always an Aggie. During this time, he met the love of his life, Billye Bankston. They were married on June 4, 1948.
He lived the American Dream. After many years at Tyler Pipe and Foundry, he started his own business in 1964, Earl Bradley and AssociatesÑhis 'associates' being his wife and four children. EBAA Iron has grown from a one man operation in Frisco, Texas, to employing over 400 people in three foundries located in Eastland and Albany, Texas, and Cordele, Georgia. He was a Mason, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Eastland Hospital Board, the American Water Works Association and the American Foundry Society, receiving the AFS Freedom Founders Award.
Greatly blessed, he never forgot from whom his blessings came. He was generous to his community and beyond, being instrumental in the preservation of the Majestic Theatre and the building of a new emergency room for the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Billye Bankston Bradley; a sister, Ann B. Lorino of Houston; a cousin, Raymond Leslie Bradley of Houston; his four children and their spouses, all of Eastland, Leslie and Jim Keffer, ET and Maria Bradley, Jenni and Taylor Ford, Jeff and Vicki Bradley; and six grandchildren, Brad, Chris, and Rob Keffer, Gene Bradley, Madison and Miles Bradley.
A memorial service is planned for Thursday, January 13th at the Majestic Theatre in Eastland at 2 p.m. under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
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Francis Pulattie
Francis (Frank) Wynn Pulattie, 82 of Waco, was called home to be with his Lord Monday, January 10, 2005.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 13, 2005 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with the Rev. Jim Chandler, the Rev. Jim Gray, and the Rev. D. Michael Toby officiating. Burial followed at 4 p.m. Thursday at Colony Cemetery, Ranger, Texas.
Mr. Pulattie was born July 4, 1922 in Healdton, Oklahoma to Lillian Pulattie Nunley and Ivan Nunley. His mother, after divorcing Nunley, regained her maiden name of Pulattie and changed her son's name to Pulattie. He moved to Waco as a child and attended South Junior High where he was coached in football, (which became his life's love and profession), by Mr. Bill Barron.
He attended Waco High School and played football under Mr. Paul Tyson where in 1939 he was named an All-State player. He then went to Kilgore Junior College and played football there until he returned to Waco High School and graduated in 1940. While in his last playing season at Waco High he played in the Texas High School Coaches All Star Game.
After graduation he attended SMU on a football scholarship under Matty Bell.
With the outbreak of WWII he enlisted in the Coast Guard and was appointed to the Coast Guard Academy. During his time in the Coast Guard he boxed in an exhibition event going two rounds with Jack Dempsey.
Transferring from the Coast Guard to the Navy he entered Naval Aviation, studying preflight at Cal-Poly and later at the University of Iowa where he also ran track excelling in the obstacle course. He received an appointment to the Navy Academy but declined it in order to return to SMU, finish his college degree and play football. While at SMU he played as a blocking back for All-American Doak Walker who one said 'I just run through the holes Pulattie opens up for me' He was named Honorable Mention All-American in football, and earned his Bachelors degree and later his Master Degree from SMU.
He played professional football for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants but knee injuries led him to leave professional football and begin a career coaching high school football. He began at Itasca where his team went 6-0 their first year. He later went to Riesel where his team won the Jinx Tucker Traveling Trophy, for the first time in the school history.
Pulattie spent many years coaching football and track at various Texas schools including Big Spring where he established the tennis program. Other schools included Hamilton, Livingston, Ysleta El Paso and a year in California where he was voted Outstanding Coach in Northern California. Pulattie was one of the coaches highlighted in Ty Cashion's book on football coaching giants, 'Pigskin Pulpit'.
In 2002 he was inducted into the Waco High School Hall of Fame. He served many years as high school principal, including China Spring. He retired in 1984 from a superintendency in Brewster County to return home to Waco. He became active in tennis both as a player and board member at the Charlie McCleery Tennis Center. He was a charter member of Central United Methodist Church where he served on the location and building committee and was a member of the pastoral advisory committee at one time. He also served at various times as Sunday school teacher, Pastor Parish Relations Committee member, Bible study leader and usher. He was baptized into the fellowship of Edgefield Baptist Church. He later was a member of First Baptist Church of Woodway. He attended Darrell Lanius' Sunday School Class which was a favorite of his. During his years of coaching and teaching he was a positive influence and role model for hundreds of young people who came to know and love him and who continued to call, write and visit him after his retirement from the public schools.
Survivors include his wife, the former Jo Ann Boyd, daughter, Pattie Jo Goff and husband, Larry of Denton; sons, Mike and wife, Linda and Dan and wife, Sharon of Georgetown,; stepdaughter, Janice Roye of Waco; stepson, Jay Roye and wife, Beth of Dallas; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to charity of choice.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our Memorial Guestbook at www.wilkir son hatchbailey.com <http://www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com/
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R. V. Robinson
RANGER- R.V. Robinson, 89, of Ranger died Eastland on Tuesday, January 11, 2005. Services were held Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Speer and Dr. Richard Waters officiating. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Robinson was born on September 8, 1915 in Gorman to J.M. (Matt) & Docia (Patterson) Robinson. He attended and graduated from Ranger High School. He served his country during WWII in the Army from 1945-1946.
He married Doris Mitchell on Easter Sunday April 17, 1938 at First Baptist Church in Ranger. They were married 50 years, and she passed away on February 24, 1989. He then married Zoma Edmonds on April 25, 1991; she preceded him in death on June 16, 2004. He was also preceded by his son Robby Robinson and sister Genova Aishman.
He was the owner & butcher of Robinson's Food Market in Ranger from 1953-1961. He also managed the JRB Grocery & Market in Ranger & Eastland. Ranching was also a part of his life. He was an active member of First Baptist Church Ranger.
He is survived by a daughter and her husband Ann and Fred Cross of Snyder, son Jim Robinson of Fort Worth, step-son Kyge Edmonds & wife Shelia of Garland, step-daughter Edwena Fitzgerald of Longview, and many grandchildren & great-grandchildren.
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Varue Rawson
DIMMITT- Varue Rawson, 89, of Dimmitt, Texas, died January 12, 2005 at Plains Memorial Hospital in Dimmitt, Texas.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2005 at Ivey Chapel- Foskey-Lilley-McGill Funeral Home of Dimmitt. Rev. David Denman of Lee Street Baptist Church in Dimmitt officiated. Burial was at 3 p.m. Friday, January 14, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Texas.
Varue was born January 12, 1916 in Honest Ridge, Texas. She married Kenneth Rawson in 1970 in Gainsville, Texas. He preceded her in death in 1996. They lived in Eastland for 26 years where they owned and operated a hotel and restaurant. Varue also owned and operated an antique store in Eastland. She moved to Dimmitt in 1996 after Kenneth passed away.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Annie Ruth Hernandez; parents, Gus and Annie Lafoy; three brothers and three sisters.
Survivors include two daughters, Bonnie Cobb of Dimmitt, TX. and Alice Johnson of North Richland Hills, TX; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Doug Lafoy of Houston and Billy Jack Lafoy of Texas City, TX; three sisters, Ivonne Black of Houston, Marie Weaver of Austin and Betty Browder of Groesbeck.
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Lucille Forbess
CISCO- Lucille Marlene Forbess, 68, of Cisco died Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 14, 2005 at Corinth Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Benny Hagan, assisted by Stephen Forrester. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Lucille was born in Eureka, SD on November 15, 1936 to Arthur and Clara (Beek) Berreth. She worked as a nurse, was a member of Bible Baptist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 343 in Moran.
She was preceded in death by her parents and stepmother Ola Berreth.
She is survived by sons, Arlo Fischer and wife Cherie of Texarkana, AK, Floyd Fischer of Carbon; daughters, Dorothy Rogers and husband Mike of Cisco, Mary Lou Strange and husband Bob of Winchester, TN; sisters, Marie Ruzsa and husband Ray of Selby, SD, Carolyn Seibel of Box Elder, SD; brother, Merle Berreth and wife Linda of Redwood Falls, MN; grandchildren, Tania Ferguson, Robin Buchanan, Krystal Strange, Scott Strange, Bobby Strange, Tim Strange, Ladena Pevey, Kristi Timerson and Shelby Fischer; great-grandchildren, Kasey Buchanan, Stedham Buchanan, Bobby Ferguson, Nicholas Ferguson, Kelsey Strange, Ashlyn Pevey, Dalton Pevey and Justin Timerson.
Pallbearers were Arlo Fischer, Jerme Buchanan, Randal Ferguson, Tim Strange, Lonnie Pevey and Neil Henke.
Memorials may be made to Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Lloyd Glasson, 87, died Thursday, January 13, 2005 at his home in Gorman.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Craig Rhoton officiating. Burial was in the Simpson Cemetery.
Mr. Glasson was born March 7, 1917 in Rawls, TX to the late John L. Glasson and Martha (Whatley) Glasson. He married Bobbie O'Neal on August 15, 1940 in Gorman. She preceded him in death on Oct. 1, 1994. He was a retired rancher and a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters.
Survivors include two sons, Lloyd Wayne Glasson and wife Mary Jo of Fate, TX and Glenn Glasson and wife Gloria of Brownfield; one daughter, Gena Rone and husband Ricky of Gorman; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Pauline Spears of Stephenville.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country.
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Claudia Maynard
EASTLAND- Claudia Maynard, 97, died Thursday, January 13, 2005 in Cisco.
Graveside services were held on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at Centerpoint Cemetery at 10 a.m. Chad Gosnell officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Maynard was born August 12, 1907 in Sidney, Texas to Frances M. and Lillie Mae (Delk) Vines. She married Joe Maynard and he preceded her in death on December 24, 1996. She was a homemaker and member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Odessa. She came to the Eastland area from Odessa in 1970. Mrs. Maynard loved her family very much and was quiet proud that out of her 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren there are 5 sets of twins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, L.U. (Joe) Maynard who passed away in 1994.
She is survived by her daughters Marjorie Hogue of Athens and Barbara Byous and husband David of Cisco; brother, Daniel Vines of Lufkin; sisters, Martha Nell Northcutt of Stephenville and Myrtle Vines of Proctor; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Janelle Mathy
Janelle Mathy was born on July 6, 1933 in Eastland, to Ether (Ethel) Mae Copeland Patterson and LeRoy Patterson, She attended Grade and High School in Eastland, then attended North Texas State College in Denton, TX where she studied music. After two years she moved to Houston, TX where she met Harold Edward Mathy and they were married in March of 1954, a union and partnership lasting over 50 wonderful years.
Mrs. Mathy raised two sons, Michael Edward Mathy, of San Antonio, TX and Brad LeRoy Mathy, who lost his life in an auto accident at the age of 30. Her two grandchildren, Samuel Austin Mathy and Hannah Mariah Mathy, and her daughter-in-law, Ginger Meaux Mathy, of San Antonio, TX, knew her as C.C. She is the sister of James Patterson and Shirley Patterson Allen, both of Houston, TX and Cybil Patterson Fields Scadden, deceased, and she is the aunt of Pamela Allen Morgan, of Corpus Christi, TX, Candace Allen Richardson, of Whidbey Island, WA, and Janice Fields Plowman, of Austin, TX.
Mrs. Mathy made many close friends where she lived, worked and visited. In Houston, TX, she worked as a secretary to the chaplain at the Memorial Hospital and at Transco as a land secretary. She worked as secretary to the Administrator at Catholic Hospital in Jackson, MS and as a bookkeeper at the Yarborough Coffee Company in Corpus Christi, TX. Mrs. Mathy was employed as a bookkeeper at the Taylor Construction Company in Houston, TX and as secretary/bookkeeper at Mathy Petroleum in Lafayette, LA. After retirement she enjoyed several summers near Vail, CO and few winters near Carefree, AZ.
Music and song were her life in her younger years and she performed solo at the Methodist Church and Memorial Hospital. Later Mrs. Mathy shared an interest in golf with her friends, husband and children. She was very creative in crafts and gardening, especially enjoyed entertaining friends and loved traveling extensively, especially when nature viewing was involved.
Warm and compassionate, there could be found no more loyal, caring companion. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette, LA, 337-234-2311.
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Edward Pugliese
Edward Bret (Ed) Pugliese, 45, of Mineral Wells, formerly of Cisco, died Monday, January 17, 2005, at Palo Pinto General Hospital in Mineral Wells.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at Corinth Cemetery, officiated by Dr. James Futral.
Visitation was held from 10 a.m.-12 noon Wednesday at Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Ed was born in Seymour on August 8, 1959 to Otto and Ruth Ann (Saunders) Pugliese. He graduated from Cisco High School and Cisco Junior College and from Howard Payne University in 1981. He married Susan Delaine Awbrey on January 15, 1993 in Brownwood. He was an instructor at Correction Corp. of America in Mineral Wells and was a member of First Baptist Church in Mineral Wells.
He was preceded in death by his father, Otto Pugliese.
He is survived by his wife, Susan of Mineral Wells; mother, Ruth Hart and husband Tom of Cisco; sister, Lou Ann Pugliese of Cisco; parents-in-law, Gary and Jeanette Awbrey; brother-in-law, Jon Awbrey; and grandparents-in-law, Ray and Opal Huthlett, all of Brownfield.
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Lloyd Glasson
Lloyd Glasson, 87, died Thursday, January 13, 2005 at his home in Gorman.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Craig Rhoton officiating. Burial was in the Simpson Cemetery.
Mr. Glasson was born March 7, 1917 in Rawls, TX to the late John L. Glasson and Martha (Whatley) Glasson. He married Bobbie O'Neal on August 15, 1940 in Gorman. She preceded him in death on Oct. 1, 1994. He was a retired rancher and a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters.
Survivors include two sons, Lloyd Wayne Glasson and wife Mary Jo of Fate, TX and Glenn Glasson and wife Gloria of Brownfield; one daughter, Gena Rone and husband Ricky of Gorman; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Pauline Spears of Stephenville.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country.
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Mary Ann Swanson
CISCO- Mary Ann Swanson, 67, of Cisco died Monday, January 17, 2005 in Hendrick Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 20, 2005 at Dennis Cemetery, near Moran, officiated by Reverend Jack Clack, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Swanson was born in Longworth, Texas on June 2, 1937 to Jessie Clyde and Johnnie Lou (Owens) Woodward.
Her husband Richard Swanson preceded her in death in September 2003. She was also preceded in death by a son, Douglas Swanson.
She worked as a butcher and was a Baptist.
She is survived by a son, Kenneth Swanson and wife Sharon of Abilene; daughter, Debbra Williams of Moran; brother, Jerry Lancaster and wife Nancy of Moran; sister-in-law, Jo Ellen Caffey of Abilene; grandchildren, Christina Swanson, Brandi Swanson, Lee Swanson, Patty Williams; and great-grandchild, Ashton Swanson.
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Stacy Black
Stacy Dian Black of Albuquerque, NM went to be with the Lord on January 9, 2005.
She was born November 12, 1957 in Fort Worth, TX to Cindy and Bob Black.
She is preceded in death by her father Bob Black and grandparents Clarice and Harl O'Brien of Eastland and Bethel and Joe Gallagher of Cisco.
Stacy is survived by her beloved children Bryce and Amber Yarbrough; her husband and friend James Yarbrough all of Albuquerque, N.M.; her mother, Cindy Black; brother, David Black; and sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia and Garrett Bigelow all of Houston, TX.
The funeral service was held on January 15, 2005 in Albuquerque, N.M.
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Sofia Gonzalez
Sofia Yanez Gonzalez, 57, of Abilene, went to be with the Lord on January 15, 2005.
Services were held Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ambler Baptist Church, with Charles Maciel officiating. Burial followed at the Masonic Cemetery, directed by North's Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gonzalez was born March 12, 1947, in Rotan, Texas to Antonio Yanez and the late Sophia Yanez. She married Secundino Gonzalez in November of 1974. She was a homemaker and an active member of Ambler Baptist Church. She enjoyed crafting, puzzles, bingo and fellowshipping.
She is preceded in death by her mother, one sister, Mary Yanez, and a niece, Carmen Yanez.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Secundino Gonzalez; six children, Esther Gonzalez and husband Manuel of Abilene, Anita Chapa and husband Manuel Carranza-Gonzalez of Ranger, Rita Gonzalez and husband Carmelo of Abilene, Maria Gonzalez of Abilene, Secundino Gonzalez, Jr. and wife Jennifer of Abilene and Jose Gonzalez of Abilene; 13 grandchildren, Gabriel, Robert, Samuel, Patricia, Manuel Jr., Diana, Andrea, Carmelo Jr., Vanessa, Manuel, Cielo Estrella, Alexia and Alexander; five great-grandchildren, Samuel, Robert IV, Christopher, Graciela and Timothy; three brothers, Locadio Yanez and wife Cuca of Mineral Wells, Thomas Yanez of Rotan, Tony Yanez of Washington; four sisters, Gloria Yanez of Gainsville, Georgia, Micaela Martinez and husband Edward of Rotan, Patsy Yanez of Roby and Aurora Ubando and husband Rudy of Snyder; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Robert Schmittling, III, Secundino Gonzalez, Jr., Jose Gonzalez, Edgar Medina, Carmelo Gonzalez, Jr., and her great-nephew Tony Ray Yanez.
Memorials can be made to First National Bank of Abilene, all donations will be appreciated.
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Macin Cagle
EASTLAND - Macin Kage Cagle, infant son of Ricky and Stephanie Newman Cagle of Lone Camp, died Tuesday, January 18, 2005 in a Fort Worth hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2005 in the Stagg Creek Cemetery in Comanche County (on Highway 36 between Comanche and Rising Star) with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
He is survived by parents, Ricky and Stephanie Cagle of Lone Camp; maternal grandparents, Steve Newman of Patillo and Vicki Newman of Weatherford; paternal grandparents, Darlene Cagle of Gorman and the late Joe Cagle.
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Weldon 'Sonny' Bosworth
CISCO- Weldon 'Sonny' Bosworth, 70, died at his home near Eastland on January 20, 2005.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2005 at Merriman Cemetery near Ranger on FM 2461. Dr. Ron Bostick, assisted by Bill Miller, officiated, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Bosworth was born February 12, 1934 at Cisco, Texas to Harry and Thelma (Kennedy) Bosworth. He was in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and served in England and Tripoli. He worked for Union Texas Petroleum, retiring after 30 years. He was a Baptist.
He is survived by sons, Dub Bosworth of Spur, Paul Bosworth and wife, Natalie of Robert Lee, Tim Bosworth of Abilene, Tom Bosworth of Eastland; and a grandson, Cole Bosworth of San Angelo.
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Natalia Vasilio
Natalia Jimenez Vasilio, 93, died Saturday, January 22, 2005 at Westside Campus of Care in Fort Worth, Texas.
The family would like to express their thanks to all the staff members who gracefully helped in caring for her.
Rosary was at Kimbrough Funeral Home in Cisco at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2005. Mass was at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cisco. Deacon Ruben Castaneda officiated. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.
She was born September 8, 1911 in Gordon, Texas. She married Salvador Vasilio on February 26, 1937.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her sons, Joe, Luis, and Polo Vasilio.
Survivors include two sons, Victor Vasilio and Arthur Jimenez; three daughters, Olivia Herrera, Eva Perez, and Juanita Sancillo, all of Fort Worth; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Victor Vasilio, Jr., Robert Herrera, Delano Perez, Santino Perez, Andrew Sancillo, Scotty Vasilio, and Guadalupe Rodriguez.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who believed in keeping the family united and loyal to one another.
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Francis Ridling
RANGER- Francis Margaret Ridling, 83, of Ranger, died Friday, January 21, 2005.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 23, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Music was provided by niece Sharon Mathis. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Ms. Ridling was born on March 17, 1921 to Josh and Tommie (Powers) Ridling. She grew up in Stephens County and attended school at Oakley and Connelly. She was a homemaker, talking care of her parents until they deceased. She moved to Dallas to live with her sister and then back to Ranger where she stayed until her death.
She was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by 3 sisters and 5 brothers.
Survivors are a sister, Elsie Bagby of Tyler and numerous nieces and nephews who were like her grandchildren.
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Ferne Carr
STRAWN - Ferne Richardson Smith Carr died Saturday, January 22, 2005.
Services were held Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. in Strawn, Texas at the Methodist Church with Edwards Funeral Home in charge of services.
Ferne Charlene Richardson was born February 17, 1921 in Strawn, Texas, to parents Roy and Bertha Elizabeth Butler Richardson. The third of seven children, she was born on her dad's birthday. Her father was delighted. Stories were told that he was so proud, he would corner folks in town and make them walk all the way to his house which was "way up in Allendale", just to look at Ferne. At an early age, she left home and embarked on a series of adventures.
During World War II she worked as a welder at the ship yards in Portland, Oregon. She worked as a waitress in Ranger and Matador, Texas, and was also a telephone operator in Matador. She operated a cafe in Weatherford, and a bar in Strawn. She also spent time in California and was a frequent visitor to Mexico. She made friendships while a telephone operator that have lasted fifty years.
She was an excellent cook and seamstress as well as an accomplished artist at all forms of needlework, including crochet and embroidery. Ferne enjoyed a good joke, a good meal, a good conversation, astrology, and writing letters.
Special thanks are given to her friend, Shirley Hughes of Stephenville, who has been such a staunch supporter for many years.
She is survived by her daughter, Glenda Maye Smith Smith and grandson, Glendon Anthony Smith, of Austin; son, James Aaron Smith and wife, Mary, of Abilene; granddaughter, Stecha Smith of Cedar Park; great grandson, Erik Anthony Smith of Fort Bragg, North Carolina; great granddaughter, Leahnn Smith Young and husband, Ajay, of Killeen; brothers, Frank Richardson and wife, Claudene, and James Woodrow Richardson and wife, Nadine, and sister, Rosalee Richardson Lockaby, all of Benbrook, Texas; several cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha and Roy Richardson; husbands Robert Lee Smith, Jake Simpson, Cecil Carr and Otis Adams; brothers, Robert, Jack, and John Richardson; and nephews, Creston and Clifford Richardson, and her only granddaughter, Charla Smith.
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Gladys Hastings
CISCO- Gladys Eddie Hastings, 89, died Monday, January 24, 2005 at Canterbury Villa Nursing Home in Cisco.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at New Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church, Jeff Thompson and Dr. D.P. Sadowski officiated. Burial followed at Long Branch Cemetery directed by Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hastings was born on June 25, 1915 to James Edward and Tygelia Grace (Low) Ghormley at Carbon, Texas. She married Almus Randolph Hastings on December 23, 1933 at Carbon. He preceded her in death on January 30, 1995.
She was a housewife and worked for Boss Manufacturing for a number of years.
She was a life long resident of Eastland County and a member of New Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church of Cisco.
She is survived by one son, Jerry Hastings of Cisco; two daughters, Zelda Ruth Durning of Abilene and Linnie Grace Cox of Cisco; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Randy Hastings, LeRoy Cox, David Cox, Chuck Durning, Bruce Black, Bo Schwarzwalder and Dan Thurston.
The family wishes to thank all the wonderful people at Canterbury Villa Nursing Home for the excellent care and love that was given to our Mother and her family during her illness.
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Walter Hanner
BAIRD- Walter Jay Hanner, 80, died Saturday, January 22, 2005.
There was a private burial Monday, January 24, 2005 at 11 a.m. at Ross Cemetery in Baird. A public memorial was held Monday at 2 p.m. at Baird Church of Christ directed by Parker Funeral Home. Damon Waggoner officiated assisted by Ben Stevens and Bob Kiser.
Jay was born in Wise County, Texas on July 5, 1924.
Jay was proud to have served in the United States Navy on the Battleship Mississippi. He was a veteran of World War II. After his service in the war, he returned home and married Brownie and started his career in the car business, first in the Texas Panhandle and later in Baird.
Jay was a member of the Baird Church of Christ.
He will be missed by the family and friends that he loved. Jay was always inviting someone to come eat lunch and spend time visiting.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Brownie Hanner; three children, a daughter, Diann Waggoner and her husband John of Cisco; son, Mike Hanner and his wife Sandy of Round Rock, and a son, Mark Hanner and his wife Jana of Abilene; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jean Keith and her husband James of Amarillo; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Tipton Children's Home in Oklahoma, or Christian Homes of Abilene, Texas.
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Hilario 'Larry' Martinez
CISCO- Hilario (Larry) Martinez, 72, died Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at Canterbury Villa Center in Cisco.
Rosary was at Kimbrough Funeral Home in Cisco at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 27, 2005. Mass was at 1 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2005 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cisco, Deacon Ruben Castaneda officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.
He was born October 13, 1932 in Ben Arnold, TX. He was single.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Martinez, and two brothers, Nazario Martinez and Polo Rodriguez.
He is survived by his father, Sabas Martinez, Sr. of Cisco; brothers, Joe Coronado of Houston and Sabas Martinez, Jr. of Eastland; and his only sister, Felipa DeLeon of Cisco. Other survivors include his closest nieces and nephews, Margaret Gaeta and Rita Santos of Eastland, Angie Guidry of Cisco, Pete Jr. DeLeon, III of San Pedro, CA; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Michael Gaeta, Richard Santos, Eric Jimenez, Jesse Santos, Roy Coronado, and Pete DeLeon, Jr.
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Jerry 'Cotton' Moore
Jerry Wayne 'Cotton' Moore, 58, of May, Texas died January 25, 2005 in Temple, Texas.
Cotton was born on June 23, 1946 in Gorman, Texas to Charlie and Alta Mae (Hawkins) Moore. He was self employed. He lived in May all his life. He served in the United States Army during Vietnam.
Cotton is survived by one son, Jason Moore of Fort Worth; four brothers, C.W. Moore of Abilene, Sam Moore of May, Larry Moore of Zephyr, and Cooter Moore of Mullins, TX; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Stacy Moore.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2005 at Blake Cemetery, Aaron Lemond officiated. Burial was in the Blake Cemetery in Brown County, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
The family requested that any memorials be made to Ben Richey Boys Ranch P.O. Box 6839 Abilene, TX 79608.
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Bobby Johnson
CISCO- Bobby Joe Johnson, 68, of Cisco, died Sunday, January 30, 2005 in Abilene, Texas.
Services were held Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Mountain Top Church in Cisco, Rev. John C. Jones officiated. Graveside services followed at Long Branch Cemetery in Eastland County, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Bobby was born on November 16, 1936 in Cisco to Tony V. Johnson and Mary Bell Preston. Bobby married Murl Elizabeth Petree on June 4, 1955 in Cisco. He worked for the City of Cisco for over 27 years until his retirement in 1994. One of his greatest honors was serving as deacon of Mountain Top Church for 10 years. Bobby's friendly smile, kind words, and his many stories will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Bobby was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Bell Preston; his father, Tony Johnson; and one son, Bobby Dean Johnson.
Bobby is survived by his wife of 49 years, Murl Johnson of Cisco; two sons, Randy Johnson and wife Gwyneth of Cisco and Ronnie Johnson and wife Charlotte of Cisco; six grandchildren, Shane Johnson of Arlington, Christopher Johnson of Cisco, Jennifer Parker and husband J.D. of Abilene, Brandi Johnson of Mesquite, Scott Rasco and wife Jennifer of Abilene, Amanda Rasco of Cisco; two great-grandchildren, Jarrod Bailey Johnson of Abilene, Zoey Marie Johnson of Oklahoma.
Pallbearers were Butch Petree, Mark Petree, Johnny Preston, John Clements, Walter Clements, Chris Johnson, Shane Johnson, J.D. Parker. Honorary pallbearers were Dan Wilks, Kenneth Fields, Charlie Courtney, Ron Pipkin.
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Nellie Nunley
EASTLAND- Nellie Blanche Nunley, 88, of Graham, Texas died January 27, 2005.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 31, 2005 in the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel, Larry Roberts officiated. Interment followed at Eastland Cemetery, under the direction of the staff of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
Mrs. Nunley was born November 13, 1916 in Floyada, Texas. She married Carl Bowman Nunley on July 3, 1935 in Carbon, Texas. She was a resident of Odessa, Texas for over 30 years. She was a dealer for Stanley Home Products in Big Spring, Texas and worked for the Dunlap Department store in Odessa for over 20 years. She enjoyed fishing for many years at Possum Kingdom Lake and doing volunteer work for her church in Odessa. She has been a member of the Church of Christ since 1943.
She was preceded in death by her husband Carl Bowman Nunley and sister Faye Croker of Big Spring.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Billy Tolleson of Possum Kingdom Lake; one sister, Inez Smith of Wichita Falls, TX; one brother, Alvin Whitaker of Rush Springs, Oklahoma; and four nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society, Heart Association, or the Alzheimer's Association.
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Mary Shawver
CISCO- Mary Inez Shawver, 90, of the Haskell Community of Eastland County died Monday, January 31, 2005 at the Eastland Hospital.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 3, 2005 a the Nimrod Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Armstrong officiating, assisted by Rev. Marvin Baucom. Burial will follow in the Nimrod Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
She was born May 8, 1914 in Jack County, Texas to Thomas Marion and Ida Lee (Sanders) Myers. She married Earl David Shawver on June 7, 1936 in Baylor County, TX. He preceded her in death May 19, 1982. She was a housewife and member of the Nimrod Baptist Church.
She is survived by sons, Thomas David Shawver and wife Shirley of Olney, TX and Dennis Myers Shawver and wife Glenda of Nimrod; daughters, Barbara Lee Morton and husband Charles of Ft. Worth and Bonnie Allene Kanady and husband Warnie of Nimrod; sisters, Louise Eaton and husband Herman of Ft. Worth and Oletha Hooten of Ft. Worth; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Garry Clayton
DESDEMONA- Garry Neil Clayton, 54, of Desdemona died Monday, January 31, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, February 3, 2005 at the Clayton Family Cemetery near Desdemona, Mr. Larry Stogsdale officiated. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Gorman directed.
Garry was born February 5, 1950 in Gorman, Texas to Willis Stanley Clayton and Dorothy Floradelle (Lindley) Clayton. He married Delores Gail Compton on October 24, 2004 at Lone Camp, Texas. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a route carrier. He was a member of the Gorman Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Dorothy Clayton.
He is survived by his wife, Delores Gail Clayton of Desdemona; three brothers, Lindley Gene Clayton and Coy Anthon Clayton of Desdemona, and Murray Dale Clayton of Ranger.
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FEBRUARY 2005
Alta Carroll
Alta Carroll, 93, went to be with her Lord in Heaven on Wednesday, February 2, 2005.
Funeral was held at Edwards Funeral Home, Ranger on Saturday, Feb. 5th at 2:30 p.m., with burial at Merriman Cemetery.
Alta was born on October 6, 1911 to George and Katie Beck in Ranger Texas. She married her loving husband, Harvey E. Carroll in Ranger in 1927. She gave birth to five children, all born in Ranger. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ until her death.
She moved to Granbury, Texas, to be closer to her family when she was 83.
Alta is predeceased by her husband, Harvey, daughter, Barbara Cunningham and five brothers: Andrew, Charlie, Arthur, Reuben, and Lloyd Beck.
Survivors are sons Donnie Carroll and wife Connie of Granbury; Norman Carroll and wife Gail of Hurst; and daughters, Sue Wiggins and husband Don of Granbury; Linda Cross and husband Gerald of Granbury; 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to Eastside Church of Christ in Ranger, Texas or the Merriman Cemetery in Ranger.
Pallbearers: Monte Carroll, Damon Cross, Greg Cross, Steve Wiggins, Blake Cross, Carey Cross, Jordan Noble and Jim Haller. Honorary Pallbearers: Donnie Carroll and Norm Carroll.
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Margaret White
RANGER- Margaret White, 78, of Ranger passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 in Eastland.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2005 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Richard Waters officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Margaret was born on July 24, 1926 in Colbert Co. Alabama to Benjamin & Mattie (Morgan) Hatton. She came to Ranger in 1952 from Leighton, AL; Margaret married Jesse White on October 4, 1952 in Eastland County. They made their home in Ranger where they both were very active in the community. She was a member of the Garden Club, Flower Club, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, director of the Baptist Student Union at Ranger College, attended Community Bible Study in Eastland, active member of First Baptist Church in Ranger where she was a Sunday School teacher and leader and served on many committees including the decorating committee. She owned the Smart Shop a ladies clothing boutique for many years. Margaret will be remembered for her devotion to her family and the people of Ranger that she loved so much. Her family wishes to thank Karen Moseley, Juanita Hamilton, Girling Hospice, and the nurses at Eastland Memorial Hospital for the care and compassion they expressed during her illness.
She is survived by her children Brenda Guardino & husband Lou of Mabank, Dianne Wilson of Ranger, & Brad White & wife Debra of Midland, 2 brothers, 4 sisters, grandchildren Jeriann Shelmon of Tampa, Fl, Steve White of Arlington, Cindy Seymore of Heath, Vicki Gibbs of Rockwall, Tracy Archer of Rockwall, Jay Abbott of Arlington, Ben White of Lubbock, Jacob White of Midland, & Johnathan Wilson of Ranger. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse White and son Jerry Don White. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Margaret White Ranger College Baptist Student Fund, c/o First Baptist Church, 409 Walnut Ranger, TX 76470.
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Don Jeffcoat
Don Jeffcoat of Houston, 70, passed away at his home on Thursday, February 3, 2005 after a long illness.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2005 at First United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. John Beckling. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Don was born in Fluvanna, Texas in 1934. He spent three years in the Army, worked for Sherwin Williams Paint Company, and Baker Oil Tool. He had his own Engineering company and after his retirement, he and his brother Jerry worked together at Swings and Things of Fort Worth.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann of Bixby, Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Velma Dalton of Eastland; daughters, Leigh Ann Lockard of Bixby, Oklahoma, Shanna Sue James of Houston; his mother, Johnie May Jeffcoat Webb of Cisco; brothers, Billy Joe Jeffcoat of Oklahoma City, OK, Jerry Lewis Jeffcoat of Cisco, Jimmie Floyd Jeffcoat of Aviano, Italy; sister, Shirley LaDell Reeger of Breckenridge; grandchildren, Erica and Hailey Lockard of Bixby, OK. and Gracie and Cole James of Houston.
He was preceded in death by his father, O.C. Jeffcoat.
Don Jeffcoat, more known affectionately by those who loved him as Pop or simply Brother surrendered his battle for life on Thursday. Don was a humble man and would not claim himself to be one of great accomplishments. But his achievements were grand and far reaching. He lived his life with the simple belief that love should determine his decisions, love for his family and love for those blessed to call him friend. He touched so many with this simple approach to life in a way few of us were aware; until Thursday when learning of his passing we paused, we listened and we realized he had already tucked a piece of himself into the corner of our hearts. Thank you Pop, how we will miss you.
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Alma Farley
CISCO- Alma Farley, 88, died Saturday, February 5, 2005.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2005 at the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel in Early. The Rev. Dan Barger and Gene Farley officiated. Burial followed in OakView Cemetery in Mullin, Texas.
Alma was born July 20, 1916 in Mullin, Texas where she was raised and educated. She was a lifelong resident of the Brownwood, Texas area. She was a homemaker and a member of Sunset Baptist Mission.
She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Farley in 1980; as well as two brothers and five sisters.
She is survived by two sons, Dewey Farley of Snyder and Gene Farley of Cisco; four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
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Lucille Stillwell
FT. WORTH- Lucille Stillwell, 87, of Fort Worth, Texas died February 4, 2005 in the Watson Nursing Home.
She was born on May 8, 1917 in Anson, Texas to G.C. and Magie (Garland) Steel. She married Cleddie W. Stillwell on June 20, 1940 in Fort Worth, Texas.
She is survived by one son, Weldon Stillwell of Fort Worth, TX; one nephew, Oliver West of Rising Star; two nieces, Wanda West of Carrolton, TX, Juanita Hollis of Clyde; several cousins.
She was preceded in death by parents; and her husband, C.W. Stillwell.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Earl Griffin officiated and Richard Massey assisted. Burial was in the Blake Cemetery in Brown County with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
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Steve Foster, Jr.
Steve Nathan Foster, Jr., 87, of Atwell Community, north of Cross Plains, TX died Saturday, February 5, 2005 at Rising Star Nursing Center.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2005 at First Baptist Church, Burlie Taylor officiated, assisted by Ronnie White. Burial was in the Atwell Cemetery.
He was born February 24, 1917 in Atwell, Texas to Steve Nathan Foster, Sr. and Ada F. (Maddox) Foster. He graduated from Draughn's Business College in Abilene and worked for Radford Wholesale grocery in Cisco as a bookkeeper. He was a longtime farmer and rancher in the Atwell Community. Nathan met Louise Erwin in the fall of 1939 and they married May 24, 1940 in Sabanno, at the home of Edwin & Maumee Erwin in Sabanno. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cross Plains, and a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge #626.
He was preceded in death by his parents Steve and Ada Foster, three brothers, Travis, Truett, and Ray Foster.
He is survived by his wife, Louise Foster of Cross Plains; three sons, James and Paulette Foster of Cross Plains, Steve and Anita Foster of Abilene, and Randy and Judy Foster of Cross Plains; two sisters, Vera Pillans of Abilene and Mary Barclay of Early; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
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Dorothy Gibbs
MINGUS - Dorothy M. Gibbs, 80, of Mingus died on Friday, February 4, 2005 in Eastland, Texas.
Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2005 at Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Orsini officiating. Burial was in New Gordon Cemetery in Gordon, Texas under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Mrs. Gibbs was born on August 27, 1924 in Fort Worth Texas to Luther Lee and Winnie P. Byrom Puckett. She married Rhea Gibbs in August of 1956. She worked in William Dickies sewing factory briefly in Fort Worth before moving to the Gordon, Mingus area. She was a homemaker and attended the Trinity Baptist Church in Strawn.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 51 years Rhea Gibbs of Mingus, a son Tony Gibbs of Weatherford, a daughter JoAnn Templin of Arizona, a brother Robert Puckett of Fort Worth and a sister Nita Sheffield of Fort Worth. She as two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
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Marvin Clark
Marvin Clark of Cherokee, Oklahoma, died February 21, 2005. His burial was in the Cherokee Cemetery.
Marvin, age 78, was the brother-in-law of Ida Hazelwood, Oleta Hale, Bonnie McCleskey, and Gordon Dunaway of Cisco, and Harlan Dunaway of Odessa.
His wife Mary Lou, preceded him in death, December 8, 2003.
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Floy Barker
EASTLAND- Floy Colleen Barker, 76, of Eastland, Texas passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2005, in Abilene.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2005, at the Eastland Cemetery under the direction of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home, Keith Henson officiated.
Ms. Barker was born December 17, 1928 in Big Spring, Texas. She was a long-time resident of the Eastland community. Both an educator and teacher by trade, Colleen primarily taught elementary education. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Ms. Barker was preceded in death by her parents, John Thomas Roberson and Juanita Ima Bagwell, and a younger sister, Marilyn Francis Crownover.
Survivors include her daughter Robbye Fullen and her grandchildren Tracy Fullen and Kellye Stuart; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Grayson Stuart; a nephew Carlton Crownover and a niece Cassie Plourd; and many cousins and close friends.
Colleen was a talented artist and writer. She submitted several children's stories for publication and was a devoted teacher to many young students.
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Bertie Brown
Bertie Louise Brown, 87, of Gorman died Saturday, February 26, 2005 in the DeLeon Hospital.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Gorman, Ron Carroll officiated. Interment followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
She was born May 9, 1917 in Bell County, Texas. She married Buster Brown on June 14, 1941 in Brownwood. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, President of W.M.U. and taught Sunday School class for many years. She was a member of the Eastern Star and a lifetime member of P.T.A.
She is survived by husband, Buster Brown of Gorman; daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Max Grice of Brownfield; sister, Bonnie Croft of Lake Leon; granddaughter, Tisha Grice of Stephenville; grandson, Jeffery Grice of Fort Worth; niece, Bonita Richards of Fort Worth; and three great-grandchildren.
Family request that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Gorman or the Alzheimers Association.
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Durelle Herrell
EASTLAND- On Monday, February 28, 2005, Durelle Herrell passed away from this life and from her family of Sandra, Dickie, Kathy, and Ginger Herrell.
Her parents, Henry and Rosa Mason Johnson immigrated to Texas by wagon from West Virginia and Kentucky, and settled in the Panhandle of Texas. Dee was born at Lone Mound on May 29, 1917. She married JD Herrell in Wellington in 1935. In 1939, JD and Durelle purchased land in Olden and resided there since 1943.
JD passed away in 1989 after 54 years of marriage to Durelle. She was the oldest member of Olden Baptist Church.
She was buried in Alameda Cemetery in a private ceremony on Tuesday, March 1, 2005. Services were held under the direction of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
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Carmon Alexander
Carmon Hill Alexander, 74, of Carbon, Texas died February 27, 2005 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Carmon was born on August 17, 1930 at Eastland County, Texas to George Meredith and Pauline (Smith) Hill. She married Willard Alexander in June 1949 at Ft. Worth, Texas. She lived in Carbon for 25 years, before moving to Carbon she lived in California. She was self-employed and worked as a secretary.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Carmon is survived by her husband, Willard Alexander of Carbon; two sons, John Alexander of Tucson, AZ. and Scott Alexander of Stephenville; a daughter, Barbara Wright of Rising Star; and four grandchildren.
Memorials services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Walter Rose officiated.
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John 'Jay' Christopher Jr.
EASTLAND- John W. 'Jay' Christopher, Jr. passed away on Friday, February 25, 2005 at the age of 49.
He moved to Eastland three years ago to be with his family.
Jay is survived by his parents, John W. (Jack) and Sarah J. Christopher of Eastland; sister, brother-in-law and nephews, Kelly, Gary, Brett and Craig Lister of Eastland, and a sister and brother-in-law, Terry and Butch Morris of DeLeon.
Memorial services will be held in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
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Fred Wiesen
RANGER- Fred W. Wiesen, 81, of Ranger died on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 in Abilene.
Graveside services were held on Thursday, March 3, 2005 10 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Wiesen was born on July 30, 1923 in Dallas to Joe & Ollie (Simmons) Wiesen. He served his Country during WWII in the Army 142nd Infantry. Mr. Wiesen married Ella Nora McGraw on October 18, 1946 in Eastland. He worked as an upholsterer for many years in Ranger and in Breckenridge at Baxley Manufacturing. In recent years he worked with his son Freddy at his garage. He was a Baptist.
He is survived by his wife Ella Nora of the home, son Freddy Wiesen of Ranger, Grandson Jason Wiesen of Ranger, brothers Robert Wiesen of Odessa & Ed Wiesen of Olney, sisters Helen Donahue of Sheffield & Laura Forbes of Hurst, and several nieces & nephews.
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L. E. White, Jr.
L.E. White, Jr., 92, of Mineral Wells, went to be with the Lord Thursday, February 24, 2005 at a Mineral Wells nursing home.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 26, 2005, at Immanuel Baptist Church. Burial followed at Woodland Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or to the Samaritans Purse.
L.E. White, Jr. was born August 8, 1912 in Cottle County, to Lewis Edward and Martha Jane Hunter White. He pastored several churches in Texas and Oklahoma including 1st Baptist Church Lipan. He was also interim pastor at Soda Springs Baptist Church and Oran Baptist Church. Bro. L.E. was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church for over 30 years where he was the first senior adult pastor starting OASIS.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Zelma Biles White; daughters, Jane Alexander of Mineral Wells, Karen Donoho and husband Odis of Cisco; grandchildren, D'Lisa McIntosh of Austin, D'Lynda Jackson of Temple, D'Lora Staton of Perryton, and Chad Donoho of Cisco; 14 great grandchildren; sister, Berniece Sturdivant of Aumsville, Oregon; numerous nieces and nephews.
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Jimmy Battle
RANGER- Jimmy Will Battle, 56, of Ranger died on Sunday February 27, 2005 in Eastland.
Services were held Thursday, March 3, 2005 at 2:00 pm at St. Paul Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating, burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Battle was born on October 15, 1948 in Munich Germany to James & Jewell (Lowe) Battle. He attended school in Ranger and in his younger years worked at Adams Grocery as a butcher, most recently he worked for CMR Railroad as a crane operator. He married Phyllis Harjo on October 1, 1993 in Holdenville, OK. He was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church.
Mr. Battle is survived by his wife Phyllis of the home, children Jason, April, & Cecil of the home, sons David Battle of Gatesville, Jason Battle of Clifton, & Tim Battle of North Carolina, brother James Battle, sister Lola Douglas of Stephenville, grandchildren Tay Battle of Clifton & Tim Battle Jr. of North Carolina, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends who will miss playing dominoes with him. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Jimmy Battle Jr., daughter Tansiann Battle, and aunt Leona Battle.
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MARCH 2005
Patsy Meredith
CISCO- Patsy Darlene Meredith, 44, of Cisco passed away on March 1, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 4, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Summers-Chambers Funeral Chapel. Burial was in the Necessity Cemetery directed by Summers-Chambers Funeral Home. Larry Fitzgerald officiated.
Patsy was born January 1, 1961 to James Elliott McMullin of San Marcus, Texas and Betty Dorene McDowell of San Angelo.
She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Truman Edd Meredith, Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Truman Edd Meredith, Sr. of Abilene; two sons, Robert Pruitt and wife Barbara of Cisco and Ernest Meredith and wife Kim of Cisco; one daughter, Amy Spencer and husband Ray of Tucson, Arizona; two sisters, Shirley Meredith of Cisco and Wilma Sheldon of Oregon; two brothers, Robert McMullin of Oklahoma and Rodger McMullin of San Angelo; six wonderful grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Patsy's pallbearers will be Ernest Meredith, Robert Pruitt, Dustin Meredith, Chris Meredith, Tommy Curtis and Josh Whitehead.
Patsy was very loved and she will be missed but never forgotten.
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Martha Boone
Martha Fay Christina Boone, 83, of Gorman died at her residence on Thursday, March 3, 2005.
Services were held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Jody Forbus officiated. Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. at Vera Cemetery, Vera, Texas.
Mrs. Boone was born July 11, 1921 in Knox County, Texas. She married Hershal Harlan Boone on August 3, 1940 in Vera, Texas. He preceded her in death in November 2000. She was a homemaker and a member of the Carbon Community Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
Survivors include two sons, Harlan Hoyt Boone of Alvarado, Roger Dail Boone of Gorman; two daughters, Reda Gay Ford of Calcord, OK and Vonda Gay Streiff of Carbon; one brother, Oga D. Murphree; three sisters, Mary Barker of Perrin, Don L. Swift of Moore, OK and Wanda Lee Cox of Burkburnett; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
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Lloyd Danzeisen
Lloyd Danzeisen, 69, of Cisco, died on Wednesday, February 23, 2005, in a local hospital.
He was born on February 2, 1936, in Monroe County, Michigan to Albert and Dorothea (Lutz) Danzeisen.
The family suggests memorials made to a local humane society.
Mr. Danzeisen served two years in the United States Army. He was a dairy farmer in Tustin, Michigan for 22 years until he retired. While there he was involved in the Young Farmers and was a leader in the 4-H program. He lived in Cisco and Mineral Wella for the last years.
He is survived by three daughters, Adrianne Danzeisen-Clor of Osseo, Michigan, Allyn Sue Danzeisen of Miami Beach, Florida and Angela Danzeisen of Reed City, Michigan; his granddaughter, Courtney Causey of Reed City, Michigan and his brother, Cecil Danzeisen of Mission, Texas.
He was a member of the Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Dorothea (Lutz) Danzeisen and his brother James Danzeisen .
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
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Terry Taylor
Terry G. Taylor, 60, of Carbon, Texas died Monday, February 28, 2005 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.
The body was cremated and a memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Parker Funeral Home Chapel in Baird, Texas. Pastor Larry Gaumond officiated.
Terry was born in Longview, Texas on September 18, 1944 to Lee Everett Taylor and Agnes McEver Taylor. He had lived in Carbon since December, moving here from Houston, Texas where he lived the past 7 years. He lived in Midland, Texas prior to this for 30 years. He was employed in Law Enforcement. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a Baptist. He was a High School and College Basketball official. He married Jean Hughes in Rankin, Texas on August 2, 1964.
Survivors include his wife, Jean Taylor of Carbon; two daughters, Tammy Kidd of Dallas and Leslie Stephens of Dallas; two brothers, Bill Taylor of Midland and Jim Taylor of LaPorte, Texas; one granddaughter, Honor Kidd of Dallas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to: Houston Northwest Volunteers, Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, 17310 Rustington Drive, Spring, TX 77379.
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Troy Hightower
CISCO-Troy Hightower, 67, died Friday, March 4, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, directed by Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
Troy was born on October 30, 1937 to Oda Harrison and Annie Lee (Walters) Hightower. He married Gay Goodloe on December 1, 1961 at Abilene, Texas. They moved to Cisco in 1976. Troy owned and operated Hightower Welding Supply in Cisco for many years. He sold Health and Life Insurance and worked for Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home. He worked for several years until his retirement in October 2000. He was on the board of Westbound Water, in Cisco.
He is survived by his wife, Gay Hightower of the home; one son, Corey Hightower and wife, Angie of Weatherford; one daughter, Vonda Stockton of Cisco; and two grandchildren, Janice Stockton and Madison Hightower.
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Annie Hughes
RANGER- Annie Lee Hughes, 85, of Ranger died Saturday March 5, 2005 in Abilene.
Services were held Tuesday, March 8, 2005, 11 a.m. at Edwards Funeral Chapel with John Hughes & Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Creek Cemetery in Avoca. The family will receive friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday from 5-7 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Hughes was born on April 17, 1919 in Spur to Newton & Barbara (Smith) King. She married Alton F. 'Pruney' Hughes in April of 1948. They came to Ranger in 1951 where they have resided since. Mrs. Hughes owned and operated Annie's Beauty Shop from her home in Ranger for many years. She was a lifelong Methodist and member of First United Methodist Church in Ranger where she was active in United Methodist Women.
She is survived by her husband Alton 'Pruney' Hughes of Ranger, brother Jack King of Trophy Club, brother-in-law & sister-in-law Cody & Clelie Thompson of Abilene, nephews Sam Hughes & wife Cassie of Abilene & John Hughes of Possum Kingdom, and a very special friend Tracey Bearden-Casey of Ranger.
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Doug Fisher
Doug Fisher passed from this life on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 in Rising Star. He was born in Brownwood on December 27, 1947. Growing up in Rising Star, he was the All-American boy. He excelled in sports, from Little League Baseball through high school football, basketball and track. He won numerous honors and awards. He loved to hunt and was very knowledgeable about the earth and nature.
After graduating from Rising Star High School, where the faculty voted him 'Most Likely to Succeed', he entered the R.O.T.C. program at Texas A & M with dreams of becoming an Air Force fighter pilot. A slight hearing loss prevented him from attaining that goal.
After leaving A&M, he pursued another life-long interest: geology, the earth, and its natural resources. He began a long career in the oil industry by becoming a drilling mud engineer for Dresser Industries. His career in the oil industry took him from the bayous of Louisiana to Oklahoma, West Texas, and the North Slope of Alaska.
In Alaska, he met his future wife, Teresa Webber. They returned to Texas and were married in 1975. They were blessed with a son, David, in 1976, and with a daughter, Melody, in 1978. Doug continued his oil-field career in Central and North Texas and Oklahoma until Teresa was stricken with cancer. He spent the last few months of her life caring for her until her death in 1990.
Doug tried working off-shore, but he wanted to spend more time with his family, so he returned to Rising Star and worked for Weakley-Watson in Brownwood. His final years were spent in Rising Star.
Doug was preceeded in death by his wife, Teresa, and his father, Art.
He is survived by his children, David, of Houston, and Melody, of Austin; his mother, Betty, of Rising Star; his brother Mike and wife Jacki, of Houston; sister Beverly Stewart and husband Mike, of DeLeon; and brother Jimmy of Rising Star. In addition, he had two nephews, two nieces, a great-nephew, two great-nieces, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
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Walter Lloyd Swint
DESDEMONA- Walter Lloyd Swint, 73, died Saturday, March 5, 2005.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2005 at Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in the Desdemona Cemetery.
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James Butler
CISCO- James Albert Butler, 70, of Cisco, died Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services were held Saturday, March 12, 2005 at 10 a.m. in the Wayside Cemetery, Eastland County, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. James Teel, Chaplin of Big Country Hospice officiated.
James was born March 1, 1935 in Trent, Texas to Claude and Grace (Pricket) Butler. He served in the United States Air Force in Korea from 1954-1958 and was a Mason. He married Betty (Alexander) Butler on June 4, 1956 in Cisco. He was an Auto Cooling System Specialist for 40 years and operated a shop in Cisco for 26 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister, Claudia Murray.
Survivors include three sons, James Richard Butler of Cisco, Billy Joe Butler and wife, Heather, of Abilene, and David Wayne Butler of Sweetwater; two brothers, Clyde Ray Butler of Sweetwater and Dale Mac Butler; one sister, Amie Price of Trent; one grandson, Jeremy McLeaish of Abilene.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Tx 79605.
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B. J. 'Buck' Anderson
CLYDE Ð B.J. 'Buck' Anderson, 96 of Clyde, died Monday, March 7, 2005 in the Rising Star Nursing Center.
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2005 at the Clyde First Baptist Church with Dr. Toby Henson and Dr. A.J. Kennamer officiating with burial to follow in the Eula Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Mr. Anderson was born February 2, 1909 in Chaves County, NM to John Washington and Emma Jean (Liston) Anderson. He married Pearl L. Landess in Roswell, NM on June 11, 1932. They moved to Clyde from Rising Star in 1993. He farmed and ranched for over 50 years in Texas before retiring and moving to Rising Star. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Clyde, the Golden K Kiwanis and the Sons of the American Revolution.
Survivors include his wife, Pearl Anderson of Clyde; two daughters-in-law Charlotte Barrett of Dallas and Cynthia Nohl of Tuscola; one grandson, Bage Anderson of Waco; one granddaughter, Amber Curry of Grand Prairie; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Holley Anderson; and two sisters, Eunice (Mugg) Brantley of Brownfield and Pearl Iles of Big Spring.
He was preceded in death by one son, Jack W. Anderson, three brothers and three sisters.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas, 79605.
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Charlton Wier
Charlton Winston Wier, 88, of Duncanville, died Monday, March 7, 2005 at his home.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2005 at Desdemona Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home of Gorman.
Mr. Wier was born May 30, 1916 in Woodsboro, Texas to Thomas Champ Wier and Lillie May (Reid) Wier. He was a retired welder and had also previously worked for Texas Electric. He was a member of the Full Gospel Church and a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and nine brothers.
He is survived by one daughter, Deborah Hines of Cleburne; two sons, Dwain Wier of Tacoma, WA and Mark Wier of Fort Worth; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
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Ada Reynolds
CISCO- Ada Frances Reynolds, 91, of Cisco, died Thursday, March 10, 2005 in Campbell Health System in Weatherford.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2005 in Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Rev. Pat Riley. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Reynolds was born to Commadore Roger and Laura Ann (Webb) White on April 16, 1913 in May, Texas. She married Raymond Clifford Reynolds on April 19, 1935 in Rising Star. She and her husband owned and operated the Truck Harbor in Cisco, they were first franchised, Chevron Dealers in Texas, and later owned R&R Wrecking in Cisco. She was a member of Order of Eastern Star Bangs Chapter #467 and First Baptist Church in Cisco.
She is survived by a niece, Frances Asley of Irving; nephews, Ivan White of Burnet, Lonnie White of Wink, Elmer Dean White and Mike White both of Kermit; great-nieces, Vicki Bolton of Weatherford, Stephanie Littlefield of Austin, Betty Cavanaugh of Houston; and great-nephew, Bill Cavanaugh of Austin; a number of great-great nieces and nephews and great-great-great nieces and nephews; and many, many friends and loved ones.
Ada or Auntie has gone to be with the Lord God and to join her loving husband R.C. Reynolds.
Pallbearers will be Corby Gibbs, Bill Cavanaugh, Marvin Bolten, Brad White, Lonnie White and Mike White.
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Odie Brightwell
GORMAN- Odie Brightwell, 104, of Gorman, died Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at Oakwood Assisted Living in Stephenville.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Gorman, grandsons Todd Ormsby, Randy Ormsby, and Larry Brightwell officiated. Burial was in the Gorman Cemetery.
Mr. Brightwell was born January 1, 1901 in Eastland County to John Thomas Brightwell and Minnie (Blair) Brightwell. He married Minnie Ola Jones on August 14, 1921 in Rails, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years in July of 1992. Mr. Brightwell retired from Mobil Oil Company after 40 years of service. He was a member of the Gorman Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, four sisters, and two grandsons.
Survivors include two sons, Tommy Brightwell of Hurst, TX and Jimmy Brightwell of Sweeny, TX; five daughters, Willa Dean Ormsby of Stephenville, Zella Mae Wright of Ballinger, Betty Ann Hale of Lake Brownwood, Minnie Beth Bryan and Myrna Sue Smith of Longview; two sisters, Zena Simpson of Gorman and Johnnie Hoover of Abilene; 24 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; and 23 great-great-grandchildren.
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Richard Cardona
Richard Wayne Cardona, 34, formerly of Grand Prairie, is now an inmate awaiting transfer to state prison to serve a (25) twenty-five year sentence for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine. Cardona was apprehended on May 18, 2004 by agents of the West Texas Interlocal Crime Task Force.
Presiding Judge Steven R. Herod sentenced Cardona to prison in the 91st District Courtroom of Eastland County on March 10, 2005 after Cardona entered a plea of guilty.
Defense Attorney Christopher Till of Comanche represented Cardona.
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Bob Shults
RISING STAR- Bob Shults, 83, of Rising Star, Texas died Saturday, March 12, 2005 at his residence.
Bob was born on January 20, 1922 in Rising Star, Texas to Cecil Gaines and Ruby (Lowry) Shults. He married Lela Mary Abernathy on May 5, 1945 in Palo Pinto, Texas. He was a Methodist. He lived in the community for 60 years.
He is survived by his wife, Lela Mary Shults of Rising Star; son, Bill Shults of Rising Star; daughter, Mari Tolbert of Lancaster, TX; 3 grandchildren, Stacie Shults, Kristopher Wheat, Krystal Wheat; 5 great-grandchildren, Robert Wheat, Kristen Wheat, Joseph Tolbert, Tatum Love, Tyler Wylie.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Dick Williams officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge.
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George Wilcox
George T. Wilcox, 82, died Sunday, March 13, 2005 at his residence.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Revs. Bob Cheek and Ron Adrian officiated. Burial was in the Plum Branch Cemetery, directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
He was born on March 16, 1922 in Eastland, Texas to parents George T. Wilcox and Della Woods Wilcox. He married Merle Chalker on June 23, 1953 in Cisco. He had been an oilfield roustabout and a livestock order buyer. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cisco and a U.S. Army Veteran of WW II.
He is survived by his wife, Merle Wilcox of Breckenridge; one daughter, Jana Owensby and husband Randy of Big Spring; 3 sons, J.T. Wilcox and wife Nancy of Amarillo, John Wilcox and wife Kathy of Burnet, and Jim Wilcox and wife, Judy of Breckenridge; one brother, Morris Wilcox of Tucumcari, New Mexico; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and two sisters.
Memorials may be made to the Hendrick Hospice Care or to Meals on Wheels or a favorite charity.
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Charles Kinder
RANGER- Charles Kinder, 71, of Ranger died Friday, March 11, 2005 at his residence.
Services were held Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Burial followed at the Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Kinder was born on December 19, 1934 in Marion, IN. to Charles M. and Edith (Turner) Kinder. He served his country in the Army. He married Josie L. Lowe on December 31, 1985 in Denver, CO. He worked for Denver Boneless Beef for 30+ years and moved to Ranger in 1999 from DuPont, CO. He enjoyed restoring old tractors and got much satisfaction from helping others. He was affiliated with the Church of God.
Survivors are his wife, Josie Kinder of the home; son, Randy Kinder of Edmond, OK; daughter, Deborah Cuguini of La Plata, NM; step-son, Johnny Johnston of Ranger; sister, Ellen Hamilton of Commerce City, CO; grandchildren, Richard Seyfried of Bend, OR., Jason Kinder of Norman, OK., Christopher Kinder of Edmond, OK, Crystal and Brooke Johnston of Denver, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Elmer Brown
FORT WORTH - Elmer Arthur Brown, 90, retired athletic trainer for Texas Christian University from 1951 until 1977, died Thursday, March 10, 2005.
Funeral was held 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2005 at University Baptist Church.
Burial was in Greenwood Memorial Park.
Memorials can be made in lieu of flowers, donations are to be made to the Elmer A. Brown Scholarship Fund, TCU Box 297045, Fort Worth, Texas 76129.
Honorary pallbearers were members of the Texas Christian University Athletic Department.
Elmer was born Oct. 15, 1914, in Gorman. He graduated from Eastland High School in Eastland, and received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from The University of North Texas in Denton. Elmer and his identical twin brother, Delmer, were high school and college track stars at Eastland High and at The University of North Texas. They qualified for the United States Olympic track team and were scheduled to go to the 1940 Olympic games before the United States entered World War II. His name is one of the most respected in the athletic training profession. He developed the safety mouthpiece and other devices currently utilized by most athletes participating in any contact sport. Past-president of the Southwest Trainers Association and past director of the National Trainers Association, he was inducted into the Helms Athletic Foundation Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame in 1970. He received the coveted Royal Purple award from Texas Christian University in 1977. He served with the Oil Bowl in Wichita Falls for 25 years, lectured on numerous occasions at the Texas High School Coaching Association School, served as head trainer for the 1956 summer Olympic team, and during the summers of 1975 and 1976, he lectured for the U.S. Air Force at United States bases throughout Europe. He helped develop the Taiwanese sports medicine program for the government of Taiwan. His most recent awards include induction into the Texas Christian University Living Legends Hall of Fame and the Athletic Hall of Fame at the University of North Texas.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline, in 1999.
Survivors include daughters, Carolyn Cropper of Midland and Nancy Keisler of Richards; grandchildren, John Clayton Campbell of Arlington, Caroline Elizabeth Truemper of Wabash, Ark. and Dr. Charles Austin Cropper of Galveston; five great-grandchildren; and his dear friend, Elsie Lewis.
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Marguerite Keown
KELLER- Marguerite Terry Keown, 95, died Friday, March 11, 2005 in Keller.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at New Gordon Cemetery in Gordon, Texas. Rev. Gene Ratcliff officiated. Arrangement were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Marguerite was born on January 6, 1910 in Dennis, TX to James Everett and Minnie L. (Waldrom) Terry. She married Lee Keown in December of 1936 in Mineral Wells. She worked as an executive secretary to the Vice President of Lone Star Gas in Dallas for 35 years and she was a Methodist.
Mrs. Keown was preceded in death by her husband Lee Keown; brother, John A. Terry; three sisters, Mary Eunice Terry Ramsey, Annie Vera Terry Lewis, and Dorothy Terry Bingaman.
We are blessed to have worked with the Samaritan Care Hospice during the past week for their comfort, compassion, and quality of care in assisting Marguerite and the family.
She is survived by a nephew, Paul Terry Bingaman of Western Australia; two nieces, Marianne Ramsey Benutto of Ohio and Carolyn Ramsey Gilbert of Fort Worth; and many cousins.
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Fred Stovall
MORAN- Fred Stovall, 70, died Saturday, March 12, 2005 in an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the Baptist Church of Moran, Rev. Roscoe Seay officiated. Interment followed in Moran Cemetery directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Mr. Stovall was born on August 19, 1934 in Waxahachie, Texas. He was married on March 20, 1957 to Margie Lee Powell in Salsbury, Maryland. He was an electrician for Koch Oil Company for 23 years. For the last 11 years, Mr. Stovall has owned and operated Stovall Electric. Fred served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Breckenridge chapter of B.P.O.E.
Survivors include wife, Margie Stovall; four children, Clarence E. Stovall of Eunice, N.M., Mark E. Stovall of Ada, OK., Dennis L. Stovall of Cisco, and Margie E. Mosher of Breckenridge; one sister, Glynda Sanders of Dell City; nine grandchildren, Kimberly York of Moran, Nicholas, Aaron, Brittany, and Justin Stovall, all of Ada, OK., Darla Koger of Cisco, Brandon Olsen of Cisco, Curtis Stovall of Cisco, LaTisha McCullough of Breckenridge; three great-grandchildren, Jonathan McIntosh, Cody Rucker, and Andrew McCullough.
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Petra Salinas
CISCO- Petra Salinas, 78, of Cisco, died Monday, March 14, 2005 in Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Rosary services were held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Oakwood Cemetery.
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Erna Gunning
CISCO- Erna Lieske Carroll Gunning, 89, died Sunday, March 13, 2005 at her sisterÕs home in Cisco.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery, Jeremy Howard officiated, directed by Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
Erna was born in Eastland County on October 3, 1915, the oldest daughter of Lee and Lula (McSpadden) Leiske. She attended school in the German Lutheran community south of Cisco and was a member of the Pleasant Hill girlÕs basketball team.
She married Michie Carroll in Cisco in 1935. The couple had one daughter, China. The family lived in Cisco, Bradenton, Florida, and Big Spring. Erna returned to Cisco in the mid-1980Õs to help care for her elderly parents. She married Edward Gunning of El Paso. Erna was active in St. Paul Lutheran Church in Big Spring, where she taught Sunday School and played the organ. She delighted in growing flowers which she provided for worship services. She later joined the Assembly of God Church in Big Spring.
Erna was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Albert Lieske; and her younger sister, Adaline Speir.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, China and Frank Long of Kerrville; two sisters, Dorothy Stephens of Cisco and Ida Metcalf of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Leslie and Mike Hudson of Austin and Lisa Long of Houston; two nephews; three nieces; and three great-grandchildren.
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Jane Barham
Jane Barham, 98, died Monday, March 14, 2005 at a Stephenville nursing home.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 17, 2005 at Lacy Funeral Home Chapel in Stephenville. Rev. Emil V. Becker officiated. Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. at Eastland Cemetery in Eastland, TX. Lacy Funeral Home of Stephenville was in charge of arrangements.
She was born December 16, 1906 to Clyde H. and Ada B. (Richards) Yeagers in Salem, West Virginia. She married Ray H. Barham. He preceded her in death on February 9, 1984.
She was a member of Harvey Baptist Church. She was a former member of Ladies Auxiliary Volunteers at Harris Methodist Hospital Erath Co. and a 50 year member of Order of Eastern Star.
She was was a retired real estate salesperson for Century 21 at Stephenville, TX.
Survivors are two sisters, Nellie R. Putnam and Marjorie Murray both of Fort Worth; and several nieces and nephews.
On-line condolences may be made at www.lacy funeralhome.com
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Flora McCanlies
CISCO- Flora McCanlies, 86, of Cisco died Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 18, 2005 at First United Methodist Church, Rev. John Beckling officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. McCanlies was born in Cisco on December 31, 1918 to John Richard and Ida Corinne (Stansell) Bacon. She married Jim Bob McCanlies on March 28, 1938 in Palo Pinto. She was a homemaker and a member of the 20th Century Club, DAR and Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church.
She is survived by sons, John H. McCanlies of Cisco and Pat McCanlies of Kaplan, Louisiana; a daughter, Julie White of Krugerville; grandchildren, Julianne Masterson of Carrollton, Johnny McCanlies of Lubbock, Jimmy McCanlies of Katy; great-grandchildren, Chase McCanlies, Haleigh McCanlies, Jacob McCanlies, Rick McCanlies, Cora Lee McCanlies, Jaxon McCanlies, Nicholas Masterson; step grandchildren, Stephanie Terry, Cedric Richard and Jill White; step great-grandchildren, Gabbi Terry and Phillip Terry III.
Pallbearers were Royce Darr, Mike Bacon, Bill Midkiff, Don Wallace, Cedric Richard and Steve Coleman.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Cisco Public Library.
Shirley Campbell, 59, of Cisco died at her home Thursday, March 17, 2005.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Campbell was born in Boerne, Texas to Leslie Curtis and Annie Elizabeth (Smith) Horton on November 23, 1945. She married Kenneth Campbell in 1967 in Abilene, Texas. She worked as seamstress for Eastlander Design.
She was preceded in death by a son, Tracy Maddox.
She is survived by her husband Kenneth of Cisco; daughter, Sherry Wright of Flower Mound; sons, Ron Maddox of Ranger, Kenneth Askew and Thomas Campbell both if Cisco; brother, Curtis Horton of Brady; sister, Betty Maddox of Rochelle; and 8 grandchildren.
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David Arnold
CISCO- David L. Arnold, 50, of Cisco died at his home Friday, March 18, 2005.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Atwell Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Arnold was born July 9, 1953 in Colby, Kansas to Robert Dean and Shirley (Wilson) Arnold. He married Alice Peters on March 17, 1974 in Colby, Kansas; she preceded him in death on August 8, 2000. He worked as a diesel mechanic for United Energex, Inc.
He is survived by a daughter, Stephanie Miller of Breckenridge; step-daughters, Ona Lopez and husband Hector of Cisco, Elizabeth Anderson and husband Alan of Lincoln, Nebraska, Barbara Sonsteng and husband Lewis of Plainville, Kansas; step-son, Stephen Richards of Maypearl; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
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Johnie Webb
Johnie Ruth Webb, 87, died Thursday, March 17, 2005 in Abilene at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 21, 2005 at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church , Rev. Jack Ridlehoover and Roy Lee Williams officiated. Burial was in the Putnam Cemetery directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
She was born the daughter of Alice Mae (Lawson) and J.B. Eubank in Putnam on May 12, 1917. She moved from Putnam to Sundown, later to Whiteface, and finally to Ranger, where she lived for 10 years before moving to Abilene in 1959.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell F. Webb; and nine sisters.
Survivors include a son, David Webb of Abilene; a daughter, Glenda Eubanks of Abilene; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church 701 S. Pioneer Drive, Abilene, Tx 79605 or the donorÕs favorite charity of choice.
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Gladys Bradford
STRAWN- Gladys Bradford, 92 of Strawn died Thursday, March 17, 2005 at her home. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2005 in Mt. Marion Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
Gladys was born on August 7, 1912 in Palo Pinto County to Arthur and Leilah (Reid) Bridier. She married Bently Franklin ÒBenÓ Bradford on October 5, 1937 in Eastland, Texas and he preceded her in death on November 19, 1973. She worked for a café for a little while but mostly was a housewife and mother. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Strawn for 67 years. Gladys was an over 50 year member of the Strawn Eastern Star Chapter #361. Gladys was well known for her unselfish nature. She cared for her son until he passed away in 1993 but she also cared for other family and friends. It was not unusual to see her in her bonnet picking up pecans or cans or doing yard work at her home even in her 80Õs. She was well known also for never meeting a stranger. She will be missed.
Gladys is survived by a brother D. B. Bridier and wife Fay of Willow Park, Tx. Numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. And host of friends that have pre-deceased her including Lois Wilson.
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Glenn Gray, Jr.
EASTLAND-Glenn Russell Gray, Jr., 59, of Eastland, Texas passed away, March 18, 2005.
Graveside funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2005 under the direction of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home. Interment was held at the Eastland Cemetery with Jim Andrews officiating.
Russell was born January 27, 1946 in Ranger, Texas. He was a lifelong resident of Eastland County. He was a retired nursing home administrator. He was also a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland.
He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn Russell Gray; and a child, Jason Neal Gray.
Survivors include his son Braston Gray of Bangs; his mother, Bettie Gray; a brother and sister-in-law, Nathan and Jackie Kidd; his aunts, Mildred Squires, Vivian Kile, and Anna Mae Sharp; and two nephews, Michael and Nate Kidd, all of Eastland.
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Bonnie McCleskey
Bonnie McCleskey died Sunday morning, March 20, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.
She was born April 28, 1920 in Dothan, Texas, the ninth of fourteen children. She lived most of her life in Eastland County. She married George Lauderdale McCleskey of Ranger on July 3, 1941.
After her husband was killed in action in WW II, she raised her daughter Georgia Kaye in Cisco alone, with the help of the large extended family.
She was preceded in death by parents Daniel Luther and Lilly Lucretia (Stephens) Donaway, husband, George McCleskey, daughter, Georgia Kaye Smith; five sisters and four brothers.
She is survived by sisters Ida Hazlewood of Dothan and Oleta Hale of Cisco; brothers, Harlan Eugene Donaway of Odessa and Gordon Donaway of Dothan; son-in-law Homer Smith of Houston; granddaughters, Stacey Smith McIlroy and husband, Charles McIlroy of Weatherford and Margaret Smith Gonzales and husband, Mark Gonzales of Sugarland; great-grandchildren, Margaret Abigail McIlroy, Danile Wilson McIlroy, Jake Wilson Gonzales of Sugarland; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Duane Hale of Cisco.
Bonnie was a seamstress, working at the Cisco glove factory for a time, and she enjoyed sewing and quilting at her home. She was a member of the Cisco Church of Christ.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at I-20 Church of Christ, officiated by Rev. Gary Turner and Larry Fitzgerald. Eulogy was by Harold Reese. Burial was in Dothan Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home in Cisco.
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Louise Maltby
DESDEMONA- Louise Maltby, 84, of Desdemona died Saturday, March 19, 2005 at a Mansfield hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at Desdemona Church of Christ. Mitchell Greer officiated. Burial was in Desdeona Cemetery directed by Nowlin Funeral Home of DeLeon.
She was born August 10, 1920 in Lockney, Texas to the late Benjamin Perry Pace and Artie Watson Pace. She was a homemaker, former employee of Sewing factories in Dublin, Eastland and Stephenville; a resident of Desdemona since 1963. She was a member of Desdemona Church of Christ.
She married Glenn Maltby on August 25, 1940 in Alice, Texas.
Survivors are two sons, James Maltby and Ken Maltby both of Desdemona; two daughters, Glenda Sharp of Taft and Beverly Majors Smith of Niceville, Florida; sister, Billie Short of Harper, Kansas; 9 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Maltby in 1986; one brother, James Pace; two sisters, Jo Dell Carter and Doris Reed; one great-grandson, Nicholas Maltby.
Pallbearers were Brian Majors, Steven Majors, Lance Maltby, Chris Sharp, Jeff Anderson and Pete Anderson.
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Lee Hardin
Lee Wayne Hardin, 80, died in Denver City, Texas on March 16, 2005.
Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church of Denver City on Friday, March 18, 2005 with Rev. Phillip Golden officiating. Burial was in Denver City Memorial Park in Yoakum County.
He was born in Abilene to Rev. A. C. (Altie) and Florris McCord Hardin on November 4, 1924.
Lee Wayne is survived by his wife, Ann, whom he had been married to for 57 years, three sons, Terry Hardin and Norman Hardin of Carbon, Gary Hardin of Denver City, and a daughter Karen Tovar of Denver City. Six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters also survive. A brother, Dalton Hardin of Knox city, and a sister, Maxine Gressett of Midland survive. He was preceded in death by his parents of Pleasant Hill Community in Eastland County and two sisters, Loma Beth Buck and Estelle Stewart both buried in Midland.
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Kathleen Martin
EASTLAND- Kathleen Martin, 80, of Eastland, died Monday, March 21, 2005, at the Valley View Healthcare Center in Eastland.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jim Andrews officiated. Interment was in Florida.
Mrs. Martin was born April 5, 1924 in Dothan, Alabama to Robert E. and Willie Mae (Davidson) Bell. She married George H. Martin on May 5, 1940 in Vernon, Florida. He preceded her in death on October 31, 1980. She had been a cook, as well as a patient care technician for nursing homes. She had lived in Eastland for the last 13 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Margaret Miller; brother, Kenneth Bell; and grandson, Curtis D. Williams.
Survivors include three children, Helen Williams and husband Howard of Bonifay, Florida, Lynn Wilkey and husband, Bill of Marietta, S.C., and Ann Koonce and husband Joe of Eastland; a brother, Thomas Bell of DeFuniak Springs, Florida; two sisters, Louise Smith of DeFuniak Springs, FL. and Carolyn Coatney of Ponce de Leon, FL.; six grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorias may be made to Girling Hospice, Bethel Baptist Church, or Valley View Healthcare Center.
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Lester Linney
Lester E. Linney, 94, of Rising Star, Texas died Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at his home surrounded by his family.
Lester was born on August 20, 1912 at Coke County, Texas to Richard Alanzo and Ellen Louiza (Millican) Linney. He married Jewel Kinsey on October 31, 1934 in Midland, Texas.
Lester is survived by two sons, L.J. Linney and Billy Don ÔBudÕ Linney both of Rising Star; five daughters, Barbara White of Rising Star, Caroline S. Chambers of Brownwood, Sandra Hutton of Rising Star, Debra Chambers of May, TX, Patricia Hutton of Rising Star; three sisters, Bertha Strawman of Sweetwater, Nora Mae Hale of Midland, and Mary Lou Allen of Washington State; 24 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jewel Linney, 3 sons, Ervin Dale, Lonnie Ray, Audrey Gale Linney; one daughter, Peggy Lynn Roan; two brothers, Turney and Roy Linney.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2005 at First Baptist Church with Terry Simmons officiating. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star.
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Janice Jones
Janice Carlene Graves Jones a graduate of Cisco High School passed away in Hillsboro on November 21, 2004, after a lengthy illness.
Memorial services were held Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.
She is the daughter of the late Carl and Hattie Mae Graves.
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Elgie Crisp
RISING STAR- Come and help us celebrate the life of Elgie McCoy (Pappy) Crisp, born November 16, 1913, who passed way, March 22, 2005.
Elgie was married to his wife Melba Maxine Crisp on May 11, 1932 in Sipe Springs, Texas. They enjoyed 69 wonderful years together before Maxine passed away on May 7, 2001.
Elgie was a man of many accomplishments. He owned and successfully operated one of the first and last full service gas stations in Rising Star for over 30 years. He also served on the City Council for a number of years. He was instrumental in the founding of the Rising Star Nursing Home and Housing Project. He was also a member of the Rising Star Baptist Church.
The loss of this fine, caring man will be felt not only by his family, but by all whom he came in contact with.
He will be dearly miss by his son, Joe F. Crisp and wife Linda of Abilene; daughter, Carolyn and husband Jim Wilson of Cross Plains; two sisters, Juanita Holtzclaw and Vera Beth Young; four sisters-in-law, Peggy and husband, Glen Winfrey, Eula Grisham, Juanita and husband, Leo Gann, and Lola Hageman; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. at the Rising Star Baptist Church on Friday, March 25, 2005. Arrangements were by Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star.
Pallbearers were Joe Wayne Crisp, Brent Wilson, Travis Wilson, Vance Wilson, Bob Winfrey and Mike Winfrey. Honorary pallbearer was Todd Crisp.
Elgie will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
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James Ratliff
RANGER- James Wilson Ratliff, 82, of Ranger died Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at Eastland.
Services were held Friday, March 25, 2005 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Rev. Jerry Speer and Rev. Paul Stephen, II officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
James was born on June 16, 1922 in Ranger to A.J. and Myrtie (Wilson) Ratliff. He graduated from Ranger High School in 1940 and attended John Tarleton Agricultural College in Stephenville from 1941-42 where he was known as ÒStumpyÓ Ratliff and was active in the Silver Keys Club and T.T.P. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WW II where he served 3 & 1/2 years in the South Pacific. After the war he returned to Ranger to operate the family business Ratliff Feed Store that was in operation from 1919 to 1984; and he later owned and operated Ratliff Real Estate.
James married Jean Jones in Fort Worth on November 22, 1946. He enjoyed many hobbies including raising Registered Angus Cattle for many years. He was active in his community serving on many boards. He devoted time and effort as a Ranger City Commissioner, member Ranger Chamber of Commerce, Ranger Jr. College Board of Regents, director First State Bank of Ranger, Eastland County Water Supply District, President of Texas Turkey Federation in 1962, Ranger Independent School District School Board Member when the Ranger Bulldogs won the state football championship, and a 50 year member of the Ranger Masonic Lodge #738.
James is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean Ratliff of Ranger; son, A.J. Ratliff of Ranger; daughter, Annabelle Allen of Abilene.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 155, Ranger, TX 76470.
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Howard 'Jack' Veal
RANGER - Howard W. "Jack 
" Veal, 72, of Ranger died Tuesday, March 22, 2005 in an Abilene hospital after a lengthy illness.
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2005 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Ronnie Guess officiating. Burial followed in the Alameda Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Jack was born on June 7, 1932 in Parker County, Texas to Ralph Wallace and Edith Gertrude (Burns) Veal. He was a graduate of Mineral Wells High School and attended Lee College and San Jacinto College, receiving a Bachelor of ScienceÕs Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Jack entered the United States Air Force in 1952 where he learned all about flight simulators, he was discharged in 1956. He married Launette Shook on June 26, 1956 in North Richland Hills, Texas. They lived in several dif