OBITUARIES
Reverse Order January 2007 - June 2007
Harold R. Pack
Harold R. Pack, 77, of Stephenville passed away Sunday, June 24, 2007, in Fort Worth.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church in Stephenville with Rev. Dean Reed officiating. Interment followed at the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Erath County. Stephenville Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Harold was born on July 28, 1929, in Erath County to the late H. Reed and Ruby Jane Barnes Pack. He married Marion Keith on May 24, 1949, in Stephenville. Harold has resided in Erath County all of his life. He served on the Board of Directors for R.E.A. Coop for 19 years, the Federal Land Bank for 20 years, the Farmers Home Administration and the Farmers Milling Coop. Harold was also a life-time member of the American Quarter Horse Association, a Charter Member of the North Texas Dairy Association, and a Charter Member of the Erath County Livestock Association. He served as an ASCS County Committee man, and was selected by the JC’s as the Outstanding Young Farmer of Erath County in 1962. Harold was a Dairy farmer for 49 years and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Stephenville.
He is survived by his wife, Marion Pack of Stephenville; four children, Jane and husband Bobby Tonne of Cisco, Mike and wife Lynda Pack of San Saba, Steve and Judy Pack of Stephenville, Gaye and husband Prakash Joseph of Brooklyn, New York; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren.
Harold was preceded in death by a granddaughter.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Stephenville or to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center 4601 Hartford St., Abilene, TX 79605.
June 24, 2007 Edition
Frances Carothers Lemley
Nora Frances (Carothers) Lemley, 98, passed away June 18, 2007 in Lubbock, Tx.
Services were held Friday, June 22, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. at the Church of Christ in Ranger, Tx. Visitation was Friday morning from 8:00-9:30 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial followed in Crossroads Cemetery. Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Tx.
Frances was born to J.C. and Nora Belle Carothers in Milan, Missouri on March 8, 1909. As a child, she lived in Northern Missouri, graduating from Pattonsburg High School. She moved with her parents to Ranger, Texas in 1926. She attended Ranger College and Hardin-Simmons University. In 1932 she married Plummer S. Lemley and they lived in Ranger and Grapeland, Texas, and spent another 25 years in northern New Mexico where he was employed as a plants manager for Southern Union Gas Company.
After retirement, they lived once again in Ranger where her husband preceded her in death in January of 1982. She moved to Lubbock, Texas in 1997 and lived there until her death.
She was a person of great faith and wisdom, a blessing to her friends and family, a life-long active member of the Church of Christ wherever she lived.
She is survived by her only son, Steven, of Westlake Village, California; three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to Lubbock Christian University.
The following obituaries ran in the June 21st 2007 Edition of our central area section.
Gloria ‘Granny’ Scott
EASTLAND- Gloria “Granny” Scott, 78, of Eastland, passed away Friday, June 15, 2007 in Eastland.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2007 at the Merriman Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Lively officiating, and assisted by Rev. Jim Lang. Services directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Scott was born October 31, 1928, in Eastland County to Archie and Annie (Casey) Stephenson. She attended school at Lone Cedar and Olden. She married Millard Hooper in 1945. They followed the oil patch living in the Abilene area. Upon her divorce she returned to Eastland. She married C.N. Scott in 1959. He preceded her in death in 1993.
She was also preceded in death by brothers, Charlie, Jack, Henry, Orville, Louie and Archie Stephenson and sisters, Letha Sellars and Sara Lee Ellis.
She was a homemaker and Avon representative for 25+ years and held many positions within her church including Sunday School teacher, bus captain, food ministry, prayer warrior and was responsible for leading many children to salvation.
Survivors include her children, Jerry Hooper and wife Joanna and Mary Ensor and husband Skinner all of Eastland, Larry Hooper and wife Nita of Clyde, Loyce Jones and husband Terry of Denver City, Loueva Kramer and husband Gene of Springtown and Colleen Young and Deedra Scott both of Abilene; 22 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, R.D. Threet.
Eufemia Nava Camacho
Eufemia Nava Camacho, age 88, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2007 in El Paso, Texas. Born in Cameron, Texas, March 20, 1919, to Josefa Estorga and Esteban Nava, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Jose Ruelas Camacho.
Survivors are four children, Pia MacFawn (Don), John Camacho (Esther), Delia Camacho, and Ramona Camacho. She is also survived by five grandchildren, John, Remi, Christina, Joseph, and Stephanie; five great-grandchildren, Mia, Paul, Sophia, Samantha, and Lauren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Four brothers preceded her in death: Juvenicio, Isabel, Santos and Guadalupe and three sisters, Sophia, Flora, and Inez.
She was a lifetime member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Ranger, Texas.
Visitation was held Sunday, June 17 from 2 to 9 p.m. at Crestview Funeral Home in El Paso, Texas. A rosary was held at 7 p.m. Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Monday, June 18, 2007 at 1 p.m. with burial at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.
Pallbearers were John Camacho, Joseph Camacho, Paul Garcia, Adrian Garcia, Lou Fernandez, and Pedro Nava.
Richard Lynn Hudgens
Richard (Rick) Lynn Hudgens, was born on October 12, 1955 and died Thursday, June 14, 2007. He was 51 years old.
Graveside services were held Monday, June 18, 2007 at 11 a.m. in Willow Cemetery in Haskell, directed by Holden-McCauley Funeral Home. A memorial service followed at 1009 North 6th Street in Haskell.
Rick was born in Seminole (Gaines County) Texas. He attended schools in Seminole and Fort Stockton, Texas as well as Tehran, Iran, Paint Creek and Cisco Jr. College. Rick was employed with Western Energy Service of Clyde, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his father, Henderson Richard Hudgens; and one brother Randy Hudgens.
Rick is survived by his wife, Lynn of Hobbs, NM; one daughter, Brandy Eddings and husband Steve of Dallas; two sons, Jason Arnette and wife Suzy of Baltimore, Maryland and Jason Armstrong of Hobbs, NM.; three grandchildren, Eric and Erin Eddings of Dallas and Jackelynn Armstrong of Hobbs, N.M.; parents, Verle and Sue Brown of Ranger; two sisters, Darla Davis of Ranger and Carla Crutchfield and husband Rodney of Abilene.
Jean Clark
Jean Clark, 70, died Thursday, June 14, 2007 at an Abilene hospital.
Funeral services were held Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Aspermont officiating by Rev. Robbie Harris, assisted by Bro. Truitt Cockrell. Burial followed in the Aspermont Cemetery under the care and direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Aspermont.
Jean was born in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. She was a longtime resident of Stonewall County. Jean worked many jobs in life with her husband Charles in their construction business from framing, carpentry to roofing or keeping the books and scheduling the jobs.
Jean was a Christian homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Clark of Aspermont; daughter, Cherri Hill and Kelly of Granbury; sons, Danny Clark and Angie of Aspermont and Larry Clark and Carla of Aspermont; mother, Callie Boyd of Tishomingo, OK.; brothers, Tommy Boyd of Tishomingo, OK, Charles Boyd of Eastland, TX and Maurice Boyd of Hilton, OK; sisters, Betty Carr of Oklahoma City, OK, Joyce Roberts of Poteau, OK, and Clarice Tucker of Tishomingo, OK.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family requests memorials be made to the West Texas Rehab Center 4600 Hartford St., Abilene, TX 79606 or to the American Heart Association.
The following obituaries ran in the June 17th 2007 Edition of our central area section.
Gordon Keith Sherman
Gordon Keith Sherman passed away May 25, 2007 at the age of 87, surrounded by family at his Shoreline home.
Known affectionately as “G.K.,” he was deeply loved by all who had the good fortune to know him. G.K. was born in Fargo, North Dakota in 1920. His family moved to Cisco, Texas In 1935. During high school he was All District guard in basketball and was also County Tennis Champion. His interest in tennis continued throughout his life. In 1938 he graduated as Valedictorian from Cisco High. G.K. took over the role of caregiver and father figure at an early age, helping to raise and support his three younger siblings during his teenage years. This selflessness and take-charge attitude would continue to define G.K. throughout his remarkable life. In April of 1942, he enlisted in the Navy and entered Navy Flight Training. G.K. received his wings and was commissioned as Ensign in December. As a fighter pilot he flew with VF 16 from the USS Lexington throughout the first half of the Central Pacific Campaign and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill and valor. He later joined VF 89 on the Antietam for a second tour in the Pacific. He was serving on the USS Antietam at the time of the Japanese surrender. Back in the U.S., while stationed as a flight instructor in Corpus Christi, Texas, G.K. was invited to join the Blue Angel aerobatic flight team -- an honor open only to the most accomplished single pilots. Choosing love over career, G.K. married his soul mate, Theodora Poelma, instead. This year G.K. and Teddy would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. By July of 1950, he was out of service, enrolled In the University of Texas. Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, G.K. joined VP 931 at NAS Whidbey and flew P2V type aircraft out of Kodiak on patrol duty. Following that he had several tours of duty in the Naval Air Reserve Training program serving at NAS Floyd Bennett, Brooklyn, N.Y., NAAS Lincoln, Nebraska, NAS Seattle (Sand Point) and the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Arlington Annex where he was promoted to Captain. He remained in the service until October of 1966 when he retired from the 13th Naval District. After his decorated 26-year military career, G.K. spent the next 29 years as a highly-skilled negotiator for Boeing airplane contracts. Among his many accomplishments, G.K. had the distinction of negotiating the company’s first billion dollar contract for the Boeing 767. At retirement in August of 1994, he was Director of Contracts Support at the Boeing Everett Plant. When G.K. wasn’t satisfying his insatiable curiosity of world history or recounting tales of the war, he was planning the next family ski trip or fishing expedition to destinations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Canada. This tradition continued well into his 80s. The ultimate grandpa, he firmly believed that nothing in life is more important than bringing along the next generation. His family, his friends, those he mentored, and those he counseled will miss him always.
G.K. was preceded in death by his beloved son, Stephen, his only daughter, Anne, and grandson, Taylor.
He is survived by his loving wife, Theodora Sherman; sons, Lawrence Sherman (Gail), Mark Sherman (Leigh), Christopher Sherman (Tonya); daughter-in-law, Johanna Sherman-LaRussa (Mike); brother, William T. Sherman (Evelyn); sisters, Mary Louise Stroud (Ned) and Nancy Lee Grant (Norman); cherished grandchildren, Sarah, Lauren, Brianna, Spencer, Corinna, Alan and Jaesha Sherman; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of his Life will be held at St. Luke Church, 322 N. 175th St., Shoreline on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 3:00 p.m., with a Reception to follow. Inurement at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Avenue North, Seattle 98109 or the St. Luke Youth Ministry, 322 North 175th Street, Shoreline, WA 98133.
Dessie Marie ‘Granny’ Johnson
Dessie Marie “Granny” Johnson, age 71 years 5 months and 7 days, of Comanche, Texas, died Saturday, June 9, 2007 at her residence in Comanche, Texas.
She was born on February 2, 1936 in Decker, Tennessee to Mack Sutton and Dessie (Brinkley) Sutton. For many years she was employed by Girling Home Health as a home health aide. She was an avid Bingo player. Mrs. Johnson was a Baptist.
Mrs. Johnson was united in marriage to Ronnie Johnson on January 20, 1972 in Fort Worth, Texas.
She is survived by husband, Ronnie Johnson of Kopperl; sons, Joey Lavender of Abilene, Nicky Lavender of Comanche, and Oscar Romo of Comanche; daughters and sons-in- law, Valerie and Mike Wilson of Hamilton, and Christy and Mark Lucky of Ranger; granddaughters, Melissa Freeman of Hamilton and C. J. Lavender of Weatherford; grandsons, Eric Freeman of Odessa, Chris Lavender of Breckenridge, Michael Ruiz of Lubbock, Brian Lavender of Comanche, Jeremy Lavender of Weatherford, David Webb of DeLeon, and Scotty Owens of Tennessee; thirteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Shutters of Comanche, Emma Isbel of Tennessee, Brenda Williamson of Comanche, and Cynthia Wimberley of Tennessee; and brother, Lany Sutton of Tennessee. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Wunima Rose and Rosa Lee Owens; and one grand- son, Casey Lavender.
Funeral Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at graveside with Rev. Kenneth Steele officiating. Burial was in the Sardis Cemetery in Comanche County, Texas with Comanche Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Bobby T. Bacon
Bobby T. Bacon, 87, of Izoro, passed away June 10, 2007 in a local hospital.
Graveside Services with full military honors were held Friday, June 15, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.
Bobby was born September 11, 1919 in Cisco, Texas to Ted and Ola (McCanlies) Bacon. He proudly served his country for 20 years in the Marines entering the service January 8, 1940 and retiring January 15, 1960. He was a 3rd battalion, 4th marine regiment on Bataan, during World War II. Bob was a former Japanese prisoner of war, being captured May 6, 1942 in Corregidor and released in Honshu, Japan September 11, 1945. He also served in Korea. After his retirement, he and went on to become a football coach for the San Angelo School District, Coaching at Edison and Lee Junior Highs and was proud of having a record of 5 undefeated seasons, 112 games won, 32 games lost and 4 games tied. After retiring from the school district, Bob ranched for the next 27 years of his life. He was also a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite Order. Bob was a member of the First Christian Church.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; a brother and a sister.
Survivors include wife of 60 years, Farene, of Izoro; daughter, Jamie Sterling, of Kempner; grandson, Spencer Franklin Sterling, of Santa Fe, New Mexico; granddaughter, Jessica Sterling, of Kempner; brother, Joe Ed Bacon, of Breckinridge and sister, Billie Beth Griffith, of Rockport.
Visitation was held Friday, June 15, 2007 from 10:00-12:00 at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen.
The following obituaries ran in the June 14th 2007 Edition of our central area section.
Alma Loucille ‘Lou’ Smartt Lawler
Alma Loucille ‘Lou’ Smartt Lawler, 82, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2007, in her home surrounded by family and friends.
Born February 19, 1925 in Cisco, Texas, to the late Nolia Ward Smartt and Lydia Alma Rodgers Smartt, she was preceded in death by husband John D. Lawler, brothers Tom Smartt, Doug Smartt, Bill Smartt, Ralph Smartt and Ken Smartt.
She is survived by her loving sister Ruth Lewis of Canton, Texas; daughter, Patsy L. Frey of Missouri City, Texas; son Hal H. Lawler and wife Jan of La Porte, TX; grandchildren, Kathryn E. and John A. Lawler of La Porte, TX; stepgrandchildren Todd Solomon and Jeremy Frey. She also leaves behind Sonny Hilden of Texas City whom she raised as a son. Other survivors include sister-in-law, Midge Smartt, Madge Smartt, Vesta Smartt; and numerous much loved nieces and nephews.
She graduated from Cisco High School in 1942 when World War II was going strong. Her family moved to San Francisco where she began her lifetime legacy of civic involvement by selling war bonds and working in ammunitions factory. She met Air Force officer John D. Lawler at a USO dance and married on November 11, 1946. They traveled with the military until settling down to raise a family in La Porte, Texas in 1947. The hard-working couple started businesses which continue to this day. As a distinguished lady, she was an individual who cared for others. “Mama Lou” will be remembered not only for her unconditional love but also her encouraging letters and notes that impacted lives throughout the years. Besides being a caring and trusting friend, others knew her as a tireless civic leader with a keen sense of humor and quick wit. She worked with the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Red Cross, Air National Guard, Rehabilitation Foundation for East Harris County, Salvation Army, and numerous other groups. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, charter of Beta Sigma Phi Master Chapter, Texas Life Member in PTO, and served as an election judge for more than 25 years. The landscape of the La Porte community has been enhanced by her leadership. While serving as the City of La Porte’s Centennial Committee Chairperson, a bronze sculpture was erected near the landmark Sylvan Beach Train Depot Museum, a site she had worked with other citizens to restore. A multi-faceted, energetic lady of “firsts”, Lou was one of the first women to ride the Salt Grass Trail Ride with her beautiful white horse, Buttermilk. As a prominent business woman, Lou served as the first female director of La Porte State Bank. She was the first woman to be elected chairman of the board of the La Porte/Bayshore Chamber of Commerce. During this time, she became aware of the needs of seafarers who entered the Port of Houston at the Barbour’s Cut Terminal. In the early 1980’s she began working with Houston International Seafarers Center Board. As a visionary and momentum builder, she led the fundraising campaign to construct a million dollar facility that now serves as a home away from home for the thousands of seafarers who sail around the world. Trained as one of the first non-clerical ecumenical port chaplains, Lou was invited to Rome in 1992 to participate in the “Apostleship of the Sea” world conference, receiving special recognition from the Vatican and a medal from Pope John Paul II for her ministry to seafarers. In Toronto, Canada, in 1995, the North American Maritime Ministry Association elected Lou to the board of directors. In 1996, she was honored when the Barbour’s Cut Seafarers Center in Morgan’s Point, Texas was named the Lou Lawler Seafarers Center in recognition of her ministry. In 1990, she was nominated for an outstanding volunteer service award by Texas Governor Bill Clements. In 1982, U.S. Congressman Mike Andrews appointed her to his Environmental Task Force. U.S. Congressman Ken Bentsen entered her name in the Congressional Record in Washington D.C. for outstanding civic contributions as a result of her energy and dedication. Her distinctions continued throughout her lifetime, including being recently named Volunteer of the Year for the Neighborhood Center of La Porte, recipient of the Steel Magnolia award for the South East Harris County, and recipient of the Gus Groos Humanitarian Award from the La Porte/Bayshore communities. In response to her passing, Senator Mike Jackson and Representative Wayne Smith of the Texas House and Senate are both preparing proclamations honoring Lou’s lifetime civic achievements to be entered into the record of the 2007 Texas Legislative session.
A memorial service was held at the First United Methodist Church in La Porte, Texas on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 1 p.m. A reception was held immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lou Lawler Seafarers Center, P.O. Box 1434, La Porte, Texas 77572-1434, attention Patricia Poulus.
Frances Fay Cornelius
Frances Fay Cornelius,75, of Cisco passed away at Canterbury Villa Sunday June 10, 2007.
Funeral services were at 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at I-20 Church of Christ officiated by Lee Lewis. Burial followed in Oakwood Cemetery, under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Frances was born on September 1, 1931, in Cisco, Texas, to John Thomas and Lillie Odessa (Moss) Smith. For many years she was employed as a garment inspector by Russell Newman. She was a member of the I-20 Church of Christ in Cisco.
Survivors include the following: one daughter, Robbie Jean Mayhall and husband, Buddy, of Katy; two sons, John Earl Robinson and wife, Sharon, of Summerville, and William David Robinson and wife, Donna, of Abilene; two sisters, Charlotte Welborn of The Colony and June Dorrell and husband, Earl, of Vidor,; one brother, Johnny Smith and wife, Shirley, of Eastland. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Herman Hernandez, Josh Robinson, Michael Davis, Phillip West, James Smith and Chris Robinson. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Bill Kendall and Chuck Chick.
Memorials may be made to the Cisco Church of Christ Camp, P.O. Box 629, Cisco, Texas 76437.
Eula B. Kitchens
EASTLAND -- Eula B. Kitchens, 87, of California and formerly of Eastland, passed away Thursday, June 07, 2007 in California.
Services were held at 10 A.M. Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger.
Mrs. Kitchens was born on March 14, 1920 in Graham, TX to Edgar W. & Nancy A. Smith. She married Leo J. Kitchens on January 13, 1940 in Ranger. They returned to Eastland, from Abernathy, in 1982. She was a homemaker, a member of the Lake Leon Boat Club and the Merriman Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo, on May 16, 2000.
Survivors include a daughter, Linda Waldheim of Glendale, CA; 2 sons, Jerry D. Kitchens of Eastland and Terry L. Kitchens of Albuquerque; 6 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Walter Charles Clark
Walter Charles Clark was born April 1, 1922, to Izetta and John Clark at their home in Sangerton, Texas. As a preemie, he was nursed by the neighbors who took turns keeping him in the oven until he thrived. He graduated from Sagerton High School in 1940.
He married Dorothy Lee Benton on July 21, 1943, while home on furlough from basic training for the US Army. After the wedding, Charles and Dorothy had to report back to their base in Rockingham, NC to continue training due to WW II. There they lived adjacent to long time Sagerton friends, Delbert and Joyce LeFevre, for a time until each soldier received their individual orders. During the war years, Charles attended Slippery Rock University before going on to serve with the 11th Airborne in Germany. After the war he remained for a time to help with the occupation army.
Following WW II, Charles was a rural mail carrier in the Sagerton, Old Glory and Rule Communities for over 30 years, and in addition ran a small farm and ranch operation in Haskell Co. The people on his Sagerton route always said they could set their clock by Charles.
They raised their two sons, Charles Robert and Stephen Davis in the Sagerton and Rule communities.
Charles was active in the Sagerton Community production of Hee-Haw for many years and in the Oldtimers Association of the Stamford Cowboy Reunion. He served as its president in 1986. He was also honored in 1993 for his volunteer work at Rice Springs Care Home in Haskell, TX., due to the many hours he spent making music for the residents. This was a hobby that was utilized throughout several counties. He was a lifelong avid hunter, fisherman and enjoyed piloting his own plane for many years. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Izetta Clark; his siblings, Ruthell Clark Cobb, Whit Clark, Reese Clark and Joe Clark.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy Lee Benton Clark of Rising Star; his two sons, Charles Robert Clark of Mission, TX, and Stephen D. Clark of Comanche, TX.; his four grandchildren, Evangelyn, Kyle, Judson, and Shawn Clark; and five great-granddaughters.
The family wishes remembrances be made to the Sagerton Community Center c/o Joyce LeFevre, 1730 FM Rd. 1661, Sagerton, Texas 79548.
Funeral services were held at Sagerton Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Burial was in the Willow Cemetery, Haskell under the direction of Holden McCauley Funeral Home of Haskell.
Altha Faye Bowen
Altha Faye Bowen, age 90, of Brownwood, Texas, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2007.
Funeral services were to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at Davis-Morris Memorial Chapel with the Reverend Bill Allen officiating; interment was to be at the Clyde Cemetery in Clyde, Texas.
Visitation was held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 11, 2007 at the Davis - Morris Funeral Home.
Altha was born on November 4, 1916 in Hamlin, Texas to Joe W. and Vida Kates (McCoy) King. She was a member of the Coggin Ave. Baptist Church. She was an L.V.N. She married James Norris Bowen in 1965 at Gatesville.
Her church was very important to her, a life long Baptist. She was also very fond of being a nurse.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James N. Bowen ; parents, Joe and Vida King; brothers, Elvin King and Franklin King; and a sister, Elwanda Bruce.
Survivors include: sons, Wes Heald and wife Dorothy of Brownwood and Dave Heald of Itasca; grandchildren, Debra Johnson, Darrell Heald, Cindy Reid, Brittany Heald; Great grandchildren, Bart Johnson, Blake Johnson, Macey Heald, Madison Heald, Carter Reid; brothers, Bennie and Bobbie King.
Donations in her honor should be made to the Building Fund of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, 1815 Coggin Ave., Brownwood, 76801.
The following obituaries ran in the June 10th 2007 Edition of our central area section.
Norman Andrew Pierson
Norman Andrew Pierson, 86, passed away June 4, 2007.
He was born in Kempner, Texas. October 27, 1920, one of 7 children. Graduated in 1939 from Theny High School, Comyn, Texas, served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. While working in Pasco, Washington, he met Carol Ziegler, who was also in the Navy, and they were married in 1947. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1951 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Employed in 1952 by GATX, General American Corporation as an engineer, he traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan, Mexico, South America and Europe and was transferred to South Carolina, Illinois, California, and Utah. In 1963 he moved to Oklahoma where he worked for Sapulpa Tank Company and in 1969 co-founded WEBCO Tank, serving as its Vice President and President. He was a member of the First Methodist Church and the Elks Lodge. After retiring in 1976 they moved to Rising Star, Texas to raise cattle and to farm. They returned to Sapulpa in 1988 where he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends on his houseboat at Lake Keystone. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hiram and Dora (Wootten) Pierson; sisters, Louise Barlow, Genevieve Tomm, Rosemary Pierson; brothers, Harold and Roger Pierson.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol; sister, Maybelle Murphree; daughters, Linda Pierson, Barbara Smith, Mary Carter; his son-in-laws, Jim Stuart and Tim Carter; 3 grandchildren, Devin Carter, Ashley Droz, Casey Smith, and 3 great grandchildren.,
Services were held Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 3 p.m. at Green Hills Chapel in Sapulpa.
R.E. Wilcoxon
R.E. Wilcoxon, 96, of Lingleville, died Sunday, June 3, 2007, in Stephenville.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2007, at the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Stephenville with Rev. Steve Holston officiating.
R.E. was born on June 18, 1910, in Lingleville, Texas to the late George and Nellie Grimes Wilcoxon. He married Lilly Maxine Whitehead on November 27, 1931, in Lingleville. She preceded him in death on November 8, 2006. R.E. was a member of the Oakdale Methodist Church, the Lingleville Masonic Lodge #752, and the Valley of Ft. Worth Scottish Rite. He was a dairyman and farmer and resided in Erath County all of his life.
He was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.
R.E. is survived by his daughter Linda Wilcoxon of Lingleville; sons, Wilson Wilcoxon of Stephenville and Gayland Wilcoxon of Eastland; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralhmtx.com.
Eula B. Kitchens
EASTLAND- Eula B. Kitchens, 87, of California and formerly of Eastland, passed away Thursday, June 7, 2007 in California.
Services are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland.
Barbara L. Hood
CISCO- Barbara L. Hood, 68, died Thursday, June 7, 2007.
Visitation was held Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 N. 2nd St.
Family requests memorials be made to Hospice of the Big Country in lieu of flowers.
Linda Q. Linebaugh
Linda Q. Linebaugh, 57, died Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, following a courageous battle with lung disease.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2007 at the McCoy Chapel of Memories. Rev. Ward Hayes officiating. Burial was in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.
Linda was born on October 10, 1949, in Sweetwater, Texas. She was a Baptist and has lived in Sweetwater most of her life. She worked as an Inspector for Walls Industries.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Edna Parrish on November 29, 2005; and by her brother, Harold Parrish on March 17, 2006.
She is survived by her father, Alvin Parrish of Sweetwater; brother, Allen Parrish and wife, Pat of Big Spring; sister, Melissa Lewis and husband, Brian of Ranger; two sons, Richard Linebaugh and wife, Lisa of Sweetwater and Ronny Linebaugh and wife, Portia of Sweetwater; two daughters, Tyna Knowlton and husband, Gaylon of Big Spring and Shelley Linebaugh of Tye; seven grandchildren, Porscha and Paige Knowlton, Blake and Daniel Linebaugh, Whitney and Drake Gomez and Ryan Linebaugh.
Pallbearers were Drake Gomez, Blake Linebaugh, Ryan Linebaugh, Daniel Linebaugh, Colby Nix and Joe Daniel.
Donald Morse
Donald Morse, 73, of Gorman, passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 5, 2007.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 8, 2007 at the Gorman Cemetery with Denver Rainey officiating. Services under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Mr. Morse was born June 18, 1933 in Colusa, California to Earl Morse and Blanche Clarice Deck Morse. He married Nancy Lee Edwards on July 4, 1964 in Reno, Nevada. She preceded him in death in 1985. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a rancher and a member of the Baptist church.
Survivors include a daughter, Blanche Clarice Morse of Eastland and a son, Donald Morse, Jr. of Gorman; and one brother, Kenneth Morse of Scio, Oregon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and three sisters.
Beulah Midkiff
EASTLAND- Beulah Midkiff, 90, of Blue Eye, Mo. died Saturday, June 2, 2007.
Graveside services were held Friday at 2 p.m. in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Volley Joe Williams
CROSS PLAINS- Volley Joe Williams, 62, died Thursday, May 31, 2007.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 2007 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Cross Plains. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery.
The following obituaries ran in the June 7th 2007 Edition of our central area section.
Novilla Templeton
RANGER- Novilla Templeton 71 of Ranger passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2007.
Services were held at 2 PM Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at the New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Caraway and Rev. Ronnie Guess officiating. Burial was in Macedonia Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas
The family received friends at the funeral home Monday June 4th from 6 to 8 PM.
Mrs. Templeton was born on July 4, 1935 in Albany, Texas to Henry Clarence and Virgie Mae (Price) Edwards. She attended school in Leuders Texas and in Abilene, and graduated in 1953 from Ranger High School. She married C. W. “Bill” Templeton on April 17, 1955 in Eastland, Texas. They moved to Abilene in 1956 and had the first of two children, Carla in 1957 and Karen in 1959. In 1965 they moved back to Ranger where they bought 75 acres. Novilla worked for A. T. Baron and B D Trucking for seven years, a year for HTH, three time for Victor Cornelius, a year at Bruner Chevrolet, 2 years for Steve Benefiel’s Wrecker Service, and ten years for Charlie Mac Richards. In her early years she loved to rodeo and barrel-race. In her later years she enjoyed cross stitching for all of her family. Novilla was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother Gerald Edwards who died in 1976.
Mrs. Templeton is survived by her husband C. W. “Bill” Templeton of Ranger, daughters Carla Gomez and husband Joe of Granbury, and Karen Jernigan and husband Bill of Ranger, two grandchildren Stacy Regon-Vann and Bryan Henson and a great-grandson Dalton Vann.
Audra Lee Fox
CLYDE -- Audra Lee Fox, 67, of Eastland and formerly of Clyde, died Saturday at an Eastland care center.
Memorial services were held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at the Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with Jim Hall officiating.
Audra was born April 2, 1940, in Anson to Inzer Ray and Cora Mozelle (Edwards) Stinnett. She graduated from Brewer High School in White Settlement. She moved to Eastland from Baird in May of 2007.
Audra was a home health caregiver having worked for Concepts of Care and Girling Home Health. She grew up in the Church of Christ.
Audra is survived by: one daughter, Vanessa Copeland of Eastland; one sister, Janice Goforth of Abilene; one sister-in-law, Joan Stinnett of Baird; six grandchildren, Brandy Ann Davis and husband Kris, Randy Keith Copeland, Robin Lynn Bowles and husband Justin, Bobby Lee Copeland, Cora Lee Copeland and husband Wesley Bullard, and Candis Kay Copeland; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, James Stinnett in March of 2007.
Laddie Ray Pierce
Laddie Ray Pierce went to be with God on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at the age of 72.
He was born March 1, 1935 in Lubbock, Texas.
He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Toy Britt Pierce; daughter, Karen Pierce Benefield; son-in-law, Donald Benefield; grandchildren, James Benefield and Jennifer Benefield Sear; and great grandchildren, Alexis and Ashlynn. He will also be sadly missed by numerous step-children, step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.
Laddie and Toy have been members of the Northside Baptist Church of Conroe for the past several years. He was employed by Houston Lighting and Power for 13 years and owned Pierce Ford Motor Company in Cisco, Texas for 18 years. Since his retirement, he was able to build his dream Log Cabin and spent the last couple of years traveling the country with his wife. Laddie is preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Lucille Pierce of Lubbock, Texas, and his sister, Margaret Ann Moore of Stanton, Texas. Laddie will be remembered as a kind soul to all and for his gracious smile. Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 3 p.m. at Northside Baptist Church.
Bonnie Bell Snyder
CISCO - Bonnie Bell Snyder, age 82, passed away on June 1, 2007 in Abilene.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:00 AM. Services were conducted at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco. Services officiated by Pastor Scott Rasco and held under the direction of the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
Bonnie Bell Stuard was born on February 21, 1925 in Cisco to Jesse Stuard and Ila Mae (Swindle) Stuard. She attended Cisco schools. She married Ed Snyder in El Paso on October 3, 1942.
Bonnie enjoyed a career working as a cook until she retired in 1987. She enjoyed painting and crocheting. Bonnie was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Cisco. She was a cherished resident of Eastland Healthcare for the past three years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ed, her sons Eddie and David, and her sister Jessie Richards.
Bonnie is survived by her loving daughter Tammie Leker and husband Tom of Cisco; her grandsons Tim Snyder and wife Michelle, and Kenneth Snyder and wife Sylvia, all of Ft. Worth; her niece Gail Beaton and husband Donald of Kokomo, Indiana, and many great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.
Alberta Parsons Sims
Alberta Parsons Sims, 100, passed away May 18, 2007, in Houston, Texas.
Alberta was born June 16, 1906, in Woodward, Oklahoma Territory. Her parents were William Jay and Ruby Owens Parsons, long-time Cisco residents, now deceased.
She graduated from high school in 1925 and Randolph College in Cisco in 1927. She was married to Wilbur B. “Bill” Sims who preceded her in death in 1969 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In her early life, she was active in sports, teaching, club work, and the First Baptist Church of Cisco. In her later years she traveled extensively with her husband, who was a construction engineer. She was always actively involved in piano and choir work in many churches.
Mrs. Sims was a multi-talented artist who painted in oils and water colors. She was also an expert in knitting, crochet, sewing and tatting.
After her husband’s death, she moved back to Cisco for several years before moving to Houston.
She will be greatly missed by her surviving family: her loving daughter, Sonya Sims Bear and husband Robert T. Bear of Houston; a granddaughter, Stacy Ann Becker and husband Keith of Bulverade, Texas; grandson, Steven Bear and great-grandson Keith Bear of Floresville, Texas.
Private services and interment were in Cisco. Arrangements by Summers-Chambers Funeral Home of Cisco.
Walter Lee Spradling
EASTLAND- Walter Lee Spradling, age 84, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died peacefully on Thursday morning, May 31, 2007.
Funeral services were held at 4 PM on Saturday, June 2, 2007 in the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Interment with full military honors followed at Eastland Cemetery. Services were officiated by Pastor Jody Forbus of Carbon Community Baptist Church.
Born April 9, 1923 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Walter was the son of Lee and Lou Ella Spradling. He grew up in Fort Smith before moving to Cisco in 1940. Walter married Noma Lea Simmons in 1946, and they were married for 60 years until Noma Lea passed away in February of this year. Walter and Lea are now reunited in God’s grace and Christ’s presence. Walter served in the United States Army in World War II; and worked as a mechanic in Eastland until his retirement in 1983.
Walter was preceded in death by his wife Noma Lea, his mother Lou Ella, father Lee, step-father Frank Hoag, and his sister Esther McKeen.
He is survived by his sister Marge Rector and husband H.B. of Lubbock, TX, daughter Sharon Davis and her husband Jim of Eastland, TX, sons Gary Spradling and his wife Mary of Waco, TX and Scott Spradling and his wife Jeri of Fort Worth, TX, six grandchildren; Amy Maugh, Jason Davis, Lauren Steen, Emily Spradling, Christopher Spradling and Matthew Spradling, and five great-grandchildren; Ashleigh Maugh, Jason Beau Maugh, John Michael Najera, Caroline Steen, and Charley Steen.
Memorial donations may be made to Girling Hospice, 405 E. Commerce, Eastland, Texas, 76448.
Margareet Parks Middleton
Margareet Parks Middleton, 87, died Friday, June 1, 2007 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2007 at the Northside Baptist Church with Revs. Jerry Pittman and Chris McCalman officiating. Burial was in the Mount Hope Cemetery, directed by Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home.
She was born November 28, 1919 in Anson the daughter of the late Luther and Beula Linda (Harris) Parks. She was reared in Anson and married A. C. Middleton June 25, 1938, in Melvin. He preceded her in death November 16, 1989. Margreet worked as a dietician for the Anson Independent School District and Valley View Care Center. She was a member of the Northside Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by three brothers and one son, L.C. Middleton.
Survivors include one daughter, Evelyn Woodard and husband, Larry of May, TX; two sons, Larry Middleton of Breckenridge and Mike Middleton and wife, Linda of Hamlin; three sisters, Pauline Black and Virginia Todd of Anson and Sleta Parks of Abilene; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Perry W. Scott, Sr.
Perry W. Scott, Sr., 84, of Clyde, died Tuesday, at a local hospital. Funeral Services were to be at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 1, at Woodlawn Church of Christ. Burial was to follow in the Fort Phantom Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday in the Chapel at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd.
October 12, 199, Perry was born in Nugent, TX to B.B. Scott, Sr. and Fannie Sue (Perry) Scott. After graduating from high school, Perry joined the United States Air Force during World War II. In 1946, Perry married Dorothy “Dot” Jaqueline Eaton in Abilene. While serving his country during war time, Perry was the Crew Chief on a B-25 aircraft called the “Dirty Dora.” During that time, he flew numerous bombing missions over New Guinea. Perry served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years, retiring as Senior Master Sergeant at Dyess Air Force Base in 1966. After retiring from the service, Perry was emploed by the City of Abilene in the Water Utilities Division where he worked until retiring in 1982. Moving from Abilene, the couple has lived in Clyde for the past 25 years. Perry was a member of Woodlawn Church of Christ.
Preceding Perry in death, were his parents, B.B. and Fannie Scott, one son, Matt Scott on February 16, 2007, one sister, Frances Shelton, and one brother, Junior Scott.
Perry is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Scott of Clyde; one son, Perry Scott, Jr. and his wife Leanne of Abilene; one daughter-in-law, Trisha Scott of Buffalo Gap; two granddaughters, Kathryn Scott Gilreath of Abilene, Caroline Scott also of Abilene, and numerous nieces.
Lidell Crow, Don Scott, Scott Gilreath, Steve Kile, and Derek Burbank will serve as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made in behalf of Perry Scott’s wife, Dorothy “Dot” Scott, to the Alzheimer’s Association, 241 Pine St., Ste. 1-C Abilene, Texas 79601.
Online condolences may be sent to: www. HamilFamilyFuneral Home. com.
Leora K. Purcell
Leora K. Purcell, 39, went to be with her Lord and Savior following a car accident in Eula on June 1, 2007.
Services were to be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2007 in Tuscola United Methodist Church with Reverends Michael Berry and Toby Henson officiating. Burial was in Tuscula Cemetery, directed by Fry-Bartlett Funeral Home in Tuscola. Visitation was from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 4, 2007 at the funeral home.
Leora K. Purcell was born October 15, 1967, in Abilene to Orbin Leo and Janice Standard Purcell. She graduated from Jim Ned High School in 1986. She was a homecoming queen candidate and a cheerleader for one year. She lived in Dallas for three years after graduation, returned to Abilene in 1989, and moved to Clyde in 2003. She was a graduate of LVN School at Cisco Junior ollege. She was a member of Southwest Park Baptist in Abilene.
Preceding her in death were her grandparents, Max and Louise Standard and Orbin and Ruby Purcell.
Survivors include her father, Leo Purcell of Brownwood; her mother, Jan Purcell of Tuscola; one son, Dakota Morris and three daughters, Kristin K. Reilly, Brittni K. Reilly and Paisley K. Short, all of Clyde; one sister, Paula K. Waddle of Clyde; one brother, Charlie Purcell of Tuscola; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The following obituaries ran in the June 3rd 2007 Edition of our central area section.
Willie ‘Billie’ Frances Beggs
EASTLAND - Willie “Billie” Frances Beggs, 81, of Eastland, passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2007.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Eastland with Rex Boggs officiating. Burial will be in the Murray Cemetery in Carbon, Texas. The family visitation was held at the Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland on Friday from 6 until 8 P.M.
Mrs. Beggs was born January 25, 1926 in St. Augustine, Texas to Johnny R. and May F. (Arnold) Phelps. She married Samuel L. Beggs on August 7, 1943 in Eastland. She was a homemaker, a member of the Gunsight Baptist Church, and the Extension Education Club. She enjoyed quilting, latch hook, fishing, cooking and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by 7 sisters and 2 brothers.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Sam Beggs of Eastland; children, Sam & Marilyn Beggs, Jr. of Austin, Lonny Beggs and Laney, Randy & Cathy Beggs, Linda Beggs and Sharon Beggs, all of Eastland; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 2 brothers.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and Girling Hospice of Eastland.
Rogelio Rodriquez ‘Roger’ Chapa
Rogelio Rodriquez ‘Roger’ Chapa, 40, of Brownwood died Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 31, 2007 at the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. B.S. Garcia of Brady officiating. Burial followed in the Greenleaf Cemetery. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Heartland Funeral Home, Early, Texas.
He was born March 18, 1967 in Fredricksburg the son of Arnoldo and Yolanda Rodriquez Chapa. He was a concrete finisher and had worked in construction. He was a Methodist. He married Brenda Miller in 1983 and was blessed with a son, Joshua Lee. He had lived most of his life in Brownwood.
He had a deep love of the outdoors and loved to fish and attend family gatherings. He loved people and spending time with friends and family.
He is survived by his father, Arnoldo Chapa of Ranger, Texas; his mother, Yolanda Rodriquez Chapa of Brownwood; his step-father, Rafael Navarro of Brownwood; his son, Joshua Lee Chapa; two brothers, Daniel Rodriquez Chapa of Abilene and Antonio Rodriquez Chapa of Odessa; two sisters, Gracie Rodriquez Chapa and Julia Rodriquez of Brownwood; a beloved sister-in-law, Beatrice Sandoval of Odessa.
He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Daniel A. Rodriquez.
Friends are invited to sign the guest book at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.
Janie Dale Beck Marvin
EASTLAND - Janie Dale Beck Marvin, 60, was welcomed into her heavenly home by a host of family and friends after a short stay at Hendrick Hospital at Abilene, Texas. She left this world on May 29, 2007. She will be missed by all who remain on earth. She was known for her concern and care for others.
Janie was born January 12, 1947 in Eastland, Texas to Clifton and Jo Jane (Nix) Beck. She married Bill Marvin May 27, 1967. Janie was a Buckaroo and graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1965. She was a member of the Daughtery Street Church of Christ in Eastland and worked as a 911 dispatcher for Eastland County.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Marvin; her mother, Jo Jane Beck; and her brother, Wesley Beck.
Survivors include her father, Cliff Beck, of Eastland; her daughter, Tracey Marvin of Midlothian; her son, Tom Marvin of Eastland; sister, Lendy and her husband Bud Henry, of Mineral Wells; sister, Nixie and her husband Lynn Roach of Midlothian; nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and countless loved friends.
Family visitation was held at the Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas on Thursday evening, May 31st, from 6 to 8 pm. Services will be held at the Daugherty Street Church of Christ in Eastland at 309 S. Daugherty on Friday, June 1st at 1 pm.
Janie has touched countless lives with her loving nature and generosity. In death, as in life, Janie continues to give of herself through donation. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hendrick Hospice Care of Abilene, Tx.
Rufus Nathaniel Jordan
Rufus Nathaniel Jordan, 83, passed from this life on May 9, 2007, in El Paso, Texas. Services were held in St. Paul’s United Methodist Church by Rev. Eddie Rivera in El Paso, followed by burial in the Memory Gardens of the Valley across the border into New Mexico.
Rufus was born on May 12, 1923, near Carbon, Texas, to James Nathaniel Jordan and Tennie Weaver Jordan, born in the house where most of his six siblings were also born. He graduated from Carbon High School and attended Texas Christian University.
Rufus served as a Seaman First Class in the US Navy toward the end of World War II and afterward and served in the Philippine Islands and California. He took pride in selling Beltone Hearing Aids for 20 years in a wide West Texas area and consulted with his replacement for another 20 years or more. He was an avid tennis player from age 11, playing in college and the Navy and reaching national level championship in the senior division. He even built a professional tennis court in his back yard and willingly shared it with many friends and acquaintances. He loved to restore old and antique cars, owning over 190 during the course of his life. Antique clocks and watches were among his passions. He loved his immediate family and expanded family of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Two nephews, two nieces, and old friends still live in the Eastland area.
Mr. Jordan was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, Anne (Hunter), and all six of his siblings. Mr. Jordan is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Jean Chase Lindsey Jordan, of El Paso; two sons: Dana Jordan of Alpine and Marc Jordan and wife Dawn of Austin; step-sons Kent Lindsey and wife Joy of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jeffery Lindsey and wife Francis of El Paso; three grandchildren: Ben, Amber, and Ashley; seven great grandchildren; eighteen nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
The family suggested memorials be made to his church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in El Paso.
Billy B. Wood
Billy B. Wood, 87, died Saturday, May 26, 2007 in Abilene.
His graveside service with the Reverend Mike Greenfield officiating was held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 31, 2007 at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation was from 5 to 7 PM on Wednesday at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 HWY 277 South.
Mr. Wood was born on October 18, 1919 in Eastland where he grew up and graduated from Eastland High School in 1937. He later attended Hardin-Simmons University and was a noted softball player, pitching in two World Championships during 1940 & 1941. He married Helen Rosenquest in Eastland on February 8, 1943. He was a Captain in the Army Signal Corp. during WWII and received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. After returning to Abilene, Mr. Wood worked as a Power Dispatcher for WTU until his retirement in 1981. Mr. Wood was a lifetime member of the Optimist Club and was named “Outstanding Optimist” several times. He was a past President of the Cooper Booster Club and coached Little League for many years. He always enjoyed watching high school and college athletic events particularly when his kids and grandkids played. Mr. Wood loved having morning coffee and visiting with his lifelong buddies at Athletic Supply and golfing with his buddies at Lone Cedar Golf Course in Eastland.
Mr. Wood was one of only four survivors who witnessed the removal of “Old Rip” (the horny toad) from the cornerstone of the Eastland County Courthouse. Old Rip was originally placed in the cornerstone by his grandfather, E.E. Wood. Mr. Wood cared for “Old Rip” until his death and participated in the Old Rip Festival later in life.
Survivors include his wife, Helen of Abilene; two daughters, Jeanne Jowers and husband Charles of Abilene, and Jazen Wood of Austin; one son, Danny Wood and wife Cindy of Arlington; seven grandchildren, Callie Jowers, Erin Jowers, Clay Jowers and wife Hannah, Ryan Wood and wife Monica, Robin Wood , Sierra Bair and Will Bair; four great grandchildren, Dylan, Tristan, Eden and Aliyah; one sister, Jan Johnson and husband Jerrold of Roswell, New Mexico; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
His sister, Edith Grissom preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sears Methodist Center, 3202 S. Willis, Abilene, Texas 79605 or the donor’s favorite charity.
Stella Avery
CISCO- Stella Mae Avery passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2006. Beloved Mother and friend is now at rest. Mrs. Avery had been ill for several years, and had been living in Houston for the last four months.
Services were held at Kimbrough Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2007. Interment was at Oakwood Cemetery.
Visitation was held Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
She was born March 24, 1916 in Cottonwood, Texas to Calvin and Nancy Wilcoxen.
Stella Mae has two brothers, Lawrence Wilcoxen of Irving and Adrian Wilcoxen of Brownwood.
She is survived by her five children, Delores Way, Wanda Sneed, Doris Sneed and Jerry Avery of Cisco, and Yvonne Avery of Sugarland; six grandchildren, John M. of Cisco, Mary Sneed of Dallas, William Sneed of Doole, Jerry McGough of Cisco, Melody Collier of San Antonio, and Don Edward of Del Rio and 11 great-grandchildren.
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William Beggs
William David Beggs, 83, formally of Austin, Texas passed away on Friday, December 29, 2006 at Greenview Manor Nursing Home in Waco, Texas surrounded by his loving family.Ê
William was born on February 28, 1923 in Carbon, Texas to Samuel David and Opal Beggs.ÊHe attended Eastland schools and shortly afterwards, he joined the U.S. Army.ÊHe served in Japan during World War II.ÊUpon his return from the service, he drove a gas truck.ÊHe owned and operated, along with his brother-in-law, Jim Brock, Brock and Beggs Paint Contracting Company until his retirement.Ê
William was married 61 years to Connie Lee Wood until her death on November 19, 2002.ÊThey made their home in Lubbock until moving to Austin in 1969.ÊHe was also preceded in death by his parents, son, Jerry Glen, and brother, J.T. Beggs.
He will be sadly missed by his beloved family, sons, Larry and wife, Dixie of Troy and Terry and wife, Myra of Bastrop; he was blessed with 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Sam Beggs, Sr. and wife, Billie of Eastland; sister-in-law, Betty Lou Beggs of Rising Star; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of special friends.
The family received friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday, January 1, 2007 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.ÊGraveside Services were held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at Onion Creek Memorial Park with Dr. Ken Baldwin officiating.
Arrangements under the care of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas, 78749, (512)892-1172.
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Florence Walker
EASTLAND-Florence G. Walker, 96, died Saturday, December 30, 2006 in Eastland.
Funeral services are pending with Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
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William 'Bill' McFarlin
HAMILTON- William R. 'Bill' McFarlin, Sr., 82, of Hamilton, died Thursday, December 28, 2006 in a Temple hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 31, 2006 in the Riley Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Oakwood Cemetery with full military honors.
Bill was born July 18, 1924 in Hamilton County to Andrew Jackson and Kansas (Carlisle) McFarlin. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during WW II and Korea. He retired after 21 years of service. Bill married Virginia Barnes on October 21, 1966 in Hamilton. He worked for Patterson Plumbing for 20 years. Bill was a member of the Evergreen Baptist Church.
Bill is survived by his wife, Virginia of Hamilton; four sons and their spouses, Robert and Kathie McFarlin of Hamilton, Gene and Denise McFarlin of Stephenville, Mike McFarlin of Jonesboro, Ray and Linda McFarlin of Hamilton; two daughters, Karen Hybl of Hamilton and Phyllis and husband, Melvin Seider of Goldthwaite; sister and brother-in-law, Necie and John Kelly of Hamilton; 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, William R. 'Billy' McFarlin, Jr; 3 brothers, Lonnie, Johnny, Raymond McFarlin; sister, Gracie McNew; and 3 grandchildren, Michael, Robert, Jr., and Meagan McFarlin.
Donations may be made to the Evergreen Baptist Church.
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Horace Crutchfield
Horace Benny Crutchfield, 89, of Abilene, Texas passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2006 at Eastland Memorial Hospital in Eastland, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Romney Cemetery in Eastland County, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in Charge.
Horace was born on August 13, 1917 in Eastland County, Texas to Claude Benny and Jennie White-Crutchfield. He married Corina Lee on June 25, 1938 in Baird, Texas who preceded him in death on June 9, 2001. He married Frances Larkin on December 11, 2002 in Abilene, Texas.
Horace is survived by his wife, Frances Crutchfield of Abilene; one step-daughter, Betty Irvin of Noodle; one sister, Jessie Chick of Queen City; one brother, Tom Crutchfield of Abilene; 5 step-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Corina Lee-Crutchfield; a son; 4 brothers; one sister.
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Opal Atwood
Opal Francis Atwood, 69, of Rising Star, Texas, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2006 at home surrounded by her loving family in Risingded in death by her parents, her husband, Roland C. Atwood.
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Charles Stacey Watson
Charles Stacey Watson, 59 of Cisco passed away Monday January 1, 2007 at Hendrick Medical Center after a long hard fight with cancer.Ê
Stacey was cremated and memorial services officiated by Reverend Baylis Pope will be 2:00 PM Saturday, January 6, 2007Ê at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Stacey was born on March 17, 1947 in Roaring Springs, Texas to Frasier and Dorothy (Webb) Watson.Ê He worked as an oil driller.Ê He is a decorated veteran of the US Navy during the Viet Nam War serving from 1965 to 1969.ÊÊ He married Mary Kathleen Denton on September 6, 1990 in Eastland and was a Baptist, he was talented musician and enjoyed playing with his friends.
He is survived by his wife Kathleen Watson of Cisco; son, Anthony Watson and wife Alicia of Abilene; daughters, Stacey Michelle Morrison of Cisco, Missy Speers of Dallas, Rachel Maxwell and husband Terry of Odessa and Cindy McGee of Eastland; mother, Dorothy Watson of Cisco; sister, Retha Smith of Abilene; grandchildren, Shanleigh Morrison, Savannah Morrison, Kaylyn Watson, A.J. Watson, Mark Allen Speers, Cody Morrison and Preston McGee; niece Cindy Bridges and husband Scott, nephew, Don Allen Bridges,Ê sisters-in-law, Pat, Shirley, Dot and Linda and his special sister-in-law and care giver Charleen.Ê
He was preceded in death by his father.
The family would like to thank the doctors that treated Stacey during his illness. Memorials are requested to be made to the American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society, District 18 Office, 3301 W. Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76107.
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Sheila Teeters
Sheila Gay Gray Teeters, 67, of Eastland, Texas, died Monday, January 1, 2007, at Hendrick Memorial Hospital in Abilene, Texas.
Sheila was born June 7, 1940, at the home of her parents in Burkett, Texas, the daughter of Oscar William and Opal Marie (Harris) Gray. She was a graduate of Cross Plains High School in Cross Plains, Texas.
Sheila was united in marriage with Fred Jerl Teeters April 9, 1958, in Oklahoma. They made their home in Abilene for several years, moving to Clyde and then to Eastland.
She was a member of the Church of Christ in Ranger. Sheila was an outdoors woman, loving to hunt and fish, and travel to Colorado and various scenic places with Jerl, the love of her life.
She is survived by her husband, Jerl, of Eastland; daughter, Dana Kay Teeters Kingery; son-in-law, Jack Kinergy; grandsons, Kasey Karl Kinery and Kurtis Kile Kingery of Brownwood; her brother, Ronald William Gray, ans sister-in-law, Lynda King Gray, of San Antonio, Texas; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Sheila was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Thursday, January 4, 2007 at the Cross Plains Funeral Home.
Graveside service and interment was at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2007 at the Burkett Cemetery, Burkett, Texas.
Memorials may be sent to The Abilene Rehabilitation Center or a charity of your choice.
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Linda Gattis
CISCO- Linda Gail Gattis, 52, passed from this life on January 1, 2007 at Hendrick Medical Center .
Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Thursday, January 4, 2007 at First Baptist Church , officiated by Reverend C.P. Floyd, assisted by Reverend Craig Curry.Ê Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery under direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.Ê Visitation was Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home.
Linda was born February 18, 1954 in Littlefield , Texas to Edwin and Gertie (McGann) Wheeler. She married Randy Gattis on April 21, 1976 in Cisco.Ê She was office manager for Randy Gattis Plumbing and a member of East Cisco Baptist Church .
Linda lived life to the fullest, focused totally on her husband and two precious daughters.Ê She was also available day or night, anytime someone needed a helping hand.Ê Her compassion and healing touch were so obvious in all that she did.Ê She adopted all her daughtersÕ friends, calling them Òmy other babiesÓ.Ê Linda exemplified the Òhands and feetÓ of Jesus in full servant hood in to all in need.Ê She was our Mother Teresa.
She is survived by her husband, Randy; daughters, Stephanie and Britani Gattis all of Cisco; father, Edwin Wheeler of Amhurst; sister, Pansy Sherrill and husband Richard of Amhurst; brothers, Eddie Wheeler and wife Shirley of Gower, MO, Timmie Wheeler and Mark Harris both of St. Matthews, SC, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by mother Gertie Wheeler and step mother, Elsie Wheeler, brother Davey Lee Wheeler and sister, Carmaleta Spurlin.
Pallbearers will be Butch Willingham, Steve Cozart, Tommie Lee, Chase Harris, Terry Johnson, Bryan McCulloch
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Thaddeous Fullen
EASTLAND- Thaddeous Milton Fullen, 88, peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, January 3, 2007.
Funeral services will be held, Sunday, January 7, 2007 at 1 p.m. in the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Eastland Cemetery. The Rev. Larry Smith, former minister of Inspiration Church of God in Eastland, now of East Prairie, Missouri, will be officiating along with the Rev. Jim Wright. Visitation is Saturday from 4-6 p.m. at the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
God in His grace prepared Milton for his passing to go home to the Lord when he received Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord in June 2001.
Milton was born on December 20, 1918 in Clarendon, Texas. In 1930, he moved to Eastland with his mother and two brothers.
His mother was employed at Warner Memorial University, the former location of the Inspiration Church of God. The Church of God was their spiritual home.
During the depression, the University closed and Milton moved to Olden with his family. There, they operated the Tri-Me CafeÕ. Milton was a determined, energetic, and ambitious young man. In 1935, at age 17, he started working for Smith Plumbing Company in Eastland.
Milton married Juanita Mae Cummings on May 7, 1939. He established his first business, Fullen Plumbing Company, in 1939. During World War II, Milton served his country in the United States Navy Seabees. After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, he reopened his plumbing business. In 1949, he was employed by Lamb Motor Company in the Frigidaire sales business. After purchasing Lamb Motor Company in 1952, he formed Fullen Motor Company. He successfully operated Fullen Motor Company for thirty years and retired in 1982.
He selflessly gave his time to his family, friends, and the community. He joined with the other volunteers from the community who gave many hours to build Eastland Memorial Hospital in 1952. Milton was intensely loyal to the hospital and served on the board for 42 years.
Milton enjoyed hunting, fishing, and activities on Lake Leon. Milton taught numerous adults and children to water ski. He was a great outdoorsman who loved hunting white tail deer in the Edwards Plateau and fishing for rainbow trout in Colorado. He hunted on the Earwood Ranch near Sonora for 32 years.
He instilled in his children an uncommon work ethic-believing that a man should work hard and get the job done no matter how big or small the task. He loved to work and found fun in working. He has now rested from his labor.
He was preceded in death by his wife of over 63 years, Juanita Mae Fullen, November 14, 2002.
Milton is survived by a daughter, Patricia Ann Fullen Jarrett and husband Jaye C. of San Antonio; a son, James Milton Fullen and wife Diane of Eastland; five grandchildren, Tami Jarrett Plummer and husband Jim of Houston, Lisa Jarrett Richter and husband Kris of San Antonio, John Milton Jarrett of San Antonio, Kellye Fullen Stuart and husband Gary of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Tracy Fullen and wife Kimberly of Eastland; six great-grandchildren, Jarrett Nathan Richter and Kristina Le Vaughn Richter of San Antonio, Zachary James Stuart and Grayson Tyler Stuart of Brentwood, Tennessee, Kandra Kae Fullen and Taylar Faith Fullen of Eastland; daughter-in-law, Robbye Fullen Buchanan of Hutto; and several nieces and nephews.
His family wishes to express their deep appreciation and gratitude for the devoted, loving, compassionate care given to him by Mrs. Roberta Humphries and her family during the last six years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to the Eastland Memorial Hospital, 304 S. Daugherty, Eastland, Texas 76448.
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Albert Abraham
MINGUS- Albert E. Abraham, 85, of Mingus passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at a Stephenville hospital.
Rosary was Friday, January 5, 2007 at 7 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas. Mass was said on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at 11 a.m. in St. John Catholic Church with Father Tim Gollob officiating. Burial followed at Mt. Marion Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Albert was born on April 6, 1921 in Mingus, Texas to Joseph and Myra (George) Abraham. He graduated from Mingus High School and attended two years at Ranger Junior College. Albert served during World War II in the United States Army. He was known as a self employed businessman, owning and operating a liquor store and the Trio Club. He was a member of the St. John Catholic Church in Strawn, Texas.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, Cecil, Nate, Gailey, Sam, George and Mannie.
Albert is survived by four sisters, Mary A. Walker and husband Bob of Mingus, Elizabeth A. Calloway of Willis Point, Emily A. Bosley of Weatherford, and Linda Childers and husband Dick of Fort Worth; sisters-in-law, Virginia Abraham of Fort Worth and Ivah Abraham of Anna; a special friend Tootie Mitchell of Odessa, her mother Ruby Harper of Odessa, TootieÕs daughters Cynthia Anderson of Kerrville and Carol Harper of Burleson; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
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Willie Joyner
RANGER- Willie A. Joyner, 90, of Ranger passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2007 at her home.
Graveside services were held at 2 PM Sunday, January 7, 2007 at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Ronny Guess officiating. Burial follow under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Mrs. Joyner was born on May 26, 1916 in Thurber, Texas to Earl Franklin and Julia Viola (McCoy) Freeman. She grew up in Thurber and attended school in the Jaybird Community and in Thurber. Mrs. Joyner married John Lewis ÒRalphÓ Joyner and he preceded her in death in 1953. She lived most of her life in Ranger and worked for Adams Grocery for 37 years as a cashier. She was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Ranger.
Mrs. Joyner was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers, two sisters and a daughter, Dorothy Ryon in 1984.
Mrs. Joyner is survived by a daughter Joyce Jones of Santa Anna; a son Tommy Joyner of Whitney; her care giver Janice Young of Ranger; two sisters Flogene Throne of Stephenville and Betty Jo Ryan of Weatherford; six grandsons and one granddaughter; fourteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
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Nina Hamilton
GORDON- Nina Mae Hamilton, 86, died Thursday, January 4, 2007 in Stephenville.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 8, 2007 in the Mingus Baptist Church with Jay Whitlow and Rev. Bill Dawson officiating. Burial was in the Mt. Marion Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Family received friends at the funeral home on Sunday.
Mrs. Hamilton was born Nina Mae Burleson on January 21, 1920 in Tuscola, Texas to Arthur C. and Mattie (Muscheck) Burleson. She married Clarence Hamilton on September 30, 1938 in Putnam, Texas and he preceded her in death in 1969. She was a devoted wife, mother and Ma Ma. She worked at the Bar B Truck Stop restaurant and The Smoke Stack restaurant as a waitress for many years.
Mrs. Hamilton is survived by a daughter, Val Beal and husband Jay of Grandview; a son, Philip Hamilton and wife Carol of Odessa; a daughter Linda Caldwell and husband David of Abilene; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Curtis of Baird; and brother Forest Burleson of Baird; several nieces and nephews.
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Roy Barnes
RISING STAR- Roy Lee Barnes, 74, of Rising Star, Texas, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2007 at his residence in Rising Star.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2007 in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star with Terry Jackson officiating. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of the arrangements.
Roy was born April 10, 1932 in Eastland County, Texas to Joe and May Hollifield-Barnes. He was a Korean Veteran. He lived in the community for 50 years.
He is survived by his brother, Bernie Barnes of Rising Star.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Perry.
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Carol Bullock
EASTLAND- Carol Bullock of Eastland passed away Thursday, January 4, 2007, in Eastland.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 8, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family received friends at the funeral home on Sunday.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations made to the Child Welfare Board, P.O. Box 765, Eastland, TX 76448.
Mrs. Bullock was born July 4, 1942 in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she grew up. She moved to Dallas during her senior year of high school. She married Earl Bullock, Sr. on March 25, 1960 in Dallas, where they lived until moving to Eastland in 1972.
She worked as a business office manager for Fuqua Homes, Morgan Portable Buildings, Eastlander Designs, and the last 17 years for Eastland Memorial Hospital, from which she retired in 2006. She was a board member for the Eastland Child Welfare Board, a member of the Community Bible Study, past Treasurer of the Eastland Band Boosters, President of the Republican WomenÕs Club, and had been active in the Bellhurst Theater.
She was an avid reader, and amazing cook. She loved traveling, especially spending time in the mountains of Colorado. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eastland.
She is survived by her husband, Earl Bullock, Sr. of Eastland; a son and daughter-in-law, Earl and Kim Bullock, Jr. of Olden; a daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Phillip Gattis of Ballinger; two grandsons, Cory and Cody Bullock of Olden.
She was preceded in death by a son, Mike Bullock in 1991; and a sister, Wilma Sue Halliburton; and three brothers, G.L., Bill, and Bob Farmer.
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Willie Langford
Willie Earle Langford, 87, of Cisco passed away Saturday January 6, 2007 at Hendrick Medical Center .Ê
Graveside services were held at 11:00 AM Monday, January 8, 2007 at Bullock Cemetery near Ranger, Texas , officiated by Reverend Steven Forrester, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Langford was born in Cisco, Texas on December 13, 19 19 to Earl Pleasant and Lilla (Wilkerson) Henson.
Her husband Garland Austin Langford whom she married on August 11, 1949 in Ranger, Texas , preceded her in death.Ê She worked for Southwestern Bell and was a member of the Baptist Church .
She is survived by sons, Gary Langford of Mart, Eddie Langford and wife Janna of Euless, Gregg Langford of Arlington; daughter, Mona Garland and Bill of Boyd; sisters,Virginia Drake of Midland, Barbara Kile of Carrollton, Sylvia Wilkerson and husband Jimmy of Oklahoma; brother, Rodger Henson and wife Barbara ofÊ Washington, brother-in-law, Billy Langford and wife, Edith, of Oklahoma; several grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren
Preceded in death by her brothers, Albert Henson, Glenn Henson and Wayne Henson; sisters, Pauliene Tichel, Hester Pascal, Wanda Wright and Christene Henson.
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Florence Walker
EASTLAND - Florence Gladys Walker, age 96, of Eastland, died Saturday, December 30, 2006 in Eastland. Her home for the last 5 years had been Eastland Healthcare Center.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 3, 2007, at 2 P.M. in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation was held on Tuesday, 5 to 7 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Walker was born on January 17, 1910 to Jim and Carrie Lee Castleman of Lone Camp, Palo Pinto County, Texas. She married Monroe Walker from Ranger, Texas. They made Eastland their home and farmed and ranched at Yellow Mound. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eastland. She excelled in art. She sold paintings, painted several local church baptisteries, taught art, and painted for family. She enjoyed music and played for churches, nursing homes and senior citizens. Her yard showed her Ògreen thumbÓ. Sewing and cooking were also the hobbies she enjoyed.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Monroe Walker; a son, Donald R. Walker; a grandson, Mark E. Conner 3 brothers, John, George and Ruben and his wife Marie Castleman; 2 sisters, Maudie Baker and husband Claude, and Lula Jones and husband Lark.
Florence is survived by daughter, Ella Joy Conner of Eastland; daughter-in-law, Joyce Walker of Eastland; grandson, Steve Walker and wife Kelly of Austin; granddaughter, Cheryl McCarthy and husband Jeff of Fort Wayne, Indiana; grandson, Chris Conner of Camp Wood, Texas; great-grandchildren, Ashley Reddig and spouse David of Ft. Wayne, Colby, Chase and Chelsey Walker of Austin; 1 great-great-granddaughter, Evennia Mansfield of Ft. Wayne; 2 sister-in-laws, Opal Rogers of Ranger and Wanda Gilmore of Searcy, Arkansas; 1 brother-in-law, Bueford Jordan of Eastland; and many nieces and nephews.
She will be missed by her friends and family. Memorials should be made to Girling Hospice of Eastland.
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Estelene Morrow
Estelene Morrow, 93, of Ranger went to be with her Heavenly Father Tuesday, January 9, 2007 in Eastland.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 11, 2007 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger.
Estelene, formerly from California, was a proud member of a group of women known as ÒRosie the RivetersÓ helping build aircrafts in WW II.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Morrow; parents, George Washington and Lydia (Glass) Woods and 8 siblings.
She is survived by a godson, Kevin Baker and wife Angelica and daughter Amelia Rose of Ranger; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Roy Whitlock
Roy Lee Whitlock, 69, of Gorman, formerly of Desdemona passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2007 in the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2007 at the Gorman Church of Christ with Larry Stogsdill officiating. Interment at Alameda Cemetery. Services under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home of Gorman.
Roy Lee was born December 20, 1937 in Gorman to Loyd Alvin Whitlock and Georgia Wimberly Whitlock. He was a retired farm laborer and a member of the Church of Christ. He had lived in this area all of his life.
Survivors include one sister, Jackie Whitlock of DeLeon; and two nephews, Blake Whitlock of Granbury and Bryan Whitlock of Glen Rose.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Wayne and Charlie Whitlock.
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Zelda Milam
Zelda Ardilla Milam, age 100, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2007 in Rising Star, Texas.
Graveside services were held Thursday, January 11, 2007 at 11 a.m. in the Fairview Cemetery with Burlie Taylor officiating.
She was born June 21, 1906 in Brown County, Texas to A.A. and Jackie (Luttrell) Moore. She graduated from the Grosvenor High School while her father was principal there. She married Earl Milam in Brown County, Texas on June 28, 1941. She worked as a hairdresser for many years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cross Plains.
She is survived by a cousin Lorene Jennings of Rising Star and several nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews.
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Wanda Flippin
Wanda Faye Flippin, age 82, of Rising Star, Texas passed away January 9, 2007 in Abilene. She had been battling a grave illness for more than three weeks.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel in Cross Plains, Texas, Friday, January 12, 2007. Graveside services followed at the Pioneer Cemetery pavilion. Burial followed.
Wanda was born in Haskell County, Texas to Willard and Vera Melton on November 16, 1924. She married Tom Flippin on January 9, 1942 at the Eastland County Courthouse. They lived for a number of years in West Texas, Eastern New Mexico and Richfield, Minnesota. They returned to Eastland County in 1970 where they still reside. Wanda was greatly loved by her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed until our reunion with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Flippin of the home; sons, Donald, Willard, and Jodee Flippin; daughter, Denise Hubbard; two daughters-in-law, Patty Ann and Patty Rose Flippin; grandchildren, Michael, David, Steven, Timothy and James Flippin, Angela Haynes, Dawn Rudolph, Dawn Bohenen, Jennifer Davis, Jonathon and Jacoby Hubbard; and 19 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Pioneer Cemetery Association,300 Hog Creek Road, Brownwood, Texas 76801, or the charity of your choice.
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Paul Henderson
Paul Henderson, 57, of Stephenville, died Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at Harris Methodist Erath County Hospital.
Paul was born March 9, 1949, in Fort Worth to Polly Anderson and the late Wesley Thomas Henderson, Sr. Paul graduated from May High School, and attended Tarleton State University, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, May 16, 1971. He was employed as a Math teacher at Stephenville Junior High, August 16, 1971. On August 15, 1976, Paul received his Master of Education in Educational Administration also from Tarleton State. On August 1, 1978, he became principal at Stephenville Junior High School, a positin he currently held for the past 29 years. Paul married Linda Banks, on June 9, 1991 in Stephenville. He was a member of Stephenville Lions Club, and a faithful member of the Harvey Baptist Church. Paul had lived in Stephenville since 1967; moving here from Rising Star.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Stephenville with Dr. Kyle Davis officiating. Interment followed at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. The Henderson family received friends and family, Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stephenville Funeral Home.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; four daughters and son-in-laws, Leslie and Michael Kunkel of Lamkin, Kristi Steele of Stephenville, Ashlee and Ted Wooten of Stephenville, and Shelley and Lance Gilliland also of Stephenville; son, Jeff Parker of Stephenville; mother, Polly Price of Stephenville; brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Annette Henderson of Sugarland; grandchildren, Matthew and Brian Kunkel, Megan and Lacey Steele, and Paige and Miles Wooten; father-in-law, Emmett Banks of Colorado City.
Paul was preceded in death by his father Wesley Thomas Henderson, Sr. in 1962.
Memorials may be made to the Stephenville ISD- Paul Henderson Memorial Fund at 2655 W. Overhill Drive, in Stephenville, or to the American Heart Association, or the American Diabetes Association.
Online condolences may be made to www.funeralhmtx.com
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Johnnie Wallace
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS- Johnnie Lowery Wallace, 98, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Saturday, January 13, 2007.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2007 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger. Burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Services by Pastor John Ketcherside.
Pallbearers were Ed Doyle, Matt Hardy, Bobby Bartlett, David Wallace, and Dewayne Purvis.
Johnnie was born March 18, 1908 was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to everyone that knew her. She lived a long and blessed life. She and her husband Lowe lived in Ranger, TX, from the 1920Õs through the 1970Õs and rasied their family there. The past 25 years she also resided in Springtown, Tx, Quartsite, AZ, and Cross Plains, Tx. Many friends loved her as she loved them. Johnnie had a forgiving spirit, sense of humor and vitality for life until her very last day. She was a long time member of the First Christian Church in Ranger and attended many churches while living with her sons, grandchildren and their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lowe W. Wallace; daughter, Kathyleen Peterson; son, Mickey Wallace and grandson, Lowell Lynn Wallace.
Survivors are a son, Bobby Lowe Wallace and wife, Ruby; granddaughters, Nancy Doyle and husband, Ed, April Hardy and husband Matt, Rachael Kline and Nicole Wallace; grandson, David Wallace; great-grandchildren, Baylee Hardy and Scottie Tanner.
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Teresa Krieg
Teresa D'Aun (Hickey) Krieg went home to be with her Lord and Savior January 13, 2007 at Methodist Hospital in Dallas.
She was born October 17, 1955 in Andrews, TX. Teresa was the wife of Gene Krieg, a pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Cisco, TX for 15 years. At Faith Baptist, she loved to sing and she loved her ladies group. She touched many lives through the ministry at Faith Baptist Church.
Teresa is the faithful and loving mother of Jeremy Krieg, Justin Krieg, and Tera Hokanson. She was the precious grandmother of Kailee Krieg, Brody Krieg, Kaci Krieg, Jourdan Krieg, Briana Krieg, Brady Krieg, Logan Hokanson, and baby Hokanson to come.
Teresa is the daughter of James and Louise Hickey. She has three siblings living, Jamie Hickey, Randy Allen, and LeeAnn Burnett.
Teresa just beofre her illness professed Christ to all of those around her. Making others know what she believed and where she stood. She is greatly missed by many of the lives she touched throughout her life.
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James Cox
CISCO- James Elmo Cox, 84, of Cisco entered peacefully into eternal life on January 12, 2007.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church under the direction of the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home. Pastor Phillip Thomas officiating. Interment with full military honors was held at 4:30 p.m. at the Rest Haven Cemetery in McCamey.
Elmo was born May 9, 1922, in Talpa, Texas, the son of Hardy E. Cox and Delia (Broyles) Cox. He attended Kermit High School where he was the tuba player in the high school band.
He served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1941-1945. He served as an antitank gun crewman and as a member of the army band. Elmo was a POW in WW II for over 26 months.
Later, he worked for Northern Natual gas and retired after 25 years of employment.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Ruth (Clara) Cox.
He is survived by his sons James E.W. ÒJimmyÓ Cox of Weatherford and Kenneth J. Cox of San Angelo; daughter Brenda A. Mills of Odessa; his grandchildren, Charles E. Mills of Converse, Linda Vesey of Rochester, WA and Henry Mills, Jr. of Odessa; his nieces, Linda Hamel and Brenda Peak of Clyde; and 8 great-grandchildren.
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Robert Speir
EASTLAND- Robert Lucien Speir went home to be with his heavenly father January 7, 2006 in Eastland.
Funeral Services: 2 PM Tuesday in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland with Rev. Benny Hagan officiating. Burial with Military honors will follow in Redeemer Lutheran cemetery south of Cisco.
He was born 5 miles south of Paris, Texas on July 2nd, 1922. He was the 6th child of James Yancy and Florence Knowles Speir. Growing up, he and his family lived in various Texas towns including Clarendon, Atlas, Lelia Lake, Mission and McAllen where the family settled in 1942. Mr. Speir worked in fruit packing sheds; and as a tree pruner until he was drafted into the United States Army Dec. 13th, 1942 serving in World War II until Dec. 4th, 1945. Induction Station was at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas Dec. 21, 1942. Twenty-four weeks of basic training at Camp Wolters in Mineral Wells, Texas at which time he was sent to Fort Ord, California for overseas duty to OAHU. On May 23, 1943, Robert was assigned Co. G 106th Infantry, 27th division. PFC Speir was engaged in heavy, intense battles, was involved in 3 major invasions: Majuro Atol, Saipan, Okinawa, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. It was fifty years before Mr. Speir would speak about the war, but in time he began to relate stories to the family. During the invasion of Okinawa Mr. Speir was among 185 men who fought for 4 months before the remaining 19 men were relieved by 255 Marines who lost sixty men the first night and were six weeks advancing one mile. This invasion began on Easter Sunday April 1st, 1945. PFC Speir, along with others were air lifted to Tokyo, Japan Sept. 1st, 1945, weighing 95 pounds. Japan surrendered Sept. 2nd, 1945; the signing of the official peace documents ended World War II. Personal service citations he received include Combat Infantryman Badge; Specialty Rifleman; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars; Good Conduct Medal; Victory Ribbon, and 5 overseas Service Bars. After receiving his honorable discharge he worked in Pharr, Texas packing fruit and started flying lessons, but regrettably did not complete all the necessary hours needed to obtain a pilots license. He then took and passed the Highway Patrol exam, but did not go into that field. In August of 1949 Robert moved to Cisco, Texas where he met his future bride Adeline Lieske Tickner. They wed Nov. 23rd, 1949. They were married 53 years before her death in 2002. Mr. Speir started night school while working at various jobs including Boss Mfg. leather glove factory as a cutter; Service Stations; oil fields in West Texas; United States Postal Service and his favorite job, driving fuel tanker trucks. He graduated Cisco Junior College with an above average GPA in Business; later earning an associates degree in Business Administration at Hardin Simmons University. Robert was an avid reader and stamp collector. He enjoyed building, carving, and creating useful attractive items from discarded materials.
He was preceded in death by his wife Adeline, parents, two brothers, three sisters, and a grandson Tony Hodnett.
He is survived by One Daughter Gwynette Greenwood and son in law Benny of Gilbert AZ, two Sisters, Virginia Dare Towne, and Gilda Ruth Rock and husband Fred all of Pharr Texas., one granddaughter Gia Valenzuela of Gilbert AZ, Three Great Grandsons; Logan and Trey Valenzuela of Gilbert AZ and Sgt. Jade Hodnett and wife Letica of Lake Havasu City AZ. Two Great granddaughters; Brandy Hodnett of Avondale, AZ. And Saraya Valenzuela of Gilbert AZ. One Great-great granddaughter, Jessica Hodnett of Lake Havasu City AZ. Also numerous nieces and nephews.
Contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery Association, 1711 Conrad Hilton Ave. Cisco, Texas 76437 or to Valley View Health Care Center, 700 South Ostrom, Eastland, Texas 76448.
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Sharon Scott
GORDON- Sharon Lee Libby Scott, 65 of Gordon passed away on Monday at a Stephenville hospital. Services will be 2 PM Saturday January 20, 2007 in the First Baptist Church in Gordon with Rev. Kurt Powell officiating. Burial will be in New Gordon Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6 to 9 PM
The family request in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Meals on Wheels in Gordon and Gordon EMS.
Sharon was born on August 1, 1941 in Jackson County Missouri to Louis Edwin ÒNickÓ and Violet (Martin) Libby. She grew up and graduated school from Kansas City Missouri and attended two years at Junior College. She entered the United States Navy and met Curtis Scott. They were married on September 16, 1963 in Millington Tennessee. While in the service they traveled to many different places including Japan. However Florida was some of the happiest times in their life. After serving in the Navy and a year at Jones Business College, Sharon went to work for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in government contracts from 1975 to 2001 when she retired. Sharon and Curtis made their home in Gordon in 2001. She enjoyed taking care of people.
Sharon is survived by her husband Curtis Scott of Gordon, a daughter Shelley Marie Hurd of Hurst, a son Edward Curtis Scott of Crowley, a sister Rhoda Pate of LeeÕs Summit Missouri, a brother Robert E. Libby of Salt Lake City Utah, three grandchildren Rodney Hurd of Hurst, Amanda Lee and Shannon Marie Scott of Duncan, OK. Numerous extended family, nieces, nephews and friends.
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Lorenzo Stiles, Jr.
Lorenzo Stiles, Jr., 88, of the Scranton Community near Cisco passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2007 at his home. He will lie in state Tuesday and Wednesday with a visitation at the funeral home from 4:00-6:00 PM on Wednesday. A funeral service for Mr. Stiles will be held in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine at a later date, local arrangements were made by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Stiles was born in Milo, Maine to Ida (Smart) and Lorenzo Stiles, Sr. on November 10, 1918. He was in the US Army during World War II and worked in the golf tee manufacturing industry.
He is survived by a sister, Emma Bunnell of Keller, Texas, nephews and nieces.
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Lorain Merrill
Lorain 'Nana' Merrill, age 86, of Pioneer went to be with the love of her life on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at her home.
Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Cross Plains on Friday, January 19, 2007, with Rufus Wilson officiating. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
Nana was born April 3, 1920 in Madisonville, Texas to Carl and Effie Teague. She married F.L. Merrill on September 12, 1936 in Mills County. Her greatest love in life was her family.
She is survived by 3 children: Harold Clyde and wife Ophelia of Pioneer, Barbara McAnally and husband Larry of Brownwood, James Richard and wife Johnnie of Rising Star; 13 grandchildren, Teresa Koenig and husband Lynn of Pioneer, Robin Faucet of Abilene, Cheryl Daniels and husband Rick, Kim Thomas and husband Travis of Cross Cut, Mack McAnally of Abilene, Randall McAnally and wife Cindy of Brownwood, Kristi White and husband Sean of McKinney, Pam Tankersly and husband Scott of Midland, Judy Faucet and husband Lee of Gordon, John Merrill and wife Heather of Rising Star, Sallie Boyette and husband Donavahan of Moran, Sondra Pope and husband Landon of Burkett, Michael Merrill of Snyder; 31 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Glyn Teague of Lampasas; two sisters, Evelyn Teague of Anson, Karlene Wadsworth of Bangs; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close family members.
The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Cross Plains Volunteer Fire Department and the Rising Star Volunteer Fire Department in her memory.
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Harry Reddick
Harry Bynum Reddick, 83, died January 4, 2007 at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.
Memorial services were held on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, in Killeen, Texas.
Harry was born February 5, 1923 in Lawton, OK., the son of John C. Reddick and Virgie Mae Snow. He graduated from Williams High School in 1941. Harry served in the U.S. Air Force in England in 1941 with the 305th Bombardment Squadron. While in service he met Iris Eva Gregory of Leicester, England. They were united in marriage December 23, 1944 in the Holy Apostle Church of England. Upon returning to the U.S. he owned and operated a small garage in Rising Star, Texas. Harry also attended Cisco Junior College at this time. The couple moved to Pecos in 1950 where he managed Powell and Sons (John Deere) Tractor Company for 35 years.
Harry was a very devoted husband and father. His favorite interest was gardening, and he enjoye playing his fiddle for Senior Citizens activities and other functions.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael John Warrick Reddick; two brothers, Roger Henry Reddick of Lake Worth, TX and Lee Roy Reddick of Pioneer, TX.
Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Eva Reddick; five daughters, Patricia Ann Oden of Pecos, Marilyn Faye Clawson and husband Doyle of Regency, Virginia Marie Graham and husband Gary of Scotsdale, AZ, Andrea Rae Cherry of Hourma, LA, and Mary Lou Shipman and husband David of New Bloomfield, MO.; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; two nephews, Randall Ray Reddick of San Angelo and Roy John Reddick of Pioneer; three nieces, Karen Smith of Lake Worth, Sharon Crevinston of Irving, and Jessa Gilbreath of Abilene; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Reddick of Lake Worth and Jessie Reddick of Pioneer.
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Martha Blair
Martha Jo Blair, age 72, of McKinney, Texas passed away on January 18, 2007.
She was born on July 27, 1934 in Bridgeport, Oklahoma to Leo and Myra (Eiklor) Akins. Martha was a retired Secretary with the State of Texas.
She is survived by her children, Virginia Blair of McKinney, Texas, Frances Blair of Stephenville, TX, Katherine Blair of McKinney, TX, Jim Blair of The Colonly, TX, John Blair of Eastland, TX, Brenda Blair of McKinney, TX; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Memorials may be made to FosterÕs Home for Children, Stephenville, Texas.
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Chuck Ivy
GORDON- Chuck Ivy 68, of Gordon passed away on Sunday at Palo Pinto General Hospital in Mineral Wells, Texas. Services will be 2 PM Thursday January 25, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Gordon with Jimmy Ivy and Rev. Kurt Powell officiating. Burial will be in the Old Gordon Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 7 to 9.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Gordon Home Meals, P O Box 276, Gordon TX 76453 or Tri-City Ambulance, P O Box 271 Gordon TX 76453.
Chuck was born on April 15, 1938 in Lubbock, Texas to Olen R. and Nola (Reed) Ivy. He graduated from Lazuddie High School. Chuck married Ginger Roberts on June 23, 1957 in Muleshoe, Texas. They lived in Arlington for many years and where Chuck worked as a butcher and rancher and then as a utility contracts from 1983 until his death. Chuck moved to Gordon in 1994. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Gordon. Chuck enjoyed hunting, water skiing, cooking outside and entertaining company at his house. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Gayle Mosley in 2004.
Chuck is survived by his wife Ginger Ivy of Gordon, mother-in-law Ruth Roberts of Gordon, sons Mark Ivy and his wife Danita of Santo and Paul Ivy and his wife Kristi of Palo Pinto. A sister Barbara Matthews and her husband C. C. Jr. of Ransom Canyon, TX., three grandchildren Kayci, Adrainna, and Michael Ivy, and a great-grandson Robert Freeman. Nephews Gary and Darrell Matthews and niece Angela Dunn, Aymee, Anna, Lindsey Mosley as well as a brother-in-law Rick Mosley of Lubbock, TX, and extended family and friends.
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Betty Morris
Betty Coleman Morris, 75, of Brownwood, formerly of Strawn, passed away January 21, 2007 in Brownwood.
A rosary was said at 7:30 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2007 at Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn. Mass was Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the St. JohnÕs Catholic Church in Strawn. Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Betty was born on June 25, 1931 to Lonnie R. and Ireta E. (Cole) Coleman in Strawn, TX. Betty later met and married Stanley Morris in 1946. They were married 44 years before his passing in 1990. She was a member of St. MaryÕs Catholic Church in Brownwood. She was also a member of the Sons of Herman Lodge. She loved to play board games, cards, and dominoes with friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son Ross Morris in 1986; and two brothers, J.W. and Bill Mathis.
She is survived by a son, J.R. (Rick) Morris and wife Becca of Cleburne; two brothers, Jim Mathis of Lubbock and Jack Coleman of Gordon; one sister, Sissy Crawley of Ranger; two grandchildren, Shala Draper and husband Brian and Keath Morris both of Cleburne; and three great-grandchildren, Cass Draper of Cleburne and Ashton Morris and Cutter Morris, all of Midland.
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Saunders Gregg
Saunders Gregg died peacefully with his daughters by his side on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at the age of 92.
Mr. Gregg had a full and wonderful life. He was born in Brownsville, Texas on September 25, 1914 to Saunders and Anna Mae Gregg and grew up in Ranger, Texas. He attended Austin College and graduated from the University of Texas in 1937, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and was elected as a member of the Goodfellows. He graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1940. He joined the firm of Vinson & Elkins in Houston where he worked until he enlisted in the United States Navy at the beginning of the Second World War. He served his country with distinction in the Pacific Theatre becoming a Lieutenant Commander and being invited to join the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island; an organization he proudly attended for many years. After the war, he returned to Houston and to the law firm. In 1948, he married Edwina Lane Breihan with whom he shared a wonderful marriage of 59 years. After a brief time in Chicago with the law firm, Saunders and Edwina moved to Shreveport, Louisiana with the United Gas Company which later became Entex. He finished a distinguished career with Entex in Houston as a Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and member of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Gregg is survived by his wife Edwina; his daughters, Martha Ann Snyder and her husband, Byron and Susie Dilg and her husband, Joe. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Gregg Snyder and wife, Sarah, Worth Snyder, Lane Dilg, and Mary Saunders Dawson and her husband, Jack.
Mr. Gregg was predeceased by his brother, Lewis; and by his parents.
Mr. Gregg was well known among his many friends for his love of life and his keen sense of humor. He loved a good party, a clever joke, and a great round of golf with friends. He served as President of the Shreveport Country Club and was a member of the Houston Country Club, Allegro and many other organizations. For many years he served on the Boards of Trustees of the Retina Research Foundation and Austin College. He and Edwina were long time members of the First Presbyterian Church where he could be found almost every Sunday at 11 a.m. in the second row pew.
The family will gather for a private interment ceremony at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston on Tuesday, January 23rd.
The memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23rd, in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church in Houston. Dr. Bill Heston officiating. Geo H. Lewis & Sons in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of usual remembrances, the family has suggested that contributions in memory of Mr. Gregg be directed to the Retina Research Foundation, 6560 Fannin St., Suite 2200, Houston, TX; the University of Texas School of Law, 727 East Dean Keeton St., Austin, TX 78705; Austin College, 900 N. Grand Ave., Sherman, TX 75090; or to the First Presbyterian Church of Houston, 5300 Main St., Houston, TX 77004.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the friendship, care and support provided to Mr. Gregg in his later years by Panchita Manzano, Olga Cerrato, Buddy Hooper, Norma Logan, Evelyn Marsh, Patricia Mayon, Vivian Taylor and Howard Trojankowski.
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Megan Cook
Megan Cook, 15, died as the result of injuries sustained when she was struck by an auto while running near her home Saturday in Wepumpka, a suburb of Montgomery, AL.
Funeral was to be held Wednesday at a Methodist Church in Wepumpka. She was a high school sophomore.
She was the daughter of Mike and Angela Cook, granddaughter of Don and Jan Ratliff, great-granddaughter of Mable Rogers of Eastland; and great-niece of Gaynell and H.V. OÕBrien.
She was a pitcher and played second base for the Indians softball team. Her mother is the softball coach and senior administrator at Huntington College where her grandfather, Don is assistant softball coach.
Survivors also include a brother, Ryan, 13.
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Marie Saylors
ATHENS- Marie Garlington Saylors, 83, of Athens, passed away Monday, January 22, 2007 at the South Place Nursing Center in Athens.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 25, 2007 at the Gordon-Foster-Brown Funeral Chapel in Athens. Burial was in the Oaklawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Athens. The family received friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening.
Mrs. Saylors was born on September 12, 1923 in Fastrill, TX to Osco and May (Waltmon) Garlington. She moved to Henderson County in 1939 and lived there for 68 years. She married Bob Saylors on June 19, 1940. She was a waitress and a member of BartonÕs Chapel Assembly in Murchison, TX.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents; and a sister, Reba Carpenter.
Survivors include a son, Frank Saylors of Eastland; two daughters, Sue Hurst of Longview and Barbara Williams and husband Ray of Murchison; five grandsons, Eddie McDade, Randy McDade and wife Karen, Kyle Saylors and wife Erica, Kenny Saylors, and Brent Williams and wife Danielle; two granddaughters, Lisa Von Spreecken and husband Gale and Katrina Cook; and nine great-grandchildren, Jonathan Von Spreecken, Justin Von Spreecken, Austin McDade, Hunter McDade, Drew Cook, Cody Cook, Alyssa Cook, Brendan Williams and Trinity Williams.
Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at gfb@cox-internet.com.
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George Johnson
George A. Johnson, age 74, of Gorman, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at his home in Gorman.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 25, 2007 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Richard Nachtigall officiating. Burial was at Murray Cemetery.
Mr. Johnson was born December 2, 1932 in Eastland County to Joseph ÒBusterÓ Johnson and Ruby Maness Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a retired pipeline, heavy equipment operator and rancher. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Baptist church and he loved to hunt and fish.
He is survived by three daughters, JoAnn Scitern and husband Johnny of Gorman, Cathy Craig of Eastland and Lindy Snider and husband Gary of Granbury; three sons, Johnny Johnson of Carbon, Jimmy Johnson and wife Sherry of Gorman and Jacky Johnson of Gorman; one sister, Dolores Walker and husband Fred of Tyler; 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James H. Johnson and one sister, Deon Fields.
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Luther Mauldin
Luther H. Mauldin, 81, of Rising Star, Texas passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2007 at the Rising Star Nursing Center in Rising Star.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, January 26, 2007 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Red Chamberlain officiating. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery in Brown County, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
Luther was born on January 12, 1926 in Grosvenor, Texas to Marshall and Clifton Waldon-Mauldin. He married Janice Patterson on October 31, 1948 in Yuma, AZ. He served in the Navy during World War II. He lived in the community for 16 years. Before moving to Rising Star he lived in San Diego, CA. He was a member of the Union Center Baptist Church. He was Past Comm. American Legion Post #6 VFW in San Diego, CA. He was Past Master at the Rising Star Masonic Lodge 688 and a 50 year member.
Luther is survived by his wife, Janice Mauldin of Rising Star; son, David Mauldin of Rising Star; sister, Doris McClanahan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven Mauldin; brother, W.A. Mauldin.
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Wesley Spivey
Wesley Steve Spivey, 44, of Gorman, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2007, at an Abilene hospital.
Services will be Sunday, January 28, 2007 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Gorman, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home and officiated by Bro. Barry Schahn. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman.
Steve was born in Gorman, Texas on December 7, 1962, and had resided in Gorman all his life. He graduated from Gorman High School in 1981. He was employed by A.O. Easley Trucks, Inc. of Gorman. He married his high school sweetheart, Tracy Dossey, June 23, 1984 in Gorman. Steve and Tracy were blessed with three beautiful children, of whom he was always so very proud. His family was his life and filled the greatest part of his loving heart.
Steve is survived by his wife, Tracy; two sons, Adam Welsey and Colby Ryan, and his little girl Lauren Rebecca, all of Gorman. Also surviving are his parents, Wesley and Sue Spivey of Gorman; his parents-in-law, Rev. Darrell and June Dossey of Gorman; a brother-in-law and wife, David and Janet Dossey of Breckenridge; a sister-in-law and husband, Becky and Jackie Don Simpson of Brownfield; and a sister-in-law, Lesa Dossey of Breckenridge. He also had many nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends.
Steve will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spivey Family Memorial Scholarship Fund, American State Bank, P.O. Box 519, Gorman, Texas 76454.
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Byrl Warren
GORMAN- Byrl Gene Warren, 67, died Wednesday, January 24, 2007.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2007 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Burial at Oaklawn Cemetery.
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Earlene Spencer
ANSON- Earlene Spencer, 83, died Saturday, January 27, 2007, at an Anson hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2007, at Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Pittman. Burial was in Mount Hope Cemetery, directed by Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home.
Born August 14, 1923, in Jones County, Earlene was a daughter of the late Vernon and Ludie (Steel) Reinhardt. She married Earl Spencer on July 14, 1942, in Anson. He preceded her in death April 3, 2001. Earlene worked for U.S. Brass and was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Fay Hubbard; and a son, Bobby Ray Spencer.
Survivors include one daughter, Brenda Cearley and husband, Jimmy of Cisco; one son, Winford Spencer and friend, Dana Wilson of Anson; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Spencer of Anson; two sisters, Maxine Lane and Gay Nell Reinhardt, both of Anson; grandchildren, Winford Spencer, Jr. and wife, Cynthia, Penny Ayaya, Amanda Irby, Justin Cearley, Patrick Spencer, and Bethany Spencer; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and caregiver, Maggie Munoz.
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Byrl Warren
Byrl Gene Warren, 67, of Gorman, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2007 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Richard Watson officiating. Burial was at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Byrl Gene was born December 14, 1939 in Gorman to Vernon Warren and Lydia Maynard Warren. He married Cho IL Kim in Seoul, Korea on October 10, 1963. He was a lab tech at Parkland Hospital in Dallas for several years. They had moved back here from Florida.
He is survived by his wife, Cho IL Kim Warren of Gorman; one sister, Joyce Forrest of Gorman and one brother and his wife Jimmy and Marilyn Warren also of Gorman.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spivey Family Memorial Scholarship Fund, American State Bank, P.O. Box 519, Gorman, Texas 76454.
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Dale Murdock
EASTLAND- Dale E. Murdock, Sr., 67, of Lake Leon, died Monday, January 29, 2007 in an Abilene hospital.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Edwards Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2007 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Burial with Masonic graveside rites will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger.
Dale was born July 25, 1939 in Fort Worth to Frank Colbert Murdock and Vera Lou (Baggerley) Murdock, where he was raised. He married Barbara Sue Dickson in Weatherford on October 13, 1959. They made their home in Burleson where Dale worked for Santa Fe Railroad, first as general help, then as a train dispatcher, retiring after 21 years. He also worked part time as a police dispatcher for the City of Burleson. After his retirement they moved to Lake Leon where Dale enjoyed fishing, ranching, and mowing lawns. He became Master Mason, belonging to the Eastland Masonic Lodge, where he served as Worshipful Master, worked on degree teams, served the district as District Deputy. He currently served as Secretary, a post which he has held for many years. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the Tri County Scottish Rite Club.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Murdock; and a sister Delores Caron.
He is survived by his mother, Vera Sing of Farmers Branch, TX; 4 daughters, Laurie Murdock Cox of Tecumseh, OK, Dolores Murdock Cordero of Pflugerville, TX, Leslie Murdock of Austin, TX, and Melissa Murdock Parent of Pflugerville, TX; 1 son, Dale Murdock, Jr. of Tye, TX; 1 brother, Dick Murdock of Cleburne, TX; 7 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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Steven Herridge
Steven Douglas Herridge, 37, of San Angelo passed away Saturday, January 27, 2007 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.
Steven was born May 3, 1969 in Taipai, Taiwan to Billie Vestal Davis and the late Gene Herridge.
He is survived by his mother, Billie Davis of San Angelo; his brother, Craig Herridge of Big Spring; his sisters Tina, Brenda and Sheila Herridge of San Angelo; his aunt Linda Stewart and husband, Larry of San Antonio; his aunt Audie Hamilton of Lindale; uncle Wayne Vestal and wife, Aletris of Cuero; aunt Linda Smith and husband, Doyce of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; aunt Karen Johannesen of Richardson and aunt Virginia Peca and husband, Louis of Leslie, Arkansas; cousins and friends; and great-aunt Viola Hallmark of Cisco.
Steven was preceded in death by his father, M/Sgt. Milton Gene Herridge; his maternal grandparents; and his paternal grandparents, George and Lena Herridge of San Angelo.
Steven lost a lifelong battle with kidney disease, and all the while not complaining to the ones he loved. His favorite scripture passage includes these words: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of death...” He believed with no doubt whatsoever that he would be comforted through that walk with absolutely no fear. He prayed daily for his family and friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, January 29, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Lange Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was to follow in Old Runnels Cemetery in Ballinger.
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Dorothy Henson
Dorothy Louise Burns Henson, 75, passed away January 31, 2007, with her family at her side. She was at peace with the knowledge she would be greeted by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 2, 2007 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Ranger. Visitation was held Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home- Ranger.
She was born on March 11,1931 in Gorman, TX, to Johnnie and Louise Burns.
Her parents were peanut farmers and Dorothy helped in the peanut fields alongside her parents, often missing school. After graduating high school, she moved to Ranger where she went to work for Dr. Kuykendall at the old West TX Clinic. In 1949, she moved to Ft. Worth to work for Consolidated Aircraft Company, helping to assemble wiring for the B-36 Bomber. She moved back to Ranger in 1951, and began working at Ranger General Hospital. She married LaRue Henson on June 7, 1952 in Breckenridge, TX. In 1967, she went to work at Walnut St.Clinic as a nurse, working for Dr. L.R. Gohlke until he retired, then continued working for Dr. Philip Webb until her final retirement in October of 2006.
Her ultimate desire was to shield her children and grandchildren from any pain and heartache. Her grandchildren and her beautiful yard was very important to her. She spent more time outside than in, and she could often be seen on her riding lawn mower with one of the grandchildren in her lap.
Those who knew Dorothy, knew she was a good Christian woman who lived her life for God, her family, and friends. She started every morning by reading her Bible and ended every night with a prayer of thanks.
Even after everything she’s been through, the loss of her husband and eldest son, her many bouts of cancer, she never once questioned God. Even though she had known since November her time was short, she continued to do all she could to make her last days and holidays special for her family.
We are better for having her as a mother, grandmother and best friend and our lives will never be the same without her here to guide us and give us her absolute support.
Dorothy was a member of The Leon River Cowboy Church in Olden, TX.
Pallbearers are Bryan Henson, Michael C de Baca, David Olson, Todd
Vier, Kelly Stanley, and Donald Fulbright.
She was preceeded in death by her husband, LaRue; son, Rickey; parents, Johnnie and Louise; and brother, Johnnie Paul.
Dorothy is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Linda Henson; daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Mike C de Baca; grandchildren, Michelle Henson Yaeger, Monica Stanley, Heather C de Baca, Michael C de Baca, Bryan Henson, Ssgt. Robert Nichols, Tawnya Vier, Suzanne Olson, and Luke Seymour; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, James and Freddie Joe; sister, Betty; a very dear friend not only to
Dorothy but to her family as well, Bill James; and her best friend of 40 years, Pat Pockrus.
If you choose to honor Dorothy with a gift to an organization instead of flowers, The Sherwood and Myrtie Foster Home, P.O. Box 978,
Stephenville, TX 76401, The Ranger City Library, c/o Diana McCullough, 718 Pine St., Ranger, TX 76470, or The Leon River Cowboy Church, c/o Paul Howie, P.O. Box 1411, Eastland, TX 76448 were some of her favorites.
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Patsy Alexander
After a valiant eight-year battle with illness, Patsy Marie White Alexander joined her God and Savior Jesus Christ on February 3, 2007.
Patsy was a leader in the community, dedicated healthcare professional and, most importantly, devoted wife and mother.
Patsy was born in Eastland, Texas on February 15, 1944, to parents O.T. and Neva White. She spent 34 years as a nurse anesthetist in Eastland County helping treat surgical patients in the Eastland Memorial Hospital and other hospitals in the surrounding area. Patsy became a Registered Nurse in 1968 after attending the St. Paul School of Nursing Daughters of Charity and the University of Dallas. She always credited the nuns at St. Paul for making her a great and caring nurse. Patsy then became a Certified Registered Nurse Anethetist in 1970. With a keen talent for nursing and exceptional grades, she was immediately accepted to Baylor University School of Anesthesia in Dallas. She was a member of the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
Patsy married Charles Preston Chick of Cisco, Texas, in 1963. They were married for 11 years. They settled in Eastland upon her graduation from Baylor and Patsy began her career with the Eastland Memorial Hospital and other surrounding hospitals. On August 11, 1970, she was blessed with the arrival of her first child, Lisa Gail Chick, now of Arlington. On January 3, 1973, her son Craig Preston Chick, now of Austin, was born. Patsy was a loving mother who always provided exceptional love and care for her children.
On July 5, 1975, Patsy married Dr. Billy Bob Alexander, of which she referred to as the light of her life and the center of her universe for 31 years. They were married in a small private ceremony in the Methodist Church Chapel in Eastland. For almost three decades, Dr. Bob and she cared for and helped cure the ills of many Eastland County residents. One joy they shared together was walking the streets of Eastland and seeing former patients who were giving back to the community. Even during Patsy’s final days, one of her caregivers entered her room to assist and Patsy whispered to her family, “I helped save her life.” The caregiver quietly acknowledged her statement and made sure she was well taken care of.
Having experienced the benefits of her education, she made sure that her children were college educated and productive citizens of their respective communities. Patsy was a proud and devoted Christian and member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Eastland. Her advice to her children was to always be “good Christians.” Patsy was also a proud servant to her community as a commissioner for the City of Eastland for four and a half terms from 1995 to 2004. She took great pride in her service on behalf of the city residents in an effort to make her hometown an even better place for current and future residents of Eastland to live and enjoy.
Patsy was an 8th generation Texan and avid explorer of her family’s genealogy. She never stopped learning and enjoyed many hobbies from quilting, needle pointing, stained glass, painting to silver and goldsmith of jewelry. She was known for her sharp mind and spent many hours with close and dedicated friends playing bridge.
She leaves a huge mark on her loved ones and was looked at as the matriarch of her family. She was always there for everyone in any time of need and was one of the most giving and selfless of humans. Her goal in life was to make things better, even when being the family’s rock was most difficult.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, O.T. and Neva White of Eastland; and sister, Kay Straw of Eastland.
She is survived by her beloved husband Billy Bob Alexander of Eastland and their loving children, Lisa Chick of Arlington, Craig Chick of Austin, Kay Hunt of San Angelo, Robin Harvey of Moran, Terry Alexander of Forney, and Jodi Madden of Mansfield; her siblings Odie White, Thomas White, Barbara Burns and Sue Williamson; her 8 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren; and three loving uncles and a host of loving nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral visitation was held Monday, February 5, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. at the Edwards Funeral Home.
Funeral services were held Monday, February 5, 2007 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Eastland. Graveside services were held at the Eastland Cemetery. Edwards Funeral Home was in charge.
In lieu of flowers, it was Patsy’s wish that memorial donations be made to the Eastland Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 897, Eastland, Texas 76448 or your favorite charity.
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Daniel Ray Stuart
Daniel Ray Stuart 19, of Cisco died Monday, February 5, 2007 in Eastland.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Saturday, February 10, 2007 in First Baptist Church with Reverend Jerry Hooper officiating. Burial will follow in the Scranton Cemetery. Kimbrough Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Daniel was born May 16, 1987 in Wichita Falls , Texas to Robert and Tammy (Latham) Stuart.Ê He attended schools in Cisco and Eastland and currently was enrolled at Cisco Junior College in the Auto Technology Program. Daniel was an employee of Cisco Pizza Heaven and had just begun a job with White Auto Repair in Cisco. Daniel woke with a smile and carried it through the day. He was known to be a hard worker and enjoyed many friends.
He is survived by his parents, Robert and Tammy Stuart of Cisco; sisters, Christi Reifel of Pflugerville, Cari Dipietro of Portland Oregon; nieces, Megan Huff and Madison Reifel of Pflugerville; nephew, Gavin Huddleson of Portland, Oregon; his birth mother, Kristine Vasquez; sisters, Desire Campbell, Kami Molina; and brother Manuel Molina and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He is also survived by his grandparents, Norma and Bill Reasor, grandfather, George Latham and his Nana, Fern Beasley who died minutes after his death on Monday.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Vance Stuart, Jr.
He will be laid to rest next to his uncle, Michael Stuart, who also preceded in him death.
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Jessie Nunnally
Jessie Nunnally, 94, formerly of Abilene, died Saturday, February 3, 2007, at a nursing center in Odessa, Texas.
A funeral service was at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Memories 542 Hickory, Abilene, Texas, with Rev. Tom Long officiating. Interment followed at 3 p.m. in Rising Star Cemetery, Rising Star, Texas, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Todd Nunnally, Ryan Lineweaver, Dean Bailey, J. Weldon Moore, C.W. Moore, and Don Lee.
Jessie was born in the Williams Community, Brown County, Texas on February 19, 1912 to Hattie (Keller) and J.M. Moore. She was raised as an avid sports fan. Jessie played on the 1930 State Championship basketball team for Williams High School in Brown County. They won the game and traveled to Dallas in 1931 for the exhibition game against Babe Didrikson Zaharia’s team. It was the highlight of her high school years. The Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Girls basketball games were always a weekend event along with a meal of Dad’s favorite, beans and cornbread. Jessie married John A. Nunnally in 1934 in Henderson, Texas. They moved from Brownwood to Abilene in 1952. Jessie was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; five sisters; and two brothers.
Survivors include her son, Alton Don Nunnally and wife, Mary, of Odessa, TX; a daughter, Jan Lineweaver and husband, John C. of Abilene, TX; four grandchildren, Todd Nunnally, Karen Chidiac, Stephanie Siegner, and Ryan Lineweaver; and seven great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Sears Methodist Retirement System, 3233 South Willis, Abilene, Texas 79605; Parks Methodist Retirement Center, 111 Parks Village Drive, Odessa, Texas 79765; Hospice House Facility, 903 North Sam Houston, Odessa, Texas 79761; or Odessa Regional Hospital 401 East 6th, Odessa, Texas 79761.
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Elizabeth Butler
Elizabeth Butler, 71, devoted wife, mother and homemaker, died Thursday, February 1, 2007 in Abilene. Her funeral service with Charles North officiating will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 5 at the Baker Heights Church of Christ with burial following in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 HWY 277 South.
Mrs. Butler was born on July 19, 1935 in Gorman the daughter of James Fred Crabtree and Ollie Mae Thompson Crabtree. She was a 1957 graduate of Abilene Christian College and spent a short time teaching in Corpus Christi before her marriage to Charles Butler on October 26, 1958. She and was a resident of Eastland for 31 years and had been in Abilene since 1995. She enjoyed reading and walking and in her healthy years was known to walk up to 9 miles per day. She was a charitable person who willfully helped others in need and kept track of an active greeting card ministry offering encouragement to family and friends.She was a member of the Baker Heights Church of Christ.
Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Charles Butler of Abilene; her daughter, Lisa Howe and husband Mike of College Station; her mother, Ollie Mae Thompson Crabtree of Stephenville; sister, Hazel Marie Allen of Stephenville and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her father and her brother, Charles Crabtree preceded her in death.
The family suggests memorial donations to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605 or Hendrick Hospice Care, PO Box 1922, Abilene, TX 79604.
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Joe Lawson
Joe Charles Lawson, 70, of Charlotte, Texas, formerly of Ranger, passed away Monday, February 5, 2007 in Jourdanton, Texas.
Mr. Lawson was retired from the United States Air Force.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores (Safford) Lawson; daughter, Christa Loftis and family; step-daughter, Teresa Haynes and family; sons, Joe C. Lawson, Jr. and family, Jerry Carl Lawson and family, Allen Lawson and family; step-sons, Michael Keith and family, Rickey Keith and family; one sister, Florence Cogburn; one brother, Robert Lawson; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
Graveside services were held on Friday, February 9, 2007, at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:15 a.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association.
Anyone wishing to leave a message for the family may do so at www.hurleyfuneral home.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home of Pleasanton.
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Valeria Rexroat
EASTLAND -Valeria Pearl Rexroat 78, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Feb. 5, where she joined her beloved husband Jessie Orval Rexroat who preceded her in 1999.
Pearl is also preceded in death by her parents Rome and Frankie Vasek Thrailkill, infant brother Robert Wesley Thrailkill and infant daughter Jill Ann Rexroat.
Services were held at 10 AM Saturday February 10, 2007 in the First Baptist Church in Gordon, Texas with Rev. Jim Andrews officiating. Burial followed in the New Gordon Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6 to 8 PM.
Pearl was born on Jan 12, 1929 in Petersburg, TX. She lived most of her early life in Mingus and Gordon, TX, and graduated from Gordon High School. Pearl and Orval were married on Feb. 14, 1947, and spent the first part of their marriage among family and friends in Gordon. In 1960 they moved to Eastland, TX where they became active participants in the community and at Bethel Baptist Church.
In March of last year Pearl moved to Parmer Woods assisted living in Austin, TX, which is located just minutes from her sister Frances.
She is survived by her loving daughter Jana Peters and husband Steve of Houston, TX; loving son Randy Rexroat and wife Helen of Colleyville, TX; devoted sister Frances Lowe and husband Jim of Austin, TX; and many other relatives and friends. The light of Grandma’s life were her grandchildren Brandon Rexroat and McKellie Rexroat.
Pearl was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.
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Jeannie Chriesman
Jennie V. Chriesman, 49, of Arlington and formerly of Cisco passed away Monday, February 5, 2007 , in Arlington.
Services were held Friday, February 9, 2007 at 1:00 PM at the Greater Outreach in Cisco with Reverend Herman Bealer officiating. Burial followed in the Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Jennie was born November 23, 19 57 , in Cisco, TX to Lorenzo and Christine Shelton Chriesman. She was a 1977 graduate of Cisco High School and received her BS in Social Work from Tarleton State University. Jennie was employed by the Child Protective Services as a caseworker and was a member of the Chosen Vessel Church .
Survivors include her father, Lorenzo Chriesman, Jr. of Abilene; two brothers, Lorenzo Chriesman III and wife, Flora, of Abilene, Robert Chriesman of Cisco; five sisters, Loretta Chappelle of Bellevue, Nebraska, Glenda Turner and husband, Huey, of Corpus Christi, Dr. LaVonne Jackson Leslie and husband, Randolph, of Hyattsville, Maryland, Susie A. Lloyd of Arlington, Utha Powell and husband, Tony, of Charleston, South Carolina; two aunts, Katherine Deckard and Bobra Shelton of Cisco; four uncles, Rodgers Parker of Abilene, Johnnie Parker of Ft. Worth, Norman Shelton of Cisco and Curtis Shelton, Jr. of Houston. A host of nieces, nephews, and friends also survive.
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Nancy Samuels
FORT WORTH - Nancy Louise Timmons Samuels, 83, a homemaker, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, at a local hospital.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, February 12, 2007 in the Chapel of Chimes in Laurel Land Memorial Park. Burial: 2 p.m. Monday in Eastland Cemetery, Eastland. Visitation: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Nancy Samuels was a lifetime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a very active member of the Fort Worth Genealogical Society.
Survivors: husband, Neil Samuels; sons, Carl and Kirk Samuels and their wives, Terry and Dianna; grandsons, Mike and Scott Samuels and Scott’s wife, Molli; great-grandson, Blake; and brother, Thorpe Timmons.
Laurel Land Funeral Home 7100 Crowley Road, 817-293-1350
View and sign guestbook at www.star-telegram.com/obituaries
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Thomas Cockrum
CISCO- Thomas Cockrum, 72, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at Shannon Hospital in San Angelo.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2007 at the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Jeremy Howard officiated the service. Interment followed at Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
Thomas, known to all as Tom, was born August 9, 1934 in Soper, Oklahoma to Bill and Johnnie Mae (Gould) Cockrum. Tom was taught how to farm by his father and mother. He took his trade with him into his own life and found much joy in working the land. He married Bulafae Smith on July 22, 1953 in Plainview. They worked farms together from California to Texas. They settled in the Panhandle of Texas to farm and raise their family of five children. After raising their children, Tom and Fae took on the much loved task of raising their three granddaughters.
Those of us who knew him, knew that raising these girls became his purpose. Tom’s greatest accomplishments in life were the raising of his family and the love he had for Fae. You couldn’t have a conversation with him without his mentioning his marriage of 53 years to Fae. Tom’s hobby was his family. Tom did what he loved best until he was forced to retire in 1994, due to health issues. After retirement, he went on to the business of “exchanging good.” As Tom would say, “Oh, we’re just a blowin’ and a goin’,” those of us who knew him, knew that meant he was bartering with someone about something! Tom and Fae relocated to Cisco in 1997.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Fae; sons, Timothy Cockrum and wife Becky and Thomas Tallant and wife Kendra; daughters, Nellie Callison and husband Bruce, Thoma Cockrum, Sharon Drew, Barbara Stanley and husband Mike; brother, Herbert Cockrum; sisters, Nelly Fae Gilliland and Helen Hill; 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
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Lillie Bennie
Graveside services for Lillie M. Bennie, 95, of Mineral Wells and formerly of Cisco, were held 2:00 PM Monday, February 12, 2007 at Oakwood Cemetery with Reverend Craig Curry officiating. Burial was under the direction Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bennie died Friday, February 9, 2007 at a Fredericksburg nursing home. She was born on June 30, 19 11 in Gustine to William Murl and Izora Idelia (Harris) Allsup. She attended schools in Comanche County and Eastland County and moved to Cisco with her family in the early 1920’s. She married William Campbell Bennie on February 10, 19 33 in Cisco, where she lived until 2005.
Mrs. Bennie was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for several years. She enjoyed cooking, painting and knitting afghans for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include sons, William C. Bennie, Jr. and wife Janice of Mineral Wells, Timothy M. Bennie and wife Karen of San Angelo; daughter, Linda Hutchison and husband Bob of Fredericksburg; nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Also, sister-in-law Evelyn Cassidy of Rockwall; daughter-in-law, Linda Faye Bennie of League City and half sister, Wynona White of Gustine.
Her husband and sons, Richard D. Bennie and Robert U. Bennie, preceded her in death.
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David Agnew
David Michael Agnew, 46, of Austin, Texas, passed away on February 4, 2007.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2007 in Elmwood Memorial Park, with Bob Bailey, Greg Etter, Dr. Rex Anderson and Dr. Tom Lyda officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home.
David was born on May 24, 1960 in Fort Worth, Texas to Nancy Oldham Agnew and William Franklin Agnew. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1978 and later graduated from Abilene Christian University. David was a resident of Austin, Texas for over 10 years. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Several family members preceded David in death.
He is survived by his parents, Bill and Nancy Agnew of Abilene; his son, Michael William Agnew and his mother, Aida Agnew of San Antonio; his sister, Carol Agnew Holliman and her husband, Gary of Terrell, TX; two aunts, Edith Bibb and her husband, Kenneth and their family of Rising Star, and Louise Swim and her family of Dallas; an uncle, Pat Agnew and wife, Carolyn and their family of Abilene.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.HamilFamily Funeral Home.com
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Samuel Whiddon
FORT WORTH - Samuel Murrel Whiddon, 79, passed away Friday, February 9, 2007, following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, February 11, 2007, at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland, Texas. Burial will be in the Eastland Cemetery with Reverend Dwane Owen presiding.
Sam was born in Merryville, Louisiana in 1927 and was a carpenter. He lived with his family in Pasadena, Texas and had many friends who enjoyed playing music together. He loved to grow plants and build flower beds that were filled with beautiful colors each spring. He served in the U. S. Navy for nine years during World War II and the Korean War. He spent time in Africa, Cuba and other far away places. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Stanley Whiddon.
Survivors: wife of 53 years, Charlean Crain Whiddon; daughter, Pamela Whiddon Cruz of Fort Worth; sons, Nathan Whiddon and wife Cindy of Denison, Texas, and Philip Murrel Whiddon “Red” and wife Chris of Fort Worth, Texas; grandsons, Frank Cruz and Nicholas Cruz of Fort Worth, Texas; brother, David Whiddon of Merryville, Louisiana; and sisters, Mary McGarity of Tomball, Texas, and Shirley Allen Gindler of Sugarland, Texas and families.
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Grace Sullivan
Grace Ruth Pennington Sullivan was born February 27, 1922 in Miami, Texas.
She was the daughter of Porter and Rebecca Ruth Philpot Pennington. She grew up and attended school in Miami, graduating from Miami High School. After high school Grace continued her educating by attending Waylon College in Plainview, Texas and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.
On September 4, 1943, Grace was united in marriage with Avery J. Pennington. They lived and served churches in Wildorado, Smyer, Floyd, Cumby, Roscoe, Sweetwater, Rager, Houston, Brookshire before moving to Bellville in 1985 where they were members of the First Baptist Church.
Grace enjoyed painting, cooking, reading, mending, gardening and most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Women’s Missionary Union.
Grace Ruth passed away Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the age of 84.
She is survived by her sons, Larry Sullivan and his wife, Linda, of Mesa, Arizona and Paul Sullivan and his wife, Levy, of Clear Lake, TX.; daughter, Sherry Ruth McIlwain of Greenville, TX; grandchildren, Aaron Sullivan of California, Faith, Kristina and Dustin Sullivan all of Houston; Megan Maradiago and husband, Jonathon, all of California, Jacob Sullivan of Baytown, Noah Singleton of New York City and Alexa and Camilla Scott both of Clear Lake; brother, Roy Pennington and his wife, Jo, of Dumas, TX.
Grace is preceded in death by her parents: Porter and Rebecca Ruth Pennington; husband, Avery J. Sullivan; brother, Johnny Pennington; sisters, Wanda Pennington Talley and Edna Pennington Moore.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 11, 2007 at First Baptist Church of Bellville. Mr. Paul Sullivan and Rev. Steve Olsen, officiating. Interment was in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Bellville, TX. Schmidt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of usual remembrances, friends who wish may make memorial gifts to First Baptist Church Nursery 504 E. Strauss, Bellville, TX 77418.
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Richard Kinser
Richard Watson Kinser, 89, of Gorman, died Friday, February 9, 2007 in a local nursing home.
Graveside services were held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2007 at Oakland Cemetery south of Gorman with Rev. Barry Schahn officiating.
Richard was born September 15, 1917 in Marble Falls, Texas to Andrew Jackson Kinser and Elizabeth (Bessie) Kinser. He was a carpenter, worked in the oil field industry and retired from Southern Airways. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1944. He had lived in Gorman most of his life. He had been a resident at Heritage Manor for the past several years. Before his health failed, he enjoyed fishing, baseball and loved playing dominos. Richard was a member of the First Baptist Church having become a Christian in the latter part of his life.
He is survived by one brother, Ralph Kinser of Buena Park, CA; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Rob, Roy, Ray and Rex; and two sisters, Rea and Ruby.
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Bernice Steward
GOREE- Bernice Steward, 84, died Sunday, February 11, 2007 in the Knox County Hospital, Knox City, Texas.
Services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at the Munday Church of Christ with Greg Melton officiating. Burial was in the Goree Cemetery in Goree, TX, under the direction of McCauley-Smith Funeral Home in Munday, TX.
Mrs. Steward was born August 14, 1922 in Knox County, Texas. She married James Byron Steward on October 11, 1941 in Munday. Mr. Steward died June 8, 2000. She was a cook for the Goree School cafeteria for 26 years and a member of the Goree Church of Christ. She was a lifetime resident of Goree.
Survivors are two daughters, Pat Steward of Ranger and Tonya Cypert and husband Buddy, of Haskell; one son, James B. Steward of Lubbock; one brother, Perk Hudson of Fairfield, TX; one sister, Sue Baker of Whitehouse, TX; 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
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Cynthia Donahoe
CISCO- Cynthia L. Dunahoe, 68, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2007 after an extended illness.
A private family memorial will held at a later date in Cisco.
Cindy was born May 14, 1938 in Rising Star, Texas to Tex Robbins and Monnie Mae Clark. Cindy was raised in the May community by her mother and beloved step-father Raymond Drinkard. Cindy worked for over 20 years at the White Elephant Truck Stop in Cisco serving mainly as operations manager. Most of her free time was spent watching old movie mysteries. Her hobbies were baking, working on word puzzles, and talking with friends on the phone. She was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cisco.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Ray Lynn Wright.
She is survived by two daughters, Terri Alvis and son-in-law Marc of Jackboro; Stinky Cahill and son-in-law John of Cisco; a son, Randy Hamilton Dunahoe and girlfriend Roberta Humphries of Cisco; a sister, Patsy Stafford of Cisco; a niece, Laurie Jaye Hutt; her grandchildren, Jodan, Kara, Mikey Sai, and Kea.
Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers in Ms. Dunahoe’s name to the American Cancer Society or to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
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Jerald Ledbetter
Jerald Dale Ledbetter, 83, of Breckenridge, died February 7, 2007.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2007, at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home, with Pastor Otho Noggle officiating. Family visitation was held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Born in Smackover, Arkansas on November 20, 1923, Jerald was the son of Orby C. Ledbetter and Ellen Christensen Ledbetter of Wayland, Texas. With his mother’s early death, he became devoted to his grandmother Elizabeth and grandfather Eliash Christensen of Coon Trail near Wayland, Texas.
At age 17 Jerald joined the Army Air Force and served in Africa and Italy in World War II in the 15th Air Force where he became a pilot and a gunner.
In 1948, Jerald and Dorothy Woodfin married on June 20, 1948.
Jerald finished his Bachelor’s degree at Northern Colorado University in Greeley, Colorado, and earned a Master’s degree at United States International University in San Diego, California. He served as an Industrial Arts teacher and Vice-Principal of a junior high school for a total of 27 years in El Cajon, California.
In 1985, he retired as an educator, returned to Breckenridge, started an oil company, and continued flying his own plane.
Jerald is survived by two daughters, Holly Dale Ledbetter Rose and husband Dave Rose of Breckenridge and Jeannie Ann Ledbetter-Andres and husband Bruce Andres of El Cajon, California; a brother, Orby C. Ledbetter, Jr.; nephew, Rexford Jerald Ledbetter; niece, Sharon Ledbetter Alex all of Victoria, Texas; and their children and grandchildren.
With military honors he will be buried in the Breckenridge Cemetery beside his mother.
Memorials may be made to Meals On Wheels.
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Gerald Parks
Gerald Weldon Parks, 89, of Cisco passed away Wednesday February 14, 2007 in a Fort Worth hospital.
Funeral services will be 1:30 PM Sunday, February 18, 2007 at I-20 Church of Christ officiated by Larry Fitzgerald. Burial will be in Scranton Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 6:00-8:00 PM on Saturday.
Gerald was born on the family farm in the Scranton Community on May 17, 1917 to Lorenzo A. and Etta Mae Parks. As an accomplished Texas Swing pianist, he was on original member of the Dixie Playboys during the 30’s and 40’s. Through out the years he continued to play the piano and entertained hundreds at many local musicals. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps prior to World War II. He then served in the US Army in the South Pacific Theater during World War II.
Gerald made many friends working in the downtown Cisco office of Lone Star Gas Company. He retired from Lone Star Gas Company in 1982 but remained very active in his cattle ranching and farming. He was a member of the Southwest Cattle Raisers Association; he was a former member of the Cisco Rotary Club and a longtime member of Cisco I-20 Church of Christ.
Ê Survivors include his wife, Gloria of Cisco; his children, Jerry and Cheryl Parks, Jay Parks, Jane and Charles Floyd, David and Lacy Roop and Steve and Teresa Roop; grandchildren, Josie Smith, Megan Parks, Jill and Nathan Floyd, Daniel, Michael, James and Francie Roop; great grandchildren, Courtney Starr and Alexis Smith.
Ê He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lorenzo Alfred; sisters, Annie Lorene, Sybil Lurline, Charlie Ben and Billie Ruth; and wife Mary Frances Parks.
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Pamela Waynick
EASTLAND -Pamela Dee Smith Waynick, 60, of Eastland, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2007 in an Abilene hospital.
A service celebrating her life was held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church in Eastland with Rev. Jim Wright officiating. Interment followed in the Mt. Marion Cemetery in Strawn, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Pamela, known to everyone as Pam, was loved and will be sorely missed by her family and many friends. She was born on August 15, 1946 in Big Spring to Phillip Edward and Dimple Dee (Cox) Smith. She was raised in West Texas, graduating from Hamlin High School and McMurray University in Abilene. She taught school for a short time before becoming an Executive Secretary for Dow Chemical in Freeport.
She married Sidney Waynick on March 20, 1981 in Abilene. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family and friends.
Pam was the Personnel Manager for U.S. Brass, before becoming the Director of Administrative Services for the City of Abilene, until 1994, when she and Sid moved to Eastland where they owned Leon Valley, Inc.
Pam was a very positive, intelligent, creative and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She enjoyed being a homemaker, cooking and feeding friends and family. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, humor, wit and love of music. She was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Dimple Smith.
She is survived by her husband, Sid Waynick of Eastland; one son, Zachary Shay Collins, daughter-in-law Jennifer and grandson Zane of Frisco, TX; one daughter, Tricia Waynick Kimmel; son-in-law, Justin and granddaughter, Bailey of Coleman, TX; one brother, Phillip Smith and sister-in-law Annette of The Colony, TX; many nieces, nephews; and her faithful K9 companion, Foxie.
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Delajane King
EASTLAND- Delajane King, known by friends and family as Janie, 68, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2007.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 15, 2007 at the Carbon Community Baptist Church with Pastor Jody Forbus officiating. Interment followed at Flatwood Cemetery under the direction of the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
Janie was born Delajane Fambrough on June 28, 1938 in Lamesa, Texas to Aurther Fambrough and Mildred (Warren) Fambrough. On May 1, 1965, she married Ancil ‘Tiny’ King in Eastland. The couple ennjoyed over 41 years of matrimony.
Janie was a beauty operator. She worked for many years at the beauty salon located inside the Connellee Hotel. Outside of her work, Janie’s love was her family. She enjoyed raising her children and later being a wonderful grandmother. She was a member of the Carbon Community Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Sonny Fambrough.
Janie is survived by her husband, Ancil ‘Tiny’ King of Coleman; her children, Donna Carlisle of Richmond, Ronnie Pinkerton of Jacksboro, Cynthia Sharp of Temple, and Alan King of Richmond; her niece and nephew, Trey and Lalania Fambrough; her six grandchildren and her four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Janie King’s name to the Carbon Christian Camp c/o the Carbon Community Baptist Church.
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Mildred Pharr
Mildred Emma Pharr, 75, of Cisco passed away on Saturday February 17, 2007 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Monday, February 19, 2007 in Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Reverend Howard Stovall and Reverend Terrell Jackson. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Visitation at the funeral home was 6:00-8:00 PM Sunday.
Mildred was born in Cisco, Texas to Erwin and Irma Augusta (Tonne) Grenwelge on November 6, 1931. She worked as a seamstress at Boss Glove and worked in food service of Canterbury Villa and was a homemaker and caregiver to her mother, father and grandmother, and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church .
Ê She is survived by sons, Weldon Pharr and wife Sidney, Darwin Pharr and wife Rena and Buster Pharr all of Cisco; daughters, Linda Moss and husband John of Winnsboro, Judy Dudley and husband Robert of Granbury, Jeanene Montgomery and husband Daryl of the Panhandle; grandchildren, Camille Pharr, Caleb Pharr, Kylie Fink and husband Rusty, Colby Midkiff, Jonathan Moss, Amanda, Rebecca, Jason Sinclair, Matthew and Kevin Dudley, Zachary Wilcox, Mikeana Bailey, Mindy Torres, Jeremy Torres and Kayla Montgomery; great grandchild, Hayden Pharr.
Preceded in death by her parents and a great grandson, Benji Pharr.
Pallbearers were Marvin Reich, Tom Mills, Fred Bennell, Dinny Dillard, John Gerhardt and John McCullough.
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Jim Akers, Jr.
Jim Webb Akers, Jr., 73, of Wichita Falls Convalescent Center in Wichita Falls died Friday, February 16, 2007 in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Services were held Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 2 p.m. Graveside services were held at the DeLeon Cemetery. Bro. Kenneth Wilson officiating.
He was born January 31, 1934 in Ranger, Texas to the late J.W., Sr. and Lena Mowlin Akers. He lived in Wichita Falls over 50 years, and was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald Pat Akers and Emmett Akers; four sisters, Christine Thomas, Mildred Akers, Jeanette Standridge, and Lomita Scanlan.
Survivors are one brother, Jack Akers and wife, Peggy of Hurst, TX.; and several nieces and nephews.
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Peggy Roan
Peggy Roan, 72, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 18, 2007, at home in Cisco.
She was an active member and Sunday school teacher at Calvary Baptist Church in Cisco. Peggy’s lifelong ministry was to encourage others through cards, calls, visits, and prayers. She loved the Lord Jesus and radiated His love through the compassion she showed others. She will be remembered through the legacy of generosity and kindness she lavished on all she met.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, J.B. and Maria Adella Arguello, and her beloved husband, Kenneth Roan.
She is survived by her daughter, Melodee Roan Lee, and husband Roland Lee of Fredericksburg; her son David Roan and wife Melodie Roan of Cisco, and son Harold Roan and wife Jana Roan of Stephenville. She cherished her grandchildren Justin and Melissa Wilks, Eric Watts, Amanda Watts, Jaylan Roan, Kenzie Roan, and Richard and Michelle West; and her great-grandchildren, Jonathen Wilks, Katlyn West, and Kristopher West.
Though flowers would be appreciated, Peggy’s children would like to continue her legacy of giving by asking friends to give to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Attn: Memorial Dept, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and/or Calvary Baptist Church, 1801 Conrad Hilton, Cisco, TX 76437.
Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist in Cisco on Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. with burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
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Max Long
Max D. Long, 75, of Whittier, CA passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2007 at home in Whittier, CA.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
Max was born on December 24, 1931 in Rising Star, Texas to Raleigh and Lorene Shook-Long.
Max is survived by his daughter, Donna Jean Long-Romick of Whittier, CA; 3 brothers, Raleigh Don Long of Springtown, TX, Rex Long of Rising Star, TX, Tony Long of Dublin, TX; 2 sisters, Charlene Rider of Rising Star, TX and Dorothy Whiteside of Rising Star, TX; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Nancy Long.
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Herbert Schneider
Herbert Henry Schneider, 87, died Tuesday, February 20, 2007 in Comanche, Texas.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2007 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cisco with Pastor Matthew Brackman officiating. Interment will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Restland Cemetery in Iraan, Texas.
He was born February 10, 1920 in Shackelford County near Albany, Texas. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cisco. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army in the 275th Engineering Battalion and participated in the Normandy Invasion, the Battle of France and the Battle of the Bulge.
He married Thelma Lee Eversole on March 15, 1946, and she predeceased him in June 1989. Herbert was a drilling contractor in Iraan, Texas, and retired in the Gorman area.
On October 6, 1990 he married Lula Cooper Vermillion in Cisco, Texas.
He is survived by his wife, Lula Schneider of Gorman; one daughter, Barbara Schneider of Nashville, TN; one son, Marvis Schneider of Midland; two brothers, Ernest Schneider of Rockdale and Lawrence Schneider of Iraan; two sisters, Mildred McClish of Azle and Loretta Fuller of Florida; and two granddaughters, Rachel and Sara Schneider.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and one sister.
Visitation was held Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cisco.
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Martin O’Brien
Eastland County Native Martin Willard O’Brien, 91, died Tuesday night, February 20, 2007 at a retirement center in Bedford, MA.,
Interment was to have been Friday, February 23, 2007 at the National Cemetery in Bourne, MA., following visitation at the Shawsheen Funeral Home in Bedford.
Willard was son of the late Hous O’Brien and Elizabeth Martin who died when he was a child. His father later married Fannie Hastings who mothered him, his sister Lorena and brother, Otis; both of whom have passed away, as have a half-sister, Bobby Nell and half-brother J.C.
Willard joined the U.S. Army (Horse Cavalry) after graduating from high school, and later enlisted in the Marine Corps as a buck private in search of greater adventure.
One of his first postings was to Shanghai, China, protecting American concessions as the Japanese were invading during WWII. He often referred to a French bakery there. He spent part of WWII statewide and part in the Pacific.
He subsequently was stationed (among other less glamorous places) in Korea, Japan and spent some time with the Marine Corps Inspector General’s Department, stationed in Washington, D.C., inspecting Marine details at embassies in Eastern Europe.
He married Margaret Morris and soon thereafter retired from the Marine Corps as a Captain, in 1961, and spent a good part of his subsequent life living in different parts of the country.
He was employed by Graham Paper Co., and worked in Memphis, Abilene, San Antonio and St. Louis, where his wife passed away.
Survivors include a son, Kevin of Grass Valley, Calif.; a daugher, Mrs. John (Peggy) Lobosco, who lives in Bedford with her husband and daughter, Xiuiu, 11; a brother, H.V. O’Brien of Eastland; and a sister, Mrs. John (Vermell) Edwards of Baytown.
A daughter, Eileen also preceded him in death.
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James Ramsey, Sr.
James Howard Ramsey, Sr., 49, of Big Sandy, Tennessee died January 23, 2007 at his residence after a long illness.
Memorial services will be February 24, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Tye Baptist Church. Jimmy Hatcher officiated.
Born February 5, 1957 in Abilene, he was a son of the late Joseph Edgar Ramsey and Edna Marie Price Ramsey. His wife, Tracie Ann Hester Williams Ramsey preceded him in death.
James was formerly employed at Pops and Sons Metal Co. in Big Sandy. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
He leaves a daughter, Britnie Ramsey of Big Sandy; four sons, James Ramsey, Jr. of Hawley, Jarod Sulivant of Ranger, Randy Williams of Big Sandy, and Nathan Williams of Abilene; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Ramsey of Big Sandy; and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Alene McQueen of Locker, TX, Wanda Wolf of Greenville, TX, Mary Helen Nurmi of Tye, TX, Mildred Liske of Trappers Creek, Alaska, Susie Wallace, Linda Joyce Voyles and Jean Ramsey, all of Abilene. His brothers are John Ramsey of Abilene, Wayne Ramsey of Tuscola, and Jimmy Ramsey of Big Sandy.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Dixie McCracken and brother, Bobby Joe Ramsey.
Memorials may be made to Bank of Camden Big Sandy, 65 Main St. Big Sandy, Tennessee 38221.
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Robert 'Bob' Lanham
Robert James 'Bob' Lanham from Moran, Texas was born on March 28, 1958 and died Saturday, February 24, 2007, at the age of 48.
Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2007 at the Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Memories, conducted by Pastor Clyde Kieschnick.
Bob was born in Giessen, Germany, the son of James Paul Lanham and Erika Ferrand. He worked as a driller in the oil fields of West Texas all his life. He was a generous, loving, hard-working man. Bob loved his family and fishing on the Brazos river. His death left a huge hole in the hearts and lives of his loved ones, but he leaves behind happy memories and a loving legacy.
Bob is survived by his parents, his step-mother Gaye Lanham; his wife, Brenda; his sons, Byron Robert of Lubbock and Nathan Royce of Abilene; sister, Jutta Biggerstaff of Joshua Tree, Calif.; brothers, Ronald Wayne Lanham of Clyde, John Michael Lanham of Abilene, and Jerry Randolf Lanham of Abilene; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
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Jose 'Joe' Camacho
Funeral Mass for Jose 'Joe' Ruelas Camacho, 84, was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Burial was at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Eufemia Camacho; son, John; daughters, Pia Macfawn, Delia Camacho and Ramona Camacho; brothers, Arthuro and Ramon; sister, Trinidad Mendoza.
Arrangements by Crestview Funeral Home.
He was a longtime carpenter with Bill Bourdeau and was self employed. He was a longtime member of St. Rita's Catholic Church and Ranger Volunteer Fire Dept.
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Kathryn Coffman
COLEMAN- Kathryn Longacre Coffman, 96, of Coleman died Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at Coleman County Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 2, 2007 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Daniel Harrell of Nashville, TN. officiating, assisted by David Casey and Joe Hailey. Burial followed in the Dudley Cemetery in Callahan County, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.
Kathryn was born Sept. 27, 1910 in Dothan, Eastland County, Texas, the daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Kate Augusta Telford Longacre. She grew up and attended school in Potosi. On August 31, 1932, she married David E. Coffman in Lawton, OK. He preceded her in death on April 22, 2005. She moved to Novice in 1946, Albany in 1961 and returned to Novice in 1971. She was a member of the quilting club in Novice and the Elm Street Church of Christ.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Ozaine Coffman of Silver Valley; one daughter and son-in-law, Nell and Arnold Lefevere of Coleman; five grandchildren, Shannon Lefevere of Coleman, Steven Wayne Coffman and wife Sue, of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Robert Paul Coffman and wife Christy of Arlington, Rachelle McKinnon and Katelynn McKinnon, both of the Arnold Lefevere home in Coleman; adopted grandson, Daniel Harrell of Nashville, TN. and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; four sisters and three brothers.
The family requests memorials sent to the Lawn Church of Christ, Lawn, TX.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com
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Preston Alexander
EASTLAND- Preston Andrew Alexander, age 79, passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at a Fort Worth care facility.
A scattering of ashes will be conducted at a later date at Mullins Cemetery near Miles, Texas.
Service arrangements were held with the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home in Eastland.
Preston was born February 1, 1928 in the Okra Community in Eastland County to Osburn Alexander and Selina (Lee) Alexander. After the Okra School closed, Preston attended Rising Star Schools for one year. He was raised in the Church of Christ.
In 1946, Preston left Eastland and joined the United States Navy. After serving in the Navy for eight years; he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he later achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He primarily worked with mechanical things in the military especially automobile equipment and trucks.
In August of 1968, he was honorably discharged from the military though he served on reserve duty until May of 1978.
On February 2, 1957, Preston married Patricia Greenock in Edinburgh, Scotland. The couple had met in England while Preston was stationed there in the Air Force and Patricia was serving in an English Bomber Command Unit while enlisted in the Royal Air Force.
Preston was preceded in death by his wife of over 47 years, Patricia Alexander, who passed away in April of 2004; and his oldest son, Mike Alexander who died in December of 1999.
Preston is survived by his son, Barry Alexander of Eastland; and his sister, Corene Alexander of Grand Prairie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes .org
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Esta Micahel
MAY- Esta Verleen Weeks Micahel, 63, of May and formerly of Evant died Wedneday, February 28, 2007 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center following a short illness.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Boyce Edwards, Church of Christ minister from Killeen officiating. Interment followed in the Evant Cemetery under the direction of Heartland Funeral and Cremation Service of Early.
Esta was born on March 27, 1943 in Cisco, the daughter of the late Robert and Mary Penn Sugg and was raised in the Evant community. She attended the Hamilton School of Nursing where she received her LVN license and later attended classes at Howard Payne College. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Randy McDaniel of May; a son, Ricky Weeks of Abilene; four brothers, Stanley Sugg and wife Pat of Gatesville, Delbert Sugg and wife, Karen of Lampasas, Keith Sugg and wife, JoAnn of Gatesville and Steve Sugg and wife, Carmen of Evant; a sister, Kathy Edwards and husband, Boyce of Killeen; five grandchildren, Samantha, Deric, Ryan, Courtney, and Matthew; four great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Quintin, Ashton and Hannah; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Little Ricky.
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Shay Randolph Brewer
May 1, 1973-January 21, 2007
A graveside memorial service for Shay Randolph Brewer of Dallas is scheduled for Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. Pastor Mark Brewer will officiate.
Shay is the son of David and Linda Brewer of Eastland. Surviving relatives in Eastland include a sister, Gina Brewer, aunt and uncle Odie and Kay Merrifield, and cousin Odie Merrifield and wife Melissa. Shay is survived by a brother, Pastor Mark David Brewer and wife Melanie of Midlothian as well as their three children Ethan, Mason and Ella, niece Ashley Wright of Bedford, nephew Rod Austin of Irving and aunt and uncle Ronnie and Evelyn Merrifield of Brownwood.
Shay was a 1992 graduate of Tyler Street Christian Academy in Dallas. He attended college at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls and the University of Houston. He was inducted into Who's Who of High School Students in 1991 and Who's Who of Professionals in 1999.
Born in Midland, Texas May 1, 1973 he had lived in the Dallas area since 1978 until the time of his death January 21, 2007. Shay owned and operated a computer software company in Dallas for the past eight years.
His presence on this earth will be missed by many relatives and dear friends.
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Billy Jo Loflin
Billy Jo Loflin passed away on December 25, 2006. He was 70 years old. He was born on January 3, 1936 to Jim and Grace Loflin. He was married to Virginia Davis on April 26, 1964. They had 5 children, Molly Loflin, Marty Loflin, Billy Jo Loflin, Jr., Scotty Loflin and Debbie Watson. He also had 6 grandchildren that loved and misses him alot.
He is survived by two sisters, Annie Ruth Christian and Elma Grace Green of Rising Star.
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Robert Clinton
Robert Clinton died on Thursday, March 1, 2007.
He was born in Putnam, Texas on November 23, 1923, to Robert Lovett Clinton and Eva Frances Clinton. He had one brother (deceased), David Park Clinton. He married Wanda Lowry in Abilene, Texas on October 14, 1944. They have three sons: Robert Lowry Clinton of Pinckneyville, IL; David Reagan Clinton of Austin; and Ronald Dale Clinton of Pittsburg, Texas.
Dr. Clinton is a graduate of Putnam High School and holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in music from North Texas State University and a Doctorate from Texas Tech University. During WWII, he served in the U. S. 9th air force, flying P47s with the 404th fighter wing, in Europe.
His professional career began at Cisco Junior College where he established the first music program in the college. After moving to Snyder, Texas in 1953 as high school choir director and director at the music programs in the elementary schools, he remained to become Principal of the high school and Superintendent of the Independent School District. In 1967, Dr. Clinton moved to Austin, where he joined the Texas College Coordinating Board as Assistant-Commissioner for the development of community colleges in the state. In 1970, he moved back to Snyder to become the founding and first president of the newly established Western Texas College.
During these years, he served in many civic capacities in Snyder. Professionally he was a member of the Governor's Committee for Recodification of Public School and Junior College Law; Director of National Council of State Directors of Community/Junior Colleges; was a member of Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; and directed development of the Policy Reference Manual for Texas Community Colleges. In 1980 he was selected as Texas Tech University Outstanding Graduate in Education. After serving eleven years as President of the College, he returned to Austin to become Executive Director of the Texas Public Community College Association. After retirement in 1987, he served twice as interim president of Amarillo College.
In addition to his long and distinguished career in education, he served as music director for five churches, one being the Lakeway Church. Dr. Clinton gave joy to untold numbers people through his solo singing in many different venues. He enjoyed many interests; golfing, photography, reading, and traveling in the motorhome. His greatest joy was his family.
He is survived by his wife Wanda; three sons Robert Lowry & wife Margaret Anne, David Reagan and wife Patty; Ronald and wife Betty; six grandchildren, Amy Muldoon, Gina McFarlen, Becky Briseno, Winter Hall, Evan Clinton, Tucker Clinton and five great grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 5, 2007 at the Lakeway Church, 2203 Lakeway Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to:
Dr. Robert L. Clinton Scholarship Fund
Western Texas College Foundation
c/o Julie Sentell
6200 College Ave.
Snyder. TX 79549
or The Lakeway Church Foundation, or the charity of your choice.
Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com
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Virginia Graff
Virginia Bell Foster Graff, 94, of Belton, passed way in Temple on February 10, 2007. Graveside services were held at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco on February 12, 2007. She was laid to rest beside her parents, grandmother, two sisters, and a cousin. She was preceded in death by her siblings Juanita Foster Evans,Billie Grace Foster Bryson, James Dale Foster,and Oleta Foster; and a granddaughter Glenda Kay Bell.
Mrs. Graff was born at Harpersville, Stephens County, on January 2,
1912 in the house of her grandfather. She was the daughter of James Allen Foster and Della Mae Harper Foster of Harpersville. She was the great- granddaughter of James Riley Harper, who settled in Stephens County
in 1872, and Joseph D. Miller and Elizabeth Paul Miller, who settled south west of Eastland in the 1870s. She attended schools in Eastland
County and Stephens County and graduated from Morton Valley High School in 1932.
There were nine students in her graduating class.
She met William 'Happy' Graff in 1940 in a restaurant on the north side of the square in Eastland. They were married in 1941. Happy died in El Paso in 1970. He worked in road construction and the family lived in many towns in Texas-moving as each job was completed. They were the parents of Nancy Graff Kelsey of Belton and Linda Rae Graff of Floresville.
Mrs.Graff had many fond memories of Eastland County and Stephens County and she passed those memories down to her family-even though they did not always listen. For the past 30 years she made at least one trip, and sometimes three trips, a year back to visit 'my old home.'
In addition to her two daughters she was survived by four
granddaughters Virginia 'Ginny' Guinn Parsons of Springfield, VA; Tina Guinn Schreiber of Idaho; Connie Pecina of Pflugerville, and Sara Bell of Floresville;
and eight great grandchildren.
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Ray Hill
Ray Hill, 46, of Ranger, passed away February 25, 2007 in Eastland.
Graveside services were held at 1 P.M. Saturday, March 3, 2007 in Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Visitation was held Saturday morning from 9 am till 1 pm.
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Sylvia Huss
Sylvia Dean Van Huss of Marble Falls, Texas, was born to Mamie and Alton Westerman on April 3, 1931, in Rising Star (Nimrod), Texas. She was the third child of seven children.
She departed this earth for a Glorious Mansion on a Hilltop in Heaven on February 18, 2007. She is with the Lord!
Sylvia is survived by her son Robert Van Huss, Jr. and wife, Carolyn of Monticello, Georgia, and her three daughters: Shayne Tassone of Sarasota, Florida, Rebecca Lazos and husband, Oscar Lazos, Jr. of Marble Falls, Texas, and Shelly Portera and husband, Phil of Sarasota, Florida. She has twelve grandchildren: Gregg, Melissa, Stephanie, Dylan, Shawn, Eric, Michael, Michelle, Maxwell, Christopher, Chloe, and Jenna. She also has 3 great-grandchildren: Aja Anais, Oscar Michael, IV, and Orlando Isaiah. Sylvia is also survived by one sister, Betty Ford of San Angelo, Texas and three brothers and sisters-in-law: Cleo and Faye Westerman of Sacramento, California, Bennie and Jane Westerman of Hurst, Texas, and Wilbert and Ebbie Westerman of San Angelo, Texas. Sylvia also has many nieces and nephews who love their Aunt Sib so much! She will also be missed dearly by her many friends.
Sylvia was predeceased in death by her parents, Mamie and Alton Westerman in 1954, and her baby sister Jane Westerman in 1955 and her big sister Ima Park of San Angelo in 2001.
Sylvia spent many years married to the father of her children, Robert Van Huss, Sr. who was in the concrete business in San Angelo, Amarillo, Fort Worth-Dallas, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Seagraves, Texas. Then, after many years apart, Sylvia and 'Bob' were rejoined in friendship in 1993 shortly before his death. In 1991, Sylvia married Frank Surridge. They resided in Sarasota, Florida. She was widowed by Frank in 1996.
At the age of 52, Sylvia earned her nursing degree at the Sarasota County Vocational and Technical School. She was a private duty nurse in Sarasota. She gave her patients the greatest of care with the utmost of love and compassion. Shortly after retirement in 1999, Sylvia suffered an aneurysm, but through the prayers of family and friends and the Healing Touch of God she enjoyed a miraculous recovery. She was a MIRACLE!
She went on to live a full life.
She made a choice to move in with her daughter and son-in-law, Beckie and Oscar, and their children, Michael, Michelle and Max. They melded into one big, happy family. They remained in Sarasota for one-and-a-half more years where Beckie taught at Brookside Middle School. In June of 2001, the family relocated to Marble Falls, Texas. Sylvia was happy to return to her native Texas where she had many relatives. She loved 'good ole food', music, movies, vanilla ice cream, riding in the car, talking, swimming, dancing, and most of all rocking babies.
Special thanks to those who helped provide care for Sylvia at Seton Hospital-Austin, Texas. Rhonda Clark and Guawanna Langenfeld both nieces to Sylvia traveled many times between Austin and San Angelo to give their Aunt Sib the best of their care, time and love. Also, great-niece Tama Barrows and husband John and granddaughter Michelle Lazos gave of their time to be with Sylvia. Also, we appreciate Lorrie Roehl, an ordained minister and niece to Sylvia, so much for offering to officiate at her memorial.
After a brief illness, God saw fit to bring his child Home. Sylvia was surrounded by her daughter and son-in-law, Oscar and Beckie, grandson, Michael and niece, Rhonda lifting her into God's care with song and words of Praise as she departed for the Pearly Gates! Sylvia is now in the loving arms of her Lord!
A 'Pictorial and Musical' Memorial Celebration Service will be held in honor of Sylvia for family and friends at the Harris Avenue Baptist Church, 1026 Harris Avenue, in San Angelo, Texas, on March 17, 2007, at 4 pm. All are welcome.
A Poem for My Family
Chosen by Betty Ford, Sib's Sissy
Miss Me But Let Me Go
Author Unknown
When I have come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I won't know right in gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love we once shared.
Miss me --- But let me go.
For this is a journey we must all take,
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan...
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friends we know.
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me ---But let me go.
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William Upchurch
William Howard Upchurch went home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2007. He was born on September 7, 1913, in Johnson County, Texas, to Winnie and Frank Upchurch. He had four brothers; Harry, Chester, Hal, and Buddy and one sister, Alice.
He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law; Bill and Ann Upchurch of Houston, Texas, Gary and Diane Upchurch of Midland, Texas, Bobby and Nancy Upchurch of Monahans, Texas, and two daughters and one son-in-law; Shirley Albritton of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Mary Helen and Ernest Eldon Basham of Grandview, Texas. His grandchildren are David Upchurch and wife Kendra, Laurie Gibbs and husband Derek, Stacey Callaway and husband Cory, Jeremy Upchurch and wife Sarah, Jason Upchurch and wife Donna, Todd Albritton, Sabrina Albritton, Brett Basham, and Bart Basham and wife Gina. He also leaves 16 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, all of whom loved being with him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Lucille McCord Upchurch, his second wife, Helen Todd Upchurch, his brothers, Harry and Chester, his sister, Alice, and his son-in-law, Dennis Albritton.
Howard proudly served in the U.S. Navy in World War 2. Upon completion of that service, he moved to Eastland, Texas, where he was a funeral director for 25 years. In 1963, he moved to Monahans, Texas, where he worked in the television and radio field and later, he worked for American Tool Company for 10 years.
Upon retirement, he moved to Grandview, Texas, where he was very active in his church and community. He has many friends of all ages. He had a deep and abiding faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Howard dearly loved being with people, and they loved being with him. His interests were golf, which he played almost up to the day he died, dominoes, and baseball.
Friends and family are cordially invited to a visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2004, at Vaughan Funeral Home in Grandview, Texas. A celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church, Grandview, Texas, at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2007. A Christian burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery in Grandview, Texas.
Pall Bearers: Grandsons Jeremy Upchurch, Jason Upchurch, Cory Callaway, David Upchurch, Bart Basham, Todd Albritton
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Exa 'Polly' Kline
STRAWN- Exa 'Polly' Ruth Kline, 83, of Strawn passed away on February 15, 2007 in North Carolina.
Memorial services will be in the First United Methodist Church on Sunday March 11th at 2 PM and the family will have lunch at the church at 12 noon.
Born on March 13, 1923 in Jadie Oklahoma she married Claude S. Kline on April 12, 1944 in Breckenridge and he preceded her in death on December 23, 1997. They owned and operated the Polka Dot in Strawn for 25 years now known as Mary's Cafe. She loved spending time with her family she had an open mind and open heart and open arms. She will be missed by her children Beverly Kline, Mitch Kline, Greg Kline, Earl Kline, Donna Kline, Gayle Kline, and Sam Kline. She was preceded in death by a son Phillip Kline; 22 Grandchildren and 15 Great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
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Wilma Jennings
CROSS PLAINS- Wilma Lorene Jennings, 88, of Cross Plains, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at the Rising Star Nursing Center.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2007 at the Higginbotham Chapel with Bob Pipes officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Grosvenor, Texas.
She was born July 22, 1918 in Grosvenor to Hub and Beulah (Fry) Mauldin. She completed high school and married Leaman Jennings on August 24, 1940 in Grosvenor. Lorene retired from C.G. Conn Company. She was a member of the Church of Christ of Cross Plains.
She is survived by her son, Charles Jennings of Scranton and daughter, Glenda Oliver of Abilene; 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Leaman Jennings; granddaughter Staci Lynn Newton.
She will be missed by all who knew her.
Pallbearers were Robert Clark, Fred Childers, Dale Isenhower, Ronald Jones, David Mauldin, and Doug Malone.
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Carl 'Dub' Hoffmann, Jr.
EASTLAND- Carl W. 'Dub' Hoffmann, Jr., prominent businessman and resident of Eastland, Texas, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2007.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 10 a.m. in the First Baptist Church in Eastland conducted by Dr. Shawn Brewer and Dr. Eric McKinney.
Dub was born in Eastland, Texas on June 5, 1938, to the late C.W. and Bess Hoffmann. As a young boy he attended Eastland Elementary and graduated from Peacock Academy in San Antonio. He attended Texas Tech and Lubbock Christian in Lubbock.
Returning to Eastland in September 1963, he managed Eastland Supply, which his family owned. In 1968, Dub purchased Poe Floral and was known for his superior floral business for 26 years.
Dub loved his hometown and was always willing to help and strived to improve his community.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, Eastland Masonic Lodge, Fort Worth Scottish Rite, Moslah Temple, Eastland City Commissioner serving as Chairman of the Board from 1988 to 1995, West Central Texas Council of Government Executive Board, Eastland Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Eastland Food Pantry Board, Eastland Antique Car Club, and an active member of the Texas Silver Haired Legislature. Dub was honored by the Eastland Chamber with the Golden Deed Award.
Survivors include wife, Jean Hoffmann; son, Carl W. (Trey) Hoffmann of Dallas; daughter, Tiffany Hoffmann Turetzky and husband, David of Secaucus, New Jersey; step-son, Mike Carter and wife Dana of Longview; and two grandchildren, Laura Jean Carter and Zach Turetzky.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, W.H.Hoffmann, Sr.; and sister Mary Katherine Hoffmann Gavrel.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
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Fannie Brooks
Fannie Mildred Brooks, 84, died Sunday, March 11, 2007 at an Abilene medical center.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, Brother Ronnie White officiating. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel.
She was born the daughter of Jennie (Linn) and James Edward Massey on October 13, 1922 in Hendrix, Oklahoma. She attended school in Merkel. She was a resident of Merkel and the Abilene area most of her life. She worked as a nurse's aide at Abilene State School, and had been a longtime worker at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church Child Development Center.
She married Ivy L. Brooks on August 4, 1937. Mrs. Brooks was a member of Harvest Baptist Church in Abilene.
Fannie was preceded in death by her husband, Ivy on December 18, 1974; one brother, two sisters and one granddaughter.
Survivors include a son, Gary Brooks and wife, Karen of Ferris, Texas; three daughters, Ramona Sanders and husband, Willard of Abilene, Pat Forbes and husband, Jim of Baird, and Rita Caffey and husband, James of Cisco; 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; four sisters, Louise Lemons of Roby, Jennie Linn Bentley of El Paso, and Wilma Arnett and Anna May Baker both of Longview.
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren served as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to Abilene State School P.O. Box 451, Abilene, TX 79604.
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James Keffer
James Earl Keffer was born in Lipscomb, Texas, on September 17, 1921. He attended Texas Tech University and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. For the next 45 years, he worked as credit manager for Continental-Emsco Oil Field Supply Company in Texas, Oklahoma, and Canada. He was a long-time member of Believers Chapel.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Jean; his sons, Jim and his wife Leslie, Bill and his wife Elizabeth; daughter Mona and her husband Clark; grandchildren, Vanessa, Brad, Chris and his wife Ashley, Rob, Scott, Caroline, and Doug.
He was preceded in death by his brother Doug and is survived by his sisters Mary Johnson of San Antonio, Charlotte Bussard of Glazier, Texas, Pat Moore of Christoval, Texas, and brother John of London, England.
He was a faithful and loving husband, father, and friend. During the past 30 years, he repeatedly overcame serious health problems in order to remain with his family, and he did so with patience and courage. We are grateful to have had him with us for so many years.
A memorial service was held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, March 13, at Believers Chapel in Dallas, Texas, which will be preceded by a private burial service at the DFW National Cemetery. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the American Heart Association.
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L. C. Gregg
L.C. Gregg was born May 24, 1926, in Carbon, Texas to Louis and Cressie Gregg.
He died Sunday, March 11, 2007 at his residence in Abilene.
Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at the Church of the Heavenly Rest, Episcopal. Rev. Jay Scott and Rev. Mary E. Glover officiating. Arrangements by Community Memorial Funeral Home.
L.C. was raised in Stanton, TX. and volunteered at the age of 16 to serve in the U.S. Navy during WW II and after being discharged, he returned to west Texas. He was married to Lucy Miller in1953 and they later moved to Andrews. In 1976, he moved with his wife to Abilene. He was owner and operator of CSL Perforating, Inc. and retired in 1989.
He is survived by his wife, Lucy Miller Gregg; a daughter, Sandy Baker and husband, Gerald; a son, Charley Gregg and wife Tina; grandsons, Brandon Baker and wife, Paula, and Jeff Baker; granddaughters, Shanna and Amber Gregg; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Doris Brewer and Dorothy Henderson. brothers, Leroy, Glenn and Hugh Gregg.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Revis and Pete Gregg.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association of Texas, P.O. Box 26460, Austin, TX 78755 or Church of the Heavenly Rest, Episcopal 602 Meander, Abilene, TX 79602.
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Gladys Hale
Eastland - Gladys Hale, age 90, of Carbon, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2007.
Funeral services were held at 11AM, on Thursday March 15, 2007 in the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at Murray Cemetery with Pastor Harry Grantz officiating.
Mrs. Hale was born on December 23, 1916 to James Collie Nance and Anna Mae (Truman) Nance in Bomerton. She married Marvin James Hale in Cisco on April 1, 1939. The Hale's were blessed with two daughters, Patsy and Peggy Hale. Gladys enjoyed being a homemaker and was a member of the Carbon Baptist Church.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of over 57 years Marvin Hale in August of 1996.
Gladys is survived by her daughters; Patsy Bryant and husband Charles of Novice and Peggy Stephenson and husband Charley of White Settlement; her brothers, Raymond Nance of Abilene and Bill Warren of Wichita Falls; her sisters, Jimmie Ervin of Abilene and Jessie Chappell of Abilene; grand-children, Kevin, Karen, Kelly, Kristen, and Tonya; and great-grandchildren, Reagan, Clayton, Kaylee, Dylan, Hannah, Cole, and Drake.
She will be deeply missed by her friends and family.
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Jack Hudson
MORAN- Jack Kenneth Hudson, 80, of Moran, Texas died Monday, March 12, 2007 at his home in the Sedwick Community.
Kenneth was born on September 27, 1926 in Proctor, Texas. He married Doris Marie Kidd on September 28, 1947 in Coleman, Texas. He was a member of the Moran Baptist Church. He worked in the oilfields most all of his life and he cattle ranched. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Kenneth enjoyed his grandchildren, fishing and working.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Doris Hudson of Moran; five children, Mike Hudson and wife, Sally of Ranger, Larry Hudson of Seymour, Randy Hudson and wife Teri of Moran, Debbie Rumage and husband, Jim of Breckenridge and Becky Hollabaugh and husband, Rodger of Breckenridge; 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at the Moran Baptist Church with Rev. Jack Clack officiating. Interment was in the Moran Cemetery under the care and direction of the Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
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Robert Mize
Robert Earl Mize, 75, died at his home in the Corinth Community on March 12, 2007.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, March 13, 2007 in Oakridge Cemetery near his home. Services were under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
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Raymon Warren
Raymon Gordon Warren, age 86, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 1:50 p.m. in Whitney.
Services: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2007 at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors, located at 201 N. Bosque in Whitney. Burial was at Eastland City Cemetery in Eastland, Texas at 4:00 p.m. Visitation was held Friday evening March 16 from 6 - 8 p.m.
Raymon Gordon Warren was born October 31, 1920 in Prairieville, Texas, Kaufman County. When he was six years old, his family moved to Eastland, Texas where he grew up.
He married Velma Lee Tickner of Cisco, Texas on October 5, 1940. They lived in Eastland until May of 1941. Then they moved to Fort Worth where Raymon went to work for Armour & Co. until August of 1942, when he joined the U. S. Navy. While in the Navy, Raymon rose from Apprentice Seaman to Ship's Cook Butcher - Second Class SCB2/C. Raymon was never assigned to a ship, but spent most of his time at shore stations. First was the Naval Air Station in Grand Prairie, Texas, then to Camp Elliott near San Diego, California, then to San Bruno, California. On the Philippine Islands, he was at Guianian Naval Base on the island of Samar. Later, Raymon spent time with the 104 th SeaBees.
Some time after he was discharged from the Navy, he spent 21 years with General Dynamics in Fort Worth and 11 years with Bell Helicopter.
Raymon moved to Whitney, Texas in December of 2000. He was a member of King Memorial United Methodist Church. He was also an active member of VFW Post 8571 and the American Legion Post 522.
Raymon was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Warren, Velma Lee, his beloved wife of 60 years and 13 days, and an infant son, Raymon Dwain Warren.
Survivors include his daughter, Anncenetta Lipscomb and son-in-law, Ron Lipscomb of Whitney, Texas. Also grandson, Brian Ray Lipscomb of Canyon Lake, and granddaughter, Alicia Pierpont and husband, Bradley of Lockhart, one great-grandson, Landon Ray Pierpont.
Also surviving are nephews, Darrel Warren of Buchanan Dam, Texas, Dwain Warren of Richardson, Texas and Lynal Cloyd of Kingman, Arizona.
In charge: Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors Whitney, Texas
Memorials: King Memorial United Methodist Church, PO Box 612, Whitney, TX 76692
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Maggie Carter
Maggie Carter, age 90, formerly of Hollis Oklahoma died Wednesday March 14, 2007 in Ranger at her daughters home.
Visitation was held from 7 to 9 Friday at Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger. Funeral Services were held at 2 P.M. Saturday, March 17, 2007 in Hollis Oklahoma at the First Methodist Church. Burial followed in the Dodson Cemetery.
Born March 24, 1916 in Columbia Co. Arkansas to James A. Dodson and Eula {Bennett} Dodson. The family moved to Texas when Maggie was three and lived in Dodson, Texas. They lived across the street from the Methodist Church parsonage and attended the Methodist Church. That's where she met Joe Carter and they married in November 30, 1935. During the depression they moved to Midland and Truscott and eventually settled on a farm in Harmon Oklahoma where they lived the rest of their 53 years together.
Maggie was a beautician in her early years, she was a housewife most of her life being active in the community thru Home Demonstration Clubs, quilting and county fairs. She worked as an assistant Lab Technician at Harmon Memorial Hospital. She loved gardening, yard work and cooking. In 2000 she moved to Ranger to stay with her daughter and son in law. Her favorite things to do were going places, eating at McDonalds and teasing people. She was a 50 year member of the Hollis Oklahoma First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include Daughter and son in law Clara and Wayne Mathews of Ranger; Son and daughter in law Jerry and Loma Carter of El Reno Oklahoma. Grandchildren-John and Jarrett Matthews, Brandt, Todd, Aric and Jennifer Carter. And 10 Great Grandchildren and a host of Nieces and Nephews.
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Karran Renfro
Funeral services for Karran Preddy Renfro, age 44, of Eastland, were held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 16, 2007, at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel in Leonard. Burial was in the Leonard Cemetery.
She died Monday, March 12, 2007 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
She was born May 28, 1962 in Bonham, Texas the daughter of George Douglas Preddy and Robbie Jean Blair Preddy. She was in security in the public school system.
She is survived by her parents, George and Robbie Preddy of Eastland; daughter, Krystal Renfro of Addison; son, Larry Reynolds, II of Eastland; sister, Janet Hayes of Lewisville; brother, Gene Preddy of Lewisville; several nieces and nephews.
Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home of Leonard was in charge of the arrangements.
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Maggie Carter
Maggie Carter, age 90, formerly of Hollis, Oklahoma died Wednesday, March 14, 2007 in Ranger at her daughter's home.
Funeral Services were held at 2 P.M. Saturday, March 17, 2007 in Hollis, Oklahoma at the First United Methodist Church. Burial followed in the Dodson Cemetery.
Born March 24, 1916 in Columbia Co. Arkansas to James A. Dodson and Eula {Bennett} Dodson, the family moved to Texas when Maggie was three and lived in Dodson, Texas. They lived across the street from the Methodist Church parsonage and attended the Methodist Church. That's where she met Joe Carter and they married on November 30, 1935. During the depression they moved to Midland and Truscott and eventually settled on a farm in Harmon, Oklahoma where they lived the rest of their 53 years together.
Maggie was a beautician in her early years, she was a housewife most of her life being active in the community thru Home Demonstration Clubs, quilting and county fairs. She worked as an assistant Lab Technician at Harmon Memorial Hospital. She loved gardening, yard work and cooking. In 2000 she moved to Ranger to stay with her daughter and son-in-law. Her favorite things to do were going places, eating at McDonalds and teasing people. She was a 50 year member of the Hollis, Oklahoma First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include Daughter and son in law Clara and Wayne Mathews of Ranger; Son and daughter in law Jerry and Lonna Carter of El Reno, Oklahoma; Grandchildren-John and Jarrett Matthews, Brandt, Todd, Aric and Jennifer Carter and 10 Great Grandchildren and a host of Nieces and Nephews.
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Clayton Wilson
Clayton J. Wilson, 81, of Rising Star, Texas passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2007 at Abilene Regional Hospital in Abilene, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at First Baptist Church in Rising Star with Terry Simmons officiating and Dick Williams assisting. Burial was in the May Cemetery in May, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
Clayton was born on February 8, 1926 in Midland, Texas to J.H. and Mary Etta Wilson. He served in the Army during World War II. He lived in the community for 41 years. Before moving to Rising Star he lived in Coyanosa and Pecos, Texas.
Clayton is survived by his wife, Roberta Wilson of Rising Star; 3 sons, Robert Wilson of Dallas, Ronnie Wilson and his wife, Doris of Gustine, and Gary Wilson and his wife, Lee of Sabanna; 2 daughters, Sharon and her husband, Ronnie Parsley of Cisco, Karen and her husband, Robby Brown of The Colony; brother, Clinton Wilson of Rising Star; sister, Mary Goodard of Dallas, Oregon; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church or charity of your choice.
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Margie Brown
FORT WORTH -- Margie Lee Quarles Brown passed away March 17, 2007, in Fort Worth.
Memorial service: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, 2007 in Greenwood Chapel.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Hospice Association and Connell Baptist Church would be appreciated.
Margie was born to Oscar and Marie Quarles of Carbon, Texas and graduated from Carbon High School in 1955. In 1956 she was married to James Thomas Brown, Jr. of Dalton, Arkansas who preceded her in death in 1997. Marie was wife, mother, homemaker and owner-operator of Sadye's Bridal Shop in Fort Worth from 1981-1994. She was a member of Connell Baptist Church since 1974 where she sang in the sanctuary choir and later in the senior citizen JOY choir. She loved God, her family and friends, art and swimming.
Survivors: Margie is survived by four sons, James Thomas (Buddy) Brown, III and wife, Kim, Phillip Duane Brown and wife, Linda, and Anthony Quarles Brown all of Fort Worth, and Elliott Lance Brown and wife, Laura of Redding, Calif. Six grandchildren, Anthony Steven Brown of Trenton, Mo., Aaron Peyton Brown of Fort Worth, Rachael Edna Brown of Azle, Kyle O'Neil, Sean Thomas and Lana Marie Brown all of Redding, Calif. Two sisters, Ruby Dell Ward and husband, Barry of Fort Worth and Edith Marie Reeve of West Columbia, Texas. Numerous nieces, nephews and their children.
Greenwood Funeral Home 3100 White Settlement Rd., View and sign guestbook at www.star-telegram.com/obituaries
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Era Pittman
ALBANY- Era Ann Pittman, 68, died Friday, March 16, 2007 at her residence.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 2 p.m. at the Church of Christ with Anthony Parker officiating. Burial followed in the Albany Cemetery directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home of Breckenridge.
She was born May 19, 1938 in Gorman, Texas to Roy Elliott Edgar and Blanche Irene Garrett Edgar. She married Bobby Pittman on November 16, 1955 in Artesia, N.M. Era was a member of the Church of Christ. She owned and operated Hapi Stop Gift Shop and Tenovus Mall in downtown Albany. She held a membership in the Albany Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants, Old Jail Art Center, Shackelford County Historical Committee, and the Albany Athletic Booster Club.
She is survived by her husband, Bobby Pittman of Albany; children, Susie Hare and husband, Don of Albany, Bill Pittman and wife, Darla of Run away Bay and Nelda Blackwell and husband, James, of Littlefield, and Burl Dean Pittman and wife, Melanie of Canadian; grandchildren, Stormi Hare of Albany, Michelle Pittman of Colorado Springs, Dustin Pittman of Stephenville, Dustin Broom of Stephenville, and Robin Broom of Gainesville; two brothers, Jerry Don Edgar and Donnie Ray Edgar both of Moran; sister-in-law, Betsey Edgar of Albany; six nephews; five nieces; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, R.E. and Blanche Edgar, and brothers, Roy D. Edgar and Carl Gene Edgar.
Memorials may be made to the West Texas Rehab Center or Hospice of the Big Country and left at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
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Stephen Taylor
CISCO- Stephen Rex Taylor, Jr., age 21, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2007.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Cisco. Rev. Howard Stovall officiated. Interment followed at Mitchell Cemetery under the direction of the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home in Cisco.
Stephen was born September 29, 1985 at Eastland Memorial Hospital to Stephen Rex Taylor and Gaye Lynn Willoughby. He was a member of the graduating Class of 2004 from Cisco High School and attended Cisco Junior College. Stephen was a baptized member of the First Baptist Church in Cisco.
Stephen loved to ride his four-wheeler and enjoyed driving anything off-road from jeeps to four-wheelers to his pick-up truck. He prided himself in always working hard and took pleasure in his work. Stephen was a wonderful son and family member. He loved and enjoyed his friends and always treated them like part of his extended family.
Stephen will forver be remembered by his mother and step-father, Gaye and Gary Landenberger of Cisco; his father, Rex Taylor of Olney; his paternal grandparents, Billy Joe and Patsy Taylor; his maternal grandparents, James and Pat Willoughby of Houston; his step-sisters, Tammi Sanders, Toni Pope, and Hannah Taylor; his step-brothers, Tommy Landenberger and James Landenberger. Stephen will also be forever remembered by his numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Stephen was preceded in death by his grandmother Louise Taylor.
Memorial donations in memory of Stephen can be made to the Stephen Taylor Memorial Scholarship, Automotive Technology, Cisco Junior College, 101 College Heights, Cisco, Texas 76437.
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Richard McCarter
KELLER -- Richard A. 'Flash' McCarter, 42, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 18, 2007.
Funeral was held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 22, 2007 in Greenwood Chapel. Burial was at 3 p.m. Thursday at Eastland Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood Funeral Home.
Flash was born May 3, 1964, in Beaumont. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army and after his discharge he entered the aircraft industry. Flash was preceded in death by his father, Robert Earl McCarter in 1982.
Survivors are his wife, Jeanie McCarter of Keller; children, Candis and Halston; mother, Eileen McCarter of El Paso; siblings, Troy McCarter of Keller, Erin McCarter-Spence of Weatherford and Winston Cunningham and wife, Cheryl of Shreveport; numerous nieces and nephews, Ty, Brionna, Sarah, MacKenzie, Lyndsie, C.J., Tyriana, Jessie, Josie and Hannah; four sisters-in-law; and a host of friends, co-workers and extended family members who will all cherish his memory.
Greenwood Funeral Home 3100 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, TexasÊ was in charge of the arrangements View and sign guestbook at
www.star-telegram.com/obituaries
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Blanche Ince
Mrs. Blanche Edith Ince, age 86, of Eastland, Texas died on March 18, 2007 at the Valley View Health Care Center in Eastland.
She was born on October 22, 1920 in Burnet, Texas, the daughter of Frank and Eva Mae Cowan Stewart. She married Charles Ince and was a homemaker. She was of the Pentecostal faith.
Mrs. Ince is survived by two sons, William and Donald Ince, both of Eastland, three daughters and spouses, Dorothy and Mackey Sellars of Comanche, Lillie and Jay Langley of Caldwell, and Martha and Jimmy Wilkins of Bangs, one brother, Alton Stewart of Lampasas, eleven grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one brother, J.C. Stewart, one sister, Nell Fallon, three sons, Charles Marion Ince and Edward Eugene Ince and Vonnie Mack, one grandson, William Thomas Ince and one granddaughter, Maria Ince.
The funeral for Mrs. Ince was held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at Briggs Gamel Wilcox Funeral Chapel in Lampasas, Texas. Reverends, Lonnie Tedford, Cecil Tedford and John Howard, Jr. officiated. Pallbearers were Larry and Charlie McCrary, Jeff and Josh Stewart, Kenneth Langley and Stephen Wilkins. Honorary pallbearers were John Mann and Billy Sellars. Burial was at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Lake Victor, Texas.
Briggs Gamel Wilcox Funeral Directors entrusted with these arrangements.
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Margie Brown
Margie Lee Quarles Brown, 70, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2007, in Fort Worth.
Memorial service was held at 3:30 pm Wednesday, March 21, 2007 in Greenwood Chapel.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Hospice Association and Connell Baptist Church would be appreciated.
Margie was born to Oscar and Marie Quarles of Carbon and graduated from Carbon High School in 1965.
In 1956 she married James T. Brown, Jr of Dalton, Ark. He preceded her in death in l997.
Margie was wife, mother, homemaker and operator of SadyeÕs Bridal Shop in Fort Worth from 1981 until 1994. She had been a member of Connell Baptist Church since 1974, where she sang in the sanctuary choir and, later in the senior citizen JOY choir.
She loved God, her family and friends, art swimming.
Survivors: Sons, James Thomas Brown, lll and his wife Kim, Phillip Duane Brown and his wife Linda, and Anthony Quarles Brown, all of Fort Worth and Elliot Lance Brown and his wife, Laura of Redding, Calif. and numerous grandchildren; sisters Ruby Dell Ward and husband Barry of Fort Worth and Edith Marie Reeve of West Columbia, numerous nieces and nephews and their children.
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R. C. Balderree
ROCKPORT-- R.C. Balderree, age 76, died March 12, 2007 in Corpus Christi, Texas after a lengthy illness and was entombed at the Aransas Memorial Park, Rockport, Texas on March 17, 2007.
R.C. was born in Scranton, Texas on December 22, 1930 and went to school in Morton Valley, Texas, and attended Cisco Jr. College and Corpus Christi State University. He was a Baptist. R.C. attended many of the Morton Valley reunions through the years. He was a Korean War army veteran and was very proud of his service to our country. He was awarded the 50th Anniversary Korean Defense Commemorative 1950-2000.
R.C. was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Cresus Rothchild Balderree and Ethel Gertrude Balderree of Ranger, Texas; his son, Robert Curtis Balderree, and a grandson, Matthew Lane Waller, both of Rockport, Texas. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Lee Williams of Victoria, Texas, and Sadie Duncan of Shawnee, Oklahoma.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years and mother of his children, Jerry Balderree; two daughters, Laquita Sue Lawrence, and husband Steve, of Fulshear, Texas and Debra Kay Waller, and husband Jim, of Rockport, Texas; five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is survived by two sisters, Roberta Duncan of Ranger, Texas, and Ann Williams of Arlington, Texas.
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Evelyn Modisett
Evelyn R. Modisett, 86, died Wednesday, March 21, 2007.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2007 at Liberty Baptist Church, Midlothian, TX. Burial and a graveside service was held at 4 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, near Lake Brownwood, Texas.
Evelyn was born March 14, 1921 in Plainview, Texas to Luna Lee Penry and Thomas Monroe Reed. She married A.D. 'Jack' Modisett on September 27, 1936, in Cisco, TX. Evelyn and Jack spent their retirement years on the 'farm' near Grosvenor, Tx, where they enjoyed a successful antique refinishing business. She lived an active life and dearly loved to entertain her extended family, always the perfect hostess for any occasion.
She is survived by her daughter Judy Harkins of Waxahachie; son, tom Modisett of Abilene; sister, Wanda Hiller of Brownwood; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie was in charge of the arrangements.
To view an online obituary or leave the family a personal tribute, please visit the web site at: www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com
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Darwin West
Eastland-- Darwin J. West, age 86, of Eastland, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 PM, on Saturday March 24, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Eastland with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Interment followed at Eastland Cemetery with full military honors under the direction of the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
Darwin was born on June 10, 1920 to George Arthur West and Mattie May (Capps) West in Haskel. In December of 1941, he entered service in the United States Marine Corps. He earned the rank of sergeant while serving his county for nearly two years in the South Pacific and was later honorably discharged in North Carolina in October of 1945.
Darwin continued to serve his country and community throughout his twenty-five year career with the United States Postal Service. After retirement, Darwin labored for another ten years doing general farming and raising dairy cows. After farming Darwin enjoyed many hobbies which included gardening and taking care of his chickens and especially loving on his family. Darwin also enjoyed surprising his friends with fresh eggs or fresh vegetables from his garden. He always had a kind word or thought for others and always had a smile on his face.
Darwin married Ms. JoAnn Margaret Dorsey of Eastland on October 5, 1979. The couple enjoyed over 27 years of matrimony. Darwin was a beloved member of the First Baptist Church of Eastland.
Darwin was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters.
Darwin is survived by his loving wife JoAnn West of Eastland; his son, James West and wife Judy of McGregor; his daughters, Janet West of Portland, Oregon, Melisa Petrey and husband Rick of El Paso and Debora Tedford of Eastland; and nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Darwin will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
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Vida Killion
Vida Frazier Killion was born August 28, 1914, at Blue Ridge, Texas, youngest of 4 children born to Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Frazier.
She went home to be with her Lord and Savior March 22, 2007.
She is survived by her daughter, Dou Vena and son-in-law, Warren Ickert of Round Top, Texas; five grandchildren, Ronny and Donny Knipe of Round Top, Texas, Ronda and husband Allen Rich of Leeds, Alabama, Shelia and husband Gary Gillespie of Round Top, Texas, Marsha Ickert of Houston, Texas; five great grandchildren, Jeffery Knipe, Tierney Gillespie, Gwen Gillespie, Dana and husband Devon O'Hara, three great-great grandchildren, Caidyn Anderson, Kaelah and Zachuri Riojas.
She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. & Judge Olen Trueman Killion, her parents, two sisters and a brother.
Memorial services were held Monday March 26, 2007, at 1 pm at Restland, Dallas, Texas. Instead of flowers please make donations to the Women's Ministry at North Central Assembly, 25130 Aldine Westfield Rd, Spring, Texas 77373.
Converted and joined the Methodist Church at age 12. Attended schools- oak Grove ( Callis ), Blue Ridge and East Texas State Teacher's College. Baptized in the Holy Spirit and entered the ministry at the age 17, 1932. The same year she received an exhorters license. In 1933 she was licensed the ministry at the District Council in Port Arthur, Texas. She received 50 year Honor Certificate from the General Council of Assemblies of God, Springfield, MO., presented to her at North Texas District Council in Dallas, Texas, June 7, 1983.
She served as co-pastor, evangelist, teacher, W.M. leader in local in sectional work, conducted VBS and Worker's Training Courses.
Charter member of the Heritage Society in Springfield, MO.
Charter member of Cisco Writer's Club and served publicity chairman and contest director. Member of Cisco Music Study Club and served as publicity chairman. Served 6 years co-treasurer of Cisco Senior Citizens Program. She was a freelance writer and pianist.
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Harrt Grozier
Harry Phillips Grozier, 83, died Friday, March 23, 2007, in Longview, Texas.
Born September 7, 1923, at Cisco, Texas, to Willie Maurice Grozier and Sudie May Martin Grozier, he was known as 'Bunk' through High School. After serving in WWII where he was known as 'Phil' he lived in Big Spring, Texas, married Edna Merle Gaskins on June 7, 1952, and operated Phil's Barber Shop. He also lived in Austin, Dublin, and Round Rock.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years and their three children: daughter, Phyllis and her husband Robert Cary of Longview and their children Grace & Jonathan; son Milton of Mineral Wells and his children Michelle & Jarrett; and daughter Suenell and her husband Michael Carlson of Round Rock and their sons Mackenzie & Cameron; as well as his beloved sister Lois Jane Smith of Cisco; and few friends still living.
He is predeceased by his brothers William 'Bill' Harlan Grozier & Maurice Lee 'Pete' Grozier; and grandson Robert 'Bobby' Phillip Cary.
Phil stated he tried to live by the Golden Rule.
He will be interred at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.
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J. C. Hess
CISCO- J.C. Hess, 87, formerly of Cisco, passed away on March 26, 2007 in a care facility in Keene.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 1 p.m. in the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at the Dennis Cemetery near Moran officiated by Pastor Jack Clack.
J.C. was born May 14, 1919, in Sardis, Oklahoma, to Edward Hess and Flassia (McKee) Hess. He married Ms. Patricia Vernette Gunn of Callahan County on July 1, 1938 in Albany. The couple was blessed with over 69 years of matrimony and a devoted son, James Randell Hess.
Mr. Hess served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II. He enlisted in Lubbock in 1944 and was later honorably discharged in Houston in 1946. The Hess's relocated to Cisco in 1964.
J.C. was a hard worker and proud of his 42 year career with the Lone Star Gas Company. He worked primarily as a plant engineer. J.C. was a member of the Moran Baptist Church and really enjoyed attending his Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church in Cisco until health problems kept him away. Mr. Hess was a member of the Mason Lodge--Moran Chapter.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Eddie L. Hess.
He is survied by his loving wife, Vernette Hess of Keene; his son, Randell Hess of Alverado; his grandchildren, Jay Randell Hess, Suzanna McCauley, and Justin C. Hess; 8 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and other friends.
Memorial donations in J.C. Hess's name may be made to Mission Hospice, First Baptist Church in Cisco, or a charity of the donor's choice.
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Jose Camacho
Jose Ruelas Camacho, age 84, passed away Friday, February 23, 2007 in El Paso.
Born in Ranger, Texas, January 3, 1923, to Petra Ruelas and Jose Camacho, the deceased is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Eufemia Nava Camacho, and four children, Pia MacFawn (Don), John Camacho (Esther), Delia Camacho, and Ramona Camacho. He is also survived by five grandchildren, John, Remi, Christina, Joseph, and Stephanie; five great-grandchildren, Mia, Paul, Sophia, Samantha, and Lauren and numerous nephews and nieces. Other survivors include a sister, Trinidad Mendoza, and two brothers, Arturo Camacho (Elisa) and Ramon Camacho.
Six brothers preceding him in death were Salvador, Rafael, Enrique, Pedro, Jorge, and Santiago.
A disabled veteran proud to serve his country in World War II, Jose was awarded the prestigious Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals and was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association. He had also received the American Theater Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Medal, Oversees Service Bar and the World War II Victory Medal upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1946. A lifetime member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Ranger, he belonged to The Knights of Columbus and served with the Ranger Volunteer Fire Dept.
Visitation was held Monday, February 26 from 2 to 9 p.m. at Crestview Funeral Home in El Paso, Texas. Rosary was at 7 p.m. Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday, February 27 at 1 p.m. with burial at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.
Pallbearers were John Camacho, Joseph Camacho, Paul Garcia, Adrian Garcia, Art Villa, and Lou Fernandez.
The Jose Camacho family would like to thank all of his friends in the Ranger area for the special telephone calls, flowers, cards, and prayers. We are forever grateful for your kindness and for sharing in our loss of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
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Corporal Andy Glenn
Corporal Andy Gene Glenn, 24, of Midland, Texas passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2007, while serving in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
The family received friends on Thursday, March 29, 2007 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 North Big Spring Street, in Midland. Funeral services were held at 1:00 PM Friday, March 30, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Midland with Rev. Bill Crane and Rev. Doug Lamb officiating.
Andy was born August 19, 1982 in Midland, where he was raised until moving to Arlington, Texas, where he attended Martin High School. After graduation, Andy returned to Midland where he attended Midland College and worked, before joining the United States Marine Corps. Andy completed his basic training on June 10, 2005 and graduated second in the Company, with honor of Series Honor Man. Andy was soon after deployed to the Iraq War, where he completed his first tour of duty in September 2006.
Andy was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Billy Joe Glenn and Archie Chamness.
Andy is survived by his wife: Shannan Raye Minihan Glenn; father: David Gene Glenn of Midland; mother: Mary Helen Glenn of Midland; sisters: Emily Glenn, Britni and Kassie Thompson, all of Midland; brothers: Zack and Josh Boyd of Cisco, Trent, Cody and Trey Thompson, all of Midland; grandmothers: Phyllis Glenn of Sargent and Doris Chamness of Fort Worth.
Memorials may be sent to Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) at www.taps.org
Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland and the United States Marine Corps. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
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Laura Irvin
Laura Alice Sellers Irvin, age 92, of Haskell, passed away Monday, March 26, 2007, at her residence in Haskell.
A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at Trinity Baptist Church. Burial followed in Willow Cemetery under the direction of Holden McCauley Funeral Home, Haskell.
Mrs. Irvin was born December 13, 1914 to William Colombus “Bill” and Alice Victoria Bell Sellers in Callahan County. She married William Oris Irvin on January 8, 1934 in Eastland County. He preceded her in death August 24, 1983. She was a mother and homemaker. She always made everyone that entered her home feel welcomed and a part of her family. She was a Granny to so many not just her immediate family. Her memory will always be cherished by her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughters, Mayme Gee and husband Everett and Marlene Mueller and husband Joe all of Friona; sons, Bobby Irvin and wife Billye of Houston and Rick Irvin and wife Lynn of Graham; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Alice Sellers; one son, W.O. “Sonny” Irvin, Jr.; one daughter, Darlene Swinney; four brothers, Darry, Pat, Glad and W.C. Sellers and two grandchildren, Monty Mueller and Rhonda Snapp.
The family request that memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 102454 Atlanta, GA. 30368-2454, The American Heart Association 50 Court Street - 306 A Brooklyn, NY 11201-4801 or Autism Speaks, Walk For Autism Research 99 Wall Street Prinston, NJ 08540.
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Harold Jones
Harold ‘Red’ Jones, 75, died Monday, March 26, 2007 at an Abilene medical center.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 29, 2007 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, with Pat Andrews officiating. Burial was in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories.
The son of Ollie Lucille (Reed) and Alva Allen Jones, Harold was born on February 21, 1932, in Baytown, Texas. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a longtime resident of Abilene. Harold was a retired iron worker and member of Local 592 Iron Workers Union. He worked as a welder all over the world. After retirement he was a truck driver for Texas Mail Service.
Mr. Jones was a member of Northwest Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by two wives, Jean Jones, in 2000, and Clara “Pete” Holland Jones in 2006; his parents; brothers, Hershel and Rodney; and a sister, Joyce Goza.
Survivors include three sons and their spouses, Hershel L. Jones and Tammy of Eastland, Craig L. Jones and Debbie of Abilene, and Tracy A. Jones and Susan of Abilene; a daughter, Chereta Brigman and husband, Jim of Nashville, TN.; 7 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Kenneth Jones of Abilene and Delbert Jones of Fort Worth; and a sister, Norma Jean Bowman of Abilene.
Pallbearers were Charles Bloomer, Rhett Jones, Cody Jones, Josh Leddy, Danny Arnold, Gerald Gipson and Dale Catchings.
Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1922, Abilene, TX 79604, or American Lung Association of Texas P.O. Box 26460, Austin, TX 78755-0460.
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Geraldine Parks
RISING STAR -- Formally of Arlington, TX, Geraldine Parks, who moved to Rising Star, TX, passed away on March 27, 2007 at a local nursing home in Rising Star.
Funeral was held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, March 30, 2007 at Moore Funeral Home Chapel in Arlington. Burial was in Moore Memorial Gardens. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in her memory.
Geraldine was born in Ennis, TX to Frank and Angeline Zabjonik on March 16, 1936. She lived in Arlington for 60 years. She was retired from Royal Business Forms after 37 years of faithful service. She was preceded in death by her husband, F.C. Parks Jr.
Survivors: Son, Bobby Parks; daughter, Carol McGinn; son-in-law, Randy McGinn, all of Rising Star, TX; sisters, Shirley Zabjonik York of Fort Worth, TX, and Betty Stine and husband Dick of Sacramento, CA; 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
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Patricia Conzett
Patricia Conzett, 65, passed away Monday March 26, 2007. There are no services scheduled. Private family viewing will be on Saturday March 31 at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Cremation services handled by Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Tx.
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Rev. Earnest Cole
THROCKMORTON- Reverend E.H. (Earnest Hardy) Cole, 83, a retiredMethodist preacher, died Saturday, March 31, 2007 at the United Regional Healthcare System in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church. Rev. Monty Barnett officiating. Burial followed in the Throckmorton Cemetery under the care and direction of Merriman-Archer Funeral Home of Throckmorton.
Rev. Cole was born May 2, 1923 in Kress, Texas to John Pickens and Ruth (Moore) Cole. He married Jennie Irvine on January 22, 1949, in Canyon, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from McMurry in 1945, Bachelor of Divinity from SMU in 1959 and was fully ordained in 1960. He was a Methodist preacher and had served several Methodist churches in the Northwest Texas Conference including Wellington Trinity, Goodlett, Roby, New Home, Oklahoma Lane, Silverton, Anson, Lubbock Cooper, Munday, Clyde, Amarillo Trinity, Miami, and Albany. He retired in 1985 and moved to Throckmorton from Albany that same year.
Survivors include his wife, Jennie Cole of Throckmorton; one daughter, Mary Huber and husband Craig of Midland; two sons, John Cole and wife Edith of Graham, and Earnest Cole and wife, Patty of Eastland; one sister, Mary John Eidson of Dallas; one brother, Hoyt Cole of Anchorage, Alaska; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, Texas.
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Robert Davenport
Robert Herbert “Hobo” Davenport, 84, of Comanche, Texas died Sunday, April 1, 2007 at his residence in Comanche, Texas.
He was born December 2, 1922 at Davenport Hotel in Comanche, Texas. He was a self-employed paint contractor for 60 years. He married Margaret Jaudell Lewis on May 12, 1941 at Davenport Hotel in Comanche.
He was a Methodist. At the age of 23, Robert joined the Fort Worth Painter’s Local Union #318.
Survivors are his wife, Margaret “Pat” Davenport of Comanche, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and J.R. Keating of Cisco, Texas; grandson and wife, Michael and Vickie Keating of Weatherford, Texas, grandson, Scott Keating of Breckenridge, Texas, granddaughter and husband, Jodi and Butch Crudgington of Brady, Texas; and granddaughter, Nicki Thomas of Fort Worth, Texas; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by five sisters.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 2, 2007. Graveside at Downing Cemetery in Comanche, Texas. Rev. Tony King officiating.
Memorials may be made to American Heart Association 1304 Haven Drive, Comanche, TX 76442.
Comanche Funeral Home in charge of Arrangements.
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Ruthie Clark
Ruthie May Ledbetter “Momma C.” Clark, 77, a retired logistics operator, died Thursday, March 29, 2007.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2007 at South Side Baptist Church. Burial was at Bethel Cemetery.
Ruthie was born November 25, 1929, in Scranton to the late Hubert and Hazel Ledbetter. They later moved to Fort Worth, where she attended school and graduated from North Side High School. She continued her education at Texas Wesleyan University.
She served as president of Fort Worth American Business Women’s Association. She worked for General Dynamics for 33 years before retiring in 1989. She was a devoted wife to Kennie Ray Clark for over 50 years. Ruthie’s favorite pastimes were traveling and spending time with her family that she loved so very much.
She was a faithful member of South Side Baptist Church, where she once taught Sunday School and Children’s Church for many years. Her church family was very special to her.
She was a loving mother, a wonderful grandmother and an awesome great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed.
Compassion and great respect were given daily by the staff of Veranda Place. The family wishes to extend special gratitude. The family would also like to recognize Alpha Omega Hospice staff members. Their kindness during these last few days has been greatly appreciated.
Preceding her in death were her parents and her husband, Kennie Ray Clark, Sr.
Survivors are a daughter, Leddie Kay Clark Martin; son-in-law, Monty Darrell Martin; son, Kennie Ray ‘Bo’ Clark, Jr; grandchildren, Lisa Kay and husband, Shane Scott of Kempner, Michelle Deanne and husband, Phillip Scott of Abilene, and Lisa Karol and husband, Stephen Forsyth of Bridgeport; great-grandchildren, Grace and Ethan Scott, Lacee, Jourden Spencer and Tanner and Natalie Forsyth; brother, Hubert “Sandy” Ledbetter and wife, Pam of Cleburne; niece, Velvet Marie Mora and husband, Roger; nephew, Brett Ledbetter and wife, Angela; great-nieces, Marissa and Macy Mora, Katy, Brooke and Meagan Ledbetter; aunts, Wilda Ruth “Frosty” Snoddy of Baton Rouge, LA., Pauline Brummett of Fort Worth and Jeanette Ledbetter of Brownwood; special cousin like a sister, Annette Mathis of Springtown; and many other special cousins and friends. She is the first cousin of Ronnie Ledbetter of Cisco and a second cousin to Roy Lee Williams of Abilene.
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Lavalta Hicks
CLYDE- Lavalta Fern Hicks, 75, of Clyde, Texas, died Sunday, April 1, 2007 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Clyde with Dr. Toby Henson officiating. Graveside services followed at 2 p.m. in the Romney Cemetery.
Mrs. Hicks was born December 13, 1931 in Cisco, Texas to W.M. “Doc” and Clora Mae (Munn) Brown. She graduated from Graham High School in 1947. She was the widow of Aubrey Lee “Al” Hicks, whom she married on April 28, 1969 in Baird. They moved to Baird from Hamby in 1980. Mrs. Hicks was a bookkeeper for Al Hicks Welding until her retirement. She was a member of First Baptist Church.
Survivors include a sister, Willie Mae (Borden) Grider of Baird; three nephews, Danny Atkinson and wife Connie and Jimmy Atkinson and wife Judy, both of Clyde and Mitchell Atkinson and wife Kelly of Carrollton; 11 great-nieces and nephews; 14 great-great-nieces and nephews and one aunt, Faye Simmons of Arlington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society 209 Danville Drive, Abilene, TX 79605.
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Barbara Jones
RANGER- Barbara Jones 65, of Ranger passed away on Saturday March 31, 2007 in an Abilene hospital. Services will be 11 AM Friday April 6, 2007 in the First Baptist Church, with Art Camacho officiating with burial in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday April 5, 2007 from 6 to 8 PM Barbara was born on April 22, 1941 in Ranger, Texas to Leon Lewis Sr., and Della Hewing Lewis. She was a graduate of Ranger High School and received a Bachelors degree from Cisco Junior College and a Masters degree from Tarleton State University. She married Johnnie Jones on November 1, 1965 in Eastland Texas. Barbara worked part time for the Ranger Junior College in the library and later as a professor teaching history for some 31 years. She was also a member of the Church of God of Prophecy.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Leon Lewis Sr., Della Lewis, and a son Adrian Lewis.
Barbara is survived by her husband Johnnie “Red” Jones of Ranger, children; Christopher “Chris” Lewis of Ranger, Gerald Lewis of Fort Worth, Famous Johnson of Ranger, Billy Jones, Rickey Ray Jones and Johnnie Ray Jones all of Dallas, three brothers Donald Ray Lewis of DeSoto, Leon Lewis Jr., and David Lewis both of Ranger, four sisters; Wineford Harden of Dallas, Wanna Lewis of Weatherford and Della Carey and Susy Robinson both of Ranger. Two grandchildren Diamond and Jasper Lewis both of Katy. Numerous nieces and nephews.
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Frances Agnew
Frances Duggan Agnew, 81, of Abilene, Texas passed away Saturday, March 31, 2007 at Windcrest Alzheimer’s Care Center in Abilene, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 2, 2007 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Jon Schwiethale officiating. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
Frances was born January 1, 1926 in Ranger, Texas to James Robert and Myrtle Sharp-Duggan.
Frances is survived by her daughter, Jane McWilliams of Abilene; granddaughter, Kelli Myers of Abilene; 3 great-grandchildren, Kandace Copher, Heather Neal and Stormy Brewer all of Abilene; 2 great-great-grandchildren, Kelsi Copher and Toni Neal both of Abilene; 5 brothers, Gerald Duggan and wife, Mary of Waco, Bobby Duggan and his wife, Gloria of Marlow, OK, Donald Duggan and his wife, Vicki of Ranger, Garry Duggan and his wife, Betty of Big Sandy, Larry Duggan and his wife, Kathye of Abilene; 4 sisters, Martha Burns of Eastland, Jettie and her husband, JC Butler of Abilene, Pat and her husband, Jim Schaefer of Eastland; Linda and her husband, Larry Nichols of Wichita Falls; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin F. Agnew; parents; one brother, Raburn Duggan.
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Bonnie Smith
Graveside services for Bonnie Wayne Smith, 79, of Navasota, TX, were held at 10:00 am Thursday, April 5, 2007, in the Abernathy Cemetery. Services under the direction of Abell Funeral Home of Abernathy, TX.
Mr. Smith died Monday, April 2, 2007, in Navasota, TX.
He was born on December 7, 1927 in Eastland County, TX. He married Tootsie Evans on June 1, 1947 in Abernathy, TX, she preceded him in death on November 26, 1999. He was raised in Ranger, TX and drilled water wells all over the Abernathy area while living in Abernathy for many years.
He was preceded in death by a son, Rhonnie Doyle Smith in 1990.
He is survived by a son, Dennis Wayne Smith of Iola, TX, a sister, Eula B. Kitchens of California, 2 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be sent to the American Lung Cancer Society.
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Jane Lenz
EASTLAND - Jane Wright Lenz, 77, of Spokane, Washington, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2007 in Spokane.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 6th, in the Eastland City Cemetery with Rev. Randy Beggs officiating and under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Jane was born on July 12, 1929 in Eastland, Texas to William Leroy and Lee Eula (Pettus) Wright. She was a 1947 graduate of Eastland High School. Jane was an accomplished artist, receiving numerous awards. She married Marcel Lenz and he preceded her in death as well as her parents and a daughter Joan Lenz and a sister Norma Meroney.
Jane is survived by three sisters Virginia Ogden and husband of St. Charles, MO, Mary Jeffus and husband of San Antonio, and Nancy Trout of Eastland, a brother Fred Wright of Eastland and several nieces and nephews.
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William Wicker, Sr.
EASTLAND- In the presence of his devoted wife, William Warren Wicker, Sr., age 75, of Abilene, departed this life on April 2, 2007.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2007 at the Murray Methodist Church in the Murray Community. Interment was held at Murray Cemetery under the direction of the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
William (Bill) Wicker was born on June 9, 1931 in Amarillo to William Franklin and Cora Simpson Wicker. Bill was raised in Fisher County and graduated Rotan H.S. in 1950 and later graduated Ranger Jr. College in 1957. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January of 1951 and was promoted to Sergeant in June of 1952. He served for three years during the Korean War.
Bill married Donna Brockman on June 9, 1955 in the Murray Community. He worked 17 years as a butcher for M-System Grocery in Abilene. Bill later served his country as a member of the United States Postal Service before retiring with 33 years of service. To know Bill was an honor; he was a man of stability and strength with an undeniable presence of integrity. He was a member of the Murray Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of over 51 years, Donna Wicker; his daughter, Frances Allred and husband Carey; his son, William Wicker, Jr; grandsons, Jake Allred and wife Kelly and Jerred Allred and wife Chaney; and his sister, Frances Sealey and husband Elmer.
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Bodeca Boyd
Bodeca Boyd, 90, long time resident of Ranger, died April 3, 2007 in Grand
Saline, Tx.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, April 7 at 1:00 P.M. in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger with Rev. Ronnie Guess officiating. Burial followed in Colony Cemetery.
Mrs. Boyd was born December 22, 1916 in Rising Star to Alexander and Ida Eakin. She married Todd Boyd Jr. on October 22, 1938 in Madisonville, Texas and moved to Ranger in 1966. She was a homemaker and a member of the Eastside Baptist Church and was active in the Bullock Quilting Club and Colony Creek School Reunion Staff.
She is preceded in death by a son, David A. Boyd, her parents, and serveral brothers and sisters.
Survivors include husband Todd Boyd Jr. of Grand Saline; her son Todd Jerry Boyd and wife Gaye of Breckenridge; daughters Judith Lanham of Fruitvale and Nancy Boyd of Abilene; daugher-in-law Linda Boyd of Odessa; a sister, Hazel King of Oklahoma City; eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
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Janis Key
ALBANY- Janis King Key, of Albany, Texas passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2007 in an Abilene hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Trey Little officiating. Burial followed in the Albany Cemetery under the direction of Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Janis was born in Abilene, Texas on June 27, 1941 to John and Margaret King of Albany. She had lived in Albany most of her life, attending the Albany schools. She was a homemaker and for a time had a clothing store called The Corner.
She married Glenn Key on July 24, 1988. They lived in the historic home of Janis’ grandmother Esther Mitchell.
Janis loved caring for everything and everyone. She also enjoyed tending her home, working in the yard, shopping and caring for the people in the nursing home.
She was a member of the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church where she served as an usher at concerts and loved to listen to the historic pipe organ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret King and her brother Johnny King.
She is survived by her husband, Glenn Key of Albany; her children, Kim Sipe of Olden, Sally Dyer and husband, Trey of Baird, Letha Key of Albany, Daniel Key and wife, Karen of Memphis, Texas; grandchildren are, Kelsey Sipe of Albany, Diehlan Key and Sydney Key of Albany and Joshya Dyer of Baird.
Other survivors are, aunts Hazel Hopkins and Willistine Ballard of Albany, uncle R.P. Mitchell and wife, Wilma Joe; cousins, Jack Hopkins of Albany, Cecil Hopkins of Birmingham, Alabama, Ann Tidmore and Richard Ballard of Albany, and Jimmy Morrison of Amarillo.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church designated for the future youth facility Box 695, Albany, TX 76430.
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Craig Schaefer
Craig Eston Schaefer, 20, of Cisco and formerly of Rhome , Texas passed away on April 5, 2007 near Decatur, Texas .
Funeral services were held at 4:00 PM Saturday, April 7, 2007 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Brother Dennis McClure and Janice Roberson. Burial will in Mitchell Cemetery . Visitation was held at the funeral home Friday from 6:00-8:00 PM . Craig was born in Eastland, Texas on April 25, 1986 to Richard Paul and Judi Jenise (Fields) Schaefer. He worked in highway construction for Dustrol Industries.
He is survived by his wife, Keeley Hale Schaefer and daughter, Jordan Lynn Schaefer of Rhome; parents, Judi Rains Waggoner and step-father Billy of Cisco, and Richard Schaefer of Rising Star; grandparents, Larry and Yvonne Sentell, Ted and Penny Fields all of Cisco and Joy Rider of Rising Star; sister, Juli Rains Bruner and husband Nathan of Azel; brothers, Austin Waggoner of Cisco, Chance Schaefer of Rockport and Jeremy Schaefer of Lorraine, Ohio.
Pallbearers are Jonathen Wheeler, Justin Moan, Robert Chow, Remington Dove and Morgan Dean
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Clayton Otts, Sr.
Clayton Otts, Sr., 84, of Breckenridge, died Thursday, April 5, 2007 at Stephens Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2007 at Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Leo Brooks and Otho Noggle officiating. Burial followed in the Breckenridge Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.
Henry Clayton Otts, Sr. was born on January 20, 1923 in Graham, Texas to parents Henry Posey Otts and Iva Lois Peacock Otts. He graduated from Woodson High School and attended Hardin-Simmons University and Ranger Junior College. Clayton served in the United States Army during WW II. He married Thelma R. “Pug” McCommas. Clayton owned and operated private clubs in Breckenridge. He was a member of the VFW Post 7767 and coached Little League Baseball. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Rumel Preston.
Clayton is survived by his wife, Pug Otts of Breckenridge; four sons, Clayton Otts, Jr. and wife, Lisa, Kenny Otts and wife, LaDell, Michael Otts and wife, Trisha, all of Breckenridge and Hamilton Hefner of Weatherford; two daughters, Vicki Otts of Ranger and Jennifer Eagan of Arkansas; one step-son, Joe Roberts and wife, Teresa of Breckenridge; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church or the donors’ favorite charity and may be left at Morehart Mortuary.
Condolences may be sent online at www.morehartmortuary.net.
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Bobby Simmons
BRECKENRIDGE-- Bobby F. Simmons, 67, of Breckenridge and formerly of Eastland, passed away on Saturday April 7, 2007 at his home.
Graveside services were held at 2 PM Monday, April 9, 2007 at Eastland City Cemetery with Rev. Jimmy Maples officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas.
Mr. Simmons was born on June 19, 1938 in Carbon to Frank W. and Winnie Mae (Robinson) Simmons. He grew up in the Carbon area and attended school there. Bobby married Gwyn Gosnell on June 2, 1962 in Eastland, Texas. He lived most all of his life in the Eastland County area. He worked as an independent truck driver of G & S Trucking for many many years. In the 1970’s he was a member of the Eastland County Sheriff’s Posse.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Connie and Don Simmons; two sisters, Lavern Rains and Barbara Simmons.
Mr. Simmons is survived by his wife Gwyn Simmons of Breckenridge; two sons, Bobby Simmons and Shea Woodard, Billy Simmons and wife Mistie; a daughter, Vickie Street and husband Butch all of Breckenridge; Two brothers, Jim Simmons and Louis Simmons both of Eastland; a sister Estelle Biggs of Eastland; two sisters-in-law Jessie Simmons of Eastland and Wanda Simmons of Carrollton; five grandchildren, Levi and Jace Simmons, Colby Simmons, and Blayne and Addy Street; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Arthur Snodgrass
Arthur Jim “Papa” Snodgrass, 56, of Lake Brownwood, died Friday, April 6, 2007 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 9, 2007 at Heartland Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Mickey Munoz officiating. Interment followed at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
Arthur Jim Snodgrass was born July 4, 1950 in Gorman, Texas the son of the late Owen Vernon and Annie Jewel Arnold Snodgrass. He was a lead oil field mechanic for Western Gas Resources for 21 years, he retired in 2005. He married Fannie Munoz in Midland, Texas on March 5, 1971. They moved from Midland 6 years ago to Lake Brownwood. PaPa as he was called by his nine grandchildren, loved fishing, camping, shooting pellet guns and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was a Dallas Cowboy fan and could be found shouting at the TV when they were playing. Jim was an inspiration to everyone he met, he could engineer anything that wasn’t working. His family thought he walked on water and he was MacGyver in as flannel jakcet because he was so resourcesful. Jim will be missed by all of them.
Survivors include his loving wife, Fannie Snodgrass of Lake Brownwood; daughters and son-in-law, Stephanie Ann and Keith Powell, Janie and Larry Hamilton; sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Maria Snodgrass, Jr., Tony and Bernadette Snodgrass all of Midland; nine beloved grandchildren, Brittany, Brandon, Alli, Ryan, Chloe, Kya, Jayson, Jordon and Joshua; greatgrandchild, Nathan Martinez; brother, Preston Snodgrass of New Port News, VA.; sisters, Barbara Eoff of Clyde, Garlene Easterly of Midland, Elsie Barton of Midland; stepchildren, Chasiti Hamilton, Justtinne Hamilton, Valerie Hamilton all of Midland.
Preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Mark Anthony Snodgrass, 2 brothers, Vernon and Owen Douglas Snodgrass and a sister, Joy McKenzie.
Please sign our guest book at www.heartlandfuneral home.net
Heartland Funeral and Cremation services are in charge of services.
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Veneva Campbell
CISCO- Veneva Stewart Campbell, 44, died Thursday, April 5, 2007.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco.
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Helen Bradford
Helen Irene Dempsey Bradford, 78, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, April 6, 2007.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Ranger with burial following at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Helen was born in Ranger on June 4, 1928 to Caudy Neal and Martha Jane Adams Dempsey. She was married to Charles Donald Bradford, her childhood sweetheart, on June 24, 1946 in Ranger. Helen lived all her life in the place where she was born. She and Don trained horses for Dr. Kuykendall until his death. She was Miss Rodeo Ranger in 1949 and she represented the Ranger Chamber of Commerce at many rodeos and parades. She would be seen with Don at many rodeos where they would be overseeing the secretarial and timing or helping their grandchildren to compete. She was the owner of Bradford Realty and Bradford Bookkeeping and Tax Service and the office manager for Staff Water Supply Corporation for many years. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Ranger.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Wesley Dempsey.
She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years Don, a daughter, Jane Ann and husband Charles of Caddo, a son, Cody and wife Brenda of Ranger. She dearly loved her grandchildren Shawn Mitchell of Weatherford, Silas Mitchell of Olden, Chelsey and Chauncy Bradford of Ranger, and four great-grandchildren and many, many friends.
Donations can be made to donor’s favorite charity.
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David Lewis
David Lane Lewis, 45, of Gorman, died Sunday, April 8, 2007 from injuries of an automobile accident.
Graveside service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at the Desdemona Cemetery with Denver Rainey officiating.
David was born June 24, 1961 in Gorman to Manford Lewis and Ruth Sharp Lewis. He married Teresa Newman on June 12, 2000 in Gorman. He had previously been married to Shirley Martin. David was employed with Con-Spec Roofing Company of Gorman.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa Lewis of Gorman; two daughters, Frances Lewis of Alvarado and Emily Lewis of Gorman; two sons, Jordan Lewis of Gorman and Scotty Martin of Eastland; three step-sons, Hank, Leland and Shawn Rainey all of Gorman; five step-daughters, Rachel Rainey of Gorman, Roxanna Rainey and Rhesea Rainey both of DeLeon, Rasha and Rebecca Rainey both of Gorman; parents, Manford and Ruth Lewis of Desdemona; four brothers, Melvin Lewis of Desdemona, Allan Lewis of Eastland, Rocky Lewis of Dublin and Bit Lewis of Desdemona; one step-granddaughter, Annesty Rainey of Gorman; as well as several nieces and nephews.
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Matthew Alexander
ALBANY- Matthew Alexander, 19, of Albany, died Thursday, April 5, 2007.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 9, 2007 at 2 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church with Rev. Don Clevenger officiating. Burial followed in the Albany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.
Matthew Joe Alexander was born on May 21, 1987 in Eastland, Texas to parents, Rodney Lee Alexander and Lori Marie Bishop Alexander. He grew up in Albany and graduated from Albany High School in 2005. He was employed by Shekinah Oilfield Services. Matthew was a member of the First Assembly of God Church.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Ed Bishop; great-grandmother, Rose Dewitt; and grandmother, Linda Alexander.
Matthew is survived by his parents, Rodney and Lori Alexander of Albany; one brother, Cody Alexander of Albany; two sisters, Dalynne Weaver of Moran and Madison Alexander of Albany; one niece, Chey’Anne Weaver of Moran; grandparents, Marshall Alexander of Corpus Christi, Joe and Alvetta Bishop of Breckenridge, and Vickie Rodgers of Cisco; and great-grandparents, Margie Bishop and James and Virginia Dewitt, all of Breckenridge.
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Denise Morrison
RULE- Denise (Shannon) “He” Morrison, 78, died Saturday, April 7, 2007 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at the Rule Cemetery with John Greeson officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of McCauley-Robison Funeral Home of Rule.
Denise was born on November 18, 1928 in Red Springs to Bill W. and Ruth Gazel Brewer Shannon. She married R.A. “Bob” Morrison on September 26, 1944. He preceded her in death on April 27, 1992. She was a homemaker and a member of the Rule Church of Christ.
Denise is survived by her daughters, Sharron Hudson and husband, Danny of Benjamin, and Sheila Holmes and husband Tommy of Abilene; grandchildren, Missy Lewis and husband Todd of Knox City, Michelle Stanfield and husband Jeff of Knox City, Brandon Holmes and wife, Dayva of Desdemona, and Nathan Pierce of Haskell; great-grandchildren, Eric Lewis, Emily Lewis, Andy Shaver, Zach Shaver, Payne Stanfield, Lacy Pierce, Nathaniel Pierce, and Cassie Pierce; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society P.O. Box 102454, Atlanta, GA. 30368-2452; or the West Texas Rehab Center 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.
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Imogene Kostiha
GORDON-Imogene Harrison Kostiha passed away peacefully with her family at her side Tuesday April 10,2007.
Imogene was on Nov. 23, 1917 in Gordon to Laura Mae McKinney Harrison and Edward G. Harrison. She was second to the youngest of 6 children, who have passed on. They were: Leonard B Harrison, J.D. Harrison, Lucille Keeble, Mable Heatherington, and Lois Butler Layne. She married Frank J. Kostiha, the love of her life, on Oct. 22, 1940, and they had been married 59 years when he passed away on July 30, 1990.
Imogene’s life role was that of mother, wife, and homemaker. She stressed education and had “school” every night for her four children. He went to work at a restaurant when her children entered college to pay for their tuition. She was proud that all of her children became teachers so that they could spend their lives helping people as she had done. She cared for her parents until their deaths and also cared for extended family members and older people in the community. She’d load up her four children and drive the elderly people in the community to their doctor and dentist appointments. She selflessly spent her entire life into helping others.
Imogene was a devout Christian. She read her children Bible stories and saw that they were in Sunday School and Church every Sunday. Before going to bed at night, she and her children repeated The Lord’s Prayer.
Mrs. Kostiha was known for her cooking ability. She was one of the best cooks in this part of the country, and she was happiest when her family gathered around the table and enjoyed the delicious food that she had prepared. During their childhood, her children remember getting off the school bus and following the aroma of freshly prepared food leading to the dinner table. After they were grown, she prepared an elaborate Sunday dinner for her extended family for years and years. It was a time when all of the cousins could get together and grow closer than those in many families.
Imogene liked to go places and have fun. When her children were little, she entertained them with picnics, trips to the zoo, and “red apple” picking each spring. She traveled all over the United States and often reminisced about her travels. She rarely missed her children and grandchildren’s sports activities and especially enjoyed watching when five of her grandsons played on teams that won the Texas state football championship. She was an avid Texas Ranger fan. She belonged to the Strawn 42 Club and looked forward to their monthly 42 games.
Imogene will be greatly missed by those who loved her so very much: her daughters and son-in-laws, Karla & David Chamberlain, Paula and Nelson Campbell, and Jan and Kirk Kinkson, her son and wife, Jimmy and Nila Kostiha, and her grandchildren, Frank & Christopher Chamberlain, Joe and Robert Kostiha, Jim Kostiha and wife, Maegan, Dana and Lyle Campbell and wife, Holly, Kirk Michael, Laura and Derek Hinkson, and her two great-grandchildren, Sidney and Anna. Five sisters-in-laws, one brother-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.
Funeral was at First United Methodist Church in Gordon at 2 PM Friday, April 13, 2007 with Rev. Michael Orsini and Rev. Gene Ratliff officiating. Visitation was held at Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn from 6 to 8 PM Thursday. Pall bearers were her grandchildren, and honorary Pallbearers were Matt Mallory, Buddy Tally, Thad Davis, and J.T. Scott.
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Charles Mackey
HALTOM CITY, TEXAS -- Charles F. Mackey, 77, beloved father and grandfather, passed away Monday, April 9, 2007.
Graveside service was held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 13, 2007 in Mount Olivet Cemetery Mount Olivet Funeral Home of Fort Worth, Texas was in charge of arrangements.
Charles was born Feb. 3, 1930, in Abilene . He was a retired postal carrier after 36 years of dedicated service. Charles served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. Mr. Mackey loved the outdoors and in particular, West Texas and fishing.
Charles was preceded in death by his loving wife of 31 years, Lois; sister, Mary Yelding; and brother, Everett Mackey.
He will be deeply missed by all.
Survivors: Sons, Charles F. Mackey Jr. and wife, Erlinda, William Mackey and wife, Robin, Larry Williams and wife, Esther, and Robert Buckalew; daughters, Connie Woodward and husband, William, and Jodie Ross; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
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Veneva Campbell
CISCO-Veneva Lanell (Stewart) Campbell, age 44, passed away on April 5, 2007 in Houston.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 10, 2007 in the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco.
Veneva was born on October 5, 1962 to J. Milton Stewart and Veneta Sue “Skeeter” Stephenson in Brady. She attended Cisco schools as well as Cisco Junior College for two years. She graduated from college with her nursing license and had a career as an LVN.
As a youth in Cisco, she had attended the Calvary Baptist Church and was currently a member of the Resurrected Life Church in La Porte.
Veneva’s favorite past time was reading books. She particularly enjoyed mystery and romance novels. Her most cherished times were spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, J. Milton Stewart and her sister, Carroll Jean Crowder.
She is survived by her mother, Skeeter Stephenson of Crowell; her ex-husband, Cliff Campbell of San Antonio; her daughters, Cristal Campbell-Mendieta of Houston, Rhonda Michelle Campbell-Yee of Houston; her sons, Christopher Lynn Campbell of Houston, John Milton Campbell of Lake Charles; her sister, Julia Fountain of North Richland Hills; and her five beloved grandchildren and four nieces and nepews.
Honorary pallbearers serving were Jacob Mendieta, Russell Stephenson, Ape Yee, Mike Taylor, Ben Cagle and Tony Stephenson.
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Alton Lane
Alton Wesley Lane, a resident of Eunice since 1964, was born to William and Beulah Lane on March 11, 1912 in Eastland, Texas, died at his residence in Eunice, New Mexico, Thursday, April 5, 2007 at the age of 95.
Alton served his country in the Army with the 18th Field Artillery at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma from 1933-1936. He went to work for Magnolia (Mobil) Oil Company almost immediately and worked for them until 1941. He was hired on with Skelly Oil Company in Longview, Texas, until the East Texas field depleted in 1963. His family then moved to Eunice in 1964 and worked for Skelly until his retirement in 1965. Alton was chosen as Senior Citizen of the Week in August of 2004 for Eunice. He married Mary Wilson on May 24, 1937.
He is survived by two sons, Richard Lane of Eunice and Robert Lane of Sugar Land, Texas; one daughter, Amaryllis Sue McClintock of Eunice; 6 grandchildren, Robert Morris Lane of Longview, Texas, James Wesley McClintock of Springfield, Missouri, Natalie Jo Meyers and John Wesley Lane, both of Eunice, NM, Amy Elizabeth Leavitt of Chickasha, OK and Rhett Thomas Lane of Denver, Colorado; 8 great-grandchildren, Sean Robert Lane, Kerry Glenn Lane and Alisha Lane of Longview, Texas, Christopher Wayne Meyers and Ashley Jo Meyers Keith both of Eunice, NM, Amanda Lynn Allison and Robert Wayne Russell, both of Hobbs, NM and Jamie Lee McClintock of Sedalia, Missouri; four great-great-grandchildren, McKenzie Lynn Allison and Daniel John Allison, Jr., both of Hobbs, NM, Kadynce Jolee Keith of Eunice, NM and Lucy Gail Lane of Denver, Colorado; two sisters, Audra Gamster and Evelyn Hayes both of Enid, Oklahoma.
Mr. Lane was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; 4 brothers; 3 sisters; and his parents.
The family would like to thank Vista Care Hospice for the loving care given to their loved one.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made to Vista Care Hospice of Hobbs in his honor.
The funeral service was held Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Eunice with Vista Care Chaplin Russell Hill, and Rev. Glenn Pipes of First Baptist Church, Eunice officiating. Interment followed at Brunson Memorial Cemetery in Eunice. Services have been entrusted to Calvary Funeral Home of Eunice.
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Lillie Jackson
Lillie Rozell Jackson of Baytown, Texas, passed away Thursday afternoon, April 12, 2007, at a local hospital.
She was born March 29, 1919, in Carbon, Texas to Tom Mattis and Liddie (Bruton) Lovell. She was a homemaker and attended The Garth Road Baptist Church. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister, and friend to many. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert E. Jackson, and nine brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her daughter, Jean Cope and husband, Cecil, of Baytown, sister Ruth Allman of Bakersfield, California, grandchildren, David Norman and wife, Donna, Gary Norman and wife, Nan, Stephen Norman and wife, Paula, great grandchildren, David Norman Jr., Robert Norman, and Magan Norman, great great granddaughter, Kerstyn Norman, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Home.
A Graveside Service was held Sunday, April 15, 2:00 p.m., White Cemetery in Highlands, with Rev. Jim Lamb officiating. The family would like to thank Triumph Hospital and staff for their loving care. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to The Garth Road Baptist Church Building Fund.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Crespo & Jirrels Funeral and Cremation Services, 6123 Garth Rd, Baytown, Texas 77521, 281-839-0700.
To view the obituary or post a tribute to the family, visit www.crespoandjirrels.com.
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Charley Webb
Charley Hirame Webb of Strawn, Texas passed away at his home on Friday, April 13, 2007.
Graveside service was held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 16th at Nimrod Cemetery in Nimrod, Texas.
Mr. Webb was born on December 27, 1932 in Mitchell County,Texas to Jessie Phoenix Webb and Dessie Cain Webb. He maarried Rose Marie Holllaway on December 16, 1951 in Midland, Texas. The couple moved to Strawn with their 4 children in 1966.
Survivors include his wife Rose; sons, Jesse Webb of Seminole,Texas and Tim Webb of Cross Plains,Texas, his daughters, Shutana House of Mineral Wells, Texas and Sharlett Webb of Mingus, Texas; Grandchildren, Jesse Webb, Rebecca Sumrow, Kimberly Moss, Kristy McKey,Justin Tigert,
Michael Brown, Alisha Ama, Anthony Ama, Shutana Bailey, Laura Bailey and 12 great-grandchildren.
Survivors also include his brothers Clayton Webb of Midland, Texas, Tommy Webb of Medina Texas and Sister Anita Vest of Dallas Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Bill Webb of Odessa and Sonny Webb of California and his sisters Faye Clark of Midland and Dixie Brooks of Stanton.
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Connie Tinder
Connie Lee Tinder, 65, passed away Friday April 13, 2007.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. in Bullock Cemetery in Ranger. Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.
Connie grew up with her military family in Brad, Tx. She later moved and raised her own family in Ranger. She was a Baptist. Connie worked many jobs, including: Ranger Hill Truck Stop, Lillies Cafe, Ranger Cleaners, Eastland Manor Nursing Home and eventually went on medical retirement. She enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, quilting and embroidery.
She is survived by her children, Mary Elizabeth Gibbins, Dave Gibbins of Kilgrove, Terry Schuessler of Ranger, Sandra Lee Lawson of Ranger; two sisters, Glenda Harrison and Mary Mahall both of Ranger; 15
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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Bernie Gaeta
Bernie Gaeta died February 11, 2007. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
He was born June 11, 1924 in Ranger, Texas. He joined the CC camps in 1940. He joined the Marine Corp in 1942. He was a pro boxer. He boxed in California and New Jersey. He retired in New Jersey as a boxer.
He was preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Felipa Gaeta; brothers, Victor Gaeta of San Antonio, TX, and Gene Gaeta of Victorville, CA.; and one brother-in-law, Martin Ortiz of Millsap, TX. His brother Gil Gaeta, Sr. recently passed away on April 12, 2007.
Survivors include one daughter, Janice Gaeta of Atlanta, New Jersey; 3 sons, Gino Gaeta of Pennsylvania, Richardo Gaeta of Chicago, and Father Bernie Gaeta of Ohio; one sister, Mrs. Erlinda Ortiz of Millsap, TX; two brothers, Ruben and Ramona Gaeta, Al Gaeta and companion Dorothy Adams, all of Eastland; and numerous nieces and nephews from California to New Jersey.
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J.W. Harris
BAIRD- J.W. Harris, 59, of Tuscola, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2007 at his home.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at the Parker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charles Sinks officiating. Burial followed in the Ross Cemetery annex. Visitation was held Monday at the funeral home.
Mr. Harris was born in Baird, Texas on November 20, 1947. He lived in Clyde most of his life. He worked at Auto Glass Company in Abilene for 30 years. Mr. Harris was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam conflict. He married Jo Cato in September of 1967. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church.
He was preceded in death by his father Willie Fred Harris.
Survivors include his mother, Juanita Ellis of Cisco; two daughters, Beverly Moeller and husband Allyn, of Flower Mound, TX. and Kim Collins and husband Kelly of Lewisville, TX; one brother, Jerry Harris of Abilene; two sisters, Connie Jernigan of Cisco, TX and Marlene Coats of Montrose, CO.; five grandchildren, Joshua and Reagan Moeller and William, Emma and Alison Collins.
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Gil Gaeta, Sr.
EASTLAND- Gil R. Gaeta, Sr., age 73, passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 14, 2007 at the Bethel Baptist Church with Jim Andrews officiating. Interment followed at Eastland Cemetery under the direction of the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
Gil was born on April 1, 1934 in Ranger to Nicholas and Felipa Gaeta. The Gaeta’s later moved to Eastland and Gil attended Eastland schools. He had a career performing all types of jobs for the State Highway Department in Eastland County. He served for over 30 years before taking retirement. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Gil married Amelia Rodrguez on May 24, 1952 in Baird. The couple enjoyed nearly 55 years of matrimony. He selflessly gave his time to his family, friends, and the community. Gil was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland. He had been ordained and served as a Deacon to his church since the late 60’s.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Felipa Gaeta; his brothers, Victor, Bernie, and Gene Gaeta; two grandchildren and Baby Gaeta; and a daughter-in-law, Romelia Zarate Gaeta.
Mr. Gaeta is survived by his loving wife, Amelia ‘Mollie’ Gaeta of Eastland; his sons and daughters-in-law, Gil Gaeta, Jr. and wife Angie of Austin, Leo R. Gaeta of Eastland and Margaret of Ft. Worth, and Arthur Wayne Gaeta and wife Cathy of Arlington; his brothers, Alfonso Gaeta and Ruben Gaeta of Eastland; his sister, Erlinda Ortiz of Millsap; and grandchildren, Michael Paul Gaeta of San Angelo, Brandi Nicole Dreyer and husband Billy of Rockport, Lisa Marie Gaeta of Ft. Worth, Brandon Lee Gaeta of Ft. Worth; and great-grandchildren, Ethan Cane Dreyer, William Zane Dreyer, and Brice Patrick Dreyer, all of Rockport; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
Memorial donations in Gil Gaeta’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Girling Hospice, 405 E. Commerce, Eastland, Texas 76448.
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Alma Ziehr
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.- Alma Ann Ziehr died Tuesday, April 10, 2007 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 13, 2007 with Baird Funeral Home officiating. Burial was in Federal Veterans Cemetery.
She was a seamstress.
She was preceded in death by her husband Winfield Ziehr.
Survivors include a son, Charles Ziehr of Tahlequah, OK.; a daughter, Mary Jane Tannehill and husband John of Fayetteville, Ark.; 2 sisters, Blanche Weise of Coleman and Murlee Keck of Cisco; a brother, Gene Walker of Lone Grove, OK.
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Horace White, Jr.
Geologist, Naval Aviator, Independent Oilman, Descendent of a Pioneer Family. Horace Edward White, Jr. (“H.E”.), a 76-year-old independent petroleum geologist, died April 15,2007 in Seton Northwest Hospital, Austin, Texas. H.E. White was a resident of Austin.
H.E. White was born in Denton, the first child of May school superintendent Horace Edward White, Sr. and former May teacher Bertha Mae Robertson White. H.E. grew up in May and Brownwood. His life-long passion for flying began in childhood. As a little boy, his bedroom ceiling was covered with model airplanes that he had built. After school he worked at the Brownwood Municipal Airport fueling planes until he was old enough to earn his wings. He began flying planes as a teen and enjoyed the countryside as an aerobatic flyer. On his 17th birthday he received his private pilot license.
H.E. graduated from Brownwood High School at age 16 in 1946. After graduation, he attended North Texas State University for a couple of years and then joined the Navy. His brother Bill said, “When H.E. was in training for the Navy he used to fly over Camp Bowie and buzz over house-I just a kid and it thrilled me every time.” He found in the Navy opportunities to see the world and served as a Navy jet pilot during the Korean War.
After his military discharge, the dashing young pilot hung up his white uniform and returned to Texas where he attended the University of Texas in Austin, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelors Degree in Geology. Following university, he moved to Abilene and joined with his father and younger brother in the family oil business. In Abilene he married Dale Byram, who is the mother of three of H.E’s five children, John Byram (“J.B.”), Holly and Kaylea.
In the mid-1960’s, he left the family business and moved to Austin, where he taught geology at the university, studied for a Master’s degree and did some of the first geologic computer mappings. His first marriage ended in 1968. From 1970-1979 he worked in the General Land Office of the State of Texas, as a manager and pilot.
In truth, H.E. was an independent spirit, with a love of the big sky. His happiest moments were spent driving along open roads with his convertible top down, motor boating across Lake Brownwood or Lake Travis pulling his children on skis, and sitting out by the fire pondering the stars or admiring the sun rise over the land and trees at the family farm in Comanche County.
In 1979, he left state employment to follow his dream of a more independent life and began working for himself in the oil business. He had an idea of following up on his father’s oil exploration at the family farm and in the surrounding counties of central Texas. His drilling partner at the time was Melvin Dickson.
In 1980, he was blessed by his marriage to the widow Nelda Morehead and the two celebrated their union in Reno, Nevada. H.E.’s family expanded to include Karen and James, making him the proud father of five children. In the 80’s and 90’s he could most often be found driving his vintage Cadillac convertible on the streets of Austin, or taking his family to one of the area lakes around Austin or to Lake Brownwood. In recent years he divided his time between his home in Austin and the family farm.
He was especially proud to be a part of a family that pioneered the Amity area in Comanche County. In 2002, H.E. and his brothers, Robert Wayne White and William Allen White represented the Robertson family descendents at the State of Texas Family Land Heritage Ceremony at the state capital, honoring Texas farms that had been owned by the same family for over 100 years. H.E. inherited the family honor of selecting the ribs for the open pit cookout at the annual Robertson Family Rib roast Reunion. For the past couple of decades he has been one of the chief family cooks at the annual event which draws an average crowd of 80-100 people each year from such far flung places as Indonesia, Japan, Odessa and Lewisville.
H.E. had a life-long love affair with flying and fun cars, and upon the occasion of his 76th birthday he traded in his Cadillac loyalty for a SAAB convertible. It was the jet aircraft engineering that won him over he called it his “jet car”. His favorite movies were “Top Gun” and old westerns movies.
Besides his wife in Austin, survivors include his children J.B. White and James Morehead of Austin, Holly White-Gehrt of Sammamish, WA, Kaylea White of Denver, CO and Karen Morehead Fimmano of Southbury, CT; seven grandchildren; and his brothers Robert Wayne White of Lake Brownwood and Dallas, and William Allen White of Austin.
Funeral services will be on Sunday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m. at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Rising Star and burial will be at the family plot in Amity Cemetery on Monday, April 23, 2007.
Any contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association 4150 International Plaza Suite #125 Ft. Worth, TX 76109.
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Willie Brooks
Willie Lee Southerland Hodges Brooks joined her Lord and Savior on April 18, 2007 at the age of 89, at Hospice House in Odessa.
Willie was born January 10, 1918 to S. L. and Frances (Foerster) Southerland in Oklahoma. She married Loyd Hodges in June 1935. After his death, she married Travis Brooks in November 1946 in Graham, Texas.
After the death of Loyd, Willie and her two small daughters moved to Oklahoma City where she attended cosmetology school. She gave the first chemical perm ever given at the school. Willie and Travis moved to Odessa in 1953, where she volunteered for the Civil Air Service as a Spotter. One evening, Willie spotted an unidentified object and reported it. When she later asked what it was, she was told that they could not tell her anything, except that it was shot down.
Willie worked for Rainbow Baking Company’s Day Old Store for over 20 years. She and Travis moved to Cisco, Texas in October 1988 where she made numerous friends. She moved back to Odessa in September 2003 and became an active member of the Northside Senior’s Center, washing and drying kitchen linen, rolling the flatware and serving the handicapped. Willie enjoyed traveling with her brother, Sonny, to visit their siblings and families, fishing, garage selling and attending musicals in the communities surrounding Cisco. She also enjoyed playing BINGO at the Senior’s Center with her son-in-law’s brother, Roland Washburn. Willie will be dearly missed by her family, friends and co-workers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Loyd Hodges and Travis Brooks, daughter, Maudie Prevost, sister, Hattie Mae Milner and brothers, Harold, Howard “John”, Richard and Franklin Southerland.
She is survived by her daughter, Frances Washburn and husband, John of Odessa; one son, Marshall Brooks of Odessa; son-in-law, Joe Prevost of Andrews; brothers, Sonny Southerland and wife, Ruby of Dexter, NM, Raymond Southerland and wife, Janet of Tahlequah, OK; sister, Lorene Oka of California; 10 grandchildren, Loyd, Lynn Dee, Joel, Terrell, Tracy, Kristi, Michael, Tricia, Cody and Alexander and 13 great-grandchildren, Tyriel, Seth, Nathan, Lauren, Megan, Jordan, Camron, Canyon, Cameron, Gavin, Tiffanie, Brandon and Amanda.
Services were held at 2:00 pm, Friday, April 20, 2007 at Westover Baptist Church with Reverend Terrell Wright officiating. Interment was held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, April 21, 2007 in Oak Grove Cemetery in Graham, Texas.
Memorials may be directed to Westover Baptist Church, 2540 N. Torrance, Odessa, 79763; Northside Senior’s Center, 1225 N. Adams, Odessa, 79761 or Hospice House of Odessa, 903 N. Sam Houston, Odessa, 79761 or to a charity of one’s choice.
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Joy Dotson
Joy Mellie Gooch Dotson died April 16, 2007.
For more than 88 years, Joy faithfully served her Lord here on earth, by dedicating herself to her many roles as daughter, sister, wife, mother, teacher and friend.
Joy was a professional educator, retiring from the Abilene ISD in 1987. She was a teacher for more than 40 years, with a passion for helping children with special needs. She taught in several small school districts in Texas, before joining AISD in the early 1950’s. In her early years with AISD she was recruited by Nina Kate Lewis, then with the Junior League of Abilene, to be one of the first teachers at what later became the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. During her teaching career, in addition to teaching in regular and special education classrooms, Joy also taught homebound children, and tutored students with learning disabilities.
Joy was born on March 9, 1919, in Pioneer, Eastland County, Texas. She attended Rock Hill School near Hamby, where her family farmed. She graduated from Abilene High School, and received B.A. and M.Ed. degrees from Hardin-Simmons University. She married Alwyn Dotson in 1949. They lived in Abilene and raised their three children. Mr. and Mrs. Dotson considered among their greatest achievements that all of their children received Masters degrees.
Joy was proud of her Texas pioneer heritage and was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She was a direct descendant of Isaac Jackson, one of the original “Old Three Hundred” colonists who came with Stephen F. Austin to settle in “the wilderness of Texas” in 1824.
Survivors are three children, Desda Diane Dotson of Abilene, Craig Dotson and wife Delynnis of Dennison, and Kyle Dotson and wife Jill of San Jose, California; four grandchildren, Christy Carlson and husband Colin Warriner of Seattle, WA., Andrew Carlson of Abilene, Stephen Dotson and wife Katie of Dallas, and Stephanie Dotson of Dallas; four great-grandchildren, Murphy, Aidan, Kaitlyn and Courtney; and her sister, Gladys Hume of Abilene.
She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents, Dan Callaway Gooch and Lilly Mae (Densman) Gooch.
Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Elmwood Funeral Home in Abilene.
Funeral services were held at Elmwood Funeral Chapel at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2007. Burial followed at Elmwood Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Crescent Heights Baptist Church 1902 N. Mockingbird, Abilene, TX 79603; or Regional Crime Victim Crisis Center P.O. Box 122, Abilene, TX 79604.
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Johnie Webb
CISCO – Johnie May Jeffcoat Webb, 92, of Cisco died Saturday, April 21, 2007 at Canterbury Villa in Cisco, following a long illness.
Funeral Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Cisco, officiated by Reverend Craig Curry. Kimbrough Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Burial followed after graveside rites at 4:00 p.m. in Kermit Cemetery in Kermit, Texas.
Johnie May was born to John William and Minnie May Freeman/Shipman on July 16, 1914 in Fluvanna, Texas. She was married to Ollie Clifford “Jeff” Jeffcoat on May 19, 1932, in Fluvanna. He preceded her in death on September 11, 1975 in Kermit, after 43 years of marriage. He was owner and operator of Jeff’s Testing Company in Cisco in the 50’s. She was a widow for 13 years. When she was 74, she married Cloris Leonard Webb, 80, on September 8, 1988 in Cisco. They drove to Niagara Falls on their Honeymoon! They were married 15 years before his passing on September 22, 2003.
Although she did not have much formal education, when her youngest child enrolled in CJC in 1960, she enrolled with him taking Bookkeeping and Accounting. Jimmie said, “I was embarrassed, not because she enrolled with me but because she made better grades than I did!”
Mrs. Webb received one of the first annual National Community Service Awards for AARP on April 18, 1986. She was nominated by the Board of Directors for the “Outstanding Volunteer Contribution to the Community.
Mrs. Webb was the Ceramics Teacher for the Senior Citizens, and also helped with serving meals, issuing government commodities, and singing in the choir. She was a member of the Senior Citizens Rhythm Band and visited the nursing homes regularly and helped with the singing there.
In 1985, Mrs. Webb was recipient of the Elderhostel Award for work in the community. She served as chairman of the Health Advocacy committee and was assistant chairman to Mabel Thedford as the Decoration Committee for all the AARP meetings.
Mrs. Webb was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Cisco and during her 49 year residency, she has served there in several capacities. She was member of National Federated Women’s Club, Eastern Star, and the Ladies 42 Club.
She was preceded in death by 7 brothers, Roy, Earnest, Lawrence, Aven, David, Gerald, L.C., & 1 sister, Mary; one son, Don Jeffcoat, of Fort Worth. Don’s wife, Barbara, resides in Broken Arrow, Okla.
She is survived by 1 brother, Vestal Shipman & wife Jean of Hartford, Tennessee; 3 children and spouses: Jerry & Davene Jeffcoat of Cisco, LaDell Reger of Breckenridge, and Jimmie & Donna Jeffcoat of Italy. She is survived by 2 step children: Jim Webb of Cisco and Marita Foreman of Houston; 7 grandchildren.
Cynthia Lynch of Breckenridge, Jeffrey Ragland of Peyote, Laura Jeffcoat of Cisco, Jana Huggins of Clyde, Jarrod Jeffcoat of Trophy Club, Leigh Ann Lockard of Tulsa, Okla.,
Shanna James of Houston; 15 Great-Grandchildren Dr. Aubrey Ragland, Christy Tidwell, Cris & Brett Lynch, Jami Jeffcoat, Kaci, Courtney, Alaina & Cassidy Huggins, Leah & Jones Jeffcoat, Erica & Hailee Lockard, Coleson & Gracie James. And a multitude of nephews, nieces and cousins who were very devoted to her.
Hobbies included: Volunteer Service, photography, geneology, oil painting, 42, Cards, spoiling children-(all children, not just hers) but she did not put up with misbehavior or disrespect and they all loved her. One of her grandchildren said, “With Gran there was no second warning.”
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Opal Church
CLYDE-Opal Church, 97, of Eastland and formerly of Clyde died Thursday, April 19, 2007 at her daughter’s home in Eastland.
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2007 at the Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Rick Denson officiating with burial to follow in the Clyde Cemetery.
Mrs. Church was born December 19, 1909 in Newcastle, Texas to William Richard and Pearl Jane (Sparks) Whitt. She was the widow of George Archie Church whom she married November 6, 1926 in Waxahachie. They moved to Clyde from Abilene in the early 1940’s. They lived in Ranger, Tx. for a number of years when Mr. Church was transferred with Lone Star Gas Company, where they also owned and operated a Trading Post. They subsequently returned to make their home in Clyde. She moved to Eastland in 2003 to be with her daughter. She received her G.E.D. when she was 62. She graduated at the top of her class from nursing school when she was 65. She retired from the Clyde Nursing Center at age 80. She was a member of the Clyde First Baptist Church.
Mrs. Church is survived by one son, R.D. Church & wife Helen of Abilene; one daughter, Peggye Swafford of Eastland; 3 Grandchildren-Gary, Mike, and Scott Church; 8 great grandchildren-Todd, Trey, John, Brian, & Melissa Church, Cody, Eden, and Evan Simon; 3 great great grandchildren-Brain Jr., Austin, and Addison Church.
Mrs. Church was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Raymond Whitt and Jack Whitt; a sister, Ruby Hawkins; her husband, G.A. Church; a granddaughter, Gina Swafford Simon and a great grandson, Zachary Church.
“Our Mother and Grandmother was a compassionate and caring person who cared deeply for her family, friends, and those placed in her care. She will be remembered with love and gratitude for her impact on the lives of all who knew and loved her.
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Harley Pettijohn
Harley Juneann Pettijohn, our precious little angel, left us to be with her Lord, Wednesday, April 18, 2007.
Harley Juneann Pettijohn was born November 21, 2006 in Fort Worth, the daughter of Jeff and Patty Pettijohn. Harley was a happy baby and was always smiling. Unlike her father, Harley was a morning baby, getting the day started kicking and smiling. She had the biggest personality and was well traveled to be only five months old. Harley also loved to watch basketball games.
Harley was preceded in death by her grandmother, Cheryl Jean Pettijohn; great-grandparents, Robert and Juneann Hinkson; great-grandmother, Billie Shackelford; and great-grandfather, Clovis Roy Gilley.
The Pettijohn family would like to express a special thanks to Harley’s loving babysitter, Jenny Ruddy.
Survivors include parents, Jeff and Patty Pettijohn; brother, Tate Box; sister, Christian Box, all of Graford; sister, Sydnee Pettijohn of Gustine; grandmother, Laurann Gilley of Possum Kingdom Lake; grandfather, C R Gilley of Graford; grandparents, Randy and Shirley Pettijohn of Odessa; great-grandparents, C B and DeAlva Snell of May and Arnold and Gladys Pettijohn of Ruidosa, N.M.; aunts and uncles, Terry, Dayna and Jody, Randy and Satanta; and numerous loving cousins and a whole host of family and friends.
Funeral services werescheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, April 23, 2007 at First Baptist Church of Possum Kingdom, 200 S. State Highway 16, Graford. Burial was in McAdams Cemetery, Graford. Visitation was held 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday with Rosary at 7 p.m. in White’s Funeral Chapel, Mineral Wells, Texas.
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Dorothy Roberts
DESDEMONA- Dorothy Fern Roberts, 78, died Saturday, April 21, 2007.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at Desdemona First Baptist Church. Burial was in the Desdemona Cemetery directed by Nowlin Funeral Home of DeLeon.
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Melissa Bratton
Melissa Gayle Sessums Bratton, 29, died Friday, April 27, 2007 in a local hospital.
Visitation was held Monday from 5-7 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 3 p.m. at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church with Chaplains Chris Hale and Jack Smith officiating. Burial followed at the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Services directed by Hamil Family Funeral Home.
Melissa was born October 28, 1977 in Portales, New Mexico to Delmar ÒBuddyÓ and Barbara Johnson Sessums. She was a 1996 Cooper High School graduate. She attended Cisco Junior College and graduated from Hendrick School of Radiology where she was employed as a Radiology Technician. Melissa was a long time resident of Abilene.
She is survived by her parents, Buddy and Barbara Sessums of Abilene; a daughter, Drew Baylee Bratton and her father Zack Bratton of Abilene; two brothers, Darrell ÒBeauÓ Sessums and wife, Heather of Abilene and Ryan Sessums of Abilene; nieces, Shailee Strevy and Kinsey Sessums of Abilene; her paternal grandmother, Lorene Sessums of Hillsboro and maternal grandparents Harvey and Mildred Johnson of Cisco; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
She will be missed by her family and many friends.
Pallbearers serving were Justin Burkhaulter, Dusty Maston, Jared Maston, Darrin Thomas, Joe Travis, and Scott Tweedle.
Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.
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Theresa Allen
Theresa Kay Allen, 52, of Abilene, Texas, died Sunday, April 29, 2007 at a local hospital.
Chapel services were held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at Community Memorial Funeral Home, with Brother Jerry Joplin officiating. Burial in the Cross Plains Cemetery.
Visitation was held Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Theresa was born in Eunice, New Mexico, the daughter of the late Buford T. Allen and Ruby G. Tate. She lived in Abilene most of her life and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.
She graduated from Abilene High School and attended Cisco Junior College where she received her LVN license. Theresa worked for 26 years as an LVN in the Abilene area.
She was a loving and caring woman who lived her life for her family and friends. She was happiest when she was spending time with her daughters and sons-in-law and while playing with her three grandchildren, who were her world. She will be missed by all of us.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Johnny Aaron Allen.
Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Kay Estrumse and husband, Scott, and Kimberly Kay Barr and husband, Troy, all of Tye; three grandchildren, Casey Marshall, Alexis Barr and Faith Estrumse; her aunt and uncle, Frank and Lois Purcell and numerous cousins; special friends, Sheree McGrew of Abilene and Pam Heisler of San Angelo.
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Hadden Payne
Hadden Payne, 88, of Cross Plains, Texas died Saturday, April 28, 2007 in Brownwood.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 3, 2007 at First Baptist Church in Cross Plains with Ronnie White officiating, assisted by Toby Irwin. Burial followed in the Cross Plains Cemetery.
He was born October 3, 1918 to Pomp and Willie (Long) Payne in the Dressy community in Callahan County. After graduating from high school he married Gretna Wright in Cross Plains on April 19, 1940, she preceded him in death on May 26, 1995. Hadden was a lifetime resident of Callahan County and was a farmer and rancher. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cross Plains and served as a deacon for many years. He married Erma Peninger Floyd on December 28, 1996 in Cross Plains and they continued to live at the family farm, until his health began to fail him the last few months. He will be missed by his family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Gretna; brother, Glen; and sister, Pauline.
He is survived by his wife, Erma Payne of Cross Plains; son, Charles Payne and wife Linda of Cross Plains; daughter, Sharlla Stone and husband Mason of San Antonio; grandchildren, Sheila Payne of Cross Plains, Chas Payne and wife Melinda of Abilene, Erica Stone of New York, Bryant M. Stone III of Hong Kong, China; great-grandchildren, Jerrod, Nicole, James, Zane, Alyssa, Hunter, and MaKenna.
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Jeffrey Watson
Jeffrey Arland Watson, 47, of Houston, Texas, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2007 at Memorial Herman Northwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Services were held Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Richard Watson officiating. Interment was in Oaklawn Cemetery, Gorman, Texas.
Jeff was born March 28, 1960 in Abilene, Texas to Johnnie Arland Watson and Kay Larae Jarrett Watson. He was baptized in the First Baptist Church in Gorman on Nov. 22, 1971. He graduated from Gorman High School in 1978. He married Sandra Kay Williams on December 21, 1996 in Gorman. Jeff owned a successful printing company, Roadrunner Press, in San Marcos, Texas during the 1980's. He moved to Houston in the early 1990Õs and owned and operated Watson Litho and Printing. He was also a sales representative for several oil and gas drilling ventures along the Gulf Coast of Texas. Jeff was a super salesman!
Jeff is survived by his wife of ten years, Sandra Kay Watson of Houston; daughter, Jaclyn Watson of Mt. Pleasant, SC; mother, Kay Watson-Johnson of Gorman; two brothers, Steven Watson of Spicewood and Mark Watson of Gorman; three aunts, Rita Hall, Gala Watson and Joyce Brinegar; great-uncle, Elmer Watson; and first cousins, Jim, Mary Ellen, Joe, Phil, Donna, Tim, John, Sam, Trevor and Tanya.
He was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Arland Watson; son, Jason Arland Watson; grandparents, James Arland and Edna Watson and Clifton and Frankie Jarrett and one aunt, Mary Beth Tecson.
Pallbearers were Trevor Robertson, Joe Tecson, John Brinegar, Sam Brinegar, Tim Alexander, and Jimmy Dickerson. Honorary pallbearers were Phil Riddle, Ray Bond, Jay Dickerson, Rickey Clark and Toby Snider.
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Lonnie Evans
Lonnie G. Evans died April 19, 2007 in San Antonio, Texas after a lengthy illness.
He was born December 6, 1957 in Marysville, CA. He was a construction worker.
Survived by his father, Herman Evans of Ranger, Texas; step-mother, Peggy Evans of Ranger; four brothers, Jeff Evans of Ranger, Terry Evans of Irving, TX, Mike Evans of Palestine, TX, and Ron Evans of Gatesville, TX; and his companion, Daniel Dimando.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Evans of Irving; brother, Garry Evans of Grand Prairie, TX; and sister, Freida Burke.
Eulogy--
Remember me with laughter and smiles, for that's how I'll remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears- Don't remember me at all.
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Dortha Taylor
GIG HARBOR, WA.- Dortha Ben (Ray) Taylor passed over the rainbow bridge to her heavenly home on April 17, 2007.
Dortha Ben was born December 13, 1923 in Scranton, Texas to the late Ples and Aline Ray. She graduated from high school and moved to Fort Worth to work at Consolidated bomber plant. She met a dashing young Air Force officer Roland Taylor, whom she married. They had two sons and traveled the world during his Air Force career then retired in beautiful Gig Harbor, Wa.
She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Lena Helen (Ray) Brashear; brothers, Morrell and David Ray.
Loving survivors include son, Larry and wife Eileene Taylor of Gig Harbor, Terry and his wife Sherrie Taylor of Granite Shoal, TX; brother, Mark Ray and wife Bobbie of Abilene, TX; grandchildren, Jeff Taylor of Seattle, Wa., Megan and Tad Taylor of Granite Shoal, TX. and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Dortha Ben was very special and can never be forgotten nor replaced. We thank God for lending her to us for all these years.
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Leroy Steinman
EASTLAND- Leroy Steinman, age 64, passed away Monday, May 1, 2007 at the Ranger Care Center.
A memorial service will be held at a later date under the direction of the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home in Eastland.
Memorial donations in Mr. Steinman's name may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.
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Glynda Bond
Glynda Marie Bond, age 61, of Gorman, Texas, died Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas.
She was born June 15, 1945 in Ranger, Texas to Glynn Alford Wilson and Mildred Melvina (Harrell) Wilson. She married Joe Bond on June 11, 1966 in Ranger, Texas.
She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. Glynda spent many nights in the stands at a gym or football field to show support for her coach-husband and her boys. For thirty years, she was a faithful servant in the Kokomo Baptist Church serving as a pianist, organist and Sunday School teacher. For twenty-one years she taught kindergarten through the sixth grade in Borden County, Texas Ranger, and Carbon.
She is survived by husband, Joe Bond of Gorman; sons, Shannon Bond of Copperas Cove and Brian Bond of Dallas; three brothers, Jerry Wilson and Jimmy Don Wilson both of Ranger, and Glynn Wilson of Houston; and three grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Glynn and Mildred Wilson; and by sister-in-law, Leann Wilson.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2007 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Haggard and James Bond officiating. Burial was in the Flatwood Cemetery in Eastland County under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
In lieu of flowers family request donations to 'Children At Heart' in Round Rock, Texas.
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Jeane Oliver
Jeane (Branch) Oliver, 72, died Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Jayton Cemetery under the direction of Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home.
Born February 5, 1935 in Jayton, Jeane was a daughter of the late George W. and Ruby (Patton) Branch. Jeane graduated from Jayton High School where she played basketball all four years and later attended West Texas State at Canyon. She married Ben Oliver on August 14, 1953 in Jayton. Jeane loved dancing and taught ballroom dance for Arthur Murray Studios. Other hobbies included reading, making crafts and playing the piano. They returned to Jayton in 1994, where she operated her cattle ranch and loved working at the Kent County Library. Jeane was an excellent seamstress and was active in the Future Homemakers of America at Jayoton High School and oversaw a committee for the Jayton School reunion. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Jayton.
Jeane was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband, Ben Oliver of Jayton; one son and daughter-in-law, Lee Branch Oliver and wif LaNae of San Antonio; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kayren Oliver Hughes and her husband Dean of Ranger and Leslie Oliver Fuller of Jayton; two sisters, Deanie (Branch) Matthews of Jayton and Arylene Branch of Walsh, CO; two grandchildren, Dustin and Devin Oliver.
Visitation was held Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home in Rotan.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations may be made to Saint Judes Children's Hospital.
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Marie Gregory
Marie Gregory, 83, of May, Texas passed away on Monday, April 30, 2007 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center in Brownwood, Texas.
Funeral Services were held at 10:00AM, Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the May Cemetery in May, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in Charge.
Marie was born on August 1, 1923 in Brown County, Texas to Roy and Rebecca Pallett-Mitchell. Marie married Joe Wade Gregory on December 22, 1941 in Rising Star, Texas.
Marie is survived by her son, Thomas R. Gregory of May; daughter, Joe Marie Gregory of May; 3 grandchildren, Raymond, Jeffery and Jennifer Gregory; 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe Wade Gregory; brother, Howard Mitchell.
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Kenneth Willett
Kenneth Jeff Willett, 70, of Rising Star, Texas passed away on Sunday, May 6, 2007 at home in Rising Star.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Terry Simmons officiating. Burial followed in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
Kenneth was born on December 3, 1936 in Rising Star, Texas to Oscar M. and Sadie Gales-Willett. He married Von Dene Ware on June 3, 1955 in Rising Star, Texas. He lived in the community all his life. He farmed peanuts and used to work at the feed store for his father-in-law D.E. Ware driving a truck. He was a part of the 4-H. He loved to show his livestock. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. He enjoyed being around people and visiting. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Von Dene Willett of Rising Star; son, David and his wife, Angi Willett of Rising Star; two daughters, Denise Emert of Rising Star and Dena and her husband, Joey Withers of Rising Star; five grandchildren; sister, Ina Mae Brown of May.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation was held at the funeral home from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8th.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Rising Star.
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Bennye Caraway
Bennye Caraway, 78, passed away Monday May 7 in Abilene. Services
will be at 10 A.M. Thursday May 10 at River of Life Fellowship in Eastland, Tx.
Visitation will be at Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger on Wednesday from 5-7 P.M. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ranger Fire Department or West Texas Rehab.
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Duane Bennett-Sanders
STRAWN- Duane Stephen Bennett-Sanders, 42, of Strawn, passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2007.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Gordon. Burial followed in the Ex-Ray Cemetery in Erath County under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn. The family received friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The family request in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to Tri City Ambulance, P.O. Box 271, Gordon, Texas 76453.
Duane was born in Salinas, California on December 18, 1965 to Stephen Sanders and Vidella DeMars. Duane grew up in Gordon and graduated from Gordon High School. He married Sherri McWarter on April 22, 1985 in Childress, Texas. Duane worked for Texas Building Products as a forklift operater for 5 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Gordon.
Duane is survived by his wife, Sherri Sanders of Strawn; three children, Duane S. Sanders II of Strawn, Carol Nicole Bennett of Gordon, and Jay Jay Sanders of Strawn; mother and step-father, Vidella and William Bennett of Gordon; father, Stephen Sanders of Oakhurst, California; two brothers, Thomas Bennett of New Jersey and Jeff Bennett of Florida; one niece and two nephews and numerous aunts, uncles, and extended family and friends.
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Chuck White
Chuck White was born on November 3, 1913, in Pleasanton, Kansas, to George Willard White and Annis Atkinson White. He was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on May 9, 2007, at the age of 93. Chuck fell and fractured his leg, just below the hip joint on March 24, 2007. He had to have surgery to repair the break and was unable to recover.
There will be a gathering of family and friends at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12 at Kimbrough Funeral Home in Cisco, TX., with Bruce Stovall officiating. Funeral services will be held at First Christian Church in Creston, LA, on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 2 p.m. The Rev. Duane Hendricks, a longtime friend, will share in the service with Rev. Dr. Diana C. Leaf. Arrangements are through Powers Funeral Home and burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery.
Chuck grew up in Kansas City, MO. He attended school there. He worked many jobs. He had a brief radio career and for many years served as an emcee at community events. Several years he worked in the grocery business at A&P. He did route work for Grennen Bakery and Continental Bakery. He then did route work for Walker Laundry and Ford Ideal Laundry and eventually started his own business called White Swan Cleaners. He sold that business in 1955, and moved to Creston, Iowa, to work for Farm Bureau. In 1956, Chuck went into business for himself and in 1960, he joined Clarence Henry in the White and Henry Insurance and Real Estate Agency.
While living in Kansas City, Chuck was a Sunday School teacher and leader of youth. In 1957, two years after moving to Creston, he began serving three country churches. The locations changed over the years, but most of the churches were Methodist, and he served as a 'Temporary Pastor' for 30 years. One of the three was a Christian Church, and that church ordained him in 1979. Chuck and his wife, Gere, started and taught an adult Sunday School class at Park Place RV Resort, in Harlingen, TX, and he was faithful until the spring of 2007, when his health prevented him from attending. Chuck recently purchased and gave away hats that said, 'I love Jesus.' The one he wore was bright red and he meant what it said.
Chuck was a Boy Scout leader and a Little League coach for many years. More recently, he had served as a mentor, teaching reading at Stuart Elementary School in Harlingen, TX. He loved sports and played tennis until he was 85 and golf until he was 90. He enjoyed several games played with marbles and dominos. He made many wooden marble boards for family and friends.
Chuck was married three times. His first marriage to Verdna Roberts, ended in divorce, but from that marriage were born Tommy, Mickey and Ginger. On October 14, 1945, Chuck married Alice McBride and to this marriage was born Charlie and Gary. Chuck and Alice were married nearly 46 years when she died of cancer in August of 1991. Chuck married Geraldine Hessell on August 15, 1992, and they have been married almost 15 years.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Gere, of Harlingen, TX; five children, Tom White and his wife Alice of Salem, MO., Mickey White and his wife Angel, of Creston, Ginger Stovall and her husband Bruce of Cisco, TX., Charlie White and his wife Karen of Licking, MO, and Gary White of Naples, FL.; grandchildren are Carol, Steve, Michele, Wendy, Susie, Debbie, April and Mindy; great-grandchildren Sean, Stephanie, Stuart, Ryann, Rhiannon, Jordan, Lauren, Alli, Abbi, Tyler, Taylor, Tanner, Alexa and Ava.
When Chuck was 16 he wrote a poem entitled 'HOME'. The last stanza is:
The house is not the home,
But the love within its bounds,
For if there is not love,
Then no happy home is found.
There was love within his home-given and received. He will be missed!
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Janie Randall
Janie Lee Randall, 72, passed away Monday, May 7, 2007 in Eastland, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2007 in Emerald Hills Memorial Park. Emerald Hills Funeral Home of Kennedale was in charge of the arrangements.
She was born May 22, 1934. She was a homemaker, mother and played piano and church organ.
Her survivors include daughters, Jana Fedoreska of Schuylkill Haven, PA.and Carva Sitton of Long Beach, MS; son, Robert Sitton of Cisco, TX.; grandchildren, Chris Spangler of Cisco, Gary Spangler of Stephenville, Carrollee and Ronell Sitton of Cisco; and one niece, Stacy Wimberley of Irving.
The famly requests that memorials be sent to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer.
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Ruby Saint
Ruby Deola Redwine Saint passed away Friday, May 4, 2007 at a Fort Worth hospital at the age of 78.
She was currently residing in Fort Worth, but had long called Ranger home.
The funeral was held on Monday, May 7, 2007 at Westland Heights Baptist Church in Fort Worth with Reverend Richard McCormack officiating. Internet was later held at Howard Cemetery in Desdemona.
Ruby was born July 23, 1928 in Ranger to Earl and Iva Tresner Redwine.
She was preceded in death by her husband Burley Saint in November 1989.
Survivors include her six loving daughters, Sandra Lockwood and husband, John, Ann Williams and husband, Bob, Linda James and husband, David, Carolyn Saint, Marilyn Sculthorp and husband, Robin, Melody Ray and husband, Bruce; her 18 grandchildren; and her 16 great-grandchildren.
She was loved dearly.
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Billie Moody
Billie Lynn Moody, 77, of Tolar, passed away Thursday May 10, 2007 in Glen Rose.
Ê Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, May 12, 2007 at the Sap Oak Cemetery in Erath County . The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday, May 11, 2007 at the Stephenville Funeral Home.
Ê Billie was born on August 8, 1929 in Morgan Mill, Texas to the late James Price and Ruth Vivian Moody. He served in the U.S. Army and was a Truck Driver. Billie has resided in Tolar after previously living in Ranger. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Tolar.
He is survived by daughters, Ruth Knight of Fort Worth, Dyanthia Branton of Ranger, and Janet Pack of Tolar; sons, Billie Lynn Moody, Jr. of Granbury, James Moody II of Odessa, John Moody of Tolar; brothers, Price Lankford Moody of Gordon and James Robert Moody of Devine; Several nieces, nephews, and countless friends; He is also survived by Betty Spiendor Wall and Cletha Faye Pack; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Billie was preceded in death by his parents, James Price and Ruthe Vivian Moody; son, Benjamin Moody; and by Jessie Audine Barron.
Online condolences may be made at www.funeralhmtx.com
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Larry Phelps, Sr.
Larry Dean Phelps, Sr., 50, of Eastland passed away Monday, May 7, 2007 at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston .
Graveside Service was held Saturday at 11:00 AM in the Megargle Cemetery at Megargle , TX in Archer County under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home. Reverend Dennis McClure officiated. Visitation was held Friday 6- 8 PM in the Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco.
Larry Dean was born to William Lewis and Oma Bell (Barker) Phelps on
July 25, 1956 in Hollis , OK . He married Karen Ritchie on November 9, 1974 in Porterville , California, he worked as a truck driver and attended the Old Gospel Church in Cisco.
Survivors include his wife, Karen, of Eastland; four children, Larry Dean Phelps, Jr. of California, Richard Lewis Phelps of Porterville, CA, Dustin Mitchell Phelps of Medford, Oregon, Sherri Renee Osben and husband, Billy of Lubbock; eight grandchildren, Cloe Michelle Osben, Samantha Lynn Phelps, Nichole Bell Phelps, Larry Dean Phelps, III, Brittney Louise Phelps, Kelsey Phelps, Lewis Phelps and Lindsey Phelps; two sisters, Pam Smith and husband, Ray, of Cisco, and Debbie Gallimore and husband, Gene, of Abilene.
Ê His parents and two brothers, Ronnie Lewis Phelps and William Ernest Phelps, preceded him in death.
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Lena Stansell
Ê Lena Ruth Stansell, 78, formerly of Cisco, was welcomed into Heaven after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease on Friday, May 11, 2007. She was greeted by our Lord Jesus, her husband Carrol, her parents; Gerald and Lena May Green, her mother and father-in-law, James and Werdna Stansell, and her brother Floyd Green.
Lena was born in Stanton, Texas on March 14, 1929, and married Carrol Stansell on July 29, 1945. After living in Cisco for 10 years, during which time daughters Caroline and Connie were born, the family moved to Snyder and completed the family with children Charles and Chere.
Mrs. Stansell was a passionate follower of her Lord, Jesus Christ, and was a faithful member of the Baptist Church wherever her family lived. She served as a Sunday school teacher, nursery superintendent for many years, and consistently lived out her faith with genuine love by others. She delighted in her family being around her and looked forward to big family reunions many of which she helped plan. To her children she was the epitome of graciousness and selflessness and was beautiful, inside and out. Her life was filled with compassion of deeds of kindness for others and was an inspiration to her family. She loved music and children, and she loved to laugh--her smile always brightened up the room. She was beloved by all.
Mrs. Stansell and her family lived for many years in Snyder where she was employed by Snyder Independent School District. She and her husband moved 'back home' to Cisco upon their retirement.
Mrs. Stansell leaves behind her children; Caroline Wadzeck and husband Larry, Connie Ross and husband Ralph, Charles Stansell and wife Valerie and Chere Permenter and husband Robert; also eight grandchildren, Carrie Sturdivant, Loren Wadzeck, April Sturdivant, Brandy Stansell, Mark Wadzeck, Joshua Permenter, J.J. Permenter and Niki Permenter; one great-grandson, Aiden Wadzeck; three siblings, Paul Green, Betty Hanegan and Billie Lyle and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
The memorial service was held at Calvary Baptist Church in Cisco, Texas Monday, May 13, 2007 at 2 p.m. with her son-in-law, Dr. Robert Permenter officiating. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were her grandson, Loren and Mark Wadzeck, and Joshua and J.J. Permenter, and sons-in-law, Ralph Ross and Larry Wadzeck.
Memorials may be made to the following worthy organizations; Hospice of the Big County , 4601 Hartford Street , Abilene , Texas 79605 or the Alzheimer's Association, 241 Pine Street, Suite 1C , Abilene , Texas 79601.
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Barbara Alexander
Barbara Jean Alexander, 68, of Rising Star, Texas, passed away Friday, May 11, 2007 at home.
Graveside services were held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, May 14, 2007 in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas with Terry Simmons officiating. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star will be in charge of the arrangements.
Barbara was born on April 14, 1939 in Owensboro, Kentucky to Miley B and Lena Nesbitt-Eason. She married Darrel Ray Alexander on November 19, 1955 in Mexico.
She is survived by her husband, Darrel Alexander of Rising Star; son, Stanley Alexander and his wife, Laura of Rising Star; daughter, Eva Pannell and her fiance', Kevin Gober of Brownwood; brother-in-law, Ronny Alexander of Rising Star; 5 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Peggy Eason Mathis.
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Jamie Smith
EASTLAND-Jamie Smith of Eastland died Saturday, May 12, 2007 in Eastland.
Memorial Services were held at 11 AM Wednesday, May 16, 2007 in the Eastland Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brian Patrick and Rev. Donna DeLuca officiating. The Family received friends at the Funeral Home Wednesday from 10 till 11 and immediately after the service.
Mrs. Smith was born Jamie Boswell on December 10 1928 in DeLeon to Rodolphus Cleveland and Mary Caroline {St. Clair} Boswell. Her early years were spent in DeLeon then she moved to Gorman where she finished High School. She attended John Tarleton Agriculture College and Graduated from Texas Women's University with a degree in Home Economics. She taught school in Cisco and Desdemona until the arrival of her children when she became a full time Mother. Her marriage to James Morgan Smith began on September 5, 1948 at the First Methodist Church in Gorman. They made their home in Eastland where she was active in the First United Methodist Church serving in several capacities with the United Methodist Women. She served as an officer in the Parent Teachers Organization and the Eastland Centennial Memorial Library.
She enjoyed Flower Gardening and most of all her family.
She is survived by husband of 58 years James M. Smith of Eastland; son and spouse Russell Smith and Ginger Rodd of Austin Texas; daughters and sons in law, Carol and Tom Zolnerowich of Mesquite Texas, Susan and Neil Grosz of Austin, Texas; brother Bobby J. Boswell of Gorman; Elaine Pogue of Comanche Texas, Mary Kirk of Gorman, Texas; grandchildren: Jamie and Vaughn Grosz and Alexander Zolnerowich.
She was preceded in death by a brother Dwight Boswell and a sister Mackey Kearney.
She will also be missed by her beloved schnauzer 'Marty'.
Memorials may be made to Eastland Meals on Wheels, envelopes will be made available at the service.
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Julia Worthy
An informal memorial for Julia Worthy, formerly of Eastland, is planned for Saturday, May 19, at 1 p.m. It will be in the Family Room at Edwards Funeral Home, 301 S. Lamar in Eastland.
Julia Ballard was born January 13, 1920, in San Saba, Texas. She married Walton Worthy in 1947. She spent over 30 years in Texas classrooms, pouring education 'and herself ' with creative passion and enthusiasm into her sometimes reluctant students.
Julia had many interests, one of which was writing. Though living in Waco, Julia was an early member of the Cisco Writers Club. She joined other writing groups, too. Letters, columns, poetry, nostalgic and factual articles, short stories, journals and longer works flowed from her pen, enabling her to be a consistent entrant and winner in regional writing contests. She also wrote multiple columns for the Eastland and Callahan County Newspapers.
"She was the best writing teacher I ever had," says one CWC member. "She was selfless in tutoring others, critiquing their manuscripts, hearing their rhymes. And she had this amazing capacity to project respect for each individual she met."
Julia's correspondence was legendary. A profusion of cards and letters reached out, sometimes every day for weeks, to friends, to the ill or the housebound, but also to lonely souls she had never met.
"They were cheery, personal notes that brought sunshine into many a dark day," recalls one recipient.
Julia and husband Walton moved to Eastland in 1982, where they operated the Pizza House on the courthouse square for several years. In 1999 they moved to the Baird area, where Julia lived with daughter Catherine and grandson Walt until her death on April 20, 2007.
Two sons, Kenneth and David Worthy, other grandchildren Mandi, Darrell and Stacy, and three great-grandchildren mourn her passing.
For this celebration of Julia's life, casual dress and your own gentle remembrances are encouraged.
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Chelsea Williams
EASTLAND- Chelsea Diana Williams, 2 year old daughter of Jerry and Jenifer Williams of Ranger, died Sunday, May 13, 2007 as a result of a swimming accident.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, May 17, 2007 in the Eastland Edwards Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Merriman Cemetery.
Visitation was held Wednesday from 6 to 10 PM at the Funeral Home.
Chelsea was born May 25, 2004 in Eastland and resided in Ranger. She was named after her Aunt Diana Davis who helped deliver her. She enjoyed riding her bicycle, playing with her dog and swimming.
She is survived by parents, Jerry and Jenifer (Cagle) Williams; 2 brothers, Marcuz Young and Jerred Williams of Ranger; a sister, Brittany Young of Ranger; Paternal grandparents, Jerry Williams of Ranger and Carolyn Elmore of Eastland; Maternal grandparents, Jacky Cagle of Conroe and Vicki and Danny Lassiter of Eastland; Maternal great-grandparents Wilma Ruth Cagle of Clyde, Frank and Rowena Lassiter of Hawley, Paternal great grandmother, Emma Williams of Ranger; Aunts and Uncles, Barbara Wray, Shannon Stewart, Diana Davis, Lori Sanders and Jason Williams.
She was preceded in death by Maternal Great Grandparents, Jerry and Leona Squires and Maternal Great Grandparents L.D. Williams and Marvel Hobbs.
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Walter Lewis
EASTLAND-- Walter Vernon Lewis, 92, of Eastland, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 17, 2007 at the Daugherty St. Church of Christ with Jim Cox of Breckenridge officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Lewis was born on April 2, 1915 at Corinth, in Eastland County, to William Henry Newton and Mary Ellen (Elliott) Lewis. He grew up working on the family farm. He married Doris Nelms on June 17, 1939, who preceded him in death. He worked for a wholesale distribution company, later moving to Ft. Worth and working for a defense contractor. Upon his retirement he moved to Eastland and began working for a gas plant. In 1968 he moved to Breckenridge and worked as a machinist for R.E. Dye, retiring at the age of 70. He enjoyed wood working, working with machinery and taking vacations. He was a member of the Elliott St. Church of Christ and taught Bible Class. He was preceded in death 3 sisters and 4 brothers.
Survivors include 4 children, Phillip Lewis and wife Marilyn of Edmond, OK, Jan Clary and husband Cliff of Cisco, Mike Lewis and wife Sharon of Eastland, Kay Westbrook and husband Jim of Kerrville; 6 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.
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William White
William H., "Tex" White of Leander, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at age 60.
Tex White was born in Hamlin, Texas on August 22, 1946. Following high school, Tex joined the U.S. Navy and saw service in Vietnam. Tex was a master welder and metal fabricator.
Tex and his wife Kim E. White relocated to this area 11 years ago where Tex worked as a foreman and maintenance supervisor for Texas Quarries. Tex was wonderful husband, father and friend. He will be missed.
Tex is survived by his wife Kim and his children TerriKay, William H. IV, Leslie Ann, Julio A. Morales and Damaris I. Morales; grandchildren Hunter, Tyler, Xander, Madison, Brady, Isabella and Donnell; sister, Rena Jo and Tommy McClure; brother, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Wayne White.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Tommy Lee White.
Services will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, May 20, 2007 at Beck Funeral Home in Cedar Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15186, Austin, Texas 78761.
Arrangements under the direction of Beck Funeral Home, 1700 E. Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, Texas 78613.
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Donnie White
Donnie Truman White, 51, died on May 16, 2007 in Wichita Falls.
Funeral Mass was held 10:00 AM Saturday, May 19, 2007 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. John Swistovich, pastor, officiating. Burial was in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home. A Christian Wake service was held at 7:00 PM Friday evening at Lunn's Colonial Chapel. A family visitation followed from 7:30-8:00 PM at the funeral home.
Donnie was born on December 14, 1955 in Ranger, TX to Helen and Carl White and graduated from Ranger High School. After moving to Wichita Falls, he met his wife Ginger Ann Hemmi and married in 1983. Donnie worked 21 years for Joe Pistocco Auto Mall before opening and operating Auto Damage Appraisers of Wichita Falls. He loved golf and working in his garden.
Donnie was loved and will be missed by his wife Ginger; daughter Kari, and son Cody; mother, Helen White Wade; his sister, Linda Miller and husband Joe, all of Wichita Falls; 2 brothers, Charles White of Ranger, TX, and Gene White of Archer City; in-laws Helen and Art Hemmi, Bryan and Kim Hemmi, Lloyd and Pam Wolf, all of Scotland, Belinda and Tom O'Brien of Wichita Falls, Chad and Stacy Steinberger of Windthorst; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church Building Fund.
Tributes may be sent to the family at www.lunnscolonial.com
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James 'J.D.' Griffin, Jr.
EASTLAND- James 'J.D.' Griffin, Jr., 82, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Thursday, May 17, 2007. He was residing at the Mansfield Nursing and Rehab center at the time of his death.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 21, 2007 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Burial will be in the Murray Cemetery.
JD was born on January 2, 1925. He served in World War II in the Navy and was wounded in the battle of IWO JIMA. JD worked in the oil fields of West Texas until 1960 when he moved his family to Carbon, where he ranched and farmed until he retired and moved to Mineral Wells, and later to Mansfield.
JD is survived by his children; daughter, Susan Sitler and family of Claremore, OK and two sons, Larry Griffin of Alvin, TX and Robin Griffin and family of Mansfield, TX; 2 brothers, 4 sisters, 7 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
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Fay Milford
EASTLAND- Fay Milford, age 88, passed away at her home on Thursday, May 17, 2007. Funeral services were held on Monday, May 21, 2007 at 2PM in the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at Eastland Cemetery with Pastor Don Davis officiating.
Fay Chance was born on December 10, 1918 near Sulpher Springs to Ben E. Chance and Maggie Ella Massey. She attended schools in Posey community. At the age of 17, Fay married M.R. 'Jack' Milford in 1936 in the Baptist Church in Posey. The couple had met at a 'Pie Supper' while Jack was enlisted in the United States Army. The couple enjoyed over 23 years of matrimony until Jack's death in August of 1959.
Fay was a homemaker and had attended the Assembly of God Church.
Fay was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, and her two sisters.
Ms. Milford is survived by her son, Bennie Dan Milford and wife Vera of Houston, and many dear friends.
Services were held under the direction of the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home in Eastland.
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Lanna Leonard
Lanna Denise Leonard, 40, of Brownwood, Texas passed away Sunday, May 20, 2007 at the San Angelo Community Hospital in San Angelo, Texas.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2007 in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of the arrangements.
Lanna was born July 31, 1966 in Brownwood, Texas to Scottie Wayne Holland and Sandra Bilbrey Leonard.
She is survived by her son, Ethan Leonard of Brady; daughter, Kacey Scott and her husband, Jeremy of Abilene; father, Scottie Wayne Holland of Brooksmith; mother, Sandra Leonard of Rising Star; grandfather, Ethan Allen of Rising Star; two brothers, Glen Holland of Belton and Bryan Holland of Dallas; three sisters, Angela Harris and her husband, Freddie of Eula, Elizabeth Lee of Rising Star, Janelle Gomez of Troy; Uncle Tom Adams and his wife Connie Adams; grandson, Wyatt Scott; and companion, Micheal Reed.
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Bazil Gibson
GORMAN- Bazil 'Bob' Gibson, 77, died Saturday, May 19, 2007.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 21, 2007 in Gorman Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
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Mary Doyle
EASTLAND- Mary Elizabeth Doyle, age 72, known by friends as 'Betty', passed away on Monday, May 21, 2007. Betty had fought a courageous battle with cancer for a lengthy time.
Funeral services will be held at the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Internment will follow at Eastland Cemetery. At press time services were pending.
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Emma Glosson
BAIRD- Emma Lou Glosson, 67, of Baird passed away on Thursday in an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 1 PM Tuesday, May 22, 2007, in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas.
The family received friends at the funeral home on Monday, May 21, 2007, from 6 to 8 PM.
Mrs. Glosson was born on February 18, 1940, in Cisco, Texas to Oscar Lee and Agnes Bell (Greenwood) Wilson. She grew up in the Eastland County area, attending school in Carbon and Eastland. While visiting her sister in 29 Palms, California she met Weldon Glosson and they were married on July 3rd, 1958. They moved to Valley Mills, Texas in 1968 where Lou owned and operated the Looking Glass beauty shop. She later moved to Baird and from 1988 until 2003 when she retired, she worked as a dorm supervisor for the Abilene State School. She is known as 'MeMe' to the residents and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friends to many people.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three children; Trina Elaine, Weldon Chris, and Ricky Dale Glosson, three brothers; Troyce, Burl, and John Wilson and a sister, Bertha Lee Wilson. Memorials can be made to the Abilene State School.
Lou is survived by her husband of 49 years, Weldon Glosson of Baird, three children; Toni Alway and husband, Rick, of Scottsville, Michigan, Vickie Adams and husband, Rusty, of Keller, TX. and Joshua Glosson and wife, Stacey, of Fate, TX. A brother Jerry Wilson and wife, Bobbie, of Cisco, TX. A sister, Stella Wilson, of Eastland and two sisters-in-law, Fredda Wilson of Waco and Margaret Wilson of San Antonio. Grandchildren; Morgan Edmondson of Keller and Jordan Edmondson of Georgetown, Boone and Rylee Alway of Scottsville, Michigan, Patrick and Kris Adams of Fort Worth and Jacqueline Adams, of Austin, TX. Great-grandchild, Jeffrey Boyd Pearson, and one on the way, Kadance Mae Glosson, due to be born in July. Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
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Jewel Snider
Jewel Snider, 99, passed away Friday, May 18, 2007 at a nursing home in Cisco.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2007 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Denver Rainey officiating. Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mr. Snider was born July 24, 1907 in Comanche County to Newt and Nancy Madkins Snider. He married Maggie Estelle Hamilton on November 20, 1926 in Comanche County. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army. He was a retired meat cutter and a member of the United Pentecostal Church.
Survivors include two sons, Kennith Snider of Rose Bud, AR and Larry Don Snider of Gorman; two daughters, Maudie Moll and Peggy Ingram both of Cisco; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Maggie; one son, Thomas; and three daughters, Marie Smith, Treva Green and Diana Jean Snider.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
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Modena Johnson
Modena Maurine Pair Johnson, 100, of Tyler and formerly of Clyde, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2007 at a Tyler Care Center.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church of Clyde with Dr. Wayne Berryman of Tyler officiating. Burial followed in the Oplin Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Modena was born January 23, 1907 in Dublin, Texas to Lounds Davis and Johnnie Myrtle (Gibson) Pair. She grew up in Strawn, Texas. She attended Tarleton College and later graduated from McMurry College. She was a longtime schoolteacher, beginning in Rogers for 3 years, Oplin for 1 year, then in Baird for 2 years and then in Clyde for 24 years. She was a grade-school junior high, and high school teacher.
On September 6, 1927, she married Bailey Johnson of Oplin in Abilene. Mr. Johnson was a longtime Superintendent of Clyde High School. He preceded her in death in 1972.
During the school years of Bailey and Modena, they left an outstanding impression on many students.
Modena had previously been a member of the Bailey Circle, The Thursday Club and the Historical Society prior to failing health. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clyde. In March 2000, she moved to Tyler to live with her daughter, Carolyn Johnson Kniffen.
She had three children, Madeline Johnson Newton and husband, J.W. of Weatherford, Texas, Tommy Lounds Johnson (deceased) and wife, Lois of Bloomfield, N.M., and Carolyn Johnson Kniffen and husband, Fred of Tyler.
She is survived by 8 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
On January 23, 2007, she celebrated her 100th birthday with all her family attending. She received over 70 cards and letters from former students and friends.
Pallbearers were Dr. James B. Newton, Grady Newton, Mark Glasshof, Miles Moore, Travis Clardy, Dale Kniffen, Jeff Scholl, and Micky Navarro.
The family asks that remembrances be sent to the Bailey Johnson Scholarship Fund at the First Financial Bank of Clyde, Hospice of East Texas or to the charity of your choice.
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Carol Smith
Carol 'Jan' Smith, 70, of Cisco passed away May 23, 2007 at Canterbury Villa of Cisco.
Services were held Saturday, May 26, 2007 at 10:00 AM in the Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Reverend Scott Rasco. Burial followed in the Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home. Visitation was held 6 - 8 PM Friday in the Kimbrough Chapel.
Jan was born to John David and Elsie Lee (Crane) Conger on February 23, 1937 in Cross Plains, Texas. She served in the U.S. Navy. After moving to Cisco, Jan was employed as a waitress at the White Elephant Restaurant for 27 years. She married Raymond Smith on October 27, 1991 in Cisco. He preceded her in death on February 27, 2006.
Ê She attended the Mountain Top Church in Cisco.
Ê Survivors include three sons: Gene Conger and wife, Velia, Stan Callahan and wife, Ana, and Greg Callahan and Lacy Rains all of Cisco; two sisters: Beatrice, of Beaumont and Teresa Martin of Cisco; two brothers, Johnny Conger and wife, Chris and Jackie Conger and wife, Sheila, of Cisco. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and
three great-grandchildren.
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Betty Baxter
CROSS PLAINS- Betty Jerlin Baxter, 71, of Cross Plains, died Tuesday, May 22, 2007 in Rising Star.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2007 at Higginbotham Funeral Chapel in Cross Plains with Matt McGowen officiating. Burial followed in the Cottonwood Cemetery.
Born March 18, 1936 in Burkett, TX. to Benjamin D. and Elsie Mae (Harris) Porter. She married Harold Baxter in Lovington, NM on May 21, 1955. Betty was a homemaker and mother and worked at the Colonial Oaks Nursing Home for 17 yrs, then worked for the grocery store for a year. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors are daughter, Deana Terstegge and husband, Joe of Cottonwood; brothers, W.B. Porter of Odessa, Billy Porter and wife Judy of Cross Plains; sister, Bonnie Illingworth and husband Bobby of Iowa Park; two grandchildren, James Lynn and Kathleen; and three great-grandchildren.
Preceeded in death by parents, husband, Harold, and brother, Tommy Porter.
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Lanny Hand
EASTLAND, TEXAS- Lanny Lee Hand, 66, a 1957 Harlingen High School graduate, died Saturday May 19, 2007 in a Fort Worth hospital after a sudden illness. Visitation was at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland on Monday 7 to 9 P.M. Graveside services were Tuesday 10 A.M. in Eastland Cemetery with military honors.
Mr. Hand was born on September 9, 1941 in Harlingen. H graduated in the class of 1957 in Harlingen. He served in the National Guard and U.S. Army in late 50's and early 60's. He married Jo Kay Mayfield in Donna, TX on May 13, 1966. Lanny began working for Texas Federal Inspection Service and they lived in several Texas towns before moving to the Gorman office, where Lanny was Supervisor, a position he retired from in 1993. He coached Little League and Pony League in Gorman from 1977-1986. Lanny and Jo Kay moved to Eastland in 2000. Lanny was a Baptist and his hobbies include saltwater trout fishing, deer and dove hunting and golfing. He was a steady presence at Lakeside Country Club in Eastland.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Kay Hand of Eastland; 2 children, Robby Hand of Eastland and Quenten Hand of Houston; and 1 brother, Monty Hand of Harlingen.
He was preceded in death by parents, Herman and Mandy Lee Hand; and a brother, Odon Hand.
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Mary Doyle
EASTLAND - Mary Elizabeth Doyle, known by friends as 'Betty', went home to be with the Lord, our God, after a lengthy struggle with cancer.
Funeral services were held at 2 pm Thursday May 24, 2007 at the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Wright officiating. Interment followed at Eastland Cemetery.
Betty Allen was born on April 30, 1935 in San Saba to Martha Ellen (King) Allen and Aaron A. Allen. Betty married Gene C. Woods on April 2, 1951. The couple had three beloved children, Stanley, Judy and Randall.
She was a Christian and belonged to the Olden Baptist Church. Betty spent most of her life in Eastland County. Most of her working years were in retail sales or working as a florist.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her three husbands; Gene C. Woods, E.B. Kelley, and Don M. Doyle; and a granddaughter Misty M. Jackson and a great grandson Alec A. Jackson, and her two sisters, Thelma and Ruby.
She is survived by her sons; Stanley A. Woods and wife Cindy of Olden, and Randall O. Woods of Abilene, her daughter Judy A. Woods Andrews and husband Christopher of Olden; four grandchildren, Craig L. Jackson of La Porte, Katy Jo Woods and Jacob P. Woods of Olden, and Brittany M. Woods of Lansing, Kansas; three great-grandchildren, Alyssa A. Jackson and Austin A. Jackson of La Porte, and Emma Jo Woods of Olden and several nieces and nephews.
She tried to live her life as a good Christian and mother. She had many good friends and family who will miss her dearly.
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James Strahan, Jr.
EASTLAND- James Howard Strahan Jr. age 88 of Rising Star died Monday May 22 in Eastland Memorial Hospital.
There are no public services planned at this time. Arrangements were entrusted with Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Strahan was born September 14, 1918 in Fort Worth Texas to James Howard Strahan Sr. and Emma Belle Clark and grew up In the Cottonwood Community near Cross Plains. He was a Cottonwood High School Graduate. He began working for Geotech Seismograph Company at an early age. He Married Enid Green in 1939, she passed away in 1997. They made their home in Durango Colorado since 1950. He owned and operated a franchise of Mayflower Movers and later North American Movers, retiring in 1997 and returning to Cross Plains. He married the former Ann Dillard Case June 28, 2003 and moved to Rising Star.
He is survived by: Wife, Ann Strahan of Rising Star; 2 children, Janice Moore and James Pierce Strahan both of Durango Colorado; 2 brothers, Bruce Strahan of McGregor Texas and Harold Strahan of Cottonwood;5 step children, Richard Troxtell of Rising Star, Time Troxtell of East Bend, North Carolina, Rhonda Parchman of Lubbock Texas, Susan Gonzales of Post, Julie Cruz of Van Alstyne, Texas; 4 granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Arden Strahan.
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James (J.D.) Griffin
EASTLAND - James (J D) Griffin Jr, 82, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Thursday, May 17, 2007. He was residing at the Mansfield Nursing and Rehab center at the time of his death. Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 21, 2007, in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Burial was in the Murray Cemetery.
J D was born on January 2, 1925. He served in World War II in the Navy and was wounded in the battle of IWO JIMA. J. D. worked in the oil fields of West Texas until 1960 when he moved his family to Carbon, where he ranched and farmed until he retired and moved to Mineral Wells, and later to Mansfield.
J D is survived by his children; daughter, Susan Sitler and family of Claremore, OK and 2 sons, Larry Griffin of Alvin, TX and Robin Griffin and family of Mansfield, TX; 2 brothers; 4 sisters; 7 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
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Bette Maynard
Bette Ruth Whitehead Maynard passed away at Hendrick Hospital on Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 7:35 PM. She was 74 years old and was a member of Westgate Church of Christ.
She married Clyde Rexford Maynard of Putman. He preceded her in death on April 15, 2006.
She leaves behind many extended family members and friends including a brother, Jim Whitehead and sister, Ruby Nunnally and husband, Gale. Also surviving are two children, Randy Maynard of Abilene, Renee Elliott and husband, Denny, of Houston and ex-daughter-in-law, Janet Maynard Butler and husband, Kirk, of Venus, Texas. She is also survived by three grandchildren including Misty Maynard and ex-husband, Jerry Ruppelt and their children, Julia and Myra of Abilene, Colby Black and wife, Lauren, and daughter, Alexis, of Houston and Megan Shifflett of Houston.
In her passing she will be missed. May she watch over us from Heaven.
Last, but not least, she was the biggest Elvis Presley Fan Ever!
Funeral services were held Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 3:00 PM at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco. Burial followed at Cisco Oakwood Cemetery.
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Johnnie Hedrick
Johnnie Hedrick, 70, of San Angelo, went to be with the Lord Friday, May 25, 2007 at a local hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Family visitation was held Tuesday, May 29, 2007 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at Robert Massie Funeral Home. An additional visitation will be Friday, June 1, 2007 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Rising Star.
Funeral services will be held at Higginbotham Funeral Chapel in Rising Star, Texas at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2007, with Brother Max Pratt of the 9th St. Church of Christ of Ballinger officiating. Burial will follow at the May Cemetery in May, Texas. Arrangements are made by Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star.
Johnnie was born July 31, 1936 in May, Texas to Carl W. Hedrick and Beulah Robertson. She attended school at Williams until her senior year and graduated from Ozona High School in 1954. After high school she moved to San Angelo and worked at Monarch Tile for 10 years. She then went to work at Levi Strauss, where she retired from after 32 years.
Johnnie was never married nor had children of her own but she was like a mother and grandmother to the nephews and nieces in the family. She was always there to help out in any way she could. She loved to travel. She was just so much fun to be with and you always knew you would have a good time when you were with her.
She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Beulah Hedrick; two sisters, Lois Hardy of May and Lena Hord of Fort Worth.
Johnnie is survived by two brothers, Roy Hedrick of Monmouth, Oregon and Cecil (Jake) Hedrick of May, Texas; and two sisters, Leatrice Copeland of Brownwood, Texas and Carletta West of Ballinger, Texas.
Johnnie's obituary and memorial guestbook may be viewed online at www.RobertMassie.com
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Billy Wood
Billy B. Wood, 87, died Saturday, May 26, 2007 in Abilene.
His graveside service with the Rev. Mike Greenfield officiating will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 31, 2007 at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Elmwood Funeral Home.
Mr. Wood was born on October 18, 1919 in Eastland where he grew up and graduated from Eastland High School in 1937. He later attended Hardin-Simmons University and was a noted softball player, pitching in two World Championships during 1940 and 1941. He was a Captain in the Army Signal Corp. during WW II and received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Wood was a lifetime member of the Optimist Club and was named 'Outstanding Optimist' several times. He was a past President of the Cooper Booster Club and coached Little League for many years. He always enjoyed watching high school and college athletic events particularly when his kids and grandkids played. Mr. Wood loved having morning coffee and visiting with his lifelong buddies at Athletic Supply and golfing with his buddies at Lone Cedar Golf Course in Eastland.
Mr. Wood was one of only four survivors who witnessed the removal of 'Old Rip' (the horny toad) from the cornerstone of the Eastland County Courthouse. Old Rip was originally placed in the cornerstone by his grandfather, E.E. Wood. Mr. Wood cared for 'Old Rip' until his death and participated in the Old Rip Festival later in life.
Survivors include his wife, Helen of Abilene; two daughters, Jeanne Jowers and husband Charles of Abilene, and Jazen Wood of Austin; one son, Danny Wood and wife Cindy of Arlington; seven grandchildren, Callie Jowers, Erin Jowers, Clay Jowers and wife Hannah, Ryan Wood and wife Monica, Robin Wood, Sierra Bair and Will Bair; four great-grandchildren, Dylan, Tristan, Eden and Aliyah; one sister, Jan Johnson and husband Jerrold of Roswell, New Mexico; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
His sister, Edith Grissom preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sears Methodist Center 3202 S. Willis, Abilene, Texas 79605 or the donor's favorite charity.
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Willie 'Billie' Beggs
EASTLAND - Willie 'Billie' Frances Beggs, 81, of Eastland, passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2007.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Eastland with Rex Boggs officiating. Burial will be in the Murray Cemetery in Carbon, Texas. The family visitation was held at the Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland on Friday from 6 until 8 P.M.
Mrs. Beggs was born January 25, 1926 in St. Augustine, Texas to Johnny R. and May F. (Arnold) Phelps. She married Samuel L. Beggs on August 7, 1943 in Eastland. She was a homemaker, a member of the Gunsight Baptist Church, and the Extension Education Club. She enjoyed quilting, latch hook, fishing, cooking and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by 7 sisters and 2 brothers.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Sam Beggs of Eastland; children, Sam & Marilyn Beggs, Jr. of Austin, Lonny Beggs and Laney, Randy & Cathy Beggs, Linda Beggs and Sharon Beggs, all of Eastland; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 2 brothers.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and Girling Hospice of Eastland.
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Walter Spradling
EASTLAND- Walter Lee Spradling, 84, died on Thursday, May 31, 2007.
Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2007 in the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Interment with full military honors followed at Eastland Cemetery. Services officiated by Pastor Jody Forbus.
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Rogelio Chapa
Rogelio Rodriquez 'Roger' Chapa, 40, of Brownwood died Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 31, 2007 at the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. B.S. Garcia of Brady officiating. Burial followed in the Greenleaf Cemetery. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Heartland Funeral Home, Early, Texas.
He was born March 18, 1967 in Fredricksburg the son of Arnoldo and Yolanda Rodriquez Chapa. He was a concrete finisher and had worked in construction. He was a Methodist. He married Brenda Miller in 1983 and was blessed with a son, Joshua Lee. He had lived most of his life in Brownwood.
He had a deep love of the outdoors and loved to fish and attend family gatherings. He loved people and spending time with friends and family.
He is survived by his father, Arnoldo Chapa of Ranger, Texas; his mother, Yolanda Rodriquez Chapa of Brownwood; his step-father, Rafael Navarro of Brownwood; his son, Joshua Lee Chapa; two brothers, Daniel Rodriquez Chapa of Abilene and Antonio Rodriquez Chapa of Odessa; two sisters, Gracie Rodriquez Chapa and Julia Rodriquez of Brownwood; a beloved sister-in-law, Beatrice Sandoval of Odessa.
He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Daniel A. Rodriquez.
Friends are invited to sign the guest book at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.
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Janie Marvin
EASTLAND - Janie Dale Beck Marvin, 60, was welcomed into her heavenly home by a host of family and friends after a short stay at Hendrick Hospital at Abilene, Texas. She left this world on May 29, 2007. She will be missed by all who remain on earth. She was known for her concern and care for others.
Janie was born January 12, 1947 in Eastland, Texas to Clifton and Jo Jane (Nix) Beck. She married Bill Marvin May 27, 1967. Janie was a Buckaroo and graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1965. She was a member of the Daughtery Street Church of Christ in Eastland and worked as a 911 dispatcher for Eastland County.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Marvin; her mother, Jo Jane Beck; and her brother, Wesley Beck.
Survivors include her father, Cliff Beck, of Eastland; her daughter, Tracey Marvin of Midlothian; her son, Tom Marvin of Eastland; sister, Lendy and her husband Bud Henry, of Mineral Wells; sister, Nixie and her husband Lynn Roach of Midlothian; nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and countless loved friends.
Family visitation was held at the Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas on Thursday evening, May 31st, from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be held at the Daugherty Street Church of Christ in Eastland at 309 S. Daugherty on Friday, June 1st at 1 pm.
Janie has touched countless lives with her loving nature and generosity. In death, as in life, Janie continues to give of herself through donation. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hendrick Hospice Care of Abilene, Tx.
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Rufus Jordan
Rufus Nathaniel Jordan, 83, passed from this life on May 9, 2007, in El Paso, Texas. Services were held in St. Paul's United Methodist Church by Rev. Eddie Rivera in El Paso, followed by burial in the Memory Gardens of the Valley across the border into New Mexico.
Rufus was born on May 12, 1923, near Carbon, Texas, to James Nathaniel Jordan and Tennie Weaver Jordan, born in the house where most of his six siblings were also born. He graduated from Carbon High School and attended Texas Christian University.
Rufus served as a Seaman First Class in the US Navy toward the end of World War II and afterward and served in the Philippine Islands and California. He took pride in selling Beltone Hearing Aids for 20 years in a wide West Texas area and consulted with his replacement for another 20 years or more. He was an avid tennis player from age 11, playing in college and the Navy and reaching national level championship in the senior division. He even built a professional tennis court in his back yard and willingly shared it with many friends and acquaintances. He loved to restore old and antique cars, owning over 190 during the course of his life. Antique clocks and watches were among his passions. He loved his immediate family and expanded family of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Two nephews, two nieces, and old friends still live in the Eastland area.
Mr. Jordan was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, Anne (Hunter), and all six of his siblings. Mr. Jordan is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Jean Chase Lindsey Jordan, of El Paso; two sons: Dana Jordan of Alpine and Marc Jordan and wife Dawn of Austin; step-sons Kent Lindsey and wife Joy of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jeffery Lindsey and wife Francis of El Paso; three grandchildren: Ben, Amber, and Ashley; seven great grandchildren; eighteen nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
The family suggested memorials be made to his church, St. Paul's United Methodist Church in El Paso.
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Billy Wood
Billy B. Wood, 87, died Saturday, May 26, 2007 in Abilene.
His graveside service with the Reverend Mike Greenfield officiating was held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 31, 2007 at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation was from 5 to 7 PM on Wednesday at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 HWY 277 South.
Mr. Wood was born on October 18, 1919 in Eastland where he grew up and graduated from Eastland High School in 1937. He later attended Hardin-Simmons University and was a noted softball player, pitching in two World Championships during 1940 & 1941. He married Helen Rosenquest in Eastland on February 8, 1943. He was a Captain in the Army Signal Corp. during WWII and received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. After returning to Abilene, Mr. Wood worked as a Power Dispatcher for WTU until his retirement in 1981. Mr. Wood was a lifetime member of the Optimist Club and was named 'Outstanding Optimist' several times. He was a past President of the Cooper Booster Club and coached Little League for many years. He always enjoyed watching high school and college athletic events particularly when his kids and grandkids played. Mr. Wood loved having morning coffee and visiting with his lifelong buddies at Athletic Supply and golfing with his buddies at Lone Cedar Golf Course in Eastland.
Mr. Wood was one of only four survivors who witnessed the removal of 'Old Rip' (the horny toad) from the cornerstone of the Eastland County Courthouse. Old Rip was originally placed in the cornerstone by his grandfather, E.E. Wood. Mr. Wood cared for 'Old Rip' until his death and participated in the Old Rip Festival later in life.
Survivors include his wife, Helen of Abilene; two daughters, Jeanne Jowers and husband Charles of Abilene, and Jazen Wood of Austin; one son, Danny Wood and wife Cindy of Arlington; seven grandchildren, Callie Jowers, Erin Jowers, Clay Jowers and wife Hannah, Ryan Wood and wife Monica, Robin Wood , Sierra Bair and Will Bair; four great grandchildren, Dylan, Tristan, Eden and Aliyah; one sister, Jan Johnson and husband Jerrold of Roswell, New Mexico; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
His sister, Edith Grissom preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sears Methodist Center, 3202 S. Willis, Abilene, Texas 79605 or the donor's favorite charity.
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