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OBITUARIES
January 1 through June 30, 2003
 
JANUARY 2003

Faye Matthews
ABILENE- Faye Matthews, 89, an Abilene resident and a former longtime educator in Odessa, died Wednesday, January 1, 2003 at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center in Abilene.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2003 at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Leroy Mason and Rev. Rudy Fambrough officiated. Burial will follow at 4 p.m. at the Corinth Cemetery in Eastland County.
The last survivor of 13 children of farming pioneers, Timothy and Martha Broomfield West Matthews, Faye was born on December 22, 1913 in Eastland County, Texas. She graduated from Cisco High School in 1932, received her BA degree from Sul Ross State University in 1936, and her M.A. degree from Texas Tech University.
She taught school for 46 years, 39 years as a teacher and 16 years as a student counselor at Permian High School in Odessa. During her teaching career, she also taught at Odessa Jr. College, Scranton, and Cross Plains. After retirement, she and her sister, the late Jane Matthews, moved to Abilene in 1993 to be near other family members.
Faye was a life member of Retired Teachers Assoc. and Delta Kappa Gamma of which she was a past president. She was a member and past president of American Business Women and Odessa Retired Teachers Assoc. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Abilene and a former member of First Baptist Church in Odessa, where she was a member of the Keep In Touch Club. She was a former member of the Home Demonstration Club of Odessa.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and ten sisters.
Survivors are numerous nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren, and many friends and former students.
Memorials may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.
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William Garner
STEPHENVILLE- William Loyd Garner, 82, died Thursday, January 2, 2003 at his home in Stephenville, Texas.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2003 at Lacy Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Emil V. Becker and Nicholas Garner will officiate. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at North Brown Cemetery in Goldthwaite, Texas.
Mr. Garner was born July 21, 1920 in Mills County, Texas. He married Jessie Ruth Ellis on August 17, 1943 in Mills County, Texas. He attended First Baptist Church. He was a member of Rising Star Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. He was employed 35 years with Soil Conservation Services and owner of Garner Seed for 19 years before retiring in 1995. He served in the Army during WW II.
Survivors are his wife, Jessie Garner of Stephenville; two sons, Bill Garner of Irving and Bryan Garner of Amarillo; a brother, John Garner of Stephenville; two sisters, Mae Price of Stephenville and Dean White of Elizabethton, TN; four grandchildren, Jana Starritt of Mansfield, Ty Garner of Louisville, Matthew Garner of Ithaca, NY, and Nicholas Garner of Amarillo; one great-grandchild, Ryan Starritt of Mansfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Austin Curb
EASTLAND- Austin Wayne Curb, 24, of Georgetown, died Saturday, January 4, 2003 at Austin, Texas.
Graveside funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at the Eastland Cemetery, directed by Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland.
Austin was born on June 7, 1978 in Ranger, Texas. He grew up in Abilene and graduated from Cooper High School in 1997. He also graduated from Cisco Junior College, Abilene campus. He moved to Georgetown in 1999.
Survivors are his father and step-mother, Don and Cindy Curb of Gorman; his grandfather, Wayne Durham of Georgetown; a half brother, William Nolan Curb of Gorman; an aunt, Betty Hendriks and her husband Paul of Round Rock; uncles, Larry Garrett and Buddy Garrett of Eastland, Noel Curb of Virginia and Dale Curb of Gorman.
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Jarrell Bishop
RISING STAR- Jarrell Bishop, 58, of Rising Star, died Saturday, January 4, 2003 at the Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2003 in the First Baptist Church, Rev. Mark Gardner, Brother Dick Williams and Brother David Williams officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
He was born on January 16, 1944 in Houston to John Wesley and Lovie Fae Jarrell Bishop. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Jarrell married Janice Hancock on July 18, 1981 in Bastrop. He worked as an administrative assistant for a law firm while living in Buda. They moved to Rising Star 4 1/2 years ago. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Survivors are his wife, Janice Bishop of Rising Star; two sons, Dean Bishop of Rising Star and Daniel Bishop of Austin; mother, Fae Bishop of Rising Star; two brothers, Gene Bishop, Curtis Bishop both of Rising Star; and four sisters, Barbara Smedley of Rising Star, Lovie Nichols of Cross Plains, Ginger Botts, Dorothy Ivey both of Rising Star.
Pallbearers were Butch Butler, Jimmy Wilson, Ted Murphree, Greg Clay, Sr., Willie Vandivere, Billy Bush, James New, and J.D. Clark.
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John Brown
RANGER- John Jeremia Brown, 62, of Ranger and formerly of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma died Sunday, January 5, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jim McGaha and Dr. David Cash officiated. Burial was in the Merriman Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Brown was born on February 13, 1940 in Hampton, New York to Romaine Herbert and Hazel Sophia (Fortier) Brown, Sr. In June of 1989 he married Barbara Alford Jones in Decatur, Texas. He worked for Ram Industries in Cisco as a quality control inspector. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Ranger.
Survivors are his wife, Barbara Brown of Ranger; sons, Joseph of Hardy, Arkansas, Jeffery of Atlanta, TX. and Romaine of Dallas, TX.; daughter, Julia Ann Baker of Atlanta, TX.; brothers, Louis Barone of Scotts City, Missouri and Romaine Brown, Jr. of Benton, Missouri; sisters, Hazel Jones of Boring, Oregon, Pamela Smallwood of Gun Barrell City, TX., Charmaine Thomas of McClure, IL., and Diane Keith of Seven Points, TX.; two grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Harry Gurney
ABILENE- Harry E. Gurney, 84, of Abilene, died Monday, January 6, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2003 at the Moran Cemetery, Rev. Douglas Stenberg officiated, directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Mr. Gurney was born June 4, 1918 in Moran, Texas. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. He operated with his father, Martin Gurney, the Chrysler Dealership in Cisco until his health failed.
One sister, Fern Kimmel, preceded him in death.
Survivors are one daughter, Harriet Gurney of Fort Worth; one sister, Virginia Meyer of Littleton, Colorado; two grandsons, Steven James Threlkeld and David Michael Threlkeld both of Denton, TX.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Moran Community Center, Moran, TX 76464.
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Jo Tone
EASTLAND- Jo Tone, 75, of Cisco, died Tuesday, January 7, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2003 at the Eastland City Cemetery, Gene Tone officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Tone was born February 23, 1927 in Henrietta, Texas. She was a graduate of Monahan High School. She moved to Eastland in 1967 where she lived until 1977. In 1988 she moved to Cisco where she was a member of the Eastside Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and had briefly worked as a cook.
Survivors are three sons, James Tone, Sr. of Cisco, Richard Larry Tone of Corpus Christi and Steve Tone of Eastland; four grandchildren, James Tone, Jr., Jerry Tone, Jason Tone and Stephanie Tone.
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Ollie Offield
BRECKENRIDGE- Ollie Mae (Pat) Offield, 87, died Tuesday, January 7, 2003 at Stephens Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2003 at the Breckenridge Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco. Rev. Andrew Channer officiated.
She was born October 1, 1915 in Nimrod to James William and Minnie (Keeney) Cooper. She was married to Clarence Franklin Offield, Jr. on July 26, 1935 in Mineral Wells, Texas. He preceded her in death in October 1991. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Breckenridge.
A son Tommy Offield, a daughter, Patsy Offield Gray and a grandson Len McMillan preceded her in death.
Survivors are sons, Claud F. Offield of Crowley and Travis W. Offield of Lake Leon; a daughter, Youvonne McMillan of Cisco; brother, James Cooper of Weatherford; grandchildren, Lee McMillan, Bret McMillan, Martin Offield, Phillip Offield, Deloris Howard, Jeffrey Gray, Patrick Gray, Valerie Gray, Deona Offield, Travis Offield and Craig Offield; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Whitney McMillan.
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Vernon Mahan
EASTLAND- Vernon Mahan, 71, of Eastland, died Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jim Wright officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
He was born on October 7, 1931 in Long Mott, Texas to Virgil and Bessie (Lamb) Mahan. He graduated from Waco High School, then attended Baylor University, Texas Tech University and ICS, studying electrical engineering. He married Nancy Henson on June 1, 1957 in Lubbock. He was in the Navy for four years during the Korean War, serving on the USS Gregory. He worked for Texas Utilities and Comanche Peak in Granbury for 19 years as a relay technician and in quality control. He was a board member and very active in the First Christian Church in Granbury for 13 years. After retirement they moved to Eastland where he was Past Board President of the First Christian Church. He worked for Allegro Mobility Scooter Mart for several years. He was a member of the Eastland Masonic Lodge #467 and enjoyed playing in Friday and Wednesday musicals. He loved to hunt, fish and spend time at his country place feeding the deer. He was a jack-of-all trades and was always willing to help with electrical work that needed to be done.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Maurice Mahan Dyer and a son, Ray Dan Mahan.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Mahan of Eastland; two sons, Lon Mahan of Houston and Blake Mahan of Swansea, Illinois; his mother-in-law, Louise Henson of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Drew, Dusty, Daniel, Nicholas, Sean Michael, Holynne, Patrick and Siobhan.
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Mary Bennett
DALLAS - Mary Modena Bennett, 79, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2003 at her home in Dallas, Texas. Private burial was held at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 6, 2003 at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Ranger, Texas, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Bennett was born on March 22, 1923 in Sweetwater, Texas to T.B. and Willie Dee (Jennings) Thompson. She was married to Earl Vincent Bennett and was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, Earl Bennett of Dallas; two daughters, Janis Butcher of San Diego, CA and Susan Bennett; one brother, J.B. Thompson of Houston; and one granddaughter, Meredith Butcher of Boston, MA.
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Charlie Walker
ABILENE- Charlie L. Walker, 82, died Thursday, January 9, 2003, at her residence.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2003 at Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Memories. Rev. Oscar Fanning officiated. Interment was in the Potosi Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Vernon Perry, Don Perry, L.H. Marsh, Kerry Walker, Eldon Clements, Jr., Randy Scarbrough, and Robert G. Walker.
Charlie was born February 6, 1920 to C.E. and Mary Lou Adams Clements in Eastland, Texas. She lived most of her life in Abilene. Charlie married Ned B. Walker on March 3, 1938. She retired as a seamstress and was a member of the Wylie Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1992; her son, Ed Milton; and four sisters, Ethel Perry, Ora Marsh, Addie Mae Walker, and Evadene Walker.
Survivors are one daughter, Mary Jean Cole and husband, Larry of Houston; one brother, E.H. Clements of Abilene; two sisters, Etta Oliver and Lessie Scarbrough, both of Abilene; one grandson, Calvin Cole and wife, LaDonna, of Tennessee; two great-grandchildren, Dayla and Bailey Cole, both of Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX. 79605.
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Esther Whitehead
CISCO- Esther Lee Whitehead, 101, died Saturday, January 11, 2003 at Canterbury Villa.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Monday, January 13, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Larry Fitzgerald officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Whitehead was born April 15, 1901 in Comanche to George W. and Louisiana Tobitha (Henderson) Weatherby. She was preceded in death by her husband Filo Belton Whitehead on September 7, 1966. She was a homemaker and a member of the Cisco Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Joe Whitehead and F.B. Whitehead.
Survivors are a son, Jim Whitehead of Cisco; daughters, Ruby Nunnally of Cisco and Bette Maynard of Abilene; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-great-grandchild.
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Wilburn McMillan
ABILENE- Wilburn McMillan, 86, of Abilene, Texas, died Sunday, January 12, 2003 at Coronado Nursing Center.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at the Woodlawn Church of Christ, Larry Fitzgerald and Sonny Guild officiated. Burial, with Military Honors, was held at Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by North's Funeral Home.
Mr. McMillan was a native of Mart, Texas. He attended Tarleton State College and Abilene Christian College. He was a veteran of the Army Air Corp during World War II. He married Edith McClaran on May 30, 1946, in Winters, Texas. They moved to Abilene in 1950 where he worked for and later owned and operated RoddenÕs Studio for a total of 30 years. They lived in Cisco, Texas from 1980 until 1995 when they returned to Abilene.
Survivors include his wife, Edith McMillan of Abilene; two daughters, Marylyn and Marvin Cole of Round Rock, TX. and Martha and Mark Stewart of Angel Fire, New Mexico; three grandchildren, Jeff and Rebecca Cole, Caleb Stewart, and Hunter Stewart; a sister-in-law, Nada McMillan of Winters, Texas; several nieces and nephews.
Remembrances may be sent to the Lake Cisco Christian Camp Box 629, Cisco, TX 76437 or the West Texas Rehabilitation Center 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.
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Homer Kirk
EASTLAND- Homer H. Kirk, 78, of Eastland died Sunday, January 12, 2003 at the Dallas Veterans Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery near Duster, Texas, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Kirk was born on March 28, 1924 in Duster, Texas to Henry H. and Gertie Lee (Boykin) Kirk. He attended school in Duster and was a graduate of Gorman High School. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Mr. Kirk married Rena Mae Smith on October 23, 1948 in Cisco, Texas. He worked as an aviation electronic technician for General Dynamics and MacDonald Douglas for 19 years and was self employed. He was active in several organizations, including Crimestoppers, historical association, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Volunteer Fire Department in Olden.
Survivors are his wife, Rena Mae Kirk of Eastland; sons, Tim Kirk and wife, Kathy of Coppell, TX. and Jim Kirk and wife, Fariba of Irving, TX; daughters, Linda Wooldridge and husband, Daniel of Eastland and Brenda Newton and husband, Jerry of Irving; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Members of the Olden Volunteer Fire Department served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Bruton, Robert McCleskey, Rob King, Paul Duncan, Brad Stephenson, Wayne Marshall, Burton Phillips, and Bill Culverhouse.
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Anna Murray
BROWNWOOD- Anna Louise Chrane Murray died Sunday, January 12, 2003 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel, Donnie Carroll and John Pellin officiated. Interment was in the Jenkins Springs Cemetery.
She was born in Brown County on November 30, 1919 the 7th child of George Lee and Lucille Wright Chrane. She graduated from Early High School and attended Daniel Baker College. She had been a cook in Brownwood for 30 years, retiring in 1970. She was a member of Early Church of Christ all of her adult life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Wright Chrane, Charles Chrane and Ralph Chrane; and one sister-in-law, Olene Chrane; and three infant siblings.
Survivors are a daughter, Delores Moore of Early; a granddaughter, Leslie Ann Rasberry Zander and husband, James of Cisco; three brothers, George Chrane of San Angelo, Doug Chrane and wife, Lavern of Lubbock and Bill Chrane and wife, Billie Nelda of Austin; three sisters-in-law, Adeline Chrane of Marble Falls, Louise Chrane of San Saba and Alva Chrane of Wichita Falls; and several nieces and nephews. She was known as Granny Annie by many.
Memorials may be made to the Early Church of Christ or to a favorite charity.
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Jane Clinton
Jane Clinton, 74, died in Corpus Christi, Texas on January 13, 2003.
She was born in Eastland on March 26, 1928, and attended Grade School in Scranton. She graduated from high school in Cisco and McMurry College in Abilene. She taught Grade School for a number of years in Corpus Christi, and was employed by a real estate firm there at the time of her death.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Zoe and Leo Clinton of Cisco. She was their only child.
Survivors are several cousins in Corpus Christi; and many friends.
A Memorial Service is pending in Corpus Christi. Memory Gardens Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.
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Eva Parrish
MORAN- Eva E. Parrish, 72, died Monday, January 13, 2003 at her home in Moran.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at First Baptist Church, Rev. James Shields and Rev. John Tunnell officiated. Interment was in the Moran Cemetery directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Mrs. Parrish was born June 11, 1930 in Cross Cut, Texas. She married Alvis Parrish on June 27, 1948 in Callahan County, Texas at the home of her parents, Henry and Lillie Bailey. She was a member of First Baptist Church and was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene Bailey and J.R. Bailey.
Survivors are her husband, Alvis Parrish of Moran; three daughters, Alice Branahm of Moran, Ellen Stutsman of Spring Branch, TX, and Janet Swanner of Wichita Falls, TX; one son, Billy Parrish of West, Texas; one brother, Warren Bailey of Clyde; one sister, Marjorie Barnhill of Brady, TX; and eight grandchildren.
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Milton O'Conner
GORDON- Milton O'Conner, 85, of Gordon, died Tuesday, January 7, 2003 at a Tulsa, Oklahoma hospital of complications from a recent surgery.
He wished to be cremated immediately and for Katie and Herb to take his ashes to his native Nebraska.
A memorial service was held at the First United Methodist Church in Gordon on Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 2 p.m. Rev. Gene Ratcliff officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Donations in his memory may be made to The Salvation Army.
He was born June 3, 1917 in Huron, S.D. He graduated from Arcadia, Neb. High School and a BA from Neb. Wesleyan University and from the University of Nebraska with a Master of Science in Education. He married Virginia Katherine Lutz on July 18, 1938 in Arcadia, Neb. She preceded him in death on Oct. 27, 1999. He moved to Gordon in 1963 and taught school in the Gordon School from 1973 to 1985. He was a member of the Old Time Fiddlers and the Odd Fellows Lodge and the First United Methodist Church in Gordon. He loved singing, music and running.
Survivors are his daughter, Katie O'Conner of Tulsa, OK.; son, Herbert O'Conner of Rowlett, TX.; a brother, Edwin McLeane of Riverside, Calif.; and a sister, Vivian of Sacramento, Calif.
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Carl Boyer
RANGER- Carl A. Boyer, 77, of Ranger died Monday, January 13, 2003 at a Dallas Veterans Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2003 at the Second Baptist Church, Adam Barker, Terry Hancock and Jerry Speer officiated. Burial was in the Alameda Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.
Mr. Boyer was born on September 29, 1925 in Akron, Ohio to Samuel and Maude (Pontious) Boyer. He grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico graduating from high school there and received 2 masters' degrees from the University of Albuquerque. He entered the United States Marine Corps. During World War II he was one of the first to land on Iwo Jima with 240 troops and one of seven survivors to come home. He remained in the service during the Korean Conflict. After being discharged Mr. Boyer taught school in Albuquerque, Lampasas and Smithville for 27 years teaching foreign languages and coaching. He married Vi L. Seay on December 25, 1960 in Ranger. They moved to Ranger in 1975. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church and was an ordained deacon on November 5, 2000.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David Boyer.
Survivors are his wife, Vi Boyer of Ranger; a daughter, Cheri Rivera of Albuquerque, New Mexico; a brother, Marvin Boyer of Peoria, Ariz.; his mother-in-law, Gladys "MeMaw" Seay of Ranger; brothers-in-law, Fred Seay of Midland and Martin Seay of Abilene; sisters-in-law, Margie Weems of Eastland and Pearl Harper of Abilene; numerous nieces and nephews.
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B. E. 'Red' Townzen
MIDLAND- B.E. 'Red' Townzen, 72, of Midland died Tuesday, January 14, 2003 in Big Spring, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2003 at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel. Ronnie White officiated. Interment was in the Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements directed by Ellis Funeral Home of Midland.
He was born in Strawn, Texas on June 9, 1930 to Arthur Grayson Townzen and Ida Mae Barron Townzen. At a very young age the family moved to Ranger, Texas where he attended school, graduating from Ranger High School in 1948. He attended junior college and graduated from Sul Ross College. He served his country in the U.S. Army as a Forward Observer in the Korean War. He worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for many years and owned Overhead Door Company for 25 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of Golf Course Road Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Donna Townzen; and three brothers, Tom Townzen, James Townzen and Bobby Townzen.
Survivors are his wife, Sue Townzen of Midland; five sons, Steve Miller and wife Donna of Abilene, Conn Townzen and wife Debbie of Houston, Brock Townzen and wife Lisa of San Antonio, Wade Townzen of San Angelo, Shalor Townzen and wife Kathleen of Childress; one brother, Jack Townzen and wife Mary of Midland; one sister, Mary Lou Samford and husband Jimmy of Austin; grandchildren, Shannon Miller of Abilene, Jackie Thomas, Cody Townzen, Josh Townzen and Micah Townzen all of Houston, Garrett Townzen of San Antonio, Amanda Townzen of San Angelo, Grayson and Travis Townzen of Childress.
Pallbearers were George Miles, Bill Green, Jack Townzen, Jimmy Samford, Bill Nolan and Tom Canton.
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D. E. 'Buck' Bush
RISING STAR- D.E. 'Buck' Bush, 90, of Rising Star died Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2003 at the Church of Christ. Richard Massey and David Harris officiated. Burial followed in the May Cemetery directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Buck was born on October 7, 1912 in Rising Star to Tom Harvey and Dennie White Bush. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He married Louise Killough on August 17, 1942 in Muleshoe. They moved to Rising Star over 15 years ago from Abilene. He was a farmer and a member of the Rising Star Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Kay and Marnita Bush; and three brothers, Bryan, Jack and Jake Bush.
Survivors are his wife, Louise Bush of Rising Star; three sons, Paul Bush of Abilene, Mack Watson Bush of Wisconsin, and Johnny Watson of Ft. Worth; two daughters, Tammy Martin of Rising Star and Cathy Tate of Burleson; a brother, Grady Bush of Rising Star; four sisters, Veda Thompson of Blanket, Doris Crutchfield of Cisco, Ola Killough of Rising Star, Tennie May Simpson of Blanket; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were nephews Jake Bush, Dennis Bush, Thomas Bush, Junior Bush, Billy Bush, Mickie Bush, James Coffee and Willie Thompson. Other nephews served as honorary pallbearers.
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Patrick Collins, Jr.
EASTLAND- Patrick H. Collins, Jr., 34, of Ranger, died Thursday, January 16, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 19, 2003 at the Bakker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Speer and Rev. Frank Spangler officiating. Masonic Graveside services will follow in the Simpson Cemetery.
Patrick was born to Pat and Patsy (Norris) Collins on August 13, 1968, in Ranger, Texas. He grew up in Ranger and graduated from Ranger High School in 1987 and attended Ranger College. Patrick was a musician, performing with groups in Ft. Worth and Austin, and had his own group, The Collins and Hill Band. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ranger, the Eastland Masonic Lodge and had been Master of the Ranger Masonic Lodge the past two years.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Brad Collins in 1990.
He is survived by his parents, Pat and Patsy Collins of Eastland; a brother, Bill Collins of Watauga; three nephews, Zach Collins, Heath Collins and Bradley Collins; a special friend Lisa Reason of Ranger and her children Katy, Aaron and Daniel; and by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
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Ralph Morton
CISCO- Ralph Tempitist Morton, 80, of Cisco, died Friday, January 17, 2003 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 20, 2003 at East Cisco Baptist Church, Rev. C.P. Floyd and Rev. Bob Ferguson officiated. Burial with Military Honors followed in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Morton was born in Glen Cove, Texas to Odus C. and Ida Emiline (Jackson) Morton. He married Leona Fay Gibbs on June 4, 1942 in Crews, Texas. He was a rancher and was a member of East Cisco Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Kerry Ralph Morton.
Survivors are his wife, Leona Fay Morton of Cisco; a son, Ricky T. Morton and wife, Wanelda of Cisco; a daughter, Vicklea M. Spruill and husband, Shannon of Cisco; brother, Curtis Eugene Morton of Glen Cove; and grandchildren, Melissa DeAnn Morton, Fredrick Matthew Morton, Grandle Levi Thompson, Lea Kay Thompson, Shandi Lynn Spruill, Kelsie Shanea Spruill, Laramy Bryson Spruill, Zachary Quade Spruill, Chisholm Latico Spruill, Blatiney Nicole Spruill and Sierra Chyenne Spruill.
Pallbearers were Mark Harris, Bubba Eaker, Scott Tipton, Leon Gibbs, Connie Mack Gibbs and Wayne Gibbs.
Honorary pallbearer was Stanley Callahan.
Ralph loved the land. He loved his horses and his dogs, he loved his family and loved to laugh, he will be missed by all those he touched.
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Becca Siebert
EASTLAND- Becca Siebert, 22, died Saturday, January 18, 2003, as a result of injuries received in a car accident near Athens, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at the First Baptist Church of Eastland. Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated, directed by Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland. Interment followed in the Eastland Cemetery.
Becca was born on April 21, 1980, in Abilene, Texas, to Becky and Mike Siebert. She grew up in Eastland, Texas, graduating from Eastland High School in 1998.
At the time of her death, Becca was a senior at University of Texas at Tyler and would have graduated in August with a degree in Elementary Education. She also attended Weatherford Junior College and Trinity Valley Community College. She was employed at the Holiday Cleaners in Athens.
Becca was a member of the First Baptist Church in Eastland. She was active in Acteens and taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. In high school, Becca was a chapter officer in FHA (now FCCLA), was a member of the band and the flag corps, and was elected 1997 Band Sweetheart.
Becca loved family gatherings. Her vivacious energy would fill the room. She had a wonderful sense of humor; and, like her mother, she loved working with children. Becca was looking forward to following in her motherÕs footsteps as a teacher. She also enjoyed riding jeep trails with her family on their annual vacations to Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her mother Becky in 2001 and her grandfather, Wendell T. Siebert.
Survivors are her father, Mike Siebert of Eastland; her sister, Katy Siebert, a sophomore at Texas A&M; her grandparents, Mary Lou Siebert of Eastland and Eddie and Margie Simms of Georgetown; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorials may be made to the Becky Siebert Library Fund or to the Wendell T. Siebert Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 31, Eastland, Texas 76448.
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Elva Jones
EASTLAND- Elva Lee Jones, 84, of Eastland died Sunday, January 19, 2003 at Eastland.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
She was born on October 29, 1918 in Ranger to R.L. and Ina (Barber) Jones. Her family moved to Eastland when she was an infant. She graduated from Eastland High School in 1935 and from Hardin Simmons University with a Bachelors degree in 1938. She taught school near Cross Plains for a year and then in Carbon for 4 years. She worked for the F.B.I. in Washington, D.C. for 15 years and in Dallas for 17 years before returning to live in Eastland. In her early years, she was very involved in many civic activities. Her membership in the First Baptist Church of Eastland was very special to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Elizabeth Jones Parrish; and a niece, Patricia Taylor.
Survivors include a nephew, Robbie Parrish and his wife Anita of Houston; and her special neighbors, Joe and Fern Taylor of Eastland.
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Truett Been
SEMINOLE- Graveside services for Truett E. Been, 87, of Seminole were held Monday, January 20, 2003 at 1 p.m. in Buffalo Gap Cemetery, Dr. Rob Jeffress of the First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls and Dr. J H Wright, retired, officiated, directed by Ratliff Funeral Home of Seminole.
Mr. Been died Friday, January 17, 2003 at Covenant Hospital in Lubbock. He had been a resident of Memorial Health Care Center in Seminole for three years.
He was born on August 4, 1915 in Eastland to Judge and Mrs. Elzo Been. He graduated from Eastland High School in 1932. He attended Tarleton in Stephenville and Daniel Baker College in Brownwood.
He met Oleta Oliver in Abilene when he was working for J M Radford Wholesale Grocery Co. They were married January 23, 1937 in Cisco. She preceded him in death April 5, 1999. They lived in Abilene for a number of years where he served as Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pythias Lodge and was active in the Masonic Lodge.
During his career as a sales representative the Beens lived in Sweetwater, Abilene, Oklahoma City, and Grand Prairie. He retired in 1980 as General Manager of the Texas Division of Scrivner, Inc. and moved to Eastland in 1980. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eastland, and had served as Deacon, and taught Sunday School for many years at Grand Prairie First Baptist Church.
He was an avid gardener who loved to share the fruits of labor.
His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a source of great joy and pride to him.
Survivors are his daughter, Kay Robinson and her husband Bob of Seminole; a son, Ray and his wife Owanda of Spring; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
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Bettie Gourley
RANGER- Bettie Morris Gourley, 62, died Monday, January 20, 2003 with her daughters at her side after fighting a long and courageous battle against cancer. Despite her illness, Bettie always thought of others before herself and her gentle kindness will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Services were held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger with Rev. James Upshaw officiating. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Bettie was born on January 16, 1941 in Stephens County, Texas to John and Nora (Crawford) Morris and attended school in Breckenridge. She married Gene Gourley on November 4, 1970 in Mexico. He preceded her in death in 1994. Bettie worked many years at The Peoples State Bank of Ranger and also part-time for Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger. She also worked for Ranger General Hospital and Tex Pac and was an excellent seamstress and cook.
Bettie is survived by: two daughters, Gena Tonroy and husband Andy of Hollywood Park, TX, and Betsy Gourley and Chris Dettbarn of Austin, TX; one step-daughter, Lacey Gourley of Austin, TX; one step-son, Garlan Gourley of Eastland, TX; one brother, J.C. Morris of Wayland, TX; one sister, Imogene Vick of Hawley, TX; and two step-grandchildren, Chelsea and Taylor Gourley of Austin, TX.
Her family wishes to thank the many friends their mother had for their continued support during her illness. All of your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.
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Hazel Hooks
EASTLAND- Hazel Rose Hooks, 75, of Eastland died Monday, January 20, 2003 in Eastland.
Memorial graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2003 at the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hooks was born on November 15, 1927 in Ottawa, Kansas to Otis Duke and Thelma Mae (Bingham) Dabbs. She married Bobby Hooks in Breckenridge in 1965. She was a nurse's aide working in nursing homes in the Eastland area.
Survivors include her husband, Bobby Hooks of Eastland; 3 daughters, Linda Joyce Taylor Shaw of Colorado, Brenda Sue Muras of Arlington and Janice Marie Edwards of Baird; one son, William "Willie" Edwards of Eastland; one brother, James Dabbs of Eastland; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
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Dorothy Pendley
RISING STAR- Dorothy Dunn Pendley, 83, of Rising Star, died Monday, January 20, 2003 at the Abilene Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2003 at the Rising Star Church of Christ, Richard Massey officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
She was born on November 20, 1919 in Brownwood to Giles and Pearl Maples Lockhart. She had lived in Rising Star all her life. She owned and operated the Powder Puff Beauty Shop for over 20 years. She married Paul Pendley on March 26, 1979 in Del Rio. Dorothy was a member of the Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors are her husband, Paul Pendley of Rising Star; three sisters, Janell Caudel of Rising Star, Mary Alford and Greta Burkett both of Sweeney; brother, Giles Lockhart, Jr. of Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Lucy McDaniel
CISCO- Lucy Ann McDaniel, 73, of Cisco, died Tuesday, January 21, 2003.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Rev. Bayliss Pope officiated.
She was born on September 13, 1929 in Kerrville, Texas to William J. and Annie Pearl (Oatman) Glenn. She married Andrew Jackson McDaniel on August 4, 1945 in Kerrville. He preceded her in death on June 19, 1984. She was a housewife and member of the Northside Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Cordella Ann Bailey and a son, Joe Keith McDaniel.
Survivors are three sons, James A. (Jim) McDaniel of Lewisville, William J. (Billy Mac) McDaniel of Cisco and Andrew McDaniel, Jr. of Beaumont; two daughters, Sharon Lindsey of Blue Mound and Joyce Galyean of Kingsland, TX.; one sister, Eva Johnson of Victoria; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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J. V. Pilcher
J.V. Pilcher, retired Air Force CWO-4, died Wednesday, January 22, 2003.
J.V. was born February 28, 1916 to Gomer Pilcher and Comilla Harvil Plumlee in Ballinger, Texas. His older brother, Gomer Boyd, resides in San Lorenzo, California and his younger brother Kenneth Oran resides in Auburn, California.
J.V. grew up in Cisco, Texas. As a young man he worked as a truck driver helping to build the Buchannan, Inks, and Possum Kingdom dams. He also played guitar in a Texas Swing Band and was proud to have seen Bob Willis and his Texas Playboys play in Cisco several times. He entered the U.S. Army on October 14, 1939 joining the Army Air Corps. He went to Tech School at Chanute Field, Illinois.
While stationed at Chanute Field, he and a friend went to a dance in Danville, Illinois where he met Anne Pauline Stump. Two weeks later, on August 31, 1941, he and Polly married. They remained married until PollyÕs death on August 8, 1988.
During his 29 years of service, first in the Army Air Corps, then the Air Force, JV was primarily an aircraft mechanic. During WW II, however, while stationed at Kimbolton, England, he was a nose gunner-toggleier on B-17s, completing 32 missions. Also, while stationed at Kimbolton, his squadron was "reviewed" by then Princess Elizabeth. He enjoyed showing photographs taken then of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, and Princess Anne. Following the end of WW II, JV was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone where his son Jay Vernon was born in 1947.
Later he was re-stationed at Chanute Air Force Base where he was an instructor in aircraft mechanics. His daughter Lynn Ann was born there in 1956. J's final station was in Tucson, Arizona, but was assigned to Bien Hoa, Viet Nam. He was chief of mechanics for the U-2 and "Lightening Bugs" which were used for ariel surveillance photography, which was then used to determine troop movements. J V retired from active duty with the Air Force on July 31, 1968. During his military career JV received many awards, commendations, and medals.
After retiring from the military, JV became a real estate agent and later a Realtor, owning his own company. He loved helping families get into homes of their own, frequently gifting them with something for their new homes.
JV was never completely comfortable being "retired" always looking for something new to keep him occupied. He loved to garden, go RVing, but found his favorite retirement escape to be genealogy. He was a member of the Austin Genealogical Society. He traveled around the U.S. searching for his "roots", which he discovered went back to the 1680s in the United States. He also loved going to family reunions.
His other great love was the Lady Longhorn Basketball team. He was a season ticket holder for many years and, with his best friend Marge Brito, tried never to miss a home game.
JV enjoyed the Masonic Lodge as a young man and was proud of the fact that he took his 3rd degree, becoming an A.F. and A.M. at York Castle, home of the York Rite, while serving in England during WW II. He was a member of the Hill City Lodge.
JV has four grandchildren: Jay's son Michael Eddleman, and Lynn's children Stephani Hass, Edgar 'Buddy' Nooning, IV, and Sioban 'Grandpa's little Bon Bon' Nooning. All of them reside in Austin. He also has two great-grandchildren, Brittany and Adrian.
JV will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Though there are no real words that can be used, the family would like to deeply thank the caregivers and staff of the Christopher House, Hospice Austin, for the kindness shown during J's final days. They would also like to thank all of JV's friends who visited during his final illness.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2003 at the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home. Interment followed with Full Military Honors and Masonic Rites at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery.
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Cleta Dunagan
CISCO- Cleta Jean Dunagan, 67, died Thursday, January 23, 2003.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 26, 2003 at Scranton Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Larry Fitzgerald officiating.
She was born September 1, 1932 to Charles Edward and Nina Mae (Bullington) Kimbrough. She worked for many years in food service.
She was preceded in death by two daughters, Edith Dunagan and Charlene Dunagan and two brothers, Don Kimbrough and James Kimbrough.
Survivors are a son, Alan Wayne Dunagan and wife Julie of Iraan; a daughter, Judy Morgan and husband Terry of Scranton; sisters, Ann Weston of Carlsbad, New Mexico and Roberta Frye of Mt. Gilian, Ohio; grandchildren, Jason Morgan, Jake Morgan, Jim Morgan, Keith Dunagan, Brandon Dunagan, Niki Newell, Jeri Dunagan, Bobbye Dunagan, Allison Dunagan; and 3 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Cisco Meals on Wheels or Scranton Cemetery Association.
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Leona Baker
Leona Marie Baker was born to Fred and Ethel Goswick on November 24, 1932 in Colorado City, TX. She was reborn into paradise on Saturday, January 26, 2003 in Tulsa at the age of 70 years, 2 months, and 2 days.
Marie is survived by her husband of almost 54 years, Otis Baker, her son Richard and his wife, Nancy of Alvarado, Texas, and her daughter, Rita, and her husband, Randy Diamond of Silverdale, Washington.
Marie has four grandchildren, Marty Baker, Melanie Little, Chris Diamond and Stephen Diamond. She has two great grandchildren, Rachel and Brayden.
Marie had four siblings who preceded her in death; Fred Allen, Lloyd, Mary Ruth, Miller, and Eula May Barber.
She is survived by four siblings, Leon Goswick of Sweetwater, Lester Goswick of Ranger, J.D. Goswick of Snyder and Margaret Green of Ranger. As well as a worldwide friends.
Marie married Otis Baker on April 7, 1949 and they made their home in Odessa, TX. In the Spring of 1950, they were baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, known today as the Community of Christ, which launched them into a lifetime of service.
While being involved with her children's activities, such as cub scouts, skylark and oriole girls, and teaching various Sunday School classes, Marie also participated and held office in several religious and civic organizations within the community. She served as president of the Odessa Chapter of the League of Women Voters and was involved in both local and state league activities. She founded the Odessa chapter of Cystic Fibrosis and organized their first of many fund raising activities. It was also during this time that she was a member of Church Women United.
After serving many years as West Texas District Women's Leader, Marie was asked to expand her ministry by serving on the World Church's Council of Women. During her 6 year term, she traveled to many parts of the U.S. and Canada giving ministry at women's retreats and reunions. She helped organize what was to become the Girls Club of America. Once established, she became its executive director.
Between 1975 and 1981, Marie and Otis lived in Jakarta, Indonesia. During her time there, she participated in various activities. She organized a women's Bible class which was attended by both expatriate and Indonesian women. Wanting the women to share in a retreat experience, she first petitioned the Indonesian government for permission to hold a Christian retreat and then she had to locate a place in which to hold the retreat. This was accomplished after finding a Dutch Catholic monastery located in the jungles of Java and communicating with the non-English speaking nuns.
On returning to the states, Marie and Otis started a Bible study class including towns of Burlington and Mount Vernon. As the word spread, she was asked to lead classes in Bellington as well.
Marie did course work in the field of Social Sciences at Skagit County Community College and the University of Washington. She developed a club for young single mothers which was devoted to giving support and teaching parenting skills. Also seeing the need in Eldercare, she became an advocate for Alzheimer's patients by organizing adult daycare for the patient and relief to the caretakers. During this time, she also worked with the political leaders in Olympia, Washington developing a pilot program aimed at providing job skill training for welfare recipients. These programs re still in effect today.
Marie's ministry was expanded in scope after being called to serve in the office of Elder in November, 1985. Servings as the Christian Education Director for Seattle Stake, she used her talents in writing and teaching to develop intergenerational class materials which were used at two summer reunions. During the 1986 Church World Conference, she received the International Youth Award.
Marie and Otis moved to Independence, Missouri in 1990, and became involved in the ministry of struggling congregations within the Blue Valley Stake. In 1991, she went on a church assignment to Taiwan. While ministering in the Taiwanese church, she taught both English as a second language and held Bible study classes. She had the privilege to baptize several Taiwanese. On returning to the states, she continued teaching the English language to Asian immigrants.
In 1995, Marie and Otis moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. And, as in the years past, she found opportunities for ministry of service to our Lord Jesus Christ serving in the Tulsa Stake congregations of Tulsa Central, Sand Springs and Owasso. Today, she continues to minister to us through the many beautiful banners that she created for the Owasso congregation.
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B. H. 'Buck' Morris
BROWNWOOD- B.H. (Buck) Morris, 89, of Brownwood, formerly of Rising Star, died Sunday, January 26, 2003 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center after a lengthy illness.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2003 in the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Dick Williams officiated. Burial followed in the Rising Star Cemetery directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Buck was born on May 24, 1913 in Cisco to Allen H. and Dolly Russell Morris. He married Willa Mae King in 1934 in Rising Star. Buck enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1943 at the age of 30. He was assigned to Co. G 18th Inf Division and served in the European Theater. During an attack by German troops, the company commander was killed and Pvt. Morris was put in charge of his squad. They later destroyed a machine gun nest, but he and his company were captured. They were forced to march without boots or clothing, resulting in frozen feet and bullet wounds. Later a counter attack was launched which freed the company. For his heroism, Pvt. Morris was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal and the Middle Eastern Service Medal. He was honorably discharged from active duty on September 11, 1945 due to his wounds. He settled back in Rising Star with his family where he worked as a mechanic at Fullen Motors in Eastland. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death b his wife; his parents; three brothers and three sisters.
Survivors are his son, Allen Morris of Rising Star; two daughters, Dorothy Horton of Big Spring, Nancy Smith, and husband James, of Early; 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; 4 great, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Velma Martin
RISING STAR- Velma Leisa Orange Martin, 86, of Rising Star, died Sunday, January 26, 2003 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Lynn Starnes officiated. Burial followed in the West End Cemetery in Stephenville directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
She was born on November 3, 1916 in Midlothian to Newton and Mattie Mae Hanna Orange. She married Louis J. Martin on June 26, 1948 in Wink. Her passion in life was traveling and her last trip was to the Holy Land. She spent the last 40 years of her life in the city of Rising Star, where she was a great inspiration to many. The family wishes to thank her friends in Rising Star for their assistance during this difficult time. They would also like to extend a very special and heart felt thank you to Mary Ann Underwood for the special care and love she gave to Velma over the years. She is loved by all and will be deeply missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband; mother; step father and father.
Survivors include several cousins, five of whom she called her Guardian Angels; and many close friends.
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Benny Hadderton
Benny Wayne Hadderton of Antelope, Texas died Monday, January 27, 2003 at his home in Antelope.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at Antelope Cemetery with Rev. Gary Zeitler officiating under the direction of Coke Funeral Home.
Benny was born August 1, 1946 in Gorman Blackwell Hospital to Davis and Faye Norris Hadderton. He had been a resident of Young and Jack Co. since 1952. He attended Gorman Primitive Church.
He worked in the oil fields as a pumper most of the time and was a long time member of the Antelope Fire Dept. serving as Chief.
Benny finished high school in Antelope in 1964.
He and Darlene Ellison were married June 1965.
He was preceded in death by his father Davis Hadderton, brother Jerry Davis and a sister Barbara Ann.
Survivors include two sons, Bobby Wayne of Graham and Robby Layne of the home; his mother, Faye (Norris) Hadderton of the home; one sister, Deann Matthews of Plano; one brother, Lanny of Bryson; 3 grandchildren, Deidra, Paige and Alex; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.
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Carol Smyrack
Carol Smyrack passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 28, 2003, at her home in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Born Ruby Carol Salter to Jessie and Maudie Salter of Merkel, Texas on November 1, 1933, she was the youngest of nine children. She grew up and graduated high school in Merkel. She was the mother of two sons, Lewis and Stephen, and the wife of Edward Smyrak. She was always full of energy and never met a stranger. Her family and friends were always able to count on her wit to make them laugh and her advice to get through problems. She was always supportive of her son's adventures and would express her pride in successes and a positive attitude in failures. She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company 25 years before her retirement in July 1994. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America which included the Buccaneer Club as an active employee and the Gulf Coast Life Club as a retired employee. She held many of the offices in both clubs. She started her career in Merkel, Texas as a Telephone Operator. She then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas in the early 1970's and continued her service as a Telephone Operator there. At the time of her retirement, she worked as a clerk in the Service Control Center. She was the Assistant Curator and Board Member of the H.R. Brunner Telephone Pioneer Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas. She took great pride in showing off the museum and telephone history. She was also a member of CWA #6137 in Corpus Christi.
Carol had a great sense of humor and was always the life of the party. She kept everyone laughing with her many jokes, stories and just expressions. If one of her fellow employees or friends needed help, Carol was the first person in line to lend a helping hand. She had a special way of always making everyone feel welcome at all the Telephone Pioneer events by greeting each one there and giving them one of her welcome hugs. She was a good, close and loyal friend and is already missed by her family and her many, many Telephone friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; three brothers and four sisters.
Survivors are her husband, Edward Smyrak of Corpus Christi, TX; her son, Lewis and wife Donna Britton of Winnsboro, TX, son, Stephen Britton of Corpus Christi, TX; her sister, Pauline Ingram of Cisco, TX; her granddaughter, Brooke Nix of Winnsboro, TX; many nieces, including Ann Boyette of Cisco, nephews, numerous friends and her cats, Christine and Malcolm.
Memorial services were held at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2003 at The Lexington Baptist Church.
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Reva Luster
RALLS- Reva Luster, 89, of Ralls, died Thursday, January 30, 2003 at Lubbock.
Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, February 2, 2003 at Emma Church of Christ, Minister James Luster officiated under the direction of Adams Funeral Home of Ralls.
She was born November 11, 1913 in Ralls. She married Hubert William Luster on December 22, 1932 in Tucumcari, N.M. He preceded her in death on October 20, 1978. She was a member of the Cone Church of Christ, was a nurse's aid and a volunteer at the Ralls Nursing Home. She moved to the Ralls area in 1978 from Ranger.
She was also preceded in death by a son, Hubert Luster, Jr. in 1935; by a sister, Lurana McCuskey in 1998; and by a grandson, Mitchell Ray Levingston in 1995.
Survivors are two sons, Hulan Wesley Luster of Abilene and Johnny Luster of Buffalo Gap; four daughters, Treasa Fern Faber of Ralls, Neva Lee Levingston of Oklahoma City, OK, Ethel Maude Dodson of Lubbock and Huberta Kayrene Knoll of Phoenix, AZ; one brother, Johnathan Silvanus Bedingfield of Lodi, Calif.; two sisters, Dorothy Sage of Yakima, Wa. and Sylvia Fox of Globe, AZ; 25 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
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Maxine Adcock
Maxine Adcock, 71, of Breckenridge died Friday, January 31, 2003, in the Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. The body was cremated and memorial services were held Sunday, February 2, 2003, at Morehart Mortuary. Father George Foley of Sacred Heart Catholic Church officiated.
She was born Ruth Maxine Donaldson to Joe Foster and Ana Marie (Hill) Donaldson, Dec. 31, 1931 in Bristow, Okla. She attended 11 grades of school at Gypsy, Okla. graduating from Catholic High School in Guthrie, Okla. She married Albert L. Adcock in Sapulpa, Okla. June 19, 1950. She moved to Breckenridge in 1974 where she worked for Whoa-N-Go-Quick Stop. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, one sister and one grandchild.
Survivors are four daughters, Sandra Lorene Brown of Eastland, Wilhemina Phyliss Nickell of Combine, Rhonda Lea Talley of Haughton, La. and Brenda Gaye Reed of Bismark, N.D.; two sisters, Mary Hendrickson of Stroud, Okla. and Joan Reid of Ranger; two brothers, Jack Donaldson of Gypsy and Bill Donaldson of Bristow, Okla.; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and left at Morehart Mortuary.
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R. B. 'Bob' Lane
R.B. (Bob) Lane, 88, died Friday, January 31, 2003.
A graveside service was held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, February 2, 2003 at the Cross Plains Cemetery, directed by Abilene Funeral Home.
Mr. Lane was born in Scranton, Texas on August 14, 1914, to Homer and Addie Mae Lane. He was a retired funeral director, working many years for Stotler's Funeral Home in Donna and Higginbotham's Funeral Home in Cross Plains.
Survivors are his wife, Wilma Lane of Abilene; a daughter, Tamara Lane of Abilene; two grandchildren, Shayla Wooten and Travis Wooten both of Abilene; and a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Wooten of Abilene.
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FEBRUARY 2003
 
Charles Williams
OLDEN- Charles K. Williams, 81, of Olden, died Sunday, February 2, 2003 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at the Olden Baptist Church, Rev. Jeff Jackson officiated. Burial was in the Desdemona Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Williams was born on February 14, 1921 in De Leon to Clayton Hope and Bula (Kay) Williams. He attended school in Desdemona and graduated from the University of Maryland. He married Sara E. Crawford on August 16, 1942 at the Olden Baptist Church. He served his country in the Air Force for 20 years. During WWII he began working for the State Comptrollers Office until his retirement in 1988. He had resided in the Metroplex and Granbury area until moving to Olden two years ago. He was an avid gardener, a member and Past Master of Masonic Lodge #392 in Granbury, a member of Chapter & Council and a member of the Olden Baptist Church.
Survivors are his wife, Sara Williams of Olden; children, Charles D. Williams of Decatur, Larry W. Williams of Port Aransas, Elizabeth Kay Williams of Mexia, James D. Williams of Lingleville, and Laura A. Hatcher of Olden; a brother, Leo Williams of Desdemona; sisters, Ruth Daffron and Evelyn Yardley both of Desdemona; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Mary Horn Matthews
EASTLAND- Mary Horn Matthews, 52, of Eastland, died Monday, February 3, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at the First Baptist Church, Dr. Shawn Brewer and Dr. Robert Jeffress officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Matthews was born on June 17, 1950 in Houston to Raymond O. and Manie Sue 'Susie' (Grier) Horn. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1968 and attended Southwestern University in Georgetown from 1968 to 1970, and received a B.A. in History from University of Texas at Austin in 1972. She taught at Southside High School in San Antonio from 1972 to 1973. From 1973 to 1974 she taught English on the island of Crete in Greece. In 1974 she worked for radio stations KLOL and KTRH and in 1977 she went to work as a paralegal for Bakker-Botts law firm in Houston until 1980 when she moved to Galveston where she worked for Dibrell, Dibrell, Greer & Brown Law Firm until 1982. She married Robert Matthews on June 14, 1980 in Houston. They moved to Eastland in 1986. In 1989 Mary and Robert went to Africa for a two week mission trip. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Eastland and had been teaching director of the Community Bible Study Group for 5 years. She was a member of Eastland Civic League and Garden Club, and very active in the community.
Survivors are her husband, Dr. Robert 'Bob' Matthews of Eastland; daughters, Charlotte and Anna Matthews and a son, Ben Matthews all of Eastland; her mother, Susie Horn of Houston, TX.; brother, Richard Horn and wife Jan of Austin; sister, Jane Horn-Dorerries and husband Eric of Houston; nieces and nephews, David and Jaime Horn, Elizabeth Meister, Meredith, Janet and David Dorerries.
The family request donations to be made to M.D. Anderson Hospital and Community Bible Study.
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Joe Cagle
CARBON- Joe Cagle, 59, of Eastland County whose home is outside Carbon, TX, lost his valiant struggle with cancer on Tuesday, February 4, 2003.
Joe was at his home with his wife Darlene, family and friends throughout the last days. Joe and Darlene lived in Odessa from the mid-1960's until the early 1980's while Joe was a barber and an employee of Ref-Chem and El Paso Products Co. at the Complex in Odessa. They moved to the Noel Plant at Carbon with El Paso Hydrocarbons in the early 1980's. In recent years after the closing of the plant Joe did what was a passion for him as a farmer in the area around Carbon.
As a loving husband, father, and friend Joe is survived by his wife, Darlene, three children and nine grandchildren. Joe and Darlene were married November 17, 1963. Their children are Ronnie and Jody Cagle of Eastland; Darla and Jack Lowrance of Eastland and Ricky and Stephane Cagle of Lone Camp. Joe is also survived by two brothers and a sister, Gary and JoAnn Cagle of Big Spring, Agatha and Jim Thomasson of Clyde and Bud and Marva Cagle of Odessa; along with a host of nieces, nephews, their children and special friends Clyde Hamilton and Jimmy Needham.
Joe's parents Rupert and Mayme Cagle of Big Spring along with one child, Scottie Eugene, preceded him in death.
Many friends along with Joe's family saw Joe battle cancer and through it all Joe remained the same loving, caring and friendly person that he had always been. The family asked that in lieu of flowers that send memorials to Hospice of Eastland, The Texas Cancer Center of Abilene or Hendrick Memorial Hospital of Abilene. The family believes that if you wish to see God's angels at work they can be seen at any of these places.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland. Interment followed in the Stagg Creek Cemetery which is located 12 miles west of Comanche on Hwy 36.
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Morris Snyder, Sr.
Morris Driskill Snyder, Sr. died Thursday, February 6, 2003 at Hendricks Medical Center Hospice Unit of congestive heart failure.
He was 1 of 10 children born to pioneer rancher Byron Snyder and Lula Belle Driskill Snyder. He was born in Baird, Texas on October 11, 1915. Morris graduated from high school in 1933. In the fall of 1933 he hitchhiked to Lubbock to attend Texas Technological College, which he attended for five years. After college he worked as a cowboy on the home ranch at Moran, Texas or looking after the ranch's steer herd at Beaumont, Kansas.
He volunteered for service in the Army Air Force. Expert shooting of skeet and trap led to assignments at Harlingen, TX. and Havana Cuba instructing air combat gunnery.
He was sent overseas early 1944. He was the armorer gunner on a B-24 Bomber. His missions included the Battle of Northern France, The Battle of the Ardennes or the winter campaign of 1944-45, (commonly referred to as the Battle of the Bulge) and the Battle of Rhineland. The three volunteer missions included dropping badly needed medical supplies, ammo and food to paratroopers during the Battle of Arnheim and during the battle of the Bulge. His decorations included a Lead Crew Commendation, a citation for Meritorious Achievement, two citations for valor for performance of duty and courage under fire, the E.A.M.E. Campaign medal with three Bronze Stars and Five medals.
After the death of his father in 1945 Snyder Ranch was broken up into smaller ranches and divided equally among the surviving children. In 1947 Morris married Juanelle Sparks Roberts in Eastland, Texas. Morris and Juanelle bought the Everett Jones Farm in 1950 and moved in what is still referred to as the 'White House'.
Morris was a member of the Moran School Board for many years, also he was active in the First Methodist Church of Moran.
He was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters and his wife, Juanelle.
Survivors are his only child, Morris D. Snyder, Jr. and wife Cindy, who reside on the ranch and their son, Jason, daughter-in-law Brandie, granddaughter Haleigh and grandson Hunter; two siblings, Ralph Snyder of Moran and James Snyder of Baird; and two sisters-in-law, Beth Snyder of Albany and Maurice Snyder of Moran.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church of Moran, Doug Stenberg officiated. Burial was in the Moran Cemetery.
Pallbearers were nephews, Jeff Clark, Byron Cooley, Jim Snyder, John Snyder, Sam Snyder, Robert Snyder, and family friends, Tom Siewert and Bert Jones.
Donations may be made to Hendrick's Hospice or the charity of your choice.
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Janice Sullivent
BOULDER, CO.- Janice Sullivent, 49, died February 8, 2003 at Boulder, CO.
Memorial services were held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2003 in Lafayette, CO. Crist Mortuary of Boulder, Colorado directed.
She was born October 16, 1953 in Sidney, NE to Elmer H. Sullivent and Marie Boss Young.
She was involved with ACL (Assn. For Community Living and Expand). She was a volunteer for People's Clinic and Meals on Wheels through Community Employment, a division of Employment Link. She also worked for the University of Colorado Transportation Dept. through Employment Link.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Elmer W. Sullivent and her step-father, Bill Young.
Survivors are her step-mother, Delores McDiarmid of Ranger; 10 brothers and sisters, sister: Pat Campbell of Gentry, Ark.; brother: Jesse Sullivent of Ranger; step sisters: Donna Barrett of Abilene, TX, Lindsay Alford of Ranger, and Brenda Edmonds of Guthrie, OK.; half sisters: Debra Lee-Nelson of Munford, TN, Mary Hernandez of Cisco, TX, Kelly Bezayiff of Ranger; step brothers: Will Barrett of Ranger and Greg Young of Lincoln, NE.
Contributions may be made to ACL of Boulder County, 5744 No. 71st St., Longmont, CO. 80503.
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John Carlile
CISCO- John Howard Carlile, 88, of Cisco died Saturday, February 8, 2003 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by David Danielson. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Carlile was born on September 26, 1914 in Nix, Texas to Luke Nelson and Beulah Carlile. He was a retired engineer for Exxon Oil Company. He married Gladys Juanita Fenley on January 30, 1937 in Cisco. He was a member of East Cisco Baptist Church.
Survivors are his wife, Beulah Carlile of Cisco; sons, John Howard Carlile, Jr. of Lubbock and Omar Nelson Carlile of Bedford; brother, Lowell Carlile of Weatherford; sisters, Wilma McCain of Fort Worth and Louella Rice of Hallsville; grandchildren, Carrie Smith of Kingsport, TN, JDana Lindley of Abilene, Cathi Long of Grinnell, IA, Cindy Danielson of Fort Worth, Jena Moore of Lubbock and Craig Carlile of Bedford; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Tom Lindley, Tim Smith, Paul Lang, Josiah Danielson, Jordan Smith, Craig Carlile and Curt Moore.
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Gloria Faulkner
Gloria Bennie Faulkner died February 9, 2003 at Garden Terrace Care Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Bennie was born in Navarro County on September 22, 1923. She graduated from Tarkington High School in 1942 as the Valedictorian of her class. She then left home and aided the war effort by welding in an airplane factory. At the close of her patriotic tenure, Bennie met Wayne Dubart Faulkner or 'Curly'. After a whirlwind courtship, the two married and enjoyed a long and fruitful marriage. Bennie worked periodically to add to her family's income, but decided to stay home when her children were young. Bennie and Curly's children were: first Ronnie, then Paula, Beth, and Frankie. Sadly, Ronnie died as an infant, but Bennie proudly raised her three children in the way of the Lord. She ran a cafe' and saved the profits to pay for cosmetology school. After working the cafe', and managing to keep up with three children and an active husband, Bennie succeeded and opened her own beauty shop. Bennie and Curly built their lives in Wink, Texas, where they resided from 1946-1978. After this period, Curly and Bennie moved to Oklahoma. Bennie then took a position in the local nursing home where she worked for several years then offered her services as a volunteer.
Cancer left her a widow in 1984, but Bennie remained steadfast in her service to others. She continued her volunteer work at the nursing home. Her work distinguished her as the selfless woman that she was and in 1991, the governor of the State of Oklahoma recognized Bennie with the highest honor that a volunteer can receive. She was presented a certificate of appreciation for outstanding volunteer services for her work with the elderly. While all of Bennie's achievements highlight her extraordinary character, she took the most pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her greatest loves were simply visiting with those that she loved, playing Skip-Bo, and fishing.
As Bennie joins the Lord, she is survived by two sisters, Tressa Mae Keith and Thelma Donaho and her husband Neil; two sisters-in-law, Helen Bain and Mary Summa; three of her children, Paula Faulkner Barker of Ranger, and her husband Jessie; Beth Faulkner Ream of Fort Worth, and her husband Robert, Frankie Faulkner of Dallas; four grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren: Karen Barker Volpitta, her husband John, and their children Kasey, Korey, Krista and Keith; Candy Barrett, her husband Mark, and their children Heather, Austin (who named Bennie 'Great'), Chelsea, and Shilo; Carl Barker, his wife Kathy, and their children Gus, Sam and Morgan; Samuel Faulkner and his mother Lenore Faulkner; many nieces and nephews and many friends from Corsicana to West Texas, to Oklahoma, to Ranger where she lived the final years of her life. A host of Christian brothers and sisters complete her family that remains tied together with common love.
Services for Bennie were held at 10 a.m. February 11, 2003 at Corley Funeral Home in Corsicana, Texas with interment at Mexia City Cemetery. Pallbearers included: Frankie Faulkner, Samuel Faulkner, Jessie Barker, Robert Ream, Mark Barrett, John Volpitta, and Carl Barker.
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Howard 'Jim Bo' Shelton
CISCO- Howard (Jim Bo) Shelton, 84, of Cisco, died Monday, February 10, 2003 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2003 at Greater St. Mark Baptist Church with Reverend Joe Philpott officiating, assisted by Reverend Bobby Lee. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Howard was born June 27, 1918 in Cisco to Joe and Lilly (Anderson) Shelton. He served with the 392nd Army Engineers during World War II. Howard and Sally Jo McFarland were married on December 9, 1939 in Cisco. She preceded him in death on December 27, 1999. He was a long time member and Deacon of Greater St. Mark Baptist Church. For 35 years he worked as a trackman for Texas Pacific Railroad.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 60 years, Sally Jo; a son, Troy and a daughter, Alma; and 17 brothers and sisters.
Survivors are daughters, Shirley Gayle of Cerritos, CA, Harriett Shelton Collins and Renee Shelton Shipp both of Cisco; granddaughters, Pamela Rose of Eastland, Denise Clifton of Mesa, AZ, Carol Gayle of Cerritos, CA, Hillerie Shelton of Fort Worth; a grandson; Billy Collins, Jr. of Corpus Christi; great-grandchildren, Cristal Rose of Dallas, DeAnn Rose of Denton, Melissa Collins, Marcus Collins and Leah Collins of Corpus Christi, Andrea Clifton, Camille Clifton, Kenny Clifton of Mesa, AZ., Autumn Gayle of Cerritos, CA; a nephew, Curtis Shelton of Cisco; a niece, Bernice Allen of Waco; and many friends and loved ones.
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William 'Bill' Wheatley
CARNENCRO, LA- William 'Bill' Oliver Wheatley died Monday, February 10, 2003, following a brief illness.
He was born March 29, 1911, in Clifton, Arizona, he resided in Carencro with his family for the past thirteen years.
Bill grew up in Cisco, Texas where he graduated from Cisco High School in 1929. A true 'Oilman', he lived most of his life in Texas and Louisiana working in the oilfield working as a casing hand, a roughneck and then as a toolpusher. He enjoyed traveling and had the opportunity to work in several foreign countries during his long and successful oilfield career. He especially enjoyed his work in England and the North Sea, Spain and Saudi Arabia. At the time of his retirement, in 1987, he was Offshore Superintendent for Pool Arabia Ltd. in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the El Mina Shrine Temple in Galveston, Texas, the Knights of the Templar of Texas of Corpus Christi, and a member of the Scottish Rite for 50 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Mable Fultz Wheatley; his parents William and Annie Rhea Wilson Wheatley; and one sister, Virginia Collier.
Survivors are one son, William Oliver Wheatley, Jr. and his wife Sue of Union, MS; four daughters, Virginia Ruth and her husband, Frank Eldridge of Lubbock, TX, Ann Wiley of Ft. Worth, TX, Olivia Wheatley and her husband Robert Sioke of Arlington, TX, Melva and her husband Randal McCann of Carencro, LA; 11 grandchildren, Steve Eldridge, Kimberly Duke, Dwayne, John and Cody Wiley, Monica Knight, Sidney and Matthew Wheatley, Rebecca Hardesty, and Scott and Matthew McCann; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2003 at Chuvin Funeral Home Chapel, Houma, LA. Burial followed at St. Francis de Sales #2 Cemetery. He was honored with a special Masonic ceremony.
Pallbearers were Bill Wheatley, Jr., Randal McCann, Scott McCann, Matthew McCann, Rhett McCann and Phillip Himel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill's name to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103.
He will long be remembered as a loving father and grandfather, a poet and an avid Saints fan. His wit, charm, and love for story-telling will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
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Irene Stephens
MESA, ARIZONA- Irene Vaughan Stephens, 90, of Mesa, Arizona, died Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at Mesa Lutheran Hospital.
Services were held Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 1 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Strawn, Texas with Rev. Clarence Kelly officiating. Burial was in the New Gordon Cemetery in Gordon, Texas, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Born on November 5, 1912 to William Curtis Vaughan and Alma Pond Vaughan in Gordon, Texas. Mrs. Stephens married Lonnie C. Stephens in 1937 in Gordon, Texas. She was a graduate of the Brady Hospital School of Nursing and worked for many years as a registered nurse in Texas living in Ranger, Texas and then following retirement, in Tyler, Texas. She was a member of the Brown Road Baptist Church in Mesa, Arizona and also attended the Church of the Master Presbyterian Church in Mesa, Arizona.
Survivors are two sons, Curtis L. Stephens of Satellite Beach, Florida and James C. Stephens of Orlando, Florida; daughter, Janice M. Aspbury of Mesa, Arizona; sister, Pauline Anderson of San Angelo, TX; four grandchildren, Derek Clayton Stephens of Plano, TX, Darren Blair Stephens of Plano, TX, Jonathan Ryan Stephens, presently on active duty with the US Navy, Shelley Lynn Stebbins of Mesa, Arizona; four great-grandchildren, Desiree Lynn Stephens of Plano, TX, Adam Christopher Stebbins of Mesa, AZ., Emily Kathryn Stebbins of Mesa, AZ. and Christopher Kenkade Stephens of Plano, TX.
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Jimmy Nash
ABILENE- Jimmy C. Nash, 62, died Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at his home in Abilene.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Buffalo Gap, Rev. Steve Joiner officiated. Burial followed in the Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elmwood Funeral Home of Abilene.
Jimmy Charles Nash was born March 2, 1940 in Fort Worth, the son of Charlie and Louise Nash, who preceded him in death. He graduated from DeLeon High School where he was captain of the football team and received awards for Golden Gloves boxing. He married Neoma Anderson on March 27, 1959 in DeLeon. They lived in Fort Worth until 1987, then in Cross Plains before their move to Abilene in the 1990's.
Jimmy worked at and eventually owned Cabinet and Door Unit Manufacturing in Ft. Worth from 1959-1973. A major dealer in rare coins, precious metals and gem stones, Jimmy established a silver refinery where he manufactured silver bars under the CPM trademark. He was a member of the American Numismatic Association and the Texas Numismatic Association. Other investment activities included ranching, oil and gas production in Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama, and commercial and residential real estate in Texas.
Jimmy took on new challenges and ventures throughout his life with energy and a sense of humor. He was a generous man who often helped others in need, especially the homeless in ways that few ever knew.
Survivors include his wife Neoma of Abilene; two daughters, Kelly Kramer of Ft. Worth, and Debra Smith and husband Darrel of Abilene; three grandchildren, Hunter Smith of Ft. Worth, Justin and Brandon Smith of Abilene.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX. 79605.
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J. H. 'Buddy' Melder
BEDFORD- J.H. 'Buddy' Melder, Jr., 59, died Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at a local hospital.
Memorial services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2003 at Forest Ridge Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
Buddy was born on April 7, 1943 to J.H., Sr. and Kathryn Melder in Talladege, AL. He served 4 years in United States Navy on the USS Bon Homme Richard. In 1965 he settled in San Diego, CA where he started his family. In 1974 he and his family moved to Texas where he began a 30 year career in the oil and gas industry, where in his travels around the world he made so many friends that became his extended family. Buddy will always be remembered as the one who worked hard and played hard.
Survivors are daughter, Deanne Mathis; a son, Gary T. Melder; sisters, Mary Lou Davis, Betty Meacham, Melba Rhames, and Yvonne Ingram; grandchildren, Courtney and Kathryn Mathis, Jesse Lewison, and Molly Melder; and many special friends.
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Jean Clark
CARBON- Jean Clark, 73, of Carbon, died Friday, February 14, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel at 11 a.m. Monday, February 17, 2003 with Jody Forbus officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Clark was born on May 11, 1929 in May, Texas to Claude C. and Fannie Mae (Anthony) Jones. She married J.W. Clark on October 29, 1950 in Brady, Texas. She was a member of the Carbon Community Baptist Church, a loving wife, mother and friend to all.
An infant son, Michael, preceded her in death on October 8, 1958.
Survivors are her husband, J.W. Clark of Carbon; two sons, Barry and Linda Clark of Comanche and Ben Claude Clark of San Angelo; six daughters, Rosa Jean McDowell, Laura Clark, Karen Clark and Bonnie Williams, all of Eastland, Joan Holman of DeLeon and Sharon Stratton of Brady; two brothers, Marvin James Jones of Fort Worth and Junior Lee Jones of Ecuador, South America; four sisters, Betty Lou Regian of Gorman, Mary Jone Jones of Plainview, Cartha Fay Sperger of Denver City, TX., and Lavena Stubbinfield of Kingsland, TX; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Donations can be made at Farmers & Merchant's Bank in memory of Jean Clark.
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Ray Pryor
EASTLAND- Ray Pryor, 79, of Eastland, died Monday, February 17, 2003 in the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church of Eastland, Rev. Sarah Miller officiated. Interment followed in the Eastland Cemetery under the direction of Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland.
He was born to Ben and Ethel (McMillan) Pryor on September 2, 1923 in Eastland. He grew up and attended school in Eastland, and served with the U.S. Navy Seabees, detached to the U.S. Marine Corp, in WW II. After the war, he returned to Eastland where he graduated from Cisco Junior College and married Betty Jones on August 31, 1946 in Eastland. He was employed by Victor Cornelius Printing as a silk screener from 1952 until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Eastland, former member of the Eastland Lions Club, Eastland Jaycees and was a former Boy Scout Troop Leader.
He was preceded in death by a son, Chris in 1974.
Survivors are his wife, Betty of Eastland; a daughter, Jennifer Wilson of Grand Prairie; a brother, E.J. Pryor of Midland; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Eastland First United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.
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Oscar Weeks
CISCO- Oscar Thomas Weeks, 70, of Cisco, died Monday, February 17, 2003 at a San Antonio hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Jordan officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Weeks was born May 12, 1932 in Slayton to Alex and Celia (Cook) Weeks. He retired from the US Air Force where he was a chef; he owned and operated Oscar's Barbecue Shack for many years. He was a member of Faith Deliverance Community Church in Abilene.
Survivors are a friend, Weltha Brown of Cisco; children, Celia Weeks, Oscar Weeks, Jr., Janie Fletcher, Herman Johnson, Darryl Johnson, Dedria Johnson, Patsy Morrison, Nathaniel Morrison, Thomas Morrison, Estelle Smith, Sonya Johnson, Christina Hamilton, Jimmy Wright, Larry Wright, Michael Jones and Zeleen Wright; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Isaac Jones, Adolph Hamilton, Pete DeLeon, Robert Chriesman, Oscar Weeks, Jr., and Larry Wright.
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Delmas 'Sam' Justice
CISCO- Delmas Samuel Justice passed away peacefully on the evening of February 18, 2003. While family and friends mourn his absence, we rejoice in his victory.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2003 at First Baptist Church in Cisco, Pastor Mike Justice officiated, assisted by Pastor Randy Lawson. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Sam was born on Easter Sunday morning on March 28, 1937, the son of evangelistic parents, George and Vivian Justice and lived in many different places throughout his youth. He met and married Frances Williams in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1969 they moved to this area and have resided in Cisco for the last 15 years.
Sam was a member of the Eastland Church of God. He served in his church, as he did in his life, a servant of Jesus Christ and his fellow man.
Survivors are his wife, Frances Justice of Cisco; children, Billy Justice and wife Suona of Fort Worth and David Justice of Dallas, Lori St. Ama and husband Darrin of Early; siblings, David Justice, Sr. of Abilene, Ophelia Merrill of Cross Plains, James Justice of Brownwood, Martha Kay Justice of Cisco and Mike Justice of Dayton, TN; six grandchildren; 10 nieces and 5 nephews.
Pallbearers were David Justice, Jr., Steve Justice, Michael McClure, Kyle McClure, Clay Koening and Cole Koening.
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Garner Altom
Garner Howell Altom of San Angelo, Texas died Wednesday, February 19, 2003.
He was born on July 21, 1917, in Cisco, TX, and attended Cisco High School and Draughon's Business School.
Services were held at Bakker's Funeral Home in Eastland. Burial was at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 22, 2003 at Eastland Memorial Cemetery.
A veteran of WW II, he served as Detachment Clerk in various hospital groups in France, Japan and the Philippines. Garner was a life-long Kiwanian (18 years perfect attendance), and received his 25-year award in 1973 from the Masonic Lodge. He served three years on the School Board of Cisco ISD, serving one year as President. His service and dedication to many Baptist churches and committee groups span five decades, culminating a six-year member of the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
He spent twenty years as a Clerical Supervisor with Humble Pipe Line in Cisco, Midland and Pampa, TX. His second career was in hospital administration serving in Wellington, Pampa, Cisco and Denver City, TX. He was Director of Admissions at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. He retired from Hendrick's Mesa Springs Retirement Center Community as their Marketing Counselor. In his 'retirement' Garner and Mary belonged to the Mission Service Volunteer Corp, Baptist General Convention of Texas from 1989 to 1992 where they served in various capacities at the Heart of Texas Baptist Encampment, Brownwood, TX.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar F. Altom and mother, Lizzie Ada Altom of Eastland.
Survivors are his spouse of 62 years, Mary Elizabeth Altom of San Angelo; a sister, Elaine Tow of Temple, TX; a son, Garner Prince Altom of Corte Madera, CA; a son, Doug Altom of San Angelo; and 4 grandchildren, Courtenay Kehl of CA., Kelsey Kling of Austin, TX, Clayton Altom and Cole Altom, both of San Angelo.
Memorials may be made to Sagecrest Alzheimer's Center, West TX Rehab Center or Heart of TX Baptist Encampment.
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Pearl Brinegar
RANGER- Pearl Harris Brinegar, 82, died Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2003 at the Merriman Baptist Church, Rev. Jimmy Lively officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Pearl was born on February 29, 1920 in Campbell, Missouri to Bert and Maudie Lewis. She married and settled in the Eastland/Ranger area with Frank Harris. Pearl appreciated life's simple pleasures to their fullest. She had a wonderful ability to make you laugh at life's situations. All enjoyed Pearl's strong character and bold personality. She was a member of the Merriman Baptist Church.
She was the beloved mother of 12 children. This was the legacy she would leave this world. She instilled ethics of hard work and perseverance in her children. Pearl understood that her children were a way of sending a message into a time and place that she would not go. Her message would be one of hope, love and peace. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Josephine and her son, Frank.
Survivors are Sterling Morrow, Lavonda Lewis, Wanda Franklin, Joe Harris, Don Harris, Jessie Harris, Franklin Harris, Sue Stuart, Floyd Spencer and Linda Maddox; 38 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Jessie Falls
STANTON- Jessie Lee Falls died Thursday, February 20, 2003 at a private care facility in Stanton.
She was born December 11, 1915 in Altus, Oklahoma to the late Claud and Hattie Renfro. She was raised and educated in Duke, Oklahoma, and later moved to Eastland, Texas.
She met and married the late William E. Holliday on August 10, 1946. After his passing in 1953, she later married the late Eugene Falls in August of 1978.
Ms. Falls worked in the Olden Public School District until her retirement. She has resided in Midland for the last 11 years.
She is preceded in death by two husbands, William E. Holliday and Eugene Falls.
She was a member of the Olden Church of Christ.
Private Graveside services will be held in Ranger, TX.
Memorials may be directed to the Stanton Care & Rehab Center Rehabilitation Dept. 1100 W. Broadway, Stanton, TX 79782.
Survivors are a daughter, Sharon Dublin of Midland, TX; a brother, Clifton Renfro of Montgomery, AL; two grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 niece; 2 nephews; 1 cousin; and a host of friends.
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Jackie Frasier
GORMAN- Jackie Frasier, 50, died Thursday, February 20, 2003 at the Harris Methodist Hospital in Stephenville.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Ron Carroll officiating. Burial was in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman.
Jackie was born August 4, 1952 in Gorman to James Burns and Jerry (Ashworth) Burns. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
Survivors are a daughter, Christi Wallace and husband Ryan of Montgomery, TX.
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Jesse Moon
CROSS PLAINS- Jesse Moon, 51, of Cross Plains, died Thursday, February 20, 2003 in Callahan County, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2003 at the Higginbotham Chapel with Mike Reed officiating. Burial was in the Coleman Cemetery with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains in charge of arrangements.
Jesse was born April 12, 1951 in Cisco, Texas to Robert L. Moon and Gertha Naylor Moon. He married Allyson Jackson in Brownwood, Texas on May 21, 1983. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Chris.
Survivors are his wife, Allyson Moon of Cross Plains; son, Shane Moon of MN; two sisters, Patricia Crumbacher of South Carolina and Ethel Ferebee of Sarasota, FL; one brother, Johnny Moon of South Carolina.
Memorials may be made to your favorite charity.
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Ethel Heagler
CISCO- Services for Ethel Lee Reynolds Heagler, 86, were held Monday, March 3, 2003 at the Greater St. Mark Outreach Church, Rev. Clarence Holliman officiated. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Directors.
Mrs. Heagler died February 22, 2003 at her home.
Mrs. Heagler was born March 1, 1916 in Hempstead County, Arkansas. She was born to the late Frank and Josie (Reader) Reynolds. Mrs. Heagler married Rufus Heagler in 1945, he preceded her in death in February 24, 1995. She became a Christian at an early age and was true to her Lord until her death. She first joined the Methodist Church in Cisco, when it closed she joined the Methodist Church in Eastland, Texas. She visited Greater Saint Mark Baptist Church for years. She always found a way to serve her Lord Jesus Christ. At her death she had become a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Breckenridge, Texas under the leadership of Rev. Clarence Holliman of Mineral Wells, Texas; where she found her place to work for the Lord toward Kingdom building.
She leaves to mourn her passing one sister-in-law, Laura Mae Reynolds and a host of relatives, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Nephews served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Bro. Thomas Cyperiam and Rev. Clarence Holliman.
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Kenneth Jackson
CARBON- Kenneth L. Jackson, 76, of Carbon, died Sunday, February 23, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Eastland with Rex Boggs and Cliff Jackson officiating. Burial was in the Flatwood Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Jackson was born on February 2, 1927 in Elmwood, Oklahoma to Grant and Isabelle (Tilton) Jackson. He graduated from Balko High School, and then attended college for two years in Goodwill and Shawnee, Oklahoma.
He moved to Eastland in 1962 and to Carbon in 1964. He was a meat market manager for Safeway and then for Brookshires for 30 plus years.
He married Betty Jo Byrd on May 29, 1964 in Carbon. She preceded him in death on July 21, 1999. Kenneth enjoyed playing dominoes, working with wood crafts as well as spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond Jackson, Harold Jackson, and Forest Jackson; and two sisters, Hazel Weikle and Ruth Siebert.
Survivors include three children, Ronnie Jackson and wife Patti of Houston, Brenda Arther and Billy Carlton and wife Sharon, both of Eastland; two sisters, Geraldine (Gerry) Tidwell of Fort Worth and Mabel Halsey of Perryton; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; and a host of special nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to M.D. Anderson.
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William 'Bill' Kelley
CISCO- William Reed (Bill) Kelley died Sunday, February 23, 2003 at his home.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2003 at East End Cemetery in Lingleville, Lee Lewis officiated.
Mr. Kelley was born October 4, 1925 to Pleasant Lee and Jessie B. (Reed) Kelley. He served in the US Navy during World War II and was a retired electrician. He was a member of the AARP and Cisco Church of Christ.
Survivors are a brother, Pleasant Lee Kelley of Comanche; a sister, Maureen Gist of Granbury; and several nieces and nephews.
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Jack Hopkins
STRAWN- Jack Allen Hopkins, 59, of Strawn, Texas died Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Strawn, Rev. Michael Orsini officiated. Burial was in the Mt. Marion Cemetery at Strawn directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
Mr. Hopkins was born November 10, 1943 in Strawn to Jack Lyard and Opal Nadine Meredith Hopkins. He graduated from Strawn High School and attended Ranger Junior College. He was a veteran of the US Army during the Vietnam War. He married Michele Girard April 8, 1983 in Strawn. He was an aircraft tech with the FAA in Buffalo, N.Y. He was President of Mercy Flight and was instrumental in getting it started. He moved to Strawn in 1996 and worked as President of Southwest Masonry Products in Strawn. He was a member of a Non-Denominational Church and Strawn Lions Club.
Survivors include his wife, Michele Hopkins of Strawn; his mother, Opal Hopkins of Strawn; a daughter, Kim Marie Shugart of Strawn; a son, Kenneth Hopkins of Virginia; two brothers, Jimmy Hopkins of Strawn and Bill Hopkins of Strawn; a sister, Jo Roberson of Abilene; five grandchildren, Jennifer Lewallen, Kurt Wallberg, David Shugart, Cody Hopkins, and Aaron Walter.
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Scott Stallings
ARLINGTON- Scott Tristan Stallings 35 of Arlington and formerly of Strawn passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2003. Services will be 11 am Saturday in the First Baptist Church in Strawn, Texas with Rev. Michael Orsini officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Marion Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Scott was born on December 26, 1967 in Ranger, Texas to Fred and Linda (Boyd) Stallings. He grew up in Strawn and attended school there and finished his education in Fort Worth. Scott worked as hotel security for 14 years and for the last five at Omni Mandalay Hotel in Irving. He married Mary Graves on March 30, 1996 in Fort Worth, Texas. Scott was a history buff. Scott was a care giver and protector, learning ways to make sure his family as well as other people around him were taken care of. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Strawn.
Survivors include his wife Mary Stallings of Arlington, Texas, Dad and Mom, Fred and Linda Stallings of Strawn, Tx. Grandmother Martha Stallings of Houston, Tx. Sister Shan Nowak and husband Brad of Strawn, Tx. Brother-in-law Michael Graves and wife Marjorie of Weatherford, Tx. And a Niece Hannah Nowak, numerous great Aunts and host of friends.
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Jana McAskill
CISCO -- Memorial services for Jana Alene McAskill, 48, of Cisco, were held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 2003, at the Kimbrough Funeral Home. Gary Johnson officiated, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. She was cremated.
Mrs. McAskill died Friday, Feb. 28, 2003 at her home.
She was born March 16, 1954 in Henderson, Texas to Gerald and Murlene (Rice) Newbill. She married Glen Campbell McAskill in Marshall, Texas on October 21, 1974. He preceded her in death on November 27, 2002. She was a nurses aide at Canterbury Villa of Cisco.
Survivors are a daughter, Kyle McAskill; two sons, Derek and Duane McAskill; a sister, Judith Brockwell and a nephew, Ashley Brockwell.
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MARCH 2003
 
Johnny Botts
Services for Johnny Jay Botts, 54, of Brownwood, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2003, in the Rising Star First Baptist Church with Dick Williams officiating. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Mr. Botts died Friday, Feb. 28, 2003, in the Brownwood Care Center.
He was born on January 5, 1949 in May to Floyd J. and Arlene Hardy Botts. He worked as a truck driver for years. He has lived in Brownwood for a short time moving there from Cisco. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Cisco.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Michael Botts.
Survivors include his son, Jeffrey Botts of Abilene; daughter, Pamela Jenkins of Abilene; two brothers, Russell Botts and Steve Botts, both of Rising Star; three sisters, Shirlene Campbell of Brownwood, Jeanette Mitchell of Abilene and Judy Fink of Cisco; and a grandson, Jeremy Jenkins.
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Minnie Schkade
ALBANY -- Services for Minnie A. Schkade, 70, were at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2003, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Don Loeschen officiating. Burial was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Mrs. Schkade died Friday, Feb. 28, 2003, in an Abilene hospital.
She was born May 7, 1932, in Albany. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Albany. She was a domestic and was always eager to help whenever needed.
Survivors include three brothers, Carl E. Schkade of Albany, Fred E. Schkade of Techachapi, CA, Curtis E. Schkade of Albany; three sisters, Henrietta Schkade of Albany, Bertha Ann Lehman of Georgetown and Dorothy Donaway of Cisco; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutherna Church or a favorite charity.
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Alvin King
BROWNFIELD -- Services for Alvin Hawkins King, 73, of Meadow, were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at Brownfield Church of Christ with Bob Reynolds and Derek McNamara officiating. Burial was in Scranton Cemetery, directed by Brownfield Funeral Home.
Mr. King died Sunday, March 1, 2003, in Lubbock.
He was born March 16, 1929, in Scranton. He graduated from Cisco High School in 1947, and attended Cisco Junior College.
He married Ruth Inez Cook on May 28, 1948, in Cisco.
He lived in Brownfield and Meadow areas since 1949. He was the Manger for Meadow Co-op Gin for 22 years, retiring in 1982. He also managed the Terry County Co-op Gin for 15 years, retiring in 1998.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth King of Meadow; a son, Kyle King of Brownfield; two daughters, Patty Snider of Greenwood, and Paula Martin of Brownfield; and eight grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Vistacare Family Hospice, 1010 Slide Road, Lubbock, TX 79401, or favorite charity.
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Travis Sherrin
BRAD- Travis Sherrin, 17, of Brad, died Saturday, March 1, 2003.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at First Baptist Church in Gordon, Rev. J.K. Wood officiated. Burial was in the Brad Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Travis was born on April 3, 1985 in Houston, TX. to Dwain and Joyce (Clendenen) Sherrin. He was attending high school in Gordon where he was to compete this week in the State UIL competition for the debate team. He played football and baseball and was studying to be an EMT. Travis was a member of the First Baptist Church in Gordon. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking.
Survivors are his parents, Dwain and Joyce Sherrin of Brad; his grandmother, Maudie Jenkins of Breckenridge; brothers, Dainen Sherrin of Stephenville and Gerald Wright of Decatur; sisters, Kim Cupps and Jodi Qually both of Brownwood, Stephanie Elms of San Antonio, Kacie Sherrin of Stephenville and Karl Draper of Austin; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews.
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Martha Cox
ABILENE- Martha Rae Cox, 82, of Abilene, died Saturday, March 1, 2003 at a local hospital.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 3, 2003, at Cedar Hill Cemetery, James Stovall officiated. Burial was directed by North's Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cox was reared in Farmersville. She graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in Education. She married Palmer Cox on February 24, 1944 in Ranger.. She taught schools in Ranger, Eula, Littlefield, and Wylie. She retired from teaching in 1966. She operated Martha's Invitations store from 1976 until 1996. She was a member of the Westgate Church of Christ and the Retired Teacher's Association.
Survivors are her husband, Palmer Cox of Abilene; a daughter, Melinda Simmons of Abilene; two grandchildren, Mrs. Melissa (John) Gladman and Mrs. Lesleigh (Darrell) Chrisman; four great-grandchildren, Eric and Sarah Chrisman, Blake and Brittany Gladman; one sister, Mrs. Billie Jean (Edward) Bailey of Lubbock.
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Vera Westerman
RISING STAR -- Graveside services for Mrs. Vera Montfort Westerman, 91, were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2003, in the Albany Cemetery, under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star.
Mrs. Westerman died Monday, March 3, 2003, at Hendrick Medical Center.
She was born June 16, 1911, in Young County to Washington Payne and Lora Lee Mapp Stephens. Mrs. Westerman lived in Rising Star for 25 years. She was a homemaker and a Baptist.
Survivors include her son, Kenneth Montfort of Abilene; two daughters, Mary Francis Schmidt of Dublin, Connie Montfort of Dallas; nine grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.
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Charles Mathis
A memorial service for Charles Wayne Mathis, 72, of Carson City, Nev. will be held Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. in First Baptist Church, Carbon, Texas. Bro. James Holt will officiate.
He died February 26, 2003 at St. Mary's Medical Center.
He was born September 21, 1930, in Gorman, Texas to Willis Wayne Mathis and Nellie Mae Greenwood Mathis.
He married Evelyn Couch, his childhood sweetheart, June 30, 1948 in Coleman, Texas.
Charles was a resident of Carson City for 38 years, a district manager of National Federation of Independent Business, retiring in 1982. He was a Baptist.
Survivors are his wife, Evelyn of Carson City; daughters, Yvonne Wynette Wolfsen of Weatherford, TX, Kathryn A. Lathrop of Carson City, Marsha L. Corlley of Bloomington, Ill.; a son, Charles W. Jr. of Auburn, Wash; a brother, Billy J. of Arlington; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
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Lucille Angus
RANGER- Lucille Angus, 91, died Sunday, March 2, 2003 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at Eastside Baptist Church, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Angus was born on May 19, 1911 in Colony, Texas to William Joseph and Willie May (Works) Davis. She attended school in Colony then went to beauty school in Fort Worth. She married Jack Orville Angus. She was the owner and operator of LucilleÕs Beauty Shop in Ranger for 50+ years. She was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Orville Angus, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Bobby Gene and Wanda England of Olden, TX; a daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline and Odis Ball of Pasadena, TX, a daughter and son-in-law, Mona and Sandy Presslar of Odessa, TX; and a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Sande Angus of Ranger, TX; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
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Beulah Chamness
INDIANA- Beulah (Bea) Chamness, 67, of Crawfordsville, Indiana died Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at her residence.
Graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2003 at Sugar Plain Cemetery in Thornton, Indiana (Hwy 47). Rev. Claudia Grant will officiate. Burial will follow directed by Powers-Priebe Funeral Home, Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Beulah was born on April 6, 1935 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Antonio and Ava (Cazzee) Pagano. She married Richard W. Chamness on May 8, 1954 in Lebanon, Ind. He preceded her in death in 1998. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked for Drs. B.B. Alexander and Herald Bulgrin in Eastland. She also worked at Witham Hospital in Lebanon, Ind and several nursing homes.
She was a member of First Christian Church, Crawfordsville and American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries. She was a 1954 graduate of Thorntown High School, Thorntown, Ind. and attended Pima and Cochise Colleges, Arizona and graduated from Cisco Jr. College.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters, Grace White and Elsie Littrell; and one grandchild, Tina Marie Chamness.
Survivors are a son, Ricky L. Chamness of Phoenix, Az.; daughters, Theresa A. Worcester of Indianapolis, Ind., Patricia D. Mullins of Crawfordsville, Ind., Mary M. Isbell of Crawfordsville, Ind. and Sherry L. Cully of Florida; sisters, Mary Davis of Whiteland, Ind. and Carolyn Grant of Lebanon, Ind.; one brother, Frank Pagano of Indianapolis, Ind.; 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren.
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Garland Thompson
CISCO- Garland Junior Thompson, 60, of Cisco, died Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2003 at Corinth Cemetery.
Mr. Thompson was born October 29, 1942 in Indio, Oklahoma to Garland Wilson and Lola (McGarah) Thompson. He was a painter and a Baptist.
Survivors are his wife, Shirley Thompson of Bonham; a brother, Robert (Sonny) Thompson of Cisco; and two sisters, Jo Briscoe of Artesia, N.M. and Virginia Trujillo of Tipton, CA.
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Noblea Henry
ROBY- Noblea (Toni) Pharris Henry, 78, of Roby, died Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2003 at Roby Cemetery in Roby, Texas with Rev. Bob Ferguson officiating. Burial followed directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
She was born to John Ervin and Nancy Virginia (Lane) Walker on January 31, 1924 in Coleman, Texas. She worked as a chauffer and was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 brothers.
Survivors are daughters, Mary Alice Patton of Midland and Doris Sutton of Cisco; a sister, Billie Tunnell of Graham, Washington; 4 grandchildren, Mary Gomez, Jerilyn Brown, April Rains and Angela Fullerton; 9 great-grandchildren, Scott Rives, Jarod Rives, Jodie Rives, Tifnie Rains, Cody Fullerton, Braxton Rains, Austin Fullerton, Tanner Fullerton and Wake Brown; nieces and nephews.
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Rennie Pyle
Memorial services for Rennie Mac Pyle, 72, of Weatherford, Texas were held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2003 at the Anderson Clayton Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Kemp with Rev. Ralph Ivy officiating. Cremation services were under the direction of Anderson Clayton Brothers Funeral Home of Kemp.
Rennie Mac Pyle was born on August 10, 1930 in Henderson County, Texas. He passed away on March 5, 2003 in Denton, Texas. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean Conflict in the 7th Infantry, 31st Division, Company M.
Survivors are his sisters, Geraldine Watt of Italy, TX, Colene Busby and her husband Judge of Mabank, Mary Wells and her husband Johnny of Ranger, TX; a brother, Arnold Phillips and his wife Sue Ann of Tyler; aunts, Lila Heather of Styx and Rachel Hodges of California; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and other friends and relatives.
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Betty Stowe
ABILENE- Betty Lynette Stowe, 42, died Thursday, March 6, 2003, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas.
Funeral services were held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Abilene, Saturday, March 8, 2003 at 3 p.m. Rev. Berry Glover officiated. A graveside service was held in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery Monday, March 10, 2003 in Weatherford, Texas at 2:30 p.m.
Betty fought an ongoing battle with cancer for two years. Her strength is an inspiration to all who experienced her courage. Betty's smile and spirit will continue to be an uplifting memory to all.
Betty was the daughter of "Wild Bill" and Ima Mae Johnston. Ima is a resident of Ranger. Betty devoted herself in matrimony on May 16, 1986, to the love of her life, Johnny Wayne Stowe, who resides in Anson, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Johnston, and a brother, Corkey Johnston.
Betty was a loving mother to a son, Anthony Stowe and his wife, Adrienne, of Abilene, and two beautiful daughters, Amber and Ryan Stowe of Anson. She was also a grandma to three precious grandbabies, Jaimalee, Jaiden, and Kaileigh. She is also survived by four brothers, Billy Ray Johnston, Jimmy Johnston, and Rodger Dale Johnston all of Ranger, and Jerry Don Johnston of Cisco; and three sisters, Jo Ann Kinder and Mary Choate both of Ranger, and Gladyse Walker of Bridgeport, Texas.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society P.O. Box 41, Abilene, TX 79604, or YWCA of Abilene, 1350 N. 10th St., Abilene, TX 79601.
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John Fehl
EASTLAND- John William Fehl, 86, of Eastland, died Thursday, March 6, 2003 at Eastland.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Fehl was born November 20, 1916 in Cleveland, Ohio to John Fred and Cora (Root) Fehl. He grew up in Eastland. He served in the U.S. Army with the 36th Infantry Texas Division in the European Campaign and Korean Conflict. He married Vetrice (Tresa) Watson on November 1, 1952 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was a machine operator for the Hexel Corporation in Livermore, CA retiring in 1977 when he moved back to Eastland County. He was active in the V.F.W.
Survivors are his wife, Vertrice Fehl of Eastland; a son, John Fehl and his wife Jodi of Brentwood, CA.; a granddaughter, Allison Fehl of Brentwood, CA; and special friend, Joyce Coleman and her husband Ken of Eastland.
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Joseph Sitton
CISCO- Joseph Bruce Sitton, 85, of Cisco, died Saturday, March 8, 2003 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.
Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Russell Pogue officiated.
Mr. Sitton was born on December 23, 1917 in Marlow, Oklahoma to William F. and Beatrice Jane (Sheffield) Sitton. He was a Major in the Air Force during World War II where he was an aerial photographer. He married Kathleen Fortenberry on February 5, 1942 in Denver, Colorado. He was a printer for 47 years and owned and operated Commercial Printing in Cisco. He was a member of First Baptist Church and taught the Shepard Sunday School Class for many years.
He was preceded in death by 5 brothers, Jerry Sitton, Jack Sitton, Eb Sitton, Dick Sitton, and Bob Sitton; one sister, Rebecca Walker; and one great-grandchild, Owen Worthington.
Survivors are his wife, Kay Sitton of Cisco; son, Mike Sitton and wife, Deanna of Tylertown, Miss.; daughter, Martha Brown and husband, Ken of Abilene; sisters, Gladys Bunger of Dallas, Nell Snyder of Seattle, Wash.; brother, Buck Sitton of Snyder; four grandchildren, Monte Seese, Melissa Worthington, Kevin Brown, and Kayte Davis; four great-grandchildren, Sean Marrow, Sarah Marrow, Kayla Worthington, Michael Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Cisco Building Fund.
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Beatrice Funderburk
BRECKENRIDGE- Funeral services for Beatrice L. "Bea" Funderburk, 83, of Breckenridge, were held Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Rev. Cecil Harper, pastor, officiated. Burial followed in Bullock Cemetery, north of Ranger, directed by Morehart Mortuary.
Mrs. Funderburk died Saturday, March 8, 2003 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
She was born Beatrice Lee Hatton to James S. Hatton and Margie Waggoner Hatton on September 20, 1919, in Ranger, Texas. She attended schools in Ranger and graduated from Ranger High School. She married Mack Funderburk on May 31, 1947, in Breckenridge. She was a homemaker. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she was involved in Women's Missionary Union. She had been a Sunday School Teacher and a Vacation Bible School Teacher for over 30 years. She had been a member of the Martha Sunday Class and was presently a member of the Carrie Bates Sunday School Class.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Wilma Jennings.
Survivors are her husband, Mack Funderburk of Breckenridge; two sons and daughter-in-law, Eddie Mack and Carolyn Funderburk of Granbury and Tony Gregg and Maria Funderburk of Belton; one sister, Margaret Blankenship of Ranger; four grandchildren, Cheri Carr of Granbury, Greg Funderburk of Cleburne and Thomas Funerburk and Virginia Funderburk of Belton; two great-grandchildren, Tanner Carr and Peri Carr both of Granbury.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church North American Mission Fund. Memorials may be left at Morehart Mortuary.
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Michael Smith
EASTLAND- Michael A. Smith, 59, of Eastland, died Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at Eastland.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2003 at the Eastland City Cemetery Rev. Jerry Maston officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Smith was born on October 29, 1943 in Eastland to John Martin, Sr. and Rubye Clara (Slaughter) Smith. After completing school in Eastland and Olden he became a resident of the State School in Abilene. He was a member of the Olden Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors are a sister, Betty Daniels of Olden; a brother, John M. Smith, Jr. of Rhome; a nephew, Martin Daniels of Olden; three nieces, Calandra and Deborah Smith of Rhome and Crystal Wheeler of Boyd; and numerous cousins.
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Frankie Triplitt
COLEMAN- Frankie Mae Allen Triplitt died Thursday, March 13, 2003 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home in Coleman, Texas.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco directed by Stevens Funeral Home of Coleman.
She was born in Cisco, Texas on February 22, 1914 to Chess and Lily Waters Allen. She attended Cisco schools. She married A.W. (Dub) Triplitt on March 12, 1936 and he preceded her in death in 1990. They had one child, Ted Allen Triplitt. She had been a resident of Holiday Hill since April 1995, where, among other activities that she participated in, she was a member of the "Singing Grannies". She was a member of the First Christian Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dub and her son, Ted.
Survivors include two grandchildren, Cindy Triplitt Docktor and husband David of Abilene and Richard Triplitt and wife Teresa of Coleman; her daughter-in-law, Dona Triplitt of Coleman; two sisters, Mrs. Evelyn Howsley of Weatherford and Mrs. Patsy Brown of Corpus Christi, Texas; five nephews and one niece.
Memorials may be made to Coleman County Youth Center, c/o Rick Tisdale, First Coleman National Bank, P.O. Box 552, Coleman, TX 76834.
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Claudia Butler
Claudia Ann Butler, 38, died Thursday, March 13, 2003 in El Paso, Texas.
She is the daughter of Rosalie and William Johnston of Cisco.
Survived by four sisters, Roseanna Frutos of El Paso, Robin Black of Eastland, Rebecca Fields of Summittville, Ind. and Billie Jo Johnson of Beaufort, S.C.; one brother, David Johnston; one son, Shawn Siddell of Albuquerque, N.M.; one daughter, Kelly Black of Eastland; grandmother, Arline Ketring of Cisco; and Steven McBride of Denver, a lifelong friend.
A tree will be planted in her memory at the Johnston's farm.
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Don Eddleman
LACASA COMMUNITY- Don Eddleman, 67, of LaCasa Community died Thursday, March 13, 2003 at his home.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2003 at the New Hope Baptist Church, Rev. Jerry Speer and Rev. Charles West officiated. Burial was in the Mt. Zion Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Don was born on October 1, 1935 in Whitney, Texas to John Frank and Rosa Lela (Stuard) Eddleman. He grew up in Breckenridge, graduating high school there. He attended Vocational Industrial Clubs of America and received a teaching certificate through the University of Texas. Don taught school in Fort Worth Independent School District for 1 year, deciding to go to work as a welder and foreman for General Dynamics for the next 20 years. Don married Beverley Gailey on August 2, 1957 on the Gailey family farm. Don returned to LaCasa Community in 1974 after retiring from G.D. to work as a self employed welder and rancher. Later he and Beverley formed D & B Oil & Gas, and he continued to work this business until his illness. Don was a member of the Strawn Masonic Lodge #906 AF & AM for 45 years serving as Past Master. Mr. Eddleman was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church.
Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. His most joy came from spending time outdoors with his family, children and grandchildren fishing and hunting. Don was well known for his orneriness and always teasing the people he cared about most. He will be missed.
The family request memorials be made to the Hospice of the Big Country, New Hope Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.
Survivors are his wife of 45 years Beverley Eddleman of LaCasa Community; daughter, Donna Eddleman and fiance Robert Rice of Breckenridge and Eastland; a son, Barry Ray Eddleman and wife Gina of La Casa Community; a daughter, Brenda Eddleman Bradford and husband Cody of LaCasa Community; one brother, Jack Eddleman and wife Mary of Arlington; nine grandchildren, Lori Hohertz and husband Harlan of Early, Lexi, Laci and Nick Fambro of Breckenridge, Bray, Jessica and Heather Eddleman of La Casa, Chelsey and Chauncy Bradford of La Casa; a host of nieces and nephews.
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Lydia Flinn
WEATHERFORD- Lydia Faye Flinn, 69, of Weatherford passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at a Weatherford Hospital.
Services were held at 11 am Saturday, March 22, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church in Strawn with Rev. Michael Orsini officiating. Burial was in Davidson Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Mrs. Flinn was born on December 24, 1933 in Morton Valley and attended school there until they consolidated to Eastland where she graduated high school in 1951. She married Paul Flinn on June 29, 1957 in Fort Worth, Texas. She worked as a legal secretary for many years for several different places including Pipkin Oil in Eastland, Pure Oil Co. in Fort Worth, Capitol County Mutual Fire Insurance, and most recently for Boden-Hand-Westhoff Law Firm in Weatherford. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Eastland, Texas.
Survived by her husband, Paul Flinn of Weatherford; son, Martin Ray Flinn and wife Janet of Santo, Tx.; daughter Rhonda Faye Wiltse and husband Peter of Richardson, Tx.; brother, Louie Burl Houston and wife Leah of Siloam Springs Arkansas; sister, Lylia Pearl Mehaffey and husband Jerry Paul of Carbon, Tx.; grandchildren, Cody Martin and Heather Faye Flinn, and Erica Lee and Houston Paul Harvey; and several nieces and nephews.
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John Hart
EASTLAND- John L. Hart, 86, died Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at his home in Eastland.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2003, in the Bakker Funeral Chapel. Rev. Bill Hart officiated. Interment was in the Corinth Cemetery.
He was born to John S. and Bessie (Hock) Hart on October 28, 1916 in Eastland County. He grew up in Eastland County and graduated from Eastland High School and Hardin Simmons University. While at Hardin Simmons, John was Drum Major of the Cowboy Band.
He married Mary Aiken on June 17, 1940 in Abilene, Texas. A lifetime resident of the Eastland area, John was a retired independent oil broker, and officiated college football games for many years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Eastland and the Lone Cedar Country Club.
He was preceded in death by a son Bob in 2002.
Survivors are his wife, Mary Hart of Eastland; a son, Pat Hart and his wife, Betty of Olden; a daughter, Judy Hodgin and her husband Jim of Salado; two brothers, Bill Hart of Eastland and Newton Hart of Odessa; one sister, Bessie Marie Brock of Cisco; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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Charles Gliddon
GORDON- Charles M. "Buddy" Gliddon, 73, died Monday, March 17, 2003.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at First Baptist Church. Burial was in the New Gordon Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
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Oddie Dawkins
CISCO- Oddie Dawkins, 87, of Cisco, Texas died Saturday, March 22, 2003 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2003 at the Higginbotham Chapel, C.P. Floyd officiated. Burial was in the Sabanno Cemetery in Eastland County, Texas. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains was in charge of the arrangements.
She was born December 30, 1915 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Henry Newton Lawson and Lula Dabbs Lawson. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cross Plains.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Truitt; one son; one daughter; two brothers; and two sisters.
Survivors are nieces and nephews, Floyd Thate of Round Rock, Lawson Brooks of Hitchcock, Jimmie Brooks of Texas City, Diana Anderson of Sonora, Judy Lovelace of Abilene, Janey Linebarger of Ranger, Glenda Martin of Bastrop, Jackie West of Cisco and Mary Ann Stuart of Cisco; and several great nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to West Texas Rehab, Heart Association, or your favorite charity.
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Wylie Basket
OKRA COMMUNITY- Wylie Aubrey (Bucket) Basket, 62, of the Okra Community died at his home Friday, March 21, 2003.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at Dennis Cemetery near Moran with Rev. Rufus Wilson officiating.
Mr. Basket was born February 20, 1941 in Moran to Wylie Roy and Wanda Blanche (Wheat) Basket. He graduated from Cisco High School, served in the US Air Force and was a Baptist. He married Lora LaFernnier on July 9, 1979 in Anson. He worked for Walsh and Watts Oil Company.
Survivors are his wife, Lora Basket of Cisco; daughters, Barbara Basket of Las Vegas, NV, Susan Rae Beasley and husband Paul of Eastland, Jo Anna Jenkins of Waco; sons, Wylie Roy Basket II of Las Vegas, NV., Timothy Skiles of Weatherford, Bryan Allen Basket of Cisco; a sister, Helen Westbrook of Eastland; and grandchildren, Wyatt James Beasley and Lauren Riley Beasley.
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Doris Brunkenhoefer
On Sunday, March 23, 2003, Doris Annalee Brunkenhoefer, beloved wife of the late I.A. "Brunkie" Brunkenhoefer of Humble Pipeline Company died in Roseville, CA.
She lived in Cisco 1935-1957. After her husband's passing, she resided in Houston until moving to Roseville in 1999.
She is survived by her son, Irvin Brunkenhoefer of Manassas, VA; daughter, Ann Bolden of Roseville, CA; grandsons, Rob Brunkenhoefer of Shakeyville, PA, Jason Brunkenhoefer of Shipp Bottom, NJ; and the late Jeff Bolden of Roseville, CA.; granddaughters, Luanna Brunkenhoefer of Colorado Springs, CO., Debbie Garcia of Cool, CA; great-grandddaughter, Dana Piper of Katy, TX and Jamie Brunkenhoefer of Hubbard, OH; great-grandson, Brett Brunkenhoefer of Hubbard, OH.; and great-great-granddaughter, Hailey Piper of Katy, TX.; and a host of friends across the country.
Friends are invited to a graveside service on Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 2 p.m. at Cisco Cemetery. Arrangements handled by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home.
The family requests no flowers but suggests remembrances may be in the form of a donation to Alzheimer's Association of Greater Sacramento Chapter, 2222 Watt Ave., Suite D1, Sacramento, CA 95825.
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Helga Graham
STRAWN- Helga Magda Graham, 63, of Strawn, died Friday, March 21, 2003 at a Mineral Wells hospital.
Arrangements are with Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
The family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made to your local Humane Society in memory of Helga.
Helga was born on June 26, 1939 in Weisbaden, Germany. In school she was trained as a dental assistant while in Germany. She married George M. Graham and they moved to America and later to Strawn in 1990. They purchased a small store and gas station call the Strawn Corner and she operated it until her death. Helga became a United States citizen on June 22, 2000. With great love and affection Helga was known as our ÒRed headed German.Ó Helga was also known for her love of animals, so much so she could not turn her back on any four legged creature, if they were sick, hungry or homeless. She would nurse them and pay for having them spade and neutered and homes found for them.
Survivors are her son, Michael Link of Weisbaden German; her husband, George Graham of Strawn; two brothers, Hanfried and Jochen Schneider both of Weisbaden Germany; and a host of special friends.
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Bill Copeland
STRAWN- Bill Copeland, 76, died Sunday, March 23, 2003 at his home.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at the First Baptist Church, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Burial was at Mt. Marion Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Bill was born on April 3, 1926 in Winters, Texas to Shalor and Ardeth (Richards) Copeland. He graduated from Caddo High School and attended one year at Texas A&M before entering the United States Army Air Corps during WW II. Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge #906 AF and AM. He was also a member of the American Legion in Strawn, Texas. Bill was a rancher all of his life on the Copeland Ranch. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Strawn.
Survivors are two sons, Shalor Copeland II and wife Phyllis, and Will Copeland and wife Cyndie both of Strawn; grandchildren, Shalor Copeland III of Arlington, Kipi Copeland Gailey of Fort Worth, Anna, Margie and James Copeland all of Strawn; great-grandchild, Dallas Gailey of Fort Worth; very special companion, Wanda Williams of Strawn.
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Gladys Finley
Graveside services for Gladys Marie Finley, 82, of Palestine, were held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2003 at Eastland Cemetery in Eastland, Texas directed by Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home in Palestine.
Mrs. Finley died Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at Palestine Regional Medical Center.
She was born on June 4, 1920 in Boise City, Oklahoma to Walter and Bertha Mae Hanvey Huskey.
She was raised in Colorado and had lived in Palestine since 1989. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland. She was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Owen Dean Finley in October 2002; two daughters, Sandra and Karen; and 13 brothers and sisters.
Survivors are three sons, Jim Finley of Palestine, Larry Finley of Palestine, Terry Finley of Spring; three grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of one's choice.
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Irene Wende
CISCO- Irene A. Wende, 90, died Monday, March 24, 2003.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2003 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cisco, Wayne L. Hess officiated. Burial followed at the Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery, directed by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Directors.
She was born on February 4, 1913 at Crockett's Bluff, Arkansas to William and Helen (Steyer) Prange. She grew up in Arkansas and moved to Texas. Irene married Edwin "Ed" Wende on July 8, 1941 at the Cisco Country Club. She worked with her husband at the Miniature Gold Course which they owned and operated for many years. They also ran the swimming pool and skating rink for may years. Irene was a homemaker and helpmate to her husband and family in addition she did catering and helped take care of the sick. She was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran where she was active in all manner of church work.
She was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Ed; an infant child, Angela; a daughter, Danelda Gevara; and three brothers.
Survivors are two sons and daughter-in-laws, David and Diane Wende of St. Paul, Minn. and Rick and Darla Wende of Eastland; one daughter, Marcia and Jim Pippin of Fort Worth; two brothers, Ernie Prange of California and Ray Prange of Cisco; four sisters, Esther Unger and Ellen Spurling of California, Verna Pheis of Washington State and Norma Zacharias of Fort Worth; 19 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Lutherans for Life, 1120 South G Ave. Nevada, IA 50201-2774.
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Doris Walden
ANDREWS- Doris Marilyn Walden 73, of Andrews died Wednesday, March 25, 2003 at Hospice House in Odessa.
Memorial services will be held April 5, 2003 at 10 a.m. at Means Memorial Hospital Church in Andrews, TX. Services were directed by Chapa Funeral Home of Odessa, TX.
She was born April 24, 1929 to Henry and Delpha Holt in Cisco, Texas. She graduated from high school in Morenci, Arizona. She was employed by Andrews Chevrolet Car Dealership and Andrews School Federal Credit Union where she retired with 15 years of service. She was a member of the Art Guild Center. She was a member of the Means Memorial Methodist Church in Andrews, Texas.
Survivors are a son, Dennis Walden and Debbie of San Angelo; a daughter, Sandy Walden of Andrews; three brothers, James Holt of Cisco, Don Holt of Prescott, Arizona and David Holt of Temple Hill, Maryland; and a step-grandson, Joshua Reen of San Angelo, TX.
Contributions may be made to Home Hospice 903 S. Sam Houston, Texas 79761.
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Kenneth Bostick
Kenneth Mack Bostick, 66, of Eastland, died at his home Tuesday, March 25, 2003.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2003 at Corinth Baptist Church, Rev. Ron Bostick officiated, assisted by Rev. Benny Hagan. Burial was in Romney Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Bostick was born in Romney on August 6, 1936 to Ira Cecil and Mary Edith (Gregg) Bostick. He married Collette Wells on October 27, 1990 at Lake Brownwood and was a retired heavy equipment operator.
He was a faithful and dedicated member of Corinth Baptist Church where he served as a trustee, usher, greeter and supporter.
Survivors are his wife, Collette Bostick of Eastland; a son, Johnny Bostick of Florence; daughter, Karen Bostick of McGregor; stepchildren, Reggie Wells and wife, Becky of Baird, Gary Wells and wife Kathy of Odessa, Gordon Wells of Lake Brownwood; brothers, Darwin Bostick and wife Peggy of Rising Star, Robert Bostick and wife Nancy Lee of Munday, Ron Bostick and wife Suzie of Cisco, Terry Don and wife Cindy of Roosevelt, Utah; sister, Beverly Moore and husband Lindy of Munday; grandchildren, Kael, Jayme, Ashlynn Bostick; stepchildren, Mitzi, Brande, Tony, Telisa, Freedom, Sarah, Jacob and Shelly Wells; 4 great-grandchildren and a special friend: AnaLaura Olvera.
Memorials may be made to Corinth Baptist Church, CR 154, Cisco, Texas 76437.
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Elsie Donohue
Elsie Louise Donohue was born June 2, 1931 in Best, Texas, to Clay Francis and Nellie Lorene Jordan.
Elsie married John Joseph Donohue on September 18, 1980 in Odessa. She was a retired supervisor for Southwestern Bell. Elsie was a member of Holy Redeemrer Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John and her brother Rubin Jordan.
Survivors are her son, J.C. Nickens and wife Melinda of Houston; daughter, Dolores Bishop and husband Hollis of Burleson; brother, Bueford Jordan of Eastland; sister-in-law, Jeanette Jordan of Deer Park; grandchildren, Brent Stringer and wife Carey, Brandi McCortney and husband Matt, Marie Nickens and Clay Nickens; great-grandchildren, Austin Stringer, Alex Alvarado, Jacob McCortney, Emily Stringer; nieces Sherry Meynier of Deer Park and Janie McCallister of Mesquite; and special friend Barbara Rourke of Houston.
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Mary Higginbotham
RANGER- Mary Frances Higginbotham, 93, died on Sunday, March 16, 2003 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Graveside services were held Saturday, March 29, at 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery with Father Leo Bosnall officiating, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mary Frances was born on January 10, 1910 at Corsicana, Texas to Francis Andrew and Alice Agnes (Roche) Higginbotham.
She graduated from St. Rita's High School in Ranger and attended Ranger Junior College. She worked for OK Grocery in Ranger for many years and was a member of St. Rita's Catholic Church, where she was pianist and organist for many years.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Monsignor Paul J. Higginbotham and James L. Higginbotham and one sister, Agnes Alice Higginbotham Robinson.
Her survivors include various nieces and nephews.
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Lucile Smartt
CISCO- Lucile Smartt, 86, of Cisco, died Friday, March 28, 2003 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2003 at Oakwood Cemetery, Rev. Gary Turner officiated, assisted by Olin Odom.
Mrs. Smartt was born October 6, 1916 in Jayton, Texas to Dr. Floyd E. and Leila (McCary) Clark. She graduated from McMurry University. She was a teacher and homemaker. She married Thomas B. Smartt, Sr. on June 18, 1943 in San Francisco, Ca. She and Mr. Smartt managed the Sub at Cisco Junior College. He preceded her in death.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star/Cisco 461 and also a member of First United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Reda Hatten and Betty E. Odom.
Survivors are a daughter, Ida Lou Gibson and husband Bill of Houston; son, Thomas Smartt, Jr. and wife Jennifer Dillard of Cisco; sister, Faye Siddall of Freeport; nephews, Olin Odom III and wife Genie, Clark Odom and wife Coby, Lon Siddall and wife Marcie; nieces, Lynn Blanar, Pat Nance and Gail Reasonover; several other nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and a cousin, Betty Speegle.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 405 West 8th, Cisco, TX 76437.
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Ruby Dunlap
CISCO- Ruby Estelle Dunlap, 85, died Saturday, March 29, 2003.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at Calvary Baptist Church. Ronnie Shackelford officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Dunla was born on December 20, 1917 at Graham, Texas to Thornton B. and Mina Mae (Copeland) Wyatt. She graduated from Graham High School and married Jack A. Dunlap in 1937 at Knox City. They moved to Eastland County in 1953. Ruby was a homemaker, worked as a Hospital Dietician and a seamstress at Boss Glove for a number of years. She was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church in Cisco where she was active for many years. She also was a member of Cisco Senior Citizens Rhythm Band.
Ruby was preceded in death by her husband in 1975 and one grandchild and four sisters.
Survivors are four sons, Winston and Nancy Dunlap of Hermosa Beach, CA, Wendell and Theresa of Plainview, Gerald and Pam of Midland and Durward Dunlap of Pampa; three daughters, Winona Keester of Dallas, Annette and Jerry Hall of Midlothian, Sherry and Monte Meers of Abilene; one brother, Charley and Minnie Wyatt of Spur, TX; one sister, Fannie Thomas of Abilene; 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.
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Hazel Johnson
CISCO- Hazel Clydine Johnson, 90, died Sunday, March 30, 2003.
Services were held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home. Interment was in the Scranton Cemetery.
She was born February 20, 1913 at Zion Hill, Texas. She was a beloved mother, faithful Christian and long time resident of Scranton.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glover Johnson.
Survivors are four children, Jamie and Jerry Hendricks of Roswell, NM., Jimmy and Dee Dee Johnson of Clifton, Linda and Donald Lampier of Red Oak and Terry and Virginia Johnson of Putnam; grandchildren, Sherrill, Pamela, Elaine, Scott, Brad, Britt, Kim and Barry; great-grandchildren; and lots of nieces, nephews and friends.
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Roy Brown
CISCO- Roy Donald Brown, 59, of Cisco died Monday, March 31, 2003 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Mr. Brown was cremated. Arrangements by Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco.
He was born March 23, 1944 in Ranger, Texas to Lester and Marie (Ingles) Brown. He worked as an auto mechanic and was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors are sons, Damon Brown of Cisco, Calvin Brown of Gainsville, Lester Brown of Cisco; a daughter, Delia Dempsey of Dayton; brothers, Adrian Brown of Mineral Wells, Lester Brown of Kentucky, Larry Brown; sisters, Sibyl Boyd of Cisco, Oveda Anderson of Abilene, Gayle Baker of Breckenridge, Deborah West of Cisco; grandchildren, Kayla Brown, Crystal Brown, Rachael Brown, Tiffany Brown, Justin Brown, Nikki Brown; and a great grandchild, Faith Brown.
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Mark Watson
EASTLAND- Mark Wayne Watson, infant son of Stephen and Melinda Watson died Monday, March 31, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at Simpson Cemetery, Rev. Richard Watson officiated. Services under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
He was born Monday, March 31, 2003.
Survivors are his parents, Stephen and Melinda Watson of Eastland; maternal grandparents, Bobby and Elaine Eaves of Gorman; paternal grandparents, Richard and Connie Watson of Gorman; maternal great-grandparents, Carroll and Leta Hogan of Gorman, Wayne Eaves of Desdemona, and Mary Jo Shaw of Gorman; paternal great-grandmother, Leona Coan of DeLeon; as well as several aunts and uncles.
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April 2003
Rufus Morris
RICHLAND HILLS- Rufus "Ace" Morris, 78, of Richland Hills, Texas , a wonderful husband, father, and retired Army veteran died peacefully at his home April 2, 2003.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Bishop Ky White officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco.
Mr. Morris served with the 11th Armored Division in World War II winning the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart at the Battle of the Bulge. He was also a veteran of the Korean War.
Survivors are his wife of 51 years, the former Norma Whitehead of Richland Hills (formerly of Cisco); two daughters, Debra and husband Doug William of Houston and Monica and husband Shane Bradberry of Burleson; one son, Charles "Chip" of Grapevine; 4 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.
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Marien West
CISCO- Marien Elithe West, 90, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at Kendrick SW Hospital in Fort Worth.
Mrs. West was cremated.
Arrangements were made by Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco.
She was born March 8, 1913 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Ray and Anna Campbell. She was a homemaker and was preceded in death by her husband Denver Charles West.
Survivors are sons, Stanley West of Cisco, Sherman West of Amarillo, and Raymond Miller of Cotton, CA.; daughters, Shirley West and Nennia Parker of Houston; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Josephine Flores
RISING STAR- Josephine B. Flores, 54, of Rising Star, died Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Father Lawrence Cyr officiated. Burial was in the rising Star Cemetery. Higginbotham Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Rosary was held at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Chapel at Higginbotham Funeral Home with Father Fred Rodriguez officiating.
Josephine was born July 23, 1948 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to Alex and Leonor Barron. She married Joe Lucas Flores, Sr. on August 3, 1963 in Fort Lupton, Colorado. She was a homemaker and a Catholic. She has five wonderful sons and daughter-in-laws that she loved dearly. She has 14 grandchildren that she was so very proud of. She lived in Rising Star for 23 years. Before moving to Rising Star she lived 16 years in Comanche.
She was preceded in death by her brother, John Barron; two sisters, Carmen Ramirez and Janie Barron.
Survivors are her husband of 39 years, Joe Lucas Flores, Sr.; five sons, Joe Lucas Flores, Jr. and wife Abby of Giddings, Freddy Flores, Sr. and wife, Rosario of Giddings, John Flores and wife Renee of Palestine, Bobby Flores and wife Trish of Arlington, Ricky Flores and wife Wendi of Giddings; her sister, Modesta Chavez of Comanche; her three brothers, Louis Barron of Mart, Tony Barron of Comanche, and Alex Barron of Comanche; and 14 grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Joe Flores, Jr., Freddy Flores, Sr., John Flores, Bobby Flores, Ricky Flores, and Arturo Martinez.
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Bobby Emfinger
EASTLAND- Bobby Lee Emfinger, 72, of Eastland, died Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at his family farm.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2003 at Edwards Funeral Home, Rev. James Teel officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger.
He was born November 13, 1930 in Ranger to Wright and Gertie (Gregory) Emfinger. He attended Ranger and Colony schools and was a 1947 graduate of Morton Valley High School specializing in basketball. He served in the U.S. Army and after his discharge he returned to Eastland County and worked for a water well drilling company where he lost his arm. He offered to work for Banner Dairy on a free 30 day trial basis to see if he could handle the job, after 43 years incident and accident free he retired from the then Foremost Company in 1992. He then devoted more time to the things that brought him pleasure; ranching, cutting horses, farming and visiting with friends. He was the last remaining charter member of the Eastland County Sheriff's Posse. He attended the Harmony Baptist Church and he never met a stranger.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Page Emfinger.
Survivors are two sons, Greg Emfinger and wife Cathy of El Paso and Bobby Guy Emfinger and wife Dana of Eastland; one sister, Norma Gayle Winchester and husband Fielding of Cisco; grandchildren, Chance, Shama, Shane, and Carey; great-grandchildren, T.J., Rheanna, Cash, Thea, Hezekiah, Kazmira, Kiara, Hayden, Jacob and Ashtyn.
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Bruce Smith
FORT WORTH- Bruce Wayne Smith, 56, a retired banker, died Saturday, March 29, 2003, after sustaining injuries from a vehicle accident.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at Greenwood Memorial Park.
Bruce was born October 25, 1946, in Monahans to Harold J. and Lona Smith. He retired from Nations Bank after 28 years of service. Bruce was a loving, generous husband, father, son, brother and friend to all who knew him. He will be missed, but will live in our hearts forever. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold.
Survivors are his loving wife of 34 years, Vicki Smith; son, Bradley; sister, Judy Waggoner; mother, Lona Stewart; nephew, Jody Waggoner and wife, Shelly; great-nieces, Trinity and Jordon, all of Fort Worth; brother, Pete and wife, Lisa; sisters, Bonnie Lindeman, Kathy Kemp and husband, Stephen and Kris Malim and husband, Dan; nephews, Josh, Matt and Jonahtan; and nieces, Amy, Beth and Mackenzie, all of Philadelphia, Pa.; he is the nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Geo Fletcher of Eastland.
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Birdie Hogan
Birdie Ethel Hogan, 70, a retired bookkeeper and accountant, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at a Gorman nursing home.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2003, in Biggers Funeral Chapel. Burial was at 2:30 p.m. in Murray Cemetery in Carbon.
Birdie E. Hogan was born Aug. 11, 1932, in Eastland County and had lived in Tarrant County over 40 years. She operated Hogan Accounting in Lake Worth for many years before her retirement. She was a member of River Oaks Rebekah Lodge No. 467, the Daughters of America and the Spillway Volunteer Fire Department auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan G. Hogan, and a brother, Jim Phelps.
Survivors include children, Daniel Hogan, Kay Cornelison and Leon Hogan, all of Fort Worth and Elton Hogan of Weatherford; sisters, Fay Tucker of Carbon and Elnora Lindley of Desdemona; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; and Virgil Miller, special friend, from Ft. Worth.
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La Joyce Bailey
La Joyce Bailey, 64, of Abilene, died Saturday, April 5, 2003 at a local hospital.
Chapel services were held Monday, April 7, 2003 at 10 a.m. at Community Memorial Funeral Home, Dr. Phi Christopher officiated. Graveside services followed at 2 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2003 at Gorman Cemetery in Gorman, Texas.
La Joyce was born July 25, 1938 in Gorman, TX to Thomas Lesley "Doc" and Hazel Lea Wright Hamilton. She attended and graduated from Gorman High School in 1957. She was the widow of Jerry Max Bailey, whom she married in Eastland on April 25, 1958. She had been employed by Abilene State School as a switchboard operator and as a bookkeeper at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home and at the time of her death, as a medical records clerk for Ensign Corp. at Northern Oaks Nursing Center in Abilene.
La Joyce attended Cisco Junior College and graduated from the University of Wisconsin/Milwauke with a BFA in costume design with a minor in theater. She was well known in Abilene theater groups including the Abilene Reportery Theater and the Abilene Community Theater, as well as the First Baptist Church, for her great acting ability.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Alva George Lesley Hamilton.
Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Stephen Max and Virginia Bailey of Russellville, AL; one brother, J.L. Hamilton of Arlington; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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Jennie Stoutz
Jennie Lansden Robinson Stoutz, 95, died Sunday, April 6, 2003 in Houston, Texas.
A private graveside service at Memorial Oaks Cemetery will be followed by a memorial service at St. Philip Presbyterian Church 4807 San Felipe Road, on Monday, April 14, 2003 at 11 a.m. David Funeral Directors in charge of arrangements.
She was born November 17, 1907 in Springfield, Tennessee to the Rev. and Mrs. George Daniel Robison.
JenÕs eary years in the home of a country Presbyterian minister prepared her for a life of devotion to God, to the Presbyterian Church, and to her family, and to the virtues of learning, thrift, and kindness that would imprint her character all her life.
She graduated from the Ranger High School and from Texas Tech University in Lubbock and later received a Master's degree in education from the University of Houston. In 1944, she married Henry Donald Teshner. Jen taught English at Robert E. Lee High School and then, for the balance of her long career, at Lamar High School. She was left a widow in 1962, and in 1965, she married Henry Stoutz. Jen and Henry were active for many years at St. Philip Presbyterian Church. After HenryÕs death in 1977, she continued her close association with St. Philip.
She was a member of the Houston Association of Retired Teachers, the Texas Retired Teachers Association, and a member of Chapter CO of the PEO Sisterhood, an organization of major importance to her throughout her adult life. At the time of her death, she was a resident of the Hallmark retirement community. A handsome, energetic lady, Jen will be remembered by her many friends for her traits of friendliness, warmth, stylish gentility, and especially for her love of all children.
Survivors are her brother, Polk Robinson of Lubbock, TX; two stepchildren, Fancher Gotesky and Henry Stoutz, Jr., M.D.; eight Robinson nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Huston Lobingier.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Chapter CO, PEO Sisterhood, and PEO interests.
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Paul Tarver
GORMAN- Paul Allen Tarver, 51, of Gorman, died Sunday, April 6, 2003 at his home.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Durward Webb officiated. Burial was in the East End Cemetery in Lingleville.
Paul was born January 26, 1952 in Fort Worth to Sam Dodd Tarver, Jr. and Mary Louise (Allen) Tarver. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. While he was in Vietnam he received the Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Ribbon, the Army Commendation Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm and the National Defense Service Medal. He was also a fireman and a farmer.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sam Tarver on August 3, 2000.
Survivors are two daughters, Cynthia Tarver of Stephenville and Autumn Tarver of Fort Worth; step-son, Wayne Nobles of DeLeon; his mother, Mary Tarver of Gorman; a brother, Phillip Tarver of Gorman; sister, Pat Byrd of Dublin; and granddaughter, Haylee Nicole Collinsworth of Fort Worth.
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Viola Stewart
RANGER- Viola Ezell Stewart, 80, died Saturday, April 5, 2003 at a Midland hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2003 at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Ms. Stewart was born on May 21, 1922 in Breckenridge, Texas to Joshua David and Ella May (Clark) Stewart. She worked in home healthcare until her retirement. She was a Baptist. She will be remembered as the "richest poor woman".
Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Necie Ulmer of Concan; a daughter, Barbara Kelly of Midland; a son, Wylie Ulmer of Ranger; a son, Ben Ulmer of California; a brother, George David Stewart of Baird; a sister, Geraldine Clem of Stamford; an uncle, Cecil Stewart of Olden; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
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Denzle Cozart
GORMAN- Denzle Grice Cozart, 89, of Gorman, died Friday, April 4, 2003 at the DeLeon Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2003 at Alameda Cemetery in Eastland County, Durward Webb officiated. Services were directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cozart was born November 26, 1913 in Eastland County to James Grice and Ava Pilgrim Grice. She married Aaron Cozart on December 14, 1932 in Eastland County. He preceded her in death in 1995. She was a retired licensed vocational nurse and a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors are two sons, Bobby Cozart and wife Gail and Royce Cozart and wife, Kay both of Gorman; a daughter, Marjorie Swanner of Gorman; one sister, Inez Shook of Ranger; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
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Randy Miller
BRECKENRIDGE- Randy Miller, 48, of Breckenridge, died Monday, after a lengthy illness.
Services were held at 2 pm Thursday, April 10, 2003 in the New Hope Baptist Church in La Casa Community. Burial was to follow at Bullock Cemetery under at the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Randy was born on October 21, 1954 in Olney, Texas to R. L. and Nettie (Watson) Miller. He attended school in Euless. He worked as a truck driver for about 10 years until he was disabled. Randy was a Baptist.
Survivors include his parents R. L. and Nettie Miller of Ranger; children Randy Miller Jr., Gena Lyn Reese, Amanda Miller, Alicia Miller and Juanita Miller; brother Kenneth Miller of Mesquite; sisters Kathy Bromhall of Ranger and Nancy George of Tyler; 3 grandchildren; and 4 nieces and 1 nephew.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Big Country or the New Hope Baptist Church.
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Jennie Stoutz
Jennie Lansden Robison Stoutz, 95, died Sunday, April 6, 2003 in Houston, Texas.
A private graveside service at Memorial Oaks Cemetery will be followed by a memorial service at St. Philip Presbyterian Church 4807 San Felipe Road, on Monday, April 14, 2003 at 11 a.m. David Funeral Directors in charge of arrangements.
She was born November 17, 1907 in Springfield, Tennessee to the Rev. and Mrs. George Daniel Robison.
JenÕs early years in the home of a country Presbyterian minister prepared her for a life of devotion to God, to the Presbyterian Church, and to her family, and to the virtues of learning, thrift, and kindness that would imprint her character all her life.
She graduated from the Ranger High School and from Texas Tech University in Lubbock and later received a Master's degree in education from the University of Houston. In 1944, she married Henry Donald Teshner. Jen taught English at Robert E. Lee High School and then, for the balance of her long career, at Lamar High School. She was left a widow in 1962, and in 1965, she married Henry Stoutz. Jen and Henry were active for many years at St. Philip Presbyterian Church. After Henry's death in 1977, she continued her close association with St. Philip.
She was a member of the Houston Association of Retired Teachers, the Texas Retired Teachers Association, and a member of Chapter CO of the PEO Sisterhood, an organization of major importance to her throughout her adult life. At the time of her death, she was a resident of the Hallmark retirement community. A handsome, energetic lady, Jen will be remembered by her many friends for her traits of friendliness, warmth, stylish gentility, and especially for her love of all children.
Survivors are her brother, Polk Robison of Lubbock, TX; two stepchildren, Fancher Gotesky and Henry Stoutz, Jr., M.D.; eight Robison nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Huston Lobingier.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Chapter CO, PEO Sisterhood, and PEO interests.
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John Lisenbee
SEAGRAVES- John Lisenbee, 91, died April 6, 2003 at Memorial Health Care Center of Seminole, Texas.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Seagraves. Burial was in Gaines Cemetery in Seagraves, Texas directed by Mark A. Jones Funeral Directors of Seagraves.
Mr. Lisenbee was born September 27, 1911 in Rising Star, Texas. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Seagraves. He lived in Seagraves since 1939 when he moved there from the Lamesa, TX. area. He married Mary Elizabeth Lisenbee in 1929. She preceded him in death on January 2, 2001. Mr. Lisenbee worked at the Gaines County Museum in Seagravesfor many years as maintenance and janitor. Prior to that he worked for many years building cotton gins in the West Texas area.
He was preceded in death by four brothers and five sisters.
Survivors include 3 sons, Wesley and Delbert both of Seagraves and Larry of New Boston, TX.; four grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
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Vertrice Fehl
EASTLAND- Vertrice Elizabeth Fehl, 80, of Eastland, died Wednesday, April 9, 2003 at her residence.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2003 at the Eastland City Cemetery, Rev. Jeff Jackson officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Fehl was born February 4, 1923 in Hopkins County, Kentucky to Drew O. and Sula Elizabeth (Bean) Watson. She graduated from high school in Caruthersville, Missouri. She married John William Fehl on November 1, 1952 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a military wife she had lived from Germany to Georgia. At retirement they moved to Livermore, California. After civilian retirement they moved to Eastland. She was a Baptist and enjoyed gospel as well as country music. Her life revolved around spending time with her family and friends.
Mr. Fehl preceded her in death on March 6, 2003.
Survivors are a son, John Fehl and wife Jodi of Brentwood, Ca.; a granddaughter, Allison Fehl of Brentwood, Ca.; a sister, Eloise Perry of Bakersfield, Ca.; and several nieces and great-nieces.
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Clarice O'Brien
The eternal glory has dawned for our loved one Clarice O'Brien. Now is a new beginning of eternal life in our Father's Heavenly Home.
She passed away Monday, April 7, 2003.
Clarice was born on May 11, 1906 in Putnam, Texas to Martha and Moreland Surles. She married Joe Black. They had one son, Bob Black. Joe died in 1950. She married Harl O'Brien on May 2, 1952 in Abilene, Texas. Her only son, Bob Black died on October 27, 1987. Harl died in May, 1992.
She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Eastland.
Clarice is survived by her daughter-in-law, Cindy Black of Houston; three grandchildren, Stacy Black of Alberquerque, N.M., Cynthia Bigelow and husband Garrett. and David Black all of Houston, TX.; one sister, Nell Simmons of Fort Worth; and two great-grandchildren, Bryce and Amber Yarbrough of Alberquerque, N.M.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2003 at Bakker Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland.
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Adolf Stroebel
CISCO- Adolf E. Stroebel, 89, died at his home in Cisco on Saturday, April 12, 2003.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cisco, Pastor Wayne Hess officiated. Burial was in the Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
He was born on June 4, 1913 in Cisco. He married Meta Weiser on November 2, 1947. He served in the United States Air Force during World War II and was employed by Exxon for 30 years.
He was preceded in death by a daughter Linda Darlene.
Survivors are his wife, Meta Stroebel; two sons, Gary Stroebel and wife Jeanne of Augusta, Ga. and Kenneth Stroebel of San Antonio; one daughter, Sandra Owen and husband Dennis of Amarillo; and two grandchildren, Susan Stroebel and Paul Stroebel of Augusta, Ga.; a brother, Clarence Stroebel of Rising Star.
Serving as pallbearers were Mike Stroebel, Carl Stroebel, Jr., Loren Stroebel, Ronnie Weiser, Robert Dunning and Bill Hammer.
Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church 1709 Conrad Hilton, Cisco, TX 76437.
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Charles Graham
CISCO- Charles William Graham of Cisco died Sunday, April 12, 2003 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Though his family and friends will mourn his passing, they will be comforted by the knowledge that he will be rejoicing with the Lord.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Harry Grantz officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Charles was born on a farm near Albany, Texas on November 13, 1908 to Charles and Willa Graham. He attended McMurry College and graduated in 1929 with a degree business. He married Helen Burns on November 8, 1934. He worked for the Ford Dealer in Abilene for 14 years before becoming the Ford Dealer in Cisco for 31 years. After selling the dealership in 1976 he became the credit manager for S & M Supply for the next 26 years.
Charles was a 58 year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cisco where he served in many capacities. He was a former Boy Scout Troop Leader, a manager of the Cisco Presbyterian Church Camp for two years and the Cisco Country Club two years. He also held leadership roles in the Cisco Rotary Club and the Cisco School Board.
Helen, his wife of sixty-six years preceded him in death.
Survivors are his daughter, Judy Brock of Cisco; a grandson, Braden Brock and great-grandson, Brennon Brock both of Abilene; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Foundation or the Cisco Cemetery Association.
Pallbearers were Braden Brock, Gail Hogan, Herman Eaker, Sandy Boyett, Mackey Morgan and Rodney Callaway.
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Mary Eison
BRIDGEPORT, TX.- Mary Evelyn Laminack Eison, 66, of Runaway Bay, Texas, died Saturday, April 5, 2003 in Bridgeport, Texas.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. Dr. Charles Holland officiated. Burial was at Eternal Oaks Cemetery in Runaway Bay. Hawkins Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Mary was born May 27, 1936 in Gorman, Texas. She had resided in Runaway Bay community for 34 years. She was the retired Vice-President of Taylor Exploration and former municipal judge for Runaway Bay. She married Jack Eison on March 12, 1955 in Gorman. They were united 48 years. until her passing. Mary was a member of the Runaway Bay Community Church where she was active in the church choir. She was a member of the Bridgeport Civic Club, Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was a former member of the Eternal Oaks Cemetery Board and former regional director of the Desk-n-Derrick Club.
Survivors are her husband of 48 years, Jack Eison of Runaway Bay; a daughter, Lori Eison Dodd and husband Robbie of Gorman; a son, Ronnie Eison and wife Ann of Decatur; 8 grandchildren; a sister, Glenda Burger of Eastland; brothers, Don Laminack of Gorman and Vance Laminack of Keller; several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Richard Hartman, Ronnie Powell, Bill Henze, Rollins Bilby, Gordon Taylor, Leon Farmer.
Honorary pallbearers were: Charles Todd, Vernon Slocomb, Jim Morgan, James Henry, Clay Dent, Barbara Blake, Tom Shotwell, Walt Warner.
Memorials may be made to The Eternal Oaks Cemetery, 101 Runaway Bay Drive, Runaway Bay, TX 76426.
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Josie Savage
MINGUS- Josie Savage, 63, of Mingus, died Thursday, April 10, 2003 at her home.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2003 at the Brad Cemetery, Rev. Michael Orsini officiated. Burial followed, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Josie was born on July 25, 1939 in Graham, Texas to Sherman and Ruth (Odom) Griffin. She grew up in Graham and attended school there. She was a homemaker, and also she worked for the Mingus Quick Stop and First National Bank Santo-Mingus Branch as well as cleaning houses for many people in different towns in the area, also restaurants and businesses. She was a Methodist.
Survivors are her children, Jo Nelle Hight of Palo Pinto, TX.; Katie May Faubion and husband Perry of Palo Pinto, TX., Junior Savage and wife Sherri of Garner, TX, Frances Savage of Turpin, OK., Jody Miller and husband Danny of Strawn, TX, Laura Savage of Mingus; grandchildren, Amanda, Amy and Samantha Faubion of Palo Pinto, TX, Kerra Savage of Garner, TX, Pammie and Jessica Savage of Turpin, OK, James Nick Miller of Strawn and Tesia Savage of Mingus; numerous nieces and nephews.
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J. A. Greenwood
EASTLAND- J.A. "Rusty" Greenwood died Saturday, April 12, 2003 at Austin, Texas.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 18, 2003, in the Eastland Cemetery, under the direction of Bakker Funeral Home.
He was born to Thomas J. and Dorothy Anna Marie (Fickel) Greenwood on March 26, 1923 at Carbon, Texas. He grew up and went to school at Carbon and served in the U.S. Navy in WW II. He lived in Arkansas many years where he was a heavy equipment operator employed by the Arkansas Highway Department. He moved to Eastland in 1986.
He was preceded in death by six sisters and two brothers.
Survivors are two sons, James W. "Pete" Greenwood of Shreveport, LA and Alan Dirk Greenwood of Kempner, TX; and one sister, Mozelle "Bonnie" Johnson of Brownwood; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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Mary Pruet
BAY CITY- Mary Fay Beskow Pruet died April 12, 2003 in Bay City, Texas.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at Elmwood Memorial Park, Rev. Rosemary P. Thomas officiated, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
She was born September 22, 1922 in Eastland, Texas. She had been a resident of Abilene for approximately 50 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Royce W. Pruet, M.D., in 1995.
She graduated from Eastland High School, and from North Texas State College in Denton, Texas with a degree in home economics. She married Royce W. Pruet in 1943.
She was a loving wife and a good mother. She is finally at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Survivors are two children, daughter Cynthia Tobola, and son-in-law, Logic Tobola of El Campo, and a son, Jon Pruet, and daughter-in-law, Virginia Pruet of Katy, TX; and four grandchildren, Tyler Shields, Benjamin Shields, Melissa Pruet, and Jeffrey Pruet; a brother, Charles Beskow of Eastland; and a sister, Frances Johnson of Eastland.
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Odessa Hutto
EASTLAND- Odessa Crowley Hutto, 89, of Eastland, died April 11, 2003 in Eastland.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 14, 2003 at the Eastland City Cemetery, Tommy Coldwell officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hutto was born December 19, 1913 in Post, TX. She was one of 8 children born to O.B. and LuElla Crowley. She married Charles Marvin Hutton in Post and while living there a son, Charles Marvin Hutto, Jr. was born. After living in Abilene for a short time the family moved to Olden, TX. Where they lived until her husband's death in 1988. She then moved to Eastland to be closer to family.
Mrs. Hutto was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who was always appreciated for her hard work and caring attitude. She loved cooking, gardening and visiting with family and friends. She had been a member of both Olden Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Eastland. After 27 years working for Munsingwear in Eastland, she retired to spend more time with family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her son, 4 sisters and 2 brothers.
Survivors include a brother, Grady Crowley of Hemet, California; a sister, Billie Sumner of Tempe, AZ; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Irene Harrison
GORMAN- Irene Pearl Harrison, 74, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at her residence in Gorman.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 18, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Bill Campbell officiated. Burial was in the Gorman Cemetery.
Irene was born January 6, 1929 in Desdemona, Texas to Robert Buckley and Susie (Caudle) Buckley. She was a homemaker and member of the Baptist church.
Survivors are her husband, Jack Harrison of Gorman; a daughter, Patricia Phillips and husband Jimmy of Texarkana, TX; a son, Jackie Harrison and wife Cheryl of Fort Worth; two sisters, Corinne Walden of Clyde and Nelda Towery of Princeton, KY; two grandsons, Jimmy Phillips of Texarkana and Billy Jack Phillips and wife Nik-E of Texarkana; two granddaughters, Carissa Sierra and husband Chris of Carrollton and Amanda Harrison and special friend Mark of Fort Worth. She was eagerly awaiting the birth of her first great-grandchild.
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Myrtle Evatt
EASTLAND- Myrtle H. Evatt, 87, of Eastland, died Sunday, April 20, 2003 in Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center in Abilene, where she had lived for the past seven years.
Services were held at 2 P.M. Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jim Wright officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Evatt was born on June 20, 1915 in Hamlin to Clyde and Mary Etta Benham, where she attended school. She married James H. Evatt on June 25, 1936 in Hamlin. She was a homemaker and after Mr. Evatt's death on August 14, 1988, she worked for many years at Eastland Drug. She was a longtime member of the First Christian Church. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Stanley Benham.
Survivors include two sons, Dickie Evatt and his wife Annette (Sherman) of Abilene and Clyde Evatt and his wife Anne (Pittman) of Clyde; three sisters, Vera Proffitt of California, Vada Mae Lisenbee of Aspermont and Marie Maddox of Weather-ford; three brothers, Ellis Benham of Bridgeport, Gailord Benham of Weatherford and Kenneth Benham of Bulverde; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center, 6050 Hospital Drive, Abilene, Texas 79606.
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Lou Kelly
EASTLAND- Lou Kim Kelly, 96, of Eastland died Monday, April 21, 2003 at Eastland.
Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, Milton Underwood officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Kelly was born on March 19, 1907 in Thurber to William and Mabel (Wyatt) Cowan. She attended school in Thurber. She married Lester Kim and after he passed away she then married C.M. Kelly and he preceded her in death. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eastland and a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by three sons, Royce, Stacy and Noel Kim and a sister, Jimmie Caro.
Survivors are a daughter, Pat Albus and husband Sam of Eastland; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
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Varina Burns
EASTLAND- Varina Burns, 83, of Eastland, formerly of Dyersburg, TN., died Saturday, April 19, 2003 at Dyersburg Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at Chapel of Curry Funeral Home. Burial was in Hurricane Hill Cemetery. J.W. Curry and Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
She was retired from Russell-Newman Co. She was a Methodist.
She was preceded in death by two husbands, Daniel Wooley and John Burns; a daughter, Fannie Smith; and a son, Baby Wooley.
Survivors are four sons, Gerald Wooley of Eastland, TX., Danny Wooley of Gladewater, TX, Timmy Wooley of Burleson, TX. and Bobby Wooley of Lewisville, TX; a brother, Jerry Tickle of Nashville, TN.; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were: George Wooley, Brian Wooley, Mike Smith and Paul Franks.
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Clifford Lindley
DUNCANVILLE- Clifford Lee Lindley of Duncanville died Saturday, April 19, 2003.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at Jaynes Memorial Chapel in Duncanville. Also on Wednesday, April 23, 2003, another service was held at 10 AM at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland.
He was born May 25, 1952 in Ranger, Texas. An avid fisherman and hunter, he retired from Industrial Catering.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Edwin Eugene and Martin Britt Lindley.
Survivors are his fiance, Tara Miles; his children, Jason Lee Lindley, Brandi Denae Kubicek and Joshua Ryan Lindley; granddaughter, Kelbi Kubicek; parents, Charles Nathan and Fannie Lindley; brothers; Charles Nathan (Chuck) Lindley, Jr., David Allen Lindley and Billy Ray Lindley; sister, Evelyn Delores Weeks; and many nieces and nephews.
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Anna Shaffer
RANGER- Anna D. Shaffer, 87, died Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at an El Paso hospital.
Rosary was at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2003. Funeral Mass was Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 11 a.m. at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Ranger, Father Leo Bosnall officiated. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery.
Mrs. Shaffer was born on May 16, 1915 in Lyra, Texas to George and Mary (Manick) Sadver. She attended school at Strawn. She married Cecil L. Shaffer in 1935, he preceded her in death in 1990. She was a faithful and active member of St. RitaÕs Catholic Church where she was a past Altar Society President. She was a homemaker and well known for her excellent cooking and baking abilities.
She was preceded in death by her husband; and a son, Dr. Walton Louaine Shaffer.
Survivors are a daughter, Patricia L. Trussell of El Paso, a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Bill Schaab of St. Louis, MO., a daughter-in-law, Paula Shaffer of Metairie, LA; a sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Lewis Janosek of Austin; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Martha Thomason
STRAWN- Martha Jane Thomason, 81, homemaker, devoted wife and cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at her home.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2003 at First Baptist Church, Rev. Michael Orsini officiated. Burial followed in Mt. Marion Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
Martha was born on September 29, 1921 in Strawn, Texas to Sam Henry and Jonnie R. (Looney) Hoffman. She lived in Strawn all of her life and graduated from Strawn High School. She married Gordon S. Thomason on November 29, 1941 in Strawn. During the years that she was blessed with good health, she loved the time with her husband, daughters, and grandchildren. She was an avid gardener, loved plants and crafts. She is gone but will never be forgotten. Her life lives on through her husband, daughters, grandchildren and other lives she touched. She will be greatly missed but is now at peace with the Lord.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Ethel Mae Roberson and a brother, Robert (Bob) Hoffman.
Survivors are her husband of 61 years, Gordon S. Thomason of Strawn; daughters, Shelby J. Cummins and husband Ralph of Athens, TX, and Donna G. Navarrette and husband Pete of San Antonio; sister, Thelma Bell of Baton Rouge, LA; grandchildren, Sam Lord and wife Anita of Piqua, Ohio, Tammy Dosser and husband Roy of Athens, TX, Candace Navarrette of San Antonio; numerous nieces and nephews.
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Margaret Lane
CISCO- Margaret Alene Lane, 79, of Cisco, died Thursday, April 24, 2003 at Heritage Manor in Gorman.
Services were held at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2003, Rev. Buddy Sipe officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
She was born September 20, 1923 in Carbon, Texas to Elbert and Mary (Rhyne) Jackson. She was married to Leak Lane on January 14, 1943 in Carbon. He preceded her in death on February 27, 1983. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Cisco, Past Worthy Matron Cisco Chapter 461 Order of Eastern Star, Past Officer in Cisco AARP, and a member of Cisco Quilting Club. She was a former employee of Russell Newman, Inc. and Boss Manufacturing.
Survivors are a daughter, Sandra Midkiff and husband Bill of Mineral Wells; cousins and a host of friends. Special friends are Genie Odom and Stan McCracken.
Pallbearers were Preston Midkiff, Olin Odom, Jimmy Yowell, Butch Willingham, Nickey Lopez, and Jim Jeffcoat.
Honorary pallbearers were Stan McCracken, Colby Midkiff and Jason Midkiff.
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Irma Grenwelge
CISCO- Irma Anna Grenwelge, 93, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at Granbury.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2003 at Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home Chapel. Howard Stovall officiated. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Directors.
Mrs. Grenwelge was born on September 1, 1909 at San Antonio, TX. to Fritz and Mathilda (Tessman) Tonne.
She was a lifelong resident of Eastland County and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. She was a homemaker.
She married Erwin Grenwelge on December 20, 1929, he preceded her in death in 1963.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.
Survivors are one daughter, Mildred Pharr of Cisco; six grandchildren, Linda Moss of Winnsboro, TX., Darwin Pharr of Cisco, Judy Dudley of Granbury, Weldon Pharr of Rising Star, Jeanene Montgomery of Panhandle, TX. and Robert Pharr of Cisco; nine great-grandchildren, Camile Pharr, Amanda Sinclair, Jonathon Moss, Caleb Pharr, Matthew Dudley, Kevin Dudley, Rebecca Sinclair, Jason Sinclair and Kayla Montgomery; one great-great-grandchild, Hayden Gunner Pharr.
Pallbearers were John Gerhardt, Robert Dunning, Carl Stroebel, Jr., Tom Mills, Victor Plambeck and Ted McCulloch.
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William Murphree
RISING STAR- William Elton Murphree, 87, of Rising Star, Texas, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in May, Texas, Dennis Hester officiated and Joseph King assisted. Burial was in the Blake Cemetery in Rising Star, Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Murphree was born on November 12, 1915 in Sipe Springs, Texas to Thomas W. and Elizabeth (Wagnon) Murphree. He married Maybelle Pierson on September 20, 1949 in Grapevine, Texas. He grew up in Comanche and Brown Counties and attended school at Walnut, May, and Sipe Springs. He farmed and ranched all his life.
He was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.
Survivors are his wife, Maybelle of Rising Star; four sons and their wives, Doc and Janet of Sidney, Charles and Barbara of Rising Star, Bill and Teri of May, Ted and Sherri of Rising Star; ten grandchildren, Becky Murphree, Scott Murphree, Josh Murphree, Kinsey Murphree, Meredith Mur-phree, Conner Murphree, Chelsea Murphree, Emily Murphree, Stacey Murphree and Melanie Murphree.
Memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity.
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Marjorie Young
EASTLAND- Marjorie Murphy Young, 79, of Eastland, died Friday, April 25, 2003 at her home.
Services were held Monday, April 28, 2003 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Mrs. Young was born June 10, 1923 in Eastland, Texas. She was a lifetime resident of Eastland and a member of the First Baptist Church, where she had been church secretary, Sunday school teacher and organist. She was a graduate of Eastland High School and attended Baylor University and graduated from North Texas State University. She taught elementary school in Eastland for 23 years.
Mrs. Young married James W. Young in October of 1946. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles M. Murphy and Marjorie Esther Murphy, her husband James W. Young and by her grandson, Briam Philip Smith.
Survivors are two daughters, Dixie Stewart of Eastland and Dianne Ritter and her husband Don of Beaumont; five grandchildren, Marjorie Mayfield and husband Damon of Hico, Anna Denton of Stephenville, Lynn Stewart of Ft. Meade, Md., and Jenna and Betsy Smith of Beaumont; and by two great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 405 S. Seaman St., Eastland, TX 76448.
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Ted Barton
MIDLAND- Ted Barton, 93, of Midland, died Sunday, April 27, 2003 at Midland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Buck Landingham officiated. Burial was in the Sipe Springs Cemetery in Comanche Co. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of arrangements.
Ted was born June 21, 1909 in Sipe Springs to Sam Barton and Annie (Rye) Barton. He married Iola Jones in June 13, 1998 in Sipe Springs. He was a farmer. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and a member of the Woodmen of the World for 50 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Iola Barton; his parents; two brothers; three sisters; one daughter-in-law; and a great-grandchild.
Survivors are his five sons, Jones E. Barton of Dublin, George F. Barton of Midland, Lewis Barton of Knickerbocker, Howard Barton of Archer City, Perry Mark Barton of Vernon; a daughter, Mary Ann Struthwolf of Lake Jackson; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
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Hugh Massey, Jr.
ABILENE- Hugh L. Massey, Jr., 82, died Saturday, April 26, 2003 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2003 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, Dr. Tim Temple officiated. Burial was in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Mr. Massey was born to Minnie (Erwin) and Hugh L. Massey, Sr. in Kamay, Texas in Wichita County. He was a B-24 pilot with the 15th Air Force of the United States during World War II, and flew a C-47 in Korea, completing 75 millions. Following military service, Hugh was employed by Halliburton Co. working in Abilene (1955-68), Palestine, and Gainesville, returning to Abilene in 1973. He retired as district manager after a 38-year career. He was a member of Abilene Bible Church in Abilene.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alice Massey; and his son, Lynn Massey.
Survivors are his siblings, Mary Shannon of Eastland, Pat Massey of Del Rio, Kenneth Massey of Hastings, OK. and Nelda Christopher of Fort Worth; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
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Johnnie Bethany
BROWNWOOD- Johnnie Hugh (Jay, Hank) Bethany, 71, grandpop, teacher, photographer, newspaper editor, Scoutmaster, died Sunday, April 27, 2003 at home.
Services will be Thursday, May 1, 2003 at 11 a.m. at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger with Rev. Claus Rohlfs officiating. Burial will follow at Murray Cemetery in Carbon directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m.
Jay was born July 19, 1931 in Carbon, Texas and lived in Fort Worth and Ranger most of his life. He served in the Navy from 1949-52 on the aircraft carrier USS Palau. Following his tour in the Navy, he worked as a telegraph agent with the railroad, theatre manager, technical illustrator for General Dynamics, newspaper editor for Ranger Times, owner/editor/publisher of the Ranger Star, and media specialist, photography and art teacher for Ranger Jr. College. He hiked Philmont Scout Ranch as the Scoutmaster with Troop 10 in Ranger and soloed the Appalachian trail at age 60. He loved scouting, hiking, writing, photography, painting, and a hot cup of coffee while sitting around a campfire.
Jay loved his family and friends and said recently, "I love all of you- something I have had difficulty saying over the years, but it has always been true- "He also noted, "The inevitable is just that, and when it is time, nothing will stand in the way... Jay's character and integrity will be missed by those who have been touched by his kindness and wit.
He was preceded in death by his father, J.C. Bethany in 1946, mother Ocie Bethany in 1976, brother V.E. (Pete) Bethany in 1977 and brother J.E. (Jack) in 1994 and father-in-law D.E. (Red) Stewart in 1993.
Survivors are his wife, Geneva; daughter, Melody of Arlington; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Cindy and daughters Ronni and Erin of Arlington; mother-in-law, Hallie Stewart of Rising Star; stepsons, Bobby Linney and daughter Jennifer of Brownwood and Tommy and Vicky Linney and sons Joey, Josh and Jacob of Grandview and daughter Sharee; and four great-grandchildren.
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L. A. Luttrell
L.A. Luttrell, 88, of Abilene, died Thursday, April 24, 2003 at a local nursing care center.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2003 at Trent Cemetery, Rev. H.G. Bernard officiated, under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral Home.
Mr. Luttrell was born in Bosque County, Texas on November 28, 1914, to the late Luther Anderson and Susie Savanagh (Honea) Luttrell. He was preceded in death in 1997 by his first wife, Mary Alice (Washburn) Luttrell whom he married in Trent in 1936.
They moved to Abilene in 1960 from Albany and was a member of Elmdale Baptist Church. He was a self-employed heavy equipment operator before retiring.
Besides his parents and his wife, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Bonnie Susan Luttrell.
Survivors are his wife, Marie (Smith) Luttrell of Abilene; three sons, Harry Luttrell and wife, Mary of Abilene, Louis Duaine Luttrell and wife, Margie of Wilmer, AL and Thomas Bruce Luttrell of San Antonio; one brother, Van Lee Luttrell of Wilmer, AL; three sisters, Nora Green of Cisco, Leona Gary of Coleman and Goldie Starr of Cisco; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
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May 2003
A. L. Penuel
ARLINGTON- A.L. 'Pen' Penuel, 81, of Arlington died Sunday, May 4, 2003 at an Arlington hospital.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2003 at New Gordon Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Mr. Penuel was born on July 28, 1921 in Grayston County, Texas to Albert and Cynthia (Roy) Penuel. During the depression he worked for Civilian Conservation Corp and entered the National Guard which was activated when World War II started. Pen served during World War II in the Air Force and also served one year in Korea. He was a 30 year retired U.S. Veteran. He married Virginia Evans on March 31, 1971 in Dallas, Texas and they made their home in Arlington where Pen worked as a mail carrier for 19 years at the U.S. Postal Service in Arlington. He was also a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Union.
Survivors are his wife, Virginia Penuel of Arlington; a son, Alan Penuel of Azle, TX; three daughters, Laura Diane Penuel of Fort Worth, TX, Dana Powell of North Richland Hills, TX, and Judy Chaney of Wylie, TX; one brother, T.A. Penuel of Del City, OK.; 10 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren; one nephew; two nieces; and several great-nieces and nephews.
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Duane Bazil
CISCO- Duane W. 'Dutch' Bazil, 82, died Wednesday, May 7, 2003 at his daughter's home in Cisco.
Viewing will be at Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home. The body will be cremated, and a Memorial Service will be held Monday, May 12, 2003, at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Cisco. Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Bazil was Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Cisco since 1991. He was born February 20, 1921, to Frank and Ruth James Bazil in Lebo, Kansas, where he grew up. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps on December 8, 1941, the day the United States declared war on Japan, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7th. He trained at several bases, including Kelly Field in San Antonio. He later became a rear gunner on a B-17 in the 500th squadron of the 317th bomber group and was based in England, part of the time at Burton Wood Base.
After the war 'Dutch' moved to Emporia, Kansas after leaving Kelly Field, Texas. There he attended Emporia State Teachers college, received a teaching degree and then attended College of Emporia, a Presbyterian College and pastored a small church in Madison, Kansas, before moving to Miles, Iowa, then to Oklahoma, where Dutch worked in Mental Health as a Pastoral Counselor in the Oklahoma Prison System, as well as in Maine. He taught vocational courses in Wichita, Kansas and owned an Automotive Restorative business in Corpus Christi, Texas.
In Cisco, Dutch wrote a weekly column for the Cisco Press for a few years. He was Chaplain of the VFW #10782 and was a member of the Cisco Lions Club. He also served on several committees of the Palo Duro Presbytery.
Survivors are his brother, Max Bazil, Wichita, Kansas; his daughter, Kathryn Adkins of Cisco; his sons, Kurt Bazil, Akron, Ohio; Kim Bazil, Palatine, Illinois, and Major Jamie Bazil of The Presidio, Monterey, Ca.; ten grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; and a very special friend and comrade in arms, Kathleen Westfall, Cisco.
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Spoonts Cearley
BACLIFF- Spoonts Elisha Cearley, 87, of Bacliff, Texas, died Sunday, May 4, 2003 at the Christus St. John Hospital in Nassau Bay, Texas.
A celebration of Spoont's life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Cisco, on Saturday, May 17, 2003 at 2 p.m. The Reverend Robert Cearley is officiating. James Crowder Funeral Home of Dickinson, Texas was in charge of the arrangements.
Spoonts was born to Jasper Lee and Ida Spoonts Cearley on July 1, 1915 in Anson, Texas. He was a minister of the Baptist faith serving many folks through the years. He is also a Mason. While living in Chicago he was bi-vocational working as a juvenile parole officer and full time pastor in several churches in the Chicago area. He was a graduate of Decatur College, Decatur, TX; Howard Payne University, Brownwood, TX; and Southwestern Seminary, Dallas, TX.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jasper Lee Cearley, mother, Ida Spoonts Cearley; son, Bee Jay Cearley; and two brothers, William Wray Cearley and Jasper Lewis Cearley.
Survivors include his loving wife, Julie; a daughter, Shirley Sue Weidner and husband John of Brown- wood; a son, Jack E. Cearley and wife Barbara of New Ulm, TX; three sisters, Vivian Louise Cearley-Abbott of Deer Park, TX, Maxine Cearley-Smith of Connor, Montana, and Marjorie Newberry and husband James of Belton; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren.
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Ruby Hoover
COLEMAN- Ruby Hoover, 81, of Coleman, died Monday, May 12, 2003 at Coleman County Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at the Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. George Frasier officiated. Burial followed in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, directed by Stevens Funeral Home.
Ruby was born December 16, 1921 in Cisco, a daughter of Roy Horn and Mamie Rains Horn. She grew up in Cisco, graduated from Cisco High School and attended Cisco Junior College. She worked as a telegraph operator for Western Union in Brownwood when she married Rev. Daniel C. Hoover on February 29, 1944 in Cisco. She moved to Bethany, Oklahoma in 1946, Illinois Bend, Texas in 1949 and moved to Graham, Texas in 1952, where Rev. Hoover was a minister. They moved to Shamrock, Texas in 1960. While in Shamrock, Mrs. Hoover worked part time for Brannon Frame Shop, making picture frames. They moved to Coleman in 1970. She was the former co-owner of Home Video Outlet in Coleman. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene.
She was preceded in death by one brother, R.V. Horn and one great-granddaughter, Samantha Jo Cupps.
Survivors include her husband, Rev. Daniel C. Hoover of Coleman; one son and daughter-in-law, Roy Dan and Becky Hoover of Coleman; two daughters and sons-in-law, Beatrice and Mark Phillips and Jeanne and Randy French, all of Coleman; one sister, Myrtle Lee Horn of Coleman; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Horn of Fort Worth; six grandchildren, Kimberley Cupps of Santa Anna, Lisa West of Brookshier, TX, Brandon Hoover of Michigan, Matthew French of Arlington, and Johnnie and Connie French of Coleman; four great-grandchildren, Ranee Cupps and David Cupps of Santa Anna, Nicholas West and Logan West of Brookshier, TX; and several cousins.
Memorials may be made to The Gideons International c/o Ral Dees, Memorial Chairman, 3301 CR 240, Talpa, TX 76822.
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Laura Jean Crawford
ABILENE- Laura Jean Crawford, 84, died Friday, May 9, 2003 at an Abilene medical center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 11, 2003 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Rev. Rick Doyle and Joe Crawford officiated. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2003 at Eastland City Cemetery, Eastland, Texas.
Mrs. Crawford was born to Lloyd and Olive (Ford) Adams on November 11, 1918 in Dewey, Oklahoma, and graduated from Olden High School. She married N.B. Crawford in Palo Pinto, Texas, and moved to Abilene 17 years ago. She was a homemaker and a member of Elmwood West United Methodist Church in Abilene.
She was preceded in death by her husband, N.B. Crawford; her parents, and a brother, Lloyd Glen Adams.
Survivors are two sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Marietta Crawford of Abilene, and Joe and Lillian Crawford of Silsbee, TX; a daughter and son-in-law, Glenda and Jay Dover of Abilene; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Pallbearers were Mike Crawford, Steve Dover, Kyle Dover, Bill Dover, and Cris Bernal.
Memorials may be made to Elmwood West United Methodist Church 1302 So. Pioneer Dr., Abilene, TX 79605, or Hendrick Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1922, Abilene, TX 79604.
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Jessie Phillips, Jr.
CISCO- Jessie Z. 'John' Phillips, Jr., 83, died Thursday, May 8, 2003.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2003 at Carbon Christ Center. Jimmy Maples and Chris Justice officiated. Interment was in the Murray Cemetery in Carbon, Texas. Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Jessie was born on April 8, 1920 at Gorman to Jessie and Mary (Burns) Phillips. He grew up in Gorman and attended school. He married Neoma Ables on August 29, 1938 at Putnam. He served in the Navy during WW II. He worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator, moving his family to California in 1950. After retiring he and his wife moved back to Cisco in 1990, where they have resided since.
He was preceded in death by a brother.
Survivors are his wife of 64 years, Neoma of Cisco; two sons, Bill and wife Deanna of Eastland and Johnnie and wife, LaDonna of Calif; three grandchildren, Gene Phillips, Bobby Phillips and Wendy Sullivan; and three great-grandchildren, Justin, Kelsey and Codey; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers were Bobby Phillips, Burl Petree, Johnnie Phillips, Truett Spruill, Clyde Hamilton, and Bill Phillips.
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Laura Marshall
CISCO- Laura Belle Marshall, of Cisco died Monday, May 12, 2003 at Eastland Healthcare Center.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2003 at Calvary Baptist Church in Cisco, Rev. Danny Martin officiated, assisted by Rev. Ron Bostick and Wayne Webb. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Marshall was born September 17, 1915 in Richland Springs, Texas to Burl Jackson and Tempie Cleveland (Lane) Myers. She had been a member of Calvary Baptist Church since May 1, 1957.
Her husband, Lonnie Paul Marshall, whom she married on December 21, 1946 in Brady, preceded her in death.
Survivors are five children and spouses, Larry and Paula Marshall of Rowlett, Tempye and Thad Carey of Abilene, Kathy and Gary Harris of Cisco, Pollye and C.L. 'Curly' Campbell of McQueeney, Helen and Richard Hargus of San Antonio; grandchildren, Christi Lasater and husband Tony, Sherry McKenzie and husband Matt, Lucinda Harris and Bobby Harris; a great-granddaughter, Macy Lasater; a sister, Louvernia Foster of Garland; and a brother, J.D. Myers of San Angelo.
Pallbearers were Wayne Webb, Jack Lindsey, Mike Bacon, Tom Mills, Paul Sneed, Joe Thames, and James Laird.
A special thank you to her two caregivers, Mae Green and Janice Maston; Eastland Healthcare Center staff; and Dr. DeLuca.
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Dorothy Nash
ASPERMONT- Dorothy Nash, 79, died Monday, May 12, 2003 at a local hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at the Rule Cemetery. Brian Burgess officiated. Burial followed, directed by McCoy Funeral Home of Aspermont.
Mrs. Nash was born in Bosque County, Texas. She moved to Aspermont in 1948. She was a rancher and a member of Raisers Association and the American Quarterhorse Association.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jeff Bryan Nash on July 11, 1981; one grandson, Chip Brazee on February 7, 2003; one sister, Norma Lou Florence; and one brother, Buford Green.
Survivors are her son, Lloyd Hatfield of Aspermont; a daughter, Lou Brazee of Aspermont; a brother, Alfred Green of Cisco; sisters, Margie Fannin of Rule and Jean Hammer of Bowie; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.
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Mildred Vaughn
EASTLAND- Mildred W. Vaughn, 74, of Eastland, died Tuesday, May 13, 2003 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2003 at the Eastland City Cemetery, Rev. Al Martin officiated.
Mrs. Vaughn was born May 18, 1928 in Brown County to Harvey J. and Lilly M. (Hall) Bynum. She graduaed from Brownwood High School and the Daniel Baker Business School. She married Leonard Lewis Vaughn on December 27, 1977 in Breckenridge. She was a retired self-employed bookkeeper and a member of the Episcopal Church.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Warren Bynum.
Survivors include her husband, Leonard Vaughn of Eastland; two daughters, Elizabeth Bennett and Cheryl Livengood, both of Abilene; two sons, Daniel Vaughn and wife Jerri of Grham and Russell Alexander Vaughn of Euless; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Perchard of Saginaw, Joshua Vaughn of Dallas, Melissa Higbee and Vern of Reading, Michigan, Jennifer Livengood of Abilene, Matthew Vaughn of Lubbock, Jessica Vaughn of Graham, and Amanda Livengood of Abilene; two great-grandchildren; two nephews; and one aunt.
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Jimmy Cotton
LONGVIEW- Jimmy Haskell Cotton, 35, of Longview, Texas died Tuesday, May 13, 2003 in Travis County, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Dick Williams officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery. Higginbotham Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jimmy was born November 15, 1967 in San Antonio, Texas to Jimmy Wayne Cotton and Lorene Odlozelik Cotton. He married Erin Nicole Pennington on October 24, 2002 in Longview, Texas. He was a loving husband and father of two daughters who he loved dearly. He worked for Epic Communication Company. He was a Field Supervisor over the building of communication towers.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; and two nephews.
Survivors are his wife, Eric Cotton of Longview; two daughters, Kendra LeAnn and Ashley Paige Cotton both of Wetumka, OK; two sisters, Cindy Johnson of Rising Star and Lisa Joyce of Gholson, TX; nine nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Leon Taylor, Robert Lankford, Clayton Johnson, Dwight Pennington, Jeremy Ruiz, Justin Ruiz, Joel Ruiz, George Preciado, Robert Holladay, Allen Clark, John Perciado, and Ben Martinez.
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E. J. Pryor
MIDLAND- E.J. Pryor died Friday, May 9, 2003 at his Midland residence.
E.J. was born in Hillsboro, Texas on December 22, 1919, and was raised in Eastland. He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II in France and other parts of Europe. After the war, he returned to Texas where he met and married Helen Brawner in Coleman. He joined the Army Reserves and eventually retired as a Captain.
In 1971, he and Helen opened Pryor Shoes in downtown Midland, and then later added Pryor's Buster Brown store. They operated the stores until their retirement in 1990. After retiring, he worked for Resthaven Memorial Park, and later for Corgill and Associates.
E.J.'s greatest joy was his family. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, a great teacher, and we were blessed to have him.
E.J. was preceded in death by a son, Joe Pryor, who was an Air Force pilot.; and two brothers, Bill and Ray.
Survivors are his wife, Helen; Jeff and Lisa Pryor of Victoria, Mitch Pryor of Midland; granddaughter, Jamie Pryor of Oklahoma; grandson, Jeffrey Pryor of Houston; daughter-in-law, Jami Pryor of New Mexico; Lynda and Mark Saxton of Houston and Andrea, Erin and Chris Pena of Victoria.
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Roy Boland
SCRANTON- Roy Lee Boland, 83, died May 12, 2003 at his residence in Lovington, NM.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2003 at the Scranton Cemetery, Scranton, Texas. Burial followed in the Scranton Cemetery directed by Smith-Rogers Funeral Home of Lovington, New Mexico.
Mr. Boland was born January 21, 1920 in Scranton, Texas. He was married to Oma Tarver Boland.
Mr. Boland loved horse racing and was an active horse breeder. He was a Mason and loved his friends and music.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Johnny Boland; and one sister, Mutt Starr.
Survivors are his wife, Oma Boland of the home; one daughter, Carlyn Sue Curry of Fort Worth, TX; two sons, Ronnie Boland of Lovington, NM and Allen Boland of Ft. Worth, TX; two brothers, Bill Boland of Breckenridge, TX and Dale Boland of Lovington, NM; two sisters, Mick Starr of Scranton and Mildred Ghiest of California; and one grandchild.
Donations may be made to the Scranton Cemetery Association c/o Helen Brasher, 1500 Liggett, Cisco, Tx 76437.
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Elizabeth Beyette
FORT WORTH- Elizabeth Folsom Beyette, 84, a homemaker, died Thursday, May 15, 2003, in Fort Worth.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2003 at the chapel of First United Methodist Church, Dr. Lamar Smith and Dr. William Longsworth officiated. Burial was private. Thompson's Harveson and Cole Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
She was born on July 1, 1918, in Oklahoma City, Okla. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and active in the Twosome Class, United Methodist Women and Square Dance Group. She was president of Fort Worth Association of Federated Women's Club, and secretary of Fort Worth Women's Club. She traveled extensively to 69 countries especially more remote continents in South America, South Pacific, Pacific Rim, central Asia and the Soviet Union.
Survivors are her husband of 65 years, C. Keith Beyette; daughter, Emily Beyette and her daughter, Lisa Renee Porto, of Fort Worth and Susan Bonner and her husband, Norman and her daughters, Marci Ann Sinor and Shelly Renee Darlington; sister, Dorothy Perkins of Eastland; and brother, Robert Perkins of Eastland.
Honorary pallbearers were members of the Twosome Class.
Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church Foundation.
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Richard Talley
LONE CAMP- Richard Lagene Talley, 63, of Lone Camp died Thursday, May 15, 2003 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2003 at the Lone Camp Community Center. Interment was in the New Hope Cemetery. Arrangements were by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Mr. Talley was born on December 9, 1939 in Abilene, TX to William Thomas and Mattie Joe (Langford) Talley. He attended school at Blackwell, and was raised at Shep, he worked in the oil business until becoming a custom farmer, he moved to Lone Camp from Big Lake in 1979. He married Marion Nellene Overman-Proctor on May 10, 1962 in Midland. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters.
Survivors are his wife, Nellene Talley of Lone Camp; a son, Theron Talley of Lone Camp; brother, A.D. Talley of Lubbock; sisters, Lucille Reagan of Winters and Ava Jolly of Abilene; grandson, Bryce Talley of Graford; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Grace Hayes
EASTLAND- Grace Elliott Hayes, 96, of Waxahachie formerly of Eastland, died Friday, May 16, 2003 at Red Oak, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2003 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Sara Miller officiated. Burial followed in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Mrs. Hayes was born on July 13, 1906, in Eastland, to Andrew Jackson and Georgia Anna (Bell) Elliott. She graduated from Eastland High School in 1924. She married Fred S. Hayes on June 24, 1924 in Eastland. She joined the First United Methodist Church in Eastland at the age of 14, and sang in the choir for many years. She worked at Mott's in Cisco for many years, moving to Dallas in 1982 and to Waxahachie in 1999. In Dallas she attended the Preston Hollow United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband and a son, Fred Elliott Hayes.
Survivors include her nieces and nephews, Thomas and Eva Kile of Midlothian, Mildred Squiers, Anna Sharp, Betty Gray and Vivian Kile, all of Eastland, Julia and Jack Burgen and Connie Sanford of Arlington, Pauline Miller and R.S. Harris, both of Midland, James Elliott, Wilma Thomas and Dean Elliott, all of Cisco, Rosemary Tissot and Virginia Collins, both of Missiouri; and her dear friend, Kathy Killough of Dallas.
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Phil Iley
STEPHENVILLE- Phil Iley, 47, died Friday, May 16, 2003 at his fiance's residence, Comanche, Texas.
He was born August 3, 1955 in Fort Worth. Phil was a member of the Stephenville First United Methodist Church and a member of the NRA. He has lived in Stephenville for the past 30 years. Phil was an operations manager with Raylock Co.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2003 at Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Alameda Cemetery, Eastland County Texas.
Survivors are a son, Matthew Clinton Iley of DeLeon; a daughter, Kimberly Kay Iley of Stephenville; parents, Wayne and Wilma Faye Iley of Stephenville; brother, Richard Iley of Stephenville; fiance, Connie Ake of Comanche; two step-daughters, Stephanie Gaines of Stephenville and Misty Miller of Stephenville; and several nephews and cousins.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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L. B. Holly
L.B. Holly, 81, formerly of Abilene, died Friday, May 16, 2003 in Eastland.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2003 at Potosi Cemetery, Potosi, Texas. Rev. Barry Glover officiated, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
L.B. was born on December 28, 1921 to W.O. and Daisy Coffman Holly in Abilene, Texas. Both the Hollys and the Coffmans were pioneer families. Mr. Holly served in the United States Marine Corps with the E-Company, 28th Division. L.B. attended Abilene Christian Demo School, Abilene Christian Academy (1938), and Texas Tech University (1949). Since 1950, he was self-employed as a geologist and petroleum engineer. L.B. was a member of the VFW, Post #4136, the American Legion, Post #553, and the Episcopal Church. In 1974, Mr. Holly moved from Abilene to Eastland, Texas.
L.B. was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Billy Holly and Freeman Earl Holly.
Survivors are a daughter, Sarah Key of Dallas, TX; a son, Benjamin Hank Holly of Illinois; and a sister, Daisy Martin of Norman, Okla.
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Linda Maples
CONROE- Linda K. Maples, 41, died at her home in Conroe, Texas.
A memorial service was held at First Baptist Church of Cleveland and burial was in Pace-Stancil Memorial Rest Gardens in Cleveland, Texas.
Linda was born August 27, 1961. She graduated from Spring High School in 1979. She was a paralegal in Houston for many years.
Survivors are her mother, Mary Williams and step-father, Harry; her father, Neil Maples of Rising Star; sister, Pam Hargraves; brother-in-law, Scott Hargraves; nephew, Ellis Hargraves; niece, Emily Hargraves; aunts and uncles, Margie and Roger Froehlich of Abilene, Betty Abbott May of Cisco, Shirley and Johnny Smith of Brownwood, Dale and Mary Abbott of Seattle, Washington; along with several cousins.
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Nolan Jones
BRECKENRIDGE- Nolan Jones, 87, died Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at the Stephens Memorial Hospital in Breckenridge, TX.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2003 at the Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was in the Eastland Cemetery.
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Shirley Fitzgerald
ABILENE- Long time Abilene resident, Shirley Ann Royall Fitzgerald, died May 21, 2003. Born June 17, 1932, she was 70 years old.
Shirley was a graduate of Abilene High School. She was a very successful real estate salesman in the Abilene area. She was named 'Realtor of the Year' by Abilene's real estate community and was a licensed broker and earned the G.R.I. She worked for Senter Realtors until retirement.
Shirley was an enthusiastic supporter of youth programs- including youth sports and scientific organizations.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband- T.V. news personality Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. She was also preceded in death by a son and nine brothers and sisters.
She is survived by another son and his wife, Larry Fitzgerald, III, and Lynn of Cisco; a grandson, Lance Fitzgerald and a granddaughter, Christina, both of Cisco.
Services were held at Elliott-Hamil's Chapel at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2003. Interment followed the service at Elmwood Cemetery. James Hallmark and Lee Lewis officiated.
The family requests memorials be made to the Youth Fund of the Cisco Church of Christ, P.O. Box 575, Cisco, Texas 76437 in lieu of flowers.
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Harlen Crawley
ARLINGTON- Harlen D. 'Red' Crawley, 83, of Arlington died Tuesday, May 20, 2003 in Arlington after a long and rich life.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2003 at Simpson Cemetery near Gorman, Rev. Victor Pena officiated. Services were directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
Harlen was born November 9, 1919 to Bertie (Kinman) and Newton Crawley in Eastland County. He graduated Gorman High and attended Tarleton, North Texas State, and Commerce University. A World War II Veteran, he served as Army First Sergeant in the 452nd Engineer Co., Asiatic Pacific Campaign. Prior to retirement he taught at Skyline High in Mesquite, Collins Radio in Richardson and Temco Aircraft in Grand Prairie.
Harlen was known for his congenial, generous spirit and devotion to family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Jack, Purvis and Jimmy Dale Crawley.
Survivors are his wife, Rhea (Price) Crawley of Arlington; two sons, Ken Crawley of Kemp and Patrick Crawley of Arlington; daughter, Carla Freund of Fayetteville, AR; grandchildren, Skip and Nisa Crawley, Rebecca and Michael Freund; and one brother, Covis Crawley of Arlington.
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Terry Orr
SANTO- Terry 'Corky' Orr, 48, died Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at Fort Worth.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2003 at First Baptist Church in Santo. Burial was in Santo North Cemetery. Arrangements were by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
He was born September 14, 1954.
He was a graduate and resident of Santo for 30 years.
Survivors are his wife, Diane Orr; a son, James Orr and wife, Christine; daughters, Amy Pruett and husband, Chris, and Ashley Orr; his mother, Monnett White and husband, Dick; brother, Butch Orr and wife, Gail; a sister, Everal Allen and husband, Danny; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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William Nelson
ABILENE- William E. 'Willie' Nelson, 54, died Friday, May 23, 2003 in Eastland.
A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2003 at the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, directed by Elmwood Funeral Home of Abilene.
Willie was born on June 5, 1948 in Odessa, Texas. He married Geneva Wilcoxen on February 2, 2000 in Abilene. He was a kind and thoughtful man with a heart as big as he was. He spent the biggest part of his life in Abilene and loved the people he met during that time. He always saw to the needs of others, whether it be his own family or just a stray dog in need of a meal. Willie loved working with wood and created many special pieces that he shared with his many family and friends.
Survivors are his wife, Geneva of Abilene; one son, with whom he recently reunited and formed a special relationship, Tommy Martin of Abilene; a step-son and daughter-in-law, Malcolm and Jolene Williamson of LaJunta, Colorado; one step-daughter and son-in-law, Ginger and Tom Kunkel of Owigsburg, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Tyler Williamson of Abilene, Bailee Williamson of Stephenville, Jarrod, Shane and Alexa Kunkel all of Pennsylvania; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Jimmy Carl and Phyllis Olds of Oluste, Ok., Gerald 'Mike' Nelson and Marie, Les and Diann Nelson all of Merkel; nieces and nephews, Nikkie and Aaron Nelson of Merkel, Telisha and Bryan Nelson of South Texas.
Honorary pallbearers for the service were Tommy Martin, Aaron, Mike, and Les Nelson, James Robinson, and Jim Olds.
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Marjorie Johnson
GORDON- Marjorie Dawn Ringo Johnson, 81, died Sunday, May 25, 2003.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at New Gordon Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home, Strawn.
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Myrtle Wylie
GORDON- Myrtle Opal 'Johnnie' Wylie, 90, died Saturday, May 24, 2003.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at New Gordon Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home, Strawn.
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June 2003
Vera Kiker
RISING STAR - Vera Stephenson Kiker, 93, of Lewes, Delaware, died Sunday, June 15, 2003 at the Lewes Convalescent Center in Lewes, Delaware.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2003 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Victor Pena officiating. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home in Rising Star.
Ms. Kiker was born February 18, 1910 in Eastland County to Henry Jerome Stephenson and Cora Effie Bishop. She married Oliver Leo Kiker on July 3, 1929 in Scurry County, Texas. She and her late husband lived on a farm here in Texas. She has been living in Delaware for 2 years. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include her daughter, Paula Witt of Colorado Springs, CO; two sons, Oliver Leo Kiker of Anson; Jonh Kiker of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania; 9 grand-children and several great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband.
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Doris Armstrong
RANGER- Doris Emily Armstrong, 84, of Ranger died Monday, June 30, 2003 at her residence.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2003 at the Bullock Cemetery, Rev. Larry Hooper and Rev. Jim Lively officiated. Burial followed, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Armstrong was born on April 13, 1919 in Ranger, Texas the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hodges) Munnerlyn. She was a member of the Eastside Baptist Church of Ranger.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Vernon, Lawrence and Ray Munnerlyn.
She was a 1936 graduate of Patty Welder High School in Victoria, Texas. She married Marvin Armstrong of Fort Worth on August 30, 1940 in Mineral Wells, Texas and he deceased on August 7, 1993. She was a Cafe owner and Justice of the Peace for Polk County, Texas serving 16 years performing many marriages and death investigations. She was a member of the Peace Officers Association and the Business Professional WomenÕs Association.
Survivors are her daughters, Terry Horton of Leggett, TX., Janie Sholar of Ranger; a son, Daniel Longwood, Sr. of Redding, Calif.; brothers, Tom Munnerlyn of Pflugerville, TX. and Col. Bill Munnerlyn of Bonn, Germany; grandchildren, Cynthia Horton of Leggett, Christopher Sholar of Ranger, Courtney Sholar of Ranger, Don Longwood, Jr. of El Creek, Calif., Kelleye Bakley of Sylmar, Calif.; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Don Bradford, Alton Coffman, Lonnie Munnerlyn, Richard Godfrey, Duane Taylor and Keith Munnerlyn. Honorary pallbearer was Robert Cantrell.
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B. H. 'Hollie' Eaker
CISCO- B.H. (Hollie) Eaker, 88, died June 27, 2003.
Chambers-Wilcox of Cisco was in charge of arrangements.
He was born January 9, 1915. He married Nina Blair on November 23, 1936. They moved to Cisco in February 1952 from Seagraves, Texas. They have two children. Herman and Barbara worked in the oilfield until 1958 when he and Nina moved to Lake Buchanan until his retirement in 1980 at which they moved back to Cisco.
Survivors are his two children; four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
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Wilburn 'Skipper' Dick
Wilburn Wilson 'Skipper' Dick, 96, died June 20, 2003.
Funeral services were held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at Enrose Ward Building, in Mesa, Az. Graveside services followed at Green Acres Cemetery in Scottsdale, Az.
He was born on March 20, 1907 to H.S. and Nevada Dick of Eastland, TX. One of seven brothers, he moved to Arizona in 1917. He played a prominent role in Arizona State athletics from 1927-1933 playing football, basketball and baseball. After graduating he married Barbara Benson in 1939. A progressive educator, he was elected State Superintendent of public education in 1959. When he was 80, he could Òshoot his ageÓ in golf.
Skipper is survived by his four children, Robin, Richard, Larry, and Susan; as well as 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
He will be warmly remembered and greatly missed.
Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ. 85014.
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Mary Williamson
EASTLAND - Mary E. Williamson, 91, of Eastland, died Monday, June 30, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 2, 2003 with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Williamson was born on October 18, 1911 in Mexia to Ernest and Jo Wesley (Hardin) Testerman. She attended Avoca High School and graduated from the Stamford School of Nursing. She became a Registered Nurse at the age of 18. She worked in Fort Worth, Breckenridge, Ranger and retired from Eastland Memorial Hospital in 1982 after 64 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. She enjoyed hunting arrow heads and was a rock hound. She also enjoyed sewing, doing yard work and gardening. She especially enjoyed traveling with her family.
She was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Ames, brother, Wardell Griffith, and by two sisters, Margaret McGee and Earnestine Lea.
Survivors include a daughter, Sue Pennington of Eastland; 14 grandchildren, Steve & Mary Pennington of Weatherford, Tim & Mary Jones of Eastland, Johnny & Patti Ames of Harlingen, David Ames of Austin, George & Karen Perry of Breckenridge, Lois Gail Ames of Albuquerque, N.M., Daren & Stephanie Connel of Ft. Worth, and Dean & Christie Connel of Grand Prairie; 19 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jo Jane Pool of Redding, CA and Eleanor McGraw, of Torrance, CA; and a daughter-in-law, Vicki Ames of Breckenridge; and several nieces and nephews.
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Bessie Buchanan
TUSCOLA- Bessie Louise Pearce Buchanan, 88, died Friday, June 27, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2003 at First Baptist Church, Rev. Curtis Williams officiated. Burial was in the Bradshaw Cemetery, directed by Fry-Bartlett Funeral Home in Tuscola.
She was born to James Yancy and Ethel Bruce Pearce on October 18, 1914 in Belton. She married Joe H. Buchanan on December 26, 1933 in Eastland. The couple moved to Bradshaw in 1943, where they were engaged in farming and ranching until their retirement in 1977, when they moved to Tuscola. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Tuscola.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a son, Roy Buchanan and RoyÕs son, and her grandson, Yancy Buchanan.
Survivors are three sons, B.J. Buchanan of Brownwood, Doyle Buchanan of Tuscola, and Donny Buchanan of Chevy Chase, Maryland; one sister, Doris Bradshaw of Gorman; one brother, Vernon Pearce of Godley; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.
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Monty Jones
RISING STAR- Monty Jones, 71, of Rising Star, Texas died Friday, June 27, 2003 at the Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, TX.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2003 at the First Baptist Church, Dick Williams officiated, David Williams officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star.
Mr. Jones was born October 15, 1931 in Rising Star, Texas to Hubert M. Jones and Gertie Olice (Brooks) Jones. He was Justice of the Peace for Precinct #4 from 1991-2003. He also owned and operated Jones Feed and Seed for over 20 years. He owned and operated Rising Star Flower Shop for 18 years. He sponsored a vending route for West Texas Rehab. He was a member of the Rising Star Masonic Lodge #688 for 50 years. He was a past Master and Secretary for the Masonic Lodge. He was a very loving father and a dear friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He married Jewell Mae Bennie on September 5, 1973 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were married for 22 years before she preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.
Survivors are his daughter, Betty Clay of Rising Star; his granddaughter, Shayla Janean Clay of Rising Star; two nephews and one niece.
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Hazel Harper
EASTLAND- Hazel Johnson Harper, 84, of Eastland, Texas died Friday, June 27, 2003 at her home.
A graveside service was held Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 2 p.m. at Pioneer Cemetery, Rev. Kent Goree of Graham officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harper was born September 8, 1918 in Corsicana, Texas to the late Fate and Ersa (Mosley) Andrews. She married Cleo Otha ÒBusterÓ Johnson on January 27, 1935. He preceded her in death on September 19, 1977. In October of 1985 she married J.W. Harper. He preceded her in death in 1985. She was a homemaker, a member of the Baptist church and the Eastland VFW.
She was preceded in death by a son, Donald Ray Johnson in 1993 and a granddaughter, Tresa Ann Littlepage in 1970.
Survivors are a daughter, Pat Littlepage of Eastland; grandchildren, Vicki Johnson, Bonnie Goree, Allen Littlepage, Michael Johnson and Joel Johnson; great-grandchildren, Katrina Kay Rudder and Ashly Ann Rudder, Brandon Littlepage and Kellie Littlepage; great-great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Brandon.
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Bess Fox
Bess Fox died June 24, 2003.
Services were at Southside Funeral Home June 30, 2003.
She was born in Gould, Okla. March 26, 1913 and moved to Olden for a few years. From there she moved to San Antonio, Tx. She was a member of the Harlandale Baptist Church for 50 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, M.W. McMinn and Lillie McMinn; also her husband, Jim Fox; a son, Jimmy Fox; one grandson; and a sister, Evelyn Martin of Calif.; and a brother, Marlin McMinn of Olden, Tx.
Survivors are two daughters, Bettye Sue Akers and Joyce Clark; one sister, Juanita Bryant of Breckenridge; a sister-in-law, Annie McMinn of Olden; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Nell Fox.
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Lue 'Lewis' Watkins
RISING STAR- Lue 'Lewis' Watkins, 90, of Rising Star died Monday, June 30, 2003 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center, Brownwood.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2003 at the Higginbotham Chapel, Lynn Starnes officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of arrangements.
Lue was born February 23, 1913 in Brown County, Texas to Henery F. Lewis and Mattie A. Lewis. She married Clifford Watkins on October 23, 1940 in Ardmore, Okla. She lived in Rising Star for 63 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She co-owned and operated Watkins Grocery in Rising Star for 36 years. She will be deeply missed by all her friends and family.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank Lewis and Floyd Lewis; and one sister, Charity Cagle.
Survivors are her loving husband of 62 years, Clifford Watkins of Rising Star; numerous nieces and nephews.
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Mary Williamson
EASTLAND - Mary E. Williamson, 91, of Eastland, died Monday, June 30, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 2, 2003 with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Williamson was born on October 18, 1911 in Mexia to Ernest and Jo Wesley (Hardin) Testerman. She attended Avoca High School and graduated from the Stamford School of Nursing. She became a Registered Nurse at the age of 18. She worked in Fort Worth, Breckenridge, Ranger and retired from Eastland Memorial Hospital in 1982 after 64 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. She enjoyed hunting arrow heads and was a rock hound. She also enjoyed sewing, doing yard work and gardening. She especially enjoyed traveling with her family.
She was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Ames, brother, Wardell Griffith, and by two sisters, Margaret McGee and Earnestine Lea.
Survivors include a daughter, Sue Pennington of Eastland; 14 grandchildren, Steve & Mary Pennington of Weatherford, Tim & Mary Jones of Eastland, Johnny & Patti Ames of Harlingen, David Ames of Austin, George & Karen Perry of Breckenridge, Lois Gail Ames of Albuquerque, N.M., Daren & Stephanie Connel of Ft. Worth, and Dean & Christie Connel of Grand Prairie; 19 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jo Jane Pool of Redding, CA and Eleanor McGraw, of Torrance, CA; and a daughter-in-law, Vicki Ames of Breckenridge; and several nieces and nephews.

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