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OBITUARIES
January 2004 through June 2004
 
January 2004
Mittie Burson
CISCO- Mittie Gresham Burson, 92, of Cisco died Thursday, January 1, 2004 at Eastland Healthcare Center.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2004 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Howard Stovall officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
She was born March 11, 1911 in Cottonwood, Texas to William Travis and Minnie Lee (McKinney) Burson. She was a farmer and a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her mother and two brothers, Morgan Russell Burson and James Hollis Burson.
She is survived by her sister, Mattie Lee Burson of Cisco; nieces, Betsy Lee Burson of Arlington and Lora Ann Johnson of Phoenix, AZ; great nephews, Ryan W. Jenkins and Myles Johnson; cousins, Lola May Wende, Loretta Donham, Charlotte Hastings and Nora Beth Dudley.
Pallbearers will be Danny Claborn, Ron Graham, B.H. Coleman, Buddy Wende, Tommy Claborn, and Ronnie Hughes.
Honorary pallbearers will be Hal Brady, Tim McKinney, Delbert Justice and W.T. Donham.
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Arthur Moody
CISCO- Arthur Ray Moody, 84, of Cisco died Friday, December 26, 2003 in Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at Nimrod Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Bill Armstrong. Burial with Military Honors was in the Nimrod Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Moody was born in Westbrook, Texas on June 1, 1919 to Arthur Carroll and Willie Blanche (Wyatt) Moody. He married Helen Mae Moon on March 3, 1942 in Cisco and was a member of Nimrod Baptist Church. He was retired from the US Air Force, after his retirement he farmed and was a real estate salesman.
Survivors are his son, Michael Ray Moody and wife Wanda of Nimrod; grandchildren, Jeffrey Moody of Nimrod and Wayne Moody and wife Julie of Stephenville; great grandchildren, Jordan Moody and Kolen White.
Pallbearers were Ed McGough, Bob Hallmark, Weldon Lamb, Dennis Shawver, James Letney and Scott Bailey.
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Terry Wyatt
STRAWN- Terry Joe Wyatt, 51, of Strawn died at his residence Thursday, January 1, 2004.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2004 at the Mount Marion Cemetery in Strawn, Rev. Mike Orsini officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
He was born January 12, 1952 to Cecil Billy and Vera (Meredith) Wyatt. He was a Class of Ô71 graduate of Strawn High School. He attended Ranger Junior College and held a Master Ferrier license. He was a truck driver early in his life and a horse trainer and ferrier the last 10 years working in Palo Pinto, Parker, Erath and Eastland Counties. He was a Presbyterian and enjoyed riding horses and helping others train horses.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Wyatt in 1988.
He is survived by his parents, Cecil and Vera Wyatt of Strawn; brother, Charles Meredith Wyatt of Arlington; sister, Cecilia Irene Scott of Gordon; two nieces and three nephews.
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Elizabeth Hanlon
CISCO- Elizabeth Sue Hanlon, 76, of Cisco died Thursday, January 1, 2004.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2004 at Oakwood Cemetery, Dr. Sane Downs officiated, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Memorial services were held at 1 p.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church.
She was born March 25, 1927 in Dutch East Indies to Karl Raymond and Gretchen Maurine (Meeks) Armstrong. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Civil Engineering and at one time was employed by Braniff Airlines. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she was an Elder. She served on many church committees. She was a Board Member of Buffalo Gap Presbyterian Camp and was an avid bridge player.
Her husband James Edward Hanlon whom she married in 1955 in Dallas preceded her in death.
She is survived by sons, Richard Vickers and wife Eva Ann of Cisco, Karl Hanlon and wife Kim of Aledo, Ben Hanlon of Llano and Pat Hanlon and wife Deloris of Killeen; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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Rex Richardson
RANGER- Rex Lee Richardson, 79, of Monahans and formerly of Odessa died Sunday, January 4, 2004 at Big Spring.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at 10 a.m. at Edwards Funeral Chapel, Robert Winter officiated. Burial was in the Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery on Wednesday, at 3 p.m. Arrangements were directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Richardson was born on June 15, 1924 in Kauffman, TX. to Luther Clifford and Etta Geneva Richardson. He attended school in Kauffman. He served his country in the Army Air Corps during WW II. He retired after 30 years of service with City Service Oil Company which was acquired by Occidental Oil. He spent most of his life living in the Permian Basin.
Survivors are his children, Roseanna Vaughan of Ranger, Rex Lee Richardson, Jr. of Somerville, and Ronald Lee Bradshaw of Kemp; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
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Estelle 'Sallie' Harris
RISING STAR- Mrs. Estelle 'Sallie' Harris, 86, of Rising Star died Sunday, January 4, 2004 at Rising Star Nursing Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, David Williams officiated and Dennis Hester assisted. Burial was in the Pioneer Cemetery in Pioneer, TX. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of arrangements.
She was born April 10, 1917 in Nolan, Texas to William C. Lewis and Effie Lee (Woodruff) Lewis. She married Lester Benton Harris on January 20, 1934 in Midland.
She was preceded in death by her husband; 3 brothers and 2 grandchildren.
She is survived by her sons, Don Harris of Forney, Buster Harris and his wife Sandra of Rising Star; daughter, Sue Rhodes and her husband Don of May; step-son, Ray Harris of Chapparall, NM; brother, L.L. 'Shorty' Lewis of Rising Star; 5 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild.
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Barbara Kerley
BIG SPRING- Barbara Kerley, 72, of Big Spring, TX. died Thursday, January 1, 2004 at a local nursing home.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2004 at the St. MaryÕs Episcopal Church, Big Spring, Rev. James Liggett, pastor, officiated. Interment was to follow at Trinity Memorial Park. Arrangements were directed by Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Big Spring.
Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
She was born on August 31, 1931, in Lubbock, Texas and married Ed Kerley on August 9, 1958 in Seminole, Texas.
Mrs. Kerley grew up in the Tatum and Hobbs, New Mexico area. She went to school in Tatum, graduating from Tatum High School. She and her husband came to Big Spring in 1970 from Crane. She was a homemaker. She was a member of St. MaryÕs Episcopal Church.
Survivors include her husband, Ed Kerley of Big Spring; one daughter, Elizabeth Ates of San Angelo; one granddaughter, Chelsea Ates of San Angelo; one brother, Johnny Cagle of Cisco; one niece and two great nephews.
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Cary Hightower
CISCO- Carey Hightower, 86, died Friday, January 2, 2004 at a Ft. Worth hospital.
Services were held Monday, January 5, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Chambers-Wilcox. Burial followed at the Burkett Cemetery.
Mr. Hightower was born on June 2, 1917 to Draper and Blanche Hightower at Mt. Vernon, TX. He grew up and entered the Calvary of the U.S. Army in 1936 later transferring to the Air Corps during WW II. He was discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1945. He married Mary Strickland on June 1, 1946 in Big Spring, TX. He was a grocery man, he worked in several stores before becoming a Manager. He came to Cisco in 1970 to manage the JRB food store which later became Thrift Mart where he worked until his retirement.
He was a member of Faith Baptist Church.
Survivors are his wife of 57 years, Mary of the home; one son, Carey Wayne and wife Avonda of Ft. Worth; one daughter, Kathy and her husband, Fred Rush of San Antonio; a sister, Blanche Kinder o Mt. Vernon; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
Memorials may be made to American Heart Association.
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Harry Sebree, Jr.
CISCO- Harry Leo Sebree, Jr., 40, of Cisco, died Monday, January 5, 2004 at an Abilene hospital.
No services are planned at this time, his body will be cremated.
Arrangements were made by Elmwood Funeral Home.
Survivors include one daughter, Lisa Marie Sebree of Boone, North Carolina; his parents, Harry and Rosemary Sebree of Cisco; two sisters, Cheryl Ann Middleton and Belinda Sue Francis both of Cisco; and one brother, Michael Sebree of Orange, California.
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William 'Bill' Getts
BEAUMONT- William H. 'Bill' Getts, 77, of Beaumont died Sunday, August 3, 2003 at M.D. Anderson Hospital.
Services were held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel Thursday, August 7, 2003 at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Bob Shields and Dr. Jon Green officiated. Interment was in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont, Texas.
The son of Claudia and Harold Getts, now deceased, was born on October 11, 1925 in Ranger, Texas. Following graduation from Ranger High School in 1943, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in the European Theater in World War II. The highlight of his military service was assisting in the Air Transport Command transportation of the Potsdam Conference.
After serving his country, he attended Ranger Junior College, Sam Houston State University, and graduated from the University of Houston in 1951. Bill was elected the very first president of the Ranger Alumni Association in 1975.
He owned and operated Getts Insurance Agency in Houston for 34 years. Bill was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce Neal Getts; a sister, Barbara Getts of Fort Worth; sister-in-law, Phyllis Neal Smith and husband, Carl Lane Smith; 3 nephews, Howard Neal Smith and family, Dr. Joel Lane Smith and family, and Kirby Todd Smith and family of San Antonio.
Pallbearers were Bob Branson, Ray Chumbley, Bruce Krueger, Jim Mooney, John Pullman, and Victor Scherer.
Honorary pallbearers were LaVonne Norton, Mark Chalker, and Doug Leitch.
Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church 3430 Harrison Ave. Beaumont, TX 77706 or The American Cancer Society.
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Samuel Koontz
CISCO- Samuel Dee Koontz, son of Phillip Koontz (deceased) and Ray and Juanita Parker, was born September 24, 1953 in Carmi, Illinois. Sam went to be with Jesus on Friday, January 2, 2004 after a massive heart attack in Bossier City, LA.
Sam married Cynthia Lorene Quada in Jefferson, Texas on October 6, 1972 after they both graduated from Jefferson High School. Sam managed J.B. White Company, a retail business that he began working for as a stock boy in high school, for several years before receiving his call to the ministry in 1977.
Sam assisted at the First United Pentecostal Church in Jefferson, Texas for five years. While living in Jefferson, Sam and Cynthia had two children, Phillip Andrew and Priscilla Ashley Koontz.
Sam began his pastoral ministry in 1985 and was pastor of the United Pentecostal Church in DeLeon, Texas for ten years. In 1986 he was licensed as an ordained minister by the Texas District UPC organization. In 1996, he accepted the pastorate of Apostolic Tabernacle in Newton, Texas and was there for five years. After evangelizing throughout the United States, in 2002 Sam became the pastor of New Life Tabernacle in Cisco, Texas where he was currently residing at the time of his death.
Sam greatly loved and supported the Texas District and UPCI organization and his fellow ministers. Offices for the Texas District UPC include Section 13 Home Missions Director, Section 13 Secretary, and Section 1 Foreign Missions Director.
Sam was always very active in community affairs. Past civic officers include Ministerial Alliance President for DeLeon, Lions Club President and Citizen of the Year (2000) for Newton, and Secretary for Keep Cisco Beautiful, Rotary Member, Chamber of Commerce Director, and Ministerial Alliance for Cisco. Sam also worked as a substitute teacher and bus driver for four school districts; Jefferson ISD, DeLeon ISD, Newton ISD, and Cisco ISD.
Sam loved people! Relatives, friends, fellow ministers, and church family of Sam Koontz will mourn the loss of this energetic and positive pastor. Sam wanted everyone to remember him for his favorite motto 'I am excited.' His labor of love for the ministry and association with others in his community will be remembered as a gift to be cherished by those who were fortunate to call him family, friend, fellow minister, or pastor.
Sam leaves behind his beloved wife of of 31 years, Cynthia Koontz, whom he met at age nine, and two children, Phillip Andrew Koontz, 20, of Houston, Texas and Priscilla Ashley Koontz, 18, of Cisco, Texas.
He is also survived by his parents, Ray and Juanita Parker of Sugarland, TX; father and mother-in-law, Scott and Dorothy Quada of Jefferson, TX; three brothers, Lonnie and Debbie Koontz of Gilmer, TX, Danny Koontz of Jefferson, TX, and Steven and Rose Parker of Maryland; two sisters, Phyllis Hill of Colorado Springs, CO. and Pamela Hendricks of Sugarland, TX; brother-in-law, Donald Quada; sister-in-law, Cheryl Quada; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Sheila Bayles, all of Jefferson, TX.; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and his church family at New Life Tabernacle UPC in Cisco, Texas.
Arrangements were by Haggard-Heaster Funeral Home of Jefferson, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at the First Baptist Church in Jefferson, Texas.
A memorial 'Celebration of Life' service for Sam will be conducted at a later date in Cisco, Texas.
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Ted Meacham
RANGER- Ted Meacham, 48, of Ranger died Sunday, January 4, 2004 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at 2 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery. Rev. Jerry Maston officiated. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Meacham was born on August 2, 1955 in Brownwood, Texas. He moved to Ranger in 1964 and attended Ranger schools as well as Ranger College. He married Teresa Wheeler on June 16, 1980 in Ranger. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ranger. He worked as a truck driver for about nine years until he became disabled.
Survivors include his wife Teresa Meacham of Ranger; daughters, Amanda Meacham of Ranger and Telisha Huerta of Cisco; a brother, David Meacham of Waco; a sister, Ethel Stover of Mineral Wells; two grandchildren, Layne and Skyler Walton; and several nieces and nephews.
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Sherry McCommas
Funeral services for Sherry Dell Whitt McCommas, 52, of Albany, were held Friday, January 9, 2004 at 2:30 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church in Albany, Rev. Don Clevenger and Eddie Price officiated. Burial followed directed by Morehart Mortuary at the Moran Cemetery.
Sherry died Tuesday, January 6, 2004 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
Sherry was born on April 19, 1951 in Hamlin, Texas to W.C. Whitt and Barbara Jones Whitt. She grew up in the area and was a lifelong resident of Shackelford County. She was a devote mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Richard Whitt; and one sister, Jeanie Whitt.
She is survived by a daughter, Tonya and husband, Jerry Alexander of Eastland; two sons, Bobby Dean Howard and wife, Rhonda of Haskell, and Joseph Floyd McCommas, III of Albany; three brothers, John Lee Whitt, Mike Whitt and wife, Joyce, and Don Whitt and wife, Wendy; three sisters, Terri and husband, Harry Vickers, Melissa and husband, Tony Leonard and Deborah Finley; five grandchildren, Kayla, Torie, J.J. and Shelbie Alexander and Tyler Howard; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorial gifts may be made to the donor's favorite charity.
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Bobbie Barnett
GORMAN- Bobbie Joe Barnett, age 83, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2004 at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Gorman.
Services were at 1:00 Saturday, January 10 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Campbell officiating. Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Barnett was born December 17, 1920 in Comanche County to George Roscoe Sanders and Etta Adell Hirst Sanders. She married R.A. (Arvel) Barnett on November 25, 1939 in Carbon. They had celebrated sixty-four years of marriage. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Georgie Fae Skaggs.
Survivors include her husband, R.A. (Arvel) Barnett of Gorman; son, Larry Barnett and wife Colene of Wylie; daughter, Kay Lynn Lasater and husband Emmett of Eastland; four grand-children, Pam Wheat and husband David of Possum Kingdom Lake, Treva Keith and husband Brad of Allen, Lori Akers and husband Miley of Charlotte, North Carolina, Whitney Crews and husband Jeff of Lindale; five great-grandchildren, Jake Keith, Miley and Kaylee Akers, Kelsey and Makenna Crews.
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Leman Cozart
Funeral services for Leman Cozart, 83, of Carbon, TX were held Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 3 p.m. at the Morehart Mortuary Chapel in Breckenridge. Rev. Leo Brooks, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church Breckenridge, officiated and Rev. James Holt, pastor of First Baptist Church, Carbon, assisted. Burial followed in the Hart Cemetery directed by Morehart Mortuary.
Mr. Cozart died Friday, January 9, 2004, at Abilene Regional Medical Center in Abilene.
Leman was born January 6, 1921 in Eastland County, Texas to parents Buford Cozart and Amanda Ellen Lloyd. Leman moved to Stephens County as an infant and just recently moved to Carbon in December, 2002. Leman worked Road Maintenance for Stephens County until his retirement in 1983. He and Naomi Brooker Kanady were married on January 26, 1979 in Breckenridge, TX. Leman was a devoted husband, step-father, step-grandfather, friend, and church member.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maybelle Cozart; 3 brothers, Ralph Cozart, Austin Cozart, and Delbert Cozart; 3 sisters, Gladys Wells, Hattie Boggs, and Ethyl Elam; and 1 step-grandson.
Survivors are his wife, Naomi; brother, Houston Cozart of Carbon; stepchildren, Ray Kanady of Carbon, Weldon Kanady of Olden, Doyle Kanady of Eastland, Carolyn Woodall of DeLeon, Margaret Griffin of Carbon, Mary Galloway of Cisco, Nelda Pittman of Vanderbilt, TX. and Alice Kanady of Eastland; 21 step-grandchildren; 16 step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In loving memory, memorial gifts may be made to the West Texas Rehab Center.
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Leland Jones
RISING STAR- Leland E. Jones, 87, of Rising Star, died Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Jerry Eckhart officiated. Burial was at 2 p.m. in the Pioneer Cemetery in Graham, Tx.
Leland was born August 25, 1916 in San Saba, Texas to Lonnie E. Jones and Bessie E. (Johnson) Jones. He married Doris Killough in January 29, 1960 in Clovis, N.M. He served in the Army during World War II. He was a retired farmer and rancher. He was a Baptist. He lived in Rising Star for 13 years. Before moving to Rising Star he lived in Muleshoe, TX. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lucille; and a son, Ronnie Bush.
Survivors are his wife, Doris Jones of Rising Star; his sons, Larry Jones of Alaska, Gary Jones of Oregon, Joe Pat Jones of Weatherford, George Bush of Leander, TX, Dennis Bush of Muleshoe, TX; his daughters, Linda Armstrong of Oregon, Brenda Mann of Florida, Debbie Scheller of Graham, Jimmie Parker of Florida, Doris Jean Berquist of Coleman, Jackie Collins of Orange, TX; sister, Leota McMakin of Brownwood; 26 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren.
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Ronald Felkey
Beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend- Ronald Clifford Felkey born December 15, 1958 died of a cerebral hemorrhage January 10, 2004.
Ron is survived by his wife, Linda; parents, Melitta and Mike Santos and Richard and Brenda Felkey; his brothers, Peter, Hank and Nick; and sisters, Sylvia, Grace, Mary Jo, Melody, Cammie, Tonya and his twin sister, Ramona; daughters, Rachel, Halley, Ashley, Alena; sons, Cody and Charlie; grandchildren, Clare, Lauren, Dana, Brianna, A J, Amber and Whitney; as well as a multitude of extended family and friends.
Much loved...he passed peacefully with family and friends at his side. He will be sorely missed.
Sweet, Sweet Daddy, with every ounce of our being...we love you, we miss you. We promise to breathe each breath and live each and every day in honor of you. Always...your baby girls.
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Zadie 'Kat' Barton
GRANBURY- Zadie Kathleen 'Kat' Barton, 77, of Granbury, formerly of Strawn, died Thursday, January 8, 2004 at Granbury.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004 at the First Baptist Church in Strawn. Rev. Michael Orsini officiated. Burial was in Mt. Marion Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn. Nephews served as pallbearers.
Kat was born May 17, 1926 to Otis O. and Jettie Lillian Gray Jacks in Comanche Co. She graduated from Comyn High School in Comyn, TX. She married Leon Raymond Barton on Nov. 26, 1945 in Dallas, TX. He preceded her in death in 1986. They lived in Dallas and DeLeon before moving to Strawn in 1970 and owning and operating BartonÕs CafeÕ until 1986. She also lived in Mineral Wells and Grand Prairie before going to Granbury. She was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother, Wesley Jacks, sister, Barbara Sharpe.
Survivors include sons, Jerry Barton and wife, Peggy of Granbury, son, Allan Ray Barton of Grand Prairie; brother, Mayer Jacks of Carrollton, brother, Royce Jacks of DeLeon; 5 grandchildren, Wynde Barton, Wayne Barton, Bridgett Hale, Geneva Nycole Barton, and Summer Reula; 4 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Cagan, Tehya and Allie; several nieces and nephews.
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Hobart Caraway
Services for Hobart Lasiter Caraway, 93, of Breckenridge, were held Sunday, January 11, 2004 at 2:30 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, Rev. Jim Caraway (HobartÕs son) officiated. Burial followed at Macedonia Cemetery, directed by Morehart Mortuary.
Mr. Caraway died Friday, January 9, 2004 at a Breckenridge Nursing Home.
Hobart was born on March 24, 1910 in Stephens County, Texas to parents John Aaron Caraway and Nellie Suddereth Caraway. Mr. Caraway was a lifelong resident of this area and a member of the First Baptist Church in Ranger. He married Velma Raney in August of 1931 in Caddo. She preceded him in death in 1994. He was a member of Farm Bureau and worked all his life as a farmer and rancher in Stephens County. Hobart was also preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother, O.J. Caraway, Sr. and a grandchild, Jerry Glen Morrison.
Mr. Caraway is survived by one son, Jim Caraway and wife, Judy of Breckenridge; one daughter, Nelda and husband, Norman Morrison of Breckenridge; one sister, Sue and husband, Melton Luttrell of Fort Worth; and one brother-in-law, Weldon Leonard and wife, Mary; 4 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Memorials may be made to the Stephens County Meals on Wheels or to the donorÕs favorite charity or organization.
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O. J. Caraway
RANGER- O.J. Caraway, 84, died Friday, January 9, 2004 in Ranger.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2004 at Macedonia Cemetery, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Interment followed in Macedonia Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Caraway was born on January 12, 1919 in Caddo to John Aaron and Nollie Jane (Sudderth) Caraway. He attended school in Caddo, and married Dora Marie Elder on June 14, 1947. She preceded him in death in 1999. He was a diesel mechanic, had his own shop, and did work for many people in Ranger from 1958-1984 when he retired. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, Hobart Caraway.
Survivors are sons, O.J. Caraway, Jr. of Granbury and John Wayne Caraway of Stephens County; sister, Susie Luttrell of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Alisha Caraway of Clyde, Sonya Lee Caraway of Fort Worth, Jammie Lynn Caraway of Stephenville and John Aaron Caraway of Fort Worth.
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Janie Smith
STANTON- Janie Yvonne Ivy Smith, 79, of Stanton, died on Monday, January 12, 2004, in a Stanton nursing home.
Memorial services were held at 2:00 PM Thursday, January 15, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church of Stanton with Rev. Gene Weinette, pastor, officiating. Graveside services were held Saturday, January 17, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, Texas.
She was born on April 9, 1924, in Ranger, Texas and married Jesse LeRoy Smith on May 22, 1939 in Eastland, Texas.
Janie and her husband lived in Midland for the last 11 years. During their married life they lived and worked in various countries around the world. She enjoyed bowling, traveling, meeting and being around people. She loved kids and beside her three children, she took in and raised several others
and always took the time to help those in need. Mrs. Smith, loved her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved her Lord and had great faith in Him.
Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Jesse LeRoy Smith of Stanton; two sons and daughters-in-law, Stanley and Marianne Smith of Abilene, Michael T. and Jackie Smith of Stanton; one daughter and son-in-law, Rene and Barry Heard of Whitharral; her sister, Wanda Dublin of Midland; 7 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren, and numerous friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John W. and Clara Sparger Ivy and one brother, Quitman Echlon Ivy.
The family suggests memorials be made to Stanton Care & Rehab Center, P.O. Box 400, Stanton, Texas 79782.
Arrangements under the direction of Gilbreath Funeral Home of Stanton.
Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
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Dicie 'Kelley' Adams
RISING STAR- Dicie Norene 'Kelley' Adams, 87, of Rising Star, died Monday, January 12, 2004 at home.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Lynn Sterns officiating and Justin Herod officiating the graveside service in Turnersville. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at the Turnersville Cemetery in Turnersville, TX with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
Mrs. Adams was born February 11, 1916 in Coryell County to James A. Kelley and Willie May (Brookshire) Kelley. She married Richard E. Adams in November 9, 1934 in Coryell County. She lived in Rising Star for 30 years. Before moving to Rising Star she lived in Temple and Gatesville. She was a High School Graduate, a member of the Faith Cowboy Church, a member of U.M.W., a member of Star Pride, past president of the Saturday Club. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her sons, Iris Ray Adams of Hamilton, Jimmy Earl Adams of Follett; her daughter, Patty Raye Davis of Rising Star; her sisters, Marjorie Baize of Gatesville, Jo Spradley of Goldthwaite; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 9 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Earl Adams, her two daughters, Glenda Faye Adams, Clara May Adams, her two brothers, Lloyd Kelley, Floyd Kelley, her two sisters, Clara Riley and Jane Gaddis.
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Glen Merrill
CROSS PLAINS - Glen Roy Merrill, 79, of Cross Plains, died Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2004 at First Baptist Church with Max Evans officiating and assisted by Ronnie White. Burial will follow in the Cross Plains Cemetery under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home.
He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Cross Plains.
Survivors include his wife, Ella Faye Merrill of Cross Plains; two sons, Robert Merrill of Shreveport, LA, Roy Merrill of Sidney, MT; daughter, Norma Jean Evans of Cross Plains; three sisters, Ruby Miles of Pearland, Ina Stout of Midland, Loris Norris of Abilene; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
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Kenneth Heitschmidt
Kenneth E. Heitschmidt, formerly of Eastland, TX. died January 10, 2004 in El Cajon, CA.
Burial will be along side his beloved wife Mary, in the VeteranÕs National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.
He was born in Bushton, KS on December 29, 1918. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army. He met his wife Mary at a church function in Abilene, TX. Kenneth retired from the Irving Independent School District as a longtime elementary teacher. He loved being a ham radio operator and raising hybrid day lilies. He was a member and former deacon in the First Baptist Church of Eastland.
His wife, Mary preceded him in death on Dec. 28, 2003.
Survivors are a daughter, Vivian Wood and husband Randy of Alpine, CA; grandchildren, Michael and Cheyenne Wood; sisters, Mildred Christman and husband Harry of Tucson, AZ, WaDonna Bircher and husband Don of Ellsworth, KS; sister-in-law, Betty Heitschmidt of Holyrood, KS.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Eastland, TX.
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Wilma Hogan
EASTLAND- Wilma J. Hogan, 60, died Wednesday, January 14, 2004 in Eastland.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2004, in the Bakker Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jim Andrews officiated. Interment followed in the Merriman Cemetery.
Born Wilma Lewis on September 9, 1943 in Hyden, KY, she was the daughter of Bige and Sinda (Gayheart) Lewis. She grew up in Hyden and Cincinnati, OH. She married Roy A. Hogan on December 21, 1963. She lived in Fort Worth, TX for 32 years, where she was employed by J.C. Penny Company for several years. She moved to Eastland in 1995, and was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
Survivors are her husband, Roy Hogan of Eastland; a daughter, Sherita Tabner and grandson, Derek Tabner of Santa Anna; and numerous brothers and sisters.
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Ted Meacham
RANGER- Ted Meacham, 48, of Ranger died Sunday, January 4, 2004 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at 2 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery. Ronnie Guess officiated. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Meacham was born on August 2, 1955 in Brownwood, Texas. He moved to Ranger in 1964 and attended Ranger schools as well as Ranger College. He married Teresa Wheeler on June 16, 1980 in Ranger. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ranger. He worked as a truck driver for about nine years until he became disabled.
Survivors include his wife Teresa Meacham of Ranger; daughters, Amanda Meacham of Ranger and Telisha Huerta of Cisco; a brother, David Meacham of Waco; a sister, Ethel Stover of Mineral Wells; two grandchildren, Layne and Skyler Walton; and several nieces and nephews.
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Howard Langford
CISCO- Howard Bailey Langford, 75, of Cisco, died Sunday, January 18, 2004 at Canterbury Villa.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. A private burial followed, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Langford was born June 25, 1928 in Denton Valley, Texas to Benjamin Franklin and Agnes (Farmer) Langford. He married Annie Christine Bartee on July 1, 1966 in Eastland, he worked for Boss Manufacturing for 20 years and at Victor Cornelius Printing until his retirement. He was an avid bowler and was a two time member of the 300 Club and a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors are his wife, Christine Langford of Cisco; sons, Mike Langford of Cisco, Mike Moore and wife Karen of Eastland; daughters, Linda Cozart and husband Steve of Cisco, Debbie Rice and husband Bill of Cleburne; sister, Lois Pye of Ft. Worth; 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers were grandsons and grand sons-in-law, Wade Cozart, Kelly Cozart, Billy Rice, Kelton Moore, Jeremy Langford, Jeremiah Stiles and Kyle Blount. Honorary pallbearer was Michael Joe.
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Mary Cook
BROWNWOOD- Mary Alice Cook, 89, of Brownwood, died Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at C.A. R.E. Inc.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2004 at the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Tx. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of arrangements.
Mary was born October 9, 1915 in Chickasha, Oklahoma to John D. Dulin and Elittea (Brinson) Dulin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; 4 sisters; and 3 brothers.
Survivors include her sons, Billy Cook of Brownwood, George E. Cook of Rising Star; daughter, Virginia Ensminger of McCauley, TX; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.
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Melba 'Brownie' Zachry
PEA RIDGE, AR.- Melba Lou 'Brownie' Zachry, 75, of Pea Ridge, died Saturday, January 17, 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rogers.
Cremation arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home of Pea Ridge, Ark. A Native American ceremony will be held for her at a later date.
She was born September 29, 1928, at Cisco, Texas, to Arthur David Bardwell and Odessa Alma Yarbrough Bardwell. She graduated from Cisco High School and was a PBX telephone operator receptionist. She moved from east Texas to Rogers and then to the Indian Creek area of Beaver Lake in 1986. She moved to Pea Ridge on September 12, 2002 to make her home. She was a member of the White River Band, which is affiliated with the Northern Cherokee Tribe, was co-captain of the neighborhood watch group, and a member of Unity Church in Bentonville.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Lily Bardwell.
Survivors are one daughter, Ouida Jo Maddoux of Pea Ridge and many friends.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Hospice, 1001 West Walnut, Rogers, Arkansas, 72756; or VAS Ambulance, P.O. Box 102 Garfield, Arkansas 72732.
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Robert Turner
CISCO- Robert L. Turner, 80, of Midland, formerly of Abilene and Cisco, died Friday, January 16, 2004 at a Midland hospital.
Services were held Monday, January 19, 2004 at the chapel of Chambers-Wilcox at 3 p.m. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery.
He was born on November 2, 1923 at Grand Saline, Texas. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 25 years, retiring in 1967. He served during WW II, Korea and Viet Nam. After his retirement, he operated the Cisco Airport as an instructor.
He was a member of the Westwood Church of Christ in Abilene.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Coy and Otto Turner; his wife, Rosemary; and a grandson, Shalor Pryor.
Survivors are one brother, Tom Turner of Freemont, CA; one son, Robert E. Turner of Abilene; two daughters, Chris Noel of Mesa, AZ and Lisa Foster of Midland, TX; three grandchildren, Doug Knight of Midland, Michelle McGrath and Bradley Turner of Decatur; two great-grandchildren, Dillon and Hanna McGrath.
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Orietta Lester
RISING STAR- Orietta Chambers Lester, 80, of Rising Star, died Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
She was born February 21, 1923 in Brown County to William Edgar Teague and Mary Jane (Cornelius) Teague. She married Elmo Chambers in June 10, 1939 in Brown County. He preceded her in death in February 25, 1958. She then later married Jay Lester in Eastland County. He preceded her in death on May 12, 1968. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church. She lived in Rising Star all her life.
Mrs. Lester is survived by her sons, Clarence Chambers and Leslie Chambers both of Brownwood; a daughter, Betty Mitchell of Rising Star; 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Elmo Chambers; second husband, Jay Lester; brother, Wayne Teague; two sisters, Geraldine Milner, Pauline Witt; great-granddaughter, Mandi Holmes.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Bill Dodd officiated. Burial was in the Wolf Valley Cemetery in Brown County, Texas, Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge.
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Tillman Fonville
GRANBURY- Tillman Lafayette Fonville, 83, of Granbury, died Monday, January 19, 2004 at Granbury Nursing Home in Granbury, Texas.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2004 at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Fonville was born August 5, 1920 in Thurber, Texas to Thomas J. and May (Johnston) Fonville. He served in the US Army during World War II. He married Dicie May Perdue on December 23, 1965 in Stephenville and was a retired duct work installer in the air conditioning business.
Survivors include his wife Dicie Fonville of Granbury; daughters, Dorothy Casey, Barbara Clayton, Darlene Walston and Marlene Reynolds all of Ranger and Betty Sue Moon of Stephenville; sons, Phillip Fonville of Jacksboro, Richard Fonville; step sons, Eddie Williams and Jerry Wood both of Breckenridge, Melvin Wood of Graham; and 24 grandchildren.
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C.H. (Cats) Ingram
CISCO- C.H. (Cats) Ingram, 85, of Cisco died Sunday, January 18, 2004 at Valley View Nursing Home in Eastland.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Cats was born April 5, 1918 in Nimrod to John Timothy and Gertha (Johnson) Ingram. He married Janice Hollingshead on October 24, 1975 in Cisco, Texas. He was an Army Veteran of WW II, and an officer for the Cisco Police Department for many years.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Virgie Florene Burge Ingram and a son Calvin David Ingram.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Ingram of Cisco; two sons, Bobby Ray and wife Peggy of Cisco and Windell and wife Linda of Jacksboro; a daughter, Rozet Withers and husband Bruce of Jacksboro; and a stepdaughter, Carolyn Laird and husband James of Cisco; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.
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Lura Belle Hunt
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS- Lura Belle Hunt, 95, of North Richland Hills died Friday, January 16, 2004 at a Bedford hospital.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at Alameda Cemetery, Larry Stogsdill officiated, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home of Gorman.
Mrs. Hunt was born August 26, 1908 in Gorman to Dave Ramsey and Ethel Schmick. She married Jessie Hunt in 1946. He preceded her in death in 1970. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother and one grandchild.
Survivors are two sons, David Hunt of Fort Worth and Robert Hunt and wife Pat of Irving; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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Ruth Farquhar
EASTLAND Ð Ruth Robertson Farquhar, 72, of Eastland, passed away Thursday evening at her residence. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2004, at the Life Impact Ministries Church, 3101 W. IH-20, in Eastland with Rev. Larry Flanary and Ed Hodge officiating. Burial will be in the Eastland City Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Ruth was born on February 1, 1931 in Monclo, West Virginia to James Floyd and Edith (Reynolds) Johnson. She attended school in West Virginia and Kansas City before settling in Big Spring, Texas. She was married to Robert Robertson, the father of her children. He passed away in 1957. She moved to the Eastland and Cisco area in 1988. She married Jimmy Farquhar on August 21, 2002 in Cisco.
She enjoyed music, singing, playing the guitar, cooking, sewing and raising 8 children. Her greatest joy was when her family was all together. She owned and operated several restaurants in Junction, Kerrville and Houston, as well as managing a hotel in Junction.
She was a member of the Life Impact Ministry and the Sons of Herman Lodge. She was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Johnson.
Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Farquhar of Eastland; 5 sons, Robert Robertson and his wife Tana of McCamey, Richard Robertson and his wife Judy of Eastland, Timothy Robertson of Cisco, Michael Mey and his wife Tammy of Kerrville and Paul Mey and his wife Sue of Mansfield; 3 daughters, Mary Eddings of San Angelo, Paula Wilha and her husband John of Big Lake and Jenny Whisman and her husband Bobby of Midkiff; a sister and brother-in-law, Rosemary Weatherly Daylong and her husband Jimmy, of Eastland; and 22 grandchildren.
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Ethel Weaver
GORMAN- Ethel Weaver, 94, of Gorman, died Thursday, January 22, 2004 at the nursing home in Gorman.
Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Richard Watson officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Weaver was born December 25, 1909 in Caldwell County to Willie Moore and Docia Ellen Richburgh Moore. She married James Ernest Weaver on March 21, 1926 in Comanche County. He preceded her in death on January 31, 1990. Mrs. Weaver was a homemaker and a member of the New Hope Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and one sister.
Survivors are two daughters, Marjorie Treadway of Gorman and Ernestine Campbell and husband Lane of Gorman; five grandchildren, Brenda Boyd of Gorman, Windell Treadway and wife Terry of Gorman, Brad Campbell and wife Ruth of Gorman, James Campbell and wife Robin of Springtown, and Gary Campbell of Gorman 14 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
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Lillie Mae McCary
GRAND PRAIRIE- Mrs. Lillie Mae McCary, 90, of Grand Prairie, TX, died Thursday, January 20, 2004 at the Arlington Hospital.
Lillie was born March 27, 1913 in Haskell, Texas to Marvin Bullock and Ellie (Seals) Bullock. She married Henry Robert Lee McCary in June 1930. Lillie and her husband moved to May, Tx in 1936. She was a housewife and she assisted her husband with running H.R. McCary Oil Company which was a wholesale, retail oil business for 52 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of May. She was a member of Eastern Star of Eastland.
Mrs. McCary is survived by her 3 sons, Carl McCary and his wife, Pat of Carthage, TX; Clovis McCary and his wife, Emily of Clarendon, TX; Elmer Edd McCary and his wife, Patty of New Port Richey, Florida; 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Raymond Bullock of Lubbock, TX; sister, Merldine of Lubbock.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry who died in 1985; her daughter, Remola Lee who died in 1998.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2004 at the First Baptist Church in May. Rev. R.V. Williams officiated and Dennis Hester assisted. Burial was in the May Cemetery in May, Texas. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
Pallbearers for Lillie were her grandsons, Charlie Lutz, Joe Brian McCary, Martin McCary, Clovis Loyd McCary, Nathan McCary, John Newton.
The family request memorials to the May Cemetery or your favorite charity.
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Laurie Bennie
RISING STAR- Mrs. Laurie Olivia Bennie, 93, of Rising Star, died Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at Rising Star Nursing Center.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2004 at the Blake Cemetery in Brown County, TX. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge of the arrangements.
Laura was born August 17, 1910 in Schleicher County, TX to Benjamin Franklin Chick and Mary Elizabeth (Haldeman) Chick. Olivia was the wife of the late Autry Thomas Bennie of Brownwood and Odessa. She was the beloved mother of five daughters. She was one of ten children, all who have preceded her in death. As a child, she traveled with her family from California to Texas in a covered wagon. She later became a nurse, married and started a family. She helped run three businesses and was always willing to help those in need. Olivia was a descendant, through her mother, of 'The Old Three Hundred', a historical disignation for the first 300 Anglo-American families chosen by Stephen F. Austin to colonize Texas while still under Mexican rule. This remarkable woman will always be loved.
Survivors are 3 daughters, Audrey Jean Watkins of Odessa, Olivia Ann Ashton of Colorado Springs, CO, Edna Faye Lamb of Cisco; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by 2 daughters, Mary Elizabeth Hatch and Jewel Mae Jones.
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William 'Bill' Bourdeau
RANGER- William L. ÒBillÓ Bourdeau, 85, of Ranger died Friday, January 23, 2004 at Abilene.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at St. Rita Catholic Church. Interment followed at New Hope Cemetery. Rosary was said at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday at 7 p.m. Arrangements were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Bourdeau was born on August 20, 1918 in Atherton, CA to William N. and Agnes (Mooney) Bourdeau. He attended the St. Rita Catholic School, Ranger High School, and the University of Texas at Austin where he received a degree in Architectural Engineering. He worked for the US Government designing ships and ship yards in New Orleans, L.A. He served his country in the Army during WW II serving in the South Pacific and European Theaters, and attained the rank of Master Sargent. He married Bessie Inez Harrell on June 14, 1958 in Ranger. After the war ended he began working with his father William N. Bourdeau and Uncle Clease Bourdeau until their retirement at which time he took over the family business. In his later years he taught Construction Trades at Ranger College until his retirement. He was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister, Knights of Columbus charter member, Director and charter member of Ranger Historical Preservation Society.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother John E. Bourdeau.
Survivors are his wife Inez Bourdeau of Ranger; children, William H. Bourdeau of Crowley and Suzette Aliceanne Cozad of Hunington, IN; sisters, Mary Reilly of Atherton, CA and Cecilia Mooney Gabrysch of Houston; 8 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
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A. G. 'Flint' McCullough
STRAWN- A.G. 'Flint' McCullough, 84, of Strawn, died Saturday, January 24, 2004 at his home.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2004 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial in Necessity Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Tri City EMS P.O. Box 271, Gordon, Texas 76453; or Palo Pinto Hospice, 400 S. W. 25th Ave, Mineral Wells, TX. 76067.
Flint was born on May 1, 1919 in Clyde, Texas to Arthur and Rose Catherine (Ainsworth) McCullough. He married Zelma Knight on May 17, 1961 in Breckenridge, Texas and she preceded him in death on November 9, 2000. He worked all of his life with horses as a trainer for 70 years in Georgia, Breckenridge and Strawn. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and was a member of the Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Faye Swendle.
Survivors are two daughters, Donna Annoni of Port Orange, FL, and Linda Roan of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; three sisters, Pauline Casey and Aline Morgan both of Austin, Tx, and Norma Beckerdite of Gardenville, Nevada; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
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Glen Ford
Funeral for Glen Edward Ford, Carbon native, was held Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004 at Moore Funeral Home Chapel in Arlington. Burial was in Murray Cemetery at Carbon. Officiating were the Revs. Bobby Hancock and Bart McDonald.
Mr. Ford died Jan. 17, 2004.
Born Dec. 16, 1926, near Cross Plains, he was raised and attended school in Carbon. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ira Ford.
He married Juanita on August 28, 1948.
He is survived by his wife Juanita; son, Jim and wife Lisa, all of Arlington and granddaughter Jessica of Richardson.
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Katy Boston
HOBBS, N.M.- Katy Lou Boston, 72, of Hobbs, N.M. died Thursday, January 22, 2004 at Lea Regional Medical Center in Hobbs, N.M. after a long illness.
Katy was born June 17, 1931 in Ranger, Texas.
She is survived by her husband, Sam Boston, of the home; one son, Billy Frost of Hobbs; one daughter, June Guess of Ranger; two granddaughters, Jenny Mabery of Tolar, Texas and Talina Baker of Lubbock, TX; two grandsons, Matthew Frost of Dallas and Russell Frost of Hobbs; three grandchildren, Taylor and Reagan Mabery of Tolar, Texas and Avery Baker of Lubbock; three sisters, Margaret Campbell of Odessa, TX, Betty Cannon of Noble, Okla., and Dorothy Wright of Alvarado, TX; two brothers, Harold Jacoby of Albuquerque, N.M. and Dillard Jacoby of Ranger.
Katy was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Nannie Jacoby; five brothers and one son, Russell Lynn Frost.
Memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at Castle Avenue Baptist Church in Hobbs. Ronny Guess officiated.
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Mozelle Kimmell
DALLAS- Mozelle Louise Kimmell died January 22, 2004 at Grace Presbyterian Village in Dallas.
Mrs. Kimmell, one of five children, was born March 18, 1906 at Weatherford, Texas to John and Stella Harrington.
She attended Weatherford High School, Weatherford College and Cisco Junior College where she graduated with a degree in nursing. In the mid '40s she moved to Cisco and was employed by the Boss Manufacturing, later raising cattle and goats northwest of Cisco. Mrs. Kimmell worked as an LVN for many years in Cisco until she retired and moved to Dallas in 1996 to be near her family.
Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers and sisters, and her husbands, Earl M. Thomas and Sam Kimmell, a rancher in Eastland County for many years.
Survivors are her son, Bob Thomas and daughter-in-law Brenda of Dallas; grandchildren, Katherine and Wes, step-grandchildren, Kristin and Debi; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Kimmell was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Cisco.
Her family wished to acknowledge and thank the Grace staff, along with the Odyssey Hospice Group, for their love and wonderful care during our mom's extended need.
A memorial service is pending.
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Alan Travis Starr
CISCO- Alan Travis Starr, 65, of Cisco died Saturday, January 24, 2004 in Cisco.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at First Baptist Church. Bruce Stovall officiated. Burial was in the Scranton Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Starr was born in the Dan Horn Community on November 30, 1938 to Robert Frederick and Melba Ray (Boland) Starr. He was manager of Zales Jewelers in Big Spring, he worked in the oil and gas industry and was a US Postal Service mail driver. He was a member of First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his daughter, Kim Toler and husband Monty; sons, Craig Starr, Forrest Starr and wife Tracy, Glen Starr and wife Melissa; and the mother of his children, Lavada Starr all of Cisco; sister, Thelma Sellers and husband Sam of Scranton; brothers, Don Starr and wife Margaret of Anson and Norris Starr and wife Marie of Cisco; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 5 step grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Jerry Luster, Ken McCulloch, J.V. Rhyne, Scott Douglas, Robert McCulloch and Tom Miller.
Honorary pallbearers were Gerald Winnett and Daryle Shortes.
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Odessa Vann
RANGER- Odessa Vann, 88, of Ranger died Thursday, January 22, 2004 in Ranger.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at the St. Paul Baptist Church, Rev. Gary Foster and Rev. Sy Underwood officiated. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Ms. Vann was born September 21, 1915 in Bailey Field outside of Rosebud to Oscar and Estella (Burnett) Williams. She attended public schools in Rosebud. She married Dale Davis and to this one child was born, Willie D. Davis, later in life she married Clyde Pollard and moved to Ranger. She united with Macedonia Baptist Church and remained a member until the church closed.
Odessa spent her life raising her children Oscar, Debra and Pat. Her eldest son Willie D. was lost during the war. During her lifetime she worked as a domestic helper and cook she cooked for many years at Ranger Care Center (formerly Western Manor). Odessa loved her family, moving to California in the 80Õs to care for her terminally ill sister, she moved back to Texas in 1994. She loved fishing, playing bingo and dominoes with her family and friends. Her last two twilight years were spent as a resident at Ranger Care Center.
Survivors are her children Oscar Pollard of DeSoto, Debra Pollard-Jammer of Highland Park and Patricia Poellnitz and husband Jerry of Ranger; brother, A.V. Williams of Ranger; 7 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Lula Allen
ODESSA- Lula Vance Allen of Odessa, Texas died Thursday, January 22, 2004.
She died at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren.
Vance is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Loper of Odessa and Susan Gibson-Mueller of Austin; two sons, Duane Gibson of Kermit and Michael A. Gibson of Fort Worth; and three stepdaughters, Shirley Morrow of Abilene, Patricia Watts of Littleton, CO., and Serena Nelson of Andrews.
Vance was the beloved grandmother of 26, great-grandmother of 37 and great-great-grandmother of 4.
Born in Medina (Bandera County) April 7, 1909 to Mr. and Mrs. Z.W. Green, Vance was one of eight children, all preceding her in death.
As a young woman, Vance married Charles James Gibson of Martin, County who preceded her in death. Vance later married Roy Lee Allen of Andrews, who passed away in 1979. She resided in Andrews for 29 years. In 1981, Vance moved to Odessa where she has lived for the past 23 years.
Vance was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Odessa, where she has had so many loving friends. She was also a charter member of First Presbyterian Church of Andrews.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2004 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco. Her grandson, Rev. Mark Elliott officiated. Burial followed at Sabana Cemetery in Eastland County.
The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the doctors and caring nurses on 9-C at Medical Center Hospital of Odessa.
Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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Roseanna 'Bunny' Frutos
Roseanna (Bunny) Marie Frutos, beloved wife, mother, daughter and sister, passed from our world on Friday, January 16, 2004.
She was born on April 6, 1958 in Jacksonville, Florida, and called El Paso her home since 1974. Bunny spent her adult life caring for others by fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a nurse, specializing in orthopedics and ICU. She was a member of the Border ChildrenÕs Mental Health Collaborative, associated with the Juvenile Probation Department. She was a former instructor at the David Carrasco Job Corps and CPR instructor for the American Red Cross.
Bunny loved to garden and quilt. She belonged to the El Paso QuilterÕs Guild association, and also spent time camping and in carpentry, and was an active member of the NRA.
She is survived by her husband, Fernando Frutos, three daughters, Katrina Brieseno of San Diego, Vickie Frutos of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Kimberley Frutos of Galveston, Texas; and three sons, Matthew Uster and Benjamin Uster of El Paso, and James Frutos of Lexington Park, Maryland. She is also survived by her parents, William and Rosalie Johnston, and grandmother Arline Ketring and a sister, Robin Black, all of Eastland, TX; sisters Rebecca Fields of Summitville, Indiana and Billie Jo Johnson of Beaufort, South Carolina; and a brother, David Johnston of Michigan. She had eight beloved grandchildren, James, Gabriel, Jonathan, Sara, Emory, Henry, Christian and Autumn. She has nine nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Claudia Butler; and grandfather, Claude Ketring, both of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Memorial services were held on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at the San Jose Funeral Home 601 S. Virginia. Viewing was at 2 p.m. and Scriptures said at 3 p.m.
She will be sorely missed by all her family and friends.
A tree will be planted on the family farm in her memory.
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Mary Huestis
RANGER- Mary Ruth Huestis, 102, of Ranger, died Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at Ranger Care Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2004 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco. Rev. Gary Turner officiated. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Huestis was born on July 27, 1901 in Dotham, Texas to Walter Isaac and Margaret Jane (Nunnley) Agnew. Her husband Paul Lufurgy Huestis whom she married on December 20, 1919 in Cisco preceded her in death on May 16, 1981. She was a homemaker, she loved flowers and her neighbors and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Cisco.
Survivors are her daughters, Rosemary Fambro and her husband Ed (Skeet) Price of Strawn, Thelma Oleta Garvic of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren, Paul Edd Fambro of Cedar Park, Jeanette Meo and husband Rocky of Jefferson City, MO., and Jim Garvic and wife Petra all of Olathe, KS; 4 great grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
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Christopher Lang
RANGER- Christopher Glenn 'Chris' Lang, 27, of Ranger, died Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at his residence.
Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2004 at First Baptist Church, Dr. David Cash and Rev. Art Camacho, Jr. officiated. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Lang was born on February 1, 1976 to Stephen 'Chip' and Wynelle (Keesee) Lang in Taylor, Texas. He grew up and attended school in Ranger. He was a 1995 graduate of Ranger High School. He began working for the City of Ranger in August of 2001, where he found his niche as the Utility Billing Clerk, City Technologist and Director of Information at Evergreen Cemetery. He was a member of First Baptist Church, member of the board of directors for Rural Texas Access, and a candidate for the board of directors of the Ranger Head Start program. His family was very important to him and he loved them very much.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Tom and Bertha Lang and N.J. and Gladys Keesee.
His survivors include his parents, Chip and Wynelle Lang of Ranger; brother and sister-in-law, Eric and Pamela Lang of Mesquite; sister and brother-in-law, Allyson and Armando Flores of Stephenville; nieces and nephews, Dante and Gabriel Flores of Stephenville and Aspen Lang of Mesquite.
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Harvey (H.O.) Waldon
EASTLAND- Harvey Othel (H.O.) Waldon, 80, of Eastland, died Friday, January 23, 2004 in DeLeon.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2004 at Edwards Funeral Home, Rev. Jim Andrews officiated. Masonic Lodge burial service and veterans honors followed in the Eastland City Cemetery.
He was born March 6, 1923 to Charles Green and Lillie Augusta (Cate) Waldon in Girard, Texas. He was raised on a farm and drove produce to town in a wagon and tended the horses and cows. He excelled in baseball. He served with the 11th Airborne during WW II in the Pacific, earning 5 bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Arrowhead and Purple Heart. He returned home and married Dorothy Mae Hunsinger to which were born two children. He was a T.V. technician and electrician and worked to keep the Eastland Memorial Hospital running smoothly for 25 years, for which he received 2 special awards. He was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church and Eastland Masonic Lodge. He was an avid golfer, tinkerer and coffee drinker. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and a brother, Leslie Green Waldon.
Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Kathleen Waldon of Mayhill, New Mexico; a daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette and O.C. Ward of DeLeon; a sister, Alpha Caldwell of Valley Mills; grandsons, Darrell Ray Waldon, Randy Wayne Waldon, Jordon Wayne Waldon, Charlie Wayne Waldon and Brandon Shayne Thomas; granddaughters, Kimberly Mae Bustos and Marie Ann Koch; great-grandchildren, Tara, Kris, Rebecca, D.J., Lorenna, Lazaro, Sara, Matthew and Hannah; and a niece, Margie Hodges.
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Robert Bond
Robert Eugene Bond, 81, of Austin died Tuesday, January 27, 2004.
He was born August 23, 1922 to Travis and Gladys Palmer Bond.
He was a UT graduate and served in World War II in the Army Air Corps. Robert was a devoted employee of Whitley Printing Co. for 37 years, until his retirement in 1987.
He enjoyed golf, gardening, dominoes and cards and was affectionately called "Mr. Fix-It" by his grandkids.
Graveside services (burial of ashes) were held at Austin Memorial Park at 2 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2004.
Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home of Austin.
Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Gorin, Gus Grosskopf, Jack Brown and Jim McCorquodale.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Joyce Geiser Bond, whom he married in Austin, TX on January 29, 1947. He also leaves behind his daughter, Barbara Prellop and husband, Ronnie of Georgetown; his son, Gary Bond and wife Jan of Midland; mother, Gladys Bond of Eastland; sister, Betty Kidd of Eastland; four granddaughters, Melissa Garcia and husband Joey, Michelle Clark and husband Stephen, Megan Prellop and Rhonda Bond; and two great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759.
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Walter Gilliam
EASTLAND- Walter R. Gilliam, 94, died Thursday, January 29, 2004 at Weatherford, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2004 at the Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Jim Hatcher and Joe Wilson officiated. Interment followed in the Eastland Cemetery.
Walter was born to Orlan and Sadie (Foster) Gilliam on October 31, 1909, at Abilene, TX. He grew up in Abilene, and married Florine Satterwhite there on October 31, 1938. They lived in Abilene, Midland and Odessa before moving to Grand Prairie, where they lived from 1947 until 1963. He moved to Eastland in 1970 and had lived in Weatherford the past 4 years. Walter worked in the electronics division of LTV in Dallas for many years. He was a member of the Flatwood Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his wife Florine in 2002.
Survivors are his daughter, Sheila Natole of Weatherford.
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Elmer Green
EASTLAND - Elmer Green, 87, died January 9, 2004 in Palm Springs, California. Cremation was handled by Palm Springs Mortuary, Mausoleum and Crematory in Cathedral City, California. Private graveside services at the Eastland Cemetery were held January 29, 2004, directed by Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Green was born December 29, 1916 in Norcross, Georgia to Homer and Alma Green. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II, in the European Theater. Mr. Green married Bobbie Jo Landingham on April 8, 1955, in Ft. Worth, Texas. In 1956 they moved to California where he owned and operated Plantation Cleaners in Anaheim before retiring to Palm Springs in 1983.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and Hazel Green of Eastland.
He is survived by his wife Bobbie of Palm Springs; and a niece, Karen Green of Eastland.
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Katy Boston
HOBBS, N.M.- Katy Lou Boston, 72, of Hobbs, N.M. died Thursday, January 22, 2004 at Lea Regional Medical Center in Hobbs, N.M. after a long illness.
Katy was born June 17, 1931 in Ranger, Texas.
She is survived by her husband, Sam Boston, of the home; one son, Billy Frost of Hobbs; one daughter, June Guess of Ranger; two granddaughters, Jenny Mabery of Tolar, Texas and Talina Baker of Lubbock, TX; two grandsons, Matthew Frost of Dallas and Russell Frost of Hobbs; three grandchildren, Taylor and Reagan Mabery of Tolar, Texas and Avery Baker of Lubbock; three sisters, Margaret Campbell of Odessa, TX, Betty Cannon of Noble, Okla., and Dorothy Wright of Alvarado, TX; two brothers, Harold Jacoby of Albuquerque, N.M. and Dillard Jacoby of Ranger.
Katy was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Nannie Jacoby; five brothers and one son, Russell Lynn Frost.
Memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at Castle Avenue Baptist Church in Hobbs. Ronny Guess officiated.
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Mozelle Kimmell
DALLAS- Mozelle Louise Kimmell died January 22, 2004 at Grace Presbyterian Village in Dallas.
Mrs. Kimmell, one of five children, was born March 18, 1906 at Weatherford, Texas to John and Stella Harrington.
She attended Weatherford High School, Weatherford College and Cisco Junior College where she graduated with a degree in nursing. In the mid Ô40s she moved to Cisco and was employed by the Boss Manufacturing, later raising cattle and goats northwest of Cisco. Mrs. Kimmell worked as an LVN for many years in Cisco until she retired and moved to Dallas in 1996 to be near her family.
Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers and sisters, and her husbands, Earl M. Thomas and Sam Kimmell, a rancher in Eastland County for many years.
Survivors are her son, Bob Thomas and daughter-in-law Brenda of Dallas; grandchildren, Katherine and Wes, step-grandchildren, Kristin and Debi; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Kimmell was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Cisco.
Her family wished to acknowledge and thank the Grace staff, along with the Odyssey Hospice Group, for their love and wonderful care during our momÕs extended need.
A memorial service is pending.
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Alan Travis Starr
CISCO- Alan Travis Starr, 65, of Cisco died Saturday, January 24, 2004 in Cisco.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at First Baptist Church. Bruce Stovall officiated. Burial was in the Scranton Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Starr was born in the Dan Horn Community on November 30, 1938 to Robert Frederick and Melba Ray (Boland) Starr. He was manager of Zales Jewelers in Big Spring, he worked in the oil and gas industry and was a US Postal Service mail driver. He was a member of First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his daughter, Kim Toler and husband Monty; sons, Craig Starr, Forrest Starr and wife Tracy, Glen Starr and wife Melissa; and the mother of his children, Lavada Starr all of Cisco; sister, Thelma Sellers and husband Sam of Scranton; brothers, Don Starr and wife Margaret of Anson and Norris Starr and wife Marie of Cisco; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 5 step grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Jerry Luster, Ken McCulloch, J.V. Rhyne, Scott Douglas, Robert McCulloch and Tom Miller.
Honorary pallbearers were Gerald Winnett and Daryle Shortes.
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Odessa Vann
RANGER- Odessa Vann, 88, of Ranger died Thursday, January 22, 2004 in Ranger.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at the St. Paul Baptist Church, Rev. Gary Foster and Rev. Sy Underwood officiated. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Ms. Vann was born September 21, 1915 in Bailey Field outside of Rosebud to Oscar and Estella (Burnett) Williams. She attended public schools in Rosebud. She married Dale Davis and to this one child was born, Willie D. Davis, later in life she married Clyde Pollard and moved to Ranger. She united with Macedonia Baptist Church and remained a member until the church closed.
Odessa spent her life raising her children Oscar, Debra and Pat. Her eldest son Willie D. was lost during the war. During her lifetime she worked as a domestic helper and cook she cooked for many years at Ranger Care Center (formerly Western Manor). Odessa loved her family, moving to California in the 80Õs to care for her terminally ill sister, she moved back to Texas in 1994. She loved fishing, playing bingo and dominoes with her family and friends. Her last two twilight years were spent as a resident at Ranger Care Center.
Survivors are her children Oscar Pollard of DeSoto, Debra Pollard-Jammer of Highland Park and Patricia Poellnitz and husband Jerry of Ranger; brother, A.V. Williams of Ranger; 7 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Lula Allen
ODESSA- Lula Vance Allen of Odessa, Texas died Thursday, January 22, 2004.
She died at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren.
Vance is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Loper of Odessa and Susan Gibson-Mueller of Austin; two sons, Duane Gibson of Kermit and Michael A. Gibson of Fort Worth; and three stepdaughters, Shirley Morrow of Abilene, Patricia Watts of Littleton, CO., and Serena Nelson of Andrews.
Vance was the beloved grandmother of 26, great-grandmother of 37 and great-great-grandmother of 4.
Born in Medina (Bandera County) April 7, 1909 to Mr. and Mrs. Z.W. Green, Vance was one of eight children, all preceding her in death.
As a young woman, Vance married Charles James Gibson of Martin, County who preceded her in death. Vance later married Roy Lee Allen of Andrews, who passed away in 1979. She resided in Andrews for 29 years. In 1981, Vance moved to Odessa where she has lived for the past 23 years.
Vance was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Odessa, where she has had so many loving friends. She was also a charter member of First Presbyterian Church of Andrews.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2004 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco. Her grandson, Rev. Mark Elliott officiated. Burial followed at Sabana Cemetery in Eastland County.
The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the doctors and caring nurses on 9-C at Medical Center Hospital of Odessa.
Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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Roseanna (Bunny) Frutos
Roseanna (Bunny) Marie Frutos, beloved wife, mother, daughter and sister, passed from our world on Friday, January 16, 2004.
She was born on April 6, 1958 in Jacksonville, Florida, and called El Paso her home since 1974. Bunny spent her adult life caring for others by fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a nurse, specializing in orthopedics and ICU. She was a member of the Border ChildrenÕs Mental Health Collaborative, associated with the Juvenile Probation Department. She was a former instructor at the David Carrasco Job Corps and CPR instructor for the American Red Cross.
Bunny loved to garden and quilt. She belonged to the El Paso QuilterÕs Guild association, and also spent time camping and in carpentry, and was an active member of the NRA.
She is survived by her husband, Fernando Frutos, three daughters, Katrina Brieseno of San Diego, Vickie Frutos of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Kimberley Frutos of Galveston, Texas; and three sons, Matthew Uster and Benjamin Uster of El Paso, and James Frutos of Lexington Park, Maryland. She is also survived by her parents, William and Rosalie Johnston, and grandmother Arline Ketring and a sister, Robin Black, all of Eastland, TX; sisters Rebecca Fields of Summitville, Indiana and Billie Jo Johnson of Beaufort, South Carolina; and a brother, David Johnston of Michigan. She had eight beloved grandchildren, James, Gabriel, Jonathan, Sara, Emory, Henry, Christian and Autumn. She has nine nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Claudia Butler; and grandfather, Claude Ketring, both of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Memorial services were held on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at the San Jose Funeral Home 601 S. Virginia. Viewing was at 2 p.m. and Scriptures said at 3 p.m.
She will be sorely missed by all her family and friends.
A tree will be planted on the family farm in her memory.
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Mary Huestis
RANGER- Mary Ruth Huestis, 102, of Ranger, died Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at Ranger Care Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2004 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco. Rev. Gary Turner officiated. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Huestis was born on July 27, 1901 in Dotham, Texas to Walter Isaac and Margaret Jane (Nunnley) Agnew. Her husband Paul Lufurgy Huestis whom she married on December 20, 1919 in Cisco preceded her in death on May 16, 1981. She was a homemaker, she loved flowers and her neighbors and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Cisco.
Survivors are her daughters, Rosemary Fambro and her husband Ed (Skeet) Price of Strawn, Thelma Oleta Garvic of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren, Paul Edd Fambro of Cedar Park, Jeanette Meo and husband Rocky of Jefferson City, MO., and Jim Garvic and wife Petra all of Olathe, KS; 4 great grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
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Harvey Waldon
EASTLAND- Harvey Othel (H.O.) Waldon, 80, of Eastland, died Friday, January 23, 2004 in DeLeon.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2004 at Edwards Funeral Home, Rev. Jim Andrews officiated. Masonic Lodge burial service and veterans honors followed in the Eastland City Cemetery.
He was born March 6, 1923 to Charles Green and Lillie Augusta (Cate) Waldon in Girard, Texas. He was raised on a farm and drove produce to town in a wagon and tended the horses and cows. He excelled in baseball. He served with the 11th Airborne during WW II in the Pacific, earning 5 bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Arrowhead and Purple Heart. He returned home and married Dorothy Mae Hunsinger to which were born two children. He was a T.V. technician and electrician and worked to keep the Eastland Memorial Hospital running smoothly for 25 years, for which he received 2 special awards. He was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church and Eastland Masonic Lodge. He was an avid golfer, tinkerer and coffee drinker. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and a brother, Leslie Green Waldon.
Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Kathleen Waldon of Mayhill, New Mexico; a daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette and O.C. Ward of DeLeon; a sister, Alpha Caldwell of Valley Mills; grandsons, Darrell Ray Waldon, Randy Wayne Waldon, Jordon Wayne Waldon, Charlie Wayne Waldon and Brandon Shayne Thomas; granddaughters, Kimberly Mae Bustos and Marie Ann Koch; great-grandchildren, Tara, Kris, Rebecca, D.J., Lorenna, Lazaro, Sara, Matthew and Hannah; and a niece, Margie Hodges.
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Robert Bond
Robert Eugene Bond, 81, of Austin died Tuesday, January 27, 2004.
He was born August 23, 1922 to Travis and Gladys Palmer Bond.
He was a UT graduate and served in World War II in the Army Air Corps. Robert was a devoted employee of Whitley Printing Co. for 37 years, until his retirement in 1987.
He enjoyed golf, gardening, dominoes and cards and was affectionately called ÒMr. Fix-ItÓ by his grandkids.
Graveside services (burial of ashes) were held at Austin Memorial Park at 2 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2004.
Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home of Austin.
Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Gorin, Gus Grosskopf, Jack Brown and Jim McCorquodale.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Joyce Geiser Bond, whom he married in Austin, TX on January 29, 1947. He also leaves behind his daughter, Barbara Prellop and husband, Ronnie of Georgetown; his son, Gary Bond and wife Jan of Midland; mother, Gladys Bond of Eastland; sister, Betty Kidd of Eastland; four granddaughters, Melissa Garcia and husband Joey, Michelle Clark and husband Stephen, Megan Prellop and Rhonda Bond; and two great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759.
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Walter Gilliam
EASTLAND- Walter R. Gilliam, 94, died Thursday, January 29, 2004 at Weatherford, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2004 at the Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Jim Hatcher and Joe Wilson officiated. Interment followed in the Eastland Cemetery.
Walter was born to Orlan and Sadie (Foster) Gilliam on October 31, 1909, at Abilene, TX. He grew up in Abilene, and married Florine Satterwhite there on October 31, 1938. They lived in Abilene, Midland and Odessa before moving to Grand Prairie, where they lived from 1947 until 1963. He moved to Eastland in 1970 and had lived in Weatherford the past 4 years. Walter worked in the electronics division of LTV in Dallas for many years. He was a member of the Flatwood Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his wife Florine in 2002.
Survivors are his daughter, Sheila Natole of Weatherford.
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Donald Jackson
MAY- Donald W. Jackson, 56, of May, Texas, died January 28, 2004 at Seagraves, Texas.
Don was born June 23, 1947 in Andrews, Texas to Floyd Jackson and Laurie Allyne (Hardy) Jackson. He married Margaret Phua Boon Inn on October 16, 1977 in Singapore. He has lived in May for 25 years. He worked in the oil field business for 12 years. He has been a truck driver for 17 years. He was a life member of VFW in Brownwood. He was a member of the May Fire Department. He was a member of the May First Baptist Church. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Margaret Jackson of May; daughter, Kristy Jackson of San Marcos; son, Dwayne Jackson of San Angelo; 3 brothers, James F. (Jim) Jackson and his wife, Sue of May; Glynn Jackson and his wife, Cynthia of May; Robert Jackson and his wife, Sherry of May; 4 sisters, Barbara Ostermaier and her husband, Bob of Enid, OK, Brenda Jackson of Brownwood, Jackie Jackson of May, Mary Cooper and her husband, Gary of Odessa; 2 grandchildren, Sterling Cole and Andriane Brook Jackson; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2004 at the May First Baptist Church, Dennis Hester officiated. Burial was in the Wolf Valley Cemetery in Brown County, Texas. Higginbotham Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers were Dennis Jackson, Jessie Jackson, Michael Jackson, Timothy Jackson, Jason Jackson, Rendell Skaggs, Wesley Cooper, Billy Ostermaier, Eric Jackson.
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James Morgan
BAIRD- James R. Morgan, 84, of Clyde, died Sunday, February 1, 2004 at an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at 11 a.m. at the Scranton Cemetery, directed by Parker Funeral Home of Baird. Charles Annett officiated.
He was born in Scranton, Texas on April 18, 1919. He married Billie Joyce Browning in Baird in 1948. He owned and operated Morgan Feed Store during the late 1940Õs. He was employed by El Paso Natural Gas Company as a field supervisor for 30 years, retiring in 1982. He has lived in Clyde since 1982. He was a four year veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Infantry.
Five brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Billie Joyce Morgan; two sons, Ron Morgan of Ruidosa, NM and Terry and his wife Judy Morgan of Scranton; one daughter, Carla Smith and husband James of Tuscola; and four grandsons, Jason, Jake, Jim Morgan and Nathan Chastain; one brother, Jake Morgan of Cisco; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
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Geveva Hallmark
MORAN- Geneva Hallmark, 84, of Moran, died Saturday, January 31, 2004 at an Abilene hospital.
Geneva was born July 8, 1919 in Sedwick, Texas and married Don D. Hallmark on December 21, 1934 in Albany; he preceded her in death in 1993. She was baptized in the Church of Christ in 1935 and has been a faithful member. She worked for Davis Manufacturing in Breckenridge 13 years; for Russell Newman Manufacturing in Cisco four years; two years for U.S. Brass Company; and for two years she helped at the Albany Youth Center cooking for senior citizens. She was a homemaker.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2004 at the Moran Church of Christ, Mark Wiebe and Chris Dowdy officiated. Interment followed in Moran Cemetery, directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Treva Hallmark Mitchell; five brothers and four sisters.
Survivors are a number of nieces and nephews.
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Alvie 'Blackie' Reynolds
RANGER- Alvie A. 'Blackie' Reynolds, 85, died Wednesday, February 4, 2004.
Memorial services will be on Sunday, February 8, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Eastside Baptist Church with Donna DeLuca officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
He married Allie Belle Stuart of Bowie and together they had one daughter, Gladys Marie Reynolds. They made their home in Odessa, Texas for more than 60 years. Blackie was well known and respected in the oil fields of West Texas. He worked and retired from FWA Oil Drilling Company in the late 1970's. Blackie has spent the last years living in Cross Plains and Ranger Nursing Care Centers. He has been able to enjoy the fellowship of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren during his time.
Blackie was a man that was blessed - that is, he had an inward joy, which came from living a good life. He appreciated the days that God gave him, and the people that God surrounded him with. He did not look to the past or the future. He enjoyed the gifts of the present: friends, family, smiles, hugs, and health.
Blackie was preceded in death and now re-united with his wife, Allie and daughter, Gladys.
Known to his grandchildren as "PawPaw", he is survived by one grandson and two granddaughters, Mark and Kathy Buck of Enumclaw, Washington, and their children Shelby and Joshua, Dan and Kathy Eoff of Zephyr, TX and their children Kutter, Kashtyn and Kannon, Cord and Kimberly Woerner of Godley, TX and their children Thor, Zed and Miss Aspen.
Blackie and his family would like to recognize the loyal dedication of the nursing staff of the Ranger Care Center and that of the Eastland Memorial Hospital. Dr. Hugh Wilson and the doctors he works with have spent many an hour striving to make sure PawPaw maintained a life of quality, not quantity. We thank you.
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Opal Archer
CISCO- Opal Lorilla Archer, 86, died Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at Canterbury Villa Nursing Home.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2004 at Oakwood Cemetery, Larry Fitzgerald officiated. Arrangements were made by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Directors.
Mrs. Archer was born on September 23, 1917 at Dickens County, Texas to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Jones. She married Boyce Archer on July 19, 1936. He preceded her in death in 1998. She was a housewife.
Survivors are Michael Archer Pauchet and Patsy Koch.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.
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John Smith, Jr.
RHOME- John Martin Smith, Jr., 54, died February 2, 2004 at Fort Worth, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2004 at Aurora Baptist Church in Aurora, Texas. Interment was in Aurora Cemetery directed by Coker Funeral Home of Decatur, Texas. Jimmy Withers officiated.
Mr. Smith was born to John and Rubye Smith on May 21, 1949 in Ranger, Texas. He was a 1967 graduate of Eastland High School. He was a graduate of Dallas Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He married Donna K. Knight on June 17, 1994 in Hurst, Texas. He was a Baptist minister. He was a member of Southern Baptist Convention and Aurora Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Smith of Rhome; daughters, Jenny Read of Chico, Billy Jenkins of Bedford, Crystal Wheeler of Azle, Deborah Smith of Rhome, Calandra Smith of Rhome, Michelle House of Arizona and Denise Walker Paschal of Bridgeport; and a sister, Betty Daniels of Olden.
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Bryan Brown
EASTLAND- Bryan Lee Brown, 25, of Graham, died Monday, February 9, 2004 as the result of injuries received in an auto accident near Jacksboro.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed in the Eastland Cemetery.
Bryan was born to Ronald and Ruth (Goforth) Brown on February 4, 1979 in Ranger, Texas. He grew up in Eastland, attended Eastland schools, Ranger College and Cisco Junior College, where he was on the DeanÕs List. He married Jennifer Booth on July 22, 2000, in Breckenridge, Texas. Bryan was employed by Haliburton Corp, and had lived in Graham since March of 2001. He was a member of the Maranatha Baptist Church.
Survivors are his wife, Jennifer Brown of Graham; two sons, Zachary and Zane of the home; his parents, Ronald and Ruth Brown of Eastland; and a brother, Jimmy Brown of Abilene.
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Charles Lindley Sr.
Charles Nathan Lindley Sr., born on the Nail Ranch near Fort Griffin, Texas on August 28th, 1921, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, February 8th, 2004.
Nathan, son of the late Martin Luther and Katie Catherine (Sanders) Lindley, attended school in Gunsight, Texas, before attending ÒPaint and BodyÓ school at Cisco Junior College, where he learned his trade and discovered one of his many talents. Nathan married Fannie Lee Wheat on March 23, 1940 in Breckenridge, Texas. Soon after, Nathon entered military service, serving the Army Air Corps by in New Guinea and Biak Island in the South Pacific as an aircraft mechanic. Nathon received numerous medals and a Purple Heart while defending our country during World War II.
Upon his return from the war, Nathan and Fannie moved to Eastland, where Nathan first worked for the King Motor Company, Fullen Motor Company, Muirhead Motor Company and Hartt Chevrolet before opening Lindley's Paint & Body Shop. Nathon was an avid gardener, and carried that love of nature in to his other hobbies, such as hunting and fishing. He loved his family dearly, and always enjoyed a rousing game of dominoes while surrounded by his family and friends.
Charles Nathan was preceded in death by his parents Martin Luther and Katie Catherine, his sons Edwin Eugene (1949), Martin Britt (1968), Clifford Lee (2003), and his siblings Ruby, Theodore, J.C., and Betty.
NathanÕs surviving family members include his wonderful wife of 64 years ; siblings Ben and his wife Margaret of Optima, Oklahoma, Elbert and his wife Jerry of Stephenville, Harold and his wife Mary of Baytown, Carl and his wife Imogene of Garland, Billy of Abilene, Rosalee Presley of Breckenridge, sisters-in-law Clarine of Athens, Jewell of Duncanville, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; sons Charles Nathan Lindley, Jr. of Red Oak, David Allen of Red Oak, Billy Ray of North Richland Hills; and daughter Evelyn Delores Weeks and her husband Dwaine of Fort Worth.
Grandchildren include Charles Nathan III, Britt, Eric, Kim and Dave Smith, Christi and Sean Miller, Tisha, Chad, Jeremy, Jason, Brandi and Jaime Greene, Joshua, Tiffeny and Johnny Fox, Britteny and John David Johnson, Jennifer and Scott Bender; great-grand children Amanda, Dawna, Megan, Kelbi, Storey, Liberty and Chance. He is also survived by special family friends Tara Miles and Pam Hoover.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at the EdwardÕs Funeral Home (301 South Lamar Street, Eastland, Texas).
The proceedings will be officiated by Nathan's nephew, Rufus Wilson.
Pallbearers were Charles Nathan Lindley, III, Jason Lee Lindley, Jeremy Ray Lindley, James Britt Lindley, Joshua Ryan Lindley, Eric Philip Lindley.
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Patricia Arnold
Patricia Liles Arnold was born March 27, 1946. She died February 11, 2004.
An acclaimed pianist, wife, mother, and grandmother, Patricia joined her loving parents at the foot of the Lord to accompany the Heavenly Choir in chorus. She passed peacefully after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Her loving husband, Gabe Arnold attended her.
Her love was like a beacon and her light touched many, but we take joy in knowing her love of making music live on forever in her art.
She is survived by her husband, Gabe Arnold; two sons, Richard Ferrell Corbell of Rowlett, TX. and Larry Ferrell and wife Cassandra of North Richland Hills, TX; four stepsons, David Ferrell and Jimmy Ferrell of Stephenville, TX, Gabe Arnold, III of Houston,TX, and Reid Arnold of Houston, TX; four grandchildren Kayla Ferrell, Brett Whiteside, Jarrod Ferrell and Michael Ferrell.
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Carrie Gilkey
EASTLAND- Carrie Davis Gilkey, 79, of Eastland, died Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at the Valley View Healthcare Center in Eastland.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2004 at the Eastland City Cemetery, Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gilkey was born January 17, 1925 in Edinburg, Texas to Edgar and Maybelle Davis. She married W.E. ÒBillÓ Gilkey, Sr. on January 15, 1944, in Dallas. She moved to Eastland in 1978, where she was a member of the First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Leland E. Davis and by two sisters, Polly Martin and Mona Kay Kohrt.
Survivors are her husband, W.E. ÒBillÓ Gilkey, Sr. of Eastland; three sons, W.E. Gilkey of Ranger, Robert Davis Gilkey and his wife Brenda of Eastland and James Michael Gilkey of Eastland; 4 grandchildren, Christopher Gilkey, Jessica Gilkey, Jason Gilkey and Jamie Gilkey; two great-grandchildren, Mason and Miranda; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
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Edna Cops
CISCO- Edna Lucille Cops, 75, of Cisco died Thursday, February 12, 2004 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held Saturday, February 14, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Bob Ferguson officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Edna was born September 2, 1928 in Marietta, Texas. She was the daughter of Henry Washington and Ola Belle (Wilson) Bond. She was a homemaker and wife of Willie Cops whom she married in California. Her husband preceded her in death in 1988. Edna attended the Mountain Top Church in Cisco.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Marlin Bond.
Survivors include a daughter, Nancy Ruth Clark of Jefferson, TX.; sisters, Josephine Mayfield of Jefferson, Evelyn Randolph of Abilene, Luella Adcock of Atlanta, TX, and Frances Rains of Cisco; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Her nephews served as pallbearers.
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Luther Harmes
CROSS PLAINS- Luther Glen Harmes, 70, of Cross Plains, died Friday, February 13, 2004 at a local hospital.
He was born September 27, 1933 in Coleman, Texas to Luther Otto and Mary Fay (Coleman) Harmes. Glen graduated from Coleman High School, where he excelled as a top running back for the Coleman Bluecasts in the late 40Õs and early 50Õs. He married Mardell (Maxwell) Richards on January 17, 1975 in Gatesville. In later years, he was a self-employed equipment dealer and drilling contractor. His loves were his wife, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids, horseracing, auctions, and always looking for another deal. He was a member of Central Baptist Church in Coleman.
Survivors are his wife, Mardell Harmes of Cross Plains; two daughters, Toni Shields of Snyder, Connie Boggs of Eastland; three sons, Monty Richards of Cross Plains, Steve Richards of Winnemucca, NV, Gary Richards of Beeville; his mother, Mary Harmes of Coleman; brother, Don Harmes of Coleman; 13 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father Luther Harmes; and a sister, Neva Bowen.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2004 at Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Ronnie White officiated, assisted by Rex Boggs. Burial was in the Cross Plains Cemetery, Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains in charge of arrangements.
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Jesse Bilbrey, Sr.
CISCO- Jesse Derrell Bilbrey, Sr., 80, of Cisco, died Sunday, February 17, 2004 in Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Larry Roberts officiated. Interment in Bilbrey Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Bilbrey was born on January 22, 1924 in Sylvester, Texas to Jesse David and Minnie (Strother) Bilbrey. He served in the US Army during World War II, and was a member of the American Legion Post #470 at Lake Brownwood. He worked as a carpenter and was a member of Daugherty Street Church of Christ. He married Georgia White on June 4, 1948 in Dumas, Texas.
Survivors include his wife, Georgia Bilbrey of Cisco; daughter, Angie Honea of Cisco; sons, Jesse D. Bilbrey, Jr. and wife Deborah of Rising Star, Jimmy Dale Bilbrey and wife Judy of Cisco; brother, Gene Bilbrey and wife Delores of Gilmer; grandsons, Trey Bilbrey III, Dusty Bilbrey, Ben Honea and wife Shanna, and Buddy Honea; granddaughters, Pamela Billman and husband Robbie, Gwen Self and husband Robert, Kim Meridth and husband Ernie, and Brittany Brinkman; great-grandchildren, Dodge Honea, Kenny Billman, Brandon Billman, Dylan Billman, Dalton Self, Ethan Self, Daniel Merdth and Haylei Merdth; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers were Glenn Bailey, Steve Brasel, Walker Brooks, Richard Creech, Mike McGinn, Randy McGinn and Bill Underwood.
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Daisy O'Neal
GORMAN- Daisy Beatrice Bond O'Neal was born January 14, 1914 in Alexandria, Louisiana to Dawson and Ellen Bond.
She died Friday, February 13, 2004 in Gorman, TX. She grew up in Gorman, and lived most of her life in Abilene, Breckenridge and Gorman. She married Harvie O'Neal on February 10, 1934 and they had two children, Ann Holt of Austin and David O'Neal of Houston. She was a homemaker and church choir member, and loved to sing, anywhere and anytime. She will be missed and remembered for all she brought to our lives.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, as well as five sisters, Ola Hirst, Florence Richardson, Verna Watson and Doris Bryan all of Gorman and Russ Goodin of Graham.
She is survived by her grandchildren Kim Newton and family of Austin, Tracy Sosa and family of Abilene, Jill Davis and family of Austin, Melissa Moss and husband of Houston and David OÕNeal, Jr. of Austin; three step-grandchildren, Brian Holt and family of San Francisco, CA, Miriam McGhee and family of Frisco, TX. and Tony Holt and family of Austin, and 16 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Lloyd Glasson of Gorman and the children of her sisters. All her nieces and nephews were very special to her.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Richard Watson officiated. Burial followed in Oaklawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4501 Hartford St. Abilene, TX 79605, or to the First Baptist Church of Gorman.
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Terry Norris
CROSS PLAINS- Terry Ella Brooks Norris, 49, of Cross Plains, died Saturday, February 14, 2004 at her home.
She was born in Odessa on July 15, 1954. She attended school in Odessa and graduated from Cross Plains and later became an LVN nurse.
She is survived by her daughter Jesse Marie Norris of Cross Plains; Aaron Michael Norris, who is currently stationed in Charleston, SC with the U.S. Navy; parents, Kenneth and Ella L. Brooks of Pioneer; two sisters, Linda Brooks Wilson and husband Richard of Ruidoso, NM and Ramona Brooks Lewis and husband Robert of Las Cruces, NM; maternal grandmother, Letha Turner of Fairfield, TX.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Howard W. Brooks, paternal grandmother Blanche Curry Brooks, and maternal grandfather Clayton (Jake) Fielden.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at Pioneer Cemetery, Rufus Wilson officiated, under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains.
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Derwood Clardy
STANTON - Derwood Clardy, 84, of Stanton, Texas, died Thursday, February 12, 2004, in a Stanton nursing home.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2004 at the First Baptist Church of Stanton with Rev. David Harp, pastor, officiating. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Stanton with military rites by the VFW Post # 429.
He was born on January 2, 1920, in Loraine, Texas and married Margie Clardy on February 18, 1947 in Breckenridge, Texas. Derwood and Margie moved from Baird to Stanton in 1948. He worked as a mechanic for his brother, Carl Clardy at Stanton Implement. He was later in business for himself. Then he worked for Bob Cain, and Field and Newton International.
Mr. Clardy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Stanton a member of the Stoger-Estes Post #429 of the American Legion. He was in the 82nd Airborne in World War II from 1944 to 1946 serving in the European Theatre, France, Germany and England and came home on the Queen Mary. He joined the Coservation Corps Coop in 1936 while in Phoenix Arizona.
Survivors include his wife, Margie Clardy of Stanton, four daughters and sons-in-law, Margaret and Bert Foutch, Susie and Sam Weaverling and Dorothy and Terry Easley all of Greenwood, and Laura and Cliff Sikes of Midland; 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by three sisters, Mae Yater, Margaret Hill, and Laura Lee Clardy, five brothers, Terrell, Roy, Doyle, Cecil and Carl Clardy.
The family suggests memorials made to Home Hospice of Midland, 901 W. Missouri Ave., Midland, Texas 79701 or to the First Baptist Church of Stanton, P.O. Box 1168, Stanton, Texas 79782.
Arrangements under the direction of Gilbreath Funeral Home of Stanton.
Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
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Donald Drinkard
WHITESETTLEMENT- Donald L. Drinkard, 69, a retired grinder for Ben Hogan Company, died Thursday, February 5, 2004 in Fort Worth.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at First Baptist Church of White Settlement. Burial was in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Pastor James A. Gatliff officiated. Biggers Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Drinkard was born in Eastland County. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and later in the United States Air Force. He had lived in Fort Worth since 1962 and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He retired from Ben Hogan Company in 1994 with 32 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Dreinhofer of Ranger.
Survivors are his wife, Ann Wells Drinkard of White Settlement; daughters, Donna Drinkard of Granbury and Ann Jackson and her husband, Dan of Fort Worth; son, Steven Drinkard and Karen Ainsworth of Weatherford; sister, June Davis and her husband, Bill of Ranger; brothers, Fred Dreinhofer of Brownwood and Arthur Dreinhofer of New Braunfels; six grandchildren; and a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
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Mary Ann Horrell
Mary Ann Horrell, 57, of Rising Star, died Sunday, February 15, 2004 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Mary was born November 27, 1946 in Abilene to Jim and Xyphrea Horrell.
Survivors include her two daughters, Dana L. Houlihan and Barbara Hokett both of Abilene; her two brothers, James Horrell of Rising Star and Jerry Horrell of Abilene; her sister, Judy Lee of Ellabell, GA; five grandchildren, Casey, Aaron, Levi, Chances and Stormie.
She was preceded in death by her two sons, Charles Dwayne Hokett and Russell Davis Hokett.
No services will be held. She was cremated on Thursday, February 19, 2004 at Sundown Crematory in Mineral Wells, TX. with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
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Catherine Cotton
Catherine Cone Cotton died Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at a Plano hospital.
Services were held Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.
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Hazel Fisher
Hazel Quinn Fisher, 85, born in Ranger, Texas to Harvey Lee Quinn and Lela Amalia Pace on November 18, 1918.
She died peacefully on February 15, 2004 in Dallas, TX.
Survived by her husband, Will Fisher; sister-in-law, Irene Quinn; nephews, Michael, Gill Russell S. and wife, Marie Quinn, Jhon, Gary and wife, Helen (Punky) Tidwell; nieces, Judy and husband Bob Schraeder, Kathy Miller, Lisa Lynch, Pat Crosby and Sonia Lee Quinn.
Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2004 at Church of Christ, 2442 W. Jefferson, Rev. Wes Price officiated. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2004 at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger.
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Dusty Hargrove
CROSS PLAINS: Dusty Ryan Hargrove, 24, of Cross Plains died Thursday, February 19, 2004 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center in Brownwood.
He was born February 10, 1980 to Jim and Cliffadean White Hargrove in Abilene, Texas. Dusty grew up in Cross Plains, and attended both elementary and high school here and graduated in 1998. He was a member of Cottonwood Baptist Church.
He is survived by his parents, Jim and Cliffadean Hargrove of Cross Plains; two sisters, Kelli and husband Frankie Hyles of Cross Plains, Kami Hargrove and Tad Timmons of Granbury; son, Tristan Hargrove of Cross Plains; nieces Mykea Douglass, Kelbi Hyles, Shana Hyles, Christin Hyles; nephew, Cody Hyles all of Cross Plains; aunt and uncle Shirley and Bobby Pettijohn of Hamilton, and uncle and aunt Roger and Kathy White of Snyder; as well as a host of cousins, friends and loved ones.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2004 at the First Baptist Church, Joe Coppinger and Bay Kirkham officiated. Burial was in the Hyles and Hargrove Family Cemetery in Callahan County, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Cross Plains Athletic Booster Club, Callahan County Jr. Livestock Show both of Cross Plains, Texas.
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Brady Abila
COMANCHE- Brady Abila, infant, went home to be with the angles on Tuesday, February 17, 2004.
Graveside services were held at 2:00 pm Friday, February 20, 2004 in Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Brady is survived by his parents Samantha and Richard Abila of Comanche, Tx., brother Aaron Abila of the home. Maternal Grandparents Mark and Judy Wheat of Ranger, Tx., Maternal Great grandmothers Barbara Wheat of Ranger, Tx., and Doris Sharp of Eastland, Tx. Paternal grandparents Carolyn Abila of Abilene, Tx., and Oscar and Letica Abila of Abilene, Tx., Great grandpaents Eugene and Pat Abila of Haskel, Tx. Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
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James 'Jack' Smith
EASTLAND- James C. 'Jack' Smith, 86, died Wednesday, March 31, 2004.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3, 2004 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jim Andrews officiated, assisted by Rev. Jim Wright and Rev. Richard Watson. Interment was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Mr. Smith was born November 29, 1917 in Sipe Springs to Thomas B. and Eunice (Everitt) Smith. He married his wife of 68 years, Ethel Beatrice Allcock, on May 18, 1935 in Rochester, Texas. He was a Trooper for the Texas Department of Public Safety for 30 years, retiring in 1977. In 1979, he became the County Judge for Baylor County. In 1987, he was commissioned by the Public Safety Commission of the State of Texas, as a Special Texas Ranger. He was later a Bailiff for the 91st District Court in Eastland. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He had been a Deacon of Calvary Baptist Church in Seymour. He was active in Southern Baptist Missions, and had helped build several churches. He was a Charter Deacon of the Lake Leon Baptist Church, where he led the singing. He had been a member of the First Baptist Church in Eastland, Mangum Baptist Church, and was currently a member of the Bethel Baptist Church.
Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Ethel ÔBeaÕ Smith of Gorman; a daughter-in-law, Sonja Smith of Longview; two daughters, Patricia Ann Boone of Gorman and Joyce Hutchens of Cisco; two brothers, Thomas B. Smith of Nocona and Beuford Smith of Nocona; a sister, Melba Jones of Comanche; nine grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were grandsons. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol and License and Weight Troopers.
He was preceded in death by a son, James H. Smith; granddaughter, Tammy Hutchens Bryan; parents, Thomas and Eunice Smith; three sisters, Ruth English, Veda Vineyard and Estell Jones; and brother, Clyde Smith.
Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland or The Salvation Army.
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Ethel Beatrice Smith
EASTLAND- Ethel Beatrice 'Bea' Smith, 86, of Carbon died Sunday, April 4, 2004 at her residence, one day after her husband's funeral.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2004 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Rex Boggs, Jim Andrews and Rev. Richard Watson officiated. Interment was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Mrs. Smith was born August 28, 1917 to Martin and Josie Robbins Allock in Arlington, Texas. She married Jack Smith on May 18, 1935 in Rochester, TX and had been married 68 years. Jack died on March 31, 2004, just 4 days prior to her passing away. They have been apart just a short while. Jack was a DPS Trooper and they had lived in several towns, mostly in Seymour where Bea worked as a clerk for Ferguson Drug Co. and was active in Calvary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School. In 1981 they moved to Eastland where she was active in the churches where she was a member: First Baptistof Eastland, Mangum Baptist Church, a charter member of Lake Leon Baptist Church and current member of Bethel Baptist Church. She has taught Sunday School for 30 years of which she was very proud.
She was preceded in death by a son, James Harvey Smith; granddaughter, Tammy Hutchens Bryan; parents, Martin and Josie Allock; two sisters, Oleta Autrey and Juanita Oliver; five brothers, Billy Ray Allock, Elred Allcock, Allen Allock, Ezra Allock, and Preston Allcock.
Survivors include two daughters, Patricia Ann Boone and husband Roger of Gorman and Joyce Hutchens and husband Lewis of Gorman; a daughter-in-law, Sonja Smith of Longview; three brothers, Harold Allcock and Joe Earl Allcock both of Fort Worth, Denver Allcock of Bastrop, TX; a sister, Wanda Sue Peters of Olton, TX; 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Tx 79605.
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William Owen Hevron
PUTNAM- William Owen Hevron, 52, died Friday, April 2, 2004 at home in Putnam following a sudden illness.
A graveside service was held at 4 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2004 at Putnam Cemetery with military honors. Glen Pruet officiated, directed by Parker Funeral Home of Baird.
William was born November 30, 1952 in Fresno, CA. He had lived in Putnam for 20 years and was a truck driver for Crete Trucking Co. He served in the U.S. Air Force in Viet Nam.
Survivors include his mother, Dorothy Hevron of Fayetteville, AK; adopted mom, Barbara Hodges of Putnam; five sisters, Kay Wheeler of South Carolina, Lee Ann Hodges of Putnam, Pat Love of Fayetteville, AK, Arlene McAdams of Winslow, AK, and Gail Long of Centre Valley, CA; one brother, Paul Hevron of West Fork, AK; 11 nieces and nephews; friend Randy Woosley of AK; dear friend, Dusty McClellan of Houston; and friend Bobby Feely of Putnam.
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Patricia Alexander
ANSON- Patricia Alexander, 69, of Anson, Texas passed away Sunday, April 4, 2004 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Her body was cremated with no services planned.
She was born October 15, 1934. She married Preston Alexander in February of 1957.
She was preceded in death by a son, David Alexander.
Survivors are her husband, Preston Alexander of Anson; one son, Barry Alexander of Eastland; a sister, Joyce Smith of Coppers Cove, TX; two brothers, John Greenknock and Jimmy Greenknock of Scottland.
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Verlan Overstreet
GORMAN- Verlan Overstreet, 86, of Gorman died Sunday, April 4, 2004 at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman, Durward Webb officiated. Burial was at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mr. Overstreet was born May 6, 1917 in Gorman to Earnest and Addie (Todd) Overstreet. He married Faye Locke on December 23, 1937 in Gorman. She preceded him in death on November 28, 1992. He was a retired truck driver and a member of the Church of Christ. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother.
Survivors are one son, Jerry Overstreet and wife Betty Jo of Gorman; daughter, Barbara Morrison of Gorman; two grandchildren, Cheri Troutman and husband Chuck of Gorman and Ricky Morrison and wife Shanda of Gorman; three great grandchildren, Tiffany Troutman, Dakota and Russell Morrison; and two great-great grandchildren, Allie and Kaylee.
Alice Roper, a former Ranger resident, died March 26, 2004 in Arlington, Texas after a short illness.
She was born on March 9, 1920 in Miami, Florida.
She was preceded in death by a grandson, Christopher Olsen of California.
She is survived by a son, Roy T. Olsen of California; two daughters, Charlene Summers of Fort Worth and Joe Anne Carter of Fort Worth; two granddaughters, Alicia Seward of Arlington and Ruth Anne Carroll of Washington; three great-granddaughters, Christie, Mickey and Kimberly of Arlington.
A Memorial will be held at Arlington Villa Retirement Village on April 24, 2004 at 2 p.m.
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Evelyn Fambrough
RANGER- Evelyn Fambrough, 89, of Ranger on Monday, April 5, 2004 at Stephenville.
Graveside services were held at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2004 at Wayland Cemetery in Stephens County, Rev. Charles Kuhn officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Fambrough was born on August 23, 1914 in Woodson, the daughter of James M and Eva Jane (Reeves) Wallace. She was a graduate of Woodson High School, and member of First Christian Church of Breckenridge. Mrs. Fambrough married Truman E. Fambrough in Breckenridge on December 1, 1940. He preceded her in death in 1993. She was a schoolteacher and librarian working in Seminole and Flagstaff, AZ. where she was the supervisor of public school libraries. Upon retiring she moved to Eastland County in 1976.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, John Brown Wallace and sister, Martha Adell Donnell.
Survivors are her daughter, Jane Ann Burdick of Strawn; sister, Mary Mull Abraham of Woodson; grandsons, Rendell Burdick and wife Renee of Ft. Worth, and Reeves Burdick of Stephenville; niece, Glenda Sue Spencer of Breckenridge; and several other nieces and nephews.
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Eloise Wisdom Williams
DESDEMONA- Eloise Wisdom Williams, 72, died Sunday, April 4, 2004 at her residence in Desdemona, Texas.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 8, 2004 at the Desdemona First Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Garden of Memory Cemetery in Desdemona. Jackie Auvenshine officiating, assisting will be Gary Hughes. Nowlin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Eloise was born November 17, 1931 in Cheaney Community in Eastland County to the late David E. Wisdom and Hazel Buckley Wisdom. She was a homemaker; former employee of First National Bank of Graford; worked for City National Bank of Mineral Wells; worked for Eastland National Bank; also worked for Birdsong Peanut Company of Gorman and Seaton Mills of Gorman; resided in Desdemona area 32 years, coming from Graford, TX. member First Baptist Church in Desdemona.
She married Leo C. Williams on January 23, 1949 in Desdemona, Texas.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Thornhill.
Survivors are her husband, Leo Williams of Desdemona; a son, David Clayton Williams of Cache, OK., three daughters, Donna Moore of Strawn, Delores Helms of Hico and Enid Williams and husband Paul Yanko of Akron, Ohio; brother, Bobby D. Wisdom of Desdemona; sister, Patsy Kincanon of Hico; 6 grandchildren, Kirk, Kevin and Mark Siler, Kelly Massie, Jessica Miniaci and Lindsey Helms; and 4 great-grandchildren, Brooke Siler, Layton Massie and Peyton and Bennett Siler.
Musicians will be Jeff Seaton, Kelly Massie and David Williams.
Pallbearers will be Riley W. Holder, Eric Kincanon, Mike Kimbrough, Bryce Myrick, Gary Barker, James Bruton.
Honorary pallbearers will be Opan Cole, Judy Morrow, Joan Dowdy, Jane Huddleston, Anna Jean True, Melba Rasor, Carolyn Harrison, Margie Tullos and Virginia Arnold.
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John Parrott
CISCO- John Thomas (Johnny) Parrott, 79, died Tuesday, April 6, 2004 at his residence in Cisco.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 8, 2004 at First United Methodist Church in Throckmorton, Rev. John Sanders and Rev. Cody Cochran officiated. Burial was in the Throckmorton Cemetery directed by Merriman-Archer Funeral Home.
He was born June 12, 1924 in Throckmorton County, Texas. JohnnyÕs parents, Gen and Bessie Parrott, and his grandparents, E.T. Parrott and John Nelson Condron families, were Throckmorton County pioneers. Johnny was one of five children born to Gee and Bessie Parrot. Johnny and Kay Johnson were married on October 23, 1953 in Throckmorton, Texas. After marriage they made their home in Throckmorton for a number of years. They moved to a ranch near Cisco which they bought in 1963.
He was a well-known and respected cowboy and rancher. He began his cowboy career early in life. While Johnny was in high school he belonged to a Square Dance on Horseback Club. They square danced on horseback for the Fort Worth Stock Show as well as other rodeos. After Johnny graduated from Throckmorton High School he worked on the Buckle L Ranch in Childress. Johnny also worked for Woodson Oil Company for a few years.
JohnnyÕs first love of cowboying and ranch life was roping. Many afternoons you would find Johnny and a group of boys at his roping pen. Johnny taught many young men how to ride a horse and to rope a calf. He especially loved to chase and rope wild Mexican steers on ranches in this area. One situation Johnny liked to recall happened on the banks of the Pease River. Johnny and his brother-in-law, Nig London, were chasing a wild steer. They roped the steer on the edge of bluff. When he roped a steer in a situation that was impossible his laughter could be heard up and down the canyon. Johnny continued to rope and drag calves at branding time until this year.
In 1963 Johnny and Kay moved to a ranch near Cisco, Texas. Johnny worked hard to build a good herd of Hereford cattle. He was a man that enjoyed working each and every day of his life. Johnny loved improvements which is evident in his building of new corrals. JohnnyÕs and KayÕs home soon became known as the home of hospitality. If you were visiting Johnny and Kay you were a welcome guest at their table.
Johnny was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Cisco. He was a member of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Gee and Bessie Parrott; brother, Jake Parrott; and sister, Ada Collins.
Survivors include his wife, Kay Parrott; one daughter, Kathy Davidson and husband, Bart, of Oplin, TX; granddaughter, KC Davidson of Oplin; two sisters, Elizabeth London of Throckmorton and Bonita Horton of Burkburnett, TX; nieces, Pam Lyons of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Georgia Keeter of Throckmorton, and Mary Dodson of Burkburnett; and one nephew, Ralph Parrott of Fairfax Station, Virginia; and many friends.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or your favorite charity. Memorials may be left at the funeral home.
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Pearl M. Pence
CISCO- Pearl M. Pence, long time resident of Cisco and Eastland County, Texas died Thursday, April 8, 2004 in Lampasas, Texas.
She was born December 19, 1904 in Arkansas to H.H. and Stella Warner. The family moved to the Carbon area of Eastland County when Pearl was a small child. She attended Simmons College (Hardin Simmons University) in Abilene where she received a teacherÕs certificate. She taught at the Bluff Branch School until her marriage to Charlie G. Pence. Pearl was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Cisco, Eastern Star and The Daughters of the American Revolution until she moved to Lampasas in early 1992.
Her parents, three sisters and her husband Charlie G. Pence preceded her in death.
Survivors are a daughter, Angeleene Jennings and husband Melvin of San Angelo; a son, Charles Pence and wife Patsy of Lampsas; grandchildren, Chuck Jennings and wife Lometa of Dallas, Randall Jennings of San Antonio, Clay Jennings and wife Elizabeth of Sugarland, Julie Kovach and husband Richard of Spring, Craig Pence and wife Cindy of Bastrop, Carolyn Galle and husband Ed of Kingwood, Britt Pence and wife Ann of Kingwood; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2004 at First Baptist Church in Cisco, officiated by Rev. Pat Riley. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
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Richard Criswell
EASTLAND- Richard Criswell, 80, of Eastland died Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at his residence.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2004 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Hooper officiated. Burial followed in Merriman Cemetery.
R.L. was born on August 26, 1923 in Alva, Oklahoma. His parents were Owen Richard and Vera May (Brown) Criswell and they preceded him in death. He moved to Eastland County in 1960 where he ranched and was the owner and operator of the Bait-N-Tackle store at Lake Leon. He was a World War II Army Air Force veteran and a Baptist.
Survivors are step-daughters, Francis Malloy and Barbara Overstreet of Eastland; step-grandchildren, Vicki Rucker and husband Billy of Brownsboro, Ricky Malloy and wife Jessica of Eastland, Robin, Mandy, Debbie and Lori Overstreet, Allison Beaver and Harley Neal all of Eastland; 3 brothers, Victor Criswell and wife Jill of Albuquerque, NM, Glenn Criswell and wife Bonnie of Wichita Falls, and Dean Criswell of Fort Worth; 2 sisters, Cherry Walters and husband Sonny of Kaufman and Iris Hay of Bedford; 9 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Nellie Sharp
RANGER- Nellie Sharp, 89, of Ranger died Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at a local nursing home.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 10, 2004 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Burial was in Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland, Texas.
Mrs. Sharp was born on April 14, 1914 in Grapevine Community in Eastland County. Her parents were James Buckley Robinson and Josie Waldrop. Nellie married L.D. Sharp on January 3, 1934 in Eastland County, Texas and he preceded her on October 5, 1974. She worked as a nurse for Ranger General Hospital and Western Manor Nursing Home for over 20 years. She was a member of Second Baptist Church.
Nellie loved and was loved by her many nieces and nephews. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts.
Survivors include her daughter, Christine Tanner and husband A.J. of Ranger; two brothers, Glenn Robinson of Lubbock and Robert Robinson of Sherman; three grandchildren, A.J. Tanner, Jr., Selissa Hayes and Audie Tanner; nine great-grandchildren, Melissa, Pepper, Scotty, April, Jim Bob, Christa, Jonny, Tonya and Angela Marie; five great-great-grandchildren, Jayton, Bailey, Jade, Cody and Mary Ann; many nieces and nephews.
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Billy Glen Whitehead
CISCO- Billy Glen Whitehead, 74, of Cisco died Friday, April 9, 2004 at Eastland Healthcare Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2004 at Bible Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. George Malis. Burial was in the Cottonwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Whitehead was born in Amarillo to Sterling Glen and Frances (Coats) Whitehead on October 3, 1929. He served in the US Army and married Charlsie Ingram on September 23, 1950 in Cottonwood. He worked for Bankers Life and Casualty and was a member of Bible Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his son Bryan Lee Whitehead and daughter-in-law Debra Whitehead.
He is survived by his wife, Charlsie Whitehead of Cisco; daughter, Brenda Robinson and husband John of Fort Worth; son, Buford Glen Whitehead of Fort Stockton; brothers, George Whitehead and wife Flo Jean of Oklahoma, Benny Whitehead and wife Ginger of Palestine, Jerry Whitehead and wife Shirley of Fort Worth; sisters, June Fletcher and husband Robert of Lubbock, Ada Smith of Irving, Janie Smith and husband David of Plano, Susie Adams and husband Sonny of Hobbs, New Mexico; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.
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Billy Ruth Loving
CROSS PLAINS- Billy Ruth Loving, 83, of Cross Plains, died Saturday, April 10, 2004 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene after a series of illnesses.
Billie Ruth was born May 4, 1920 in Cross Plains, Texas to Ira B. and Mittie Gains Loving. She worked in several cities during her life. During World War II, she worked as a cryptographer for the War Dept. After the war, she returned to Texas where she taught English for 35 years in various schools. She enjoyed theater and designed costumes for many plays during her teaching career. She was a member of Cross Plains Church of Christ.
After her retirement, she returned to Cross Plains where she served as librarian instituting a childrenÕs reading program. One of her proudest accomplishments was working with Project Pride in the establishment of Howard Days honoring hometown author Robert E. Howard. She served as docent of the Howard House from its establishment until her health failed.
Billie Ruth is survived by two nephews, Ira Evans of San Antonio and Billy Dale Strickland of Glen Rose, as well as many cousins and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Bob Pipes officiated. Burial was in Cross Plains Cemetery in Cross Plains with Higginbotham Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Cross Plains Public Library, P.O. Box 333, Cross Plains, TX 76443, or Project Pride, P.O. Box 699, Cross Plains, TX 76443.
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Rolen Ogle
COMANCHE- Rolen Ogle, 78, died Thursday, April 8, 2004.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 12, 2004 at Pearl Street Church of Christ. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco. Comanche Funeral Home directed.
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Mary 'Berniece' Adams
Mary 'Berniece' Adams, 94, died Friday, April 9, 2004 at RHD Memorial Medical Center in Dallas.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2004 at Woodlawn Church of Christ, Willard Tate officiated. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, directed by NorthÕs Funeral Home.
Mrs. Adams was born January 6, 1910 in Cisco where she lived for many years before moving to Abilene in 1945. She married James Dalton Adams July 16, 1927 in Cisco. He was a casualty of WW II serving in the U.S. Navy, leaving her to raise three young children alone. She was dedicated to the task, was a hard worker and gained the respect and admiration of all who knew her. She lived in Abilene until April 2003 when she moved to Dallas. She was employed as a nurse at the Abilene State School for many years. She was a member of the Woodlawn Church of Christ.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Ezra Allen and Emma Myrtle (Parmer) Wadley; her husband, James Dalton Adams in 1946; a daughter, Florene Adams DuBose in 1984; a son, James Dalton Adams, Jr. in 1994; two sisters, Linnie Sage and Eunice Collins; and three brothers, Gordon, Marshall and Elbert Wadley.
Survivors are one daughter, Lorene Mall and her husband Harold of Dallas; two sisters, Carrie Adams and her husband Macon of Dallas and Etoil Ruth (Dottie) Taylor and her husband Lawrence of Calif; brother-in-law, Charles Macon Adams; daughter-in-law, Dorothy Rawson Adams of Cisco; son-in-law, Dr. Edwin DuBose and his wife Jean of Abilene; nine grandchildren, Shirley Adams McCoy and her husband Mike of Taylor, Mike Adams and his wife Terri Canant Adams of Abilene, Dr. Clifton DuBose and wife Sara Felts Adams of Benbrook, Karen DuBose Buckles and her husband David of Norman, Okla., Chuck DuBose and wife Jackie Sowell DuBose of Kathleen, GA, Jana Hallmark Smith and husband Jay of Houston; and James Mark Hallmark of Euless; 23 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.
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Richard Criswell
EASTLAND- Richard Criswell, 80, of Eastland, died Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at his residence.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2004 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Hooper officiating. Burial followed in the Merriman Cemetery.
R.L. was born on August 26, 1923 in Alva, Oklahoma. His parents were Owen Richard and Vera May (Brown) Criswell and they preceded him in death. He moved to Eastland County in 1960 where he ranched and was the owner and operator of the Bait-N-Tackle Store at Lake Leon. He was a World War II Army Air Force veteran and he was a Baptist. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty.
Mr. Criswell is survived by step-daughters, Francis Malloy, Barbara Overstreet, and Robin Beaver all of Eastland; step-grandchildren, Vicki Rucker and husband Billy of Brownsboro, TX, Ricky Malloy and wife Jessica of Eastland, Amanda, Debbie and Lori Overstreet, Allison Beaver and Harley Neal all of Eastland; 3 brothers, Victor Criswell and wife Jill of Albuquerque, NM, Glenn Criswell and wife Bonnie of Wichita Falls, and Dean Criswell of Fort Worth; 2 sisters, Cherry Walters and husband Sonny of Kaufman, and Iris Hay of Bedford; 9 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Robert Simmons
RANGER- Robert Simmons 62, of Ranger passed away April 9, 2004 in an Abilene Hospital.
Services were held at 2 pm Tuesday at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery.
Mr. Simmons was born on April 4, 1942 in Ranger to Floyd and Geneva (Bond) Simmons. He attended school in Ranger where he lived most of his life. He married Beverly White on August 1, 1969 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He owned and operated Simmons Plumbing for 36 years starting when he was 16 years old helping two of the local plumbers. He served in the Navy Seabees during the Vietnam War, doing three tours of duty. He had been a member of the Church of God church in Ranger, Texas.
Mr. Simmons is survived by his wife Beverly Simmons of Ranger, Tx., two sons Charlie and Micky Simmons of Ranger, Tx., daughter Lee Ann Underwood of Killeen, Tx., and son Tracy OÕNeal of Nocona, Tx., two brothers Jesse Simmons of Brownwood, Tx., and Charles Walton of Garden Grove, Calif., sister in law Helen Milner of Burkburnett, Tx., Nine grandchildren and numerous niece and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a step father Golden Bond, a brother James Simmons and a daughter Norma Jean Simmons.
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Gerald Bailey
RISING STAR - Gerald D. Bailey, 74, of Rising Star died Monday, April 12, 2004 in Eastland.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel with Terry Simmons officiating. Burial was in the Blake Cemetery in Brown County, with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Bailey was born November 1, 1929 in Brown County, to James Allison Bailey and Eura Dee (Suddereth) Bailey. He married Martha Jo Guynes in June 30, 1951 in Union Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Martha Jo Bailey of Rising Star; 3 sons, Richard Bailey of Oracle, AZ; Russell Bailey and his wife, Cindy of Carrollton, Jerry Don Bailey of Rising Star; daughter Jackie Holden of Abilene; brother, Travis Bailey and wife, Vondell of Cross Plains; 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Wayne Bailey.
Pallbearers were Josh Strain, Jeremy Bailey, Robby Bailey, Larry Bates, Nathan Edwards.
Willard Hutton
CISCO- Willard David Hutton, 88, of Cisco died Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2004 at Cisco Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Bob Ferguson officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Hutton was born May 5, 1915 in House, New Mexico to Marion Eli and Bertha (Thacker) Hutton. He was retired from the US Army. He married Ila Vell Suggs in Clovis, N.M. on October 4, 1952. She preceded him in death March 4, 2001. He was employed by Texas Department of Transportation and was a member of the Church of the Nazarene.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Elzo Hutton, Burl Hutton, Melvin Hutton, and John Hutton; and three sisters, Arlie Hutton, Mildred Gatlin and Frankie Hutton.
Survivors include sons, David Hutton of Cisco and Jerry Hutton of Angleton; sister, Lois Cox of Spur; and 3 grandchildren, Paul Hutton, Leigh Hutton and Heather Hutton.
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Nila Jones
CISCO- Nila Jones, 89, of Cisco, died Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at a Clyde nursing home.
Born September 16, 1914, she was the youngest daughter of San Saba pioneers James Har and Madora Lucy Daniels Jones. She spent her younger years at Regency and cared for her aging parents. After their deaths, she became postmaster at Putnam, Texas. She worked at Boss Glove Factory in Cisco and was a chiropractic assistant at Brown's Sanatorium in Cisco for many years. She later worked at the Cisco Senior Citizens Center.
The last survivor of her immediate family, she is survived by many nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2004 at the Church of the Nazarene West 10th at Ave N in Cisco. Larry Lane officiated. Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. at Mesquite Cemetery near Regency, TX. DonnellyÕs Colonial Funeral Home in Irving in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Mesquite Cemetery Association.
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Vivian Wilson
RANGER- Vivian Leann Wilson died Thursday night, April 15, 2004 in an automobile accident.
Services are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.
RISING STAR- Mr. Leon Stewart, 92, of Rising Star, Texas, died Thursday, April 15, 2004 at Rising Star.
Leon was born June 13, 1911 in Breckenridge, Texas to W.A. ÒWillieÓ Stewart and Irene (Hobson) Stewart. He married Alice Lou McCoy on December 31, 1938 in Rising Star. He was a farmer. He worked in the oil field. He worked as a Fence Contractor. He was a Methodist. He lived in Williams Community all his adult life.
Mr. Stewart is survived by his sons, Kenneth Stewart and his wife, Debbie of Granbury, TX, Jimmy Stewart and his wife Charlotte of Abilene, TX; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Alice Lou Stewart in May of 1994; parents; 4 sisters; 2 brothers.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Johnny Lee officiated. Burial was in the Blake Cemetery in Brown County. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge of arrangements.
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Walter Kurklin
Walter Earl Kurklin, 93, of Cisco, passed away late Thursday night, April 15, in the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2004, at the Corinth Baptist Church with Benny Hagan his pastor, officiating. Interment was in the Corinth Cemetery.
He was born to William Martin (Bill) and Ella (Balderree) Kurklin on January 5, 1911, at the family ranch east of Cisco, Texas, where he was reared. He attended the Central Community school. A retired farmer and rancher, he spent his life in the Cisco area, but for a short period in Hale County. He was a member of the Corinth Church for about seventy years, and was the Treasurer for twenty years. He was also a longtime member of the Eastland County Livestock Raisers Assoc., and a founder and past president of the Corinth Cemetery Assoc.
Mr. Kurklin was preceded in death by his wives, Creola Mae (Richardson) Kurklin, and Venita Marie (Clark-Bint) Kurklin; his parents; his daughter and son-in-law, Doris Jean and Bobby Lewis White; two brothers, Leslie and Howard; three sisters, Gladys Carson, Martice Voshalike, and Ora Mae Dyer; and others.
His survivors include: three sons, Travis and wife Audrie of Houston, Richard of Cisco, and Mark and wife Joanne of Oklahoma City; grandson, Bryan Kurklin and granddaughter, Joan Strickland; great-grandchildren, Wendy Linam and Kayla, Shelley and Clay Strickland; great-great-grandchildren, Blake, Cameron and Allison Linam; two stepsons, Lynn Bint of Merkel and Leon Bint of Arlington, and their families; and two stepdaughters, Wylleene Davis of Cisco and Evelyn Mabry of Houston, and their families.
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Leann Wilson
RANGER- Leann Pate Wilson, 41, of Ranger, died on Thursday, April 15, 2004 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2004, at the First Baptist Church in Ranger, Texas, with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating and burial in Bullock Cemetery.
Leann was born on April 25, 1962 in Abilene, Texas the daughter of Leland and El Wanda (Taylor) Pate. She moved to Lake Leon in 1974 with her family. She attended school in Eastland and was a graduate of Ranger High School. She married Jimmy Don Wilson on April 30, 1978 in Abilene, Texas. Leann worked for Nancy Trout in the Tax Office as a bookkeeper and registration of vehicles. She also worked for Magnum Service Center as a secretary. Then she went into nursing, attending one year at Ranger Junior College in Graham to receive her LVN and she later went to Tarleton State University to receive her RN. Leann went to work for the Family Health Clinic and then to Eastland Memorial Hospital for the last 12 years in Ambulatory Care, surgery and labor and delivery. Leann is a member of the First Baptist Church in Ranger, Texas.
She is survived by her husband Jimmy Don Wilson of Ranger, Tx., her parents Leland and Wanda Pate of Lake Leon, Tx. Children J. D. Wilson and wife Libby of Ranger, Tx., Kristin Boring and husband Chris of Bryan, Tx., and Wade Chance Wilson of Ranger, Tx., brother Ray Pate and wife Bobbie of Abilene, Tx., and a grandson Dylan Wilson. Numerous nieces and nephews.
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Doris McBride
Doris A. McBride, 72, of Comanche formerly of Lake Brownwood, died Friday, April 16, 2004 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 18, 2004 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Charles Chesshir officiated. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains was in charge of arrangements.
Doris was born August 13, 1931 in Calexico, CA. to Henry and Lucille (Martin) Callaway. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim McBride; and two sons that died in infancy, Michael Wayne and Johnnie Ned.
Survivors are her daughter, Karen Dickson of White Oak; two step-daughters, Dianne and Barbara; two brothers, Bennie Callaway of Cross Plains and Weaver Callaway of Coppell; a special cousin, Loyce Cox of Comanche; three grandchildren, Lisa Goolsby, Chelsey Dickson, D.J. Dickson.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79603.
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Johnnie Morren
BRECKENRIDGE Ð Johnnie W. Morren, 80, of Breckenridge, passed away Friday morning, April 16, 2004, in Breckenridge.
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 18th, at the First United Methodist Church in Eastland with Rev. Jim Wright and Rev. John C. Jones officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Morren was born on October 1, 1923, in Rule, to James Arthur & Okie Elizabeth (Hudson) Morren. He married Ida McClure on May 5, 1989 in Mineral Wells. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland. Mr. Morren retired from the United States Air Force with Rank of Chief Master Sergeant, in 1967 after serving 25 years, his military honors included; Presidential Citation; awarded 4 Air Force Commendation Medals, 6 Bronze Stars, 7 Company Stars, United Nations Medal (Korea) and other awards for WWII & Korea. He was the Eastland Chief of Police from 1967-1979, and Eastland County Sheriff from 1979-1984. After leaving office as Sheriff he was appointed the Assistant Chief of Police for Rising Star, where he worked until becoming a Criminal Investigator for the Palo Pinto County AttorneyÕs Office where he worked from 1986 until 2002.
He served two terms as trustee of Eastland ISD (one term as Vice-President); Civil Defense Director for ten years; member of Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; member of Lions Club, member of Football Boosters Club; member and Past President of Law Enforcement Association; and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a 32º KCCH, Shriner, and a 50 year Mason.
He was awarded Outstanding Lawman of the Year (received this award twice from Veterans of Foreign Wars), Outstanding Lawman of the Year (Eastland Telegram), Golden Deed Award (Eastland Chamber of Commerce), and Award for Outstanding Achievements (Law Enforcement Association).
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Bonnie Morren; 5 brothers; 2 sisters; and 1 grandson.
Survivors include his wife, Ida Morren of Breckenridge; 2 sons, David Morren & his wife Linda of Eastland, Tom Morren & his wife Jeanette of Andrews; a daughter, Pam Rice and her husband Stephen of De Leon; 2 step-daughters, Mary Griffin & her husband Jeff of Breckenridge and Kellie Garland & her husband Jason of Frisco; a stepson, Greg Quinn & his wife Melissa of Elgin; a brother, Otto Morren of Ft. Worth; 3 sisters, Odell De Shazo of Macon, GA, Lorene McMillan of Irving, and Margaret Edwards of San Angelo; 15 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.
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Dixie Verkamp
Graveside services for Dixie Sandlin Verkamp, 85, of Lufkin, Texas were held in Lubbock Friday, April 23, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Resthaven Cemetery.
She died in Lufkin on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at Woodland Height Hospital.
Dixie was born in Carbon, Texas August 30, 1918 and was a graduate of Carbon High School and DraughonÕs Business College. She had lived in Lubbock from 1949 until 2001. She had been employed by General Telephone Co. and Lubbock Independent School District. She was a member of Southerest Baptist Church and Laura Francis Sunday School Class.
She was married to Milton Sandlin in 1941 and he died in 1970. In 1972, she married Richard Verkamp who died in 1979.
Survivors include her son, Michael (Mike) Don Sandlin and wife Tami of Lufkin; a grandson, Michael (Dylan) Sandlin of Lufkin; two brothers, George Henry Boles of Odessa and James William Boles of Levelland, Texas.
On line condolences may be sent to www.rixfd.com.
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Melvin Kincaid
RANGER- Melvin D. Kincaid 66, of Ranger, Texas died peacefully in his home with his loved ones by his side on Monday morning April 19, 2004, after a long battle of numerous illnesses.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 22, 2004 at First Baptist Church in Ranger, Rev. Rex Boggs officiating. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Melvin was born on February 1, 1938. He moved from California to Texas in the 1970Õs where he has been ever since. He was a well-known machinist. After the death of his wife, Opal he was a devoted father who proudly raised his five children. He loved nothing more but to spend time with his family. He was a wonderful dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed dearly; but not forgotten.
Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Opal Sharleen Kincaid; his son Mark Allen Kincaid; stepson Rocky Griffith; his parents Mr. And Mrs. C. C. Kincaid; his brothers Frank and Ed Kincaid; his sister Jackie Gail Kincaid Greenfield; his nephews Richard G. Kincaid and Cecil Randall Kincaid; his niece Dixie Darlene Kincaid and great-niece Bonita Caawee.
He is survived by his six children Melinda and David Moore of Wichita, KS, Michael Kincaid of Goddard, KS, Marlene and Johnnie of Ranger, TX, Tonya and Bobby of Weatherford, TX., Lonnie and Leland Hill of Seagoville, Tx., and Melvin Duane Jr. (Tiger) and Christi Kincaid of Arlington, Tx., Brother Richard (Rick) Kincaid of Mustang, OK, sisters Shirley Elliot of Arlington, Tx., Carolyn Smith of Texarkana, AR., Bobbie Boruvka of Lancaster, Tx., and Patty K. Cooper of Ranger, Tx., Sixteen grandchildren; Milton, Monty, Macee, Kayla, John, Mathew, Chrystal, Ashley, Meagan, Bobby, Chad, Zachary, Morgan, Katelyn, Mark, Dustin and Ryan. Twenty-two nephews and nieces and forty-four great nephews and nieces.
Melvin has touched the hearts of many people. The family would like to give special thanks to all his friends, Dr. Matthews of Eastland, Della and Cecil, the entire staff at the Express Medical Supply of Eastland and his fishing buddies Bud, Willie and Fred.
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Henry Hale Dunson
RANGER- Henry Hale Dunson, 79, of Ranger, died Friday, April 23, 2004 at a local nursing home.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2004 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Ronnie Guess officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.
Hale was born January 6, 1925 in Ranger, Texas to Henry M. and Daisy D. Dunson. He was the 10th sibling. He attended school in Ranger. Hale married Bobbie M. Coats on January 7, 1946 in Eastland. Hale worked as a commercial printer for theÕRanger Times for 45 years including making football programs, rodeo programs, stationery letterhead and wedding invitations. He was a member of the United Pentecostal Church in Ranger.
He was preceded in death by a son, David Hale Dunson.
Survivors are his wife of 58 years, Bobbie Dunson of Ranger; son, Daniel Lee Dunson of Stephenville; daughter, Daisy Marie Thomas of Ranger; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Margaret McDonald
RANGER- Margaret Kelly McDonald, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, teacher and friend, died suddenly Friday morning, April 23, 2004 in Eastland.
Margaret was born in Dallas on July 31, 1926 and lived in various places in Texas throughout her childhood. She graduated from Sweetwater High School and the University of Texas at Austin. She taught school and married Keith McDonald in 1949. They moved to Ranger in 1956, where their three younger daughters were born and all four attended school. She taught and earned her Masters degree from Southwest Texas State in 1967.
She taught teenagers for 29 years, retiring in 1987. Her retirement was spent caring for her children and grandchildren, tutoring, reading and quilting. She has recently made a family trip to North Carolina to attend the 200th anniversary of the first KellyÕs landing on North American shores.
Margaret is survived by her husband, Keith McDonald of Ranger; two sisters, Ebb Jones of Wichita Falls and Helan Drake of Dallas; four daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly and Dave Benbrook of Arlington, Sally and Mike Hebner of Abilene, Lili and Mike Knight of Stephenville, and Amy and Tony Rodriguez of Dublin; two granddaughters, Alison and Katherine Duke of Arlington; three grandsons, Keith Knight of Stephenville and Set and Wyatt Rodriguez of Dublin; numerous step-grandchildren and their families; one great-granddaughter, Taylor Knight of Stephenville.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the charities of your choice.
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Joyce Black
ABILENE- Joyce Marie Black, 73, of Abilene, died Thursday, April 22, 2004 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2004 at the Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Billy Sellers officiating. Burial was in the Clyde Cemetery.
Mrs. Black was born August 29, 1930 in Olden, Texas to Frank and Opal Fay Cox Carlile. She grew up in Albany and graduated from Albany High School. She married David Joseph Black on September 9, 1950 in Eastland. They moved to Clyde from Abilene in 1980, returning to Abilene in April 2003. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Clyde.
She is survived by two sons and their wives, Charles and Sonny Black and Bill and Linda Black, all of Abilene; 3 daughters, Reba Joy Griffith of San Angelo, Teresa Irene Ingram of Cisco and Belia Charlene Berkley and husband Billy of Clyde; 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Covenant Place of Abilene, 3234 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas 79605.
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WESLACO- Lila G. Ussery, 80, passed on February 16, 2004 at Edinburg Regional Hospital following a brief illness.
She was born on September 7, 1923 in Carbon, Texas to W.E. (Slick) and Mary G. (Cricket) Walker. Lila graduated from Carbon High School where she was a member of the women's volleyball, tennis and basketball teams and was Valedictorian of her class of 1940. She also graduated from Draughn's Business College in Abilene, Texas and worked as a secretary and bookkeeper prior to her marriage to L. Roy Ussery on September 11, 1944 in Carbon, Texas. She and Roy had two children, Sandy Ussery of New Orleans, Louisiana and Beth Mercer of Monte Alto, Texas. Lila and Roy moved to Weslaco from Brownwood, Texas in 1955.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Weslaco, a past member of the Weslaco Junior Service League and Literary Guild, participated in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and other activities that involved her children.
She and Roy founded Ussery Engineering Inc. in 1962, where she held the position of Secretary/Treasurer from that time until her death. She retired from the day to day operation of the firm in 1982, but continued on as a key member of the Board of Directors until her death.
Lila was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
She is survived by her son, Sandy Ussery, and daughter-in-law, Patricia, of New Orleans, Louisiana; a daughter, Beth Mercer and son-in-law, Joe, of Monte Alto, Texas; and her brothers, Dale Wayne Walker and wife, Tena of Carbon, Texas and Monte R. Walker and wife, Janice of Hobbs, New Mexico. Also surviving are her granddaughters, Heathyr Ussery Aguilar and husband, Shawn, of Phoenix, Arizona and Tori Leigh Ussery Oliver and husband Ben of Ruston, Louisiana; grandson, Tristan Ussery of Mandeville, Louisiana; Helen Ussery of Phoenix, Arizona; her first great-grandchild, Kailyn Elise Oliver of Ruston, Louisiana.
Special thanks are extended to the doctors and nurses and Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, the Rehabilitation Pavilion in Edinburg, Edinburg Regional Hospital and to Jo Marchant, R.N., from Harlingen, Texas, for their compassionate care.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 10 a.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home Chapel in Weslaco. Officiating the service was the Rev. Gordon Bensmoore, Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Weslaco.
Arrangements were under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco.
Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the charity of their choice. Her family requests that you remember Lila fondly as a lady who enjoyed her family, friends and the life that she was graciously given.
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Jose I. Pacheco
EASTLAND- Jose I. Pacheco, of Eastland, died Sunday, February 22, 2004 in Eastland.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2004 at the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
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Jesse Derrell Bilbrey, Sr.
CISCO- Jesse Derrell Bilbrey, Sr., 80, of Cisco, died Sunday, February 15, 2004 in the VA Hospital in Temple.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2004 in Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Larry Roberts officiated. Interment in Bilbrey Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Bilbrey was born on January 22, 1924 in Sylvester, Texas to Jesse David and Minnie (Strother) Bilbrey. He served in the US Army during World War II, and was a member of the American Legion Post #470 at Lake Brownwood. He worked as a carpenter and was a member of Daugherty Street Church of Christ. He married Georgia White on June 4, 1948 in Dumas, Texas.
Survivors include his wife, Georgia Bilbrey of Cisco; daughter, Angie Honea of Cisco; sons, Jesse D. Bilbrey, Jr. and wife Deborah of Rising Star, Jimmy Dale Bilbrey and wife Judy of Cisco; brother, Gene Bilbrey and wife Delores of Gilmer; grandsons, Trey Bilbrey III, Dusty Bilbrey, Ben Honea and wife Shanna, and Buddy Honea; granddaughters, Pamela Billman and husband Robbie, Gwen Self and husband Robert, Kim Meridth and husband Ernie, and Brittany Brinkman; great-grandchildren, Dodge Honea, Kenny Billman, Brandon Billman, Dylan Billman, Dalton Self, Ethan Self, Daniel Merdth and Haylei Merdth; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers were Glenn Bailey, Steve Brasel, Walker Brooks, Richard Creech, Mike McGinn, Randy McGinn and Bill Underwood.
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Bethel Clark
DESDEMONA- Bethel Clark Jones, 85, of Desdemona died Saturday, February 28, 2004 at a local nursing home.
Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2004 at Desdemona Church of Christ. Burial was in Desdemona Cemetery in Desdemona, Texas. Lacy Funeral Home of Stephenville was in charge of arrangements.
She was born May 31, 1918 in Gibson, Missouri to George and Fairy Belle (Duncan) Holley. She married Felix Jones in 2001 in Gorman, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, R.J. Clark in July 1996. She was a member of Desdemona Church of Christ. She was a Medical Lab X-Ray Technician, Retired. She was a member of the DeLeon Shakespearean Club and Garden Club.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jimmie Schluter, and one grandson, Dylan Roe.
Online condolences can be made at www.lacyfuneral.com
Survivors include her husband, Felix Jones of Kingsland, TX.; sons, John Roe of Dulbin, TX, Jerry Roe of Brownwood, TX; daughter, Donna Ford of Euless, TX; sister, Blanche Martin of San Antonio, TX; 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th St, NW, Suite 1004, Washington, DC 20005, or the American Diabetes Association, Always and Forever Memorial and Honor Program, Attn: ADA Web, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720.
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Mary Elizabeth Huling
RANGER- Mary Elizabeth Huling, 82 of Ranger died Thursday, February 26, 2004.
Services were held at 4:00 pm Monday, March 1, 2004 at the First Baptist Church in Ranger with the Rev. David Cash officiating.
Mrs. Huling was born on May 18, 1921 in Gainesville, Texas to Joe B. and Virginia Rayfield. She married Thomas J. Huling on September 15, 1942. She was a homemaker and an owner of Tommie's Grocery and Mary's Fabrics. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ranger and had been a resident of Ranger all of her life.
She is survived by daughter Denise Cohen and husband Richard of Mesa, Arizona and daughter Teresa Basham and husband Jake of Ranger, Tx., five grandchildren, Stacy Bowen and husband Jason of Fort Worth, Tx., Roy Basham of San Angelo, Tx., Mark Shoemaker of Houston, Tx., David Shoemaker and Paul Shoemaker both of Portland, Salem Oregon. One great granddaughter, Jenna Lynn Bowen.
She was preceded in death by her husband and an infant daughter Mary Melanie Huling and brothers Joe and Jack Rayfield.
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Ann Freeman
DENTON- Ann Freeman, 82, of Denton, died Saturday, February 28, 2004 at her home.
Mrs. Freeman was born April 4, 1921 in Eastland County, Texas to Lorren Morgan and Alona (King) Barron. She graduated from high school in Sabanna, TX. She married Harold Freeman on December 13, 1944 in Abilene, TX. She was a member of the Denton Baptist Temple.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at Denton Baptist Temple. The Dr. George Anderson officiated, assisted by Junior Norris. Interment followed at 3 p.m. at the Cross Plains Cemetery, Cross Plains, TX.
Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
Survivors are her husband, Harold Freeman of Denton; daughter, Lawana Robinson of Denton; son, Clint Freeman of Grand Prairie; two grandchildren, Kimberley Ann Freeman, Jonathan Edward Freeman.
She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.
Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
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Huie Baggett
CISCO- Huie W. Baggett, 93, of Gorman died Saturday, February 28, 2004 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at the chapel of Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home in Cisco, Larry Fitzgerald officiated. Burial was in the Gunsight Cemetery, directed by Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home.
Mr. Baggett was born on June 6, 1910 to Holly Davis and Sally (McWilliams) Baggett at Gunsight, Texas. He married Mildred Vickers on December 17, 1941 at Ala, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death in October of 1987.
He was a pumper working in the oil industry. He lived in Pearsell moving to Cisco in 1983. He then moved to Gorman in 2002.
Mr. Baggett was a member of the I-20 Church of Christ.
Survivors include three sons, Jay Baggett of Brownwood, Lee Baggett of Hutto and Danny Baggett of Plainview; four sisters, Sylvia Henton and Goldia Taylor both of Odessa, Louise Curry of Denison and Velma Thomas of Sherman; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
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Sherman Monroe Coots, Jr.
CISCO- Sherman Monroe Coots, Jr., 68, of Cisco, died Sunday, February 29, 2004 in Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 6, 2004 at 2 p.m. in Oakwood Cemetery conducted by Moran American Legion Post 343 with Chaplin John Adams officiating. The family will be at Kimbrough Funeral Home Friday from 6-8 p.m. to receive friends.
He was born November 1, 1935 to Sherman Monroe and Ruth Ellen (Horton) Coots, Sr. Sherman served in the United States Marine Corps in Korea. He worked for many years for DA & S Well Service in Andrews and later was a heavy equipment operator for Grimmett Brothers Construction in Sterling City. He was a Baptist and belonged to Moran American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. He married Marion Shaw on July 15, 1993 in Andrews.
He is survived by his wife Marion Joan Coots of Cisco; daughter, Sharon Marie Allen of Manor, TX; son, Sherman "Bubba" Coots, III of Georgetown; sister, Charlotte Laverne Carpenter of Austin; grandchildren, Manda Reeves, John Reeves and Charles Andrew Coots; stepchildren, Ricky Chesshire of Andrews, Linda Fields of Andrews and Laurie Tarbox of Odessa; 10 step grandchildren and 2 step-great grandchildren.
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Velma Clement
CISCO -  Services for Velma Agnes Clement, 91, of Cisco, were held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2004, at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Danny Martin officiating. Burial was in the DeLeon Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Clement died Tuesday, March 2, 2004, at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
She was born March 6, 1912, in DeLeon to Willie Lee and Julie (Griffith) Wolfenbarger. She married Reverend Clarence Orville Clement on September 25, 1931, in Comanche County. He preceded her in death on March 27, 1986. She was a homemaker and a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her son, Royce Dean Clement, on June 4, 1998.
Survivors include her daughters, Shirley Clement of Dallas, Wanda Carey of Baytown and Brenda Finley of Cisco; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Glen Clement, Winston Brown, Derroll Wolfenbarger, Don Carey, Jerry Don Carey and Robert Carey.
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Ida Mae McCowen
CROSS PLAINS Ñ Graveside services for Ida Mae McCowen, 75, a long time resident of Brownwood, were at 2 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2004, in the Pioneer Cemetery in Eastland County with Matt McGowen officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains.
Mrs. McCowen died Tuesday, March 3, 2004, at Abilene Regional Medical in Abilene.
She was born September 28, 1928, in Brown County to Charles Randolph Hubbard and Maggie Bell (Smoot) Hubbard. She married Jimmy Vincent McGowen on Dec. 19, 1947, in Blanket. She was a Baptist.
Her parents, a son, Charles Vincent, seven brothers, and a brother-in-law, Darwin Anderson preceded her in death.
Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Vincent McGowen of Cross Plains; a daughter, Sharlotte Montgomery of Cross Plains; two sons, Jimmy D. McCowen of Oxford, GA, and Mark McCowen of Greenwood; two sisters, Nelda Anderson and Netta Lou Jarret, both of Comanche; a brother, Jack Hubbard of Rising Star; eight grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
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Jimmy Vanstory
EARLY Ñ Services for Jimmy Van Vanstory, 60, of the Owens Community, were at 2 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2004, at Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor David Williams officiating. Private inurement will be held later.
Mr. Vanstory was born Dec. 25, 1943, in Brownwood, the son of Walter Gordon Vanstory Jr. of El Paso and the late Tula Hudnal of Port Neches. He graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1962. He joined the United States Army where he served from 1967 to 1970. He served in the Vietnam Conflict in 1968-69 as member of the 17th combat Engineers 2nd Armor Division out of Fort Hood.
While living in Lubbock he attended Texas Tech University where he graduated in 1970 with a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture Sciences. He pursued his education and acquired a Masters degree in Agriculture Education from Texas A&M University in 1977. He then became the Agricultural Extension Agent in Coryell County. After service of 11 years and becoming a revered community member, he received the Distinguished Service Award in 1986 given by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents and the Texas A&M University System for outstanding service to the agricultural residents and producers of Coryell County. In 1988, he retired to Brown County.
Survivors include his father, Walter Gordon "Mutt" Vanstory Jr. of El Paso; a son, Jim Bob Vanstory of Lubbock; a daughter, Jolea Kay Vanstory of Gatesville; brothers, Ken Vanstory of Benecia, CA, and Charles Vanstory of Dallas; sisters, Beth Vanstory Lemon of El Paso and Pat Prather of Hobbs, NM; grandchildren, Daniel Rylee and Mallory Mae and countless other family and friends.
Honorary pallbearers were Dewayne White of Hughes Springs, Butch Winstead of Belton, Cooter Moore of Zephyr, Jimmy Wood of Gatesville, K.E. Murdock of Rising Star and John Prater of Hobbs, N.M.
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Neta Harrison
CISCO- Neta Marie Harrison, 83, of Cisco, died Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2004 at Corinth Baptist Church. Rev. Benny Hagan officiated. Burial was in Eastland Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harrison was born to Uriah Truman and Blanche B. (Burns) Allen on October 1, 1920 in Gorman, Texas and attended Carbon High School. She married James Forrest Harrison on March 2, 1973 in Cisco. She retired from Eastland Memorial Hospital in 1983 where she was a Housekeeping Supervisor and was a member of Corinth Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband, James Forrest Harrison of Cisco; son, James L. Cate of Abilene; daughter, Patsy M. Haigwood of Walnut Cove, NC; special friend, Gerry Brandon of Putnam; sister, Beth Stevenson of Lockney; brothers, D.D. Allen of Athens, TX, W.D. Allen of Topsey, TX; grandsons, James Collins of Santa Clara, CA, Wayne Collins of Walnut Cove, NC, Randy Scott, Ronnie Cate, Tony Cate and Steven Cate and Christopher Cate all of Abilene, Tommy Hollander of Cisco; granddaughters, Angela Riemann of Merkel, Jennie Dunn of Abilene, Sandy Edds and Missy of Alabama; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Memorials may be made to Corinth Baptist Church Building Fund.
Pallbearers were James Collins, Wayne Collins, Randy Scott, Ronnie Cate, Tony Cate and Tommy Hollander. Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Dunn, Billie Edds and Mike.
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Charles Overand
EASTLAND- Charles Overand, 90, died Monday, March 1, 2004 in Plano, Texas.
Graveside funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6, 2004 at the Eastland Cemetery, Rev. Jim Andrews officiated, directed by Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland.
Charles was born to Isaac and Emma (Irving) Overand on July 5, 1913 in Weatherford, Texas. He married Athalie Wood on June 6, 1937 in Eastland. Charles was a pumper for Exxon Oil Co. and lived in Rochester, Texas for many years. While there, Charles was a big fan of all high school sports, and coached baseball in the summertime. He also served on the school board in the 50's. In 1970 Charles and Athalie moved to Lake Leon, where they lived until moving to Eastland in 1980. Fishing was Charles favorite hobby until he couldn't go anymore.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Athalie, in 1984, and he lived in Eastland for about 17 years before moving to be closer to his daughter.
Survivors are his daughter, Elaine Rollans and son-in-law, Ralph Rollans of Garland; grandson, Greg Rollans of Austin; grandson, Brad Rollans and wife Michele and great-granddaughter, Merideth of Allen, TX; and several nieces and nephews.
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Mable Owings
CISCO- Mable Marie Smith Owings, 76, of Throckmorton and formerly of Cisco, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004 at Throckmorton Nursing Center.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 7, 2004 at Mitchell Cemetery with Rev. Danny Martin officiating, under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Owings was born in Pearing, Iowa on April 19, 1927 to George Robert and Nettie Vada (Bentley) Smith. She married Bennie Other Owings on March 27, 1944 in Eastland. She worked as a cook and was a member of Mitchell Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by two daughters, Jeanette Owings and Doris Jean Owings, and granddaughter Mabel Owings.
Survivors are her husband, Bennie Owings of Throckmorton; sons, Mark Owings of Bangs, Kenneth Owings of Colorado Springs, CO., Terry Owings of Throckmorton; daughters, Carole Schulte of Pompana Beach, FL., Thelma Thompson and Suzy Lacy both of Cisco; brothers, James Smith, Stanley Smith; sister, Daisy Brown all of Missouri; grandchildren, Jimmy Schulte, Mikel Thompson, Christopher Thompson, William Owings, Jacob Owings, Noaa Lacy, Chyene Lacy, Dakota Lacy, Ashley Owings and Jessica Owings.
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Bill Whitlock
Bill Whitlock, 68, of Gorman died Thursday, March 4, 2004 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 7, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Larry Roberts officiated. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mr. Whitlock was born March 29, 1935 in Gorman to Herbert Curtis Whitlock and E.J. (Huff) Whitlock. He married Yvonne Welch on March 20, 1954 in Gorman. He was a graduate of Gorman High School and served in the National Guard. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, James Whitlock and a nephew, Tony Whitlock.
Survivors are his wife, Yvonne Whitlock of Gorman; son, Curtis Whitlock and wife Donna of Flatwood; sister, Linda Sherrod and husband Don of Gorman; and two grandchildren, Brittany and Eric Whitlock both of Flatwood.
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David Humiston
OLDEN- David D. Humiston, 53, of Olden, died Friday, March 5, 2004, in Abilene.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church in Eastland. Rev. Jim Wright officiated. Interment followed in the Eastland Cemetery. Bakker Funeral Home directed.
David was born to Elmer D. and Alice (Shova) Humiston on July 29, 1950 in Malone, New York. He grew up in Muleshoe, Texas and married Brenda Davidson on May 30, 1970 in Clovis, NM. They lived in Ohio from 1971 until 1982, and came to Olden in 1983. David worked as a mechanic, and after moving to Olden became a rancher. In 1985 he became a partner in the H & R Feed Company in Ranger, TX. He was a member, Elder and Past President of the Board of Directors of the First Christian Church in Eastland, Past President of the Eastland County Livestock Raisers Association, was a member of the Board of Directors of the Olden Community Center and the Olden Water Board.
Survivors are his wife, Brenda of Olden; two sons and their wives, Michael and Heidi of Arlington and Jarrod and Jennifer of Sweetwater; his grandson, Ryan Dave; his mother, Alice Humiston; two sisters, Sandra Althouse and Sharon Wikle, all of Chillicothe, OH; and beloved friends, uncles, nephews, the Davidson and Marston families in Olden, Austin and San Antonio.
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Clyne Davis Campbell
RULE- Clyne Davis Campbell, 98, died Saturday, March 6, 2004 at Haskell Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2004 at Elmwood Cemetery in Abilene, directed by McCauley-Robison Funeral Home of Rule.
Mrs. Campbell was born July 31, 1905 in Comanche, OK, the daughter of Arlan and Myrtle Davis. She married Nathan Joel Campbell who preceded her in death in 1966.
Survivors are five grandsons, Raymond Campbell of Rule, Tim Campbell of Marble Falls, Steve Campbell of Rule, Johnny Campbell of Marble Falls and Joe Campbell of Abilene; and one daughter-in-law, Lenda Campbell of Eastland.
Memorials may be made to Ben RicheyÕs Boys Ranch and West Texas Rehab.
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Jewel Linney
Mrs. Jewel Linney, 86, of Rising Star, died Monday, March 8, 2004 at her home in Rising Star surrounded by her loving family.
Jewel was born May 30, 1917 in Coryell County, Texas to David C. Kinsey and Rhoda (Williams) Kinsey. She married Lester E. Linney in October 31, 1934 in Midland, Texas.
Mrs. Linney is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Lester of Rising Star; 2 sons, L.J. Linney and Billy don Linney both of Rising Star; 5 daughters, Barbara White of Rising Star, Carolyn S. Chambers of Brownwood, Sandra Hutton of Rising Star, Debra Chambers of May, Patricia Hutton of Rising Star; sister, Eunice Young of Panola, TX; 24 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Peggy Lynn Roan; 3 sons, Ervin Dale Linney, Lonnie Ray Linney, Audrey Gale Linney; 2 sisters, Lorine Lewis and Bessie Lewis; 5 brothers, Earl Kinsey, Ed Kinsey, Dan Kinsey, Fred Kinsey, Gaines Kinsey.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at the First Baptist Church, Dick Williams officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge.
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Faustino Leija
Faustino A. Leija, 71, died Saturday, March 6, 2004 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at Iglesia De Cristo Church. Burial followed in the Tye Cemetery, directed by Abilene Funeral Home.
Mr. Leija was born February 15, 1933 in Cameron, Tx. He married Pauline Sanchez on Sept. 20, 1952. He was a custodian for the Abilene Independent School District for many years until his retirement.
Survivors include his wife, Pauline Leija of Abilene; four sons, Frank Leija, Paul Leija, Daniel Leija, and Tommy Leija all of Abilene; three daughters, Estella Valdez and Suzy Leija both of Abilene, and Deloris Silva of Tyler; two brothers, Valentine Leija of Abilene and Ezekiel Leija of Cisco; two sisters, Margaret Martinez of Moran and Josephine Solis of California; 24 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.
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Velma Brown
EASTLAND- Velma Edith Brown, 81, died Thursday, March 11, 2004, in Plano.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2004 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland, Pastor Ronald Allman officiated. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Mrs. Brown was born to Bertie (Clark) and Franklin Pearson on October 13, 1922 in Jayton, Texas. She married Isome Sidney Brown on June 5, 1940 in Breckenridge. After living in Graham and Electra they returned to the Eastland area in 1968. They enjoyed living at Lake Leon and Olden as well as Eastland. They were married 58 years at the time of Mr. BrownÕs death on December 24, 1998.
Mrs. Brown was a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker who enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening and spending time with her family.
Survivors include her daughter, Elaine Hauptrief of Plano; daughter, Ava Crotinger of Springfield, Missouri; son, Dean Brown of Kingsland, TX; daughter, Sharon Henexson of Eastland; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were: Daron Hauptrief, Jacob Brown, Matthew Brown, Jared Brown, Tristan Crotinger, Bobby Brown, and Darren Stennett.
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Matthew Putman
CARBON- Matthew Kyle Putman, infant son of Cody and Jennifer (Sanders) Putman, died Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 12 noon Saturday, March 13, 2004 at the Liberty Baptist Church in Eastland. Burial was in the Romney Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Survivors include his parents, Cody Putman and Jennifer Sanders of Carbon; one brother, Zachery Cole Putman; maternal grandparents, Joe and Carrie Kisner of Carbon and James Edward Sanders of Lufkin; paternal grandparent, James Gordon Putman, Sr. of Wolforth; great-grandparents, A.J. and Martha Sanders of Lufkin and Maw Maw Shaw of Nacogdoches, Jimmy and Judy Putman of Sundown, Bobby and Melinda Scroggins of Throckmorton, Jean Knee of California and E.M. Evans of Lubbock; godparents, Jerry and Joanna Hooper of Eastland; aunts, Jessica and Wendee Putman and Gayle Grimes, Oritha, Didi and Tammy; uncles, James Putman and Eric Sanders, Mike, Junior and Robert Sanders, Dennis and Jackie Putman and Jack Kinser.
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Ronald Baker
CISCO- Ronald Lee Baker, 69, of Cisco, died Friday, March 12, 2004 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2004 at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Reverend Thelma Hostetter officiated.
Mr. Baker was born in Carney, Oklahoma to Gladys (Williams) and Lawrence Baker. He had been a truck driver for Metal Building Co. He was in the Navy during World War II. He was married to Donna Palmer on July 5, 1963 in Oklahoma City, OK.
Survivors are his wife, Donna Baker of Cisco; two daughters, Lisa Pederson of Cisco and Linda Royston of May; two sons, Randy Baker of Cross Plains and Stephen Baker of Brownwood; four sisters, Thelma Clark of Stroud, OK, Mary Hereford of Melbourn, FL., Maxine Soberstrom of Stroud, OK and Wanda Hilburt of Stroud, OK; a brother, Harold Baker of Pineville, Missouri; 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
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Eu Jay Marshall
Eu Jay (Fox) Marshall, 88, died Friday, March 12, 2004 at home in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Funeral services will be held at Bakker Funeral Home Friday, March 19, 2004 at 2 p.m. Burial will be at the Merriman Cemetery in Eastland County.
She was born in Eastland County on July 16, 1915. She lived many years in Eunice, New Mexico before moving back to Eastland.
She was preceded in death by her husband Otis; her parents, W.N. and Emma (Wright) Fox; three sisters and five brothers.
Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Patsy and Don Norton of Las Vegas; son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Chris Marshall of Vernal, Utah; three brothers; one sister; one grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
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Wayne Brown
BROWNWOOD- Wayne Brown, 72, of Brownwood, died Monday, March 15, 2004 at a Brownwood hospital.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at 1 p.m. at the Alameda Cemetery, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Brown was born August 21, 1931 in Baird to Joseph Shirley and Pat (Ewing) Brown. He attended school in Alameda, graduating from Gorman High School. He then attended Ranger Jr. College. He married Roxie Woodrum on December 20, 1968 in Midland. He had worked in all aspects of the oilfield industry, from pumping to production, and as an entrepreneur.
Survivors include his wife, Roxie, of Brownwood; a son, Larry Brown and wife Susan of Plano; two daughters, Beverly Gray and husband Mike of Tulsa, OK and Laura Perez and husband Michael of Fort Worth; a brother, Kenneth Brown and wife Salado of Ranger; and a sister, Ouida Hummel and husband Erven of Carbon; 7 grandchildren; 10 nieces and nephews; and 3 great-nieces and nephews.
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Ira "Bud" Carmack
EASTLAND Ð Ira "Bud" Carmack, 83, of Eastland, passed away Sunday in Kerrville. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Burial will be in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Mr. Carmack was born on Nov. 14, 1920 in Rule, Tx to Robert J. & Cora Ellen (Byrd) Carmack. He married his wife of almost 50 years, Katherine Herrell, on Apr. 22, 1946. She preceded him in death on June 5, 1993.
He entered military service on Mar. 18, 1943, serving in the European Theatre during WWII, in which time he earned the American Theatre Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 4 Bronze Battles Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and 4 Overseas Service Bars.
He separated from the Army as a Sergeant on Oct. 14, 1945, returning to Texas. Upon his return to Eastland, he served in a variety of positions, which include 18 years as a fireman. He was a life member of the VFW and a 60 year continuous member of VFW Post 4136, Eastland, Tx. His lifelong passion was being a cowboy.
Survivors include his children, Cora Mae Wright of Kerrville, William J. (Bill) Carmack and Dale Carmack, both of Eastland, Ira Melvin Carmack and his wife Theresa of the US Navy, station in Pensacola, FL, J.M. Crow and his wife, Linda of Corpus Christi; his siblings, ÒSisÓ Murray, Maudine Watkins, Henry Carmack and Norman Carmack; sister-in-law, Polly & husband Bill Cathey; 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews.
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Robert Bond
Robert Eugene Bond, 81, of Austin died Tuesday, January 27, 2004.
He was born August 23, 1922 to Travis and Gladys Palmer Bond.
He was a UT graduate and served in World War II in the Army Air Corps. Robert was a devoted employee of Whitley Printing Co. for 37 years, until his retirement in 1987.
He enjoyed golf, gardening, dominoes and cards and was affectionately called ÒMr. Fix-ItÓ by his grandkids.
Graveside services (burial of ashes) were held at Austin Memorial Park at 2 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2004.
Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home of Austin.
Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Gorin, Gus Grosskopf, Jack Brown and Jim McCorquodale.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Joyce Geiser Bond, whom he married in Austin, TX on January 29, 1947. He also leaves behind his daughter, Barbara Prellop and husband, Ronnie of Georgetown; his son, Gary Bond and wife Jan of Midland; mother, Gladys Bond of Eastland; sister, Betty Kidd of Eastland; four granddaughters, Melissa Garcia and husband Joey, Michelle Clark and husband Stephen, Megan Prellop and Rhonda Bond; and two great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759.
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Jimmie Beane
MIDLAND- Jimmie W. Beane, of Midland, Texas died Monday, March 15, 2004.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2004 at First Baptist Church Chapel. Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery in Midland. Arrangements were under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland.
She was born September 4, 1920 in Fort Worth, Texas and was raised and educated in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to her retirement Jimmie was employed with the Midland Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Midland.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe W. Beane in 1972.
Jimmie is survived by her children, Jan Beane, Mindy Beane Stephenson of Eastland, Michael Beane and John C. Beane; grandchildren, Will Stephenson, Tip Stephenson, Lauren Beane and Austin Beane; cousin, Sue Pierce; in-laws, Brad Stephenson and Susan W. Beane.
Pallbearers were Bill O'Neal, Kim Madden, Ron Helm, Mike Perrin, Mark Carr, Randall McCleskey and Robbie Hurt.
Memorials may be made to Fosters Home for Children, P.O. Box 978, Stephenville, Texas 76401.
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Dorothy Hollis
ODESSA- Dorothy Jean Hollis, 79, a longtime resident of Odessa, died Monday, March 15, 2004 at Medical Center Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2004 at the Eastland Cemetery directed by Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland.
She was born September 25, 1924 in Eastland. She was a retired bookkeeper.
She is survived by her son, Charlie Hollis of Odessa; daughters, Debbie Case of Odessa and Diane Eudy of Little Rock, Arkansas; three grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
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Sidney Harton
RANGER- Sidney B. Harton, 85, died Monday, March 15, 2004 in Abilene.
Graveside services were held Thursday, March 18, 2004 at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger. Arrangements under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Harton was born on February 4, 1919 in Ranger to Archie Ball and Lou Ellen (Howell) Harton. He married Polly Murray on September 14, 1946 in Olden. He served his country in the Navy, worked in the oilfields for 39 years as a welder, was a member of First Baptist Church, and had been a resident of Ranger since 1949. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and working around his place.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings.
Mr. Harton is survived by his wife, Polly Harton of Ranger; daughter, Karla Kay Franklin of Bedford; son, Gary Wayne Harton of Ranger; brother, Shelby Harton of Rosanky; sisters, Christine Poole of Burleson and Annie Lu Guinn of Austin; grandchildren, Haydn Boyd Franklin of Haltom City and Kaci Goodman of Austin; great-grandson, Dylan Boyd Franklin; numerous nieces and nephews.
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Charles Whitefield
Charles David Whitefield, 82, loving husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa, died Sunday evening, March 14, 2004 at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene.
Graveside services were held at Ungleville West Cemetery on Thursday, March 18.
Charlie was a retired pilot, pipeline contractor, welder and inspector for various construction companies in Texas, Nebraska and Ohio. He was a member of the United Association Pipefitters Union, Local 798, for 45 years.
Charlie Whitefield was born on March 9, 1922 in Ranger, Texas. He was the son of John F. and Freddie (Greer) Whitefield. He graduated from Ranger High School in 1938 and attended Abilene Christian College on a football scholarship. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from September 1941 to April 1942, and terminated service to volunteer for the U. S. Army Air Force, July 8,1942. He trained at Gamer Field, Goodfellow Field and Moore Field, all in Texas, and began overseas duty June 3, 1944, with the 8th Air Force, based at Duxford Air Force Base, in Duxford, England. Charlie flew a P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, completing 66 missions in the air offensive over Europe. He received the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Hying Cross, ETO Ribbon with four Battle Stars and Presidential Unit Citation. He married Jane Clemons Krantz, of Salamanca, NY, Corporal in the Women's Army Corp, on December 5, 1944, in Staines, England. He returned to the States and was discharged on June 31, 1945. Charlie, Jane and family of five, traveled for many years, living mainly in Texas and Nebraska. Charlie had many friends in Fremont, NE and enjoyed fishing at the State Lakes. They retired to Eastland, TX in 1983 and moved to Lake Leon, where he enjoyed fishing, golfing with his buddies at the Lone Cedar Country Club, flying his Cessna and Bonanza airplanes from the Ranger airport and visiting with many of his childhood friends. Charlie was an avid Internet surfer and maintained a lively correspondence with his family and friends via e-mail. He was especially proud of his digital photo collection and forwarded many photos of grandchildren and Texas sunsets to one and all. A particular highlight in recent years was a trip in September 1995 to the official opening of the American Air Museum in Duxford, England. Charlie and Jane spent a fabulous event packed week participating in the ground breaking ceremonies, being interviewed by BBC radio, viewing the Duxford Air Show, which included many WWll aircraft, returning to the Grovsner Hotel, where they spent their honeymoon, and telling many a story, to one and all, of their time spent there from 1943 to 1945.
Charlie was preceded in death by his son, Joel Whitefield, in 1983.
Survivors include wife, Jane Whitefield; daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Craig Story of Kingwood, TX; son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Kathy Whitefield of Gardnerville, NV; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Saralee Whitefield of La Canada, CA; daughter and son-in-law, Karol Ann and Grove Bock of Omaha, NE; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1900 Pine, Abilene, TX 79610.
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Ruby Hogan
CARBON- Ruby Lee Hogan, 86, of Carbon, died Thursday, March 18, 2004 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman. Rev. Bob Ferguson officiated. Burial was in the Murray Cemetery near Carbon.
Mrs. Hogan was born October 22, 1917 in Rockwall, Texas to Edward Adams and Elizabeth (Piper) Adams. Her husband I.D. Hogan preceded her in death in 1991. She was a retired cook and a member of the First Baptist Church of Carbon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, two brothers, one sister, and a granddaughter.
She is survived by two sons, Jimmy Dale Parrigan of Cisco and Kenneth Earl Parrigan of Fort Worth; three daughters, Julia Ann Burgess of Rockwall, Nelda Jean Lee of Hattiesburg, MS and Martha Faye Baggett of Garland; 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren.
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Bobby Tinkler
Bobby Rollo Tinkler, 71, died Thursday, March 18, 2004, at an Abilene medical center.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2004 at University Church of Christ in Abilene. A graveside service followed at 3:45 p.m. in Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman, Texas, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Rollo was born on August 15, 1932 to Raymond and Irene (McBride) Tinkler in Houston, Texas. He received a B.A. and an M.A. from Abilene Christian University and an M.S. and a PhD. from the University of North Texas. Rollo married Louise Scitern in Gorman on December 17, 1957. He was a pulpit minister for churches of Christ in Ft. Worth; Rawlins, Wyoming; Lawton, Oklahoma; and Killeen, TX. Rollo also served as campus minister in Commerce, TX and in Lawton, Oklahoma. He taught in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Abilene Christian University from 1976 until 1999, and served as head of the department for 19 years. Rollo was a member of the University Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Rae June Urban.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Tinkler of Abilene; a daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Donnie Baisden of Abilene; and two granddaughters, Lauren and Rachel.
Memorials may be sent to World Bible Translation Center, 4028 Dailey Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76180.
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Dorothy Johnson
GORMAN- Dorothy Lucille Johnson, 80, died Sunday, March 21, 2004 at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Gorman.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman.
Mrs. Johnson was born August 9, 1923 in Gorman. She married Troy James Johnson in 1939. She was a homemaker and a Beautician. She worked for Higginbotham Funeral Home for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Troy, son, Roy, and a brother, Ardis Porter.
Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Wesley Spivey of Gorman; grandson and wife, Steve and Tracy Spivey of Gorman; three great-grandchildren, Adam, Colby, and Lauren Spivey of Gorman; grandson, Chris Johnson of Desdemona; two brothers, G.W. Gilmore of Ranger and Jimmy Odell Gilmore of Austin; many nieces and nephews.
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Ladell Tonn
EASTLAND- Ladell Tonn, 79, died Thursday, March 18, 2004 in Austin, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2004 at the Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland. Burial was in the Murray Cemetery at Carbon, directed by Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland.
She was born to Elmer and Bessie Lee (Holloway) Bethany on August 21, 1924 in Carbon, Texas. She grew up in Carbon and graduated from Carbon High School in 1943. She married Leslie E. Tonn on February 17, 1945 in Carbon. She attended Cisco Junior College and graduated from Texas Tech University in 1971. She was a retired teacher, having taught in Rotan and Ropesville. She returned to Eastland in 1987 and moved to Round Rock in 1997. She was also a homemaker and mother and a member of the Bethel Baptist Church of Eastland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leslie and an aunt and uncle, Odell and Emma Bethany.
She is survived by a son, Wayne Tonn and his wife Beverly of Amarillo; daughter, Marilyn Gladson and her husband Jim of San Antonio; daughter, Sue Holmes and her husband Patrick of Plugerville; two brothers, Joe Bethany of Henderson and Norman Bethany of Redmond, Oregon; and a sister, Ruth Guy of Eastland; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Carbon Community Center or the Carbon Cemetery Association.
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Gladys Dennis
GORMAN- Gladys Pearl Dennis, 100, of Gorman died Thursday, March 18, 2004 at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 21, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman, Walter Williams officiated. Burial was in the Gorman Cemetery.
Mrs. Dennis was born October 3, 1903 in Pontotoc, Mississippi to Newt Snider and Nancy (Matkins) Snider. She married Bud Hamilton in 1918 in Eastland County. He preceded her in death in 1922. She later married Claude Dennis in 1945 in Eastland County. He also preceded her in death. She was a homemaker and a member of the Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, Lloyd Snider, R.C. Snider and Bill Snider.
She is survived by one son, J.B. Hamilton of Garland; one daughter, Fannie Mae Bickford of Humble; one brother, Jewel Snider of Gorman; and six grandchildren.
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T. W. "Sonny" Struck
HOLLIDAY- T.W. "Sonny" Struck, 78, of Holliday, Texas, suffered a heart attack on March 12, 2004 and passed from this life on March 19, 2004.
A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2004 at Munday Cemetery in Munday, Texas, Bro. Joe Ainsworth, pastor of Bluegrove Baptist Church, officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.
Sonny was born on January 14, 1926 to T. Walter and Lutie Arnold Struck in Eastland County, Texas. Sonny served his country in the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Corporal in 1947. He spent most of his working career as a greenskeeper, with the last twenty years at Sheppard Air Force Base Golf Course. Sonny retired in 1986. He was a Baptist.
Sonny is preceded in death by six brothers and a sister.
He is survived by four children, T.W. Struck, Jr. and his wife Barbara of Holliday, TX, David Struck and his wife Sally of Wichita Falls, TX, Patty Childs and her husband Paul of Bluegrove, TX, and Jennifer Miller and her husband Joey of Wichita Falls, TX; one brother, Dewey Struck of Eastland; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
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Kenath Boyd
Kenath E. Boyd, Sr., 55, died Sunday, March 21, 2004 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 25, 2004 at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home Chapel of Memories with Chaplin Royce Taylor officiating. Burial will be in the Breckenridge Cemetery directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
He was born on February 19, 1949 in Breckenridge. He was married to Linda Lee Posey on October 16, 1967 in Breckenridge. She preceded him in death on Dec. 14, 1999. He married Sharon Rickles on June 16, 2000. He had worked as mechanic for Blodgett Motor Co. and later for Carstens Motor Co. He was a member of the Gunsight Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Boyd of Breckenridge; one daughter, Wendy Fullerton of Clyde; two step-daughters, Rhonda Sacrison of Waverley, South Dakota and Melissa Gonzales of Las Vegas, Nevada; a son, Kenath Boyd, Jr. of Breckenridge; a step-son, Jody Scherr of Belle Fourche, South Dakota; five sisters, Edna Poteet, Samantha Pesch, Eva Latham, Mildred McCullough and Vaneta Dodds, all of Breckenridge; two brothers, L.C. Boyd of Athens and David Boyd of Breckenridge; 17 grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be left at the funeral home.
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Wayne Fulmer
CISCO- Wayne Charles Fulmer, 62, of Cisco, died Friday, March 19, 2004 in Plaza Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
No services are planned at this time.
Mr. Fulmer was born on October 4, 1941 in Bremerton, Washington to Dusty and Frances Lenora (Godfrey) Fulmer. He married Virginia Dee Rogers on December 18, 1976 in Mexico and worked as a carpenter.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia of Cisco; brother, Ronald D. Doiron of Cisco; stepchildren, Shawnna Jo Rhyne, Shannon Thetford and Jeremy Fulmer; step-grandchildren, Joshua Rhyne, Jacob Rhyne, Chasity Rhyne and Audrey Martin.
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Rev. Dr. Harvey Kimbler
The Rev. Dr. Harvey Kimbler, of Sun Lakes, passed away March 22, 2004 in Chandler. He was 83.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 26, 2004 at First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes, 9535 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, AZ. Interment will follow at East Resthaven Park Cemetery. Arrangements by Bueler Mortuary.
Dr. Kimbler was well-known in Arizona as Pastor of Baptist Churches in Tucson, Chandler, Yuma, and Phoenix. He worked for 17 years for the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention as Sunday School and Church Growth Director. He also served as president of the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention and was a six-year member of the Board of the Foreign Mission Board. He was a graduate of Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth; he received his doctorate from Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, FL. His first wife, Frances Pollock, died in 1965, and he has been married to Joann Hathcoat Kimbler for 38 years.
In addition to wife Joann, he is survived by daughters, Susan Egmont (Westy) and Janet Barton; a son, George H. Kimbler (Sue); brothers, Glenn Kimbler (Patsy), W.C. Kimbler (Reba), Keith Kimbler (Chris); seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The family suggests contributions to the First Baptist Church of SunLakes and Vista Care Hospice.
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R. H. "Pepper" Hicks
GORDON- R. H. "Pepper" Hicks, 78, of Gordon died on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 in a Stephenville hospital. Services were held at 2 pm Thursday, March 25, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Konz, Bill Keck and Rev. Gene Ratcliff officiating. Burial was in New Gordon Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Pepper was born on December 5, 1925 in Strawn, Texas to Joe William and Emma Londie (Keown) Hicks. He married Bobbye Jo Holleman on December 5, 1946 in De Leon, Texas. He worked for Southwestern Nut Company for 27 years as a plant manager; after the plant closed he went to work at Brazos Electric Power Company for 19 years as an electrician. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Gordon, Texas. When his daughters were in school he served on the school board. Pepper was known as the town historian, since he lived in Gordon all of his life, people relied on him for all kinds of information from dates, to people, to what happened around town.
Pepper is survived by his wife Bobbye Hicks of Gordon, Texas, three daughters Edna Tate and husband Ronnie of Stephenville, Texas, Brenda Harral of Houston, Texas, and Susan Mullins and husband Jim of Gordon, Texas. Sister-in-law Selma Hicks of Utah and nine grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. A host of nieces and nephews.
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William Young
EASTLAND - William Kimble Young, 82, of Eastland, died Monday, March 22, 2004 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital. Services were held at 10:00 A.M. Friday at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sarah Miller officiating, assisted by Dr. Robert DeLuca. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 7 until 8:00 P.M.
Mr. Young was born on July 31, 1921 in Eastland to William Thomas and Elizabeth Frances (Fields) Young. He married Eva Eugenia Hunter on May 1, 1942 in Houston. He was a letter carrier in Abilene, retiring after 29 years of service. He was also a home builder. He had been a Scoutmaster for Troop 6, Chisholm Trail Council Boy Scouts of America in Abilene, and president of Abilene High Orchestra Parents. He was currently a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eastland. He held many places of responsibility in each church he attended through the years.
He was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Eugene Young on Sept. 15, 1981, as well as by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. W.T. Young; 3 sisters, Texie Lavelle Blewett, Hazel Mae Campbell, and Frances Margretta Hile; and brother-in-law, Adrian Hile.
Survivors include his wife, Eva Jean Young of Eastland, Texas; a son, David Kimble Young and his wife CynDe of San Antonio, Texas; a daughter, Judith Elaine Stemple and her husband Jeffrey Wade of Vienna, West Virginia; 3 granddaughters, Kimberley Joy Varner of Belpre, Ohio, Natalie Michelle Young and Holly Camille Young, both of San Antonio, Texas; 2 great-grandsons, Jaron Wade Varner and Jonah Seth Varner, both of Belpre, Ohio; and by several nieces, nephews, and good friends.
Memorials may be made to: Roma Lee Courvisier, for missionary work in Peru, and can be left with the family, or mailed to: 702 C.R. 447, Eastland, Texas 76448.
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Bruce Hirst
DUBLIN- Bruce Hirst, 78, of Dublin, formerly of Gorman, died Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at the DeLeon Hospital.
Services were at 2 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2004 at the First Baptist Church in Gorman, Richard Watson officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mr. Hirst was born September 22, 1925 in Eastland County to Bassett Hirst and Ola (Bond) Hirst. He married Lavoyce Wallace on January 6, 1946 in Gorman. She preceded him in death in December 2003. Mr. Hirst was a retired bookkeeper for Birdsong Peanuts. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and served as a deacon since 1956. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy.
Survivors include a son, Daryl Hirst and wife, Cecilia of Gorman; daughter, Patty Hirst Wade and husband, Ike of Dublin; two grandsons, Kevin Hirst and wife, Debbie of Burleson and Sam Hirst-Wade of Dublin; one great-granddaughter, Kelsie Hirst of Burleson.
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Joseph Hall
CISCO - Joseph B Hall, 86, a retired Southwestern Bell employee, died Thursday, March 25, 2004 in Azle.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 26,2004 at First United Methodist Church. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Cisco.
Joe was born June 2, 1917, to James Daily and Alma Lee Hall in Chillicothe. He enjoyed being on his computer and learning about the family's geneology. Joe attended First United Methodist Church in Azle. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Blodwyn, on December 8, 2003.
Survivors include daughters and husbands; Janet and Gene Hargrove of Azle, Joanne and Roger Estes of Austin; five grandchildren, Brent Hargrove, Denise Hargrove Boenker, Randy Hargrove, Tana Estes Wheeler and Gwen Estes Portie; eight great grandchildren; sister, Doris Akers of Youngsville, LA.
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Lula Mathias
BRECKENRIDGE- Funeral services for Lula Mae Mathias, 88, will be held Sunday, May 2, 2004 at 4 p.m. at the Morehart Mortuary Chapel in Breckenridge with Rev. Charles Kuhn officiating. Burial will follow in the Breckenridge Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.
Mrs. Mathias died April 29, 2004 at the Villa Haven Rehab Center in Breckenridge.
Lula Mae was born on November 13, 1915 in Dashler, Ohio to parents Robert Lee McDonald and Emma Almeata Yoxhiemer. She married Arthur Harrold Mathias on March 16, 1935 in Eastland. She was a faithful homemaker and also worked as a ticket clerk at the local Buckaroo Theatre. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Breckenridge. Lula Mae was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur; one brother; one sister; and one granddaughter.
She is survived and lovingly remembered by her son, Billy Ray Mathias and wife, Patricia of Massachusetts; four grandsons, Jeremy Mathias of Mass., Jimmy Mathias of Olden, Harrold Mathias of Breckenridge and Arthur Mathias, III and wife, Becky of Breckenridge; one granddaughter, Jenna Mathias of Mass.; two great-grandchildren, Miranda Kay and Matthew Mathias; several nephews and nieces; and one sister, Bee Harris of Arlington.
Memorials may be made to the Hospice of The Big Country or Villa Haven Rehab Center. Memorials may be left at Morehart Mortuary.
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Frances Cox
RANGER- Frances Wortham Cox, 77, of Ranger died Sunday, May 2, 2004 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Burial followed in the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.
Frances was born on December 22, 1927 in Rotan, Texas to Parker and Lucinda Elizabeth (Loader) Wortham. She was a graduate of Sweetwater High School. She married Dewey Cox, Jr. on August 17, 1956 in Lampsas, Texas and he preceded her in death on December 24, 1980. She worked as a lab tech and radiologist for Dr. Kuykendall and later at West Texas Clinic for Dr. W.P. Watkins. When she retired she helped her husband in his law firm. She was instrumental in getting little league baseball organized and started in Ranger. She was also very active in many community organizations, including Meals on Wheels, March of Dimes and helping the local people with transport to doctorÕs appointents and hospital visits. She was a Baptist.
Survivors are her sons, Lee Ausburne of Mesquite and Paul Ausburne of Ranger; brother, Glenn Wortham of Sweetwater; two grandchildrn, Josh and Jenny Ausburne; nieces and nephews, JoAnn Hatton, Bill Ausburne, Gwen Woods, Beth and Greg Wortham and Billy Wayne Wortham.
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 Clois Tennison
CLYDE- Clois Marion Tennison, 63, of Clyde, died Friday, April 30, 2004 at his home surrounded by family and friends.
Services were held Monday, May 3, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the Bailey Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Dewaine Clower officiated. Burial was in the Clyde Cemetery directed by Bailey Funeral Home.
Clois was born February 2, 1941 in Cross Plains to I.M. and May Decker Tennison. He grew up and attended school in Cross Plains. He served in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Sergeant First Class in 1989 after 21 years service. He married Fredene Jones February 2, 2000 in Tacoma, WA. They moved to Cross Plains from Tacoma in 2002, and to Clyde from Cross Plains in February of 2004. He was a member of Pioneer Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son; one granddaughter; five brothers, C.W., Deotis, Bill, Virgil, and Raymond Tennison.
He is survived by his wife, Fredene Tennison of Clyde; three daughters, Linda Weidenman of Lakewood, WA, Glenda Tennison of Puyallup, WA and Carolyn Laird of Cisco; step-son, Gary Hargrove of Cross Plains; step-daughter, Christine Connelly of Temple; four grandchildren, Tristan, Tanner and Tori Coburn, all of Puyallup, WA and Trista Connelly of Temple; two brothers, Robert Tennison of Abilene and Delbert Tennison of Cross Plains; three sisters, Reba Lane of Cross Plains, Bertha Sears of Bothell, WA, and Ledora Garcia of San Francisco.
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Addie Slaughter
Addie Fonville Slaughter, beloved mother of Judy Slaughter Thornton, passed away peacefully at her home in Dallas, Texas on May 2, 2004.
Mrs. Slaughter, a long time resident of Cisco, Texas, and a current resident of Dallas,Texas, was the wife of Robert L. Slaughter, who died in 1977.
Mrs. Slaughter is survived by one daughter, Judy Slaughter Thornton of Dallas; her son-in-law, Bob Thornton of Dallas; and two grandchildren, Jennifer Thornton Ahrens of Dallas and Robert Matthew Thornton of Norman, Oklahoma. She is also survived by her caregiver of many years Lou Daly, and many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Slaughter was born July 8, 1910 in Desdemona, Eastland County, Texas. She was the youngest of seven children born to Joseph Layfette Fonville and Henrietta Carter Fonville, and was their only daughter. Addie graduated from high school in Strawn, Texas and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tarleton State College in Stephenville. She then taught school for several years before her marriage to Mr. Slaughter.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, AddieÕs life centered around her home, her family, especially her grandchildren, and her relationship with Christ. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cisco, where she was very active for many years. More recently, she was a member of Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, where she lived near her daughter and son-in-law.
Addie Slaughter touched many lives with her Christian spirit and her love of the Lord. She will be missed by all of those who loved her.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harry Grantz officiating assisted by Bob Thornton. Burial was in the Howard Cemetery in Desdemona.
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Margaret Jackson
CISCO- Margaret Mae Jackson, 86, died May 1, 2004.
Private family services will be held.
She was a homemaker.
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Scott Zellman
CISCO- Scott Zellman, 45, of Cisco, Texas joined his Heavenly Father, May 3, 2004, after a special prayer with his family and friends at his bedside.
A special Memorial Service will be held at Corinth Baptist Church with Pastor Benny Hagan officiating on Thursday, May 6, 2004, at 2 p.m. ScottÕs wishes were to donate his body to Science and Research in hopes that one day they will find a cure for cancer.
Scott was born in Fort Worth, Texas on October 19, 1958 to Gene and Butch Zellman. He graduated from Cisco High School and attended Cisco Junior College. He eventually found his career in Trucking hauling gas. He loved his job and worked long, hard hours for 23 years. He was a good business man by getting new businesses for his employers. He had a God-given talent and eventually had his own business with two trucks and two drivers, and good friends: James Koger and Randy Gidrey, who he was very grateful for.
Scott was an easy going guy. He loved people and he loved to talk. He loved his family and many friends and would do anything for them even if he had to go without. He enjoyed hunting and driving his Ô81 jeep in the mud and on backroads. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He wanted to thank everyone that was there for him through his battle with cancer. His doctors, nurses, and the staff at Eastland Memorial Hospital. Also, a special thank you to Matt Johnson for all his visits with Scott.
He was grateful through this disease. He found the Lord and got the opportunity to share his testimony in many churches. He loved the Lord.
Survivors include his wife, Dana Zellman; daughters, Bridget Zellman, Mandi, Shay and Audrey Martin; his mother and father, Gene and Butch Zellman; sisters, Keri Preist, Trisha and her husband, David Beevers; nephews, Stephen and Matthew Preist and Garon Beevers. A special grandson, Gavyn William-Scott Fielding. His sweet Aunt Patty who showed him the light just out of surgery when all he felt was fear and darkness. She shared the love of Christ with him. Other survivors include several uncles and cousins.
He was a member at Corinth Baptist Church.
Any donations or memorials, Scott wanted them sent to The American Cancer Society and Hospice of the Big Country. They were wonderful to him.
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Frank Williams
CORSICANA- Frank R. Williams, 72, a minister for 42 years in 33 Central Texas area churches, died Friday, April 30, 2004, at a Corsicana hospital.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 2, 2004 at First United Methodist Church in Corsicana. Burial was in Frost Cemetery. Officiants were The Rev. Delbert Taylor and the Rev. Mike Alexander. Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home of Corsicana was in charge of arrangements.
The Rev. Williams was born January 27, 1932, in Fort Worth, to Frank R. Williams, Sr. and Alice Woods Williams. He was the minister at First United Methodist Church in Cisco from 1983-84.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Frank R. Williams of Corsicana; son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Judi Williams of Waxahachie; two grandchildren, Lindsey and Chase; and sister-in-law, Fanell Dunagan of Frost.
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Martina Pugh
STRAWN - Services for Martina Gretchen Pugh, 65, of Strawn were at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 6, 2004, in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Thomas Moore Jr. officiating. Cremation will follow the services under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
Mrs. Pugh died Monday, May 3, 2004, at her home.
She was born November 12, 1938 in Erie, Pennsylvania. She was a graduate of Strawn High School. She married Gary Pugh on September 30, 1994 in Barstow California. They moved to Strawn nine years ago. She worked in data entry and dispatch for Dyncorp in Barstow, California.
Mrs. Pugh was preceded in death by a son, John Joseph Couch.
Mrs. Pugh is survived by her husband Gary Pugh of Strawn; three daughters, Elizabeth Moore of Salesville, Ann Couch of Strawn, Tina Marie Birdsong of Las Vegas, NV.; step-daughter, Annie Durham of Seymour, Indiana; five grandchildren, Stephanie Pugh and Meagan Pugh, both of Las Vegas, NV., Tina Mayfield and Alex Halstead, both of Strawn, and Evan Durham of Seymour, Indiana.
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Martin Mitchell, Jr.
Martin Luther Mitchell, Jr., 74, of Cisco died Tuesday, May 4, 2004. He was cremated and no services are planned. Arrangements were made by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
He was born December 16, 1929 in Santa Ana, California to Ruby (Hill) and Martin Luther Mithcell. He served in the US Air Force in Vietnam. He was a Graphic Engraver for a newspaper.
His wife, Frances Marie Mitchell, 64, died February 19, 2002, she was also cremated. She was born Sept. 27, 1938 in Ida, Louisiana to Thomas Virgil and Ida (Stanley). She worked for Mobil Oil. They were married on March 16, 1955 in Reno, Nevada and were both Baptists.
They are both survived by two daughters, Jackey Corgill and husband Allen Corgill of Cisco and Pam Mitchell of La Center, Washington; five grandchildren, Donnie Garcia of Terrell, Texas, Drew Garcia and Keisha Garcia both of Red Oak, Texas, Daniel Demaree and Nathan Demaree both of Terrell, Texas; one great-grandchild, Jordan Garcia of Red Oak, Texas.
Mr. Mitchell is also survived by a brother, Charles W. Mitchell of Wickenburg, Arizona; and a sister, Reba Pricer of North Carolina.
Mrs. Mitchell is survived by sisters, Bernice Hall of Vivian, Louisiana, Ruth L. Fielder of Silsbee, Texas, Martha Land of San Antonio, TX, Linda Ayres of Oakville, Washington and Gail Comeaux of Las Vegas, Nevada; a brother, Robert Beckham of Ocean Park, Washington.
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Von Smith
CISCO- Von Carrel Smith, 90, of Cisco, died Wednesday, May 5, 2004 in Canterbury Villa.
He was cremated and memorial services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements were made by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Smith was born October 15, 1913 in Fort Stockton, Texas to Joe and Mary (Sheppard) Smith. He worked for the US Post Office as a Rural Mail Carrier. His wife, Rachel Clarkson preceded him in death on May 27, 1983. He was a member of First United Methodist Church.
A daughter, Beth Prickett preceded him in death.
He is survived by a daughter, Maryann Perry of Cisco; Edna Garrett of Fort Worth and Velma McClelland of Houston; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
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Harry Holt
ABILENE- Services for Harry Holt, 90, are pending at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Mr. Holt died Thursday, May 6, 2004.
He was a former Sweetwater newspaper reporter. He was a longtime agriculture radio and television broadcaster in Abilene.
He and his wife, Mary Clark Holt, lived on a ranch, south of Cisco, in Eastland County.
Survivors include his wife, Mary; two daughters, two sisters; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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George Boles
ODESSA- George Henry Boles, 78, of Odessa died Sunday, May 9, 2004 at Medical Center Hospital.
He was born in Carbon, Texas July 9, 1925 to Clyde Henry Boles and Viola Guy Boles. He grew up on the family farm, attending Carbon schools and the Methodist Church. George graduated from Carbon High School in 1943. He married Joyce Evelyn Payne, his beloved wife, on June 7, 1944, and they were married for 48 years until her death in 1992.
George and Joyce were the parents of Nancy Carol and Richard Allan. The family moved to Odessa in 1955, when George became the manager of Continental-Emsco, which later became LTV. He retired in 1992 after 48 years in the oil business and became a sales and management consultant for independent companies. George was a Christian and a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and was a member of the Masonic Lodge #1385. He was also an early member of the Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang. George was active in his children's lives, participating in Boys Scouts and the Band Booster organizations at Permian High School and Bonham Junior High. His only grandchild, John Austin Boles, was the light of his life.
Daddy continued to enjoy the friendship of many of his associates in the oil patch, meeting them weekly for their coffee group and talking about the good old glory days of the oil business. He was a talented gardener, a master of organization, a lover of history, and was a scholar of the Civil War, an interest that developed when he was a young man. He loved to travel throughout the Southeastern United States and Hawaii. He excelled at being a father, and we were privileged and blessed to be his children.
George was preceded in death by his wife Joyce; his parents, Clyde and Viola Boles; and his sister, Dixie Verkamp.
He is survived by his daughter, Nancy, his son, Rick both of Odessa; his grandson, John Austin Boles of Oklahoma City; and his brother, James Boles of Levelland.
Honorary pallbearers were Horace Beard, Kevin Conn, Alex Miller, Al Rice, Scott Spinks, and Hugh Weathersby.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 13, 2004 at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland with Rev. Johnny Thomason officiating.
Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
George was a strong supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Mission, and it was his wish that any memorial in his name should go to help others. So in lieu of floral tributes, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of his grandson John Austin Boles.
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Mildred Naylor
Mildred Frances Naylor, 77, of Abilene, formerly of Cisco died Wednesday, May 12, 2004 in Hendrick Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 14, 2004 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Richard Melton officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Naylor was born in Pioneer, Texas on July 27, 1926 to C.B. and Gertrude (Lee) Hester. She married Delbert Naylor on January 18, 1947 in Eastland; he preceded her in death July 1, 2001. She was a homemaker and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Cisco Chapter 461 and Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene.
A sister, Beulah Lee Weisen preceded her in death.
She is survived by daughters, Janet Kirklin and husband Steve of Friendswood and Beverly Tharp and husband Gwynn of Abilene; grandchildren, Angeli Meadows, April Meadows, Audra Meadows, Bryce Tharp and Breck Tharp; brother, Bill Hester of Clyde; sister, Bonnie Barnes of New Summerfield.
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Ruth Daffron
Mrs. Ruth Koonce Daffron, 80, of Desdemona died Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at the DeLeon Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 2004 at Desdemona First Baptist Church. Burial was in Garden of Memories in Desdemona. Gary Hughes officiated. Arrangements were by Nowlin Funeral Home in DeLeon.
She was born February 11, 1924 in Desdemona to the late Clayton Hope Williams and Beulah Lee Kay Williams.
She retired from Birdson Peanuts in 1990 with prior employment with Shell Brothers Peanuts of Gorman where she was an export clerk; had resided in the Desdemona area all of her life; member of Desdemona Baptist Church.
She married Ben Koonce on November 17, 1942 in DeLeon. He preceded her in death June 9, 1987; she later married Kenneth Daffron on October 20, 1990 in Clyde; he preceded April 18, 1994. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Charles Williams.
Survivors are a daughter, Nelda Priddy and husband Garth of Desdemona; step-son, Joe Ben Koonce and wife Ann of Eastland; three grandchildren, Marlin Priddy and wife Laura Ann of Stephenville, Annette Priddy Cummings and husband Robert of Box Springs, GA, and Gregory Priddy and wife Sally of Desdemona; step-grandsons, Scotty Koonce and wife Pat and Brad Koonce and wife Lori of DeLeon; one sister, Evelyn Yardley of Ranger; one brother, Leo Williams of Ranger; 8 great-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; and one step great-great-grandchild.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or church/charity of your choice.
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John  'J.T.' Wilson
EASTLAND- John Tindsley (J.T.) Wilson, 92, of Eastland, died Wednesday, May 12, 2004 in Eastland.
Graveside funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 2004 at the Murray Cemetery near Carbon, directed by Bakker Funeral Home of Eastland.
He was born to John Sellars and Minnie Fay (Rasberry) Wilson on November 12, 1911, near Desdemona, TX. He grew up in the Carbon area, and married Edith Greer on July 17, 1941 in Palo Pinto, TX. He was a veteran of WW II, serving in the U.S. Army attached to the 8th Air Force. He had been a resident of Eastland since 1959, and was employed as a body repairman at Scott Body Works for 30 years, retiring in 1976. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eastland and the Carbon Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith in February of 2004.
He is survived by a son, Don Wilson and daughter-in-law, Jennifer of Grand Prairie; son, John Wilson and daughter-in-law, Sherry of Corinth; son, Hayden Wilson of Eastland and son, Johnnie Ray Wilson of Stephenville; daughter, Loretta Stephens of Stephenville; 12 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
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Margaret Speed
RANGER- Margaret Speed, 71, of Ranger died Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at Amarillo.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 15, 2004 at 10 a.m. at Merriman Baptist Church, Rev. Jim Lively officiated. Burial followed in the Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Speed was born on June 1, 1932 in Brownwood to George and Mabel (Foster) Ralston. She attended school in Cross Plains. She married Jack Eugene Speed on June 13, 1949 in Vernon. They moved to Ranger in 1962, and she attended Cisco Junior College where she studied to be an LVN. She worked for Dr. Watkins for over 20 years, also the Ranger General Hospital, and then worked in private duty nuring in Ranger. She was a member of Merriman Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two sisters.
Survivors are a son, David Speed and his wife Joyce of Amarillo; brother, Glenn Ralston of San Antonio; sister, Ann Townley of Grham; grandchildren, Christopher Speed of Ranger and Philip and Kandis Speed of Amarillo; and several nieces and nephews. -
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Wynema Rogers
IRVING- Wynema Rogers, 80, of Irving, died Thursday, May 13, 2004 at an Irving hospital.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2004 at North Irving Baptist Church. Rev. Bryan Hale officiated. Graveside service at 5 p.m. Saturday at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger. DonnellyÕs Colonial Funeral Home of Irving was in charge of the arrangements.
She was born May 27, 1923 in Eastland, Texas. She was the widow of James Willard Rogers, a homemaker and a member at North Irving Baptist Church.
Preceded in death by brothers, Almer Cecil Loper and Alfred Gene Loper; and sister, Thelma Alene Bailey.
Survivors are her children Bob Rogers and wife Judy of Coppell, Elizabeth Rogers of Irving and Richard Rogers and wife Mitzi of Watauga; brothers, Marion Riley Loper, Jr. of Kermit and Wayne Loper of Midland; sisters, Gay Nell Tull of Wichita Falls, Imogene Harper of Austin, Dawn Rice of Albuquerque, NM and Yvette Overstreet of Roswell; two grandchildren Julianne Rogers and Krystal Rogers of Coppell.
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Mary Crenshaw
GORMAN- Mary Revels Crenshaw, 79, of Morgan, Texas, died Friday, May 14, 2004 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 17, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman, Melvin McKinney and Richard Watson officiated. Burial was at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mary was born August 27, 1924 in Ranger, Texas to Marvin Williams and Bertha (Diez) Williams. She married Clinton Revels on October 7, 1939 in Gorman. He preceded her in death in 1978. She later married Herbert Crenshaw on April 12, 1980 in Gorman. He preceded her in death in 2002. She was administrative assistant for Gorman Insurance Agency for 12 years. She later was bookkeeper for TXU Electric Company for 16 years before retiring. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church at Lakeside.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister.
Survivors include a son, David Revels and wife Christina of San Jose, CA; two sisters, Erma Hardin of Fort Worth and Virginia Weiner of Las Vegas, NV; one brother, Marvin Williams, Jr. of Big Spring; six grandchildren, David Revels, Steven Revels, Marie Revels Curb, Kenneth Revels, John Revels and Tina Revels; 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Amy Wagley
CISCO- Amy Wagley, 92, of Cisco, died Saturday, May 15, 2004 at a Lampasas nursing home.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2004 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Kelly Chadwick and Rev. Pat Riley officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Wagley was born in Scranton, Texas on February 25, 1912 to John Henry and Susan (McCain) Johnson. She married Virgil Rufus Wagley in Walters, Oklahoma on September 15, 1930. He preceded her in death on November 30, 1987. She was a supervisor at Boss Glove Manufacturing and was a member of First Baptist Church.
A daughter, Sue Wagley preceded her in death.
Survivors are a daughter, Nada Thogmartin of Lampasas; grandson, Jon R. Thogmartin of Tarpon Springs, Florida; granddaughter, Dana Sue Turner of Garland; and 7 great-grandchildren.
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Mary Jo Bryson
CLYDE- Mary Jo King Bryson, 70, of Denver City and formerly of Clyde, died Friday, May 14, 2004 at a Lubbock hospital.
Services were held Monday, May 17, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Clyde, directed by Bailey Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bryson was born May 6, 1934 in Clyde to Roy and Thelma Paylor LaFoy. She graduated from Clyde High School and attended nursing school. She was the widow of James L. King, whom she married April 5, 1952 in Hamlin. They moved to Clyde from Cisco in 1989. He preceded her in death in 1998. She was also the widow of Dan G. Bryson, whom she married March 12, 1997 in Ovalo. He preceded her in death in 2002. She moved to Denver City in October of 2003. She was a nurse in Kermit, Monahans and Cisco and also the school nurse for the Baird ISD. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Clyde.
She is survived by a son, Todd King and wife Tina of Denver City; two daughters, Jayne Russell and husband Donald of Newellton, LA and Jamie Griffith and husband Travis of Cisco; two brothers, Roy LaFoy of Clyde and Troy LaFoy of Arlington; three sisters, Minnie Martin of Menard, Georgie Manion of Baird and June LaFoy of San Angelo; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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Martin Morton
EASTLAND - Martin Jeanne Morton, 81, longtime Eastland civic worker died Friday morning, May 14, 2004 in Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 17, 2004 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel of Eastland with Milton Underwood officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Born August 23, 1922 in Eastland to Otis and Katie Cloe (Arnold) Knox. She was a EHS Class of 40 Graduate. She married Edwin Ray Morton July 20, 1940. Edwin served during WWII in the SeaBees for 4 years while Martin Jeanne worked in Eastland in several businesses as a clerk. Edwin entered sales and they traveled and lived all over the United States returning to Eastland in 1978 to care for her mother. Edwin died in 1981 after which Martin Jeanne turned her attention to civic duties. She was active in the Democratic Party in Eastland and served as Election Judge many times.
She was a supporter of the Eastland Centennial Library, served on the board of Eastland County Crimestoppers and was an avid lover of music and animals. She was a member of the Daugherty Street Church of Christ.
She is survived by one brother, Otis Knox of Little Rock Arkansas; several nieces and nephews.
Memorial may be made to the Eastland Centennial Library.
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Thelma Ewell
CISCO- Thelma Babb Ewell, 95, of Cisco, Texas, died Tuesday, May 18, 2004 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 21, 2004 at Parker Funeral Home Chapel in Baird, Texas. Larry Fitzgerald officiated. Burial was followed in the Santa Anna Cemetery.
Thelma was born May 26, 1908 in Santa Anna, Texas to James W. Babb and Pearl (Hunter) Babb. Her father was a longtime West Texas retail merchant. She moved with her family to Abilene, Texas in 1916 where she finished school graduating from Abilene High School in 1926. She then married James Hugh Ewell, Sr. in 1927 and in 1939 they relocated with their 3 children to Cisco, Texas. She supplied eggs, milk, butter and goodwill to her Cisco neighbors up until a year prior to her death. In her later years she worked at the Calvary Baptist Church nursery in Cisco supplying love to the children and then went on to do the same for First Baptist Church for almost 8 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband and only daughter Joan Ewell.
Survivors include two sons, James Hugh Ewell, Jr. along with her daughter-in-law, Ruby of DeSoto, TX and David Babb Ewell of Cisco; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was an angel on earth who touched many lives and was loved by all who knew her. We will miss her dearly but rejoice in the fact that the Lord is truly happy to have her home.
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Ernest Weeber
RISING STAR- Ernest A. Weeber, 83, of Rising Star died Tuesday, May 18, 2004 at the Brownwood Regional Hospital.
Ernest was born March 29, 1921 in Brenham, Texas to William Carl Weeber and Louise (Weisner) Weeber. Ernest was a heavy equipment operator in road construction for over 30 years. He married Carolyn Elliott Bells on September 21, 1963 in Sommerville, Texas. They lived in Bryan, Texas until he retired from Young Brothers Construction Company. He has lived in Rising Star for the past 18 years.
Survivors are his wife, Carolyn Weeber of Rising Star.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a step-son.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Richard Massey officiated and David Harris assisted. Burial was in the Sipe Springs Cemetery in Comanche County. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of arrangements.
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Erma Ashley
CROSS PLAINS- Erma Ashley, 82, of Cross Plains died May 19, 2004.
Funeral services were held at Higginbotham Funeral Chapel at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 22, 2004, Dwaine Clower officiated. Burial was at the Cross Plains Cemetery in Cross Plains, TX.
She was born to Ben and Hattie Green on October 18, 1921 in Wise County, Texas. She married Charley Ashley on September 21, 1982 in Seagraves, Texas. The couple moved to Cross Plains in 1997. She received her salvation from God in 1938. She was a member of Pioneer Baptist Church.
Erma was a waitress at DanÕs Townhouse in Ennis, Tx for many years. After that, she became a security guard at Venture Chemical Company in Seagraves, Tx. First and foremost, she was a devoted wife and mother and an inspiration to others.
She is survived by her husband, Charley Ashley of Cross Plains; two daughters, Aline Smith and husband, Wayne of Cross Plains, Molly Ward and husband, Donald of Seminole; two sons, Carl Brasher and wife, Patricia of Coleman, and Cecil Brasher and wife, Patti of Omaha, NB; step-son, Ricky Ashley and wife Billie of Snyder; sister Emma Lavelle Howell of Seagraves; brother, Houston Green of Girard; 18 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two babies, CharleyÕs son, and six brothers. All who loved and knew her will miss her.
Memorials may be made to the Pioneer Baptist Church, Box 631, Rising Star, Tx. 76471.
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Willie Wheatley
CISCO- Willie Rebecca Wheatley, 93, of Cisco, died Sunday, May 23, 2004 at Canterbury Villa.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at Scranton Cemetery. Rev. Roy Lee Williams officiated, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Wheatley was born October 16, 1910 in Franklin County, Texas to Samuel William and Susan Frances (Daniels) Landers. She married Julian Glen Wheatley on January 3, 1932 in Anson. She lived in the Scranton and Cisco area since 1947. She worked at Boss Manufacturing and was a Methodist.
Her husband, 2 sons, Joe and Bill Wheatley and a son-in-law, J.D. Pittman, Jr. all preceded her in death.
She is survived by a daughter, Julia Pittman of Abilene; grandchildren, Alice Gregory and husband Kyle, Doug Wheatley and wife Ann, Pam Tucker and husband Dan, Kaye Wheatley, Kim Wheatley; 3 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
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Elizabeth 'Betty' Burns
LAKE LEON- Elizabeth Nancy Anne 'Betty' Burns, 65, of Lake Leon,died Saturday, May 22, 2004, at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2004, at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Staff Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Betty was born in Toronto, Canada on February 13, 1939, the daughter of Samuel and Dorothy Weeks. She grew up in Arizona and attended school there. She moved to Tucson, AZ in 1952, where she graduated from Tucson High School. She met and married Richard Burns on November 12, 1958 in Arizona. While living in Tucson, they raised three beautiful children.
After moving to Lake Leon in 1994, Betty worked at the Wal-Mart Pharmacy in Eastland and formed a wonderful friendship with her peers as a well as during her lifetime being blessed with many friends including Joyce Hewitt, Donna & Dickie Nash. Betty truly enjoyed life, living at Lake Leon, her evening boat rides with her husband for many years, and having her family near. Another great hobby of hers was to chit-chat on the internet. Life was good...
Survivors includer her husband of 46 years, Richard L. Burns of Lake Leon; three children, Robert Burns & wife Lisa, Lori McArdle & husband Henry all of Tucson, Betsy Mueller & husband Richard of Houston. Betty has seven grandchildren, Kailyn Burns, Jessica Burns, Ashley McArdle, David McArdle, David Spagnola and Ricky and Samantha Mueller; a brother, Jim Weeks and wife Marsha of Phoenix AZ, as well as sisters-in-law and family, Sue and Ron Hawkins of Ardmore, OK, Mary Barbour of Lone Grove, OK and Dee and Ralph Pate of Lake Leon and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Richard Etheridge, James Carlin, Tommy Bosworth, Richard Nash, Joe Knight and Ralph Pate.
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Dorothy Oakley
SHERMAN- Dorothy Nell Oakley, 98, died May 23, 2004 at Texoma Health Care in Sherman, Texas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at Garden of Memories Chapel- Stephenville, Texas. Rev. Forrest Wood officiated. Burial was in the Garden of Memories in Stephenville, Texas. Bratcher Funeral Home of Denison was in charge of arrangements.
She was born January 17, 1906 in Lake Victor, Texas to Robert Creswell and Addie M. Fariss Jones. She married Jess H. Oakley in September of 1924. He preceded her in death May 5, 1983. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Hico. Owned and operated a plant nursery in Hico. Worked for Wolfe Nursery in Stephenville. She attended schools in the Fair View area of Burnet Co.
She was preceded in death by her husband and one great-grandchild.
Survivors are one son, Stanley and wife Betty Oakly of Sherman; a daughter, Anita Copeland of Cisco; son-in-law, Gilbert Copeland of Cisco; five grandchildren, Gary Copeland of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Nancy and husband Randy Harris of Eastland, Sharon and husband Mike Laney of Allen, Marcia and husband David Hayes of Sherman, and Mike Oakley of Sherman; 7 great-grandchildren, Shelley and husband Kirk Wallace of Abilene, Ginger Rhyan of Ft. Worth, Jarett Stacy of Ft. Worth, Shawn Laney of Allen, Casey Hayes of Sherman and Ashley Hayes of Sherman; and two great-great-grandchildren, Haley Wallace and Hannah Wallace both of Abilene.
Pallbearers were Gary Copeland, Mike Oakley, Jarett Stacy, Shawn Laney and Casey Hayes.
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Lillian Fry
CISCO - Lillian Boyd Fry, 91, died Sunday, May 23, 2004, in the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 27, 2004, at the First United Methodist Church in Cisco with Rev. Gary Turner officiating, under the direction of Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home.
She was born on May 4, 1913 in Brown County, TX to Homer and Grace (Martin) Boyd. She married Doug Fry on April 11, 1933 in Brown County. They moved to Callahan County in 1943. In 1961 they moved to Cisco and joined the First United Methodist Church. They became involved in many church and community activities.
She is survived by a daughter Pat Sharpe ; a son Jammie Fry and his wife Arlene; three grandchildren, Angela Sharpe, Phil Fry and wife Shawn, and Cyd Sullivan and husband Terry; seven great-grandchidlren, Sophie Brame, Linsey, Cassidy, Allison and Katelyn Fry, Shane and Tara Sullivan; one sister Lorraine Polk and one sister-in-law Gertrude Petty, as well as other nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Doug in 2001. Also preceding her were four brothers-in-law, John Petty, Henry Fry, Ray Polk and Bill Jones; two sisters-in-law , Beulah Jones and Evelyn Fry; and three grandchildren; Scott Fry , Ken and Amy Sharpe.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Cisco.
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Tania Campbell
Services for Tania Elaine Faircloth Campbell, 53, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 2004, at the Gunsight Baptist Church.
Mrs. Campbell died Tuesday, April 27, 2004, in a Lubbock hospital.
She was born May 7, 1950, to Cecil and Mildred Faircloth in Ranger. She was raised in Eastland as a member of the Daugherty Street Church of Christ. In the mid 70Õs Tania received her LVN certification in Ranger. She spent the most part of her career working to help the elderly in the latter part of their lives throughout many nursing facilities in Texas and New Mexico. She spent the remainder of her life on her small horse farm in Roswell, New Mexico, fulfilling her dream of raising paint horses.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Mildred Faircloth of Eastland.
Survivors include two daughters, Angela Golden of Ranger and Fawn Cave of North Richland Hills; three granddaughters, Shawnee Golden, Catelynn Cave and Hannah Golden; two grandsons, Dylan Golden and Cecil 'Trevor' Cave.
She also leaves behind her dog, Cloudy and cats, Tu-tu who she proclaimed her Ôroyal keepers.Õ
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Marjorie Weekes
RANGER- Marjorie E. Weekes, 83, of Ranger died Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at Stephenville.
Services were held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at First Baptist Church in Ranger. Dr. Michael Moratto officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Weekes was born in Morton Valley, Texas on May 11, 1921. She was the daughter of Earl and Myrtle (Whatley) Moon. She was a 1938 graduate of Strawn High School. She married Joe Weekes in Strawn, Texas on January 2, 1942 and he preceded her in death. She was a secretary for the Ranger School for many years, and was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Survivors include daughters, Betty Joe Golemon of Phoenix, AZ and Joy Felan and Trey of Stephenville; sister, Betty Gardner of Strawn; grandsons, Buck and Joe Golemon of Phoenix, AZ; nephews, Rod Gardner of Menard and Ronny Gardner of San Angelo.
The family wishes for memorial contributions to be made to the Ranger Volunteer Fire Department 500 E. Loop 254, Ranger, TX 76470.
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Billie 'Bill' Cason
BAIRD- Billie Ray 'Bill' Cason, died Monday, May 17, 2004 at his home after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 20, 2004 at the First Baptist Church in Baird. Dr. James Shields officiated, assisted by Rev. Dan Wooldridge. Interment was held Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at Rocky Creek Cemetery in Brown County, directed by Parker Funeral Home of Baird.
He was born to Henry George Cason and Dora Belle Sanders Cason on September 24, 1926 in Brown County and was raised on the Cason Ranch at Rocky Creek near Brownwood Lake. He graduated from Bangs High School in 1944 and was called to service in the U.S. Army. He met and married Dorothy Jean Walker in Brown County on December 28, 1947. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1953 and worked for Rath Packing Company in Dallas. In December 1960 he moved to Baird and owned and operated H.C. Oil Company for 35 years. Bill joined First Baptist Church in Baird in 1962 and was ordained a deacon in 1965. He served in many capacities at the church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry George and Dora Belle Sanders Cason and his sister, Georgia Belle Cason Tilton Alexander.
Survivors are his wife, Dorothy Walker Cason of Baird; three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Jerry Barron of Baird, Beverly Cason and Charles Tubbs of Baird, and Billie Jo and Rick Hammeth of Weatherford; five grandchildren, Renea Barron Stearns of Brownwood, Ben Barron of Las Vegas, NV, Nicky Jo Vickers of Austin, Gretchen Vickers Johnson of Cisco and Clay Vickers of Weatherford; one great-grandchild, Natalie Paige Johnson of Cisco; and many other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice or First Baptist Church of Baird.
BAIRD- Henry G. Diehl, 76, died Monday, May 17, 2004 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at Parker Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. Doug Mills officiated. Burial was at 2 p.m. at Richland Springs Cemetery in Richland Springs, Texas.
Henry was born on June 11, 1927 in Llano County, Texas. He had lived in Baird since 1987 until when he moved to Wichita Falls, TX. He moved back to Baird 2 1/2 years ago. He was a retired Mechanic and served in the US Army Air Force at the close of World War II. He was a Presbyterian.
He married Ruby Faye Gossett in Richland Springs in July of 1949.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruby and second wife, Pauline; a sister and two brothers.
He is survived by one daughter, Janice Canada and husband, Dwight of Clyde; one son, Dennis Diehl and wife, Christy of Cisco; grandchildren, Travis Canada and wife, Nesha, Rebecca, Jordan, and Kenstan Canada, Tyler and Morgan Diehl; one great-grandchild, Kyle Canada; three nieces and three nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.
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Raymond Wells
RANGER- Raymond Derwood Wells, 68, of Ranger died Tuesday, May 25, 2004 in Eastland.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. in Merriman Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Wells was born on May 3, 1936 in Breckenridge to Johnny B. and Gladys (Cozart) Wells. He was a self-employed painter and was affiliated with Gunsight Baptist Church. He married Linda Sue Deason in Crane, Texas in 1962. She preceded him in death on January 21, 2002.
Survivors are a daughter, Brenda Ray Oakley of Fort Worth; sons, Toy Lynn Wells and Doyle Ray Wells both of Ranger; brothers, Johnny Wells of Cleburne and Walter Wells of Ranger; sister, Betty Horrell of Odessa; 23 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
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Phyllis Nash
RANGER- Services for Phyllis Jean Nash, 56, of Ranger, were held Saturday May 29, 2004, at the Edwards Chapel with Stan Harvey officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Nash died Wednesday May 26, 2004, at her home.
Phyllis was born on September 25, 1947 in Newport, Arkansas, to Floyd M. & Ora Mae (Simcox) Campbell. She graduated from Ranger School and Ranger College where she studied to be an LVN. She worked for 24 years in health care as a nurse at the Ranger General Hospital, Eastland Nursing Homes, and private duty nursing.
She married James A. Nash on August 27, 1964 in Provencal, Louisiana.
She was affiliated with the Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her father and son, Michael Nash.
She is survived by husband, Jim Nash of Ranger; mother, Ora Mae Simcox of Ranger; son , Joe Nash and wife Bonnie of Ranger; brothers, Donald Edwards of Ranger, Steve Lewis of Ranger, Kenneth Edwards of New Orleans, LA, Dennis Edwards of Waco, and Donald Campbell of Midlothian; sisters, Celita White of St. Louis, MO, Janet Ballard of Morningsport, LA, and Alma Vigil of Alamosa, CO; grandchildren, Stephanie Diane Nash, Justin Monroe Nash, and Brian Mikeal Nash, all of Ranger, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Ranger Volunteer Fire Department, 500 E. Loop 254, Ranger, TX 76470.
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Marlon 'Jim' Ewing
RANGER- Marlon 'Jim' Ewing, 77, of Ranger died Tuesday May 25, 2004 in Ranger.
Graveside services were held Saturday May 29, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Merriman Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Ewing was born on September 11, 1926 in Throckmorton to Earl & Oma Jean (Hannah) Ewing. He served his country in the Army during the Korean & Vietnam Wars. He married Dorothy Virginia Ogden on March 1, 1952 in Ranger. Mr. Ewing came to Ranger from Sweetwater in 1974, he worked as a maintenance supervisor for GE Railcar. He was affiliated with the 2nd Baptist Church.
Mr. Ewing is survived by his wife Dorothy Virginia Ewing of Ranger, son Michael Ewing of Ranger, sisters Betty Cross of Sweetwater & Sue Cook of Wichita Falls, grandson Robert Ewing of Ranger, great-grandchildren T.J., Ricky, & Makaela Ewing all of Ranger, and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl & Oma Ewing.
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Ollie Hughes
CISCO-Ollie Andrew Hughes, Sr., 92, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, May 30, 2004 at Eastland Healthcare Center, Eastland, Texas.
Ollie was born in Cameron, Texas on July 6, 1911 to John Edward Hughes and Delie Mae Hall Hughes. He grew up in the Mangum community with his mother and his stepfather, Dewey Tucker, brother, Delbert C. Hughes and sister, Rosalie Hughes Whisenant who all preceded him in death.
In 1931, he married the love of his life, Leota Holloway, and they enjoyed sharing their lives for 69 years before her death in October 2001. Ollie and Leota were married during the depression when jobs were scarce, so Ollie had many jobs in Cisco. He worked for J.M. Radford Wholesale Produce Company, OK Tire and Rubber Company, Texas and Pacific Freight, Henry SchaeferÕs TV & Appliance Store, and retired from the City of Cisco after 16 years of service.
Ollie never met a stranger he could not befrien; his quick wit and friendly smile could brighten a room. He will also be remembered for his never-ending love of the outdoors. He was always ready for a hunting or fishing trip with his friends and family. He also loved to share his childhood experiences and many songs and poems that his beloved mother and family taught him. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were delighted when 'Gingpapa' played his harmonica and danced his little Irish jigs (which he did until he broke his hip in May of 2001). He was a devoted family man with a charm that will never be forgotten.
He served in the US Army during World War II. For over 60 years, Ollie was a member of East Cisco Baptist Church and participated in the menÕs Bible class and Friends and Fellowship Group. He loved his Lord and his church family and demonstrated his deep faith with patience and love as he cared for Leota as her Alzheimer's disease progressed.
In addition to his wife, parents, brother and sister, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Nina Kay and infant son, Buddy Boy.
Survivors are two daughters, Betty Hughes of Brownwood; Glenda Hughes Woolsey and husband, Bob of Austin; and one son, Andy Hughes of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Fred Green of Hilliard, Ohio, Joceile Smith Rhodes and husband Mike of Zephyr, Kirk Woolsey and wife, Melanie of Austin, Janna Woolsey Griffis and husband, Clay of Austin, Kyle Woolsey and wife, Missy of Austin, Tonya Hughes Dooley and husband, Jeff of Breckenridge, Bernie Hughes of Ranger and Matthew Hughes of Eastland; eight great-grandchildren, Kelsey Hayes and Austin Dooley of Breckenridge, Eric, Collin, and Peyton Woolsey of Austin and Garrett, Graham and Gillian Griffis of Austin; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Benny Hagan officitaing and Reverend C.P. Floyd. Burial will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ollie Hughes to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford St., Abilene, Texas79605.
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Jerry Cate
EASTLAND- Jerry Ray Cate, 64, longtime Eastland resident, died Friday, May 28, 2004 at a local hospital after a long battle with ALS.
Services were held Monday, May 31, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Lee Rodgers and Clay Wheat officiated.
Jerry was born April 28, 1940 in Gorman, to R.D. Cate and the late Wilma (Skinner) Cate. He married Sherra June Warren on June 3, 1958. Jerry graduated from Eastland High School, was a member of the Harmony Baptist Church and Lakeside Country Club. He was employed by Texas Electric for 32 years. He took early retirement to spend time with his family, friends, and the great game of golf.
He is survived by wife, Sherra Cate of Eastland; two sons and daughters-in-law, Donny and Penny Cate and Jimmy and Donna Cate all of Eastland; father, R.D. Cate of Burleson; sister, Edith Rodgers and husband Lee of Alvarado; two brothers, Benny Cate and wife Madeline of Burleson and Jackie Cate and wife Donna of Italy, TX; four grandchildren, Tommy McCullough of Ranger, Jeremiah Weber of Venus, Billy Don Coxy of Ft. Worth, and Zach Weber of Eastland; one great-nephew of the home, Eli Westmoreland. He will also be missed by numerous other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and numerous other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers and cards the family requests memorials be made to the ALS Foundation.
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Shirley Lofton
RANGER- Shirley Ann Lofton, 69, of Arlington and formerly of Abilene, died Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at Arlington.
Graveside services were held Monday, May 31, 2004 at 10 a.m. at the Eastland Cemetery, Joe Beggs officiated. Arrangements were directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Ms. Lofton was born March 7, 1935 in Comanche County, Texas to Albert Lee and Ruhama (Carleton) Hennesay. She married George Lofton in Abilene. She dedicated her life to nursing and caring for others. She was affiliated with the Church of God.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Raenell Beggs; and brother, Carl Hennesay.
Survivors are children, Donald Beggs of Arlington, Melvin Beggs of White Settlement, Kenneth Beggs of Ft. Worth, and Janet Banning of Pleasant View, TN; brothers, Wayne Hennesay of Lubbock and Kenneth Hennesay of Azle; grandchildren, Anita Bateman of Dallas, Nikki Beggs of White Settlement, Jason Beggs of Abilene, Thomas Distefano of Norfolk, VA, and Kristin Beggs of Arlington.
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Vardie Huff
GORMAN- Vardie O. Huff, 82, died Monday, May 31, 2004 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman. Bro. Bill Campbell officiated. Burial was in the Oaklawn Cemetery.
Vardie was born April 28, 1922 in Hamilton County to the late Clarence Huff and Maude May (Riddle) Huff. He was a self-employed welder for many years. He served on the Gorman Volunteer Fire Department and as fire chief for a number of years. He was Justice of the Peace in Gorman and City Judge for a number of years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.
Survivors are two sons, Lloyd Wayne Huff of Merkel and Freddie Huff of Fort Worth; one daughter, Carolyn Sue Dewbre of Justin; three stepsons, Lloyd Stanley Crews of Fort Worth, Frankie Crews of Houston and Rickie Glenn Crews of Mineral Wells, Tommy Waller and wife Joann of Oklahoma; two stepdaughters, Carmell Chandler of Gorman and Dianna Long of Tuttle, OK; a special friend, Bernice Hewson of Gorman; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren.
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Bob Hogan
CARBON- Bob Hogan, 64, died Monday, May 31, 2004 at his home in Carbon.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004 at Murray Cemetery near Carbon directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home of Gorman.
Bob was born June 20, 1939 in Eastland County to the late James Edward Hogan and Ella Mae (Petree) Hogan. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army and a laborer.
He was preceded in death by two children, Jeffery Hogan and Bonnie Hogan; and one brother, Orville Hogan.
Survivors include a daughter, Paula Davis of Fort Worth; two brothers, Carroll Hogan of Gorman and James Lynn Hogan of Silsbee; four sisters, Jimmie Kinnard of Cisco, Lee Carlton of Eastland, Joann Hull of Early and Shirley Morgan of Ranger; three grandchildren, Matthew Sherrod, Lauren Davis and Jacob Davis; one great-granddaughter, Lindsey Sherrod.
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Roger 'Chug' Henry
RANGER- Roger B. 'Chug' Henry, 65, of Ranger died Sunday, May 30, 2004 in a Fort Worth hospital.
Services were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2004 at the First Baptist Church of Ranger, Rev. Michael Orsini officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Henry was born November 8, 1938 in Lubbock, Texas to Jack and Geneva (Bland) Henry. He was a retired accountant. He was a 1957 graduate of Meadow High School in Meadow, Texas, and a graduate of Texas State in Canyon, Texas with a BBA.
His parents preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife Connie Henry of Ranger; son, David L. Henry and wife Therese of Arlington; daughters, Tammy Ashcraft of Eastland and Tanya Burrows and husband Brad of Schertz; five grandchildren, Joshua, Tristan and Bryce Arnett, Bailey Simmons and Holden Burrows.
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Linnie Rogers
RANGER- Linnie Jayne Rogers, 89, of Ranger died Friday, May 28, 2004 in Ranger.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2004 at Second Baptist Church, Rev. Ivan Birch and Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Burial followed in Alameda Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Rogers was born on November 5, 1914 near Proctor, Texas to Charles Montgomery and May (Childers) Rodgers. She attended the Alameda School and married Alvin Rogers in 1941 in Ranger. She was a housewife, mother, and also worked for the Green Thumb Church where she was Church Clerk for ten years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings, Bessie Forman, Clyde Rodgers, Marzie High, Florence Yancey, Winnie Yardley, Lee Roy Rodgers, Dot Russell, and Dee Rodgers.
Survivors are her son, Alfred Rogers of Austin; brother, Pete (W.R.) Rodgers of Eastland; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Elvis Todd
LONE CAMP- Elvis Glenn Todd, 70, of Gordon, Texas died Thursday, May 27, 2004 at his residence in Gordon.
Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 31, 2004 at the Lone Camp Community Center with Jerry Thomas pastor of the Lone Camp Church of Christ officiating directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
Mr. Todd was born November 12, 1933 in Lone Camp and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas. He worked at Mineral Wells ISD for 12 years and for the Lake Palo Pinto Power Plant for 17 years. He was a member of Lone Camp Church of Christ.
Survivors are a sister and brother-in-law, Allene and Bob Coupland of Lone Camp; several nieces and nephews.
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June 2004
Ellie Elliot
RISING STAR- Mrs. Ellie Elliot, 93, of Rising Star, Texas, died Wednesday, June 2, 2004 in Rising Star, Texas.
Ellie was born February 13, 1911 in Cross Plains, Texas to John Clark and Tennie (Pierce) Clark. She married Chuck Elliott July 28, 1930 in Comanche County, Oklahoma. Ellie was a member of the Church of Christ. She had been a lifelong resident of the community. She lived on a ranch near Carbon for about 27 years. She was known to many as Miss Ellie. She will be missed dearly to all who knew and loved her.
Mrs. Elliott is survived by her sister, Ollie Burns of Carrollton, TX; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Chuck Elliott; parents, John and Tennie Clark; 2 brothers, Alton and Skeet Clark; sister, Jessie Swift.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 5, 2004 at the Church of Christ. Richard Massey officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge of arrangements.
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Jerry Cate
EASTLAND- Jerry Ray Cate, 64, longtime Eastland resident, died Friday, May 28, 2004 at a local hospital after a long battle with ALS.
Services were held Monday, May 31, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Lee Rodgers and Clay Wheat officiated.
Jerry was born April 28, 1940 in Gorman, to R.D. Cate and the late Wilma (Skinner) Cate. He married Sherra June Warren on June 3, 1958. Jerry graduated from Eastland High School, was a member of the Harmony Baptist Church and Lakeside Country Club. He was employed by Texas Electric for 32 years. He took early retirement to spend time with his family, friends, and the great game of golf.
He is survived by wife, Sherra Cate of Eastland; two sons and daughters-in-law, Donny and Penny Cate and Jimmy and Donna Cate all of Eastland; father, R.D. Cate of Burleson; sister, Edith Rodgers and husband Lee of Alvarado; two brothers, Benny Cate and wife Madeline of Burleson and Jackie Cate and wife Donna of Italy, TX; four grandchildren, Tommy McCullough of Ranger, Jeremiah Weber of Venus, Billy Don Coxy of Ft. Worth, and Zach Weber of Eastland; one great-nephew of the home, Eli Westmoreland. He will also be missed by numerous other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and numerous other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers and cards the family requests memorials be made to the ALS Foundation South Texas Chapter 6800 Park Ten Blvd., Suite 220 N. San Antonio, TX 78213 or call 1-877-257-4673.
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Henry Cope
ODESSA- Henry Cecil Cope, 83, of Odessa died Thursday, June 3, 2004 at Terrace West Nursing Facility in Midland, Texas.
He was born January 11, 1920 in Coleman, Texas to Jacob Henry and Julia Alberta Cope.
He was a Christian and a Baptist, Army Veteran of WW II and a self-employed Carpenter.
He was preceded in death by his first and second wife: Mary Frances Cope and Elan OÕNeal Cope.
Survivors are his daughter, Mary Elkins of Odessa; sister, Ileta Bourland of Coleman; two-grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Memorial services will be held at a later date in Eastland, Texas. Services by Odessa Funeral Home.
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Fred Scott
ABILENE- Fred Scott, 93, a resident of Abilene for over 20 years, died Monday, May 31, 2004.
Mr. Scott was born and lived in Eastland County, where he worked for Lone Star Gas for over 30 years. After retirement, he moved to Abilene.
Mr. Scott was preceded in death by his first wife, Willena; his second wife, Christine, who died in November 2003; and a daughter, JoAnn ÒScottieÓ Bass, who died in 2000.
He is survived by his daughter, Mary Reynolds and son-in-law, Eldon Reynolds; stepson, Tommy Wilson and stepdaughter, Mary Ann Dempsey; plus five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their special thanks to the staff of Royal Estates for their support and love for the last three years, and also to the dedicated caregivers of Hospice of the Big Country, who attended Fred in his final days. A memorial fund has been established at Hospice of the Big Country.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 6, 2004 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Rev. Gary Turner officiated. Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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Jerry Hollis
CROSS PLAINS- Jerry Daniel Hollis, 45, of Cross Plains, died Friday, June 4, 2004 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2004 at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Cross Plains with D.T. Crockett officiating. Burial was in the Cross Plains Cemetery in Cross Plains, TX.
Mr. Hollis was born in Gorman, Texas on March 17, 1959 to Herbert and Vivian Alene (McFall) Hollis. He married Cheryl Franke on October 2, 1986 in Cross Plains.
Survivors are his wife, Cheryl Hollis of Cross Plains; two sons, Johnathan Hollis of Cross Plains and Jerry Daniel Hollis, II of Abilene, three daughters, Tianay Joann Hollis of Cross Plains, Katherine Hollis of Abilene, Chrissy Hollis of Abilene; mother, Vivian Hollis of Rising Star; three brothers, Darrell Hollis, Kenneth Hollis, and Larry Hollis all of Rising Star; two sisters, Linda Taylor and Glenda Hollis both of Rising Star; and four grandchildren.
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Ethel Davis
STAMFORD- Ethel Marie Davis, 88, of Stamford, died Friday, June 4, 2004 at an Abilene hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 7, 2004 at the Trinity Baptist Church in Stamford, Revs. Jessie Morton and Robert Wingrove officiated. Burial was in the Spring Creek Cemetery directed by Tankersley Funeral Home.
Marie was born May 6, 1916 in Ross, Texas to Otto and Talitha Shelly. She graduated from Cisco High School and later married Joe Davis in the Hastings School House in Shackelford County in 1934. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Calvary Baptist Church in Stamford where she taught Sunday School in her earlier years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a grandson, Donald Ray Tidwell; a granddaughter; five brothers; and three sisters.
Survivors are two daughters, Dorothy Tidwell of Stamford and Barbara Washburn and husband Charlie of Clyde; two sons, Jodie Davis and wife Yoshiko of Baker, La. and James W. Davis of Stamford; one sister, Lucille Gardner of Houston; six grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
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Emanuel 'Popcycle' Jenkins
RANGER- Emanuel Raymond 'Popcycle' Jenkins, 71, of Ranger died Sunday, June 6, 2004 at a Temple V.A. Hospital.
Graveside services will be Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 1 p.m. at Merriman Cemetery. Rev. Charles Massegee and Rev. Jerry Speer will officiate and burial will follow under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Mr. Jenkins was born on January 24, 1933 in Lancaster, Ohio to Pearl and Anna Mae Jenkins. He married Lucille Braham on June 17, 1952 in Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Jenkins was a Korean War Veteran serving in the United States Marines Corps, receiving a purple heart during his tour. He worked as a pumper in the oilfield for many years, working for J.J. Finley, Bob Carroll and Charles Massegee.
He was a Baptist. He was also a member of the V.F.W. Post 4136 in Eastland.
Survivors are his wife, Lucille Jenkins of Ranger; sons, Jack of Tennessee, Rodger, George, and Daniel all of Ranger, Paul of Abilene; daughters, Diane Pittman of Ohio and Elizabeth Smith of Ranger; a sister, Sandra Woosley of Kentucky; 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and nieces and nephews.
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Mittie Thornton
CISCO- Mittie Francis Thornton, 61, of Cisco died Sunday, June 6, 2004 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at Oakwood Cemetery at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2004. Rev. Bill Fee officiated directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mittie was born June 14, 1942 in Big Spring, Texas the daughter of Donald Damon and Elsie Mae (Posey) Swartz. She married Leon Thornton on April 30, 1960 in Weatherford, Texas. She was a housewife and a member of the Bible Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband Leon Thornton of Cisco; sons, Benton Thornton, Jr. of Ranger, Donald Christopher Thornton of Keller, Texas and John Michael Thornton of the U.S. Navy; a sister, Margaret Hayward of Denton; a brother, Raymond Mitchell Caughey of Keller; 4 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren.
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Della Lewis
RANGER- Della Lee Lewis, 83, of Ranger, died Friday, June 4, 2004 after a lengthy illness.
She was a 68 year resident of Ranger.
She was preceded in death by her husband Leon Lewis in 1961.
Services were held Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at the Church of God of Prophecy. Arrangements were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Della is survived by her 8 children Barbara Jones of Ranger, Donald Lewis of Modesto, CA, Wineford Harden of Dallas, Wanna Lewis, Della Carey, Leon Lewis, Jr., Susy Robinson, and David Lewis all of Ranger; 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a host of special relatives and friends.
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Mary Lou Yoch
CISCO-Mary Lou Yoch, 57, died Saturday, June 5, 2004 as a result of an auto accident.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 10, 2004 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Pastor Matthew Brackman officiated. Burial followed at Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery, under the direction of Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home.
Mrs. Yoch was born on December 16, 1946 at Uvalde, Texas to Nicholas and Jovita Garza. She grew up at Uvalde and Leakey, Texas and came to Cisco as a young woman. She married David Yoch on June 10, 1984 at Cisco. She worked for Girling Home Health as a home health care aide and was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.
She was preceded in death by her father, Nicholas Garza; two brothers, Emilio Garza and Frank Garza; grandson, Sabastian Daniel Vara; and grandparents, Antonio and Guadalupe.
Survivors include her husband, David of Cisco; four sons, Alex Vara and wife Rhonda of Leakey, TX., George Vara and wife Margarita of Ramstein, Germany, Chester Vara and wife Veronica of Hawley, and Delbert Pitchford of Cisco; two daughters, Julia and husband Mark Conover of Cisco and Kimberly Yoch of Cisco; her mother, Jovita Garza of McAllen, TX; sisters, Elia Solis of Cisco, Lucy Horn of Fort Myers, Fla., Elena Garza of Fort Myers, Fla; brothers, Nick Garza of Zapata, TX, Freddie Garza of Cotulla, TX, Alfred Garza of McAllen, and Andy Garza of Houston, and Alex Garza of Chicago, Ill.; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
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Patsy Williamson
EASTLAND- Patsy R. Williamson, 65, died Tuesday, June 8, 2004 at her residence.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at the Eastland City Cemetery. Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Williamson was born March 17, 1939 in May, Texas to N.B. (Poly) and Juanita (Kinnard) Steddum. She was raised in Olden and married C.W. (Dub) Williamson December 13, 1954 in Eastland. They made their home on the Williamson family farm at Morton Valley where they raised their children. She was an avid fan of her children and grandchildren and supported them in their activities especially sporting events. She worked as a cook at Eastland High School for the last 10 years and was an Eastland Maverick through and through.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father N.B. (Poly) and Juanita Steddum.
Survivors are her husband, C.W. Dub Williamson of Morton Valley; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kara (Kay) and Allan Lewis of Morton Valley, Peggy and Danny Rhyne of Ranger; sons and daughters-in-law, Tommy and Yvonne Williamson of Morton Valley, Lawton and Sheila Williamson of Ranger, Marty Williamson and Christy Caraway of Ranger; sister, Wanda Boyd of Morton Valley; two brothers, Harrell Steddum of Cisco and Clayton Steddum of McKinney; grandchildren, Brad Lewis and wife Stephanie, Matt Lewis, Tyrell Lewis, Aaron Livingston, Josh Rhyne, Jake Rhyne, Chasity Rhyne, Jason Bowen and wife Stacie, Bobby Bowen, Amanda Hall, Kristi Williamson, Justin Williamson, Jammie Caraway, John Caraway, Jericho Williamson and wife Michelle, Cory Williamson, Bryce Williamson; great-grandchildren, Jenna Bowen, Shilah Lewis, Tarissa Lewis, Riley Young, Zackary Hall and Austin Hall.
Memorials may be made to Girling Hospice in Eastland.
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Myrtle Horn
COLEMAN- Myrtle Horn, 73, of Coleman died Thursday, June 10, 2004 at Coleman Healthcare Center.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 12, 2004 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Ms. Horn was born July 26, 1930 in Cisco to Roy and Mamie (Rains) Horn. She lived in Cisco until 1971 when she moved to Coleman with her father until his death in September 1973. She then lived with her sister and brother-in-law, Ruby and Dan Hoover, in 2002 she moved to Coleman Healthcare Center. At one time she worked for the MHMR Center in Coleman. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene.
She is survived by nieces, Beatrice Phillips and husband, Mark, Jeanne French and husband Randy all of Coleman; nephews, Roy Don Hoover and wife Becky of Coleman, Vernon Horn of Keller; sister-in-law, Dorothy Horn of Haltom City; special cousin, Juanita Roberson of Cisco; great nieces, Kim Cupps and husband Joey of Santa Anna, Lisa West and husband Gary of Katy, Johnnie French of Coleman, Connie Withers and husband Tomas of Coleman, Faith Hoover of Coleman; great nephews, Matthew French of Arlington, Brandon Hoover of Coleman; 3 great-great nephews and 1 great-great niece.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605 or to the Gideons Association.
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Flossie McFadden
CORSICANA-Flossie (Hazard) McFadden, 98, of Corsicana, died Wednesday, June 9, 2004 in Corsicana.
Graveside Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2004 at Eastland Cemetery in Eastland. David Hazard, Jr. officiated. Burial followed.
She was born May 2, 1906 in Eastland, Texas.
Survivors are a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William McFadden, brother, O.E. Hazard, father, M.O. Hazard; sister, Marie Hazard Crosby.
Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.
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Joshua McCoy
EASTLAND Ð Grave-side services for Joshua Eugene McCoy, infant son of David Eugene McCoy and Mary Elizabeth Brock, were at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 10, 2004, at the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
He died Sunday, June 6, 2004, at an Abilene hospital.
Joshua was born on June 5, 2004.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents.
Maternal grandparents are Susan Brock and Everett Phillips of Eastland; two brothers, Cody and Dylan McCoy of Eastland; and uncle, Roy Lee Sappington, Jr. Also many other friends and relatives.
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Mary Carey
Mary Latch Carey, 91, died June 18, 2004 at her Lodge, Mary's McKinley View Lodge, at Mile 134, Parks Highway, Alaska.
A Memorial Service was held for her in Alaska on June 20. Another Service is planned in Cisco, Texas in the fall.
Mary Carey is survived by her daughter, Jean Richardson, of Houston Texas and Alaska; three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by a number of other relatives, including her niece Mary Jane Little and husband Bobby Little of Eastland County. Mary Carey also leaves a host of friends.
Mary was born in Georgia to A.Z. and Amanda Latch, but moved to Cisco with her family when young. She attended the schools here and the Methodist Church. Later she graduated from McMurry University in Abilene, and began her career of teaching and journalism. She was also interested in art.
After the death of her husband, Mary continued with plans they had made to move from Texas to Alaska. In the early 1960Õs she became the first reporter to fly Mt. McKinley for the news media, and is still the only woman in the world to land on the nation's highest peak in mid-winter.
In 1964, Mary homesteaded, alone, in a fly-in area on the flanks of the 20,320 ft. Mt.Mckinley.
In 1971 she established Mary's McKinley View Lodge, when the Parks Highway was completed from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
In 1983, Mary began two new businesses, her Fiddlehead Fern Farm near Talkeetna, Alaska, and a gift shop.
Mary became a world traveler, and pursued an interest in gems and minerals. But during all her adventures she never forgot her friends and family in Texas. She returned to Cisco often to visit her sisters, the late Annie Rendall and Lela Latch Lloyd.
She was a member of the Cisco Writers Club, and brought many interesting programs to the group. Several years ago the Club set up a Book Award in her name.
She will be sorely missed by this group and others.
Mary was a prolific writer, and her books include Alaska - Not For A Woman, Fireweed Philosophy,   Green Gold In Alaska. How Long Must I Hide?, A Texas Brat In Alaska, Let's Taste Alaska,  and  Two For Texas.
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Carlton Lee
LAKE LEON- Carlton H. Lee, 76, of Lake Leon, died Friday, June 11, 2004 at his residence.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 14, 2004 at the Eastland Cemetery, Rev. Harry Garvin officiated directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
He was born October 7, 1927 in Eastland to Ezra Henry and Nellie Louise (Seay) Lee, he served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1950 to 1952. He married Wilda (Joy) Harris on December 24, 1952 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. He was a member of the Lake Leon Baptist Church, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1994 he retired from The Western Company in Snyder after working in the oilfields as a driller and consultant in Texas and Mississippi. He was a trainer and breeder of Appaloosa horses and competed and judged in horseshows throughout his life. He moved to Lake Leon in 1994 and enjoyed hunting, fishing and being an outdoorsman.
He was preceded in death by a son, Carlton H. Lee, Jr. (Sonny); his mother, Nellie Lee Phillips; and Henry E. Lee.
He is survived by his wife, Joy of Lake Leon; three daughters and sons-in-law, Annette and Doug Truluck of Charleston, South Carolina, Darlene and Russell Kriewald of Austin, and Susan and Karl Humble of Monahans, TX; grandchildren, Amanda Donnelly Callander and husband Paul of Charleston, South Carolina, Douglas Truluck, Jr. and wife Chris of Columiba, S.C., Brad Truluck and wife Jodi of Charleston, S.C., Kris, Sarah, Seth and Kallie Humble of Monahans, TX, Kelsi and Kari Kriewald of Austin; great-grandchildren, MacKenzie Truluck and Rylie Anson Callander of Charleston, SC, and Sidney Truluck of Columbia, SC; brothers, Don Lee and wife Geraldine of Kentwood, LA, Tommy Lee and wife D'Joni of Grapevine, TX; sisters, Bobbie Jean McKay and husband George of Fort Morgan, CO, Willene Rodgers and husband Jimmie of Deerpark, TX; aunt, Gladys Seay; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
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James 'Jimmy' Hughes
EASTLAND- James (Jimmy) Leon Hughes died Saturday, June 12, 2004 at an Eastland health care facility.
Services were held at Bakker Funeral Home Monday, June 14, 2004 at 2 p.m. Rev. Jim Wright officiated. Burial was in the Murray Cemetery, Carbon, Texas under the direction of Bakker Funeral Home.
Jimmy was born December 19, 1922, in Desdemona, Texas, the fourth child of seven to James Elmer and Kizzie (Sparkman) Hughes. He graduated from Desdemona High School and attended Ranger Junior College, Sul Ross University, Hardin-Simmons, Southwest Texas State University, and Howard Payne.
Jimmy received his Bachelors of Science and his Masters of Education from Howard Payne. He married Oma Mae McClellan on August 10, 1943, in Eastland. They lived in Pyote and Kermit until 1954 when they moved to Carbon. They taught school and farmed in Carbon until moving to Eastland in 1993. Oma Mae preceded him in death in 2000.
During World War II, Jimmy taught navigation in the Army Air Corp. For 41 years he taught in public schools including Carbon, Eastland, Cisco, Ranger, and Rising Star. Jimmy was the Carbon School superintendent from 1967-74 and served as Eastland County Superintendent from 1974-78.
Jimmy was a member of the Carbon Methodist Church until its closing. He served not only as a Sunday School teacher but also on numerous boards. At the time of his death, he was a member of First United Methodist Church of Eastland. Jimmy loved helping young people, farming, and sports.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two sisters, Loree Nugent and Oleta Foster; by a brother, Buddy; and by his grandson, Doug Hughes.
Jimmy is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Karen Hughes of Clyde and Donald and Nancy Hughes of Eastland; four grandchildren, Matt Hughes and wife Brandi of Norman, Oklahoma, and Georgia, Caroline, and Charles Hughes of Eastland; by a great-grandson, Kobey of Norman; two sisters, Florence Tarrence of Stephenville and Imogene Rogers of Many, Louisiana; many nieces and nephews; and numerous friends and former students.
Memorials may be made to The Carbon Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 424 Carbon, TX 76435 or The West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford St., Abilene, TX 79605.
The family expresses its gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Bob Alexander, Dr. Sandy Hazelip, the staff of Valley View Health Care Center, Girling Hospice, and all those who made JimmyÕs last years comfortable and pleasant.
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Coleman Williamson
RANGER-Coleman Gary Williamson, 63, died Sunday, June 13, 2004 in Abilene. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, 2004, at the Bullock Cemetery in Ranger with Jerry Speer offici-ating.Arrangements are under the care of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Williamson was born on October 29, 1940 in Rochester to B.L. & Nola Jane (Barksdale) Williamson. He married Ella Voncille Wells on November 19, 1960 in Ranger. He had resided in Morton Valley, Breck-enridge, & Ranger. He worked for M&F Well Service in Breckenridge and also did ranch work. He was a Baptist.
Coleman is survived by his wife Voncille of Ranger, children Lavonne Hopkins & husband Jimmy, Gary Williamson & wife Tammy , & Alan Williamson of all of Longview, brothers Joe Williamson of Morton Valley, B.J. Williamson of Abilene, Malcolm William-son of Eastland, S.L. Williamson of Eastland, & C.W. Williamson of Morton Valley, sisters Clara Patterson of Albany, Willie Mae Hudman of Albany, Virgie Beutel of Eastland, Lucille Patton of Eastland, Syble Hamrick of Eastland, & Shirley Notgrass of Cleburne, grandchildren Ashley Hopkins-Sharpless of North Carolina, Ryan Hopkins of Longview, Megan & Kelly Williamson of Tom Ball, & J.W. (Cole) Williamson of Longview , and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Varner Williamson.
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Lucy Hagan
CISCO- Lucy Elizabeth McGaha Hagan of Cisco died Friday, June 18, 2004.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 20, 2004 at Corinth Baptist Church. Interment was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Survivors are children: Benny Hagan of Cisco, Carole Clower of Eastland, Lynn Hagan of Carbon and Suzette Bostick of Cisco; 8 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jess B. Hagan in August of 1987.
Lucy was a faithful member of Corinth Baptist Church and requested that any memorials be made to Corinth Baptist Church. The church is located between Eastland and Cisco, north of Highway 6 on CR 154.
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Tommy Baker
Tommy J. Baker, 76, passed away quietly at his home in Ranger, June 19, 2004.
Mr. Baker was born January 2, 1928 in Carbon, TX. to Walter Baker and Elva (Murray) Baker. He was a 20 year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1966. He later retired from his second career at J.J. Finley Construction.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Edy Baker of Ranger; daughters, Sara Marquart and husband Cliff of Gun Barrel, Roberta Robinson and husband Richard of Houston and Mary Jo Baker of Ranger; a brother, Dale Baker of Eastland; sisters, Lila Tabers of Brewton, Ala. and June Kincheloe of Olden; grandchildren, Robert and Amanda Hawkins of Plano, Randy Robinson of Houston, Cory and Jennifer Tucker of Eastland, Nikki and Kelli Leggett of Ranger, Chelsea Marquart of Farmers Branch; great-grandchildren, Dakota, Shelby, Captain and Roman; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends at Bakker Funeral Home in Eastland Tuesday, June 22 from 6-8 p.m.
Graveside services were held at Murray Cemetery in Carbon, TX on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 2 p.m. Bakker Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
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Eulis 'E.J.' Sparkman
Eulis Jefferson ÒE.J.Ó Sparkman ÒSparkyÓ (PawPaw), 91, of Riesel, TX. formerly of Brownwood, TX. died Thursday, June 17, 2004 at his residence in Riesel.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 21, 2004 at the Perry Cemetery in Perry, Texas, Rev. Paul Smith officiated. Visitation was held Sunday at Bellmead Funeral Home in Waco.
Mr. Sparkman was born March 8, 1913 in Aspermont, Tx. to Robert Lee and Stella Mae (Moore) Sparkman the second oldest of 13 children. He was a mechanic and an avid fisherman. He married Alma Lorene Trimble May 31, 1933 in Abilene, Texas. She preceded him in death July 6, 1987. He was also preceded in death by 8 of his brothers and sisters. On September 9, 1988 he married Gertie Mildred Davenport Sparkman in Riesel, Texas.
Survivors include his wife Mildred Sparkman of Riesel; 3 children: Sue Clements of Blanket, Lena Brown of Eastland and Bobby Joe Sparkman and wife, Dale of Midland; brothers, Rufus Odell Sparkman of Waco, Billy Joe Sparkman of China Spring; sister, Annette Sparkman Hollingsworth of Lacy-Lakeview; 9 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorials may be made to Providence Hospice 4830 Lakewood Suite 5, Waco, TX 76710.
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Leo 'Bill' Vaughn
Leo P. 'Bill' Vaughn, 69, of Gorman died Thursday, June 17, 2004 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 21, 2004 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman, Victor Pena officiated. Burial followed at Gorman Cemetery.
Mr. Vaughn was born July 28, 1934 in Norman, OK. to the late Aubrey Jackson Vaughn and Agnes (Saunders) Vaughn. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1953 and attended Hardin Simmons University and Texas Western University. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army. He retired in 1995 as plant operator for Mitchell Energy.
Survivors include his wife, Cliffa Vaughn of Gorman; son, Peyton Vaughn of Gorman; three daughters, Vicki Doyle of Ranger, Dianne Snider of Gorman and Molly Gaines of College Station; two sisters, Patsy Hubbard of Waco and Marilyn Butler of Austin; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
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Ramon Jimenez
Ramon R. Jimenez, a resident of Wichita Falls, Texas for 26 years died, Sunday, June 20, 2004 in Wichita Falls, after a long struggle with cancer.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Wedneday, June 23, 2004 at LunnÕs Colonial Funeral Home, Rev. Robert Norsworthy officiated. Burial was held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Evergreen Cemetery, Ranger, directed by LunnÕs Colonial Funeral Home.
Ramon was born September 4, 1950 in Ranger, Texas to Alberto and Alejandra Jimenez. He lived in Ranger until he moved to Wichita Falls. He was employed by Conoco Petroleum for 21 years. He was a member of Fairway Baptist Church. Ramon was preceded in death by his father, his mother, an older brother, Alberto Jimenez, Jr., and a younger brother Benjamin Jimenez.
Survivors are his beloved daughter, Hayley Rene and his son-in-law, Michael Crenshaw; brother, Arturo and Carmen Jimenez of Fort Worth; brother, Joel and Joan Jimenez of Wichita Falls; sister, Celia and Gene Davis of Wichita Falls; brother, Polo and Connie Jimenez of Ranger, and sister, Gloria and Buster Boyd of Cisco.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, Texas 76308.
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Audy Moore
CISCO- Audy Moore, 86, of Cisco died June 20, 2004 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
He was a long time Church of Christ minister. He was born on July 25, 1917 to W.P. and Etter Moore; he was raised in the Cook Community near Rising Star. He graduated from Pioneer High School. He married Georgie Mae Hunt on December 23, 1939. After farming for a number of years, he attended Abilene Christian College before embarking on a career as a preacher. He served as pulpit minister for Texas Churches of Christ in Okra, Goldsmith, Claude, Sprayberry, Austin, Big Springs, Gorman, Kerns, Cross Plains, Eastland and Flatwood. He did missionary work in Mankato, Minnesota and was the main speaker at church meetings at various congregations in Texas, Arizona and Wyoming. Also, he was the speaker for a number of radio ministries.
Audy was well known and beloved by many people across the West Texas area and he touched many lives by his preaching of the Word and by his many visits to shut-ins, nursing homes and hospitals. With his beloved wife, Georgie at his side he endeavored for 60 years to serve his Lord and to spread the gospel.
He was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings: Atina, Alta, Aimelee, Alvery, Arley, Billy and Bobby.
He is survived by his wife, Georgie of Cisco; one daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Theo Scott of Holland; one son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Helen of Crandall; four grandchildren, David Burton and his wife, Samantha of Lubbock, Cynthia Kates and her husband Leon of Holland, Jenni Langston and her husband, Rick, of Brighton, Tennessee and Mary-Nancy Moore of Monroe, Louisiana; and three great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Amberly Burton and Percaya Langston; two sisters, Murl Rodgers of Clyde and Anna Rae Hunt and her husband Elbert of Texarkana, Arkansas; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at the I-20 Church of Christ in Cisco, Charles Chesshir, David Burton and Michael Moore officiating. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco. The graveside service was conducted by Jennie Langston.
Pallbearers were Johnny Cook, Ronald Hunt, Gary Hunt, Douglas Walker, Alan Masters and Barry Selman.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be sent to The FosterÕs Home for Children, P.O. Box 978, Stephenville, Texas 76401.
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Rudolfo 'Rudy' Cerventez
Rudolfo 'Rudy' G. Cerventez, 66, of Waco, died June 14, 2004.
Graveside services were held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at Oakwood Cemetery. Brooke View Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Rudy was born March 2, 1938, in Asa, Texas, to Arnulfo and Juanita Cerventez. He served in the Army from 1956 to 1958 as a medic during the Korean War. Upon his discharge, he was employed by Providence Hospital until his retirement 43 years later. He was a part of a medical team from the U.S. on a ministry mission to Kiev, Ukraine in Eastern Europe where doctors and other medical staff provided training and medical services.
His parents and two brothers, Pete Cerventez, Sr., and Joe Cerventez, preceded him in death.
Rudy is survived by his children, Anthony of Austin, Arnold R., Rudy, Jr., and Lisa Y. Lassetter all of Waco; seven grandchildren and one great-grandson; four sisters, Carmen Herrera, Amelia Renteria of Ranger, Mary Ann Tovar and Janie Sepulveda; one brother, Emilio Cerventez; several nieces and nephews; and an extended family from Providence Health Center and the Waco medical community. He has touched many hearts and will be missed by all.
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Dr. James Cole
Dr. James Wiley Cole, 64, of Cisco died Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at his home.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2004 at Gunsight Cemetery in Stephens County, Rev. Danny Martin officiated directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 23, 1940 to Howard and Allee (Loudder) Cole. He practiced dentistry for many years in Houston until he retired in Cisco. He belonged to the Baptist Church. He married Shirley Dunn on July 16, 1988 in Eastland County.
Survivors are his wife, Shirley Cole of Cisco; daughters, Lauren Kaestaer and husband Roger of Houston, Marcie Neiman and husband Matt of North Auguusta, South Carolina, Julie Kirkland and husband Craig of Blue Ridge, Virginia and Kristen Wood and husband Lance of League City, Texas; and 11 grandchildren.
The family requests memorials be directed to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.
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Samuel 'Sammy' Sauceda
EASTLAND- Samuel Joe 'Sammy' Sauceda, 16, died Saturday, June 19, 2004.
A devotional service open to students, friends and family was held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at Bethel Baptist Church.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 25, 2004 at Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland with Rev. Jim Andrews and Dane Gressett officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland.
Sammy was born on February 17, 1988 to Manuel and Virginia Sauceda. He recently completed his sophomore year at Eastland High School. While in school, Sammy enjoyed playing the trombone in the band. He was employed by BrookshireÕs in Eastland.
Sammy gave his heart completely to Jesus in August of 2002 and had been an active member of the youth group at First Fruits Christian Fellowship since that time. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing video games, and he was considering a career in the armed forces where he could develop his interests in pyrotechnics and weaponry.
Sammy is survived by his parents, Manuel and Virginia Sauceda of Olden; his siblings, PO2 David Castaneda, United States Navy, of Naples, Italy, Tommy Sauceda of Round Rock, Geneva Sauceda of Cisco, Ana Sauceda of Gorman, Angela Castaneda of Dallas, Lance Corporal Antonio Diego ÒA.D.Ó Sauceda, United States Marine Corps, of Cisco, Private Michael Sauceda, United States Army, of Olden, and Amanda Sauceda of Olden; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to either Eastland National Bank or Farmers & Merchants Bank in Eastland to help defray medical and funeral expenses.
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Sammy Boyett
COLORADO SPRINGS-Services for Sammy Joe Boyett, 53, of Colorado Springs formerly of Eastland, are pending with Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Boyett died Wednesday, June 23, 2004.
DENTON- Harold Freeman, 88, of Denton, died Thursday, June 24, 2004 at home.
Mr. Freeman was born November 14, 1915 in Cross Plains, TX to John Clinton and Beulah B. (Cavin) Freeman. He attended school in Dressy, TX. He served in the Army Air Corps during WW II. He married Annabelle Barron on December 13, 1944 in Abilene. He was retired from the George Implement/John Deere Tractor Company. He was a member and deacon of Denton Baptist Temple.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 26, 2004 at Denton Baptist Temple, George Anderson officiated, assisted by Junior Norris. Interment followed at 3 p.m. at Cross Plains Cemetery, Cross Plains.
Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
He was preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers, and his wife of 59 years, Annabelle Freeman who preceded him in death February 28, 2004.
Survivors include his daughter, Lawana Robinson of Denton; son, Clint Freeman of Grand Prairie; two grandchildren, Kimberley Ann Freeman, Jonathan Edward Freeman.
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Darwin Pittman
MAY- Darwin Pittman, 70, of May, died Tuesday, June 22 , 2004 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 24, 2004 at May Baptist Church in May, Texas, Terry Simmons officiated. Burial was in the Blake Cemetery in Brown County, Texas.
Mr. Pittman was born in Cross Cut, Texas on July 24, 1933 to Irwin W. and Zora Jane (Collins) Pittman. He married Connie Gray on October 14, 1955 in Lovington, NM. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Huntsman Chemical in Odessa. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Odell, and brother Donald Gene Pittman.
Darwin is survived by his wife, Connie Pittman of May; two sons, Donald Kent Pittman of Williams, Kenneth Dwaine Pittman of Aledo; two daughters, Carrie Jane Lowe of Monahans, Connie Wilene Smithee of Odessa; two brothers, Harold Dean Pittman of May, Ronnie Ray Pittman of Gorman; and two sisters, Delores Stover of Cross Plains and Sara Ann Barnett of May; 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
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Bertie Segler
EASTLAND Bertie Faye Segler, 60, of Eastland died June 22, 2004 in a Fort Worth Hospital.
Funeral Services were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2004, in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland with Rev. Jerry Maston officiating. Burial will be in Harpersville Cemetery.
Ms. Segler was born May 18, 1944 in Roswell New Mexico to Robert and Virgie Lee (Wells) Green. She was raised by her step-father George Clarey. She worked as a resturant and bar manager and did domestic homebound attending in her latter years.
She is survived by:4 children, Becky Woodruff and Tammie Dean Horn both of Olden, a son Joe Dean Segler Jr. of Eastland, 10 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, 2 brothers: James Arnold Clarey of Stanton Texas, George Donald Clarey of Odessa, 1 sister Bernice Chandler of Odessa, 26 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: Mother Virgie Lee Green, sister Mildred Roberts, brothers: Johnny Roy Clarey and James Ray Green.
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Sarah Phipps
EASTLAND- Sarah Phipps, 57, died Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at Houston.
Graveside funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2004 at the Gunsight Cemetery, Rev. Rex Boggs officiated, directed by Bakker Funeral Home.
She was born to Troy and Tiny (Kennedy) Pilgrim on December 23, 1946 at McCamey, TX. She grew up in McCamey, Louisiana and Cisco. She married Vernon Phipps on December 23, 1963 in Cisco, and had lived in Brazoria County, TX. for the past 38 years. She was employed by Texas Dow Employees Credit Union. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Brazoria.
She was preceded in death by a son, Larry in 1989.
She is survived by her husband, Vernon; two sons, Troy Phipps of Dallas and Daniel Phipps of West Columbia; her mother, Tiny Deubler of Eastland; a brother, Larry Pilgrim of Cisco; and three grandchildren.
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Paul Woods
AUSTIN- Paul Harlan Woods, 71, a longtime Austin resident died at his home Saturday, June 19, 2004.
He was born in Cisco, Texas on July 2, 1932, to Dr. Paul M. Woods and Ruth Harlan Woods. He grew up in Cisco.
A 1953 graduate of Texas Tech University, Mr. Woods remained a loyal supporter of the university throughout his life. He owned several successful businesses in Beaumont, Irving and Austin. Paul was a 45 year member of the Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the Board of the YMCA of Greater Austin, was involved in numerous charitable organizations, one of his favorites being serving meals to the homeless. He was an active member of Westlake United Methodist Church.
Paul was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman. He loved boating, riding his personal water raft and was a founder of the Lake Austin 4th of July Boat Parade.
A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Paul lived his life to its fullest and gave his time and talents to enrich all he knew. He will be missed by family and countless friends.
Survivors are his wife of 50 years, Betty Jean Woods; sister, Rosanne Hughston; son, Paul Mark Woods and his wife, Claudia; a daughter, Vicky Ruth Robins and husband, Tim Robins, M.D.; and five grandchildren, Cayce and Paul Woods, Nathan, Drew, Trey Robins.
Graveside services were held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville.
Memorial services followed at Westlake United Methodist Church, Rev. Sue Wells officiated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in PaulÕs honor to the Westlake United Methodist Church, Youth Transportation Fund.
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Roby Kornegay
RISING STAR- Roby M. Kornegay, 95, of Rising Star, died Sunday, June 27, 2004 at Rising Star Nursing Center in Rising Star.
She was born July 14, 1908 in Lingleville, Texas. She married W. Hamp Kornegay on March 12, 1925 in Albany, Texas. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. She had been a member of the Rising Star community for 72 years.
She is survived by her two sons, Billy Dell Kornegay of Gatesville; J.W. Kornegay of Bryan; her daughter, Dorothy Maxwell of Rising Star; sister, Katie Atwood of Hobbs, NM; 6 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; three brothers; and one sister.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at the First Baptist Church, Dick Williams officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery, Higginbotham Funeral Home in charge.
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Hazel Henexson
EASTLAND- Beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Hazel McClure Henexson, 84, of Eastland died Friday, June 25, 2004 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 27, 2004 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Maston officiated. Burial was in the Flatwood Cemetery.
Mrs. Henexson was born on December 8, 1919 in Erath County, Texas to Thomas Jefferson and Annie Mae (Hunt) McClure. She grew up and graduated from Crosbyton High School. She married Melvin Henexson in November of 1940 and he preceded her in death in 1990. She moved to Eastland in 1972 and worked as a nurse for the local nursing homes as well as private care. She was a Baptist.
Mrs. Henexson is survived by her children, Sandra Morgan and husband Jerry of Monahans, Patricia Morrison of Midland, Beverly Partlow of Lake Buchanan, Phyllis Tillery and husband Doug of Pilot Point, Kelly Henexson and wife Sharon of Eastland and Lori Bates of Eastland; 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; a nephew, Travis McClure of Wichita Falls and nieces Nita and Laverne.
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Elmyra Curry
GORDON- Elmyra Ann Curry, 79, of Gordon, died Saturday, June 26, 2004 in Weatherford.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at Heartland Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Mike Orsini officiated. Burial followed in Eastland Cemetery under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home.
Mrs. Curry was born in Brownwood August 7, 1924. She was a weaver for the wool mill in Brownwood for over 20 years. After retirement, she served as a nurseÕs aide in Midland for many years. She spent 40 years in Brown County, moved to Midland, and then had resided in Gordon for the last 20 years. She was a Baptist.
Mrs. Curry is preceded in death by her husband, Odies M. Curry, Sr.; son, Kenneth Edward Curry; grandson, Scotty Glenn Curry; and two brothers, T.L. (Jack) and C.E. (Charles) Roberts.
Survivors include her sons, Odies M. Curry, Jr. of Gordon and Douglas A. Curry, Sr. of Mingus; brother, D.E. Roberts of Brownwood; sisters, Naomi Trent of Mineral Wells, Berta Curry of Brownwood, Louise Trowbridge of Brownwood, Carnell Rinkenberger of Possum Kingdom, and Bessie McAlister of Mineral Wells; seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Doris Coatney
EASTLAND- Doris Elva Wheat Fulfer Coatney, age 29 and holding, died Wednesday, June 30, 2004 in Dallas, Texas.
Funeral services were held Saturday, July 3, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland. Interment followed at Bullock Cemetery.
Born in Ranger, Texas to T.L. and Ottie Wheat. She attended Morton Valley School, where she was known as 'Basketball Playing McGee', and was a member of Harmony Baptist Church. She worked at the Ranger bank ater school and met the first love of her life, Cecil C. Fulfer of Ranger, her husband, her friend, her partner for 25 years in Dallas, Texas until his death in 1970. She was also preceded in death by her father, mother, and a brother, Ralph G. 'Buck' Wheat.
She was employed for 14 years with the Federal Bureau of Census. She enjoyed life while playing bridge, square dancing, bowling, and caring for her family. She lives on with her family and everyone that was fortunate enough to meet her as a great lady, wonderful mother, and true friend full of grace and beauty and most of all LOVE. You'll be missed, but never forgotten.
She is survived by the love of the second half of her life, her husband, her friend, and partner for her final 23 years, Lee 'Bud' Coatney of Dallas, TX; two brothers, John Wheat and wife Margaret of Kansas and T.L. Wheat and wife Nancy of Houston; two sisters, Dorothy Armstrong and husband Doug of Amarillo and Verna Harper and husband Bob of Houston; four children, Anita Fulfer Bird and husband Joe, Cecil C. Fulfer, Jr., Cathy Fulfer Kelley, all of Hawkins, TX. and LaDonna Fulfer Terrien of Dallas; eight grandchildren, Tami Isaacs, Kimberlee Isaacs, Angela Heffner and husband David, Serena Kelley, Shanon Kelley, Savana Kelley all of Hawkins, and Amanda Terrien and Joseph Terrien of Dallas; three great-grandchildren, Ashley Isaacs, Samantha Rose, and Sierra Kelley all of Hawkins.
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Lelia Foster
RANGER- Lelia L. Foster, 81, died Wednesday, June 30, 2004.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 3, 2004 at Eastside Baptist Church. Burial was at 1 p.m. in Putnam Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.

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