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January 2005 - June 2005

Leonard Vaughn
EASTLAND- Leonard L. Vaughn, 79, of Eastland, died Sunday, December 26, 2004 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at Eastland City Cemetery, Rev. Hubert Foust officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland.
Mr. Vaughn was born April 19, 1925 in Hall County, TX to John P. and Martha (Haskett) Vaughn. He was a baker in the Army during WW II. He worked for Texas Electric for 28 1/2 years, moving to Eastland from Graham in 1974. He married Mildred Willene Bynum on December 27, 1977 in Breckenridge. She preceded him in death on May 13, 2003. He was a member of the V.F.W. in Graham as well as the Graham First Baptist Church.
Survivors include two sons, Daniel Vaughn of Graham and Russell Vaughn of Euless; two step-daughters, Cheryl Livengood of Aledo and Liz Bennett of Abilene; sister, Jeanett Floyd of Headley; two grandsons, Joshua of Austin and Matthew of Lubbock; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Perchard and Clint of Fort Worth, and Jessica Bundrick and Larry of Graham; three step-grandchildren, Jennifer Livengood and Amanda Livengood both of Denton, and Melissa Higbee-Vern of Reading, Michigan.
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Micaela 'Mickye' Jimenez
FORT WORTH- Micaela 'Mickye' Jimenez, 50, passed away Monday, December 27, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Funeral services were held at noon Friday, December 31, 2004 at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel of Fort Worth. Burial was in Laurel Land Memorial Park. Rosary was said at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2004 at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel, visitation followed.
Micaela was born October 25, 1954, in Fort Worth, Texas. Mickye was a lady with strong faith and family ties. She had a great sense of humor and was known as a very happy person. She ended up being the center of attention at any gathering, through her story-telling and ability to put everyone at ease. She was a member of St. Thomas Moore of Fort Worth for the past three years, and the American Legion.
Survivors are her husband, Julio Jimenez; children, Monica Rene Jimenez, Melissa J. Jones and Julio Jimenez III and girlfriend, Jaclyn Gonzalez; granddaughter, Allison Marie Jones; mother, Guadalupe Perez; sisters, Juanita Herrera, Maria Helena Armenta, Rosalinda and husband, Miguel Armenta; in-laws, Everisto and wife, Nita Jimenez, Jimmy and wife, Renee Jimenez, Phillip and wife, Jan Jimenez, Alex and wife, Maryellen Jimenez, John Jimenez, Larry and wife, Rosie Boles, Ramona and husband, Ruben Gaeta, Frances Rodriguez, Albine Jimenez, Rosie and husband, Manuel Ochoa, Marie Jimenez, Maggie Jimenez and Jesse Jimenez; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Johnnie Gail Macphail, 51, of Mineral Wells passed away December 28, 2004, in a Ft. Worth hospital. Graveside funeral services will be 11 am Friday at the Woodland Park Cemetery with Rev. Chad Gosnell officiating.
Mrs. Macphail was born November 28, 1953, in Irving, TX, was raised in Mineral Wells, moved away and returned in 1993 from Eastland. She was a member of the Mangum Baptist Church in Eastland. She married Donald A. Macphail, August 24, 1994 in Mineral Wells.
Survivors include her husband, Donald Macphail of Mineral Wells; daughter and son-in-law, Shelby and Billy Phelps of Mineral Wells; sons and daughter-in-law, Dean and Becky Stricklin and Donnie Macphail of Mineral Wells; brothers and sisters-in-law Billy and Debbie McMillan of Bryson, Larry and Angie McMillan of Mineral Wells and Eldon and Angie Criswell of Anchorage, AK; parents, Bob and Evelyn McMillan of Mineral Wells; 10 grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A son Bobby Derrell Stricklin and a sister Mary Kathryn McMillan preceded her in 1998.
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Larry Grice
GORMAN- Larry Dale Grice, 65, of Gorman died Thursday, December 30, 2004 at the DeLeon Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 3, 2005 Kenneth Steel and Alfred Grice officiated. Burial was in the Gorman Cemetery.
Larry was born September 4, 1939 in Gorman to A.L. Grice and Delma Maupin Grice. He graduated from Gorman High School and was a carpenter.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Delma Maupin.
Survivors include a son, Larry Dale Grice, Jr. of Midlothian; father, A.L. Grice of Weatherford; and one brother, Alfred Lee Grice of Lake Leon.
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Freddie Cooper
RISING STAR- Freddie Cooper, 82, of Rising Star, died January 1, 2005 at the Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
Freddie was born on June 17, 1922 in Eastland County, Texas to Willie Edward and Ora Ordella (Hill) Cooper. He married Lucille McGowen on February 12, 1977 in Carbon, Texas. He lived in Rising Star area all his life. He served in the Army during WW II. He was a farmer.
Freddie is survived by his wife, Lucille Cooper of Rising Star, TX; 2 sisters, Redar and her husband Troy Head of Ft. Worth; Lattie and her husband Guy Anderson of Athens, TX; one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one niece.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Bob Pipes officiated. Burial was in the Long Branch Cemetery in Eastland County, Texas, Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge.
Helen Louise 'Wymer' Plumley, 73, of Odessa died December 31, 2004 at Medical Center Hospital.
Mrs. Plumley was born January 15, 1931 in Stephens County, Texas to Robert and Mahdeen Wymer. Helen graduated from Ranger High School in 1947. She attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. She married Robert Charles Plumley on January 20, 1951 in Eastland, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her husband in 2000 and sister Dorthy Beck and her parents.
Mrs. Plumley is survived by a son, Robert Plumley II of Odessa; three daughters, Deborah and husband Gene Dyas of Glen Rose, Diana Plumley and Lynn Plumley of Odessa; sisters, Bobbie Harbin of San Angelo, Betty Williams and Shirley Griffin of Ranger; three grandchildren Michael Paul Dyas of Morgan Mills, TX, Justin L. Dyas of Fort Worth, Rene Dyas of Abilene.
Services were held Wednesday, January 5, 2005, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.
Pallbearers were Michael Paul Dyas, Gary Page, Justin L. Dyas, Justin L. Dyas, George Bunt, Ricky Chambers, and Dr. Rocky Terry.
Services entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home of Odessa.
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Luther Swinson
Luther Cicero (L.C.) Swinson, 72, died Tuesday, December 28, 2004, at his home in Breckenridge.
After a brief, private viewing, he was cremated, under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home in Breckenridge.
L.C. was born April 3, 1932 in Cisco to Cicero Van and Emmie Reeves Swinson. He started school at Morton Valley, north of Eastland and graduated from Lueders High School.
He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany.
After an honorable discharge, he worked in the oil fields around Anson, Texas for several years. Later, he moved to Eastland and worked for Lone Star Gas Company. For a time, he operated heavy equipment in the construction business.
An excellent mechanic, he opened his own shop Swinson Automotive in Eastland.
After retiring, he moved to Breckenridge.
L.C. was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mardell Trout and sister Lavada Hargrove, of Hawley, who died only five days before L.C. did.
His survivors include his wife, Jerry of the home and sons Johnny of the home and Randy Swinson, and wife Carmen, of Joshua, Tx; two daughters, Debbie Robinson and husband, Alan of Breckenridge and Tonja Parnell and husband, Terry, of Athens, Tx. Also one brother, Homer Swinson and wife, Torchy of Stanton and sisters Patsy Brown of Midland, Byrdie Daniels, and husband, Bobby of Abilene, and Maybelle Trout of Eastland. L.C. also leaves 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
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Richard 'Dickie' Hodges
EASTLAND Ð Dr. Richard 'Dickie' Hodges died Friday, December 31, 2004 at an Abilene Care Center.
Funeral Services were held at First United Methodist Church in Eastland on Monday, January 3, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger.
Dickie was born to Dr. Bob and Opie Bristow Hodges on February 25, 1921. He was born with his twin brother, Ross, in Ranger Texas. He was a graduate of Ranger High School, entered Texas A&M University to pursue the pre-vet program, however College was interrupted by World War II where he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot instructor. Upon his discharge, he returned to Texas A&M in the College of Veterinary Medicine and he graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1949.
Dickie first worked for the Department of Agriculture and Texas Animal Commission. His professional memberships included the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Texas Medical Association. He was also a member of the Lions Club International, The Men's Fellowship Bible class, attended the First United Methodist Church in Eastland and Served on the Olden Water Board during the 1980Õs.
He returned to Ranger to open his veterinary practice in 1950 where practiced large and small animal medicine all over the north Texas area. He retired his practice in 1961 but continued to ranch for years in the area. In 1963, a beloved daughter arrived, Mary Ellen.
Dr. Hodges married Dois Lynn Morton on December 18, 1971, his wife of 33 years. They lived in Olden until recently when they moved to Abilene. He was a devoted family man as well as an avid hunter and fisherman.
Dr. Hodges was preceded in death by: Father and Mother, Dr. Bob and Opie Hodges; brother, Bob Jr.; and twin brother, Ross Hodges.
He is survived by wife, Dois Hodges; daughter, Mary Ellen Pearcy; son, James Morton and wife, Suni; daughter, Jannie Rodgers and husband, Al, of Abilene; grandchildren, Mallory Kate and Justin Ross Pearcy, McKayla, McKall and Behren Morton, Richard Rodgers and wife T. Lee, Rodney Rodgers, Randal Rodgers and wife Lori; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; several nieces and nephews and cousins.
The family asks that memorials be made to the Windcrest Alzheimer's Facility at 6050 Hospital Drive, Abilene, Texas 79606.
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Arthur Shelton
Arthur L. Shelton, 88, of Odessa, died Friday, December 31, 2004 at Seabury Nursing Center.
Graveside services were held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, Texas.
He was born May 25, 1916 in Greenville, Texas. He married Ella Joyce Norton September 5, 1941 in Ranger. They moved to Odessa from Ranger in 1951. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Joyce in 1993. He was a member of Central Baptist Church. Before his retirement in 1983, Mr. Shelton was employed by Ref-Chem for 25 years.
He is survived by; a son, Don Shelton and wife Rena of Monahans; a daughter, Kathleen Lackey and husband Mike of Odessa; two grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to Central Baptist Church of Odessa, Together We Grow Fund.
Arrangements by Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.
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Velma Harris
Velma Harris, 91, of Bronte, Texas, former resident of Sweetwater, Texas, died Saturday, January 1, 2005 at Bronte Health and Rehab Center.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 3, 2005 at Murray Cemetery in Carbon, Texas. Under the direction of Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home. Burial was in Murray Cemetery in Carbon. Rev. Jody Forbus officiated.
She was born September 6, 1913 in Carbon, Texas. She married E.L. (Ted) Harris on October 3, 1929 in Carbon, Texas.
She was a homemaker and a Baptist.
Survivors include two daughters, Darlene Bixler and husband Arthur of Sweetwater, TX and Joy Smith and husband Howard of Abilene, TX; one son, Lyndol Harris of Abilene; 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband E.L. (Ted) Harris; two daughters, Mona Jean Harris and Peggy Karch and two grandsons, Edward Arlyn Harris and Edward Gene Smith.
Honorary pallbearers were: Lyndon Bixler, Richard Bixler, David Bixler, Noal Smith, Mike Barnes, and Michael Barnes.
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Walter Morgan
Walter Ray Morgan, Sr., 78, of Big Spring, died Monday, January 3, 2005 at a local hospital.
Graveside funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 6, 2005 at the Longbranch Cemetery in Rising Star. His nephew, Rev. Tommy Adams, officiated. Arrangements directed by Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring.
Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
He was born to Faye Earp Morgan and Walter Milam Morgan on January 23, 1926, in Rising Star, Texas.
Mr. Morgan was raised and attended schools in Carbon. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He had worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad and as an appliance repairman in Abilene for D & W Appliance Repair. He moved to Big Spring in 1959 and worked for Cosden Refinery until retiring. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John Morgan; and a son, Walter Ray Morgan, Jr.
Survivors include two sons, Daniel Morgan of Abilene and David Frank Morgan and wife, Teresa of Big Spring; one daughter, Lynda Faulkner of Abilene; a grandson, Stephen Faulkner of Abilene; a granddaughter, Christy Rains of Big Spring; and a great-grandson, Christian Rains of Abilene; one sister, Minnie Jo Evans of Cleburne; and one brother, Charles Morgan of Carbon.
The family suggests memorials to the Abilene Adult Day Care Center 3518 South 7th Abilene, TX 79605.
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Boby Freeman
RANGER- Boby Ray Freeman, 69, of Ranger died on Wednesday, January 5, 2005.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 7, 2005 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel of Ranger, Texas. Burial was in Kermit Cemetery in Kermit Texas.
Mr. Freeman was born on September 25, 1935 in Rising Star, Texas to Jack Lee and Bernice Pauline (Benson) Freeman. He worked as a heavy equipment operator in the oilfield starting at age 12. He lived in Pecos for some time and then later worked on a pipeline on the coast. He married Betty Claudine Moore on May 12, 1960 in Wink, Texas and she precedes him in death. Boby was a free spirit living life to it's fullest.
Boby is survived by daughter; Lanette Burkhart, grandsons; Boby Ray 'Bo' Freeman III, Sonny Freeman, and Jack Lee Freeman all of Ranger; granddaughter Rayna Jeanelle Freeman of Eastland; Aunt Emma Williams of Ranger and nieces; Tammy Venable, Sue Braddock both of Ranger and Diana Davis of Eastland.
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Ollis Burns
CARROLLTON- Ollie Mae Burns, 92, of Carrollton, Texas died Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at Brookhaven Nursing Center.
Ollie was born on July 13, 1912 at Eastland County, Texas to John M. and Tinnie (Pierce) Clark. She married Ozzie Burns on January 31, 1931 in Sipe Springs, TX. They were married for 64 years. Ollie and Ozzie made their home in Rising Star most of their married life. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Rising Star.
Ollie is survived by two daughters, LaQuita Lucas of Rising Star, TX and Peggy Wilson of Carrollton, TX; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ozzie; parents, John and Tennie Clark; two sisters, Ellie Elliott and Jessie Swift; two brothers, Alton and Skeet Clark.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Ted Kell officiated and Robert Wilson assisted. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers were Frazier Clark, Bob Clark, Jack Clark, Gerald Maynard, Joel Wiessman, and Nick Coats.
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Walter Hardy
Walter C. (Jake) Hardy, of May, Texas passed away on December 12, 2004, at Brownwood, Texas.
He was born on December 14, 1923 to W.T. Hardy and Maudie Lee Scott Hardy.
He married Wanda Ruth Nay on November 25, 1948 at Eastland, Texas.
He was retired from Mobil Oil Co. and moved to May, Texas in 1986.
He was a member of the Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, W.A. Hardy, Eldon Hardy, Andrew (Pete) Hardy and Richard Hardy, also one sister, Arlene Botts.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda of May; four sons, James of Odessa, Timothy of May, Bill of Monahans and David of Odessa; two sisters, Mildred Johnson of Ft. Worth and Pat of Ruidoso, N.M.
He was cremated and no services are planned.
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Earl Bradley Jr.
EASTLAND - Earl Clarence Bradley, Jr. went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 7, 2005. He was 80 years of age. His last words were to his immediate family at the Eastland Memorial Hospital, Eastland, Texas. He touched countless lives and will be missed and never forgotten.
He was born February 11, 1924, in Houston, Texas, to Louise and Earl C. Bradley, Sr. He attended Texas A&M University until he enlisted in the U. S. Navy at the outbreak of World War II. Upon his return, he earned a B.A. degree in History and Government from the University of Houston, but in his heart he was always an Aggie. During this time, he met the love of his life, Billye Bankston. They were married on June 4, 1948.
He lived the American Dream. After many years at Tyler Pipe and Foundry, he started his own business in 1964, Earl Bradley and AssociatesÑhis 'associates' being his wife and four children. EBAA Iron has grown from a one man operation in Frisco, Texas, to employing over 400 people in three foundries located in Eastland and Albany, Texas, and Cordele, Georgia. He was a Mason, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Eastland Hospital Board, the American Water Works Association and the American Foundry Society, receiving the AFS Freedom Founders Award.
Greatly blessed, he never forgot from whom his blessings came. He was generous to his community and beyond, being instrumental in the preservation of the Majestic Theatre and the building of a new emergency room for the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Billye Bankston Bradley; a sister, Ann B. Lorino of Houston; a cousin, Raymond Leslie Bradley of Houston; his four children and their spouses, all of Eastland, Leslie and Jim Keffer, ET and Maria Bradley, Jenni and Taylor Ford, Jeff and Vicki Bradley; and six grandchildren, Brad, Chris, and Rob Keffer, Gene Bradley, Madison and Miles Bradley.
A memorial service is planned for Thursday, January 13th at the Majestic Theatre in Eastland at 2 p.m. under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
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Francis Pulattie
Francis (Frank) Wynn Pulattie, 82 of Waco, was called home to be with his Lord Monday, January 10, 2005.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 13, 2005 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with the Rev. Jim Chandler, the Rev. Jim Gray, and the Rev. D. Michael Toby officiating. Burial followed at 4 p.m. Thursday at Colony Cemetery, Ranger, Texas.
Mr. Pulattie was born July 4, 1922 in Healdton, Oklahoma to Lillian Pulattie Nunley and Ivan Nunley. His mother, after divorcing Nunley, regained her maiden name of Pulattie and changed her son's name to Pulattie. He moved to Waco as a child and attended South Junior High where he was coached in football, (which became his life's love and profession), by Mr. Bill Barron.
He attended Waco High School and played football under Mr. Paul Tyson where in 1939 he was named an All-State player. He then went to Kilgore Junior College and played football there until he returned to Waco High School and graduated in 1940. While in his last playing season at Waco High he played in the Texas High School Coaches All Star Game.
After graduation he attended SMU on a football scholarship under Matty Bell.
With the outbreak of WWII he enlisted in the Coast Guard and was appointed to the Coast Guard Academy. During his time in the Coast Guard he boxed in an exhibition event going two rounds with Jack Dempsey.
Transferring from the Coast Guard to the Navy he entered Naval Aviation, studying preflight at Cal-Poly and later at the University of Iowa where he also ran track excelling in the obstacle course. He received an appointment to the Navy Academy but declined it in order to return to SMU, finish his college degree and play football. While at SMU he played as a blocking back for All-American Doak Walker who one said 'I just run through the holes Pulattie opens up for me' He was named Honorable Mention All-American in football, and earned his Bachelors degree and later his Master Degree from SMU.
He played professional football for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants but knee injuries led him to leave professional football and begin a career coaching high school football. He began at Itasca where his team went 6-0 their first year. He later went to Riesel where his team won the Jinx Tucker Traveling Trophy, for the first time in the school history.
Pulattie spent many years coaching football and track at various Texas schools including Big Spring where he established the tennis program. Other schools included Hamilton, Livingston, Ysleta El Paso and a year in California where he was voted Outstanding Coach in Northern California. Pulattie was one of the coaches highlighted in Ty Cashion's book on football coaching giants, 'Pigskin Pulpit'.
In 2002 he was inducted into the Waco High School Hall of Fame. He served many years as high school principal, including China Spring. He retired in 1984 from a superintendency in Brewster County to return home to Waco. He became active in tennis both as a player and board member at the Charlie McCleery Tennis Center. He was a charter member of Central United Methodist Church where he served on the location and building committee and was a member of the pastoral advisory committee at one time. He also served at various times as Sunday school teacher, Pastor Parish Relations Committee member, Bible study leader and usher. He was baptized into the fellowship of Edgefield Baptist Church. He later was a member of First Baptist Church of Woodway. He attended Darrell Lanius' Sunday School Class which was a favorite of his. During his years of coaching and teaching he was a positive influence and role model for hundreds of young people who came to know and love him and who continued to call, write and visit him after his retirement from the public schools.
Survivors include his wife, the former Jo Ann Boyd, daughter, Pattie Jo Goff and husband, Larry of Denton; sons, Mike and wife, Linda and Dan and wife, Sharon of Georgetown,; stepdaughter, Janice Roye of Waco; stepson, Jay Roye and wife, Beth of Dallas; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to charity of choice.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our Memorial Guestbook at www.wilkir son hatchbailey.com <http://www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com/
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R. V. Robinson
RANGER- R.V. Robinson, 89, of Ranger died Eastland on Tuesday, January 11, 2005. Services were held Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Speer and Dr. Richard Waters officiating. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Robinson was born on September 8, 1915 in Gorman to J.M. (Matt) & Docia (Patterson) Robinson. He attended and graduated from Ranger High School. He served his country during WWII in the Army from 1945-1946.
He married Doris Mitchell on Easter Sunday April 17, 1938 at First Baptist Church in Ranger. They were married 50 years, and she passed away on February 24, 1989. He then married Zoma Edmonds on April 25, 1991; she preceded him in death on June 16, 2004. He was also preceded by his son Robby Robinson and sister Genova Aishman.
He was the owner & butcher of Robinson's Food Market in Ranger from 1953-1961. He also managed the JRB Grocery & Market in Ranger & Eastland. Ranching was also a part of his life. He was an active member of First Baptist Church Ranger.
He is survived by a daughter and her husband Ann and Fred Cross of Snyder, son Jim Robinson of Fort Worth, step-son Kyge Edmonds & wife Shelia of Garland, step-daughter Edwena Fitzgerald of Longview, and many grandchildren & great-grandchildren.
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Varue Rawson
DIMMITT- Varue Rawson, 89, of Dimmitt, Texas, died January 12, 2005 at Plains Memorial Hospital in Dimmitt, Texas.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2005 at Ivey Chapel- Foskey-Lilley-McGill Funeral Home of Dimmitt. Rev. David Denman of Lee Street Baptist Church in Dimmitt officiated. Burial was at 3 p.m. Friday, January 14, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Texas.
Varue was born January 12, 1916 in Honest Ridge, Texas. She married Kenneth Rawson in 1970 in Gainsville, Texas. He preceded her in death in 1996. They lived in Eastland for 26 years where they owned and operated a hotel and restaurant. Varue also owned and operated an antique store in Eastland. She moved to Dimmitt in 1996 after Kenneth passed away.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Annie Ruth Hernandez; parents, Gus and Annie Lafoy; three brothers and three sisters.
Survivors include two daughters, Bonnie Cobb of Dimmitt, TX. and Alice Johnson of North Richland Hills, TX; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Doug Lafoy of Houston and Billy Jack Lafoy of Texas City, TX; three sisters, Ivonne Black of Houston, Marie Weaver of Austin and Betty Browder of Groesbeck.
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Lucille Forbess
CISCO- Lucille Marlene Forbess, 68, of Cisco died Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 14, 2005 at Corinth Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Benny Hagan, assisted by Stephen Forrester. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Lucille was born in Eureka, SD on November 15, 1936 to Arthur and Clara (Beek) Berreth. She worked as a nurse, was a member of Bible Baptist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 343 in Moran.
She was preceded in death by her parents and stepmother Ola Berreth.
She is survived by sons, Arlo Fischer and wife Cherie of Texarkana, AK, Floyd Fischer of Carbon; daughters, Dorothy Rogers and husband Mike of Cisco, Mary Lou Strange and husband Bob of Winchester, TN; sisters, Marie Ruzsa and husband Ray of Selby, SD, Carolyn Seibel of Box Elder, SD; brother, Merle Berreth and wife Linda of Redwood Falls, MN; grandchildren, Tania Ferguson, Robin Buchanan, Krystal Strange, Scott Strange, Bobby Strange, Tim Strange, Ladena Pevey, Kristi Timerson and Shelby Fischer; great-grandchildren, Kasey Buchanan, Stedham Buchanan, Bobby Ferguson, Nicholas Ferguson, Kelsey Strange, Ashlyn Pevey, Dalton Pevey and Justin Timerson.
Pallbearers were Arlo Fischer, Jerme Buchanan, Randal Ferguson, Tim Strange, Lonnie Pevey and Neil Henke.
Memorials may be made to Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Lloyd Glasson, 87, died Thursday, January 13, 2005 at his home in Gorman.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Craig Rhoton officiating. Burial was in the Simpson Cemetery.
Mr. Glasson was born March 7, 1917 in Rawls, TX to the late John L. Glasson and Martha (Whatley) Glasson. He married Bobbie O'Neal on August 15, 1940 in Gorman. She preceded him in death on Oct. 1, 1994. He was a retired rancher and a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters.
Survivors include two sons, Lloyd Wayne Glasson and wife Mary Jo of Fate, TX and Glenn Glasson and wife Gloria of Brownfield; one daughter, Gena Rone and husband Ricky of Gorman; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Pauline Spears of Stephenville.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country.
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Claudia Maynard
EASTLAND- Claudia Maynard, 97, died Thursday, January 13, 2005 in Cisco.
Graveside services were held on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at Centerpoint Cemetery at 10 a.m. Chad Gosnell officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Maynard was born August 12, 1907 in Sidney, Texas to Frances M. and Lillie Mae (Delk) Vines. She married Joe Maynard and he preceded her in death on December 24, 1996. She was a homemaker and member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Odessa. She came to the Eastland area from Odessa in 1970. Mrs. Maynard loved her family very much and was quiet proud that out of her 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren there are 5 sets of twins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, L.U. (Joe) Maynard who passed away in 1994.
She is survived by her daughters Marjorie Hogue of Athens and Barbara Byous and husband David of Cisco; brother, Daniel Vines of Lufkin; sisters, Martha Nell Northcutt of Stephenville and Myrtle Vines of Proctor; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Janelle Mathy
Janelle Mathy was born on July 6, 1933 in Eastland, to Ether (Ethel) Mae Copeland Patterson and LeRoy Patterson, She attended Grade and High School in Eastland, then attended North Texas State College in Denton, TX where she studied music. After two years she moved to Houston, TX where she met Harold Edward Mathy and they were married in March of 1954, a union and partnership lasting over 50 wonderful years.
Mrs. Mathy raised two sons, Michael Edward Mathy, of San Antonio, TX and Brad LeRoy Mathy, who lost his life in an auto accident at the age of 30. Her two grandchildren, Samuel Austin Mathy and Hannah Mariah Mathy, and her daughter-in-law, Ginger Meaux Mathy, of San Antonio, TX, knew her as C.C. She is the sister of James Patterson and Shirley Patterson Allen, both of Houston, TX and Cybil Patterson Fields Scadden, deceased, and she is the aunt of Pamela Allen Morgan, of Corpus Christi, TX, Candace Allen Richardson, of Whidbey Island, WA, and Janice Fields Plowman, of Austin, TX.
Mrs. Mathy made many close friends where she lived, worked and visited. In Houston, TX, she worked as a secretary to the chaplain at the Memorial Hospital and at Transco as a land secretary. She worked as secretary to the Administrator at Catholic Hospital in Jackson, MS and as a bookkeeper at the Yarborough Coffee Company in Corpus Christi, TX. Mrs. Mathy was employed as a bookkeeper at the Taylor Construction Company in Houston, TX and as secretary/bookkeeper at Mathy Petroleum in Lafayette, LA. After retirement she enjoyed several summers near Vail, CO and few winters near Carefree, AZ.
Music and song were her life in her younger years and she performed solo at the Methodist Church and Memorial Hospital. Later Mrs. Mathy shared an interest in golf with her friends, husband and children. She was very creative in crafts and gardening, especially enjoyed entertaining friends and loved traveling extensively, especially when nature viewing was involved.
Warm and compassionate, there could be found no more loyal, caring companion. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette, LA, 337-234-2311.
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Edward Pugliese
Edward Bret (Ed) Pugliese, 45, of Mineral Wells, formerly of Cisco, died Monday, January 17, 2005, at Palo Pinto General Hospital in Mineral Wells.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at Corinth Cemetery, officiated by Dr. James Futral.
Visitation was held from 10 a.m.-12 noon Wednesday at Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Ed was born in Seymour on August 8, 1959 to Otto and Ruth Ann (Saunders) Pugliese. He graduated from Cisco High School and Cisco Junior College and from Howard Payne University in 1981. He married Susan Delaine Awbrey on January 15, 1993 in Brownwood. He was an instructor at Correction Corp. of America in Mineral Wells and was a member of First Baptist Church in Mineral Wells.
He was preceded in death by his father, Otto Pugliese.
He is survived by his wife, Susan of Mineral Wells; mother, Ruth Hart and husband Tom of Cisco; sister, Lou Ann Pugliese of Cisco; parents-in-law, Gary and Jeanette Awbrey; brother-in-law, Jon Awbrey; and grandparents-in-law, Ray and Opal Huthlett, all of Brownfield.
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Lloyd Glasson
Lloyd Glasson, 87, died Thursday, January 13, 2005 at his home in Gorman.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Craig Rhoton officiating. Burial was in the Simpson Cemetery.
Mr. Glasson was born March 7, 1917 in Rawls, TX to the late John L. Glasson and Martha (Whatley) Glasson. He married Bobbie O'Neal on August 15, 1940 in Gorman. She preceded him in death on Oct. 1, 1994. He was a retired rancher and a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters.
Survivors include two sons, Lloyd Wayne Glasson and wife Mary Jo of Fate, TX and Glenn Glasson and wife Gloria of Brownfield; one daughter, Gena Rone and husband Ricky of Gorman; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Pauline Spears of Stephenville.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country.
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Mary Ann Swanson
CISCO- Mary Ann Swanson, 67, of Cisco died Monday, January 17, 2005 in Hendrick Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 20, 2005 at Dennis Cemetery, near Moran, officiated by Reverend Jack Clack, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Swanson was born in Longworth, Texas on June 2, 1937 to Jessie Clyde and Johnnie Lou (Owens) Woodward.
Her husband Richard Swanson preceded her in death in September 2003. She was also preceded in death by a son, Douglas Swanson.
She worked as a butcher and was a Baptist.
She is survived by a son, Kenneth Swanson and wife Sharon of Abilene; daughter, Debbra Williams of Moran; brother, Jerry Lancaster and wife Nancy of Moran; sister-in-law, Jo Ellen Caffey of Abilene; grandchildren, Christina Swanson, Brandi Swanson, Lee Swanson, Patty Williams; and great-grandchild, Ashton Swanson.
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Stacy Black
Stacy Dian Black of Albuquerque, NM went to be with the Lord on January 9, 2005.
She was born November 12, 1957 in Fort Worth, TX to Cindy and Bob Black.
She is preceded in death by her father Bob Black and grandparents Clarice and Harl O'Brien of Eastland and Bethel and Joe Gallagher of Cisco.
Stacy is survived by her beloved children Bryce and Amber Yarbrough; her husband and friend James Yarbrough all of Albuquerque, N.M.; her mother, Cindy Black; brother, David Black; and sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia and Garrett Bigelow all of Houston, TX.
The funeral service was held on January 15, 2005 in Albuquerque, N.M.
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Sofia Gonzalez
Sofia Yanez Gonzalez, 57, of Abilene, went to be with the Lord on January 15, 2005.
Services were held Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ambler Baptist Church, with Charles Maciel officiating. Burial followed at the Masonic Cemetery, directed by North's Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gonzalez was born March 12, 1947, in Rotan, Texas to Antonio Yanez and the late Sophia Yanez. She married Secundino Gonzalez in November of 1974. She was a homemaker and an active member of Ambler Baptist Church. She enjoyed crafting, puzzles, bingo and fellowshipping.
She is preceded in death by her mother, one sister, Mary Yanez, and a niece, Carmen Yanez.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Secundino Gonzalez; six children, Esther Gonzalez and husband Manuel of Abilene, Anita Chapa and husband Manuel Carranza-Gonzalez of Ranger, Rita Gonzalez and husband Carmelo of Abilene, Maria Gonzalez of Abilene, Secundino Gonzalez, Jr. and wife Jennifer of Abilene and Jose Gonzalez of Abilene; 13 grandchildren, Gabriel, Robert, Samuel, Patricia, Manuel Jr., Diana, Andrea, Carmelo Jr., Vanessa, Manuel, Cielo Estrella, Alexia and Alexander; five great-grandchildren, Samuel, Robert IV, Christopher, Graciela and Timothy; three brothers, Locadio Yanez and wife Cuca of Mineral Wells, Thomas Yanez of Rotan, Tony Yanez of Washington; four sisters, Gloria Yanez of Gainsville, Georgia, Micaela Martinez and husband Edward of Rotan, Patsy Yanez of Roby and Aurora Ubando and husband Rudy of Snyder; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Robert Schmittling, III, Secundino Gonzalez, Jr., Jose Gonzalez, Edgar Medina, Carmelo Gonzalez, Jr., and her great-nephew Tony Ray Yanez.
Memorials can be made to First National Bank of Abilene, all donations will be appreciated.
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Macin Cagle
EASTLAND - Macin Kage Cagle, infant son of Ricky and Stephanie Newman Cagle of Lone Camp, died Tuesday, January 18, 2005 in a Fort Worth hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2005 in the Stagg Creek Cemetery in Comanche County (on Highway 36 between Comanche and Rising Star) with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
He is survived by parents, Ricky and Stephanie Cagle of Lone Camp; maternal grandparents, Steve Newman of Patillo and Vicki Newman of Weatherford; paternal grandparents, Darlene Cagle of Gorman and the late Joe Cagle.
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Weldon 'Sonny' Bosworth
CISCO- Weldon 'Sonny' Bosworth, 70, died at his home near Eastland on January 20, 2005.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2005 at Merriman Cemetery near Ranger on FM 2461. Dr. Ron Bostick, assisted by Bill Miller, officiated, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Bosworth was born February 12, 1934 at Cisco, Texas to Harry and Thelma (Kennedy) Bosworth. He was in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and served in England and Tripoli. He worked for Union Texas Petroleum, retiring after 30 years. He was a Baptist.
He is survived by sons, Dub Bosworth of Spur, Paul Bosworth and wife, Natalie of Robert Lee, Tim Bosworth of Abilene, Tom Bosworth of Eastland; and a grandson, Cole Bosworth of San Angelo.
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Natalia Vasilio
Natalia Jimenez Vasilio, 93, died Saturday, January 22, 2005 at Westside Campus of Care in Fort Worth, Texas.
The family would like to express their thanks to all the staff members who gracefully helped in caring for her.
Rosary was at Kimbrough Funeral Home in Cisco at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2005. Mass was at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cisco. Deacon Ruben Castaneda officiated. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.
She was born September 8, 1911 in Gordon, Texas. She married Salvador Vasilio on February 26, 1937.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her sons, Joe, Luis, and Polo Vasilio.
Survivors include two sons, Victor Vasilio and Arthur Jimenez; three daughters, Olivia Herrera, Eva Perez, and Juanita Sancillo, all of Fort Worth; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Victor Vasilio, Jr., Robert Herrera, Delano Perez, Santino Perez, Andrew Sancillo, Scotty Vasilio, and Guadalupe Rodriguez.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who believed in keeping the family united and loyal to one another.
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Francis Ridling
RANGER- Francis Margaret Ridling, 83, of Ranger, died Friday, January 21, 2005.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 23, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Music was provided by niece Sharon Mathis. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Ms. Ridling was born on March 17, 1921 to Josh and Tommie (Powers) Ridling. She grew up in Stephens County and attended school at Oakley and Connelly. She was a homemaker, talking care of her parents until they deceased. She moved to Dallas to live with her sister and then back to Ranger where she stayed until her death.
She was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by 3 sisters and 5 brothers.
Survivors are a sister, Elsie Bagby of Tyler and numerous nieces and nephews who were like her grandchildren.
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Ferne Carr
STRAWN - Ferne Richardson Smith Carr died Saturday, January 22, 2005.
Services were held Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. in Strawn, Texas at the Methodist Church with Edwards Funeral Home in charge of services.
Ferne Charlene Richardson was born February 17, 1921 in Strawn, Texas, to parents Roy and Bertha Elizabeth Butler Richardson. The third of seven children, she was born on her dad's birthday. Her father was delighted. Stories were told that he was so proud, he would corner folks in town and make them walk all the way to his house which was "way up in Allendale", just to look at Ferne. At an early age, she left home and embarked on a series of adventures.
During World War II she worked as a welder at the ship yards in Portland, Oregon. She worked as a waitress in Ranger and Matador, Texas, and was also a telephone operator in Matador. She operated a cafe in Weatherford, and a bar in Strawn. She also spent time in California and was a frequent visitor to Mexico. She made friendships while a telephone operator that have lasted fifty years.
She was an excellent cook and seamstress as well as an accomplished artist at all forms of needlework, including crochet and embroidery. Ferne enjoyed a good joke, a good meal, a good conversation, astrology, and writing letters.
Special thanks are given to her friend, Shirley Hughes of Stephenville, who has been such a staunch supporter for many years.
She is survived by her daughter, Glenda Maye Smith Smith and grandson, Glendon Anthony Smith, of Austin; son, James Aaron Smith and wife, Mary, of Abilene; granddaughter, Stecha Smith of Cedar Park; great grandson, Erik Anthony Smith of Fort Bragg, North Carolina; great granddaughter, Leahnn Smith Young and husband, Ajay, of Killeen; brothers, Frank Richardson and wife, Claudene, and James Woodrow Richardson and wife, Nadine, and sister, Rosalee Richardson Lockaby, all of Benbrook, Texas; several cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha and Roy Richardson; husbands Robert Lee Smith, Jake Simpson, Cecil Carr and Otis Adams; brothers, Robert, Jack, and John Richardson; and nephews, Creston and Clifford Richardson, and her only granddaughter, Charla Smith.
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Gladys Hastings
CISCO- Gladys Eddie Hastings, 89, died Monday, January 24, 2005 at Canterbury Villa Nursing Home in Cisco.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at New Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church, Jeff Thompson and Dr. D.P. Sadowski officiated. Burial followed at Long Branch Cemetery directed by Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hastings was born on June 25, 1915 to James Edward and Tygelia Grace (Low) Ghormley at Carbon, Texas. She married Almus Randolph Hastings on December 23, 1933 at Carbon. He preceded her in death on January 30, 1995.
She was a housewife and worked for Boss Manufacturing for a number of years.
She was a life long resident of Eastland County and a member of New Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church of Cisco.
She is survived by one son, Jerry Hastings of Cisco; two daughters, Zelda Ruth Durning of Abilene and Linnie Grace Cox of Cisco; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Randy Hastings, LeRoy Cox, David Cox, Chuck Durning, Bruce Black, Bo Schwarzwalder and Dan Thurston.
The family wishes to thank all the wonderful people at Canterbury Villa Nursing Home for the excellent care and love that was given to our Mother and her family during her illness.
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Walter Hanner
BAIRD- Walter Jay Hanner, 80, died Saturday, January 22, 2005.
There was a private burial Monday, January 24, 2005 at 11 a.m. at Ross Cemetery in Baird. A public memorial was held Monday at 2 p.m. at Baird Church of Christ directed by Parker Funeral Home. Damon Waggoner officiated assisted by Ben Stevens and Bob Kiser.
Jay was born in Wise County, Texas on July 5, 1924.
Jay was proud to have served in the United States Navy on the Battleship Mississippi. He was a veteran of World War II. After his service in the war, he returned home and married Brownie and started his career in the car business, first in the Texas Panhandle and later in Baird.
Jay was a member of the Baird Church of Christ.
He will be missed by the family and friends that he loved. Jay was always inviting someone to come eat lunch and spend time visiting.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Brownie Hanner; three children, a daughter, Diann Waggoner and her husband John of Cisco; son, Mike Hanner and his wife Sandy of Round Rock, and a son, Mark Hanner and his wife Jana of Abilene; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jean Keith and her husband James of Amarillo; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Tipton Children's Home in Oklahoma, or Christian Homes of Abilene, Texas.
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Hilario 'Larry' Martinez
CISCO- Hilario (Larry) Martinez, 72, died Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at Canterbury Villa Center in Cisco.
Rosary was at Kimbrough Funeral Home in Cisco at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 27, 2005. Mass was at 1 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2005 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cisco, Deacon Ruben Castaneda officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.
He was born October 13, 1932 in Ben Arnold, TX. He was single.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Martinez, and two brothers, Nazario Martinez and Polo Rodriguez.
He is survived by his father, Sabas Martinez, Sr. of Cisco; brothers, Joe Coronado of Houston and Sabas Martinez, Jr. of Eastland; and his only sister, Felipa DeLeon of Cisco. Other survivors include his closest nieces and nephews, Margaret Gaeta and Rita Santos of Eastland, Angie Guidry of Cisco, Pete Jr. DeLeon, III of San Pedro, CA; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Michael Gaeta, Richard Santos, Eric Jimenez, Jesse Santos, Roy Coronado, and Pete DeLeon, Jr.
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Jerry 'Cotton' Moore
Jerry Wayne 'Cotton' Moore, 58, of May, Texas died January 25, 2005 in Temple, Texas.
Cotton was born on June 23, 1946 in Gorman, Texas to Charlie and Alta Mae (Hawkins) Moore. He was self employed. He lived in May all his life. He served in the United States Army during Vietnam.
Cotton is survived by one son, Jason Moore of Fort Worth; four brothers, C.W. Moore of Abilene, Sam Moore of May, Larry Moore of Zephyr, and Cooter Moore of Mullins, TX; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Stacy Moore.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2005 at Blake Cemetery, Aaron Lemond officiated. Burial was in the Blake Cemetery in Brown County, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
The family requested that any memorials be made to Ben Richey Boys Ranch P.O. Box 6839 Abilene, TX 79608.
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Bobby Johnson
CISCO- Bobby Joe Johnson, 68, of Cisco, died Sunday, January 30, 2005 in Abilene, Texas.
Services were held Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Mountain Top Church in Cisco, Rev. John C. Jones officiated. Graveside services followed at Long Branch Cemetery in Eastland County, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Bobby was born on November 16, 1936 in Cisco to Tony V. Johnson and Mary Bell Preston. Bobby married Murl Elizabeth Petree on June 4, 1955 in Cisco. He worked for the City of Cisco for over 27 years until his retirement in 1994. One of his greatest honors was serving as deacon of Mountain Top Church for 10 years. Bobby's friendly smile, kind words, and his many stories will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Bobby was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Bell Preston; his father, Tony Johnson; and one son, Bobby Dean Johnson.
Bobby is survived by his wife of 49 years, Murl Johnson of Cisco; two sons, Randy Johnson and wife Gwyneth of Cisco and Ronnie Johnson and wife Charlotte of Cisco; six grandchildren, Shane Johnson of Arlington, Christopher Johnson of Cisco, Jennifer Parker and husband J.D. of Abilene, Brandi Johnson of Mesquite, Scott Rasco and wife Jennifer of Abilene, Amanda Rasco of Cisco; two great-grandchildren, Jarrod Bailey Johnson of Abilene, Zoey Marie Johnson of Oklahoma.
Pallbearers were Butch Petree, Mark Petree, Johnny Preston, John Clements, Walter Clements, Chris Johnson, Shane Johnson, J.D. Parker. Honorary pallbearers were Dan Wilks, Kenneth Fields, Charlie Courtney, Ron Pipkin.
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Nellie Nunley
EASTLAND- Nellie Blanche Nunley, 88, of Graham, Texas died January 27, 2005.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 31, 2005 in the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel, Larry Roberts officiated. Interment followed at Eastland Cemetery, under the direction of the staff of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
Mrs. Nunley was born November 13, 1916 in Floyada, Texas. She married Carl Bowman Nunley on July 3, 1935 in Carbon, Texas. She was a resident of Odessa, Texas for over 30 years. She was a dealer for Stanley Home Products in Big Spring, Texas and worked for the Dunlap Department store in Odessa for over 20 years. She enjoyed fishing for many years at Possum Kingdom Lake and doing volunteer work for her church in Odessa. She has been a member of the Church of Christ since 1943.
She was preceded in death by her husband Carl Bowman Nunley and sister Faye Croker of Big Spring.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Billy Tolleson of Possum Kingdom Lake; one sister, Inez Smith of Wichita Falls, TX; one brother, Alvin Whitaker of Rush Springs, Oklahoma; and four nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society, Heart Association, or the Alzheimer's Association.
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Mary Shawver
CISCO- Mary Inez Shawver, 90, of the Haskell Community of Eastland County died Monday, January 31, 2005 at the Eastland Hospital.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 3, 2005 a the Nimrod Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Armstrong officiating, assisted by Rev. Marvin Baucom. Burial will follow in the Nimrod Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
She was born May 8, 1914 in Jack County, Texas to Thomas Marion and Ida Lee (Sanders) Myers. She married Earl David Shawver on June 7, 1936 in Baylor County, TX. He preceded her in death May 19, 1982. She was a housewife and member of the Nimrod Baptist Church.
She is survived by sons, Thomas David Shawver and wife Shirley of Olney, TX and Dennis Myers Shawver and wife Glenda of Nimrod; daughters, Barbara Lee Morton and husband Charles of Ft. Worth and Bonnie Allene Kanady and husband Warnie of Nimrod; sisters, Louise Eaton and husband Herman of Ft. Worth and Oletha Hooten of Ft. Worth; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Garry Clayton
DESDEMONA- Garry Neil Clayton, 54, of Desdemona died Monday, January 31, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, February 3, 2005 at the Clayton Family Cemetery near Desdemona, Mr. Larry Stogsdale officiated. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Gorman directed.
Garry was born February 5, 1950 in Gorman, Texas to Willis Stanley Clayton and Dorothy Floradelle (Lindley) Clayton. He married Delores Gail Compton on October 24, 2004 at Lone Camp, Texas. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a route carrier. He was a member of the Gorman Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Dorothy Clayton.
He is survived by his wife, Delores Gail Clayton of Desdemona; three brothers, Lindley Gene Clayton and Coy Anthon Clayton of Desdemona, and Murray Dale Clayton of Ranger.
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FEBRUARY 2005
Alta Carroll
Alta Carroll, 93, went to be with her Lord in Heaven on Wednesday, February 2, 2005.
Funeral was held at Edwards Funeral Home, Ranger on Saturday, Feb. 5th at 2:30 p.m., with burial at Merriman Cemetery.
Alta was born on October 6, 1911 to George and Katie Beck in Ranger Texas. She married her loving husband, Harvey E. Carroll in Ranger in 1927. She gave birth to five children, all born in Ranger. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ until her death.
She moved to Granbury, Texas, to be closer to her family when she was 83.
Alta is predeceased by her husband, Harvey, daughter, Barbara Cunningham and five brothers: Andrew, Charlie, Arthur, Reuben, and Lloyd Beck.
Survivors are sons Donnie Carroll and wife Connie of Granbury; Norman Carroll and wife Gail of Hurst; and daughters, Sue Wiggins and husband Don of Granbury; Linda Cross and husband Gerald of Granbury; 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to Eastside Church of Christ in Ranger, Texas or the Merriman Cemetery in Ranger.
Pallbearers: Monte Carroll, Damon Cross, Greg Cross, Steve Wiggins, Blake Cross, Carey Cross, Jordan Noble and Jim Haller. Honorary Pallbearers: Donnie Carroll and Norm Carroll.
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Margaret White
RANGER- Margaret White, 78, of Ranger passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 in Eastland.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2005 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Richard Waters officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Margaret was born on July 24, 1926 in Colbert Co. Alabama to Benjamin & Mattie (Morgan) Hatton. She came to Ranger in 1952 from Leighton, AL; Margaret married Jesse White on October 4, 1952 in Eastland County. They made their home in Ranger where they both were very active in the community. She was a member of the Garden Club, Flower Club, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, director of the Baptist Student Union at Ranger College, attended Community Bible Study in Eastland, active member of First Baptist Church in Ranger where she was a Sunday School teacher and leader and served on many committees including the decorating committee. She owned the Smart Shop a ladies clothing boutique for many years. Margaret will be remembered for her devotion to her family and the people of Ranger that she loved so much. Her family wishes to thank Karen Moseley, Juanita Hamilton, Girling Hospice, and the nurses at Eastland Memorial Hospital for the care and compassion they expressed during her illness.
She is survived by her children Brenda Guardino & husband Lou of Mabank, Dianne Wilson of Ranger, & Brad White & wife Debra of Midland, 2 brothers, 4 sisters, grandchildren Jeriann Shelmon of Tampa, Fl, Steve White of Arlington, Cindy Seymore of Heath, Vicki Gibbs of Rockwall, Tracy Archer of Rockwall, Jay Abbott of Arlington, Ben White of Lubbock, Jacob White of Midland, & Johnathan Wilson of Ranger. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse White and son Jerry Don White. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Margaret White Ranger College Baptist Student Fund, c/o First Baptist Church, 409 Walnut Ranger, TX 76470.
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Don Jeffcoat
Don Jeffcoat of Houston, 70, passed away at his home on Thursday, February 3, 2005 after a long illness.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2005 at First United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. John Beckling. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Don was born in Fluvanna, Texas in 1934. He spent three years in the Army, worked for Sherwin Williams Paint Company, and Baker Oil Tool. He had his own Engineering company and after his retirement, he and his brother Jerry worked together at Swings and Things of Fort Worth.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann of Bixby, Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Velma Dalton of Eastland; daughters, Leigh Ann Lockard of Bixby, Oklahoma, Shanna Sue James of Houston; his mother, Johnie May Jeffcoat Webb of Cisco; brothers, Billy Joe Jeffcoat of Oklahoma City, OK, Jerry Lewis Jeffcoat of Cisco, Jimmie Floyd Jeffcoat of Aviano, Italy; sister, Shirley LaDell Reeger of Breckenridge; grandchildren, Erica and Hailey Lockard of Bixby, OK. and Gracie and Cole James of Houston.
He was preceded in death by his father, O.C. Jeffcoat.
Don Jeffcoat, more known affectionately by those who loved him as Pop or simply Brother surrendered his battle for life on Thursday. Don was a humble man and would not claim himself to be one of great accomplishments. But his achievements were grand and far reaching. He lived his life with the simple belief that love should determine his decisions, love for his family and love for those blessed to call him friend. He touched so many with this simple approach to life in a way few of us were aware; until Thursday when learning of his passing we paused, we listened and we realized he had already tucked a piece of himself into the corner of our hearts. Thank you Pop, how we will miss you.
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Alma Farley
CISCO- Alma Farley, 88, died Saturday, February 5, 2005.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2005 at the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel in Early. The Rev. Dan Barger and Gene Farley officiated. Burial followed in OakView Cemetery in Mullin, Texas.
Alma was born July 20, 1916 in Mullin, Texas where she was raised and educated. She was a lifelong resident of the Brownwood, Texas area. She was a homemaker and a member of Sunset Baptist Mission.
She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Farley in 1980; as well as two brothers and five sisters.
She is survived by two sons, Dewey Farley of Snyder and Gene Farley of Cisco; four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
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Lucille Stillwell
FT. WORTH- Lucille Stillwell, 87, of Fort Worth, Texas died February 4, 2005 in the Watson Nursing Home.
She was born on May 8, 1917 in Anson, Texas to G.C. and Magie (Garland) Steel. She married Cleddie W. Stillwell on June 20, 1940 in Fort Worth, Texas.
She is survived by one son, Weldon Stillwell of Fort Worth, TX; one nephew, Oliver West of Rising Star; two nieces, Wanda West of Carrolton, TX, Juanita Hollis of Clyde; several cousins.
She was preceded in death by parents; and her husband, C.W. Stillwell.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Earl Griffin officiated and Richard Massey assisted. Burial was in the Blake Cemetery in Brown County with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
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Steve Foster, Jr.
Steve Nathan Foster, Jr., 87, of Atwell Community, north of Cross Plains, TX died Saturday, February 5, 2005 at Rising Star Nursing Center.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2005 at First Baptist Church, Burlie Taylor officiated, assisted by Ronnie White. Burial was in the Atwell Cemetery.
He was born February 24, 1917 in Atwell, Texas to Steve Nathan Foster, Sr. and Ada F. (Maddox) Foster. He graduated from Draughn's Business College in Abilene and worked for Radford Wholesale grocery in Cisco as a bookkeeper. He was a longtime farmer and rancher in the Atwell Community. Nathan met Louise Erwin in the fall of 1939 and they married May 24, 1940 in Sabanno, at the home of Edwin & Maumee Erwin in Sabanno. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cross Plains, and a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge #626.
He was preceded in death by his parents Steve and Ada Foster, three brothers, Travis, Truett, and Ray Foster.
He is survived by his wife, Louise Foster of Cross Plains; three sons, James and Paulette Foster of Cross Plains, Steve and Anita Foster of Abilene, and Randy and Judy Foster of Cross Plains; two sisters, Vera Pillans of Abilene and Mary Barclay of Early; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
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Dorothy Gibbs
MINGUS - Dorothy M. Gibbs, 80, of Mingus died on Friday, February 4, 2005 in Eastland, Texas.
Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2005 at Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Orsini officiating. Burial was in New Gordon Cemetery in Gordon, Texas under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Mrs. Gibbs was born on August 27, 1924 in Fort Worth Texas to Luther Lee and Winnie P. Byrom Puckett. She married Rhea Gibbs in August of 1956. She worked in William Dickies sewing factory briefly in Fort Worth before moving to the Gordon, Mingus area. She was a homemaker and attended the Trinity Baptist Church in Strawn.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 51 years Rhea Gibbs of Mingus, a son Tony Gibbs of Weatherford, a daughter JoAnn Templin of Arizona, a brother Robert Puckett of Fort Worth and a sister Nita Sheffield of Fort Worth. She as two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
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Marvin Clark
Marvin Clark of Cherokee, Oklahoma, died February 21, 2005. His burial was in the Cherokee Cemetery.
Marvin, age 78, was the brother-in-law of Ida Hazelwood, Oleta Hale, Bonnie McCleskey, and Gordon Dunaway of Cisco, and Harlan Dunaway of Odessa.
His wife Mary Lou, preceded him in death, December 8, 2003.
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Floy Barker
EASTLAND- Floy Colleen Barker, 76, of Eastland, Texas passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2005, in Abilene.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2005, at the Eastland Cemetery under the direction of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home, Keith Henson officiated.
Ms. Barker was born December 17, 1928 in Big Spring, Texas. She was a long-time resident of the Eastland community. Both an educator and teacher by trade, Colleen primarily taught elementary education. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Ms. Barker was preceded in death by her parents, John Thomas Roberson and Juanita Ima Bagwell, and a younger sister, Marilyn Francis Crownover.
Survivors include her daughter Robbye Fullen and her grandchildren Tracy Fullen and Kellye Stuart; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Grayson Stuart; a nephew Carlton Crownover and a niece Cassie Plourd; and many cousins and close friends.
Colleen was a talented artist and writer. She submitted several children's stories for publication and was a devoted teacher to many young students.
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Bertie Brown
Bertie Louise Brown, 87, of Gorman died Saturday, February 26, 2005 in the DeLeon Hospital.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Gorman, Ron Carroll officiated. Interment followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
She was born May 9, 1917 in Bell County, Texas. She married Buster Brown on June 14, 1941 in Brownwood. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, President of W.M.U. and taught Sunday School class for many years. She was a member of the Eastern Star and a lifetime member of P.T.A.
She is survived by husband, Buster Brown of Gorman; daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Max Grice of Brownfield; sister, Bonnie Croft of Lake Leon; granddaughter, Tisha Grice of Stephenville; grandson, Jeffery Grice of Fort Worth; niece, Bonita Richards of Fort Worth; and three great-grandchildren.
Family request that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Gorman or the Alzheimers Association.
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Durelle Herrell
EASTLAND- On Monday, February 28, 2005, Durelle Herrell passed away from this life and from her family of Sandra, Dickie, Kathy, and Ginger Herrell.
Her parents, Henry and Rosa Mason Johnson immigrated to Texas by wagon from West Virginia and Kentucky, and settled in the Panhandle of Texas. Dee was born at Lone Mound on May 29, 1917. She married JD Herrell in Wellington in 1935. In 1939, JD and Durelle purchased land in Olden and resided there since 1943.
JD passed away in 1989 after 54 years of marriage to Durelle. She was the oldest member of Olden Baptist Church.
She was buried in Alameda Cemetery in a private ceremony on Tuesday, March 1, 2005. Services were held under the direction of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
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Carmon Alexander
Carmon Hill Alexander, 74, of Carbon, Texas died February 27, 2005 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Carmon was born on August 17, 1930 at Eastland County, Texas to George Meredith and Pauline (Smith) Hill. She married Willard Alexander in June 1949 at Ft. Worth, Texas. She lived in Carbon for 25 years, before moving to Carbon she lived in California. She was self-employed and worked as a secretary.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Carmon is survived by her husband, Willard Alexander of Carbon; two sons, John Alexander of Tucson, AZ. and Scott Alexander of Stephenville; a daughter, Barbara Wright of Rising Star; and four grandchildren.
Memorials services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Walter Rose officiated.
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John 'Jay' Christopher Jr.
EASTLAND- John W. 'Jay' Christopher, Jr. passed away on Friday, February 25, 2005 at the age of 49.
He moved to Eastland three years ago to be with his family.
Jay is survived by his parents, John W. (Jack) and Sarah J. Christopher of Eastland; sister, brother-in-law and nephews, Kelly, Gary, Brett and Craig Lister of Eastland, and a sister and brother-in-law, Terry and Butch Morris of DeLeon.
Memorial services will be held in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
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Fred Wiesen
RANGER- Fred W. Wiesen, 81, of Ranger died on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 in Abilene.
Graveside services were held on Thursday, March 3, 2005 10 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Wiesen was born on July 30, 1923 in Dallas to Joe & Ollie (Simmons) Wiesen. He served his Country during WWII in the Army 142nd Infantry. Mr. Wiesen married Ella Nora McGraw on October 18, 1946 in Eastland. He worked as an upholsterer for many years in Ranger and in Breckenridge at Baxley Manufacturing. In recent years he worked with his son Freddy at his garage. He was a Baptist.
He is survived by his wife Ella Nora of the home, son Freddy Wiesen of Ranger, Grandson Jason Wiesen of Ranger, brothers Robert Wiesen of Odessa & Ed Wiesen of Olney, sisters Helen Donahue of Sheffield & Laura Forbes of Hurst, and several nieces & nephews.
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L. E. White, Jr.
L.E. White, Jr., 92, of Mineral Wells, went to be with the Lord Thursday, February 24, 2005 at a Mineral Wells nursing home.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 26, 2005, at Immanuel Baptist Church. Burial followed at Woodland Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or to the Samaritans Purse.
L.E. White, Jr. was born August 8, 1912 in Cottle County, to Lewis Edward and Martha Jane Hunter White. He pastored several churches in Texas and Oklahoma including 1st Baptist Church Lipan. He was also interim pastor at Soda Springs Baptist Church and Oran Baptist Church. Bro. L.E. was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church for over 30 years where he was the first senior adult pastor starting OASIS.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Zelma Biles White; daughters, Jane Alexander of Mineral Wells, Karen Donoho and husband Odis of Cisco; grandchildren, D'Lisa McIntosh of Austin, D'Lynda Jackson of Temple, D'Lora Staton of Perryton, and Chad Donoho of Cisco; 14 great grandchildren; sister, Berniece Sturdivant of Aumsville, Oregon; numerous nieces and nephews.
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Jimmy Battle
RANGER- Jimmy Will Battle, 56, of Ranger died on Sunday February 27, 2005 in Eastland.
Services were held Thursday, March 3, 2005 at 2:00 pm at St. Paul Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating, burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Battle was born on October 15, 1948 in Munich Germany to James & Jewell (Lowe) Battle. He attended school in Ranger and in his younger years worked at Adams Grocery as a butcher, most recently he worked for CMR Railroad as a crane operator. He married Phyllis Harjo on October 1, 1993 in Holdenville, OK. He was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church.
Mr. Battle is survived by his wife Phyllis of the home, children Jason, April, & Cecil of the home, sons David Battle of Gatesville, Jason Battle of Clifton, & Tim Battle of North Carolina, brother James Battle, sister Lola Douglas of Stephenville, grandchildren Tay Battle of Clifton & Tim Battle Jr. of North Carolina, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends who will miss playing dominoes with him. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Jimmy Battle Jr., daughter Tansiann Battle, and aunt Leona Battle.
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MARCH 2005
Patsy Meredith
CISCO- Patsy Darlene Meredith, 44, of Cisco passed away on March 1, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 4, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Summers-Chambers Funeral Chapel. Burial was in the Necessity Cemetery directed by Summers-Chambers Funeral Home. Larry Fitzgerald officiated.
Patsy was born January 1, 1961 to James Elliott McMullin of San Marcus, Texas and Betty Dorene McDowell of San Angelo.
She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Truman Edd Meredith, Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Truman Edd Meredith, Sr. of Abilene; two sons, Robert Pruitt and wife Barbara of Cisco and Ernest Meredith and wife Kim of Cisco; one daughter, Amy Spencer and husband Ray of Tucson, Arizona; two sisters, Shirley Meredith of Cisco and Wilma Sheldon of Oregon; two brothers, Robert McMullin of Oklahoma and Rodger McMullin of San Angelo; six wonderful grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Patsy's pallbearers will be Ernest Meredith, Robert Pruitt, Dustin Meredith, Chris Meredith, Tommy Curtis and Josh Whitehead.
Patsy was very loved and she will be missed but never forgotten.
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Martha Boone
Martha Fay Christina Boone, 83, of Gorman died at her residence on Thursday, March 3, 2005.
Services were held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Jody Forbus officiated. Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. at Vera Cemetery, Vera, Texas.
Mrs. Boone was born July 11, 1921 in Knox County, Texas. She married Hershal Harlan Boone on August 3, 1940 in Vera, Texas. He preceded her in death in November 2000. She was a homemaker and a member of the Carbon Community Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
Survivors include two sons, Harlan Hoyt Boone of Alvarado, Roger Dail Boone of Gorman; two daughters, Reda Gay Ford of Calcord, OK and Vonda Gay Streiff of Carbon; one brother, Oga D. Murphree; three sisters, Mary Barker of Perrin, Don L. Swift of Moore, OK and Wanda Lee Cox of Burkburnett; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
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Lloyd Danzeisen
Lloyd Danzeisen, 69, of Cisco, died on Wednesday, February 23, 2005, in a local hospital.
He was born on February 2, 1936, in Monroe County, Michigan to Albert and Dorothea (Lutz) Danzeisen.
The family suggests memorials made to a local humane society.
Mr. Danzeisen served two years in the United States Army. He was a dairy farmer in Tustin, Michigan for 22 years until he retired. While there he was involved in the Young Farmers and was a leader in the 4-H program. He lived in Cisco and Mineral Wella for the last years.
He is survived by three daughters, Adrianne Danzeisen-Clor of Osseo, Michigan, Allyn Sue Danzeisen of Miami Beach, Florida and Angela Danzeisen of Reed City, Michigan; his granddaughter, Courtney Causey of Reed City, Michigan and his brother, Cecil Danzeisen of Mission, Texas.
He was a member of the Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Dorothea (Lutz) Danzeisen and his brother James Danzeisen .
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
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Terry Taylor
Terry G. Taylor, 60, of Carbon, Texas died Monday, February 28, 2005 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.
The body was cremated and a memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Parker Funeral Home Chapel in Baird, Texas. Pastor Larry Gaumond officiated.
Terry was born in Longview, Texas on September 18, 1944 to Lee Everett Taylor and Agnes McEver Taylor. He had lived in Carbon since December, moving here from Houston, Texas where he lived the past 7 years. He lived in Midland, Texas prior to this for 30 years. He was employed in Law Enforcement. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a Baptist. He was a High School and College Basketball official. He married Jean Hughes in Rankin, Texas on August 2, 1964.
Survivors include his wife, Jean Taylor of Carbon; two daughters, Tammy Kidd of Dallas and Leslie Stephens of Dallas; two brothers, Bill Taylor of Midland and Jim Taylor of LaPorte, Texas; one granddaughter, Honor Kidd of Dallas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to: Houston Northwest Volunteers, Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, 17310 Rustington Drive, Spring, TX 77379.
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Troy Hightower
CISCO-Troy Hightower, 67, died Friday, March 4, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, directed by Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
Troy was born on October 30, 1937 to Oda Harrison and Annie Lee (Walters) Hightower. He married Gay Goodloe on December 1, 1961 at Abilene, Texas. They moved to Cisco in 1976. Troy owned and operated Hightower Welding Supply in Cisco for many years. He sold Health and Life Insurance and worked for Chambers-Wilcox Funeral Home. He worked for several years until his retirement in October 2000. He was on the board of Westbound Water, in Cisco.
He is survived by his wife, Gay Hightower of the home; one son, Corey Hightower and wife, Angie of Weatherford; one daughter, Vonda Stockton of Cisco; and two grandchildren, Janice Stockton and Madison Hightower.
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Annie Hughes
RANGER- Annie Lee Hughes, 85, of Ranger died Saturday March 5, 2005 in Abilene.
Services were held Tuesday, March 8, 2005, 11 a.m. at Edwards Funeral Chapel with John Hughes & Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Creek Cemetery in Avoca. The family will receive friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday from 5-7 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Hughes was born on April 17, 1919 in Spur to Newton & Barbara (Smith) King. She married Alton F. 'Pruney' Hughes in April of 1948. They came to Ranger in 1951 where they have resided since. Mrs. Hughes owned and operated Annie's Beauty Shop from her home in Ranger for many years. She was a lifelong Methodist and member of First United Methodist Church in Ranger where she was active in United Methodist Women.
She is survived by her husband Alton 'Pruney' Hughes of Ranger, brother Jack King of Trophy Club, brother-in-law & sister-in-law Cody & Clelie Thompson of Abilene, nephews Sam Hughes & wife Cassie of Abilene & John Hughes of Possum Kingdom, and a very special friend Tracey Bearden-Casey of Ranger.
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Doug Fisher
Doug Fisher passed from this life on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 in Rising Star. He was born in Brownwood on December 27, 1947. Growing up in Rising Star, he was the All-American boy. He excelled in sports, from Little League Baseball through high school football, basketball and track. He won numerous honors and awards. He loved to hunt and was very knowledgeable about the earth and nature.
After graduating from Rising Star High School, where the faculty voted him 'Most Likely to Succeed', he entered the R.O.T.C. program at Texas A & M with dreams of becoming an Air Force fighter pilot. A slight hearing loss prevented him from attaining that goal.
After leaving A&M, he pursued another life-long interest: geology, the earth, and its natural resources. He began a long career in the oil industry by becoming a drilling mud engineer for Dresser Industries. His career in the oil industry took him from the bayous of Louisiana to Oklahoma, West Texas, and the North Slope of Alaska.
In Alaska, he met his future wife, Teresa Webber. They returned to Texas and were married in 1975. They were blessed with a son, David, in 1976, and with a daughter, Melody, in 1978. Doug continued his oil-field career in Central and North Texas and Oklahoma until Teresa was stricken with cancer. He spent the last few months of her life caring for her until her death in 1990.
Doug tried working off-shore, but he wanted to spend more time with his family, so he returned to Rising Star and worked for Weakley-Watson in Brownwood. His final years were spent in Rising Star.
Doug was preceeded in death by his wife, Teresa, and his father, Art.
He is survived by his children, David, of Houston, and Melody, of Austin; his mother, Betty, of Rising Star; his brother Mike and wife Jacki, of Houston; sister Beverly Stewart and husband Mike, of DeLeon; and brother Jimmy of Rising Star. In addition, he had two nephews, two nieces, a great-nephew, two great-nieces, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
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Walter Lloyd Swint
DESDEMONA- Walter Lloyd Swint, 73, died Saturday, March 5, 2005.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2005 at Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in the Desdemona Cemetery.
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James Butler
CISCO- James Albert Butler, 70, of Cisco, died Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services were held Saturday, March 12, 2005 at 10 a.m. in the Wayside Cemetery, Eastland County, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. James Teel, Chaplin of Big Country Hospice officiated.
James was born March 1, 1935 in Trent, Texas to Claude and Grace (Pricket) Butler. He served in the United States Air Force in Korea from 1954-1958 and was a Mason. He married Betty (Alexander) Butler on June 4, 1956 in Cisco. He was an Auto Cooling System Specialist for 40 years and operated a shop in Cisco for 26 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister, Claudia Murray.
Survivors include three sons, James Richard Butler of Cisco, Billy Joe Butler and wife, Heather, of Abilene, and David Wayne Butler of Sweetwater; two brothers, Clyde Ray Butler of Sweetwater and Dale Mac Butler; one sister, Amie Price of Trent; one grandson, Jeremy McLeaish of Abilene.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Tx 79605.
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B. J. 'Buck' Anderson
CLYDE Ð B.J. 'Buck' Anderson, 96 of Clyde, died Monday, March 7, 2005 in the Rising Star Nursing Center.
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2005 at the Clyde First Baptist Church with Dr. Toby Henson and Dr. A.J. Kennamer officiating with burial to follow in the Eula Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Mr. Anderson was born February 2, 1909 in Chaves County, NM to John Washington and Emma Jean (Liston) Anderson. He married Pearl L. Landess in Roswell, NM on June 11, 1932. They moved to Clyde from Rising Star in 1993. He farmed and ranched for over 50 years in Texas before retiring and moving to Rising Star. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Clyde, the Golden K Kiwanis and the Sons of the American Revolution.
Survivors include his wife, Pearl Anderson of Clyde; two daughters-in-law Charlotte Barrett of Dallas and Cynthia Nohl of Tuscola; one grandson, Bage Anderson of Waco; one granddaughter, Amber Curry of Grand Prairie; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Holley Anderson; and two sisters, Eunice (Mugg) Brantley of Brownfield and Pearl Iles of Big Spring.
He was preceded in death by one son, Jack W. Anderson, three brothers and three sisters.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas, 79605.
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Charlton Wier
Charlton Winston Wier, 88, of Duncanville, died Monday, March 7, 2005 at his home.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2005 at Desdemona Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home of Gorman.
Mr. Wier was born May 30, 1916 in Woodsboro, Texas to Thomas Champ Wier and Lillie May (Reid) Wier. He was a retired welder and had also previously worked for Texas Electric. He was a member of the Full Gospel Church and a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and nine brothers.
He is survived by one daughter, Deborah Hines of Cleburne; two sons, Dwain Wier of Tacoma, WA and Mark Wier of Fort Worth; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
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Ada Reynolds
CISCO- Ada Frances Reynolds, 91, of Cisco, died Thursday, March 10, 2005 in Campbell Health System in Weatherford.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2005 in Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Rev. Pat Riley. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Reynolds was born to Commadore Roger and Laura Ann (Webb) White on April 16, 1913 in May, Texas. She married Raymond Clifford Reynolds on April 19, 1935 in Rising Star. She and her husband owned and operated the Truck Harbor in Cisco, they were first franchised, Chevron Dealers in Texas, and later owned R&R Wrecking in Cisco. She was a member of Order of Eastern Star Bangs Chapter #467 and First Baptist Church in Cisco.
She is survived by a niece, Frances Asley of Irving; nephews, Ivan White of Burnet, Lonnie White of Wink, Elmer Dean White and Mike White both of Kermit; great-nieces, Vicki Bolton of Weatherford, Stephanie Littlefield of Austin, Betty Cavanaugh of Houston; and great-nephew, Bill Cavanaugh of Austin; a number of great-great nieces and nephews and great-great-great nieces and nephews; and many, many friends and loved ones.
Ada or Auntie has gone to be with the Lord God and to join her loving husband R.C. Reynolds.
Pallbearers will be Corby Gibbs, Bill Cavanaugh, Marvin Bolten, Brad White, Lonnie White and Mike White.
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Odie Brightwell
GORMAN- Odie Brightwell, 104, of Gorman, died Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at Oakwood Assisted Living in Stephenville.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Gorman, grandsons Todd Ormsby, Randy Ormsby, and Larry Brightwell officiated. Burial was in the Gorman Cemetery.
Mr. Brightwell was born January 1, 1901 in Eastland County to John Thomas Brightwell and Minnie (Blair) Brightwell. He married Minnie Ola Jones on August 14, 1921 in Rails, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years in July of 1992. Mr. Brightwell retired from Mobil Oil Company after 40 years of service. He was a member of the Gorman Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, four sisters, and two grandsons.
Survivors include two sons, Tommy Brightwell of Hurst, TX and Jimmy Brightwell of Sweeny, TX; five daughters, Willa Dean Ormsby of Stephenville, Zella Mae Wright of Ballinger, Betty Ann Hale of Lake Brownwood, Minnie Beth Bryan and Myrna Sue Smith of Longview; two sisters, Zena Simpson of Gorman and Johnnie Hoover of Abilene; 24 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; and 23 great-great-grandchildren.
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Richard Cardona
Richard Wayne Cardona, 34, formerly of Grand Prairie, is now an inmate awaiting transfer to state prison to serve a (25) twenty-five year sentence for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine. Cardona was apprehended on May 18, 2004 by agents of the West Texas Interlocal Crime Task Force.
Presiding Judge Steven R. Herod sentenced Cardona to prison in the 91st District Courtroom of Eastland County on March 10, 2005 after Cardona entered a plea of guilty.
Defense Attorney Christopher Till of Comanche represented Cardona.
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Bob Shults
RISING STAR- Bob Shults, 83, of Rising Star, Texas died Saturday, March 12, 2005 at his residence.
Bob was born on January 20, 1922 in Rising Star, Texas to Cecil Gaines and Ruby (Lowry) Shults. He married Lela Mary Abernathy on May 5, 1945 in Palo Pinto, Texas. He was a Methodist. He lived in the community for 60 years.
He is survived by his wife, Lela Mary Shults of Rising Star; son, Bill Shults of Rising Star; daughter, Mari Tolbert of Lancaster, TX; 3 grandchildren, Stacie Shults, Kristopher Wheat, Krystal Wheat; 5 great-grandchildren, Robert Wheat, Kristen Wheat, Joseph Tolbert, Tatum Love, Tyler Wylie.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Dick Williams officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge.
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George Wilcox
George T. Wilcox, 82, died Sunday, March 13, 2005 at his residence.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Revs. Bob Cheek and Ron Adrian officiated. Burial was in the Plum Branch Cemetery, directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
He was born on March 16, 1922 in Eastland, Texas to parents George T. Wilcox and Della Woods Wilcox. He married Merle Chalker on June 23, 1953 in Cisco. He had been an oilfield roustabout and a livestock order buyer. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cisco and a U.S. Army Veteran of WW II.
He is survived by his wife, Merle Wilcox of Breckenridge; one daughter, Jana Owensby and husband Randy of Big Spring; 3 sons, J.T. Wilcox and wife Nancy of Amarillo, John Wilcox and wife Kathy of Burnet, and Jim Wilcox and wife, Judy of Breckenridge; one brother, Morris Wilcox of Tucumcari, New Mexico; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and two sisters.
Memorials may be made to the Hendrick Hospice Care or to Meals on Wheels or a favorite charity.
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Charles Kinder
RANGER- Charles Kinder, 71, of Ranger died Friday, March 11, 2005 at his residence.
Services were held Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jerry Speer officiated. Burial followed at the Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Kinder was born on December 19, 1934 in Marion, IN. to Charles M. and Edith (Turner) Kinder. He served his country in the Army. He married Josie L. Lowe on December 31, 1985 in Denver, CO. He worked for Denver Boneless Beef for 30+ years and moved to Ranger in 1999 from DuPont, CO. He enjoyed restoring old tractors and got much satisfaction from helping others. He was affiliated with the Church of God.
Survivors are his wife, Josie Kinder of the home; son, Randy Kinder of Edmond, OK; daughter, Deborah Cuguini of La Plata, NM; step-son, Johnny Johnston of Ranger; sister, Ellen Hamilton of Commerce City, CO; grandchildren, Richard Seyfried of Bend, OR., Jason Kinder of Norman, OK., Christopher Kinder of Edmond, OK, Crystal and Brooke Johnston of Denver, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Elmer Brown
FORT WORTH - Elmer Arthur Brown, 90, retired athletic trainer for Texas Christian University from 1951 until 1977, died Thursday, March 10, 2005.
Funeral was held 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2005 at University Baptist Church.
Burial was in Greenwood Memorial Park.
Memorials can be made in lieu of flowers, donations are to be made to the Elmer A. Brown Scholarship Fund, TCU Box 297045, Fort Worth, Texas 76129.
Honorary pallbearers were members of the Texas Christian University Athletic Department.
Elmer was born Oct. 15, 1914, in Gorman. He graduated from Eastland High School in Eastland, and received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from The University of North Texas in Denton. Elmer and his identical twin brother, Delmer, were high school and college track stars at Eastland High and at The University of North Texas. They qualified for the United States Olympic track team and were scheduled to go to the 1940 Olympic games before the United States entered World War II. His name is one of the most respected in the athletic training profession. He developed the safety mouthpiece and other devices currently utilized by most athletes participating in any contact sport. Past-president of the Southwest Trainers Association and past director of the National Trainers Association, he was inducted into the Helms Athletic Foundation Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame in 1970. He received the coveted Royal Purple award from Texas Christian University in 1977. He served with the Oil Bowl in Wichita Falls for 25 years, lectured on numerous occasions at the Texas High School Coaching Association School, served as head trainer for the 1956 summer Olympic team, and during the summers of 1975 and 1976, he lectured for the U.S. Air Force at United States bases throughout Europe. He helped develop the Taiwanese sports medicine program for the government of Taiwan. His most recent awards include induction into the Texas Christian University Living Legends Hall of Fame and the Athletic Hall of Fame at the University of North Texas.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline, in 1999.
Survivors include daughters, Carolyn Cropper of Midland and Nancy Keisler of Richards; grandchildren, John Clayton Campbell of Arlington, Caroline Elizabeth Truemper of Wabash, Ark. and Dr. Charles Austin Cropper of Galveston; five great-grandchildren; and his dear friend, Elsie Lewis.
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Marguerite Keown
KELLER- Marguerite Terry Keown, 95, died Friday, March 11, 2005 in Keller.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at New Gordon Cemetery in Gordon, Texas. Rev. Gene Ratcliff officiated. Arrangement were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Marguerite was born on January 6, 1910 in Dennis, TX to James Everett and Minnie L. (Waldrom) Terry. She married Lee Keown in December of 1936 in Mineral Wells. She worked as an executive secretary to the Vice President of Lone Star Gas in Dallas for 35 years and she was a Methodist.
Mrs. Keown was preceded in death by her husband Lee Keown; brother, John A. Terry; three sisters, Mary Eunice Terry Ramsey, Annie Vera Terry Lewis, and Dorothy Terry Bingaman.
We are blessed to have worked with the Samaritan Care Hospice during the past week for their comfort, compassion, and quality of care in assisting Marguerite and the family.
She is survived by a nephew, Paul Terry Bingaman of Western Australia; two nieces, Marianne Ramsey Benutto of Ohio and Carolyn Ramsey Gilbert of Fort Worth; and many cousins.
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Fred Stovall
MORAN- Fred Stovall, 70, died Saturday, March 12, 2005 in an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the Baptist Church of Moran, Rev. Roscoe Seay officiated. Interment followed in Moran Cemetery directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Mr. Stovall was born on August 19, 1934 in Waxahachie, Texas. He was married on March 20, 1957 to Margie Lee Powell in Salsbury, Maryland. He was an electrician for Koch Oil Company for 23 years. For the last 11 years, Mr. Stovall has owned and operated Stovall Electric. Fred served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Breckenridge chapter of B.P.O.E.
Survivors include wife, Margie Stovall; four children, Clarence E. Stovall of Eunice, N.M., Mark E. Stovall of Ada, OK., Dennis L. Stovall of Cisco, and Margie E. Mosher of Breckenridge; one sister, Glynda Sanders of Dell City; nine grandchildren, Kimberly York of Moran, Nicholas, Aaron, Brittany, and Justin Stovall, all of Ada, OK., Darla Koger of Cisco, Brandon Olsen of Cisco, Curtis Stovall of Cisco, LaTisha McCullough of Breckenridge; three great-grandchildren, Jonathan McIntosh, Cody Rucker, and Andrew McCullough.
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Petra Salinas
CISCO- Petra Salinas, 78, of Cisco, died Monday, March 14, 2005 in Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Rosary services were held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Oakwood Cemetery.
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Erna Gunning
CISCO- Erna Lieske Carroll Gunning, 89, died Sunday, March 13, 2005 at her sisterÕs home in Cisco.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery, Jeremy Howard officiated, directed by Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
Erna was born in Eastland County on October 3, 1915, the oldest daughter of Lee and Lula (McSpadden) Leiske. She attended school in the German Lutheran community south of Cisco and was a member of the Pleasant Hill girlÕs basketball team.
She married Michie Carroll in Cisco in 1935. The couple had one daughter, China. The family lived in Cisco, Bradenton, Florida, and Big Spring. Erna returned to Cisco in the mid-1980Õs to help care for her elderly parents. She married Edward Gunning of El Paso. Erna was active in St. Paul Lutheran Church in Big Spring, where she taught Sunday School and played the organ. She delighted in growing flowers which she provided for worship services. She later joined the Assembly of God Church in Big Spring.
Erna was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Albert Lieske; and her younger sister, Adaline Speir.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, China and Frank Long of Kerrville; two sisters, Dorothy Stephens of Cisco and Ida Metcalf of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Leslie and Mike Hudson of Austin and Lisa Long of Houston; two nephews; three nieces; and three great-grandchildren.
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Jane Barham
Jane Barham, 98, died Monday, March 14, 2005 at a Stephenville nursing home.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 17, 2005 at Lacy Funeral Home Chapel in Stephenville. Rev. Emil V. Becker officiated. Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. at Eastland Cemetery in Eastland, TX. Lacy Funeral Home of Stephenville was in charge of arrangements.
She was born December 16, 1906 to Clyde H. and Ada B. (Richards) Yeagers in Salem, West Virginia. She married Ray H. Barham. He preceded her in death on February 9, 1984.
She was a member of Harvey Baptist Church. She was a former member of Ladies Auxiliary Volunteers at Harris Methodist Hospital Erath Co. and a 50 year member of Order of Eastern Star.
She was was a retired real estate salesperson for Century 21 at Stephenville, TX.
Survivors are two sisters, Nellie R. Putnam and Marjorie Murray both of Fort Worth; and several nieces and nephews.
On-line condolences may be made at www.lacy funeralhome.com
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Flora McCanlies
CISCO- Flora McCanlies, 86, of Cisco died Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 18, 2005 at First United Methodist Church, Rev. John Beckling officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. McCanlies was born in Cisco on December 31, 1918 to John Richard and Ida Corinne (Stansell) Bacon. She married Jim Bob McCanlies on March 28, 1938 in Palo Pinto. She was a homemaker and a member of the 20th Century Club, DAR and Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church.
She is survived by sons, John H. McCanlies of Cisco and Pat McCanlies of Kaplan, Louisiana; a daughter, Julie White of Krugerville; grandchildren, Julianne Masterson of Carrollton, Johnny McCanlies of Lubbock, Jimmy McCanlies of Katy; great-grandchildren, Chase McCanlies, Haleigh McCanlies, Jacob McCanlies, Rick McCanlies, Cora Lee McCanlies, Jaxon McCanlies, Nicholas Masterson; step grandchildren, Stephanie Terry, Cedric Richard and Jill White; step great-grandchildren, Gabbi Terry and Phillip Terry III.
Pallbearers were Royce Darr, Mike Bacon, Bill Midkiff, Don Wallace, Cedric Richard and Steve Coleman.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Cisco Public Library.
Shirley Campbell, 59, of Cisco died at her home Thursday, March 17, 2005.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Campbell was born in Boerne, Texas to Leslie Curtis and Annie Elizabeth (Smith) Horton on November 23, 1945. She married Kenneth Campbell in 1967 in Abilene, Texas. She worked as seamstress for Eastlander Design.
She was preceded in death by a son, Tracy Maddox.
She is survived by her husband Kenneth of Cisco; daughter, Sherry Wright of Flower Mound; sons, Ron Maddox of Ranger, Kenneth Askew and Thomas Campbell both if Cisco; brother, Curtis Horton of Brady; sister, Betty Maddox of Rochelle; and 8 grandchildren.
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David Arnold
CISCO- David L. Arnold, 50, of Cisco died at his home Friday, March 18, 2005.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Atwell Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Arnold was born July 9, 1953 in Colby, Kansas to Robert Dean and Shirley (Wilson) Arnold. He married Alice Peters on March 17, 1974 in Colby, Kansas; she preceded him in death on August 8, 2000. He worked as a diesel mechanic for United Energex, Inc.
He is survived by a daughter, Stephanie Miller of Breckenridge; step-daughters, Ona Lopez and husband Hector of Cisco, Elizabeth Anderson and husband Alan of Lincoln, Nebraska, Barbara Sonsteng and husband Lewis of Plainville, Kansas; step-son, Stephen Richards of Maypearl; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
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Johnie Webb
Johnie Ruth Webb, 87, died Thursday, March 17, 2005 in Abilene at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 21, 2005 at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church , Rev. Jack Ridlehoover and Roy Lee Williams officiated. Burial was in the Putnam Cemetery directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
She was born the daughter of Alice Mae (Lawson) and J.B. Eubank in Putnam on May 12, 1917. She moved from Putnam to Sundown, later to Whiteface, and finally to Ranger, where she lived for 10 years before moving to Abilene in 1959.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell F. Webb; and nine sisters.
Survivors include a son, David Webb of Abilene; a daughter, Glenda Eubanks of Abilene; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church 701 S. Pioneer Drive, Abilene, Tx 79605 or the donorÕs favorite charity of choice.
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Gladys Bradford
STRAWN- Gladys Bradford, 92 of Strawn died Thursday, March 17, 2005 at her home. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2005 in Mt. Marion Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
Gladys was born on August 7, 1912 in Palo Pinto County to Arthur and Leilah (Reid) Bridier. She married Bently Franklin ÒBenÓ Bradford on October 5, 1937 in Eastland, Texas and he preceded her in death on November 19, 1973. She worked for a café for a little while but mostly was a housewife and mother. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Strawn for 67 years. Gladys was an over 50 year member of the Strawn Eastern Star Chapter #361. Gladys was well known for her unselfish nature. She cared for her son until he passed away in 1993 but she also cared for other family and friends. It was not unusual to see her in her bonnet picking up pecans or cans or doing yard work at her home even in her 80Õs. She was well known also for never meeting a stranger. She will be missed.
Gladys is survived by a brother D. B. Bridier and wife Fay of Willow Park, Tx. Numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. And host of friends that have pre-deceased her including Lois Wilson.
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Glenn Gray, Jr.
EASTLAND-Glenn Russell Gray, Jr., 59, of Eastland, Texas passed away, March 18, 2005.
Graveside funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2005 under the direction of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home. Interment was held at the Eastland Cemetery with Jim Andrews officiating.
Russell was born January 27, 1946 in Ranger, Texas. He was a lifelong resident of Eastland County. He was a retired nursing home administrator. He was also a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland.
He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn Russell Gray; and a child, Jason Neal Gray.
Survivors include his son Braston Gray of Bangs; his mother, Bettie Gray; a brother and sister-in-law, Nathan and Jackie Kidd; his aunts, Mildred Squires, Vivian Kile, and Anna Mae Sharp; and two nephews, Michael and Nate Kidd, all of Eastland.
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Bonnie McCleskey
Bonnie McCleskey died Sunday morning, March 20, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.
She was born April 28, 1920 in Dothan, Texas, the ninth of fourteen children. She lived most of her life in Eastland County. She married George Lauderdale McCleskey of Ranger on July 3, 1941.
After her husband was killed in action in WW II, she raised her daughter Georgia Kaye in Cisco alone, with the help of the large extended family.
She was preceded in death by parents Daniel Luther and Lilly Lucretia (Stephens) Donaway, husband, George McCleskey, daughter, Georgia Kaye Smith; five sisters and four brothers.
She is survived by sisters Ida Hazlewood of Dothan and Oleta Hale of Cisco; brothers, Harlan Eugene Donaway of Odessa and Gordon Donaway of Dothan; son-in-law Homer Smith of Houston; granddaughters, Stacey Smith McIlroy and husband, Charles McIlroy of Weatherford and Margaret Smith Gonzales and husband, Mark Gonzales of Sugarland; great-grandchildren, Margaret Abigail McIlroy, Danile Wilson McIlroy, Jake Wilson Gonzales of Sugarland; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Duane Hale of Cisco.
Bonnie was a seamstress, working at the Cisco glove factory for a time, and she enjoyed sewing and quilting at her home. She was a member of the Cisco Church of Christ.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at I-20 Church of Christ, officiated by Rev. Gary Turner and Larry Fitzgerald. Eulogy was by Harold Reese. Burial was in Dothan Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home in Cisco.
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Louise Maltby
DESDEMONA- Louise Maltby, 84, of Desdemona died Saturday, March 19, 2005 at a Mansfield hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at Desdemona Church of Christ. Mitchell Greer officiated. Burial was in Desdeona Cemetery directed by Nowlin Funeral Home of DeLeon.
She was born August 10, 1920 in Lockney, Texas to the late Benjamin Perry Pace and Artie Watson Pace. She was a homemaker, former employee of Sewing factories in Dublin, Eastland and Stephenville; a resident of Desdemona since 1963. She was a member of Desdemona Church of Christ.
She married Glenn Maltby on August 25, 1940 in Alice, Texas.
Survivors are two sons, James Maltby and Ken Maltby both of Desdemona; two daughters, Glenda Sharp of Taft and Beverly Majors Smith of Niceville, Florida; sister, Billie Short of Harper, Kansas; 9 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Maltby in 1986; one brother, James Pace; two sisters, Jo Dell Carter and Doris Reed; one great-grandson, Nicholas Maltby.
Pallbearers were Brian Majors, Steven Majors, Lance Maltby, Chris Sharp, Jeff Anderson and Pete Anderson.
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Lee Hardin
Lee Wayne Hardin, 80, died in Denver City, Texas on March 16, 2005.
Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church of Denver City on Friday, March 18, 2005 with Rev. Phillip Golden officiating. Burial was in Denver City Memorial Park in Yoakum County.
He was born in Abilene to Rev. A. C. (Altie) and Florris McCord Hardin on November 4, 1924.
Lee Wayne is survived by his wife, Ann, whom he had been married to for 57 years, three sons, Terry Hardin and Norman Hardin of Carbon, Gary Hardin of Denver City, and a daughter Karen Tovar of Denver City. Six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters also survive. A brother, Dalton Hardin of Knox city, and a sister, Maxine Gressett of Midland survive. He was preceded in death by his parents of Pleasant Hill Community in Eastland County and two sisters, Loma Beth Buck and Estelle Stewart both buried in Midland.
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Kathleen Martin
EASTLAND- Kathleen Martin, 80, of Eastland, died Monday, March 21, 2005, at the Valley View Healthcare Center in Eastland.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Jim Andrews officiated. Interment was in Florida.
Mrs. Martin was born April 5, 1924 in Dothan, Alabama to Robert E. and Willie Mae (Davidson) Bell. She married George H. Martin on May 5, 1940 in Vernon, Florida. He preceded her in death on October 31, 1980. She had been a cook, as well as a patient care technician for nursing homes. She had lived in Eastland for the last 13 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Margaret Miller; brother, Kenneth Bell; and grandson, Curtis D. Williams.
Survivors include three children, Helen Williams and husband Howard of Bonifay, Florida, Lynn Wilkey and husband, Bill of Marietta, S.C., and Ann Koonce and husband Joe of Eastland; a brother, Thomas Bell of DeFuniak Springs, Florida; two sisters, Louise Smith of DeFuniak Springs, FL. and Carolyn Coatney of Ponce de Leon, FL.; six grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorias may be made to Girling Hospice, Bethel Baptist Church, or Valley View Healthcare Center.
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Lester Linney
Lester E. Linney, 94, of Rising Star, Texas died Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at his home surrounded by his family.
Lester was born on August 20, 1912 at Coke County, Texas to Richard Alanzo and Ellen Louiza (Millican) Linney. He married Jewel Kinsey on October 31, 1934 in Midland, Texas.
Lester is survived by two sons, L.J. Linney and Billy Don ÔBudÕ Linney both of Rising Star; five daughters, Barbara White of Rising Star, Caroline S. Chambers of Brownwood, Sandra Hutton of Rising Star, Debra Chambers of May, TX, Patricia Hutton of Rising Star; three sisters, Bertha Strawman of Sweetwater, Nora Mae Hale of Midland, and Mary Lou Allen of Washington State; 24 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jewel Linney, 3 sons, Ervin Dale, Lonnie Ray, Audrey Gale Linney; one daughter, Peggy Lynn Roan; two brothers, Turney and Roy Linney.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2005 at First Baptist Church with Terry Simmons officiating. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star.
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Janice Jones
Janice Carlene Graves Jones a graduate of Cisco High School passed away in Hillsboro on November 21, 2004, after a lengthy illness.
Memorial services were held Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.
She is the daughter of the late Carl and Hattie Mae Graves.
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Elgie Crisp
RISING STAR- Come and help us celebrate the life of Elgie McCoy (Pappy) Crisp, born November 16, 1913, who passed way, March 22, 2005.
Elgie was married to his wife Melba Maxine Crisp on May 11, 1932 in Sipe Springs, Texas. They enjoyed 69 wonderful years together before Maxine passed away on May 7, 2001.
Elgie was a man of many accomplishments. He owned and successfully operated one of the first and last full service gas stations in Rising Star for over 30 years. He also served on the City Council for a number of years. He was instrumental in the founding of the Rising Star Nursing Home and Housing Project. He was also a member of the Rising Star Baptist Church.
The loss of this fine, caring man will be felt not only by his family, but by all whom he came in contact with.
He will be dearly miss by his son, Joe F. Crisp and wife Linda of Abilene; daughter, Carolyn and husband Jim Wilson of Cross Plains; two sisters, Juanita Holtzclaw and Vera Beth Young; four sisters-in-law, Peggy and husband, Glen Winfrey, Eula Grisham, Juanita and husband, Leo Gann, and Lola Hageman; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. at the Rising Star Baptist Church on Friday, March 25, 2005. Arrangements were by Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star.
Pallbearers were Joe Wayne Crisp, Brent Wilson, Travis Wilson, Vance Wilson, Bob Winfrey and Mike Winfrey. Honorary pallbearer was Todd Crisp.
Elgie will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
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James Ratliff
RANGER- James Wilson Ratliff, 82, of Ranger died Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at Eastland.
Services were held Friday, March 25, 2005 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Rev. Jerry Speer and Rev. Paul Stephen, II officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
James was born on June 16, 1922 in Ranger to A.J. and Myrtie (Wilson) Ratliff. He graduated from Ranger High School in 1940 and attended John Tarleton Agricultural College in Stephenville from 1941-42 where he was known as ÒStumpyÓ Ratliff and was active in the Silver Keys Club and T.T.P. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WW II where he served 3 & 1/2 years in the South Pacific. After the war he returned to Ranger to operate the family business Ratliff Feed Store that was in operation from 1919 to 1984; and he later owned and operated Ratliff Real Estate.
James married Jean Jones in Fort Worth on November 22, 1946. He enjoyed many hobbies including raising Registered Angus Cattle for many years. He was active in his community serving on many boards. He devoted time and effort as a Ranger City Commissioner, member Ranger Chamber of Commerce, Ranger Jr. College Board of Regents, director First State Bank of Ranger, Eastland County Water Supply District, President of Texas Turkey Federation in 1962, Ranger Independent School District School Board Member when the Ranger Bulldogs won the state football championship, and a 50 year member of the Ranger Masonic Lodge #738.
James is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean Ratliff of Ranger; son, A.J. Ratliff of Ranger; daughter, Annabelle Allen of Abilene.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 155, Ranger, TX 76470.
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Howard 'Jack' Veal
RANGER - Howard W. "Jack 
" Veal, 72, of Ranger died Tuesday, March 22, 2005 in an Abilene hospital after a lengthy illness.
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2005 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Ronnie Guess officiating. Burial followed in the Alameda Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Jack was born on June 7, 1932 in Parker County, Texas to Ralph Wallace and Edith Gertrude (Burns) Veal. He was a graduate of Mineral Wells High School and attended Lee College and San Jacinto College, receiving a Bachelor of ScienceÕs Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Jack entered the United States Air Force in 1952 where he learned all about flight simulators, he was discharged in 1956. He married Launette Shook on June 26, 1956 in North Richland Hills, Texas. They lived in several different locations returning to Ranger for a brief time while his children attended school. They moved to Houston where Jack went to work for Continental Airlines as a flight simulator engineer for 12 years until he retired in 1998. He moved back to Ranger and had his own electric service company VealÕs Electric and was also elected Police Com-missioner for one term. Jack was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge AF & AM #738 of Ranger. He was also a member of the Calvary Baptist Church of Mineral Wells.
Survivors include his wife Launette Veal of Ranger; sons Donny Veal and wife Linda of San Marcus, Jimmy Veal and wife Ilo of Splendora; sister Barbara Jean Ainsworth of Ranger; six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; numerous nieces and nephews.
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Billy Rollins
RANGER- Billy Richard Rollins, 67, of Ranger died Thursday, March 24, 2005 in Eastland Memorial Hospital. He had a long, hard, painful fight with cancer.
Billy was born in Mustang, TX on April 11, 1937 to Ethel (Ownes) and Ernest Rollins. His family moved to Denton when he was 5. Attending the Denton Public Schools he was very active in sports.
In 1953, he joined the U.S. Navy and served 9 1/2 years as a Destroyer Sailor. In harms way many times, he was in 48 different countries during his Navy career. He served on the USS Cogsdell and Willard Keith.
He received his BS, MS and Ph.D. from Columbia University, majoring in Political Science. This was a goal he achieved after retirement from the business world where he was a Carrier Air Conditioning Dealer most of his life.
Billy loved to be with family, but if you asked him he would tell you he loved equally well being with his old friends that he grew up with from very early years. These many friends are all still close today.
Billy and wife Nancy moved to Ranger after retirement and raised Beefmaster cattle.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Rollins of Ranger; sisters, Betty McKelvy of Azle and Lucy Lewis and husband Bill of Saginaw; six girls, Becky Ikerd and husband Bob of Lipan, Laurie McDaniel of Garland, Lisa Rollins of Tennessee, Renee Rollins of Duncanville, Jennifer Rollins of Carrollton and Jessica Rollins of Lewisville; six grandchildren, Isabella Maria, Alyssa, Joanie, Don and Becca. He had many cousins and many, many friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas. Burial was at Belew Cemetery in Aubrey.
Billy is finally without pain and suffering and is in the arms of our Lord. He will be missed by many.
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Ann Atchley
CISCO- Ann Hennington Atchley, 69, of Cisco died Thursday, March 24, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2005 at I-20 Church of Christ, Larry Fitzgerald officiating. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Atchley was born February 28, 1936 in Gatesville, TX. to Lester Lee and Alyne (Fowler) Wiggins. She worked at Eastland Memorial Hospital and was a member of I-20 Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death on January 13, 1978 by her husband Elson (Shorty) Hennington. She later married Sheridan (Kelly) Atchley who preceded her in death in 1991. She was also preceded in death by her son, Gregory James Hennington and a brother, Bruce Wiggins.
She is survived by her son, Vance Hennington and wife Sherry of Cisco; sister, Marjorie Novalyne Carter of Cisco; grandchildren, Vance Lee Hennington, Jr. of Lubbock, Leisa DeAnn Barcelo and husband, Christopher of Abilene, Lindsey LeAnn Hennington of Cisco; great-grandchildren, Leah Danielle Gomez and Joshua Grant Hennington both of Cisco.
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Sara Holder
STRAWN- Sara Frances Jones Holder 75, a proud mother and grandmother, died Monday, March 28, 2005, at the Palo Pinto General Hospital in Mineral Wells, Texas. Services will be 2 PM March 30, 2005 Wednesday in the First Presbyterian Church of Strawn. Burial will be in the Mt. Marion Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Sara was born on March 29, 1929 in Strawn, Texas. She was a 1947 graduate of Strawn High School, and she also attended Draughon's Business School in Abilene. She married Mitchell Holder on July 4, 1952, at the First Presbyterian Church in Strawn. She was employed throughout her life at Strawn Security Bank, First National Bank, Stuart Nursery, and the Strawn Tribune, where she wrote items for the weekly paper. Sara was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Strawn, where she played piano for Sunday school and church. She spent most of her life as a homemaker and loving mother to four sons.
Sara was preceded in death by her husband Mitchell Holder; her son Howard Holder; a grandson Joshua Holder; two brothers, H. D. and Ray Jones and her parents Rosie and Ben Jones.
Survivors include sons, Alvin Holder and wife Sherri of Lubbock, Richard Holder and wife Sherri of Gordon, Larry Holder of Stephenville and fiancée Margie Edwards of Clifton. Daughter-in-law Sandy Holder of Strawn and grandchildren, Chad and Rachel Holder of Lubbock and many cherished family members and friends.
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Sybil Boyd
CISCO- Sybil Chrystene Boyd, 66, of Cisco, died Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, officiated by Rev. Thelma Hostetter, under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Boyd was born August 10, 1938 in Ranger, Texas to Lester and Marie Joyce (Ingle) Brown. She married Donald Wayne Boyd on March 21, 1958 in Cisco. He preceded her in death on July 29, 1999. She was an LVN and was a member of Victory Assembly Church.
She is survived by sons, Derryl Wayne Boyd, Gary Don Boyd and wife Teresa, Carter Joe Boyd and wife Lorie all of Cisco; brothers, Doug Brown of Mineral Wells, Lester Brown and Larry Brown both of Louisville, Kentucky; sisters, Oveda Lee and husband James of Clyde, Gayle Baker of Fort Worth and Debra West of Cisco; grandchildren, Wendy Linam, Terry Boyd, Krista Boyd, Justin Boyd, Dana Boyd, Sara Boyd and Shelby Boyd; great-grandchildren, Blake Linam, Cameron Linam and Allison Linam.
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Jack Bradford
EASTLAND- Jack Bradford, 79, of Eastland, Texas died Tuesday, March 29, 2005.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 1, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was held at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, Harry Garvin officiated.
Jack Bradford was born in Strawn, Texas on August 7, 1925 to Nathaniel and Lelia Bradford. Mr. Bradford graduated from Strawn High School and served in the United States Navy in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946.
Mr. Bradford married Doris Wheeler August 19, 1947. He attended Ranger Junior College. He worked in the oilfield and retired at age 55. He and Doris moved to Lake Leon in 1990. His hobbies were fishing, gardening, keeping his yard beautiful and being such a loving husband to his wife. He was a member of Lake Leon Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife Doris; daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Darold Davies of Cisco; daughter, Cathy Bradford McAnally of Midland; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Linda Bradford of Kermit; seven grandchildren, Jodye and Charles Grissom of Paris, TX, Traci and Ken Drozeski of Dublin, Gary Bradford, Jr. of Kermit, Justen and Sky Bradford of Kermit, Brad McAnally of Dallas, Chris McAnally of Midland, and Zachary McAnally of Midland; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Margie Ruth Bradford who could not attend the services as she is in a nursing home in Fort Worth. He is also survived by several sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Bradford was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dale and Lee Bradford.
Pallbearers were Billy Jack and Larry Wheeler, Brad and Chris McAnally, Rick and Danny Cox, Gary and Justen Bradford. Honorary pallbearers were Ken Drozeski, Jeff Lajoie, Charles Grissom and Billy Frank Wheeler.
Dad's motto in life was: You gotta play the cards you are dealt.
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Olivia Hallett
Olivia Housson Hallett, 82, of Fort Worth, died Friday, April 1, 2005 at her home.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 4, 2005 at WhiteÕs Chapel of Memories.
Burial followed at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Olivia was born August 29, 1922, in Hemphill, to Joe and Bessie Shirley Housson. She graduated from John Sealy School of Nursing in Galveston where she received her Registered Nurse Degree. Olivia worked at All Saints Episcopal Hospital for over 22 years, attaining the position of Head Nurse of a medical/surgical unit. She loved animals, cooking, and was proud of her vegetable garden. Olivia was a member of South Cliff Baptist Church where she was a member of the "Saints Alive Choir" and enjoyed her Bible study class. She admired her father, loved her mother, two brothers, Joseph and J.B., her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Her beloved family son, Paul Hallett of Austin; daughters, JoAnn Butler of Weatherford, Nancy Fowler of Denton, Mary Arnold of Abilene; grandson, Hayden Arnold of Abilene; granddaughters, Holly King of Chicago, Ill, Amy Butler of Weatherford, Kathlyn Fowler of Dallas, Lydia Fowler of Denton, Jessica Arnold of Abilene; great grandsons, Zackery Butler of Weatherford and Abe Lowder of Missoula, MT; great granddaughters, Meghan Butler of Weatherford and Grace Lowderof Missoula, MT; brothers, Joseph Housson of Eastland and J.B. Housson of Ganada; and many nieces and nephews who were dear to her.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3301 West Frwy, Ft. Worth, TX 76107 or to a Humane Society of your choice.
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Ethel Plank
EASTLAND- Ethel Junaita Mangum Plank of Buffalo Gap, Texas passed away Sunday morning, April 3, 2005 in an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, April 6, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Murray Cemetery in Carbon directed by Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
Juanita was born September 20, 1921, the daughter of Franklin and Minnie Pearl Mangum in Carbon. She graduated from Carbon High School in 1938. She married R.W. Bunton in 1940 and soon after moved to Texas City. She was employed by Knuckles Grocery Store as a cashier and a bookkeeper, Rainbow CafeÕ and several years at The Lipton Tea Plant in Galveston. While married to R.W. Bunton they had one son, Ray E. Bunton. She later married Christian Plank in 1963. They lived in Alta Loma and Texas City, Texas for 35 years before moving to Buffalo Gap in 1994. Christian passed away in 1995. She was a life long Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands, parents and four brothers, Woodrow, Maurice, Coy and Rex Mangum.
She is survived by her son, Rayburn E. Bunton, four grandsons, Joseph W., John R., Brian E. and Jacob E. Bunton and six great-grandchildren; also four nephews and one niece, Donald, Robert, Lewis, Coy Jr. and Doris Mangum.
She will be dearly missed.
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Bobbie Franklin
EASTLAND- Bobbie Lou Fisher Sullivent Franklin passed from this life April 2, 2005 in El Paso, TX.
She was born May 8, 1933 to Blanche and Pat Fisher.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her mother Jean Fisher, her husband Billie Sullivent, and her daughter Betty Sullivent Wilson.
Survivors include her husband, Clarence Franklin of El Paso; her children, Irene Sullivent of Boyd, David and Rebecca Sullivent of Eastland, Sandy and Don Sumner of Las Cruces, NM, John and Patty Franklin of El Paso and Jack and Debbie Franklin of El Paso; three brothers, Jerry and Esther Fisher of San Antonio, Jack and Rita Fisher of Abilene, and Sandy and Tina Fisher of Arlington; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held Wednesday, April 6, 2005 from 6-8 p.m. at the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2005 at the Summer-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Eastland Cemetery with Jimmy Maples officiating.
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Alfred Beavers
HOUSTON- Alfred Beavers died Sunday, April 3, 2005 at his home.
Services were held in Houston at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and services at Dodson Prairie will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2005 in the St. Boniface Catholic Church at Dodson Prairie Community. Burial will be in Dodson Prairie Cemetery following military honors under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
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Ellen Box
SULPHUR, LA- Ellen Box, of Sulphur, LA, died Saturday, April 2, 2005 in Sulphur.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at Alameda Cemetery, Stan Harvey officiated. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
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Genevive Ford
PECOS- Genevive Ford, 89, of Pecos, died Sunday, April 3, 2005.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2005 at Mt. Marion Cemetery in Strawn with Deacon Reuben Casteneda officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn, TX.
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Charlesy Charles
LAKE PALO PINTO- Charlesy Charles, 72, died Monday, April 5, 2005 in a Stephenville hospital.
Graveside services were held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2005 at the New Gordon Cemetery, Rev. O.A. McBrayer and Rev. Gene Ratcliff officiated. Burial was under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
Mrs. Charles was born on March 24, 1933 in Winters, Texas to Thomas A. and Elmina E. Williams Morgan. She married George S. Charles on January 7, 1950 in Fort Worth. He preceded her in death on October 7, 2001. She worked as an office manager for a boat plant and for Leonard Brothers Department Store as a sales clerk. She moved to Lake Palo Pinto in 1968 and was a full time housewife and mother.
Survivors include her son, Roy Charles and wife Charla of Gordon and numerous friends.
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Gordon Clark
EASTLAND- Gordon Stanley Clark, 82, of Eastland, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2005 in Fort Worth.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2005 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
A family meal was served at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Harmony Baptist Church in Morton Valley.
Mr. Clark was born on June 6, 1922 in New Cumberland, West Virginia. He spent most of his childhood in East Liverpool, Ohio. As a teenager, he moved to California, where he graduated from high school. As a youth and after the war, he enjoyed playing the accordion.
He married Mary Jo Langlitz on June 27, 1942 in Arizona. Gordon served in the U.S. Navy where during the battle of Guadyl Canal, he was hit by a grenade and lost a hand and eye. Recovering from his injuries, he moved to Eastland and worked in a service station and started his family.
In 1950 he graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Agriculture Education and began work at the VeteranÕs Agriculture School in Weatherford.
He was a mentor to many friends, his children, and youth. He served as a deacon at Harmony Baptist Church and taught Sunday School and R.A.Õs. He was a prolific writer, having written hundreds of letters to newspapers, poems, essays, short stories, and four or more books.
He was preceded in death by 2 brothers.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo Clark of Eastland; children, Kurt Clark and his wife Karan of Abilene, Mary Margaret Clark of Eastland, Cathy Dudley of Abilene, Richard Clark and his wife Heidi of Eastland; a brother, Paul Clark of San Diego, CA; grandchild, Monica Kapitan; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Hailey Clark and Johnathan, Theresa and Justin Kapitan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Nina Eaker
Nina Anita Eaker, 86, died Monday, April 4, 2005 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
Her body was cremated and no services are planned at this time. Arrangements were under the direction of Summers-Chambers Funeral Home of Cisco.
Mrs. Eaker was born on May 5, 1918 in Concho County, Texas to Houston and Nellie Cora (Langehenning) Blair. She married Benjamin Eaker on November 23, 1936 at Odonald, Texas. He preceded her on June 27, 2003.
They moved to Cisco in 1952 from Seagraves, Texas and lived there until 1958 when they moved to Lake Buchanan until her husbands retirement in 1980 in which they then returned to Cisco.
She is survived by one son, Herman Eaker of Cisco; one daughter, Barbara Fox of Round Rock; one sister, Linny Roofer; four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
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Mary Williams
Mary E. McMullen Williams, 95, of Gorman died Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at the DeLeon Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Durwood Webb officiated, assisted by Doyle Corder and Bryan Borden. Interment was at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Williams was born March 5, 1910 in Comanche County to the late Dennis Hodges and Mary (Wright) Hodges. She married Archie McMullen in 1925 in Comanche County. He preceded her in death in 1961. She later married Jay Williams in 1963 in Gorman. He preceded her in death in 1994. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by one brother and six sisters.
Survivors include a daughter, Maxine Frasier of DeLeon; son, Fred McMullen and wife, Mary of Melrose, NM; sister, Vocile Warren of Carlsbad, NM; three grandchildren, Jerry Frasier and wife Nora of Corpus Christi, Jo Carey and husband, Dan of Midlothian and Freida Harrison and husband, Harold of Combine; five great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
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Jimmie Dorsett
Jimmie Don Dorsett, 69, of Gorman, Texas died Thursday, April 7, 2005 at the DeLeon Hospital.
Graveside services were held Saturday, April 9, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Simpson Cemetery in Eastland County, Texas, burial followed directed by Nowlin Funeral Home of DeLeon.
Mr. Dorsett was born February 19, 1936 in Gorman to the late Marvin C. Dorsett and Willie Fay Bennett Dorsett.
He was a retired Chief Master Sgt. in the U.S. Air Force serving during the Korean Era having served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years. He was Commander of VFW Post 4136 in Eastland for five years. He had lived in and around Gorman for 30 years and his religion was Church of Christ.
He married Jeanne Anne Eaves on December 26, 1954 in Ropesville, Texas.
Survivors are his wife of 50 years, Jeanne Dorsett of Gorman; two sons, Jimmie Dee Dorsett and wife Sharra and Johnny Dwight Dorsett and wife Phyllis, both of Desdemona; one daughter, Jalynn Annette Cox and husband Ed of Gorman; one brother, Mickey C. Dorsett and wife Pat of Deer Park; 9 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
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Johnsie Allen
BAIRD- Johnsie Mae Allen, 83, died April 6, 2005 in an Abilene hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church. Pastor Larry Gaumond officiated, directed by Parker Funeral Home. Burial was in the Ross Cemetery annex.
Johnsie was born in Belle Plaine, TX on July 13, 1921. She graduated from Baird High School in 1937. She started her teaching career in Baird in 1941 after receiving her B.A. degree from Abilene Christian College. She did graduate work at ENMU, and in 1951 she received her M.A. degree from Sul Ross State University. Through the years she has taught second, third, fourth, and sixth grades and high school at all levels. She had also directed one-act plays and many UIL activities including debate speaking events, spelling, science, and number sense. She had also been a class sponsor of the BETA Club. She had taught 37 years with 18 of these being in Baird where she retired on May 31, 1988. She had taught in Andrews, Laredo, Merkel, Marathon, Kerrville, Ozona, Grenville, Miss; Sidney, NE; and Roswell, N.M.
Mrs. Allen was active in Texas State Teachers Association, National Teachers of English, Business and Professional Women, American Association of University Women, and Delta Kappa Gamma.
She had been a resident of Baird since 1971. She belonged to the First United Methodist Church. She married William C. Allen in Snyder on March 28, 1944. He preceded her in death on August 28, 1986.
She is survived by two daughters, Heather Guthrie of Gainesville and Kim Kenny of Irving; one son, Mark Allen of Baird; one brother, Mike Hughes of Gorman; one sister, Fonda Brown of Baird; five grandchildren, Justin and Jeremy Corley, Sean Guthrie, Maggie Allen, and Liam Guthrie; one great-granddaughter, Serenity Corley; and a number of nieces and nephews.
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John Stowe
GORDON- John H. Stowe, 75, long time owner of Stowe Ford in Gordon died Saturday, April 9, 2005 in a Fort Worth hospital.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at First Baptist Church in Gordon, with Rev. Bill Wright, Rev. Cecil Harper, Jim Petty and Rev. Michael Orsini officiating. Burial was in the New Gordon Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
John was born on January 27, 1930 in Lipan, Texas to Alton and Bessie Ellis Stowe. He was a graduate of Lipan High School. He married Frances Addison on August 31, 1948 and they had two sons Bob and Russell. Frances passed away on January 14, 1988. John later married Billie ÒJodyÓ McCamey on April 27, 1991 in Gordon. John worked and owned Stowe Ford for 52 years, and was co-owners with his sons. He was very active in the community and county, serving on the Gordon ISD School Board for 21 years, as well as being a supporter of the county Livestock Shows. John loved ranching almost as much as he loved his family. First however was his church where he was a member and served as deacon for many years at First Baptist Church of Gordon, TX. John was always ready to help his family and community in any way they needed. He will be missed very much.
John is survived by his wife, Billie ÔJodyÕ Stowe of Gordon; sons, Bob Stowe and wife Debbie and Russel Stowe and wife Celia all of Gordon; a brother, Mike Stowe and wife JoAnna of Lipan; a sister, Earline Gilliam of Fort Worth; four grandchildren, Jacob Stowe and wife Emily of Lubbock, Kristen and Kara Stowe both of Stephenville, and Jenna Stowe of Gordon; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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Bobby Beck
Bobby Knox Beck, 21, died Saturday, April 9, 2005 in Abilene.
A memorial service was held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2005 at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories.
Services in Midland, Texas are pending with Pipkin Funeral Home.
Bobby was preceded in death by his mother in December 2003. He will be laid to rest by her.
He was born on November 7, 1983 to Michelle (Carter) and Grady Beck in Midland, Texas. He worked as a floor hand in the oil field. He loved music and his family.
Survivors include his father, Grady Beck and his wife, Laurie of Odessa; brothers, Cole James of Midland, and Dustin Sartain and Johnathan Beck of Odessa; a sister, Kristen Beck of Odessa; maternal grandmother, Valerie Flowers of Clyde; paternal grandparents, Ernest and Elizabeth Beck of Ranger; great-grandparents, Nellie and Marshall Flowers of Abilene; aunts, Heather Sorensen and Marty Carter of Abilene, Rachel Conley of Clyde, and Shannon Wallace of Midland; several cousins; his girlfriend, Brittany McCollum; and many friends.
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Luzelle Blackwell
EASTLAND- Luzelle Sims Blackwell, 87, died Sunday, April 10, 2005 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at the Desdemona Cemetery with Rev. Dale Noska and Rev. Ron Bostick officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Blackwell was born in Kennedy, Texas on February 13, 1918 to James L. and Blanche Wilson Sims. She attended school in Hamilton and Desdemona and then moved to the Chaney community and met Robert L. Blackwell. They were married on July 27, 1935 in Eastland. Robert preceded her in death in 1968. She worked at the Ranger General Hospital, Eastland Memorial Hospital and for the Olden school, as a cook. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Olden Baptist Church. Mrs. Blackwell was an avid fisherman, loved playing the fiddle and guitar, making art paintings and visiting with family and friends.
She was a strong woman who held very high family values. She helped take care of her parents, her sisters, Alice Sims Niles, and her brother, James L. Sims, Jr., until their deaths.
Mrs. Blackwell is survived by her sons, Larry Lee Blackwell and wife Carolyn of Olden, and Tommy Earnest Blackwell and wife Janice of Eastland; two sisters, Iris Noska and husband Steve and Veda Adams and husband Billy R., both of Olden; eight grandchildren; one niece; and several nephews.
RANGER- Dorothy Evelyn Pomelow, 94, of Picayune, MS, died Thursday, April 7, 2005 at Picayune.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Pomelow was born on July 1, 1910 in Herman, Maine to Frank and Ida (Doble) Bulmer. She lived in Ranger from 1980 to 1992 at which time she moved to Picayune to be closer to her family. She was a nurseÕs aide and a Methodist.
She is survived by her children Donald E. Pomelow of Lisbon Fall, Maine, Carlton W. Pomelow of Picayune, MS, Rowena D. Porter of Ranger, Virginia Lyford of Willimanic, Conn. and Marion Carr of Dexter, Maine; a brother, Victor Pomelow; 17 grandchildren; many great and great-great-grandchildren; one nephew; and 3 nieces.
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Alton Hughes
RANGER- Alton F. "Pruney" Hughes, 84, of Ranger died on Thursday, April 7, 2005 in Abilene.
Services were held Sunday, April 10, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. with Rev. Paul Stephen II, Rev. Jerry Speer, & John Hughes officiating. Burial was at Spring Creek Cemetery at Avoca. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Hughes was born on July 6, 1920 in Hood County, Texas to Ed & Esther Hughes. He married Annie Lee King on October 16, 1948. Annie Lee recently preceded Alton in death on March 5, 2005. They spent most of their married life in Ranger until moving to Abilene in May of 2004. Alton worked in the oilfield and Featherlite Block Company in Ranger, from which he retired in 1985. He served his country during WWII in the Army. He was a member of First United Methodist Church.
A family with 8 boys and 3 girls, all of Alton's brother's, Homer, Cecil, Slue, Slats, Red, Harry, and Doc and one sister, Loma preceded him in death. He is survived by 2 sisters, Clelie Thompson & husband Cody of Abilene, Susie Collum of Snyder, a brother-in-law Jack King of Trophy Club, Tracey Casey of Ranger who was like a daughter to the Hughes and nieces and nephews Sam Hughes & wife Cassie of Abilene, John Hughes of Possum Kingdom Lake, Paula Sue Harrison and husband Mike of Abilene, Pam Wilson of Odessa, Beverly Frizzell & husband Stephen of Abilene, Carol Dixon & husband Bill of Hawley, Brenda Freeman and husband David of Abilene, Teresa Pierce and husband Frank of Abilene, Dolan Hughes of Stamford, Raymond Hughes of Stamford, Gene Hughes and wife Jo Ann of Granbury, and Tillie Fauntleroy of Throckmorton. The family requests memorials be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford St., Abilene, TX, or Meals on Wheels Plus of Abilene, 717 N. 10th St., Abilene, TX.
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Joyce Geye
Joyce Frances Geye, 86, of Rising Star, Texas died Saturday, April 9, 2005 in Brownwood.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 11, 2005 at First Baptist Church with Terry Simmons officiating. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
Joyce was born on April 27, 1918 at Comanche, Texas third child and only daughter of Logan Riley and Jenny Frances (Strickland) Williams, and the step-daughter of Addie (Welch) Williams. She graduated from Beattie High School and attended Howard Payne College in Brownwood before marrying Horace Leldon Geye on August 31, 1940 in Lampasas, Texas. They lived in Bisbee, Arizona where he worked in the copper mines before joining the Navy during World War II. Joyce was a woman of faith who felt assurance she would be going to a better life after death. She had a quick wit, a vibrant laughter, and was devoted to family and friends. She taught 2nd grade for 23 years in Rising Star and was active with the First Baptist Church and the Saturday Club.
Joyce is survived by 2 sons, Terry Geye and his wife, Gretchen of Rising Star, Texas; Tony Mack Geye and his wife, Susan of Ft. Worth, Texas; 2 daughters, Maria Frances Cook and her husband, Bob of Austin, Texas; Pamela Ruth Hicks and her husband, Taylor of Houston, Texas; 9 grandchildren, Debbie Spencer; Brandon Geye; Chloe Geye; Royce Martin; Rexine Geye; Joe Cook; Susie Hatfield; Andy Cook; Jessica Lynn Hicks; 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Horace Leldon Geye; 2 older brothers, Ardis and George Williams; an infant daughter, Judith Carol Geye; granddaughter, Jennifer Leigh Hicks; daughter-in-law, Sharon Donham Geye; step-mother, Addie Welch Williams.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The First Baptist Church in Rising Star, Texas.
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Floyd Myers
CISCO- Floyd "Mutt" Glen Myers, 58, of Cisco, Texas, died April 9, 2005 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Richland Springs Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco.
Mr. Myers was born November 8, 1946, at San Saba, Texas, to Jeff William and Lola Mae (Bush) Myers. He was a member of the Baptist church.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by a sister, Leta Faye Lobstein and a niece, Gwen Newby, both of Holland, Texas. Also surviving is a nephew, Jerry Walters of Brownwood, Texas.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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T.C. Stewart
RANGER- T.C. Stewart, 90, died Saturday, April 9, 2005.
A prayer service was held Monday, April 11, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Chapel.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park in Sherman.
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Orville "Robbie" Robinson
CISCO- Orville Leroy (Robbie) Robinson, 87, of Cisco died Monday, April 11, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home were held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Pat Riley.
Mr. Robinson was born in Canute, Oklahoma on March 15, 1918 to Lewis and Sara Lucinda (White) Robinson. He served in the Army Air Corps during WW II. He was preceded in death by his wife Flora Belle (Wagner) Robinson whom he married on August 25, 1938 in Lawton, Oklahoma, before retirement he worked as an Insurance Analyst for the Veterans Administration. He was a member of First Baptist Church. He was a former member of Lake Cisco Country Club, Cisco Lions Club, Masonic Lodge and First Baptist Church Choir.
Survivors are nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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Jerry Yates
GORMAN - Jerry Lee 'Peanut' Yates, 65, of Weatherford, died Thursday, April 1, 2005 at the Campbell Health System in Weatherford.
The body was cremated under the direction of the Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
Mr. Yates was born February 25, 1940 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Eugene Yates and Florence (Pebeahsy) Yates. He married Linda Mooney October 11, 200 in Weatherford. He was a graduate of Gorman High School and Hardin Simmons University. He was self employed as a transportation broker. He was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church near Gorman.
He is survived by wife, Linda Yates of Weatherford; one son, Brandon Yates of River Oaks; one daughter, Whitney Yates of Weatherford; one brother, Eddie Yates of Lawton, OK; two sisters, Linday Yates of Houston and Carolyn Yates of California; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Jarrod Yates.
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Kenneth Owens
LUBBOCK - Celebration of Life services for Kenneth Joe Owens, 70, were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2005, at the White Memorial Chapel in Lubbock with Rev. Ken Horn officiating, assisted by Rev. Cecil Shirley, John Mayfield and Joe Lowe. Burial was in the City of Lubbock Cemetery, directed by White Funeral Home.
Mr. Owens died Tuesday, April 12, 2005, in Lubbock.
He was born April 6, 1935, in Weinert to the late Edgel Marion and Opha Morgan Owens.
He graduated from Weiner High School in 1953. He moved to Lubbock from Acuff in 1956. He married Bea Smith on May 30, 1973, in Lubbock. He was employed by Borden's Dairy for 30 years. After retirement he drove vehicles for Frank Brown. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and was a Red Raider fan and sports enthusiast. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, two brothers, and a son, Ernest Dean Smith in 2001.
Survivors include his wife, Bea Owens of Lubbock; children, Kenny Owens and wife, Marci of Plainview, Bill Owens and wife, Kay of Lubbock, Carla Snodgrass and husband, Steve of Idalou, Tammy Anthony and husband, Jim of Las Cruces, N.M., Lawanda Smith of Lubbock; a brother, Donnie Owens of Medford, OK; two sisters, Pat Mayfield of Arlington and Mildred Robertson of Ranger; 14 grandchildren, Josh Snodgrass, Jason Smith, Casey and Dillion Owens, Eric Summerford, Brandon Sue, Cole Anthony, jason, Jared and Jonathan Gower, Katana Smith, Shannon, Skylar and Roxann Bennett; two great grandchildren, Ashton Summerford and Kyson Sue.
The family suggests memorials to American Cancer Society, 3411 73rd St., Lubbock, TX 79423 or Vista Care Hospice, 1010 Slide Rd., Lubbock, TX 79416.
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Violet Young
STAMFORD - Funeral services for Violet Wood Young, 85, of Stamford, were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2005, at the Assembly of God Church with Rev. Katherine Byrd officiating. Burial was in Highland Memorial Cemetery, directed by Tankersley Funeral Home.
Mrs. Young died Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at the Eastland Memorial Hospital in Eastland following a short illness.
She was born January 31, 1920, in the Red River community of East Texas to Calvin and Stella Wood. She moved to the Stamford area in 1925, and spent most of her life there.
She married Lynn Wayne Young on September 6, 1936, in Haskell. She was a faithful servant to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was an active member of the Assembly of God Church until she moved to the Ranger Nursing Home in Ranger, to be near her daughter, Sharon Young Wesley. Mrs. Young retired from the Stamford Memorial Hospital in 1990 after many years of dedicated service.
Her loving husband, Lynn of 55 yeas, preceded her in death in 1991. Her son, Bobby, her granddaughter, Stacey Young, her grandson, Rocky Young, and her brothers, Horice, Calvin and Robert Wood also preceded her in death.
Survivors include her children, Kennelth and Carla Young of Stamford, Charles and Suzanne Young of Waco, Sharon Wesley of Ranger, Donnie Young of Abilene and Craig and Becky Uoung of Abilene; a brother, George Wood of Brownwood; 16 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Assembly of God Church, 1214 Compton St., Stamford, TX 79553 or to a memorial of your choice.
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Merle Gregg
CISCO - Funeral services for Merle Gregg, 83, of Cisco and formerly of Abilene, were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2005, at the Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel with Greg Watts officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Gregg died Saturday, April 16, 2005, in a Fort Worth hospital.
He was born February 25, 1922, in Gorman to Mathis and Molly (Lucas) Gregg. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
He married Iva Townsend on August 8, 1941, in Rising Star. She preceded him in death on May 16, 1949. He married Ruby Peugh on April 24, 1953, in Clovis, N.M.. She preceded him in death on November 13, 2001.
He worked as an engineer in Oil and Gas Exploration, and sole proprietor of Standard Perforators Inc. for 30 plus years. . He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include his daughters, Lindie Elliott and husband, Jim of Mabank, Debbie Martin of Abilene, Toni Watts and husband, Greg of Austin, Terri See of Abilene, Susie Meeker and husband, Jerry of Denton; sons, David Fricks of Los Alamos, N.M., Tommy Gregg and wife, Lynn of Midlothian; grandchildren, Kerry and Janice Meeker, Kim and Sean Mills, Clint Gregg, Tyler Gregg, Adam Elliott, Kelly and Jason Elliott, Cody Martin, Andrew Martin, Daniel Martin, Shannon Martin, Erika Watts, Allie Watts, Austin See, Taylor See, Victoria See; great grandchildren, Jackson Meeker, Caroline Meeker, Kaleb Elliott, Shelby Clayburn, Emily Clayburn, Tyler Justin Gregg, Jr. Alexis Mills and Mackenize Mills.
Pallbearers were Kerry Meeker, Clint Gregg, Adam Elliott. Cody Martin, Tyler Gregg and Andrew Martin.
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Harold Lindley
RANGER - Graveside services for Harold J. Lindley, 76, were at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2005, at Pendergrass Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Lindley died Sunday, April 17, 2005, in Eastland.
He was born April 3, 1929, to Samuel R. and Hattie J. (Moreman) Lindley in Portales, N.M. He served his country in the Army Air Corps.
He married Susan Stark on December 31, 1949, in Carlsbad, N.M. She preceded him in death in 2003.
He worked for many years as a service manager at various car dealerships.
Survivors include his daughter, Andrea Sue Lindley of Miles; a brother, J.T. Lindley of Meade, OK; grandchildren, Jonathan Hickman of Ranger and Jesse Hickman of San Angelo; great grandson, Taylor Bridges and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Jesse LeRoy Smith
STANTON Ñ Memorial services for Jesse LeRoy Smith, 85, of Stanton and formerly of Midland, were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2005, at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger with Rev. Paul Stephen II officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger.
Mr. Smith died Friday, April 15, 2005, in a Midland hospital.
He was born March 3, 1920, in Tarrant. He married Janie Yvonne Ivy on May 22, 1939, in Eastland. She preceded him in death on January 12, 2004.
He graduated from Colony High School. He served in the United States Army in World War II. The couple lived and worked in various countries around the world. They had lived in Midland for the last 11 years. Mr. Smith was a true family man, as his family was most important to him. He was a wonderful father and grandfather.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Jesse and May Smith and his sister, Ella Mae Garza.
Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Stanley and Marrianne Smith of Abilene, Michael T. and Jackie Smith of Stanton ; a daughter and son-in-law, Rene and Barry Heard of Whitharral; seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials be made to Stanton Care and Rehab Center, P.O. Box 400, Stanton, TX 79782.
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Susan Dolgener
Susan Michael Dolgener, 61, a 32-year resident of Ruidoso, New Mexico, died Friday, April 16, 2005. She was at home, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Sue was born June 30, 1943, in Brownsville, Texas, to Eugenia Judlin Dubose and the late Ralph W. DuBose. On March 9, 1963, she was united in marriage to Bobby Dan Dolgener in Denton, Texas. She graduated from North Texas State University in 1965. Sue taught Speech and English five years at Bowie Junior High and Ector Junior High School in Odessa, Texas.
In January, 1973, the Dolgeners moved to Ruidoso, where they bought and managed Canyon Cabins in Ruidoso's Upper Canyon. After selling the cabins, they established Eagle Creek Construction in Ruidoso. After 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, Sue was hired by Ruidoso Schools, where she served as a much-loved teacher for the Gifted and Talented Program for several years. After her retirement, she substitute taught and traveled every chance she got.
Sue was a member of First Christian Church of Ruidoso, where she and Bob attended more than 15 years and raised their two daughters. She had immense love for her family and friends, all animals, the beauty of New Mexico and the rest of the world, for which her suitcase was packed at all times. Her brilliant laughter inspired us, and she adored her grandchildren most of all.
She is survived by her husband, Bob; their daughter, Stacy Dane Barnett and her husband, Joe of Wolfforth, TX, daughter, Julie Anne Vest and her husband, Jeffrey of League City, TX; three grandchildren, Mallory and Adam Barnett and Zachary Vest; her mother, Eugenia DuBose; her sister, Ann DuBose of New Braunfels, TX. She is further survived by four nieces, two nephews, many other relatives and many, many friends.
In addition to her father and her nephew Zack DuBose, her brother Robert DuBose preceded Sue in death in 2004.
Memorial service for Susan Michael Dolgener was held Friday, April 22, 2005 at 2 p.m. at First Christian Church in Ruidoso. The Rev. Tim Gilliand officiating. Her ashes will be placed in the First Christian Church Memorial Prayer Garden at a later date by close friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Memorial Prayer Garden of First Christian Church, or Ruidoso Home Care and Hospice, P.O. Box 2019, Ruidoso, N.M.
They would like to thank the excellent staff of Ruidoso Home Care and Hospice for their help and support during her last week at home.
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Flossie Douglas
EASTLAND - Funeral services for Flossie Mae Douglas, 85, will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2005, at the Summers-Baker Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor A. Herman Bealer. Burial will be in the Eastland Cemetery.
Flossie was cared for in her final years by her two nieces, Mary Dunn and Janice Williams, and her sister-in-law, Ladell Randle, all of Eastland. She leaves to mourn a host of nieces and nephews.
She was born January 21, 1920, in Big Sandy, TX to Floyd and Pearl King. She moved to Eastland in 1927.
She married Curtis D. Douglas in May of 1960. He preceded her in death in January 1976.
She was the ninth of ten children. She was preceded by eight in death: Roston King of Eastland, Queen Daugherty of Eastland, Jack King of Dever, Mittie Shepard of San Francisco, Odester King of Big Sandy.
Survivors include Teresa King of Denver, CO, and J.W. King of San Francisco, CA; and a host of nieces and nephews.
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Birdie Chambers
MAY- Funeral services for Birdie Ozelle Chambers, 98, of May, Texas, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2005 at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Lynn Starnes officiated. Private interment followed in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
Mrs. Chambers died April 15, 2005 in a local nursing facility.
Ozelle was born July 7, 1906 in May, Texas to George and Amy Crume. She married Marvin Chambers on June 23, 1930 at Wauricka, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death on December 28, 1994. Ozelle taught school at Holder, Williams and and Woodland Heights in Brown County until she started her family. Ozelle was a member of the May Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Marshall Crume and a sister, Agnes Chambers.
Survivors include a son, Henry Chambers and wife, Jo Ann of May; a daughter, Marva Brim and husband, Jim of Brownwood; sister, Mrs. (Pat) John R. Wood of Dallas; sister-in-law, Demp Crume of May; two granddaughters, Nancy Weir and Marla Uchimiya of California; three great-grandchildren, Dan Weir, Trisha Weir and Kaythlyn Uchimiya of California.
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Herman 'Hap' Byrd
RANGER- Herman Thomas 'Hap' Byrd, 67, of Ranger passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2005 in Eastland.
Memorial services were held Saturday, April 23, 2005 at 1 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mr. Byrd was born on August 31, 1937 in Brownwood, TX to Herman and A.V. (Chambers) Byrd. He was raised in Brownwood and worked at Brownwood Hospital. He also lived and worked in Midland and Lufkin until coming to Ranger in 1994 where he lived with Toby and Rusty where he befriended and touched many people's lives. He married Anna Dee Burns on August 13, 1990 in Brownwood and she preceded him in death. He enjoyed fishing, sports, reading, golf, and spending time with his friends and family.
Hap is survived by his children Kathy Turner and daughter Miranda Lankford both of Apple Springs, Tommy Byrd of Dallas, Jeff Byrd of Terrell, Jimmy Don Byrd and wife Ann and their children Tasha, Chris and Samantha of Jefferson; step children Jay Sanders and wife Karen of Ector, Vickie Baldwin and husband Ron and children Shaun and Chastity of Bangs, Thilena 'Toby' Neville and husband Rusty and children Jessica, Nick, and Mikey of Ranger; sisters Eva Nell Hanzell and husband Harold of Midland and Frances Click of Midland, and numerous grandchildren, great-grand-children, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents, brother Billy Edward Byrd, wife Anna Dee Byrd, and grandson Josh Turner.
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Betty Lou Franklin
ARLINGTON - Graveside services for Betty Lou Jane Hoover Franklin, 80, were at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2005, in New Hope Cemetery in Lone Camp Community near Santo, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn. Don Hoover officiated.
Mrs. Franklin died Wednesday, April 20, 2005, at Keller.
She was born January 29, 1925, in Thermopolis, Wyoming, to John Frances and Merle Victoria Collins Hoover. She graduated Valedictorian in 1942 at Santo High School.
She married Vernon Franklin on December 20, 1943, in Fort Worth. She worked for 31 years as an accountant for Montgomery Wards. She was a Presbyterian.
Survivors include her husband, Vernon Franklin of Arlington; a son, James 'Jim' Franklin of Roanoke; three brothers, Pat Hoover of Newark and Don Hoover of Lone Camp; one grandson, Vernon Yvon Franklin of Prosper; and several nieces and nephews.
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Dortha Guest
SWEETWATER - A private graveside services for Dortha Jean Guest, was held Tuesday, April 26, 2005, in Sweetwater.
Mrs. Guest died Saturday, April 23, 2005.
She was born June 7, 1925, and moved with her family from Ranger to Sweetwater in 1962. She served as the president of the Sweetwater Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital Board, Sweetwater County Library Board and as the Bicentennial Chairman for Sweetwater. She was also an active member of the First Baptist Church, P.E.O. and Sorosis.
She moved to Dallas in 1998, where she continued her love of cooking, reading, crossword puzzles, and was actively involved in Bible Study fellowship.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Guest.
Survivors include a son, Richard Guest and his wife, Donna; a daughter, Jill Guest Smith and her husband, Robert; grandchildren, Rich and Mike Guest and Crystal and Alissa Smith, and two great grandsons, Lane and Logan Guest.
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Millie Fleming
CISCO- Millie Sue Fleming, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2005 in Waco, Texas.
Services were held Saturday, April 23, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor John Beckling and Brother Dan Preston officiated. Burial was held at the Scranton Cemetery directed by the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
She was born at Stanton, Texas to Johnnie and Frances Morgan Fleming. She moved to Cisco in 1949. She and her twin sister, Billie Ruth, owned and operated the Twins Beauty Shop in Cisco for a number of years.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cisco.
She was preceded in death by her twin sister Billie Ruth; her parents; and a brother, Jim Fleming.
Survivors include one sister, Patty Killough of Waco; three brothers, Morgan Fleming of Cisco, Alton Fleming of Clyde, and L.J. Fleming of Brownwood.
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Lucille Tretter
STRAWN- Lucille 'Lucy' Tretter, 72, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2005 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 28, 2005 at the Presbyterian Church with Deacon Ruben Castaneda officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Marion Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Lucy was born on September 17, 1932 in Strawn, Texas to Margrito and Camila Fresnillo Delgado. Lucy spent all of her life in Strawn, graduating from Strawn High School. She married Lorenz Albert Tretter on November 4, 1956 in Minnesota, and he preceded her in death in 1987. Lucy was a woman of many jobs and talents, baby sitting the local children, working at Lovera's Grocery Store, helping her daughter at Mary's Cafe, and help take care of elderly and sick in town. Mostly she was a house wife, mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Lenora Gutierrez.
Lucy is survived by her daughter, Mary Jane Tretter and son Larry Tretter both of Strawn; brothers, Phillip and Paul Delgado both of Strawn, Joe Delgado of Brownsville, and Frank Delgado of California; sisters, Angelina Salinas of Austin, Louise Conway of Strawn, Rose Eagan of California, and Juanita Frazier of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Alan Lynn, L.G., Lucas, and Katy Tretter; and great-grandchildren, Christopher Lynn; and a host of nieces and nephews.
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Ima Jean Montgomery
CISCO- Ima Jean Montgomery, 79, of Cisco died Monday, April 25, 2005 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 28, 2005 in Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Max Evans. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Montgomery was born in Cisco on January 18, 1926 to Frank J. and Deleathy (Dee) Mosley. She attended schools in Scranton, Cisco and Normangee, Texas. She married James R. Montgomery on March 21, 1943 in Cisco. He preceded her in death on February 21, 1987. She was a member of the Baptist church.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Dee Morris and Ruby Gregg.
Survivors include two brothers, Oadis McGough of Angleton, Texas and Frank J. Peugh of Prescott, Arizona; many nieces and nephews.
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Hayden Hughes
EASTLAND- Hayden Andrew Hughes, infant son of Greg and Teresa Hughes of Clyde passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2005 in a Fort Worth hospital.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 2005 at the Alameda Cemetery, Dr. Richard Waters officiated, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Hayden was born April 17, 2005 in an Abilene hospital.
Survivors include his parents, Greg and Teresa Hughes of Clyde; a brother, Bailey Aaron Hughes of Clyde; maternal grandparents, Billy and Rosie Koerner of Ranger; paternal grandparents, Nancy Hughes of Eastland and the late Jim Hughes; paternal great-grandfather, Rudy Aguilar of Eastland; paternal great-grandmother, Rossie Jacobs of Sun City, California; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
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Joe Trevino
CISCO- Joe A. Trevino, 58, passed away April 18, 2005 at his home in Cisco.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 22, 2005 at 10 a.m. at the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home Chapel, Ruben Amaya officiated. Interment was held at the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco. Services were directed by Summers Funeral Homes.
Mr. Trevino was born on April 22, 1946 to Domingo and Julia Trevino in Yoakum, Texas. He grew up in Yoakum and later moved to Cisco then Colby, Kansas. He returned to Cisco in 2004. He was a truck driver by trade.
He is survived by his six sons, Leo Arizmendis of California, Ace Arizmendis of South Dakota, Dan Arizmendis of Kanas, Joe Trevino, Jr. of Austin, Johnny Trevino of Lockhart, and David Trevino of Austin; two daughters, Beatrice Trevino of Kanas and Liz Hogrefe of South Dakota; six brothers, Guadalupe Trevino of Abilene, Ben Trevino of DeLeon, Johnny Trevino of Dale, Domingo Trevino, Jr. of Cisco, Steve Trevino of Cisco, and Gilbert Trevino of Bay City; five sisters, Delores Domingues of Mineral Wells, Ester Longoria of Cisco, Lydia Castillo of Mineral Wells, Dorothy Ramirez of DeLeon, and Virginia Steinberger of Cisco; and 19 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; and Linda Trevino, a grandchild raised as a daughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Joe Lee Trevino, a daughter, Linda Trevino, a grandson, Joe Angel Trevino, and a brother, Ray Trevino.
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Elnora George
Elnora Mae George, 88, died Wednesday, April 20, 2005 in a local hospital.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2005 at the Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Faith, Dr. Jeff Reid officiated. Burial followed in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. George was born in Cisco, Texas on June 29, 1916 the daughter of the late Birt and Audie (Montgomery) Robinson. She was the widow of Willard Perry ÒTigeÓ George who died in 1977. One of the first women realtors in the city, she owned her own real estate business for many years, specializing in residential sales, and was known for developing lasting friendships with her clients. Mrs. George was a longtime member of University Baptist Church prior to moving her membership to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.
Survivors include her son, Willard Larry George of Abilene; her daughter, Betty George Rahe of Abilene; sister, Arvetia Davia of San Antonio; three grandchildren, Anja Shoup, Nyki George and Jenifer Richards; and her three year old great-grandson, Triton Shoup.
Memorials may be made to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Dr., Abilene, TX 79605.
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Raymond Lanehart
Raymond Brewer Lanehart 80, died early April 25, 2005.
He was born October 6, 1924 in Norton, Texas to his parents Willie Raymond Lanehart and Lila Sue B. Lanehart.
Ray was employed as a mechanic, master electrician and traveled the world setting and repairing power supply systems for Stewart & Stevenson before his retirement.
Ray proudly served his country during WWII as a member of the U.S. Navy, 1942 - 1946 and served on the Destroyer Escort USS Tomich. Ray was a 32' Mason and a member of El Maida Shriners. He enjoyed golf and tennis.
He is preceded in death by his wife Leona Lanehart and his parents.
Survived by a brother, Burton Lanehart and his wife Jo of Iraan, TX, a daughter, Jolaine Lanehart and her husband Jim Najvar of Arroyo City, TX, a son, John Lanehart and his wife Judy of Eastland, TX, 2 grandsons, Jake and Brodie Lanehart both of Eastland, TX, sister-in-law, Ruby Mahan of Odessa, TX and numerous nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers or plants donations in memory of Raymond Lanehart to: Pulmonary Hypertension Association 850 Sligo Avenue, Suite 800 Silver Spring, MD 20910 _https://www.phassociation.org/_ (https://www.phassociation.org/) or Shriners Hospitals for Children P.O. 20827 Tampa, FL 33622-0827
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Delbert Gabbert
CISCO- Delbert George 'Gabby' Gabbert, 71, of Cisco, died Tuesday, April 26, 2005 in the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services with full Military honors was held Friday, April 29, 2005 at 10 a.m. in the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Rev. Matthew McGowen officiating.
Mr. Gabbert was born September 20, 1933 to George and Lois (Brooks) Gabbert in Callahan County, Texas. He married Kutsuko Gabbert. She preceded him in death in 1988. He was a Sergeant Major in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for 22 years in Korea, Vietnam and other Theaters.
Survivors include daughters, Jeanne Hunt, Nena Clark, Gina Gabbert, all of Sacramento, CA. and Brenda Lily of Cloquet, MN; a son, Delbert George Gabbert; grandchildren, Angela Rodriguez, Christopher Carroll, Chase Hunt, Chelsea Hunt, Cameron Lily and Caitlyn Lily.
Memorials may be made to the VFW in the Cisco-Eastland area.
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Benjamin Pharr
CISCO- Graveside services for Benjamin Pharr infant son of Caleb Pharr and Beth Bates were held at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Benjamin was born Thursday, April 28, 2005 at a Fort Worth ahospital.
He is survived by his parents, Caleb Pharr and Beth Bates; a brother, Haden Gunner Pharr; grandparents, Darwin and Rena Pharr of Cisco, Hannah Abraham of Cisco, Dianne Pharr of Brown-wood; great-grandparents, Mildred Pharr of Cisco, J.E. and Alva Key of Cisco and Genoma Bates of Baton Rouge, L.A.
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Ailish Cashion
CISCO- Ailish Collete Cashion, infant daughter of Pfc. Eric and Patricia (Hall) Cashion was born May 1, 2005 in an Austin, Texas hospital.
Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery officiated by Reverend John Beckling, under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Ailish is survived by her parents, Pfc. Eric and Patricia Cashion of Leander; a sister, Camdin Cashion; a brother, Cade Cashion; grandparents, Colette and Jim Latson of Cisco, Bill Hall of Burnet, Sandi and Danny Cashion of Austin; aunts and uncles, Adam Cashion, Karith Cashion, Stephanie and Stacey Kennemur, Steve and Gigi Latson, Craig and Melissa Shelton, Rupert Brown; cousins, Cole and Reese Kennemur, Caleb, Lindsey and Avery Latson, Taylor and Brad Shelton, Brian Kolenc, Kristina Liccketto and Aaron Brown.
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Walter Tucker
EASTLAND- Walter Tucker, 84, of Eastland, a retired Airforce Veteran and POW of World War II, died Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at a local nursing home.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 6, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Burial with military honors was in the Old Gordon Cemetery.
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Buster Hart
OLDEN - Buster L. Hart died Thursday, May 5, 2005 in Eastland.
Graveside services were held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 7,2005 at the Eastland City Cemetery with Donna DeLuca officiating, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons, Tayler, Dakota, Luke, Colter, Jordan and Tanner.
Buster was born September 22, 1934 in Terlton, Oklahoma to Jay and Mamie Faye Tompkins. He joined the Navy early in his life at age 17 to proudly serve his country during the Korean War as a Seaman. After his service time he joined his dad in the Hart Well Service in Oklahoma and West Texas, where he worked until his retirement from Galloway Casing Pulling & Well Service.
Buster was a man of great honor and integrity who worked hard all his life to set an example for his children and others who loved him. He was a loving husband and a cherished father and papaw to his grandchildren. He enjoyed family time, gardening, Hart family Bluegrass music, and giving lawnmower rides to his grandchildren.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Faye Hart; one son, Darrell and wife Kim of North Richland Hills; 3 daughters, Audrey Tomlinson and husband Billy of North Richland, Hills, Rhonda Graham and husband Ricky of Buffalo Gap, and Debra Barnard and husband David of Gatesville; grandchildren, Amber, Kelsey, Tayler, Luke, Dakota, Colter, Jordan and Tanner; sisters, Lavinna Hinman of Stroud, OK; Annie Trautwein of Loveland, CO, Sondra Faye Arellano of Denver, CO; brother, Claude of Lake Havasuc, AZ; also many nieces and nephews who loved him. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Eula, and a brother, Bob.
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Alvin Hudgins
CARBON - Alvin Cecil Hudgins, 83, of Carbon, died Tuesday, May 3, 2005 in Carbon.
Graveside services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the Trinity Cemetery in Big Spring under the direction of Myers & Smith Funeral Home.
Mr. Hudgins was born March 19, 1922 in Fruitvale, TX to C.W. & Mintie Hudgins. Alvin was a member of the Boilermakers for at least 45 years.
He was married to Gladys Camp on March 2, 1968 in Big Spring, moving to Carbon in the early 1980Õs.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 36 years, Gladys, a son, Robert Dale, 7 sisters and 1 brother.
He is survived by his sons, Cecil Don Hudgins of Coahoma, TX, Thomas Clyde Hudgins of Mineola, TX; daughters, Cecilia Ann Hudgins of Boca Raton, Florida, Sonja Lois Yost of Akron, Ohio, and Ruthie Michele Grumbles of Carbon; 1 brother, Felix (Pete) Hudgins of Luther, TX; and 1 sister, Dorothy Barnhill of Graham; 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
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Robert Harris, Jr.
EASTLAND- Robert Samuel Harris, Jr., 92, passed away in San Augustine, Florida on May 5, 2005.
Graveside funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2005 under the direction of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home. Interment was in the Eastland Cemetery with Church of Christ minister Larry Fitzgerald officiating.
Mr. Harris was born July 11, 1912 in Eastland, Texas. He married Juanita Harris on March 17, 1934. He was a longtime resident of Eastland County. Robert was a chemical engineer by trade. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Mr. Harris was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Betty Harris; his wife Juanita Harris; and his son, Robert S. Harris, III.
Survivors include his daughter, Janet A. Collins of San Augustine, Florida; and a cousin, Pauline Miller of Midland; and six grandchildren.
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Michael Holden
RISING STAR- Michael Ray Holden, 43, of Rising Star, Texas died Thursday, May5, 2005 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Michael was born on November 22, 1961 in Comanche, Texas to Eddie Ray and Sandra Kay May.
Michael is survived by one son, Cheyenn Holden of Rising Star; one daughter, Heather Holden of Rising Star; his mother, Kay May of Rising Star; his father, Eddie Holden and his wife, Pat of Comanche; four brothers, Brent Holden of Rising Star, Coy Barker of Gorman, Kerry Holden of Cleburne; and Brian Holden of Comanche; granddaughter, Dezarae Nicole Holden; grandmother, Helen May of Brownwood; step-brother, Steve Barker of Dublin; step-sister, Sandra Kay Weems of Corpus Christi; step-brother, Jamie Barker of Corpus Christi; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8, 2005 at First Baptist Church, Terry Simmons officiated and Dick Williams assisted. Burial was in the Stag Creek Cemetery in Comanche County, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
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Jerrimy Hudson
Jerrimy Chad Hudson, 29, of Mineral Wells, Texas passed away on Friday, May 6, 2005 at his mothers home in Hudson Oaks, Texas.
Jerrimy has fought a hard battle with cancer for awhile. Now he is at rest in the hands of the Lord. We will miss him dearly.
Jerrimy was born to Dan and Carolyn Hudson on October 27, 1975 in Weatherford, Texas. He attended Eastland High School for several years and later married Leslie Dione (Burns) on March 31, 2001. They lived in Mineral Wells the past 6 years.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie Hudson and their two daughters, Elliot Noble and Emerson J. Clair Hudson of Mineral Wells; his father, Dan Hudson of Eastland; his mother, Carolyn Baxter of Hudson Oaks, TX; two sisters, Dannette (Carolyn) Manzano of Fort Worth and Jennifer Hudson of Weatherford; two brothers, Audie Hudson of Weatherford and Jarrett Blair of Seguin; his grandmother, Ela Mae Ward of Mansfield; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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Amanda Rainey
GORMAN- Amanda Kay Rainey, 25, of Lake Leon died Sunday, May 8, 2005.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Denver Rainey officiated. Burial was in the Gorman Cemetery.
Amanda was born July 7, 1979 in Ranger to Darrel Swanner and Rhonda (Bryan) Swanner. She married Craig Rainey on December 7, 1994 in Gorman. She was a graduate of Gorman High School and Tarleton State University with a BachelorÕs degree in Art and Computer Information Systems. She received her teaching certificate in English- E.S.L. and special education. She taught English and Art at Gorman High for the last two years. She was a devoted mother, wife, teacher and friend to all who knew her. She touched many hearts not only in her family and friends, but the lives of those she taught. She had been currently working on her Masters degree in Counseling at Tarleton State University.
She was preceded in death by her father, Darrel Swanner; both grandfathers, James Swanner and Jerry Bryan; and great-grandfather, Alton Wright.
She is survived by her husband, Craig Rainey; two children, Jeffery Rainey and Dianna Rainey all of Lake Leon; her mother, Rhonda Swanner of Gorman; brother, Matthew Swanner of Gorman; grandmothers, Marjorie Swanner of Gorman and Shirley Bryan of DeLeon; two great-grandmothers, Geraldine Wright of Gorman and Ima Jean Brooker of Abilene; one aunt and three uncles.
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Shirley Scott
CISCO- Shirley Ellen Scott, 70, of Cisco died Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 13, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the I-20 Church of Christ in Cisco. Jim Fitzgerald and Larry Fitzgerald officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Scott was born April 29, 1935 in Grosbeck, Texas to Earl and Linnie Rae (Patterson) Wilson. She married Carrol Duane Scott on May 25, 1956 in Grosbeck. He preceded her in death on October 2, 2003. She was a housewife and a member of I-20 Church of Christ.
She is survived by three daughters, Carol Ann Slagle of Cisco, Sue Louis and husband Mark of Irving, and Kay Rains and husband Robert of Cisco; grandchildren, Stephanie Andrews and husband Ryan, Scott Slagle, Taylor Louis, Leann Rains, Kaleb Rains and Zane Louis; great-grandchild, Braden Andrews.
Pallbearers were Bill Kendall, M.D. Lee, Tom Slagle, Jon Dennison, Royce Parsley and John Hutt.
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Billie Roberson
CISCO- Billie Marvin Roberson, 72, of Cisco, died Tuesday, May 10, 2005 in the Abilene Regional Medical Center.
Memorial services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco. Rev. H.K. Neely officiated, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Roberson was born in Fort Worth, Texas on July 24, 1932 to Sherman LaFall and Winnell (Burt) Roberson. He served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict and before retirement he was employed by Aramco in Saudi Arabia where he was a Safety Engineer in heavy construction. He married Carolyn Neely on January 2, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was a member of the Baptist church and the Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Neely Roberson of Cisco; daughters, Tammy McGuire and husband Roy of Spring, Michele Gill and husband Kyle of Fort Worth; sons, Billie Roberson, Jr. and wife Betsy, and Doug Roberson of Spring, Gary Simpson and wife Corinne of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Keleigh McGuire, Kyle McGuire, Nysa Roberson, Billie Roberson, III, Brett Peterson Gill, Shayne Simpson, Nathan Simpson and Maya Simpson.
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Jerry Squires
EASTLAND - Jerry Squires, 72, of Eastland, died Saturday, May 7, 2005 in the VA Hospital in Dallas. Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 12th, at 10:00 a.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland. Burial was at 3:00 P.M. in Rochelle at the Rochelle Cemetery.
Jerry Carson Squires was born February 22, 1933 in Mercury to Edward Elijah Squiers and Anna Maud Wright Squiers. Mr. Squires married his childhood sweetheart and best friend, the former Leona Jane Shafer, on July 26, 1950, in Ranger. His family followed him from base to base whenever possible throughout his military career, finally settling down in Eastland in 1970. Mr. Squires served his country well with 20 years in the service. He spent 7 years in the Army and 13 years in the Air Force. He served in the United States, Germany, Korea and Vietnam. He was never a POW, but he was MIA for two weeks while stationed in Korea when he got separated from his unit during battle. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Mr. Squires loved his family and he lived life to the fullest. He is preceded in death by his wife, Leona, who passed away 12 weeks earlier, his parents, one sister and four brothers.
Mr. Squires is survived by three daughters, Cindy Rodgers of China Spring, Vicki Lassiter of Eastland, and Ronda McCowen of Cedar Park and their spouses; two sisters, Hope Sorrells of Abilene and Patt Walton of Rising Star; four brothers, Victor Squiers of Massachusetts, Eddie Squiers of Eastland, Royce Squiers of Whitehouse and Max Squires of Olden; eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and an abundance of wonderful friends who he considered family.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Squires wanted donations made to the DAV, VA, American Cancer Society, National Epilepsy Foundation, American Diabetes Association, Cook ChildrenÕs Hospital, St. Jude's Children Hospital or any other reputable charity.
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Stella Devenport
Stella Elizabeth Devenport, 82, a homemaker, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2005, at a Fort Worth care center.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2005 in Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington.
Stella Elizabeth Devenport was born February 10, 1923, in Cisco to George Alexander Drake and Mary Ella House Drake. Her parents were pioneer settlers of Eastland County in the 1800s.
Mrs. Devenport was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Raymon B. Devenport; son-in-law, John A. Perry; brothers, Masten Levert Drake, George Lewis Drake and Sydney Dare Drake; and sisters, Mary Ethel White and Frankie Cathern Finley.
Survivors are a daughter, Judy A. Perry of Fort Worth; granddaughter, Elizabeth Breanne Perry of Fort Worth; grandson, John Bartley Perry and wife, Brandi Kathryn Perry of Irving; great-grandsons, Gabriel Aaron Perry and Ryan Bartley Perry; sisters-in-law, Lula Mae Barcroft of Trenton and Claudia Drake of Abilene; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.
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Earl Dorris
STRAWN - Earl Dempsey Dorris 69, of Strawn died Saturday May 14, 2005.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15,2005 in the Mt. Marion Cemetery with Rev. Jim Troutman officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Dempsey was born in Mingus, Texas on June 25, 1935 to John and Mildred Gordon Dorris. He was a United States Air force veteran serving during the Korean Conflict.
Dempsey married Nina Lee Parsons in April of 1957 in De Leon, Texas and she preceded him in death on December 29, 1983. He later married Betty Hair on January 22, 1985 in Strawn, Texas. Dempsey worked for Brown & Root, delivered Propane to Strawn residences, owned BartonÕs Café, and in his later years owned and operated Dorris Plumbing in the Strawn area for over 40 years.
Dempsey is survived by his wife Betty Dorris of Strawn, children; Earl Wayne Dorris of Terrell, AR, Lisa Edens and husband Billy of Strawn, Jimmy Ray Dorris of Strawn, Pam Fox and husband Billy of De Leon, Dempsey Shay Dorris and wife Carol of Strawn, and Ron Moore and wife Janice of Strawn; a sister Johnnie Riffle of Ranger; a cousin Dortha Talley of Strawn; four step-children Joanne McAfee of Lawton, OK, Jack Jordan of Jackson, FL, Marie Jordan of Arlington, and David Jordan of New Iberia, LA.; grandchildren Cory, Lacy, Gabbie, Brittany, Zack, Dempsey, Timothy, Dylan, Suzi, Joey, Melissa, Kalli, Presley, Leesa Marie, Tony and Cody; a great-granddaughter Isbella Gallozzi; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a sister Dell Harrison.
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Joni Hazelwood
STANTON - Joni Lou Jones Hazlewood, 75 of Stanton, died Sunday, May 8, 2005, at her residence in Stanton, Texas.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at the Belvue Church of Christ in Stanton with Bill Welsh, minister, officiating. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Stanton.
She was born Sept. 21, 1929, in Tarzan, and married Robert ÒBobÓ Hazelwood (formerly of Cisco) on April 16, 1948, in Big Spring. He preceded her in death on Sept. 4, 2000.
She and her husband farmed for many years and traveled throughout the country as they were involved in craft shows. She was an artist and worked as a florist.
She was a member of Belvue Church of Christ.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Robbie and Mike Curry of Midland and Pam and Dennis McCampbell of Stanton; one brother, Don Jones of Dallas; five grandchildren, Robert Curry and his wife Lee Anne, David Curry, April Savage and her husband Shawn all of Midland, Laura McCampbell and Larry McCampbell both of Stanton; five great grandchildren, Bailey Morgan, Adison Savage, Tate Curry, Kelsey Lane and Jamey Lane. Joni was the sister-in-law of Ida Hazlewood of Cisco.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J.A. and Bessie Jones, one brother, James Jones and one sister, Edna Cox.
The family suggests memorials to : Belvue Church of Christ P.O. Box 575, Stanton, Texas 79782 or Home Hospice of Midland, 901 W. Missouri, Midland, Texas 79701 or to a favorite charity.
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Emma Kile
Emma Poteet Kile, 94, of Rising Star, Texas, died Saturday, May 14, 2005 at the Rising Star Nursing Center.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at the Sipe Springs Cemetery in Comanche County, Texas. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of the arrangements.
Emma was born October 18, 1910 in Sipe Springs, Texas to Robert Lee and Oma Jean (Joiner) Poteet. She married Howard Kile who preceded her in death on December 9, 1990. She lived in the community for four years. Before living in Rising Star she lived in Abilene. She was a Baptist. She was a Beautician and a School Teacher. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by a daughter, Tynecha Green of Abilene; 8 grandchildren, Linda Bailey and her husband, Steve of Abilene, Cindy Duran and her husband Henry of Georgia, Gayla Ake and her husband Bobby of Hawaii, Melissa Taylor of Abilene, Jacquline Kidwell and her husband Lee of Abilene, J.D. Drinkard, Casey Drinkard both of Abilene, Robert Drinkard of Oklahoma; 7 great-grandchildren; host a friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; two brothers and two sisters.
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Robbie Bailey
Funeral services for Robbie Bailey, 80, of May were held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 16, 2005 at the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel in Early, Rev. Don Longoria officiated. Burial was in the Bullock Cemetery in Ranger.
Robbie died Friday, May 13, 2005 in Abilene.
She was born to Ray and Bettie Sharrock Boling on January 30, 1925 in Palava, Texas where she was raised. She married Glenn Bailey on August 8, 1941 in Sweetwater.
Robbie was an office manager for Wood Oil Distributing Company in Odessa for 20 years until her retirement in 1987. She has been a resident of May for 35 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Robbie was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Boling and Bettie Hartman.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years Glenn Bailey of May; son, Gary Bailey of Granbury; daughter, Rhea Ann Hanneman of Abilene; sister, Anna Mae Wright of Carlsbad, NM; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to The American Lung Association 61 Broadway, 6th floor New York, NY 10006 or The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 6931 Arlington Road Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
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Jim Anderson
O'DONNELL- Jim Anderson, 86, passed away May 7, 2005 at Covenant Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.
Services were at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at First United Methodist Church in O'Donnell with burial in O'Donnell Cemetery under the direction of White Funeral Hme, Tahoha, Texas.
Jim was born April 23, 1919 in Coleman County, Texas to Matt and Ann (Merritt) Anderson. Jim had lived in O'Donnell for years. He was a self-employed Electrician. He served in World War II and held several positions in O'Donnell. He married Ruby Lois Shook, who preceded him in death May 9, 2003, also preceded in death by 2 sisters, Lydia Reutz and Callie Shields.
He is survived by 1 daughter, Joylene Roye of O'Donnell; 1 grandson, Mark and his wife Lorrye Roye of O'Donnell; 1 great-granddaughter, Madison Roye; and 1 due in 6 weeks; 1 brother, Al Anderson and wife LaNelle of Cisco; one sister, Monterrey Grimes of Federal Way (Seattle) Washington; several nieces and nephews.
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Viola Jackson
Viola Mae Jackson, 96, of Rising Star, Texas died Sunday, May 15, 2005 at her residence.
Viola was born on December 15, 1908 at Holder, Texas to Willie and Laura (Smoot) Wheeler. She married James Andrew Jackson on August 8, 1928 in May, Texas. They enjoyed 53 years together before James passed away on July 14, 1982. She has lived in the Rising Star community all her life. She is a member of the First Baptist Church in May, Texas. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and will be missed deeply by all who knew her.
Viola is survived by two sons, Jerry Jackson of Rising Star and Gene Jackson of Atlanta, GA; one brother, Devern Wheeler of Early; 3 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Andrew Jackson; a son, James Jackson; numerous brothers and sisters.
Funeral Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at May First Baptist Church, Bill Campbell officiated and Paul Dorsey assisted. Burial was in the Loving Family Cemetery in May, Texas. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge.
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Howard Cavender
CISCO- Howard L. 'Pete' Cavender, 87, died Saturday, May 14, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at Summers-Chambers Funeral Chapel, Gene Farley officiated and Ron Brewer assisted. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
Visitation was held Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mr. Cavender was born on April 20, 1918 to Dewey and Jennie (Barr) Cavender at Clay County, Missouri. He graduated from Lawson High School at Lawson, Missouri on May 15, 1935.
He joined the U.S. Navy on December 20, 1941 serving his country during W.W. II. He married Virginia Fay Brewer on September 6, 1946 at Rockwall, TX. She preceded him in death in 1992. They lived in Snyder, Texas for many years where he worked as a mechanic and in the oil industry. He moved to Cisco in 1980.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Ray Gardner Cavender and two sisters, Helen Renchen and Mildred Gerste.
He is survived by one daughter, Carol Cavender of Cisco and many nieces and nephews.
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Bobby Campbell
ABILENE - Funeral services for Bobby Campbell, 72, were at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2005, at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith with Rev. Stan Allcorn and Rev. Jack Ridlehoover officiating. Burial was in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Mr. Campbell died Monday, May 16, 2005, at an Abilene medical center.
He was born to Luella (Kell) and S.D. Campbell on Nov. 12, 1932, in Merkel. He was a 1952 graduate of Merkel High School and an outstanding football player. He was inducted into the Merkel High School Hall of Fame in 1977 for football. Following his discharge from the U.S. Army, he began a long career with AT&T (formerly Western Electric) doing telephone installation throughout Texas.
He married Bonnie Milwee on June 25, 1955, in Rising Star. He was a Baptist and a lifetime member of Telephone Pioneers of America.
His parents, one brother and two sisters preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Campbell of Abilene; one son, Glen Campbell and wife, Julie of Abilene; one daughter, Luann Hailey and husband, Richard of Kingwood, and five grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Lois Boltz and husband, Ron of Phoenix, and Carolyn Wolf and husband, Ralph of Nashville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 149 N. Willis, Abilene, TX 79603; Hendrick Hospice Care, PO Box 1922, Abilene, TX 79604 or donor's favorite charity.
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Gordon Thomason
STRAWN - Services for Gordon Thomason, 82, are pending at Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Thomason died Monday, May 16, 2005.
Funeral services for Ruthie Faye Broome were held Friday, May 20, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. from the First Assembly of God Church of Elk City, Rev. T.D. Gifford officiated. Interment was at 4:30 p.m. at the Eastland Cemetery in Eastland under the direction of the Martin Funeral Home of Elk City.
Ruthie Faye Broome, loving wife, mother and grandmother was born July 21, 1936 at Gorman, Texas to U.V. and Opal Lee (Jenkins) Williams and went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at the age of 68. Ruthie was married to Don Broome on May 20, 1958 at Andrews, Texas and they lived in many places in west Texas and before settling in Elk City in 1973. Ruthie spent her tie raising her children and grandchildren and supporting her husband with his oilfield business. She took pride and love in her home and also in her church, First Assembly of God of Elk City.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, James E. Williams and a sister, Betty L. Ables.
Survivors include her husband, Don Broome of the Elk City home; two daughters, Donna Dupree and Tammy Russell and her husband Mark; four grandchildren, Tiffany Dupree, Courtney Dupree, Madison Russell and Tyler Russell all of Elk City; a sister, Linda Lasater and her husband Jerry of Elk City and many other relatives and friends.
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Clifford Fulfer
RANGER- Clifford Wayne Fulfer, 63, of Ranger died Wednesday, May 18, 2005 in Eastland.
Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2005 at the Liberty Cemetery in Erath County with Rev. Jimmy Lively officiating.
The family will receive friends at Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger on Saturday from 6-8 p.m.
Clifford was born on September 26, 1941 in El Paso to Luther and Vivian (Campbell) Fulfer. He grew up in Erath County and attended school in Huckabay, Gordon and Fort Hancock. He married Judy Low on August 4, 1962 in Menard. He worked road construction, settling in the communities of Unity and Hannibal, in Erath County. In 2000, he moved to Ranger where he owned and operated Lillie's Coffee Pot. Judy preceded him in death on September 9, 1998.
Survivors include his mother, Vivian of George West; two children, Clifford Wayne Fulfer, Jr. of Jacksboro and Shawn Fry of Cisco; one sister, Ann Zorn of George West; 8 grandchildren, Amber, Bailey, Linsey, David, Heather, Cassidy, Allison and Katelyn; and his companion, Rita Munoz.
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Max Baird
STRAWN- Max E. Baird, 75, of Strawn, died Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2005 at the Mt. Marion Cemetery with Jim Troutman officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. The family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made to your favorite charity.
Max was born on January 4, 1930 in Rankin, Ill. to Clarence E. and Gladys Driskell Baird. Max entered the U.S. Army in 1948 and served until 1954 doing two tours in Korea and receiving two Bronze Stars. He married Della M. Meador on February 10, 1954 at Fort Wolters, TX. She preceded him in death on August 22, 2000. Max worked over 21 years for the Texas Highway Department as a maintenance technician. After he retired he enjoyed picking and shelling pecans, and visiting with friends and riding around checking gates and cattle with one of his friends. He was also a former Fire Chief for the Strawn Volunteer Fire Department. Max attended Cowboy Church in Eastland.
He is survived by his sons Darby McCrary of Eastland, Jerry McCrary of Vernon; sister Helen Rife of Clinton, IN and Beth Cannon of Fithian, Ill.; a brother Mike Baird of Potomoc, Ill.; brothers-in-law, Wendell McCrary of Weatherford, and G.E. Meador of Louisiana; sisters-in-law, Ida Meador of Statesville, NC and Avinell Meador of Hico; three grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
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Irvin Gage
CROSS PLAINS- Irvin W. Gage, 81, died Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at the Hendrick Health Care Unit.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Chapel, Ronnie White officiated. Burial was in the Cross Plains Cemetery.
He was born in Callahan Co. on April 8, 1924 to Oscar M. Gage and Beulah (Irvin) Gage. He married Lena Ware on June 25, 1943 in Rising Star, TX. They were blessed with two children, Tony and Donna. He retired as a store manager for Goodyear and was a member of Cottonwood Baptist Church.
Survivors are his wife, Lena Gage of Cross Plains; son, Tony Gage and wife, Sharon of Clyde; daughter, Donna Freytag and husband, Richard of Temple; brother, O.M. Gage, Jr. of Fort Worth; sister, Imogene Green of Lovington, NM; four grandchildren, Weldon and Wendy Gage of Sugar Land, Brian Gage of Abilene, Stacie and Josh Bratton of Temple, John Freytag of Austin.
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Hazel Decker
GORMAN- Hazel Marine Decker, 90, Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at her home in Gorman.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2005 at the Gorman Cemetery, Durward Webb officiated.
Mrs. Decker was born December 24, 1914 in Gorman to Charlie Robinett and Leona (Burns) Robinett. She married Calvin Decker on December 22, 1939 in Eastland. He preceded her in death in August 1962. She was a dental assistant for Dr. J.B. Brandon for 30 years. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters.
Survivors include twin daughters, Faith Burns and Hope Decker both of Gorman; and one sister, Frankie Davidson of Grand Prairie.
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Joe Ross
GORMAN- Joe H. Ross, 73, of Ranger died Friday, May 20, 2005 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Durward Webb officiated. Burial followed in the Sardis Cemetery in Comanche County.
Mr. Ross was born November 20, 1931 in Sweetwater to George Ross and Daisy (Walker) Ross. He married Sue Grice on October 8, 1955 in Gorman. He was a retired Bell Helicopter supervisor. Joe was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Church of Christ and the American Legion in Eastland.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one daughter, Darenda Sue Ross.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Grice Ross of Ranger; four sons, Cody Ross of Ranger, Rodney Ross of Arlington, Bruce Ross of Hudson Oaks and Mike Ross of Ranger; one brother, Don Ross of Richland Hills; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
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Terry Harris
CROSS PLAINS- Terry Harris, 58, of Cross Plains died Friday, May 20, 2005 at the Rising Star Nursing Center.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2005 at Higginbotham Chapel, Richard Chaffin officiated. Burial was in the Cross Plains Cemetery.
He was born in Coleman, Texas on March 14, 1947 to Tommie and Lora Faye (Odom) Harris. Terry graduated from Cross Plains ISD in 1966. He attended Cisco Jr. College, Texas A&M and received his Masters degree from Texas Tech. He owned Harris Roustabout and also owned and operated Bug Busters Pest Control. He was a member of First United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his son, Zane Harris of Stephenville; daughter, Blandye and her husband, Ronnie Crawford of Midland; father, Tommie and his wife, Phyllis Harris of Cross Plains; mother, Lora Faye Halloway of Abilene; three brothers, Don and his wife, Marsha Harris of Abilene, Pam Harris of Cross Plains, Nicky and his wife, Evelyn Harris of Cross Plains; three grandchildren, Tatym Crawford, Rye Crawford, Breck Crawford; several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.
Memorials may be made to Cross Plains E.M.S.
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Kathryn Cole
CISCO- Kathryn Louise (Kilpatrick) Cole passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2005.
Kathryn was born on July 12, 1915 at Carlton, Texas. She graduated from high school in Breckenridge, Texas and married Alfred B. Cole, of the Wayland Community, on August 2, 1938 at Odessa, Texas. The family moved to Cisco in 1961 and have had a residence here since that time. Her husband, Alfred, preceded her in death in 1982.
Kathryn was a homemaker, loving mother, devoted wife and a member of the Cisco Presbyterian Church. For many years she enjoyed participating in the Cisco Garden Club and in the church choir. She also enjoyed working in her yard.
Kathryn is survived by her three children and their families: Bennie Kay (Cole) Miller of Palacios, Robert W. Cole of San Antonio and Charlie E. Cole of Fort Worth; five sisters and one brother.
Services were held Monday, May 23, 2005 at the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco. She was laid to rest next to her husband at Wayland Community Cemetery. Services were under the direction of the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
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Freeda Vanzant
Freeda May Vanzant, daughter of Will and Mary Pearl Lee, was born November 25, 1930, near Oplin, Texas. She died Wednesday, May 18, 2005 in her home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of 74.
On November 13, 1959, she was united in marriage to Russell E. Vanzant, and together they shared the last 45 years.
She was raised in West Texas and graduated from high school in Putnam. She lived in Odessa for several years where she worked as a grocery store cashier. She then made her home in California for a time before moving to Camdenton, Missouri. She and Russell owned and operated the Big Oak Motel in Camdenton for several years. They eventually retired and made their home in Lebanon for the last 25 years. Throughout her life, Freeda was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family.
Freeda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend.
Freeda is survived by her husband, Russell, of the home; two sons, Sam Slatton, and Stanley Slatton, both of Abilene; two daughters, Connie Slatton of Abilene and Mary Jane Vanzant of Dallas; 7 grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Thornton, of Baird; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Her parents, three brothers, and three sisters preceded her in death.
We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will cherish the memories she created for her family and friends.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Cross Plains Cemetery, Burlie Taylor officiated. Higginbotham Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
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Gerald Bratton
WILLOW PARK - Gerald 'Don' Bratton, 66, a loving son, husband, father and grandfather, died Sunday, May 15, 2005, in Willow Park.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in Laurel Land Memorial Chapel. Burial was in Laurel Land Memorial Park. Visitation was 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2005, at Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth.
Pallbearers were Tony Clark, Tim Casey, Don Crow, Charlie Fowler, Jimmy McCleandon and James Powell.
Honorary pallbearers were be Michael Queen, Jim Nichols, Carrol Carisle, Dick Murray, Tommy Winblood, Robert Riddle and Larry Marrs.
Memorials may be made to: Cook Children's Medical Center or North Side Baptist Church Building Fund, 910 N. Main, Weatherford, Texas 76086.
Don was born Nov. 16, 1938, in Ranger. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division, the Screaming Eagles. He retired from AT&T/Lucent after 44 years of service. Upon retiring, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, and he became the resident baby-sitter for his 10 grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Bailey Bratton.
Survivors are his mother, Sarah Louise Bratton of Ranger; wife, Anna Beth Bratton of Willow Park; sons, Billy Don Bratton and wife, Tricia, Ron Paul and wife, Gina, and Wyatt Paul and wife, Donna; daughters, Kerry Aaubers and husband, Scott, and Denise Clay and husband, Donald; grandchildren, Anjelica, Karaline, Charlotte, Christian, Scott, Anna Jean, Sidney, Briley, Brandi and DJ; brother, William Ray Bratton and wife, Marilyn, of Louisiana; sister, Janie Friedlein and husband, Mike, of Virginia; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
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Claudia Crossley
RANGER- Claudia Lea Crossley, 95, of Ranger died Thursday, May 26, 2005 at a local care facility.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 28, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Chapel, Rev. Paul Stephen II officiated. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements were directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Mrs. Crossley was born January 8, 1910 in Big Spring to Claude E. and Minnie (Hanes) Warnock. She married Ross Lester Crossley on June 11, 1927. She lived in Ranger for most of her life; she worked at Montgomery Ward for many years. Claudia was a member of First United Methodist Church, Children's Welfare Club, and the LadyÕs Golf Club at Ranger Country Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ross Lester Crossley in 1988, and son James Ross Crossley II in 1951.
She is survived by her grandson James Ross Crossley, III and wife Jennifer of Las Vegas, NV, granddaughter Amy Crossley-Phillips of Amarillo, and two great-grandchildren.
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Neva Ross
Neva Ross, 78, of Gorman died Thursday, May 26, 2005 at her home.
Mrs. Ross was born January 1, 1927 in El Reno, Oklahoma to Pinckney Thomas Rogers and Nellie Lorena (LeBleu) Rogers. She married Ralph Ross on April 25, 1948 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He preceded her in death in July 2001. She was a housewife and one of JehovahÕs Witnesses.
Survivors include a sister, Dorothy LeBleu of Gorman; two sisters-in-law, Judith Rogers of Gorman and Ina Harwell of California.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and twin brothers.
The body will be cremated under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman. The family will have a memorial service for Mrs. Ross at a later date.
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William Shubert
MINGUS Ð William Daniel ÒDanÓ Shubert 79, of Mingus died on Saturday, May 28, 2005 in Stephenville. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2005 in the Brad Cemetery with Rev. Michael Orsini officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Dan was born on April 17, 1926 in Kinsing, Texas to Robert and Effie Dill Shubert. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, and a member of the VFW Post in Mineral Wells. He worked for him self cutting cedar post and for a brief time for Strawn Materials. He had lived in Mingus since 1931.
Dan is survived by sons; Jimmy Shubert of Santo, Danny Shubert of Duncan, OK and daughter Rachel Fitzgerald of Stephenville. A sister Ruthie Fletcher of Mineral Wells. Grandchildren Michael and Crystal Fitzgerald, Angie, Marshall, and Joseph Dhane and a great-grandchild Alexander Fitzgerald. Numerous nieces and nephews.
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Robert Bearden
MINGUS - Robert D. Bearden 72, of Mingus died on Sunday, May 29, 2005 at his home.
Graveside services were held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at the New Gordon Cemetery with Rev. Michael Orsini officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Robert was born on September 20, 1932 in Mingus, Texas to Clarence R. and Bernice Speegle Bearden. He was a graduate of Gordon High School in 1951. A veteran in the U. S. Army. Robert married Jo Ann Hale on June 1, 1955 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a member of the Gordon Masonic Lodge AF & AM #634, Big Lake Lodge # 1204, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason Valley of El Paso, a Shriner at the Moslah Temple in Fort Worth. A life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7208 in Midland, former Mayor of Mingus, an Emergency Medical Technician for Tri City EMS for years. Robert was a member of the Mingus Baptist Church.
Robert is survived by his wife Jo Ann Bearden of Mingus, daughters; Debra Ann Nikolauk of San Angelo, Tx., Cheryl Kay Boyce of Midland, Tx., Terri Duane Pullig of Big Lake, Tx., Robbie Jo Barber of Mingus, Tx., a brother Doug Bearden of Mingus, Tx., six grandchildren; Christy, Brandon, Brooke, Kaitlyn, Mark and Dillon. Several nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his Dad Clarence in 1975, his Mother Bernice May 27, 2005 and a brother Glen Bearden on March 26, 2002.
The family request memorials be made to the Tri City Ambulance in Gordon, Texas or your favorite charity.
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SPC Tyler Creamean
RISING STAR - Funeral services for SPC Tyler Creamean will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Rising Star.
Creamean was a member of the 1st Brigade 25th Infantry Division 73rd Combat Engineers Stryker Brigade out of Ft. Lewis, Washington. He was deployed in October 2004 and was in Mosul, Iraq at the time of his death.
Specialist Creamean is survived by his wife, KaMisha who is also serving in the military; a step-son, T.J.; his mother, Rebecca Callaway Hout and step-father, Jeffrey Hout, of Jacksonville, AR; a sister, Jillian; grandmother, Betty Callaway of Rising Star; and great grandmother, Gracie Jenkins also of Rising Star. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorials in Tyler's name may be sent to the Rising Star Foundation for the War Memorial, Rising Star Cemetery Fund, First Baptist Church of Rising Star, or the Red Cross.
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Ralph Moser
Ralph Street Moser, 90, died Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at Harris Methodist Erath County Hospital.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Lacy Funeral Home. Burial followed at Erath Garden of Memories. Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2005 at Lacy Funeral Home.
He was born on April 6, 1915 in the Exray Community to Herman A. 'H.A.' and Jennie Hugh Rowland Moser. He was married to Tennie Geneva Lincoln in 1939, and she preceded him in death on October 22, 1987. In 1989, he married Charlene Lietz Moser. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Stephenville. He graduated from Stephenville High School n 1934, and attended John Tarleton College from 1935 to 1937. In 1939, he graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and received his Master of Science degree in 1957, also from Texas A&M University. He is a member of the Tarleton Athletic Hall of Fame, and was Captain of the A&M Track Team. Ralph taught Vocational Agriculture at Stephenville High School from 1943 until his retirement in 1968. During his tenure at SHS he trained and led numerous student agriculture judging teams to State championships, and the walls of his classroom were filled with banners won by his students. He was also a frequent judge of state livestock contests at the State Fair of Texas. Following his retirement from SHS, he worked the following ten years for the Texas Education Agency as Area Supervisor for Region IV, supervising Vocational Agriculture teachers in a 24 county area.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva; his brother, Derace Moser; and a sister, Thelma Moser.
Mr. Moser is survived by his wife Charlene Lietz Moser; two sons, John Moser and wife Barbara of Stephenville and Dr. Dan Moser of Little River, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Jason Moser and wife Camille of Stephenville and Jill Moser of Dallas; two great-grandchildren, Catherine and Logan Moser of Stephenville. He is also survived by two step-sons, Lloyd Wayne and wife Gloria Lietz of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Charles (Chuck) Lietz of Dallas; and three step-grandchildren, Charlene Margaret Lietz of Richmond, VA, June Marie Lietz of Fort Worth, and Richard Wayne Lietz of Fayetteville, N.C.
Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.
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Neva Ross
GORMAN- Neva Ross, 78, a homemaker, died at her home Wednesday, May 25, 2005.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2005 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Eastland, Texas.
Neva Rogers was born in El Reno, Oklahoma on January 1, 1927. She married Ralph Ross in Las Vegas. Neva and Ralph moved to Texas in the 1970Õs and settled in the Gorman area. Ralph preceded her in death in 2001. They were married for 57 years.
Neva was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on July 8, 1951. Throughout her life, she demonstrated a strong active faith. For over 54 years she zealously helped a number of people to the point of dedication and baptism. Even during periods of illness, she witnessed to doctors, nurses, health care workers and others for as long as she could. She was well known for her love, kindness, courage and long suffering.
Neva was also a very talented artist. She enjoyed painting, flower arranging and excelled at arts and crafts. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She brought joy to all those around her.
Neva Ross loved Jehovah God. Her name can now be added to the list of countless others who proved their integrity to death and will be resurrected to everlasting life on a paradise earth. May we be there to greet her when she is awakened.
Survivors are her sister, Dorothy Le Bleu of Gorman; and many nephews and nieces; and two sisters-in-law, Judy Rodgers and Jackie Le Bleu.
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June 2005
Jay Douglas
CISCO- Jay Calvin Douglas, 41, of Cisco died Saturday, June 4, 2005 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2005 at East Cisco Baptist Church. Rev. Bayless Pope and Dr. Ron Bostick officiated. Kimbrough Funeral Home directed.
Jay was born in Cisco on March 31, 1964. He worked as a driller in oil and gas exploration. He married Stephanie Scott on October 1, 1995 and was a member of Long Branch Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Cliff Douglas.
Survivors include his wife, Stephanie Douglas of Cisco; children, Karen Tomme and husband Jeremy of Brownwood, Kalvin Douglas of Eastland, Jimmy Proffitt, Brittany Proffitt, and Crystal Proffitt all of Cisco, Kelly Hicks of Eastland and Kris McPherson of California; grandchildren, Sara Proffitt, Riley Curtis and Mary Yarbrough; father, James Douglas of Angleton; mother, Charleen Young of Cisco; sister, Vinetta Sanders and husband Nick of Decatur; brothers, Michael Young of Waco, Coy Young of Ranger and Kendall Douglas of Angleton; nephew, Pake Sanders of Decatur; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
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Thomas Nevill
Thomas Kellar Nevill, 97, of Eastland died Monday, June 6, 2005 in his home.
Mr. Nevill was born in Angleton, Texas on February 2, 1908 to Ed and Anna Nevill. He met and married Mercedes ÒDeeÓ Trainer in 1938. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. By trade, he was a carpenter and lived and worked many years in Sonora, Texas until he moved to Eastland in 1978.
His wife, his brother Glen, and his sisters, Grace, Lois, and Edith preceded him in death.
Mr. Nevill is survived by his son, John Ed and wife Nelda, his son, Bob, all of Eastland; a niece Joyce Neville of Denver, Colorado; 5 grandchildren, April Kellar, Glenn, Heather, and Thomas; 6 great-grandchildren, and Heather's and Thomas' mother Cecilia, of Abilene.
The funeral services were held Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland. Burial was in the Eastland Cemetery. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Edwards Funeral Home.
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Margaret Peak
Margaret Ellen Peak, 81, of Cisco, formerly of Amarillo, died at her home on Tuesday, June 7, 2005.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2005 at Myatt-Seeger Funeral Home in Laverne, Oklahoma. Burial was in Red Rock Cemetery in Harper County, Oklahoma. Rev. Lesley Peterman officiated. Local arrangements were made by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Margaret was born in Maybell, Colorado on May 10, 1924 to Clarence and Mollie Jo (Pierce) Hopkins. She was raised in Woodward, Oklahoma and graduated from Sharon High School in 1942. She lived in Amarillo for nearly 40 years and worked as a Ward Clerk at Saint Anthony's Hospital before moving to Cisco.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Johanna Ditwiler and brother, Arthur Hopkins.
She is survived by daughters, Leona Perry and husband Bill of Beaver, Oklahoma, Mary Jane Steinbrecher and husband John of Aladdin, Wyoming, Sherry Hennington and husband Vance of Cisco, Carla Adams and husband Jerry of Cleburne; brother, Bob Hopkins of Woodward, Oklahoma; grandchildren, David Perry and wife Tammy, Becky Painter, Steve Perry and wife Stacey, Kody Steinbrecher, Monte Steinbrecher, Lee Hennington, Leisa Barcelo and husband Christopher, Lindsey Hennington, Reed Adams, Rion Adams and Jessica Adams; great-grandchildren, Brooke, Tyler, Sydney, A.J., Kyle, Luke, Skyler, Dalton, Leah, and Joshua Grant.
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Jack Jackson
GORMAN- Jack Jackson, 46, of Gorman died after a sudden illness, Tuesday, June 7, 2005 at the DeLeon Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Gorman. Denver Rainey officiated. Burial followed in the Gorman Cemetery.
Jack was born December 4, 1958 in Gorman to Ronald Wayne Jackson and Nelda Ruth (Coan) Jackson. He was a self-employed concrete contractor. He was a graduate of Gorman High School and was on the 1976 State Champion football team. Jack married Deborah Guthery on August 17, 1985 in Gorman. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Jackson and his grandmother, Lizzie Jackson.
Survivors include his wife, Deborah Jackson of Gorman; two daughters, Olivia Jackson and Carlie Jackson of the home; his mother, Nelda Ruth Boyette of Roswell, NM; two sisters, Jeanette Duncan of Bethany, OK and Annette Jackson of Granbury.
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Annie Gibson
Annie Dorinda Ward Gibson, 71, of Cisco, died Saturday, June 11, 2005 in her home.
Mrs. Gibson was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on March 8, 1934. She graduated from Wichita Falls High School. After a short period in Abilene, she moved to Holbrook, Arizona area where she lived until moving to Cisco, Texas in 2001.
While in the Holbrook, Arizona area, Annie began her business career as owner of the Holbrook Ice Plant, and the Cholla Restaurant. After 16 years as an employee of Grace Insurance, she opened the A&B Trading Post as its owner/operator, where she became known as 'The Turtle Lady' by her many loyal and loving Navajo and Hopi friends and customers.
Mrs. Gibson was very active in many local and national organizations. She was Past President of Joseph City, Arizona School Board, was a board member of the Holbrook, Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and held memberships in the National Beta Sigma Phi (Lifetime Member), American Legion Auxiliary, and Elks Lodge. While living in Cisco, Annie was Vice President of the Cisco Chapter of AARP, and was a member of Bible Baptist Church of Cisco.
Mrs. Gibson is survived by her three children: daughters, Dorinda 'Dee' Jackson of Cisco and Donna Ellis of Carrollton, Texas and her son, Timothy Baldry of Gilbert, Arizona; seven grandchildren, Brandon McAfee, Leeann Jackson, Regan Ellis, Allyssa Baldry, Adam Baldry, Joshua Baldry, and Brendan Baldry; and one great-granddaughter, Madison McAfee.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at Bible Baptist Church, 1609 Ave E., Cisco, Texas. Rev. Stephen Forester officiated. Burial followed at the Cisco Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Brandon McAfee, Rod Jackson, Brendon Baldry, Joshua Baldry, Adam Baldry, and Josh Helmcamp.
Honorary pallbearers were Bob Smith, Bob Hildebrand, Alan Grace, Larry Phillips, Bill Dudley and Juan Torres.
The family requests that any memorials be made to the Bread of Life Mission P.O. Box 246, Holbrook, Arizona 86025.
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Kenneth Brooks
Kenneth Don Brooks, 70, went to be with his Lord on June 12, 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was an industrial electrician in Odessa for many years.
Kenneth was born in downtown Pioneer on January 28, 1935 to Howard W. Brooks and Blanche Curry Brooks. He and Ella Louise Fielden Brooks were married January 16, 1952 in Ft. Stockton, Texas. They were members of the Pioneer Pentecostal Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lenda Jean Brooks; and one daughter, Terry Ella Brooks Norris.
Graveside services were held at Pioneer Cemetery at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2005 with Matt McGowen officiating, assisted by Bruce Stovall; under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Survivors include his wife, Ella Louise Brooks; daughters, Linda Brooks Wilson and husband Richard of Ruidoso, N.M., Ramona Brooks Lewis and husband Robert of Las Cruces, N.M.; sister, Mona Wilson of Pioneer; 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Letha Turner; sister-in-law, Shirley Hoffman and husband Cotton all of Fairfield, Tx; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Donations may be made to a local Hospice or the Pioneer Cemetery Association P.O. Box 699, Cross Plains, Tx 76443.
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James Hutto
EASTLAND- James Harold Hutto, 68, passed away at his home in Eastland on Monday, June 13, 2005.
Graveside funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2005 under the direction of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home in Eastland. Interment followed at the Corinth Cemetery with Michael Harris and Larry Lawson officiating.
Mr. Hutto was born March 3, 1937 in Waynesboro, Mississippi. He married Annie Lou Boutwell on February 2, 1954 in Waynesboro. He was a longtime resident of Waynesboro and moved to Eastland in July of 2004. James was a mechanic in his early life and later enjoyed a career of driving trucks. He was a member of the Assembly of God Church.
James was the Pop's of the Pop's House of Catfish in Eastland.
Mr. Hutto was preceded in death by his parents, J-Hack and Mae Ollie Stevison Hutto.
Survivors include his loving wife, Ann Hutto of Eastland; his sons, Tony Gene Hutto of Waynesboro and Danny Harold Hutto of Eastland; his daughter, Sherry Eileen Smith of Eastland; his brother, David Walter 'Dub' Hutto of Burleson; 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and many new and old friends.
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Beverly 'Jeannie' Sadowski
BRECKENRIDGE- Beverly Jean 'Jeannie' Harris Sadowski, 54, of Breckenridge died Sunday evening, June 12, 2005 at Stephens Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 10 a.m. at the Apostolic Lighthouse UPC with Rev. W.C. Roach officiating and Rev. W.C. Needham and Rev. Michael C. Roach assisting. Burial will follow in the Breckenridge Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 15th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Morehart Mortuary.
Jeannie was born July 12, 1950 in Ranger, Texas to parents J.T. Harris, Sr. and Charlene Russell Robinson Harris. She graduated from Breckenridge High School and attended Texas Bible College in Houston for 3 years. She was an ordained minister, holding credentials with the Apostolic World Christian Fellowship since 1983. She was also a small business owner. Jeannie married Dr. D.P. Sadowski on January 3, 1980 in Ft. Worth. Together, they evangelized in 43 states and Canada and Mexico; pastored 4 small churches; and, co-wrote the newspaper article, "He Said, She Said." In 1992, Jeannie ran for U.S. Congress. She also served 4 years as the State Home Missions Director and 4 years as the State Assistant Ladies' Auxiliary Director for the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. Jeannie was a past member of the First Pentecostal Church of Eastland and a current member of the Apostolic Lighthouse UPC of Breckenridge.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
Jeannie is survived by her husband, Dr. D.P. Sadowski and her father, J.T. Harris, both of Breckenridge; her brother, John T. Harris, Jr. and wife, Linda of Ranger; her sister, Ann and husband, Chris Condron of Graham; her cousin, Roy Varner and wife, Lynetta, of Ranger; nieces, Ashley Harris of Ranger and Jena Condron and Christa Condron, both of Graham; and, nephews, Chase Harris of Breckenridge, J.T. Harris, III of Ranger, and Chance Condron of Graham. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and church family she loved.
Memorials may be made to Apostolic Lighthouse UPC and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be sent online at www.morehartmortuary.net.
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Julia Brazell
DESDEMONA- Julia Ruby O'Dell Brazell, 70, died Sunday, June 12, 2005.
Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2005 at Desdemona Baptist Church, directed by Nowlin Funeral Home of DeLeon.
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Drusie Pierce
GORDON- Drusie E. Pierce, 92, died Sunday, June 12, 2005.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at First Baptist Church. Burial was in the New Gordon Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
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William 'Sam' Huston
STEPHENVILLE Ð William S. 'Sam' Huston Jr., 83, of Stephenville, died Monday June 13, 2005.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2005 in the Kemp Cemetery with Rev. Gene Ratcliff officiating and burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
Sam was born in Kemp, Texas to William S. and Mary Estelle Grubbs Houston Sr. He was a graduate of Kaufman High School and received a football scholarship to Centenary College in Shreveport, LA., where he completed two years. Sam became a pilot and instructor. He was licensed by the (CAA) Civil Aviation Agency as an instructor. He earned both a commercial and instructor's pilot license and taught at Texas A & M University for six months and was released to go to Abilene to instruct (WASP) Women's Auxiliary Service Pilots. Sam served in the Army Air Corp and the reserves during World War II. He married Imogene Weatherford on December 2, 1944 in Dallas, Texas. They moved to Fort Worth to work for the Federal Aviation Agency as an Airways Flight Inspector and later to Houston where he took a position with FAA as chief flight inspection district officer. More recently, they moved to Gordon and then to Stephenville as well as having a place at Lake Palo Pinto where Sam served on the Lake Palo Pinto Water Board, was a member of the Gordon Lion's Club and helped with Mid Cities Ambulance Service. He was a Methodist.
Mr. Huston is survived by his wife Gene Huston of Stephenville, a daughter Suzanne Aplin and husband Thomas of Lawton, OK, son William S. Huston III and special friend Teresa Tice-Boggs of Austin, grandchildren; Thomas Christopher Aplin of Pasadena, CA, Scottie Colleen Aplin and husband Capt. Charles E. Bryant of Atlanta, GA, Heather Kaylani and husband Mike of Arnold, MD., and Laura Allison Huston of Austin, great-grandchildren; Katherine Colleen Bryant and Logan Brooks Kaylani. Nieces and nephews; Geri Wall Moore and husband Donald, James Weatherford and wife Morreta, Peggy Houdek and husband Rob, Laura Morrow, Dan and Gene Grigsby and sister-in-law Bonnie Grigsby.
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CMSGT USAF RET. Clinton E. Hughes
EASTLAND - CMSGT USAF RET. Clinton E. Hughes, 75, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at his home in Eastland, TX.
Services were held at 10 AM Friday, June 17, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Chapel with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Burial followed at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Hughes was born on February 22, 1930 in Eastland County to Delbert C. & Maudie Alleane (Lyles) Hughes. He attended and graduated from Wylie High School. Mr. Hughes married Betty Holland on April 6, 1956 in Durant, OK. CMSGT Hughes spent 20 years in the US Air Force. While in the Air Force he was awarded the Airman's Medal for Bravery, the highest medal given in peace time and was awarded the Bronze Star for service in South East Asia. He was instrumental in organizing the first Southern Baptist Church in New England at Portsmouth, NH, and helped with establishing 5 other churches and missions in the New England area. He was layman of the year at the Baptist Convention in New England in 1990. He returned to Texas in 1993 to retire. One of the joys in his life here in Texas was the organization of the Praise Class at First Baptist Church of Eastland and the friendships formed there, and also meeting with the 'Lunch Bunch' - friends who he graduated from Wylie with in 1947. CMSGT Hughes loved his God, his family, the Air Force, and his ranch outside of Carbon which has been in the Hughes family for over 100 years. He was patriotic and served his God and country well.
Mr. Hughes is survived by his wife Betty Holland Hughes of Eastland; son Mike Hughes and wife Lisa of Carbon, son Mark Hughes and wife Kirby of Clayton, NC; daughter, Paula Hall & husband Louie of Pinewood, SC, and daughter Pamela Pierce and husband Chuck of Denton; 13 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Hughes was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson Sean Micheal Hughes.
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Ernest Reich
CISCO- Ernest Herman Reich, 85, of Cisco, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2005, at his home. His three children were present with him.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 18, 2005 at Calvary Baptist Church, officiated by The Rev. Ronnie Shackelford and The Rev. Matthew Brackman. Burial and Military graveside services were in the Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Visitation at the funeral home was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Mr. Reich was born in Cisco, Texas on June 30, 1919, to Oscar Gustav and Anna Amanda (Stephan) Reich. He attended John Tarleton College where he was in ROTC. He served in the US Army during World War II in the 95th Infantry Division as a Second Lieutenant. He received a Battlefield Commission and was the recipient of the Bronze Star. He was cited especially for his actions during the campaigns for Metz and Saarlautern for deliberately exposing himself to draw enemy attention while his machine gun section sought a route of withdrawal from a mine field in which they had been isolated by German fire.
He married Christine Hedwig Prange on March 3, 1946, at Grace Lutheran Church in Cisco. She preceded him in death on June 3, 2003. He was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church and was a long time member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and in later years attended Calvary Baptist Church with his wife. He was a dairy farmer and rancher. He was past President of Texas Farm Bureau, member of the Gideon Society and past President of Cisco ISD School Board and Cisco Junior College Board.
He is survived by a son, Tim Reich and wife Donna of Cisco; daughters, Rebecca Odom and Louanne Gerhardt and husband John all of Cisco; grandchildren, Brendan Odom, Justin Odom and wife, Kim, Kerstin Gorr and husband Robert, Garrett Gerhardt, Grayson Gerhardt, Stephen Reich and wife Carrie, Kimberly Reich, Hannah Higgins and husband Jason; great-grandchildren, Kendra Reich, Madison Reich, Lauren Reich and Keeleigh Gorr; brother, Karl Reich of Cisco; and nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Brendan Odom, Justin Odom, Stephen Reich, Garrett Gerhardt, Grayson Gerhardt, Robert Gorr, Marvin Reich, Jason Higgins and Norman Paulsen; honorary pallbearers were Dr. Mark Prange and Dr. Duane Hale.
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Anita Ball
Anita Ball, 71, of Sand Springs, died Tuesday, June 14, 2005, in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM Monday, June 20,2005 at Myers & Smith Chapel. Graveside Services will be at 4:00 PM Monday, June 20, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery at Cisco, Texas.
She was born December 2, 1933, at Bridgeton, Maine to Roxie and Laurant Pingree. She married D Ball, Jr. on January 5, 1952, in Cisco. Anita has been a resident of Howard County since 1960. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with her minor in History in 1971 from Angelo State University in San Angelo. Anita was a substitute teacher.
She is survived by her husband: D Ball Jr., of Sand Springs; one daughter: Terri Telchik and her husband Lance of Big Spring; one son: Wayne Ball of Sand Springs; one sister: Dottie Harmon of Old Town, Maine; two brothers: Harlan Pingree of Austin, and Lonnie Pingree of Beaumont; two grandchildren: Trace Telchik and Charli Telchik, both of Big Spring; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one niece and two nephews.
Arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home. Pay your respects online at www.myersand smith.com <http://www.myersandsmith.com/>
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Claudia Jay
Claudia Mary Jay, 76, of Gorman, died Sunday, June 18, 2005.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Monday, June 20, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman. Ken Wilson and Jackie Auvenshine officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Jay was born October 25, 1928 in Oregon to A.F. Lennington and Mary Francis (McClellan) Lennington. She married Thurman Jay on August 11, 1945 in Eastland. Thurman and Claudia owned and operated Jay's Grocery in Gorman for many years. She was a 50 year member of the Eastern Star and a Baptist.
She is survived by husband, Thurman Jay of Gorman; three sons, William Jay of Strawn, James Jay and wife Ann of Gorman, and Bobby Jay of Gorman; one daughter, Mary McCormick and husband Mike of Euless; two sisters, Delores Cox and husband Leroy of Tyler and Nettie Jo Nichols and husband Nick of Iowa Park; five grandsons and two great-grandchildren.
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Joy Lee
EASTLAND- Joy Lee, 70, of Eastland died Thursday, June 16, 2005 in a local hospital.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 20, 2005 at the Eastland City Cemetery. Rev. Harry Garvin officiated. Burial followed directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Wilda Joy was born on December 14, 1934 in Eastland, Texas to Harvey and Muriel Donaldson Harris. She was raised in Eastland County and married Carlton H. Lee, Sr. on December 24, 1952 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Mr. Lee preceded her in death on June 11, 2004. Joy retired back to Lake Leon in 1994 where she enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time with her family. She was a housewife and mother and a member of the Lake Leon Baptist Church.
She is survived by her daughters, Annette Truluck and husband Doug of Charleston, SC, Darlene Kriewald and husband Russell of Austin, and Susan Humble of Alvord, TX.; grandchildren, Amanda Donnelly Callander and husband Paul of Charleston, SC, Douglas Truluck, Jr. and wife Chris of Columbia, SC, Brad Truluck and wife Jodi of Charleston, SC, Kris, Sarah, Seth and Kallie Humble of Monahans, Kelsi and Kari Kriewald of Austin; great-grandchildren, MacKenzie Truluck and Rylie Anson Callander of Charleston, SC, and Sidney and Camron Truluck of Columbia, SC; sister Bobbie Sharp of Albany, TX; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son, Carlton H. Lee, Jr. and brother Randell Hoover.
The family request memorials be made to the American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane, Ste 603, New York, NY 10038-4810 or the American Cancer Society, 1599 Clifton Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30329.
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Daniel 'Danny' Shubert
Daniel A. 'Danny' Shubert, 46, a wonderful brother and uncle to many, passed away Friday, June 17, 2005 at the Duncan Regional Hospital in Oklahoma.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 10 a.m. in the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Interment was at 1 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery. Rev. Jerry McCoy officiated.
Danny was born on March 23, 1959, in Strawn, to Daniel ÔDanÕ Shubert and Pauline Steel Love. He was a lover of nature and loved to travel. He worked in a variety of fields; holding many management positions, doing auto detailing, and worked as a cook in many restaurants. Danny was a well-loved person in the family as well as in the community. He enjoyed interaction with his family, with kids, and with friends, working in his garden and on crafts, and he loved the relaxation of fishing.
He is survived by Aunt Ruthie Shubert of Mineral Wells; brothers, Bob Srader of Graford, Lloyd Srader of Weatherford, Calvin Youngblood of Duncan, OK., JL Shubert of Strawn, David Patterson of Houston, and Jimmy Wayne Shubert of Mineral Wells; and sisters, Myrtle Bakker of Nimrod, Shirley Sanders of Duncan, OK., Rachel Fitzgerald of Stephenville, and Tommie Langford of Cisco. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by both his mother and his father; brothers, Paul and Bill Srader; and a sister, Carline Simmons.
Active pallbearers were James McCoy, Jimmy McCoy, Jr., Jeremiah Stiles, Jeremy Langford, Marshall Dhane II, and Mark Patterson. Mr. Marshall Dhane served as an honorary pallbearer.
Danny had been sick for some time with heart problems, diabetes, and finally pneumonia. He had been working on a disability claim for several years to no avail. He was uninsured and unemployed for a number of years; therefore, any donations would be greatly appreciated and may be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Youngblood 321 North C., Duncan, OK, 73533. All contributions will be put toward Danny's funeral and medical expenses. Thank you and may God bless.
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Zelma White
MINERAL WELLS - Services for Zelma Pauline White, 91, a retired school teacher, were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2005, at Immanuel Baptist Church. Burial was in Woodland Cemetery, directed by White's Funeral Home.
Mrs. White died Saturday, June 18, 2005, in Mineral Wells.
She was born to James Thomas and Lucinda Elizabeth Biles on March 20, 1914, in Madill, Oklahoma. She began her teaching career in a one room school in Oklahoma. She also taught school in Tushka and Wapanucka, Oklahoma. Texas towns where she taught were Plainview, Brownfield, Crosbyton and Brock. She completed her teaching career of 32 years at Lee Middle School in Mineral Wells, retiring in 1979.
Her husband, L.E. White Jr. preceded her in death on February 24, 2005.
Survivors include daughters, Jane Alexander of Mineral Wells, Karen Donoho and husband, Odis of Cisco; grandchildren, D'Lisa McIntosh of Austin, D'Lynda Jackson of Temple, D'Lora Staton of Perryton and Chad Donoho of Cisco; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Katrina White of Duncan, Oklahoma and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Steve Williams
CLYDE- Steve Haywood Williams, 79, of Clyde, died Thursday, June 16, 2005 at a local hospital.
Memorial services were held at 6 p.m. Monday, June 20, 2005 at the Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Billy Sellers officiating.
Mr. Haywood was born August 18, 1925 in Rising Star, Texas to Steve H. and Lorraine (Cannon) Williams. He graduated from Abilene High School. He served in the U.S. Army. He married Carmelita Griffin in Abilene on July 1, 1947. They moved to Clyde from San Antonio in 1971. Mr. Haywood was a machinist, retiring in 1991 from Victor Equipment Co., where he had worked for 15 years. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by a son, Steve A. Williams.
Survivors include his wife, Carmelita of Clyde; one daughter, Mary Matheny of Clyde; one sister, Collette Bostick of Eastland; five grandchildren, Belinda Matheny, Carmelita Matheny, Leo Matheny, Brandi Hicks and Sharon Gee; and six great-grandchildren, Alyssa Matheny, Baylee Matheny, Steve A. Williams, II, Brittney Pennell, Madison Pennell and Tachina Gee.
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Eula Thornton
Eula Gladys Thornton, 89, died Monday, June 20, 2005 at an Abilene medical center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2005 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Rev. Joe Prim officiated. Burial was in the Mitchell Cemetery in Eastland County.
Mrs. Thornton was an LVN and a self-employed upholster when she retired. She was a Baptist and a member of Cobb Park Senior Citizens Center. She loved to quilt, cook, and tell kids fairy tales.
Her husband, Joe Thornton; her mother and father; two brothers, Harold and Hillman Bridges; and a great-great-grandson, Braxton Garner all preceded her in death.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Raymond J. and Kaye Coates of Longrove, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Tammy Jean Mabrey and husband, Jerry of Denver City, Kimberly Jo Coates of Abilene and Danny Ray Coates of New Mexico; and lots of great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers, Ernest Gaston Bridges of Denver, CO., George Harless Bridges of Stephenville, and James Franklin Bridges of Cisco; four sisters, Lorene Bonner and husband, Lester of White Settlement, Ola Mae Woods of Springtown, TX, Nell Russell and husband, James of Blanket, TX, and Claudia Drake of Abilene; numerous nieces and nephews; and her best friend, J.R. Owings of Cisco.
James Eldon Israel, 65, of Sour Lake died June 19, 2005 at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Born in Gorman, Texas and resident most of his life in the Abilene area, James moved to the Beaumont area two years ago. He was the owner and operator of Israel Oilfield Company.
James is survived by his wife, LaWan Israel of Sour Lake; son, Jack Eldon Israel and his fiance' Debbie Morgan of Sour Lake; daughter, Allison Sue Israel of Stanton; brother, Delbert Nixon 'Nick' Israel of Abilene; grandchildren, Heather Horton, Chrissie Israel, Amber Langford, Joseph Israel, Bayli Barnhill; great-granddaughter, Emalynn Horton; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
His brother, Jerry Lynn Israel preceded him in death.
A gathering of family and friends was held at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at Broussard's in Beaumont. Another gathering of family and friends was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 22 at Godfrey Funeral Home in Albany. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 23, 2005 at First Baptist Church in Albany followed by a burial at Shackelford Cemetery. Broussard's Mortuary of Beaumont, Texas was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Sour Lake Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 506 Sour Lake, Texas 77659 or West Texas Rehabilitation Center 2616 South Clack Street, Suite 180, Abilene, TX 79606.
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Retta Jackson
CISCO- Retta Jackson, of Cisco, Texas, entered her eternal rest at 6 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at the age of 92.
Services were held at the Church of Christ in Cisco on Friday, June 24, 2005 at 10 a.m. Grandsons Rev. Terrell Jackson officiated and Bryan Jackson assisted. Interment followed at Oakwood Cemetery.
She was born on October 3, 1912 in Burkett, Texas and had lived in Cisco since 1975 and was a former resident of Andrews, Texas for many years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and wife and enjoyed the blessing of life. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ in Cisco and her hobbies included playing in the Cisco Senior Citizen Band, gardening, playing games with her friends, and in her earlier years, bowling. She competed at many major events with her bowling talents and was considered a great competitor. Retta was also the owner of the Snack Shack Cafe' in Andrews and Cisco, Texas, which made her known to many as the best pie maker in the world.
Her brothers, sister, and husband Terrill preceded her in her eternal rest.
Survivors include son, Kay Jackson and wife Roberta; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many loving friends.
She lived a full and joyful life and remained self-sufficient until her last days.
Memorials may be made to the Lake Cisco Christian Camp, or your favorite charity.
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James Edmonds
GREENSBORO, N.C.- James Lawrence Edmonds, died Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at Moses Cone Memorial Hospital.
In accordance with his wishes, the family received friends Saturday at his residence.
Col. Edmonds was born on August 27, 1919 in Jonesville, S.C. a son of the late George Heston Edmonds, Sr. and Sadie Myers Edmonds. He was a 1941 graduate of Clemson College (University). Col. Edmonds was a career military officer beginning with the U.S. Army Air Corps in May of 1941 and served in the South Pacific Theater during World War II from 1942-46. After World War II, his U.S. Air Force assignments included eight years at the Pentagon, two years with the Alaskan Air Command at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, one year at the Air Command and Staff School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama and three years with the 6313th ABW, Kedena AFB, Okinawa before retiring in September of 1964. Following retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he was employed as Vice President/General Manager of Edmonds Drug Company, Inc., by his brothers George and Marion Edmonds. He was a member of the Retired Officers Association, Grace United Methodist Church and active member of Clemson ITPAY Club.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Stoldt Edmonds in 1994 and two brothers, George Edmonds, Jr. and Marion Edmonds.
Survivors include his wife, Carol N. Edmonds of the home; a son, Tom Edmonds and wife Margaret of Hyco Lake in Caswell County, N.C.; a daughter, Jackie Edmonds of Eastland; a grandchild, Hillary Nowlin of Mesquite, TX and Lacy Norman of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his dogs, Buddy and Holly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Forbis and Dick, Elm Street Chapel is assisting the Edmonds family.
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Betty Alford
Betty Claire Alford, 84, of Cisco died Tuesday, June 21, 2005 in Princeton, New Jersey.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2005 at First United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. John Beckling. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Betty was born in Plain-view on Nov. 30, 1920 to Matt and Maude (Harris) Cram. She was a graduate of Texas Tech University and married Morris Alford on Dec. 27, 1943 in Dallas. He preceded her in death on Nov. 16, 1977. Betty worked at Olney Savings and for the last few years was secretary at Kimbrough Funeral Home. She was a member of First United Methodist Church where she was organist and was a member of Stephen Ministry. She was active in many community activities and was a member of Cisco Civic League and several Bridge Clubs.
She was a beloved mother and best friend to her daughters, Claire Ann McNew and Kathy Gabler and their husbands, Jerry McNew of Princeton, N.J. and Manny Gabler of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is also survived by grandchildren, John Michael McNew and Teri Minton of Seattle, Washington and Ryan McNew and April Hinds of Purdy, Missouri and nephew John Cram of Dallas.
Betty touched many lives and will always remain in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist, Cisco Public Library or Cisco Civic League.
Pallbearers were Jerry McNew, Manny Gabler, John Michael McNew, John Cram, Brad Kimbrough, Bill Kierre and Steve Zarate. Honorary pallbearers were Fred Smith, Jim Holt, Don Wallace, Paul Cooper, Pirtle Hunsaker and Jerry Davis.
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Joyce Eaves
GORMAN- Joyce Lavelle Eaves, 69, of Gorman died Thursday, June 23, 2005 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 26, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Glen Laminack and Clarence Wilson officiated. Burial followed at Simpson Cemetery.
Joyce was born October 21, 1935 to R.Q. Graham and Ester (Lasater) Graham. She married D.F. Eaves on April 10, 1952 in the Kokomo Community. She was a housewife, mother, caterer and a member of the Kokomo Baptist Church.
Survived by husband of 53 years, D.F. Eaves of Kokomo; son, Mark Eaves and wife Margaret of Charlotte, N.C.; daughter, Deliah Lewis and husband Randy of Ennis; two brothers, C.R. Graham and wife Doris of Eastland and Bill Graham and wife Yvonne of McAlister, OK; three grandsons, Christopher and Jonathan Lewis of Ennis and Preston Eaves of Charlotte, N.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews and near children.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
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Zona Allen
Zona S. Allen, 83, died Wednesday, June 22, 2005 in Abilene, Texas, where she is reunited with Adrian R. Allen, her beloved husband; her parents; brothers, Donald and Wendell; and sisters, Dalia and Doris.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 27, 2005 at 10 a.m. with Dr. Phil Christopher officiating at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco at 2 p.m. under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home.
Zona Maud Surles Allen was born on June 22, 1922 in Cisco, Texas to parents Carroll S. Surles and Mary Ione Martin Surles. She worked at Abilene Abstract Co. and Abilene State School. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Abilene, Grapeway Club, Daughters of The American Revolution, and The Texas Leasers Association.
Zona is survived and lovingly remembered by her sons, Fred Allen, and wife Marilyn and Bill Allen; grandchildren, Lisa, Eric and Tyler; along with four great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Surles and Oleta Surles; and nieces and nephew: Jeannette Gorman, Carol Brewer and Dick Surles.
Memorials may be sent to Unified Missions Offering c/o First Baptist Church P.O. Box 85, Abilene, Texas 79604 or the donor's favorite charity.
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Alton Klaus
RANGER - Alton Wayne Klaus, 64, of Ranger died on Sunday June 26, 2005 at his residence.
Services were held Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Merriman Baptist Church. Burial followed at Merriman Cemetery.
Mr. Klaus was born on August 31, 1940 in Runnels County to Gus & Linda (Junek) Klaus. He married April Lowe in Ranger on July 2, 1975. Mr. Klaus was in the National Guard for 8 years. He worked for Bob Carroll in Ranger for 25 years and later for Orval Hall Excavating in Fort Worth.
He is survived by his wife, April Klaus of Ranger; mother, Linda Klaus of Miles; children, Alton Wayne Klaus Jr. of Springtown, Amanda Jo Doty of Brownwood, Ima Jean Klaus of Ranger, Deborah Deanna Klaus of Ranger, Audra Kay McDonald of Brownwood, and Lyra Klaus of Brownwood; brother, Gus Klaus Jr. of Midkiff; sisters, Arlene Haechten of San Angelo, Linda Lee Selby of Irving, & Elaine Hite of Miles, 8 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Lilian 'Lily' Martin
CISCO- Lilian 'Lily' Scott Martin, infant daughter of Audrey Danay Martin, died shortly after birth on Friday, June 24, 2005 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Bobby Lee and directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Survivors include her mother, Audrey Martin; grandparents, Dana Zellman and the late Scott Zellman of Cisco, Shannon Thetford and wife Geneva of New Boston; great-grandparents, Benny Pippen of Cisco, Melba Pippen of Burnett and Virginia Fulmer of Cisco; aunts, Mandi Martin and Shay Martin both of Cisco.
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Freddie Lightfoot
GORMAN- Freddie Mac Lightfoot, 74, died Sunday, June 26, 2005.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel in DeLeon. Burial followed in the DeLeon Cemetery.

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