OBITUARIES
July 05 - December 05
Howard Burnett
Howard McQuade Burnett, 79, of May, died Sunday, June 26, 2005 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 29,2005 at the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Don Longoria officiating. Burial was at his ranch near May. Heartland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Burnett was born on November 23, 1925 the son of the late Edgar and Viva Lemaster Burnett.
He was a United States Navy Veteran serving his country in the Pacific during WWII. He was a member of the V.F.W. in both Brownwood and Graham. He had retired from Texas Electric where he worked as a Lineman. He loved ranching and tending to his cattle during his retirement. He had been a resident of May for 25 years formerly of Graham. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by parents, Edgar and Viva Burnett; one daughter, Katherin Joetta Burnett; two brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include two sons, Freddy Wayne Burnett of May, Howard Dwayne Burnett of Lake Brownwood; one daughter, Charlene Ann Carnley of May; three brothers, Ed Burnett of Artesia, NM, Jerry Burnett of May, Ira Lee Burnett of Waco; three sisters, Eloise Hopper of Brownwood, Cozett Oaks of May, Inez Franklin of May; three grandchildren, Misty Carnley, Marcus McQuade Burnett, and Brodie McQuade Burnett; three great grandchildren, Jakob Carnley, Micah Carnley and Brianna Carnley.
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Billie (Butch) Zellman
Billie Faye (Butch) George Zellman, 67, died on June 27, 2005 at home surrounded by family and friends.
She leaves a legacy of tremendous grace and beauty of spirit. She has chosen to educate in death as she did in life by donating her body to helping find a cure for the disease that took her from us.
Memorials can be made to Mission Fund of Ash Creek Baptist Church, American Cancer Society, Main Street Hospice of Azle.
She was preceded in death by son, Scott Zellman, parents Bill and Lonnie George, and brother Mike George.
Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Gene Zellman; daughters, Keri Priest, Tricia Beevers and husband David; sister, Patti Sloan and husband Bobbie; granddaughter, Bridget Flores and husband Manuel; grandsons, Steven and Matthew Priest, and Garon and Jameson Beevers, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
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Durinda Cosper
MESQUITE- Durinda Diane Cosper 43, of Mesquite passed away on June 27, 2005 Monday at a Dallas hospital.
Services were at 2 PM Thursday June 30, 2005 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Durinda was born on June 12, 1962 in Big Springs, Texas and graduated from Odessa High School. She married James Cosper Jr. on August 4, 1986 in Dallas, Texas. She was a loving wife and mother.
Durinda is survived by her husband James Cosper Jr. of Mesquite, Tx., mother Joyce Lepard of Odessa, Tx., a son James Cosper III of Mesquite, Tx., brother Mike Lepard of Odessa, Tx., mother and father-in-law James and Beth Cosper of Odessa, Tx., brother and sister in law Larry and Karen Cosper of Flower Mound, Tx., three nieces Kimberly Cline, Chelsea Alvarado, and Kelsey Cosper and a nephew J.J. Lepard.
She was preceded in death by her step father Jackie Lepard, and a brother Greg Cline.
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James Stockton
CISCO- James Thomas Stockton, 72, of Cisco, died Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 2, 2005 at the Bible Baptist Church in Cisco.
Interment was in the Belle Plaine Cemetery, in Callahan County, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Stockton was born February 12, 1933 in Leflore, OK, to Arthur and Alice Lillian (Brown) Stockton. He entered the U.S. Air Force and served in Korea and Vietnam, retiring as Master Sergeant after 21 years. He settled in Putnam where he operated Stockton Electric Company. He married Janice Stockton, the mother of his children, and she preceded him in death in 1996. He married Kay Tedford on February 28, 2004 in Eastland. He was a member of the V.F.W. in Eastland. He enjoyed singing, visiting and drinking coffee.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Guy, Arch and R.J. Stockton; and by two sisters, Grace Boyd and Mattie Vigil.
Survivors include his wife, Kay Stockton of Cisco; two sons, James Thomas Stockton of Nebraska and James Dean Stockton of Abilene; one step-daughter, Barbara Renee Wessels of Cisco; three step-sons, Cecil Tedford of Breckenridge, Marvin Tedford of Cisco and Billy Tedford of Eastland; three grandchildren, 13 step-grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Homer and Flo Stockton of Vinton, LA; two sisters, Lula Mae Kincaid of Yakima, WA and Inola Franklin of Seattle, WA.
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Mable Fletcher
Mable Louise Kizer Fletcher was born March 5, 1913 in Pittsburg, TX to J.W. and Eugenia Kizer.
She passed away on June 29, 2005 in Hanford, CA.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, J.C. Fletcher. They were longtime residents of Cisco and members of the First Christian Church of Cisco. She retired as bursar of Cisco Junior College and moved to Hanford following the death of her husband.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Flora Jean and Bob Lloyd of Riverdale, CA; her son and daughter-in-love, Robert L. and Margie Fletcher of Wylie, TX; granddaughters, Lea Ann Floyd Mattos and husband Anthony of Laton, CA, Wendy Lloyd Wagoner and husband Jim of Fresno, CA, and Karen Fletcher McCloskey and husband Tom of San Antonio; grandson, Ben Lloyd and wife Pauline of Hanford, CA; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; her brothers, Charles R. Kizer and wife, Charlie Mae of Brownwood and Fred R. Kizer of Midland; plus many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be Tues., July 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at Summers Funeral Home in Cisco. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco next to her beloved husband.
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James 'Hotshot' Taylor
Funeral services for Mr. James Richard "Hotshot" Taylor, 75, of Whitesboro, Texas, were held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2005 at the Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Ronnie Taylor officiated. Burial followed in the Hopewell Cemetery. Services were directed by Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Directors in Lindale.
Mr. Taylor died Tuesday evening, June 28, 2005 at a Tyler hospital.
He was born August 8, 1929 in Smith County to Carl and Ruth Davis Taylor and was a longtime resident of Lindale. He was an Iron Foundry Molder, retiring from EBBA Iron after 25 years, and was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Rudell Jeter Taylor; brothers, Charles, Travis and Dan Taylor; and sisters, Imagean Watson and Aileen Grey.
He is survived by four daughters, Pam Taylor of Tyler, Oleta "Sissy" Cady of Whitesboro, Treva Sanges of Whitesboro, and Brenda Hargesheimer of Gordonville; four sons, Mike Taylor of Frisco, Ed Taylor of Chapel Hill, Jimmy "Bud" Taylor of Allen, and Terry Taylor of Cisco; brother, Sikes Taylor of Van; sisters, Patricia Johnson of Canton and Virginia Thomas of Canton; 19 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and ex-wife and friend, Nancy Ishmael Taylor of Eastland.
Serving as pallbearers were grandsons, Dusty Ballew, Clayton Ballew, James Covert, Joshua Taylor, Brent Taylor, and Justin Sutherland.
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Harold Arthur
SANSOM PARK- Harold Gene Arthur, 68, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2005.
Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at Mount Olivet Chapel. Burial was in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Harold was born in Oak Hill, W. VA on August 20, 1936 to Lula and Jimmy Arthur. He was a retired postal letter carrier and an Air Force veteran. He was also a proud Girl Scout volunteer, worked in the stockyards and at LTV. Harold was a devoted hardworking husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend. He loved hunting, telling jokes and good bargains. Harold was able to live his dream of owning a farm and raising pigs and cows in Cisco.
Survivors are his wife of 46 years, Noreen Arthur; daughters, Theresa Emerson, Patricia Arthur, Jeanine Pinillia and husband Pete, Jannette Barritt and husband, Roger; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; foster daughters, Linda and Brenda Kutej; and a lot of good friends.
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Virgie Lee
Virgie Jewell Lee, 97, formerly of May, Texas, passed away Friday, July 1, 2005 at the Holiday Hill Nursing Center in Coleman, Texas.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2005 at the May Cemetery in May, Texas. David Williams officiated. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge of the arrangements.
Jewell was born on June 24, 1908 in Mills County, Texas to Hosea Ballew and Maud Wells-Fisher.
She married Olin V. Lee on November 8, 1932 in May, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; 3 sisters; 3 brothers; and one grandson.
She is survived by her two sons, Don Lee and his wife, Pat of Lake Coleman, Edward Lee and his wife, Pam of Abilene; one brother, Mark Fisher and his wife, Jenny of Brownwood; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
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Georgia Walter
EASTLAND- Georgia Mae Walter, longtime resident of Eastland, passed away Monday, July 4, 2005 in Irving.
Graveside services were held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Georgia was born February 28, 1913.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Travis Fred Walter.
Survivors include 3 sons, Travis Fred Walter, Jr. of El Paso, Marvin Russell Walter of Tucson and Billy Paul Walter of Irving; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
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Marie Dillard
Marie Dillard, 91, of Cross Plains, died Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2, 2005 at Higginbotham Chapel, with Faye Simons officiating. Burial was in the Cross Plains Cemetery.
She was born on July 6, 1913 to John McGee and Mollie (Wingfield) McGee in Callahan County, Texas.
She is survived by her son, N.L. (Raz) Dillard of Cross Plains; daughters, Bonnie Heard, Jean Wilson, Nelda Pancake, La Neal (Sissie) Worley all of Cross Plains and Kala Ranee (Pill) King of Weatherford; sisters, Lois Vaughn of Cross Plains and Johnnie Alexander of California; 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters, Renie Hyman, Dessa Higgins, and Donna Turner as well as one grandchild.
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C.J. 'Junior' Dawkins
GORMAN- C.J. "Junior" Dawkins, 78, of Ranger, died Thursday, June 30, 2005 at the Brownwood Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2005 at the Downing Cemetery in Comanche County. Durward Webb and Stan Harvey officiated. Services under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Mr. Dawkins was born June 24, 1927 in Gorman to Cleburn Dawkins and Eva (Morris) Dawkins. He was a retired farmer and a protestant. He served in the National Guard.
Survivors include his wife, Flossie Dawkins of Ranger; one sister, Margie Harrison of Waco; and several nieces and nephews.
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Joe Jackson
BRECKENRIDGE-Joe Lynch Jackson, 81, died Friday, July 1, 2005.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Rev. Charles West officiated. Burial was in the Macedonia Cemtery directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
He was born on February 26, 1924 in Caddo, Texas to parents Robert Jackson and Mabel Smith Jackson. He married Charlene (Toppy) Echols on June 30, 1946 in Oakgrove. She preceded him in death on February 26, 1997. He was an oil man, rancher and had been a banker. He was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church #3 and a U.S. Air Force Veteran of WW II. He was also past president of the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Assn, member of the American Hereford Assn, past member of the Stephens Memorial Hospital Board and past chairman of the Board of the Citizens National Bank.
He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Smokey Eppler of Stephens Co.; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Dena Jackson of Stephens Co.; two grandchildren, Tye Jackson and wife Liz of Havre, Montana and Jacob Jackson of Stephens Co.
Memorials may be made to the Meals on Wheels, the AlzheimerÕs Assn, or to the donorÕs favorite charity and may be left at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home in Breckenridge.
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James Alford
RANGER- James Alford, 87, of Ranger passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 in Eastland.
Services were held Thursday, July 7, 2005 at 10 a.m. in the Edwards Funeral Chapel, Rev. Jim Wright officiated. Burial followed at Merriman Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
James was born on February 18, 1918 in Ball Prairie to Benjamin Franklin and LM Alford. He attended the Lone Cedar School in Eastland County. He married Carroll Reed in 1941 in Breckenridge. He was raised in the Ranger area and moved to Fort Worth in 1950 to work for General Dynamics. He moved back to Ranger in 1993.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jimmy Ray Alford; and 11 siblings.
Mr. Alford is survived by his wife Carroll Alford of Ranger; a son, Ronnie Alford and wife Vicki of Ranger; grandsons, Greg Alford and wife Donna of Ranger and R.J. Alford of Ranger; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren both of Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Jimmy Thomasson
CLYDE- Jimmy Blasdell Thomasson, 70, of Clyde, died Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at his home.
A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2005 at the Northeast Church of Christ in Abilene. Pat Andrews officiated, directed by Bailey Funeral Home.
Mr. Thomasson was born May 14, 1935 in Runnels County to Pete Lessly and Jewel (Whiddon) Thomasson. He attended Ballinger High School. He met Agatha Cagle in early 1954 and they married on December 23, 1954 in Big Spring. They moved to Clyde from Big Spring in 1974. Mr. Thomasson was in business with Knox Waggoner at Insurance and More for several years. He served as a bus driver for the Clyde ISD during his semi-retirement. He was a member of the Northwest Church of Christ. Jimmy's joys during his life were following his grandchildren to watch them participate in all of their activities. He also enjoyed playing dominoes, eating watermelon, home-made ice cream and garage sales. Although he was unable to sing for some years, the songs in his heart were evident by the tapping of his toes.
He is survived by many loving family members, including his wife, Agatha of Clyde; two sons, Joe Dale Thomasson and wife Cara of Merkel and Jacky Thomasson and wife Stephanie of Weatherford; two daughters, Jenise Walker and husband Mike and Jill Winters and husband Rickey, all of Clyde; three brothers, W.A. Thomasson and wife Betty of Idaho, Less Thomasson and wife Roxie of Clyde and Bob Thomasson and wife Nancy of Merkel; a sister, Nelsene Hamilton of Ballinger; three sisters-in-law, JoAnn Cagle of Keller, Darlene Cagle of Carbon and Pearl Thomasson of Portales, NM; a brother-in-law, Bud Cagle and wife Marva of Odessa; a daughter-in-law, Kim McDaniel of Abilene; nine granddaughters, Christi and Erin Walker, Rick Ann, Tessa and Kendra Winters, Camen, Callie, and Jordan Thomasson and Haili Shirley; six grandsons, Jared Walker, Zack Winters, Bradley, Barrett, Blake and Caleb Thomasson, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
Donations may be made to the Uganda Mission Work or the Berean ChildrenÕs Home in care of Northwest Church of Christ.
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Roberta 'Toby' Guy
Roberta "Toby" K. Guy, 73, died Tuesday, July 5, 2005.
Services were held 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8th at Church of the Servant in OKC, OK with interment following at Rose Hill Burial Park in OKC. Services are under the direction of Hahn-Cook, Street & Draper.
She was born August 7, 1931 in Gorman, TX to Hubbard and Bernice Gilbert. After graduating from high school at Carbon, TX, she attended Tarleton Junior College. She was married to Truett D. Guy on August 11, 1956.
She was preceded in death by her parents Hubbard and Bernice Gilbert.
She is survived by her husband Truett D. Guy, her son Steven Guy and his wife Gina of Houston, TX; her daughter Cindy Chtay of Edmond, OK; and her sister Marion Craddock of Lubbock, TX. Also survived by grandchildren, Steven Guy, Jr., Nick Guy & Macaulay Chtay.
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Justin Jones
FORT WORTH - Justin Jones, 19, of Fort Worth died Tuesday June 28, 2005 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 2, 2005 in the First Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Justin was born on August 6, 1985 in Mesquite, Texas to David Jones and Delores Gomez. He was a graduate of Ford High School in Quinlan, Texas. Justin enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball, swimming and singing Karaoke. He is said to have never met a stranger and was very loved by his family and many friends.
Justin is survived by his mother Delores Gomez Jones of Fort Worth, Tx., his father David Jones of Quinlan, Tx., his maternal grandmother Helen Gomez of Ranger, Tx., and paternal grandmother Francis Jones of Breckenridge, Tx., a brother Michael Gomez of Ranger, Aunts; Tammy Hodnett and husband Heath of Ranger, Elvera Taylor and husband Troy of Ranger, Paula Lee of Breckenridge, : Uncles Eldon Jones of Point and Mike Jones of Utah. A nephew Halsten Hodnett. Justin was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Roy Gomez and paternal grandfather Paul E. Jones and a uncle Lee Roy Gomez. Pallbearers included: Richard Desadier Jr., Jesse Gutierrez, Justin Holtervell, Brandon Jones, Gary Lovejoy, Greg Morgan.
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Mayme Thompson
EASTLAND - Mayme J. Thompson, 86, died Sunday, July 10, 2005 in Abilene.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at Eastland Cemetery under the direction of the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home. David Tankersley, of Harmony Baptist Church, officiated.
Mrs. Thompson was born June 21, 1919. She was married to Edward B. Thompson on February 7, 1940 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. She moved to Cisco from Oklahoma.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward B. Thompson and one son, Dale Thompson.
Survivors include sons, Ed Thompson of Morton Valley, Bill Thompson of Shawnee, OK, Jerry Thompson of Edgewood, OK; one daughter, Arbrie Preddy of Corinth, TX; sister, Jackie Brown and two brothers, Carl and Gene Harbison all of Okmulgee, OK; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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Tad Van Cleave
CISCO - Tad Ray Van Cleave, 65, of Lubbock, died July 8, 2005, in Lubbock.
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2005, in Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco, officiated by Reverend Bob Fagen and directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.
Mr. Van Cleave was born on October 2, 1939, in Cisco. He moved with his family to Lubbock in 1946. He was a member of the Memorial Baptist Church.
His mother, Willie Flonetta (Harris) Van Cleave preceded him in death.
Survivors include his father, Lester Byron Van Cleave, two brothers, Larry and Barry Van Cleave, all of Lubbock and a number of uncles, aunts and cousins.
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Sena Garrett
EASTLAND - Graveside services for Sena Merle Garrett, 92, were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2005, at the Eastland City Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Hooper of Liberty Baptist Church officiating. Burial was under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Mrs. Garrett died Monday, July 11, 2005, at Eastland Healthcare Center.
She was born September 4, 1912, in Erath County, to James Hilburn and Mary Elizabeth (Drake) Hilburn. She was a longtime resident of Eastland. She married John Henry Garrett in June 1934 in Eastland. She was a retired nurse, and a devoted wife and mother, grand-mother, great grandmother and friend. She was a very loving, compassionate person who loved to laugh. She will be truly missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, 4 sisters, 3 brothers, and 2 grandsons, Leslie Perkins and Grandal Garrett.
Survivors include her daughter, Mary Ann (Garrett) Perkins and her son, John Garrett and wife, Glenda; grandsons, Marty Perkins and wife, Misty; granddaughter, Lisa Perkins; Gregg Garrett and wife, Carla; great grandchildren, Samuel Perkins, Hannah Perkins, Trisha (Garrett) Arnold and husband, Danny and Kristina Garrett, all of EastlandÕ and several nieces and nephews.
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Violet Burcham
Violet Burcham, 93, of Rising Star, died Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at Brownwood Regional Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Richard Massey officiating. Burial was in Wolf Valley Cemetery in Brown County, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
Mrs. Burcham was born on August 6, 1911 at Duster, Texas to Harley Henry and Martha Elizabeth Gallaway-Huddleston. She married Arbie Raymond Burcham on October 28, 1934 in Cordell, Oklahoma.
Survivors include several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters.
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Durwood Bush
Graveside services for Durwood L. Bush of Fritch were at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2005, with Rev. Chad Chaddick, pastor of Fairlanes Baptist Church, officiating. Burial was in The Garden Of Love at Westlawn Memorial Park in Borger.
Mr. Bush died Saturday, July 9, 2005, in Borger.
He was born June 19, 1917, in Cisco. He grew up in Ranger and graduated from Ranger High School in 1936.
He had been a resident of Fritch since 1982, moving from Phillips where he was a supervisor for Phillips Petroleum Company for 38 years. He was a member of Fairlanes Baptist Church.
He married Geneva Walker on December 28, 1937, in Ranger. She preceded him in death in 2003.
Survivors include a son, Larry D. Bush of Fritch; two brothers, Ronald Bush of Fritch and T.L. Bush of Fort Worth; two sisters, Bernice Walthall of Ponca City, OK, and Audrey Rose of Ranger; two grandchildren, Chad Bush and Sharra Karrh; three great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Opal Rogers of Ranger.
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Pearl Goodman
EASTLAND - Pearl Goodman, 88, of Eastland died Wednesday, July 13, 2005 in an Eastland Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2005, in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bill Ince officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Born November 12, 1916 in Carbon to Hugh L. Kuykendall and Mary Eliza Ann (Ballow) Kuykendall, she attended school in Carbon. She married Frank Chisum in Monahans in 1936. He preceded her in death in 1970. She later married Edward Goodman in Atlanta Texas, who also preceded her in death. She was a housewife for a while, a nurseÕs aid for several years at Eastland Manor Nursing Home, a seamstress working in a sewing factory in Pampa. She was a member of the First Baptist Church (since 1932) in Eastland and enjoyed sewing, working puzzles and country music.
She is survived locally by nieces, Lila Pearl Mehaffey and Gayle Parsons; sister Alice Adele Didom of Livingston , and her children, Mary Ann, Judy, Terri, Clark and Jo Lana; nieces and nephews, Delores Madison of Monahans; Rosa Brooks of El Reno, OK, Carrol Collette of San Antonio, Louis Houston of Silom Springs, Arkansas, Hilton Parsons of Colorado City, and John M. Ray.
She was preceded in death by brother, Hilton Kuy-kendall; sisters, Martha Parsons, Virgie Luttrell, Willie Jo Ray, and Frankie Faircloth.
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Dana Sprung
EASTLAND- Dana Carol Sprung, age 47, of Eastland, died Tuesday morning, July 12, 2005, at her home in Eastland. Viewing and graveside services were held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 14, 2005, at the Staff Cemetery, near Lake Leon in Eastland County, with Uncle Don Wood officiating. Services were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
She was born Dana Carol Cox on December 27, 1957 in Kermit to H.L. "Slim" Cox and Joyce Shoemake Cox, who worked for El Paso Natural Gas Company. Dana was raised in several natural gas camps in Texas and Oklahoma before arriving in Eastland in 1985. She married Richard Byron Sprung on July 21, 1993 in Eastland. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Cisco and operated a lawn service business until she became medically disabled.
Dana's talents were many. She was a skilled needle worker, an artist, a patient fisherwoman and even a mechanic. She had a special way with children and a special love for her great niece and nephews: Kaedyn, Brody and Haley. She will be missed by her pet dog and companion Ginger.
She was preceded in death by Father, H.L. "Slim" Cox, grandparents, J.C. Shoemake, Audis White and Tommie & Callie Cox.
She is survived by husband, Richard Sprung of Eastland, mother, Joyce Cox of Eastland; brother and wife Mart and Judy Cox of Cisco; sister; Peggy Evans of Cisco; nieces and nephews, Lori Jeter, Shane and Brad O'Bannon, Sgt. Shane Evans and wife of Olden and Leanna Evans of Cisco; aunts and uncles Raymond Cox of Casa, Arkansas, William and Janice Cox of Levelland, Texas, Nina Bartley of Andrews, Texas, Melvin and Marie Cox of Littlefield, Texas, Tommie and Sharon Cox of Jasper, Missouri, Wilbourn and Cindy Cox of Amherst, Texas, Tom and Pat Shoemake of Lake Leon, Texas, Harold and LaNell Shoemake of Cisco, Texas, Don and Barbara Wood of Winters, Texas, and many cousins.
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George Bingham
GORMAN - Services for George Bingham, 85, were at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2005, at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Campbell officiating. Burial was in Sand Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Bingham died Thursday, July 14, 2005, at Comanche County Hospital.
He was born February 8, 1920, in Comanche County to Albert Newton Bingham and Maggie Elizabeth (Land) Bingham.
He married Elizabeth McCulley on January 18, 1942, in Eastland. He was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Gorman Masonic Lodge and the Quarterback Club. He retired from Sun Oil Company in 1982 as a production foreman.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Bingham of Gorman; two daughters, Gloria Wall and husband, Earnest of Burleson and Terry Wedge and husband, Larry of Sachse; one sister, Lockey Cole of Florida; three grandchildren, Kevin Wall and wife, Jody, Jamie Plaisted and husband, Mike, and Kelly Harp and husband, Brent; six great grandchildren, Brandon Wall, Nathan Wall, Andrew Wall, Michael Plaisted, Daniel Plaisted and Brittany Harp.
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Nelda Nevill
EASTLAND- Nelda Charlene Nevill, 63, died Saturday, July 16, 2005 in an Abilene hospital after a long battle with illness.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 18, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. in the First Baptist Church in Eastland with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Mrs. Nevill was born in Bisbee, Arizona on February 17, 1942 to William Morris and Evelyn Pomroy Hammett. She spent most of her childhood in Carlsbad, New Mexico. In 1962 she met and married John Ed Nevill of Sonora, Texas in Carlsbad. After moving to Eastland in 1969 with her husband and 3 small children she decided to go to barber school. She owned and operated Modern Barber Shop for 26 years in Eastland. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church and enjoyed bowling, her grandchildren and working as a volunteer at the Majestic Theatre.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by husband, John Ed Nevill of Eastland; children, April of Plano, Kellar and his wife Deepika and children Brielle, Brycen, Kiran and Zara of Trophy Club, Glenn and his wife, Carol and children Rachel and Ashley of Southlake; brothers, Bill Hammett and wife, Bonnie, and Don Hammett all of Carlsbad; 3 nieces, 5 nephews and several great nieces and nephews.
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Shirley Cole
Shirley A. Cole of Cisco passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2005.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James Cole of Cisco and her son Greg Blankenship of Houston.
Shirley lived in Cisco for the past 15 years and recently moved back to Houston.
She is survived by her son, Scott T. Morgan of Spring, Texas; sisters, Mary and Pam of Houston; a brother, Richard of Clute, Texas; and many friends.
Mom you will always be in our hearts - Scott and Sally Morgan
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Dorothy Carr
RANGER - Dorothy Seymour Carr 84, of Ranger died Saturday, July 16, 2005 at a local hospital. Services were held 11: 00 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2005 in the First Baptist Church. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Dorothy was born in Colony Community north of Ranger on March 9, 1921 to Oliver Calvin Bowen and Pearlie Mae Mills. She was a graduate of Colony High School and attended one year of college. She worked as a supervisor for Harv-Al Athletic Supplies for 20 years. She lived all of her life in Ranger and married Willard Seymour in 1938 and he preceded her in death 1987. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ranger and enjoyed painting, sewing, crafts, cooking and was a loving and generous person.
She is survived by her children; Elizabeth Nowak and husband Charles of Dodson Prairie, Tx., Robert (Butch) Seymour and wife Vickie of Olden, Tx., Kenneth Wayne Seymour and wife Billie Sue of Ranger, Tx., and Donna Hogan and husband Pat of Eastland, Tx. And a niece Jackie Bush and husband Alford of Ranger, Tx., Three sisters Mae Isabell, Una Beck, and Pauline Breneman all of Ranger. Eleven grandchildren; Ricky, Rusty, Shane, Cindy, Lisa, Kenny Jr., Kristen, Keya, Tammy, Will, and Jerry. Eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Maxine Robbins
ALBANY- Maxine P. Robbins, 94, died Saturday, July 16, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at the First Baptist Church of Albany, Rev. Bart Burgess officiated. Burial followed in the Albany Cemetery directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Homes, Inc.
Maxine was born on July 24, 1910, in Shackelford County, Texas. She married John W. Robbins. He preceded her in death in 1979.
Maxine was a 1924 graduate of Albany High School. She attended West Texas State University at Canyon and was a graduate of Ranger Jr. College. She taught one year at Diller Flat country school in Shackelford County. She was employed by Blanton and Blanton Attorneys-at-Law and for 18 years was the secretary for four different county judges.
Mrs. Robbins was a member of the First Baptist Church, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Bluebonnet Study Club, the Old Jail Art Center, the Shackelford County Retired Teachers Association and the Baptist Women's Missionary Union.
Survivors include one brother, John Henry Palm of Fort Stockton, TX; one sister-in-law, Viva Palm of LaLuz, New Mexico; three cousins, Harold Cockerell of Albany, Bob Cockerell of Moran and Elizabeth Edgington of San Angelo; and six nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a twin brother, Maxwell Palm.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or the American Cancer Society or the donor's charity of choice.
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Carlos Martinez
EASTLAND - Carlos Martinez, Sr., 68 of Eastland passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.
Services were held at 3 PM Wednesday, July 20, 2005 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in the Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, TX.
Carlos was born on March 8, 1937 in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Martinez lived in Ranger for a number of years working for Ranger College and was very active in the Ranger Fire Department as a volunteer, also serving as president of the Girls Softball Association, Boys Little League, Boy Scouts, and Ranger Jaycee's. Carlos worked for Victor Cornelius as a cutter from 1970 to 2002 and moved to Eastland in 1983. After he retired he went to work for the Hook Line and Sinker store in Olden until his death. He loved cooking Sunday brunch for his family, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It is said that Carlos never met a stranger. He was a good and loving man.
Carlos is survived by the mother of his children Aurelia Riojas of Ranger; his children, Carlos Martinez, Jr. and wife Cheryl of Lufkin, Ricardo Martinez and wife Michelle of Cleburne, Ramon Martinez and Melanie of Cleburne, Robert Martinez and wife Carol of DeRidder, LA., Becky Srader of Olden, Ruben Martinez and wife Renee of Phoenix, AZ., Rodger Martinez of Ranger and Diana Martinez Clay of Eastland, Tx.; 22 grandchildren; Chad & Cherish Martinez, Kimberly Coffin, Cody Brown, Brandon Coffin, Josh Coffin, Ashley Coffin, Nesha Johnson, Juan, Chon, Manoleto Martinez, Kelly & Courtney Martinez, Tracie Hernandez and husband Gilbert, Aaron & Kenna Hoodie, Andrew Lopez, Perscilla, Cruz and Sergio Martinez, Keifer & Zachary Mills; 8 great-grandchildren; Celeste, Isaiah, Malachi, Nate, C. J., Blake, Sharon, and Jayden.
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Sandra Sipes
RANGER- Sandra Janette Sipes, 56, of Ranger passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2005 in Fort Worth.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Burial followed at Merriman Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Sandra was born on April 29, 1949 in Wichita Falls to Walter and Dee (Loudermilk) Byrum. She married Marvin Sipes on December 1, 1974 in Las Vegas. She was a Hair Dresser and owned and operated the Gold Comb Beauty Shop in Ranger from 1985-1997. She was a member of the Mesquite and Rusk Street Church of Christ.
Survivors include her husband Marvin of Ranger; brother, David Byrum of California; sister, Becky Kemp of Flower Mound; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
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Anna Walker
Anna T. Walker, 94, of Ranger, died Monday, July 18, 2005, at Valley View Nursing Home in Eastland.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 N. 2nd St. in Abilene.
Mrs. Walker was born in Eden, Texas on October 13, 1910, to the late J.B. and Tinnie (Lindsey) Lee. She lived in Ranger, TX most of her life and was a member of the Eastside Baptist Church. She worked as a nurse at most of the area hospitals.
She is survived by a daughter, Yvonne Blackburn of Ranger; one sister, Leverne King, also of Ranger; two grandchildren, Ben Yarbrough of Ponder, TX and Robert Blackburn of Reddick, FL; five great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
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Leo Hatten
Leo Albert Hatten, 85, of El Paso, Texas, formerly of Portales, New Mexico, died Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at an El Pao nursing home.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery officiated by Reverend John Beckling, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Visitation will be Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Hatten was born in Eastland to Joe and Carrie Hunter (Clyatt) Hatten on November 2, 1919. He graduated from Eastland High School, attended Tarleton University, University of Texas and Georgetown University. He retired from the US Army with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He served during World War II and landed in Normandy with the second wave on D- Day, he also served during the Korean Conflict and Viet Nam. After his retirement he was director of Financial Aid at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico, retiring in 1989. He married Reda Wray Clark on December 8, 1945 in Cisco. She preceded him in death on April 29, 2001. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Order of Eastern Star and First United Methodist Church in Portales, New Mexico.
Survivors include daughters, Patricia Faye Nance of El Paso and Leila Lynn Blanar of Chandler, Arizona; grandsons, William Kirk Blanar of Queen Creek, Arizona, Ryan Alex Blanar of Payson, Arizona, Christopher Wray Nance of San Diego, California; granddaughters, Lauren Ann Blanar of Prattville, Alabama and Nicole Noelle Nance of Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Deanna Thomas
RANGER- Deanna Walton Thomas, 43, of Ranger died Sunday, July 17, 2005 at College Station.
Graveside services were held Friday, July 22, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Alameda Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Deanna was born September 15, 1961 in Mineral Wells to Lynn Lezious and Theaopel (Ash) Walton. She lived in Ranger for most of her life and was a Baptist.
Deanna married Dennis Thomas on April 27, 1997 at Gunsight Baptist Church. She worked at Love's Truck Stop in Ranger.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis Thomas of Breckenridge; children, Richard Neil Walton of Abilene and Theaopel Shadley of Waco; brothers, David Walton of China Springs, Dennis Walton of Navasota, and Dana Walton of Ranger; sister, Doris England of Ranger; grandchildren, Layne Andrew Walton and Skyler Elizabeth Walton both of Cisco and Hannah Deann Hutchison and Zachary Dale Hutchison both of Waco; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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William Brown
CISCO- William Burl Brown, 86, died Thursday, July 21, 2005 in Cisco.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2005 at Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery, directed by Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
RANGER- Jacob Freudiger, 81, died Wednesday, July 20, 2005. Services are pending with Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
EASTLAND- Glenda Kim Hurst died Tuesday, July 19, 2005. Services are pending with Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
EASTLAND- Elmira Lucille Carroll, 74, died Friday, July 22, 2005 in Eastland.
At press time services are pending. For information please contact the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
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Thelma 'Ted' Ellis
Funeral services for Thelma 'Ted' Ellis, 92, of Andrews were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at Means Memorial United Methodist Church. Officiated by Rev. Rick Doyle, pastor of Means Methodist. Burial followed in the Andrews Old Cemetery directed by McNett Funeral Home.
Ted died Saturday, July 23, 2005 at Willow Hill Assisted Care Center in Andrews. She was born on October 12, 1912 in Eolian, Texas. She graduated from Andrews High School in 1930. She married Carl P. 'Mutt' Ellis on September 8, 1934 in Andrews. Mutt preceded her in death in 1949.
Ted owned Andrews Tiny Tech Nursery School from 1958 to 1987. She was a member of the Means Memorial United Methodist Church.
She is survived by a daughter, Jan Bilhartz of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; sons, Mutt Ellis of Midland and Bobby Ellis of Odessa; a sister, Dottie Truk of Midland; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
To register, send condolences, or view the obituary, go to www.mcnettfuneral home.com.
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Elmira Carroll
EASTLAND- Elmira Lucille Carroll, 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 22, 2005, with her family by her side, after a long and difficult illness.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 2005 at the Summers-Bakker Funeral Chapel. Interment followed at Merriman Cemetery in Ranger. Larry Roberts officiated.
Lucille is survived by her husband of 57 years, Bob Carroll; her daughters, Sherry Green and husband, Jim, Judy Orms and husband, Charlie; grandsons, Bryan and Brandon Orms and wife Keri, Russell Orms and Justin Green; and granddaughter Kristin McKay and husband Scott; four great-granddaughters, Ashlyn Orms, Holland Orms, Abigail and Avery McKay; and two great-grandsons, Austin and Andrew Orms. Also surviving Lucille are brothers, Charles Walton and wife GeorgeAnn of Saginaw, TX, Clifton Walton of Ranger, Weldon Walton of Bluff Dale, Johnny Walton of Belton; one sister, Margie Hogan and husband George of Weatherford; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Pallbearers were: Lyndell Garrett, Max Henson, Mario Hernandez, Roberto Hernandez, Dale Langlitz and Adolfo Rodriguez.
She was predeceased by her parents, Charlie and Bertie Walton and a sister Charlene Chandler.
She was adored by her entire family, so much so that three of her great-granddaughters are named after her. She was not only a loving wife, but also a working partner with her husband in the successful business they founded, BC Construction Co. She was also a member of the Daugherty Street Church of Christ. Lucille's most honorable trait was her generosity- to not only family members, but everyone fortunate enough to touch her life.
Lucille spent the last five years of her life at the Hummingbird House, founded by Jenny Offield, in Eastland. This wonderful facility and staff provided her the most loving care possible as she battled complications from Parkinson's Disease.
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William Brown
CISCO- William Burl Brown, 86, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2005 at a Cisco care facility.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2005 at the Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery, near Cisco, with Mathew Brackman officiating. Services were held under the direction of the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
Burl was born on December 3, 1918 to William Edgar and Mary Martha Ann Music Brown in Runnels County, Texas. He was a farmer and rancher by trade. He married Juanita Ziehr on August 6, 1994.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Leon Brown.
He is survived by his wife, Juanita, of the home; two sisters, Minnie Rhodes and Rachael Hillard; two step-children, Pam Kinard and John Cockrell, both of Cisco.
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Delores 'Nanaw' Tankersley
EASTLAND Ð Delores 'Nanaw' Tankersley, 76, of Eastland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, July 24, 2005.
Services were held Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 2 P.M. at Daugherty Street Church of Christ with Larry Roberts officiating. Burial followed at Eastland Cemetery. The family received friends at the fellowship hall of the church from 1PM until service time on Tuesday. Arrangements were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Nanaw was born on February 15, 1929 in Coleman to Lemmie Lewis and Jeanette (Coleman) Davis. She married Weldon Tankersley on March 31, 1951 in Breckenridge and had resided in Morton Valley since the 1950's. She was a homemaker, member of the Lakeside Country Club Lady's Golf Association, and member of the Daugherty Street Church of Christ.
Nanaw is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughters, Thresa Tankersley-Huff of Eastland and Melissa Lynn Little and husband Ray Neal of Eastland; brother, Harold Davis of Robert Lee; granddaughters, Emily Renea Little of Abilene and Lauren Kendall Huff of Eastland; great-granddaughter, Kourtney Michelle Peacock of Abilene; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Weldon on March 13, 1995, and sisters Jessie Mae Henry, Earlena Livingston, and Ethel Lee Tiner.
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Clyde 'C.W.' Guthrie
CISCO- Clyde Wingfield 'C.W.' Guthrie, 75, of Cisco died Monday, July 25, 2005 in Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Reverend Bob Ferguson. Burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 27 at the Kimbrough Chapel.
C.W. was born on June 14, 1930 in San Angelo to Charles and Beatrice (Farhquar) Guthrie. He graduated from Cisco High School in 1947 and was owner of Guthrie and Guthrie Bookkeeping where he worked as an accountant. He married Ursula Shaul on December 7, 1961 in Breckenridge. He was a Baptist, and a member of the Cisco Volunteer Fire Department and served as Fire Chief for 21 years, he was past president of Texas Firemen's Association.
Survivors include his wife Ursula of NR Weyhill Andover, UK; daughters, Anthea Patton of Fort Worth and Elizabeth Guthrie of Cisco; son, Bart Guthrie of Cisco; grandchildren, Heath Sylva and wife Angela, Ursula Patton and Teddy Patton; great grandchildren, Darian, Dakota, Dillan, Jack, Orson, Ted, Austin, Hannah, Tanner and Frankie. He was preceded in death by his parents a son, Art Guthrie.
Pallbearers will be Herman Eakers, Bubba Eakers, David Gill, Walter Fairbanks, Tim McKinney and Stacy Edgar.
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Lorine Landor
Lorine Barnes Landor, 50, died Saturday, July 23, 2005 at a Fort Worth medical center.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2005 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith. Rev. Darrell Martin officiated. Burial was in the Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories.
The daughter of Lee (Pullin) and Elisha Barnes, Lorine was born on March 21, 1955, in Walader, Texas. She was a lifelong resident of Abilene and a homemaker. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
Mrs. Landor was preceded in death by her husband, Preston Landor in 1999; her parents; four sisters and two brothers.
Survivors include sons, Rodney Landor, Jermaine Landor, Patrick Landor, Desmon Landor and Jalen Landor, all of Abilene; a daughter, Sabrina Landor of Eastland; and grandchildren, Dy Quan Landor, Sha Taveon Cooper and Chrishae Cooper; brothers, Elisha Barnes of Texas, and Melvin Barnes and Archie Barnes both of Abilene; her twin sister, Corine Colbert of Abilene, and sisters, Cora Lee Allen of Abilene and Nannie Lee Barnes of Stamford; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
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Esther Schwesig
GORDON- Esther Marlene Schwesig, 69, of Gordon passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 in Mineral Wells, Texas. Mass was said Saturday, July 30, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. in St. John's Catholic Church in Strawn. Father Jerome Jayasuriya officiated. Burial was in the Mt. Marion Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
Esther was born in Mingus, Texas on January 6, 1936 to Albert and Anna (Morris) Schwesig. She was a devoted and loving mother.
She is survived by six sons, R.D., Mark, Tim, Eric, Kevin and Woody Parsons; a brother, Bob Schwesig; three sisters, Shirley Gotcher, Sue Deskeere and Barbara Smith; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several nieces
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Vernon Ables
Vernon Edward Ables, 69, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2005 at his home in Dublin.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 4, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman. Harry Earles and Denver Rainey officiated. Interment was in the Gorman Cemetery.
Vernon was born January 27, 1936 in Gorman to Hubert Vernon Ables and Denzel (Rainey) Ables. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Navy and a member of the Purvis Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his father; one son, Matthew in May of 2001; and a brother, Carroll Dean 'Dink' Ables.
Survivors include a daughter, Cathy Steele of Cypress, CA; two sons, William V. Ables of Dublin and Vernon Ables, Jr. of Godley; his mother, Denzel Ables of Gorman; two sisters, Lottie Finch of Lubbock and Fay Ables of Gorman; one brother, Dail Ables of Copperas Cove; five grandchildren, Jennifer Perry, Allison Steele, Michael Steele, Cameron Sills and Trey Ables; and one great-granddaughter, Jada Perry.
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Jerry Elizalda
CISCO- Jerry Lee Elizalda, 46, of Cisco went to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 after a long battle with illness.
Rosary was at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, August 4, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home. Mass was at 10 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2005 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church officiated by Deacon Ruben Castaneda. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Jerry was born October 14, 1958 in Amhurst, Texas to Jesse and Connie (Porras) Elizalda. He attended Cisco public school and was active in football. He was an alter boy at Holy Rosary Catholic Church during his youth. He lived in Tracy City, Tennessee for several years where he worked as a carpenter supervisor. When he returned to Cisco he worked for Energex until he became ill. He married Katie Hudson in Cisco on October 12, 2002.
He is survived by his loving wife, Katie and son Dominic Elizalda of the home; daughters, Jerrica Elizalda of Monteagle, Tennessee, Candice Schaerer of Tracy City, Tennessee, Brandice Elizalda of Monteagle, Tennessee; his parents, Jesse and Connie Elizalda of Cisco; brothers, David Elizalda, Roger Elizalda, Martin Elizalda all of Cisco, Johnny Porras of Ozona and Brandon Elizalda of Pensacola, Florida; sisters, Bonnie Lavender, Delma Trice and Susie Loza all of Cisco, Olivia Smith of Haughton, Louisiana; grandchildren, Jagger, Jatin, Nevaeh and Kelsi; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
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Luther Harrison
BELTON, TX.- Luther A. Harrison, 88, died July 24, 2005 at Park Place Manor Nursing Home.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2005 at First United Methodist Church in Belton, Texas. Rev. Darren Walker officiated. Burial was in College Station Cemetery at 4 p.m. Arrangements by Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan, Texas.
He was born November 9, 1916 in Cisco, Texas. He was employed by the Physical Education Department at Texas A&M University from 1941-42 and 1946-58; Assistant Registrar 1959-1964 and Manager of A&M Golf Course from 1965-1977. He later retired.
He served in the U.S. Army (Major) 1942-46. He attended FUMC in Belton.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay Harrison.
Memorials may be made to United Methodist Children's Home.
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Kenneth Simpson
TEXARKANA- Kenneth G. Simpson, 62, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2005.
Funeral services were held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, August 4,2005 in Greenwood Chapel, 3100 White Settlement Rd, Fort Worth, TX. Burial was at 2:30 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, Waco.
Kenneth was born July 6, 1943, in Crosbyton, Texas to Carl C. and Mina Mae Simpson. He graduated with honors from Cisco High School, where he was lead trumpet player. Kenneth worked in the banking industry for 30 years in Tyler, Del Rio, Corpus Christi and Houston. Over the past decade, he was an executive in the energy business. He received his Business degree from Baylor University in 1994 with Cum Laude Honors. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly, followed by baseball and all things Baylor. He was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church in Texarkana.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, Carl C. Simpson; and brother, Larry Simpson.
Survivors include wife, Beverly Greer-Simpson of Texarkana; son, Gary Dean Simpson and wife, Corinne of Fort Worth; daughters, Michele Lynn Gill and husband, Kyle of Fort Worth and Laura Gayle Mucciarone and husband, Michael of Little Elm; grandchildren, Brett Peterson, Shayne Simpson, Nathan Simpson and Maya Simpson; mother, Mina Mae Cox of Graham; and brothers, Bob Simpson of Fort Worth and Cecil Simpson of New Mexico.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kenneth G. Simpson Memorial Accounting Scholarship, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97026, Waco, Texas 76798-7026.
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Bill Tate
EASTLAND- Bill R. Tate, 67, of Lake Leon, died Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at an Abilene hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, August 5, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church in Eastland. Rev. Mike Madden officiated. Burial was in the Merriman Cemetery, near Lake Leon, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Bill was born October 25, 1937 in Kilgore, Texas to Alva and Evelyn (Testerman) Tate. He moved to Oklahoma as a child and later to Odessa, where he was a 1956 graduate of Odessa High School. He served in the U.S. Army between 1957 and 1960 in Augsburg, Germany with the 11th Airborne Division and the 24th Infantry Division. After an Honorable Discharge he returned to West Texas and worked in the oil fields, moving to Andrews in 1973. He retired as Area Salesman of L&L Trucking in 1998. He and wife Imogene moved to Lake Leon after retiring, where he enjoyed a close walk with his Lord and Savior, his wife, children, grandchildren, fishing, hunting and fellowship in the First United Methodist Church in Eastland.
He was preceded in death by a son, Dennis Clift in 1983; a brother, Donald Tate; and his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Imogene of Eastland; 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Brandon and Ashli Tate of Odessa, Bill and Lisa Clift of Andrews, and Mike and Jennifer Clift of Lubbock; two daughters, Laura Eager of Longview and Dayna Clift of Lubbock; one brother, A.H. ÒBudÓ Tate and wife Peggy of Mineral Wells; one sister, Norma Bird and husband Tom of Haskell; and 15 grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 588, Eastland, TX 76448.
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Thomas Weaver
RANGER- Graveside services for Thomas C. 'T.C.' Weaver, 88, of Belton were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2005 at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger. Rev. Eric Seay officiated.
Mr. Weaver died Monday, August 15, 2005 at a Temple hospital.
He was born February 24, 1917 in Avery, Texas to Elisha P. and Annie B. (Darnell) Weaver. He attended Ranger schools, Ranger Jr. College and Texas A & M University. He served in the US Army in World War II. He married Loretta Faye (Mutt) Thompson on June 24, 1938 in Ranger. He retired from Lone Star Gas in 1973 and Ranger College in 1985. He was a life long resident of Ranger until moving to Belton in 1993. He was a lifetime member of Ranger Masonic Lodge and the First United Methodist Church in Belton. He was a resident of Park Place Manor in Belton where he was President of the Resident Council.
Survivors include two daughters, Carolyn Seay and husband Fred of Midland, and Brenda Severn and husband Ray of Belton; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Park Place Manor Resident Council.
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Jerry Farley
Jerry D. Farley, 76, of Midland, Texas died August 18, 2005.
Graveside services have been scheduled for 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 20, 2005 at the Cisco Texas Cemetery.
He was born March 2, 1929 in Cisco, Texas and graduated from Cisco High School. His early work career included co-owner/operator of the F&F Trucking Company of Cisco. After graduating from Texas A&M, he worked 33 years for Exxon Company USA (formerly Humble), retiring as Administrative Manager of Exxon's Exploration Department in Houston, Texas. Subsequently, he worked for Occidental Petroleum as Vice President of Human Resources for their Petrochemical Division in Houston.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Allen Leon Farley and Wilma Ethel Farley; and one sister, Louise Morrison.
He is survived by two sons, Steve Farley of Memphis, Tennessee and Joe Farley of Midland, Texas; one daughter-in-law, Astrid Farley of Midland, Texas; two grandchildren, Dean Farley and Megan Farley of Midland, Texas; one brother, Rex Farley of Lafayette, Louisiana; one niece, Karen Farley of Memphis, Tennessee, and a host of good friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Midland, Inc. at P.O. Box 2621, Midland, Texas 79702.
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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Clara 'Liz' Wilburn
Mrs. Clara Elizabeth 'Liz' Wilburn, 70, of Colorado City, died Saturday, August 20, 2005 in a Lubbock Care Center.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 25, 2005 at the Kiker-Seale Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Gail Faries officiating. Burial followed in the Westbrook Cemetery under the direction of Kiker-Seale Funeral Home. A reception followed the graveside at Oak Street Baptist Church in Colorado City.
Mrs. Wilburn was born to Barney and Addie Burt Rasco in Big Spring on March 13, 1935. She was a retired Paramedic, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and a Christian at heart who attended several different churches. She has been a Colorado City resident since 1974.
She is survived by her children, Sandra Lee Edwards and husband Paul of Lakewood, Washington, Katheryn Christian of Puyallup, Washington, Michael Wayne Edwards of Spanaway, Washington, Randall Wilburn and Robert and wife Jennifer Wilburn all of Colorado City; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Sonny Edwin Williams of Colorado City.
A very special thank you to a close family friend Kathleen Krone of Loraine, who has done so much for her, and her family.
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Emmett Burns
Emmett Edward Burns, 65, of Thornton, Colorado died Monday, August 22, 2005.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 28, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Chapel in Cisco with Larry Fitzgerald officiating. Burial will follow in the Elm Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Edward was born on October 5, 1939 in Okra, Texas to Ed and Eddie Mae Burns. He married Beverly Manchester on January 15, 1983 in Arvada, Colorado. He worked as a drywall finisher and was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly of Thornton, Colorado; sister, Mary Louise Roesler of Cisco; sons, Brian Burns and wife, Denise of New Jersey, Brad Letterly of Lafayette, Louisiana, Craig Letterly of Thornton, Colorado; daughter, Jennifer Streifel and husband, Jason of Thornton, Colorado; six grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
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Harry Gates
MORAN- Harry S. Gates, 67, of Moran, Texas, died Thursday, August 25, 2005 at a Breckenridge hospital.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church in Albany. Rev. Kay Reed officiated. Burial followed in the Moran Cemetery directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home of Albany.
He was born on October 17, 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He married Gwen Burton in 1988. He was a member of the Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Albany High School, and served 23 years in the United States Navy. He was a member of the American Legion. He returned to Albany in 1986.
He is survived by his wife, Gwen Gates of Moran; one son, Harry S. Gates, Jr., of Indianapolis, Indiana; one step-daughter, Tammy Titsworth and husband Paul of Euless; one step-son, Steve Taggart of Richland Hills, TX; one step-granddaughter, Laura Halbert of Moran; one brother, Rubert Gates and wife, Priscilla of Albany; as well as many nieces and nephews.
One brother, Johnny Gates preceded him in death.
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Sharon Rener
Sharon Ann Rener, 65, of Cisco died Thursday, July 28, 2005 in Coleman County Medical Center.
Memorial services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Chapel in Cisco, officiated by Deacon Ruben Castaneda and Terrell Jackson. The body was cremated.
Sharon was born in Midland, Texas on June 29, 1940 to H.A. and Armine Boyette. She married Samuel (Joe) Rener on March 25, 1957 in Ft. Worth, Texas and was a homemaker and Catholic.
She was preceded in death by one son, David Rener; and two sisters, Shirley Maples and Billie Jean Ford.
Survivors include her husband, Samuel (Joe) Rener; sons, Sam and wife, Annabelle of Sunset, Luke and wife, Laura of Haslet, Chris of Gainsville, FL., Mark of Cisco and Josh and wife, Jennifer of Cisco; one daughter, Lynn Jackson and husband, Terrell also of Cisco; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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Dorotha Guthrie
Dorotha L. Guthrie, 80, of Abilene, died Thursday, July 28, 2005 at a local hospital.
Cremation arrangements entrusted to Community Memorial Funeral Home. No services are planned at this time.
Mrs. Guthrie was born in Rising Star, Texas on June 24, 1925, to the late Robert Alvie and Lucy (Young) Haynes. She was raised in Rising Star and moved to Lawn as a small child. She attended Wylie schools and later moved to California returning to Tye in 1998. She was a homemaker and was loved dearly by her family. She was a Baptist and a simple lady with a heart of gold.
She is survived by two sons, John Oliveria and wife, Candi, of Tye and Robert Oliveria and wife, Vicky, of Crowley, TX; one sister, Marlett Fincher of Abilene; ten grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leroy Guthrie; a daughter, June Ann Brasher; a sister, Melissa Arnold and a grandson, Robbie Oliveria.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Abilene Chapter, 2555 Grape St., Abilene, Texas 79601.
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Larry Keith
Larry Scott Keith, 44, of Gorman died early Sunday morning, July 31, 2005 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at the First Baptist Church. Victor Pena and Gary Bear officiated. Interment was at Victor Cemetery. Services under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Larry was born April 19, 1961 in Monahans to Mack ÒRedÓ Keith and Nelda (Rainey) Keith. He was a graduate of Gorman High School and was a member of the First Baptist Church. He married Traci Burns on April 16, 1987 in Eastland County. He was employed at FMC in Stephenville as a machinist.
Survivors include his wife, Traci Keith of Gorman; three sons, Laramie Keith of Lubbock, Aaron Keith and Matt Keith both of Gorman; two daughters, Kiley Keith of Lubbock and Nikki Keith of Gorman; his mother, Nelda Keith of Fort Worth; two brothers, Michael Keith and wife Melinda of Stephenville, Steve Keith and wife Kay of Comanche; one sister, Terri Lewis and husband Jimmy of Fort Worth; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father.
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Matthew Sherrod
EASTLAND- Matthew Dee Sherrod, 26, a former resident of Carbon and Gorman, passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2005, near Fort Worth.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2005 at the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Interment followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman. Rodney Ferrell officiated.
Matthew was a good athlete as well as an avid sportsman. He was a good friend to many and was a lovely young man. The 26 years that his family and friends knew and loved him were short; yet they were a blessing to them all.
Matthew is survived by his wife Monica Sherrod; two daughters, Lindsay Sherrod and Emily Sherrod; his parents, Mike Sherrod and Paula Davis; his sister, Lauren Davis; his brother, Jacob Davis; grandparents, Don and Ginny Doubleday; his uncle and aunt, Donald and Shea Doubleday; his cousins, Jacqueline and Sarah Doubleday; and many great-aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Home (Jack) and Jessie Sherrod; his grandfather, Bob Hogan and his Uncle Greg Sherrod.
Pallbearers were Terry Wright, Jeff Wright, Rudy Pack, Chris Pack, Larry League, James Gober, Bobby Huff, Ronnie Huff
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Kathleen Lebredo
RANGER- Kathleen Howard Lebredo, 83, died Saturday, July 30, 2005.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, August 1, 2005 at Evergreen Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
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Nadine Graham
Nadine Childers Graham, 81, of Rising Star, Texas died Friday, August 5, 2005 at Sherwood Nursing Home in Bryan, Texas.
Nadine was born on July 31, 1924 at Meridian, Texas to J.N. Childers and Effie Anna Parson-Childers. She was a Methodist and had lived in the community since 1986.
Nadine is survived by two daughters, Sherry Melton and her husband, Bobby and Barbara LeMaire and her husband, Harry all of College Station; son, Stan Graham and his wife, Barbra of Seguin; four grandchildren, Michael Neace of San Antonio, Melanie Huckaby of Seguin, Nena Patterson and her husband, Tom of Cuero, Ann Margaret Sanchez and husband, Daniel of Waxahachie; 6 great-grandchildren; one sister, Gladine Seago of Houston; two nephews and one niece.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 8, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Lynn Starnes officiated. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
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Thora Walker
Thora Mae Walker, 92, of Rising Star, formerly of Cross Plains, died Saturday, August 6, 2005 in Rising Star.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at the First Baptist Church. Terry Simmons officiated, assisted by Darren Jones and John Vaughn. Burial was in the Brown Ranch Cemetery.
She was born on May 20, 1913 to Joel and Willie Beatrice (Haney) Copeland in Saledo, Texas. Thora was a nurse as well as a homemaker. She was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Cross Plains.
She is survived by her sons, Douglas Ware Walker of Rising Star and Mark Dennis Walker of Cross Plains; daughter, Martha Will Jones of Abilene; 7 grandchildre, 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
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J. L. Pettyjohn
J. L. Pettyjohn, 70, of Lake Leon, Texas, died Friday, August 5, 2005 at his home at Lake Leon, Texas.
Memorial services will be scheduled at a time to be announced at a later date.
He was born on June 10, 1935 in Titus County, Texas to Elmer F. and Lyda M. (Dave's) Pettyjohn. He served in the U.S. Army and after his discharge worked as a truck driver.
He is survived by his sons, Franklin Pettyjohn of Eastland, Michael Pettyjohn of Arlington; daughters, Debra Corley of Lake Leon, Patricia Corley of Sweetwater; sisters, Kathryn Bowman of Cisco, Patricia Estes of George West; brother, Billy Pettyjohn of Glen Rose; and 10 grandchildren.
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Opal Hopkins
STRAWN- Opal Meredith Hopkins, 88, of Strawn, Texas, died Saturday, August 6, 2005 at her residence.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2005 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Mike Brown and Mike Orsini officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Marion Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Strawn.
Mrs. Hopkins was born January 31, 1917 in Lyra, Texas to Joe and Katie Swift Meredith. She married Jack Laird Hopkins on October 13, 1932 in Fredricksburg, Oklahoma. She was a housewife and lived most of her life in Strawn. She was a member of the World Wide Church of God.
She is survived by two sons, Jimmy Hopkins of Strawn and Billy E. Hopkins of Converse, TX; a daughter, Jo Ruth Roberson of Abilene; one sister, Vera Wyatt of Strawn; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by husband, Jack Hopkins, and a son, Jack Allen Hopkins.
Mary D. Sikes, 31, died Sunday, August 7, 2005 at Hendricks Medical Center in Abilene.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2005, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith. Interment was at 4:30 p.m. at Shady Groves Cemetery in Breckenridge.
She was born on October 27, 1973 in Breckenridge, Texas. She was receptionist and secretary at TriStar Home Health. She was a member of Cowboy Church in Abilene. She taught 2 to 4 year olds in Sunday School.
Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Deandra Ellen Sikes.
Survivors include her father, E.L. Sikes of Ranger; her mother, Sandra Shifflett and husband, Virgil, of Merkel; her brothers, Thomas Sikes and Michael Webb both of Breckenridge; maternal grandmother, Mary Pickered of Duncan, Okla.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
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Lillian Pence
CISCO- Lillian Pence, 101, died Friday, August 5, 2005.
Services are pending with Summers Funeral Home.
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Thelma Ekanger
EASTLAND- Thelma Ekanger, 84, died Saturday, August 6, 2005.
Arrangements are pending with Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
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Sabas Martinez, Jr.
CISCO- Sabas Martinez, Jr., 59, died Saturday, August 6, 2005 in Abilene, Texas. He was a resident at the Abilene State School.
Sabas was born in Cisco on March 29, 1949 to Sabas Sr. and Juanita Martinez. He lived in Cisco until 1958 when he was then placed in the Texas State School in Austin, Texas.
He is remembered for his liveliness, sparkle, and affection. He would make our children laugh with his comical antics. He had a love for music, singing at church, and he loved his guitar and radio.
He is survived by his dear father, Sabas Martinez, Sr. of Cisco; one brother, Joe Coronado of Houston; one sister, Felipa DeLeon of Cisco; and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving mother in 1972 and his 3 brothers, Raymond, Ned and Larry.
Following services at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, Cisco, a private burial will be held. Following the burial, the family will gather at his sister's home in Cisco.
Lonnie Gene Abbott, 63, of Cisco died Monday, August 8, 2005 at Canterbury Villa Nursing Home.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Harry Garvin officiated. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Lonnie was born in Cisco, Texas on February 5, 1942 to Guy and Viola Abbott. He worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone for 35 years in Breckenridge and Cisco. He married Joy Abbott on July 3, 1976 in San Antonio. He was a member of First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Jason Samuel Abbott.
Survivors include his wife, Joy Abbott; two daughters, Cyndi Ann Abbott of Breckenridge and Amy Lajoie Housh of Cisco; two sons, Jeffrey and Davin Hohhertz of Cisco; six grandchildren, Lacey Medina and Casey Abbott of Breckenridge, Skylynn and Layton Housh of Cisco, and Dylan and Colten Hohhertz of Weatherford; two great-grandchildren, Alexa and Aryan Medina of Breckenridge.
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Gary Echols
GORMAN- Gary Clea Echols, 64, of Eastland died Friday, August 12, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, August 15, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Larry Roberts officiated, assisted by Terry Slavens. Burial followed in Oaklawn Cemetery directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home of Gorman.
Gary was born April 1, 1941 in Gorman to Clea and Mutt Echols. He married Lavenia Rodgers on March 12, 1960 in Gorman. He was District Supervisor for Energas for many years before retiring. He was a member of the Eastland Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Lavenia Echols of Eastland; two sons, Craig and wife, Terri Echols of Odessa and Eric and wife, Karen Echols of Chandler, Arizona; two grandsons, Aaron Echols of Abilene and Ryne Echols of Odessa; two aunts, Velda Baze and Annie Watson of Gorman.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clea and Mutt Echols.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The American Diabetes Foundation or Fosters Children Home in Stephenville.
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John Hicks
John Hicks, 19, died Saturday, August 13, 2005.
Funeral services were held Monday, August 15, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Hwy 36 Church of Christ with Dr. Ed Headrick and Jon Schwiethale officiating. Burial followed in the Tecumseh Cemetery directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home.
John Michael Hicks was born May 28, 1986 in Abilene, Texas to Mike Hicks and Tammy Armor. John was a 2004 Honor Graduate of Jim Ned High School and was involved in FFA and athletics. He played tennis and football; but baseball was his sport of choice. He lettered three years at Jim Ned in baseball; and in his senior year they won District for the first time in 10 years. John was a member of Jim Ned Valley Church of Christ and was attending Tarleton State University.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Kay Hicks.
Survivors are his mom, Tammy Armor of Tuscola; his father, Mike Hicks and wife, Vicky of Clyde; brothers, Austin Windham of Tuscola and Michael Hicks of Clyde; step-brother, Zane Simmons and step-sister Tori Simmons, both of Clyde; grandparents, John and Kathleen Armor of Tecumseh and Harold and Rhonda Hicks of Clyde; aunts and uncles, Darlene and Randy Tyler of Clyde, David Hicks of Eastland, and Julie Hicks of Mansfield; cousins, Lucy and Tamara Tyler and Morgan and Colby Hicks.
Memorials may be sent to Tecumseh Cemetery Association or West Texas Rehabilitation Center.
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Laura Wende
CISCO- Laura Annie Wende, 93, of Cisco died Friday, August 19, 2005 at Canterbury Villa.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 21, 2005 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Pastor Matthew Brackman officiated. Burial was in the Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery, under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Laura was born on November 10, 1911 in Rayland, Ford County, Texas to Ben B. and Mary (Coufal) Weise. She married Alvin Paul Wende on April 27, 1944 in Eastland County whom preceded her in death on July 13, 1970. She was a homemaker and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.
She is survived by a daughter, Marilyn Fleming and husband, Morgan of Cisco; sons, Melvin Wende and wife, Lynda of Lake Brownwood, Donald Wende and wife, Avelon of Cisco; brother, David Weise of Carlsbad, NM; five grandchildren, Brian Fleming of Richardson, Sandra Parsley of Midland, Brad Fleming of Abilene, Larry Wende of Houston and Lyle Wende of New Braunfels; seven great-grandchildren, Stefan Parsley, Kelsey Parsley, Derick Parsley, Bri Fleming, Aiden Fleming, Brantley Fleming and Alyssa Fleming; sisters-in-law, Blanche Weise of Cisco and Katherine Wende of Abilene.
She was preceded in death by brothers, Joe Weise and Alfred H. (Buddy) Weise; sisters, Hattie Bennie and Mattie Reed.
Pallbearers were Brian Fleming, Brad Fleming, Gary Parsley, Larry Wende, Lyle Wende, Robert Dunning and Frank Weise.
Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery Association or the Lutheran Hour.
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Velma Letney
Velma Ruth Letney, 79, formerly of Cross Plains, Texas died Thursday, August 18, 2005 at Canterbury Villa in Cisco.
Graveside services were held Saturday, August 20, 2005 in the Nimrod Cemetery, Frances Walls officiated.
She was born on December 19, 1925 in Staley, Texas to Benjamin and Georgia (Pienkey) Caswell. She married James B. Letney on September 13, 1941 in Cole Springs, Texas. She was a homemaker and mother and a member of the Baptist church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and son, Robert Earl Letney.
She is survived by three sons, James B. Letney, Jr. and Henry S. Letney both of Cisco, John D. Letney of Cross Plains; brothers, George Junior Caswell of Kansas City, KS, S.V. Caswell of Cleveland, Tx; and a sister, Louise Shoner of Freeport, TX; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
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Harriette Rutherford
Harriette Elizabeth Rutherford, 87, of Rising Star, Texas died Thursday, August 18, 2005 in Victoria, Texas.
Funeral Services were held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 21, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Dick Williams officiating and Matt McGowen assisting. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in Charge.
Harriette was born on August 11, 1918 in Healdon, Oklahoma to Dee and Lenora Henley-Moren. She married James A. Rutherford on January 15, 1946 in Breckenridge, Texas. They enjoyed 40 wonderful years together before James passed away on April 30, 1986. She was a devoted mother, wife and grandmother. She was known alternately as 'MiMi' and 'Mothergrand'. She and her husband James were also owners of the First State Bank of Rising Star for numerous years. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Rising Star. She lived in the community for 44 years.
Harriette is survived by one son, Jim Rutherford and his wife, Robbie Joy of Bryan, TX; 2 daughters, Judy and her husband, Ken Butler of Victoria, TX; Kaycee and her husband, Weldon Butler of Odessa, TX; 10 grandchildren; the joys of her life 'The Grands', Jamie and Neal Keith of Georgetown, TX; Trey and Karrie Rutherford of Caldwell, TX; Amanda and Richie Hogan of Bryan, TX; Tiffany Rutherford of College Station, TX; Allison, Brenam, Bryley, Cody, Cliff and Chase Butler; 7 great grandchildren 'The Greats'; Traes, Tyler, Tate Hogan; Colby and Cameron Rutherford; Cade and Caislyn Keith; her circle of caregivers, Peggy Brockenbush; Toneta Koop; Stephanie Carrazos; Eunice; nurses, Kelly Leuschner and Chasitiy; Dr. Joe Perkinson. She was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Rutherford; sister, Dorothy Ward; 2 brothers, Pete and Claude Moren; grandson, Tyler Rutherford; granddaughter, Kaylee Upton.
Pallbearers were Frank Grey, Harold Dudley, Don Bagwell, David McGowen, Eddie Henry, James Cox, Trey Rutherford, Richard Hogan.
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Gracie Foster
STAMFORD - Gracie LaJuan Carmichael Foster, 62, died Saturday, August 20, 2005 in a Stamford nursing home. Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 22, 2005 at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Calvin Gray officiating. A graveside service followed at 2:00 p.m. in Siloam Cemetery, Comanche County under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford.
Gracie LaJuan Carmichael was born June 24, 1943 in Gorman, Texas, the daughter of Bobby Tatum and the late Ireace Carmicheal. She was a sales representative for Avon and had lived in Stamford for 30 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church and the VFW Post in Stamford.
Her father, Ireace Carmichael preceded her in death.
She is survived by three sons, David, John, and Charles Foster, all of Stamford; her mother, Bobby Tatum Bond of Cleburne; one sister and brother in law, Judy Stone and Charles of Cedar Park; four grandchildren, Brandan, Siobhan, Tatum, and Stormy Foster; one step grand child, Christopher Hellums; and two nieces and nephews.
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Jesse Simmons
CISCO- Jesse L. Simmons, 90, passed from this world on August 20, 2005 in Cisco.
Services were held Monday, August 22, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the I-20 Church of Christ with Larry Fitzgerald officiating. Interment was at Eastland Cemetery. Services were under the direction of the Summers Funeral Homes.
Mr. Simmons was born January 31, 1915 in Idaho to Jesse Monroe Simmons and Johnnie Ola Lissembee. He moved with his family to the Dothan community in the early 1920Õs.
He was employed as a laborer and electrician in the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930Õs, at the Longhorn Caverns, near Burnet. Jesse was inducted into the United States Army on March 18, 1941. He served as a tank commander in Europe, fighting in three campaigns.
Upon his discharge from service he returned to Cisco and married Dollie Ulola Kellar on January 7, 1948.
After the war he worked for the City of Cisco as a lake patrolman. He was also a plumber by trade.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John Simmons and his sister, Alma Juanita Parker.
He is survived by his loving wife Dollie; his daughter, Barbara Elaine Purcell and husband Tom of Cisco; his son, Kelly Don Simmons and wife Sandra of Austin; and two grandchildren, Melody and Jesse T. Simmons.
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Mary Tarrant
RANGER, TX Ð Mary Alice Moore Tarrant, 87, died Monday, August 22, 2005, at VITAS Hospice Care in Baylor All Saints Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 25, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Home, Ranger, TX. Graveside services at Colony Cemetery with reception immediately following at the Ranger Fire Station.
Donations may be made to VITAS Innovative Hospice Care at Baylor All Saints Hospital.
Mary Tarrant was born in Ranger, Texas January 11, 1918. Her childhood was spent in Ranger, working on the family farm. Known as Mamie, she married L.D. Tarrant March 20, 1943, and moved to Fort Worth. She worked at the Convair Bomber Plant during World War II. While raising 5 children, she was employed with Dillard's Department Store in Fort Worth in designer dress sales, and modeled for several years before retiring to the family farm in Ranger.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, L.D.; her parents, George and Della Moore; sister Ruby Griffin and brother George Wesley Moore, Jr.
A very spiritual woman, she loved living in the country where her passions included family and friends, gospel music, gardening, nature, reading and sewing, all with her most trusted friend and protector Troubles the dog. The farm was her Tara, and said she would only trade it for a mansion in the sky. Having never met a stranger, she had numerous friends in Ranger, Eastland, and Fort Worth. The greater part of each day was spent reading and writing letters to her dear friends and loved ones. Thanks to all of her friends, neighbors, doctors and nurses for their loving support and friendship throughout the years. A very special Thanks to Ellis County Bluegrass for singing the songs she so dearly loved at her service.
Survivors include daughters Mary Knight of Austin, Karen Lee and Dennis of Ft.Worth; sons David Tarrant and Missy of Mansfield, Kenneth Tarrant of Austin, Donald Tarrant of Eastland, TX; grandsons, Zachary Tarrant and Dana of Weatherford, John Tarrant of Mansfield, and Jeffrey Knight of Austin.
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Sid Davis
CROSS PLAINS- Sid Davis 79, of Cross Plains passed away on August 25, 2005 at his home. Graveside services will be 11 AM Saturday August 27, 2005 in the Pioneer Cemetery near Cross Plains with Rev. Dwaine Clower officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas.
He was born on January 6, 1926 in Tyler, Texas to Pete and Dollie Mae Davis. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II. He married Sally Owens on June 19, 1947 in Paducah, Texas. He managed Cluck Cattle Company Ranch in Santa Rosa, New Mexico for several years. He then moved to Cross Plains and owned and operated a cattle hauling operation for 25 years known as Davis Trucking.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Jinivee Chavez and Jinidee Jiles; one brother Harold Davis; son Sidney Frank Davis and a great-grandson Michael Alan Alaniz.
Survivors include his wife Sally Davis of Cross Plains, two daughters Peggy Chavez and husband Richard of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and Lil Martinez and husband Joe of Eastland; two sons Alan Davis and wife Patricia of Lockney and Neal Davis and wife Gabriel of Frankfurt Germany; eighteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews.
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Betty 'Vicki' Morris
RANGER Ð Betty Charlene 'Vicki' Morris 62 of Ranger passed away on Thursday August 25, 2005 in Abilene, Texas. A memorial service will be 2:30 pm Sunday at the Lake Leon Dam Peninsula with Dr. Richard Waters officiating.
Vicki was born on February 20, 1943 in National City, California to Charles Bill Vick and Eunice Florene Squyres Vick. She moved to Ranger in November 1994 and was the owner and operator of The Gusher Liquor Store.
Mrs. Morris is survived by her children; Rebecca Nunziato and husband Bob of Castleton New York, Danny LaRue and wife Holly of Ranger, Tx., Candice Cay Robinson of Azuza California. Special friend Jackie Whitson of Ranger, Tx. Granchildren; Patchen and Cody Wetterman, Kiley Nunziato and Taylor Nunzaito, Nikki, Noni and Colby and great-grandchildren Bailey & Payton & Clayton. Numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Karl.
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Sabas Martinez, Sr.
CISCO- Sabas Martinez, Sr., 104, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2005 in Cisco.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 29, 2005 in Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Eddie Gonzales. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
He was born April 20, 1901 in Rosales, Coahuila, Mexico to Pedro Martinez and Llonierez Rojenio.
On May 15, 1921, he crossed the border to the United States as a young man. He found jobs working on farms doing the trade he learned while growing up in the Sierras in Mexico. He loved working with cattle and farming. He filled us with all of his stories growing up in Mexico and doing jobs in the United States. He had a keen, accurate memory up to his last days. He would remember every little detail about his jobs and wages. People learned he was a hard worker and he had no trouble finding work. He found jobs in Comanche, Sweetwater, Rotan, and Ennis.
Sabas met his wife, Juanita Coronado, 1926, at Rosebud, Texas. They had six children- Ernesto, Joe Coronado, Ramon Rodriguez, Hilario, Felipa, and Sabas, Jr.
In 1940, Sabas worked with the railroad stationed in Cisco. The family was furnished a boxcar for living quarters until they bought a house of their own in Cisco. This is the home he lived in even after his wife passed away in 1972. He remained there until he moved next door to his daughter. He lived on his own with some assistance from his daughter checking up on him daily. He was a very remarkable man to all. He was in such good health up until the last two weeks before his death. He had so much enthusiasm in living with very meager needs. To his grandchildren he was a very gentle giant who was very respected by them. We could never fool him, because he was always one step ahead of us!
On April 20 of this year he celebrated his 104 birthday with a ÒCome and GoÓ birthday party. He looked forward to these birthdays with his family and friends. The little children that showed up were his favorite. He enjoyed visitors stopping by to visit him and he would talk to them with such vitality. He especially enjoyed his visits with Ted Fields chatting about horses.
He will greatly be missed by his family, because we have had him for so long. ItÕs impossible to believe that this great man is gone. We will always remember him and his strength.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita, in 1972, and 3 of their children: Ramon and Nazario of Houston; Hilario and Sabas Jr. of Cisco died just this year.
He is survived by his daughter, Felipa DeLeon and husband Pedro, of Cisco; and son, Joe Coronado of Houston. His grandchildren, Margaret Gaeta and husband Leo, Rita Santos and husband David, Angie Guidry and husband Randy, Pete Jr. DeLeon and wife Brenda, and his extended grandchildren from the Houston area: Carmen and Nazario, Jr. of Houston, Roy, Raymond and Anna Coronado of Houston; his great-grandchildren, Michael and Lisa Gaeta, Richard and Jesse Santos, Eric Jimenez, Marissa and Duane Walingstick and Antonio and Marcos DeLeon; Mason and Casey Guidry; great-great-grandchildren, Megan, Symone and Natalie Santos and Kailauni Jimenez. He is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren in the Houston area.
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Alice Briggs
Alice R. Briggs, 55, of Georgetown, Texas died Thursday, August 25, 2005 in Georgetown.
She was born on April 13, 1950 in Ranger, Texas to Lee Q. and Mabel A. (Smith) Greer.
Alice married Ralph P. Briggs on August 31, 1973 in Fort Worth, Texas. Alice was a member of the Heritage Baptist Church in Georgetown, and worked for Lone Star Hospice as a Secretary in Round Rock, Texas up until the time of her illness. She volunteered at the Williamson County Animal Shelter.
Survivors include her husband, Ralph P. Briggs of Georgetown; three sons, John Briggs of Ranger, Joey Briggs of Jarrell, Tx, Jerry Briggs of Upland, California; a daughter, Cathy Matta and husband Tony of Georgetown; also 12 grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 29, 2005 at Heritage Baptist Church in Georgetown. Rev. Don Ledbetter officiated. Burial was in Weir Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society 2433 Ridgepoint Drive, Suite ÒBÓ Austin, Texas 78754.
Arrangements by The Gabriels Funeral Chapel of Georgetown.
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Daniel Wooldridge
EASTLAND- Daniel 'Danny' Wooldridge, 59, of Lake Leon, died Saturday, August 27, 2005, in Eastland.
Funeral services with Military Honors were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2005 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Harry Garvin officiated. Burial followed in Oakland Cemetery, near Gorman.
Mr. Wooldridge was born June 22, 1946 in Weatherford to Oris C. and Hazel Juanita (Nickel) Wooldridge. He excelled in F.F.A. in high school. He entered the US Army during Vietnam and later joined the Navy and was injured as an underwater diver during battle. He received an Honorary Medical Discharge in 1972. He married Linda Kirk on December 25, 1970 in Weatherford. They moved to Eastland in 1973 and later to Lake Leon. He worked for a time for Southern Airways at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells and Victor Cornelius printing for a short time. He was a member of Lake Leon Baptist Church, Disabled American Veterans and the North American Hunting Club. He enjoyed his family, hunting, gardening, and drawing.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Linda of Lake Leon; daughter and son-in-law, Mae and Rick Rackow of Eastland, daughters, Christy Wooldridge of Abilene and Hollie Wooldridge of Eastland; son, Daniel Wooldridge II of Eastland; granddaughters, Laney and Terra Rackow of Eastland; one brother, Norman Wooldridge of Weatherford; one sister, Juanita Cummins of Weatherford; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Brenda (Kirk) and Jerry Newton of Irving, Jimmy Kirk of Irving, Timmy and Kathy Kirk of Missouri; nine nieces and nephews; and nine great-nieces and nephews.
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Catherine Clark
WEATHERFORD- Catherine Meglasson Clark, 89, joined her husband in heaven Sunday, August 28, 2005.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at Cisco Cemetery directed by White's Funeral Home of Weatherford.
Catherine was born on July 22, 1916 in Walnut Springs. She was a resident of Willow Park for 31 years after moving from Arizona.
Survivors are a daughter, Wanda Brightwell of Haltom City; sons, Charles Clark of Colleyville, Don Clark of Willow Park; a brother, George Meglasson of Houston; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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J. H. 'Jack' Lee
J. H. (Jack) Lee died Friday, September 2, 2005, at the age of 93, following a brief illness.
Funeral services were held at the Daugherty Street Church of Christ in Eastland at 2 P.M. on Sunday, September 5, and interment followed at the Eastland Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were made by Edwards Funeral Home.
He was born in Angelina County, Texas, on December 17, 1911, to Richmon and Katie (Walker) Lee. Much of his childhood was spent in North Central Texas near Bowie. He had memories from that time of travel by horseback and of moving family possessions across the Red River by raft. He spent a brief period working on a ranch, then entered the service station business.
He moved to Eastland County in about 1934, and married Pauline Lemaster in Desdemona, Texas, on August 31, 1935. He eventually came to own several service stations in Eastland County. He had a busy life hauling gasoline for his stations, overseeing the business, and often personally operating the station in Eastland. He retired at age 66. He spent much of his retirement working in the yard and tending to property in Eastland and Ranger. He was able to continue working until this July, when he was hospitalized. He and Pauline celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary two days before his death.
He was a devoted and respected member of the Eastland Church of Christ, where he had served as a deacon and as an elder.
He is survived by his wife, Pauline; his son, Lanny, of Fairfax, California; his daughter, Lela, her husband, Norman Wikner and their daughter, Elena, of Denver, Colorado; a brother, Troy, of Casper, Wyoming; and many nieces and nephews.
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Maurine McElroy
Maurine Davenport McElroy, recently retired from the University of Texas Department of English, has died at age 91, on Friday, September 2, 2005.
Services were celebrated at University United Methodist Church, 2409 Guadalupe, Austin, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2005. Burial followed at Austin Memorial Park with a reception afterwards at University United Methodist Church.
She was born on September 28, 1913, in Eastland, Texas, to William Frederick and Mary Johnson Davenport. Her parents both were descendants of pioneer families that helped settle the area.
Maurine earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Tech University in 1937. This was followed by a Master of Arts degree from Hardin Simmons University in 1948 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in English Literature from the University of Texas at Austin in 1964.
Dr. McElroy began her long career in education at age 19 teaching at an elementary school in her hometown. Her students even included a brother and a cousin. She retired as an Associate Professor Emeritus from the Department of English of the University of Texas at Austin in 2003, where she specialized in medieval and Renaissance drama, Shakespeare, and in summers, a review of American Nobel Prize winners. Between these two extremes she taught English and journalism in several high schools and Del Mar Community College in Corpus Christi.
Dr. McElroy took off a decade that she devoted to family rearing and feature writing for the Arkansas Democrat in Little Rock. She is the regular teacher for the Fellowship Forum of the University Methodist Church in Austin. She has served as an organizer and lecturer for the Quest program of continuing education at the University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. McElroy is survived by a daughter, Mary Maurine; a son Kennedy King and his wife, Katy McElroy, all of Austin, Texas; and by two grandchildren, Mariah McElroy of Fort Worth, Texas, and Austin McElroy of Austin, Texas. Also, she is survived by her three brothers, Dr. Frederick Parks Davenport of Boerne, Texas; Thomas Overton Davenport of Atlanta, Georgia; and, Joseph Robert Davenport of San Antonio, Texas.
Pallbearers were Jerry Conn, Carl Hehmsoth, Dr. James Magnuson and Edgar McElroy, all of Austin; George and Richard Harris of Midland, William Marrs of Temple, and James Marrs of Round Rock. Honorary pallbearers will be her three brothers, Dr. Theodore Dowd of Fort Myers Florida, and Col. (Ret ) W. L. McDowell of Brady.
The family is asking that memorial contributions be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245; or the Maurine McElroy Excellence in Education Fund, Quest Program for Continuing Education, The University of Texas at Austin Thompson Conference Center, P.O. Box 7879, Austin TX 78713-7879.
Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com
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Oleta Hale
CISCO- Oleta Hale, 89, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2005.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at the Cisco Church of Christ, Larry Fitzgerald officiated, assisted by Charles Ivie, a nephew from the Church of Christ in Tatum, New Mexico. Burial followed in the Dotham Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hale was born July 2, 1916, to Luther and Crete Donaway, near the Dothan Community, west of Cisco. She attended school in Dothan, then graduated from Union High School in 1934, which was then located between Putnam and Moran. She was the sixth child of a fourteen sibling household (two died as infants).
Over the next five years, she struggled as many others did during the Depression with odd jobs in and near the home. Then in 1939 she and sister Bonnie Wayne McCleskey went to Ranger, Texas and took nursing training for two years through the National Youth Administration Program. They both met their future husbands in Ranger. Bonnie never used her nursing training, partially because her husband was killed in World War II and it took years for her to get over the loss. Oleta went to work in a quicker fashion, after a marriage that never worked to help support her only son, Duane. Oleta was a nurse in Eastland County for 45 years and a member of the Cisco Church of Christ.
She is survived by her son, Duane Hale of Cisco; two grandchildren, Bracken Hale and Lee Hale both of Austin; a great-grandson, Rune Harrison Hale; two brothers, Harlan Eugene Dunaway of Odessa and Gordon Dunaway of Dothan; a sister, Ida Hazlewood of Dothan; twelve nephews and seven nieces.
Memeorials may be made to Lake Cisco Christian Camp for Katrina Survivors Relief.
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Alvin Kitchens
CISCO- Alvin Henry 'Tuffie' Kitchens, 87, died Friday, September 2, 2005 at a Cisco care facility.
Funeral services were held Sunday, September 4, 2005 at 2 p.m. in the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco. Interment followed at the Elm Cemetery near the Okra Community. Terrell Jackson officiated.
Tuffie was born April 22, 1918, in Ravia, Oklahoma to Henry Kitchens and Lena Songers Kitchens. He married Jeffalee Dale Burns on October 4, 1940 in Levelland. They moved together to Cisco in 1961. He was a retired farmer and rancher. He was a faithful member of the I-20 Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a brother, Alton Kitchens.
Survivors include his son, Royce Kitchens of Early, and wife, Paula; his daughter, Carolyn Hull of Cisco, and husband, Fred; sisters, Helen Small, Lottie Johnson, Lillian Martin, and Ruby Stanton; grandchildren, Terry Kitchens, Tommy Kitchens, Lezlea Hull, Teddy Hull, and Kari Porter; and 8 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
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Elisa Ewing
Elisa Ewing, 42, passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at her residence.
She was born on September 18, 1962 to Robert Cavazos and Mary Reyes in Mangum, Oklahoma. Elisa was a loving mother, sister, aunt, daughter, niece and friend. She graduated from Platt Career Institute of Corpus and was employed by Spohn Property Mgmt for 22 years. She enjoyed participation in Mary Kay Cosmetics for three years. Elisa will be remembered for her love of laughter and her devotion to family.
Elisa is survived by her sons, Robert Ewing of Ranger, Texas, and Christopher Rice of Corpus Christi, Texas; her mother, Mary Reyes of Corpus Christi, Texas; her father, Robert Cavazos of Weslaco, Texas; two brothers, Ruben Gomez of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Albert Gomez of Harker Heights, Texas; two sisters, Rachel Garner of Corpus Christi, Texas and Jenny Gomez of Harker Heights, Texas; one granddaughter; and her loving fiance, Howard Goodpaster of Corpus Christi, Texas.
A Memorial Service was celebrated at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elisa Ewing Benefit Fund in c/o Christus Spohn Hospital Health System Credit Union, P.O. Box 3906 Corpus Christi, Texas 78463 or Christus Spohn Hospice Health System, 600 Elizabeth, Corpus Christi, Texas 78404, 1st Floor.
SEASIDE MEMORIAL PARK AND FUNERAL HOME Corpus Christi, Texas was in charge of arrangements.
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Beverly Moore
Beverly Anne Moore, formerly a resident of Ranger, 81, died Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005, in Keller.
Graveside service were held 10 a.m. Friday, September 9, 2005 in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth.
Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, George (G.W.) Moore, Jr.
Survivors include sons, Glenn Spinella, Mark Spinella; grandchildren, Jennifer, Sarah and Ty Spinella; and extended family of nieces and nephews. One nephew, Don Tarrant, resides in Ranger.
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Charlie Livingston
Charlie Livingston, of Cisco, passed away Friday, September 9, 2005, after a brief struggle with age-related complications. A life-long farmer and rancher, he was 90 years old and proud of it.
Funeral services were held Monday, September 12, 2005 in the Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco officiated by Rev. Benny Hagan and assisted by Rev. Baylis Pope. Burial followed in the Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Charlie was born in the Mitchell community southwest of Cisco on November 22, 1914. He grew up on the family farmstead with eight brothers and sisters and attended Dan-Horn and Scranton schools. He loved Scranton High School where he was an outstanding athlete in track and basketball. He graduated in 1933.
Charlie began courting a beautiful, firey red-haired neighbor girl, Christena Ruth Brown, and they married in January of 1939.
Two children, Coy and Stanley, were born in the 1940's. After a short stay near Carbon, the family moved to their permanent home on the farm south of Cisco in 1951.
The drought years of the 50's tested Charlie's skills as a farmer and manager, but by the end of the decade, the farm was beginning to prosper. Peanuts and feed grain were the major crops while he always ran a few cattle, which came to be like friends.
In the 1970's Charlie retired from farming but never from the farm. His cows, chickens, dog, cat, garden, and fruit trees gave him the desire to get out every morning and tend to his chores. He was active until the end.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Ruth, of 66 years; two children; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; many loving relatives; and a community of wonderful neighbors and friends.
Charlie's life could be described by the title of the old Jimmy Stewart movie, 'It's A Wonderful Life.' His was!
Memorials may be sent to the Red Cross or Texas Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 7, Round Rock, Texas 78680-9988.
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Neoma 'Shorty' Phillips
Neoma Lee (Shorty) Phillips, 85, of Cisco, died Saturday, September 10, 2005 at Canterbury Villa.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at Carbon Christ Center officiated by Rev. Jimmy Maples and assisted by Rev. Chris Justice. Burial was in Murray Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Shorty was born to Virgil Aaron and Velma (Petree) Ables on January 29, 1920 in Carbon, Texas. She married Jessie Z. Phillips, Jr. on August 29, 1938 in Putnam. She and her husband operated a cafe in Carbon for several years. He preceded her in death. She was a member of the Pentecostal Church and the Order of Eastern Star.
Survivors include two sons, Bill Joe Phillips and wife Deanna of Cisco and Johnny Ray Phillips and wife LaDonna of Cathey's Valley, California; sister, Robbie Barnett of San Ramon, California; grandchildren, Robert Lee Phillips, Gene Louis Phillips and Wendy Rey Sullivan; great-grandchildren, Justin Aaron Phillips, Cody Sullivan and Kelsey Carol Sullivan.
Serving as pallbearers were Lemon Ables, Wayne Ables, Gene Phillips, Bobby Phillips, Johnny Phillips, and Bill Phillips.
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Ila Walsh
BRECKENRIDGE- Ila Walsh, 79, of Breckenridge, died Thursday, September 8, 2005 in Abilene.
Services were held Sunday, September 11, 2005 at 2 p.m. in the Edwards Funeral Chapel. Cecil Harper officiated. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Ila was born on February 23, 1926 in Scott County, Mississippi to Carl Lee and Laura Bell (Harvey) Jones. She attended school in Lake Mississippi. She worked as the Head Nurse for many years at Dr. Scaff's office in Monahans. Ila married James 'Pug' Walsh on March 28, 1974 in Lovington, NM. They came to the Ranger area in 1983. Ila became very active in the Senior Citizens Dance Group and was a member of First Baptist Church. She moved to Breckenridge in the spring of 2002 to be closer to her family. Ila loved her work as a nurse, dancing, and most importantly her family and grandchildren.
Survivors include sons, Richard Lancaster and wife Sue of Breckenridge and Kenneth Lancaster and wife Sue of Abilene; step-son, James M. Walsh of Austin; brothers, Hines Jones of Tyler and Bill Jones of Forest; sisters, Joyce Davis of Washington State and Bonnie McCory of Pearl, Miss.; grandchildren, Susan Leann Lancaster of Abilene, Christina Lancaster of Breckenridge, Jordan Layne Lancaster of Breckenridge, D.J. Lancaster of Abilene, and Tracey Goff of Abilene; 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James 'Pug' Walsh on May 8, 2001; and brother, Carl L. Jones, Jr.
Pallbearers were Chris Orr, D.J. Lancaster, Jordan Lancaster, David Carter, Brooks McClanahan, and Rex Owens. Honorary pallbearers were Taylor and Slader Goff.
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Mae Jones
MORAN- Mae Delle Jones, 85, died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church of Albany. Rev. Jack Clack officiated. Burial was in the Moran Cemetery directed by Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Mae Delle was born on September 7, 1920 in Moran, Texas. She married Warlick G. Jones on November 18, 1948 in Abilene, Texas. He preceded her in death in 1975. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Moran. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Lee's Legion Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; Amity Club of Moran; Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 591 and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a lifelong resident of Moran and was very active in the community.
Survivors include one daughter, Lynda Jones Weatherby of Stephenville; one son, Bert Jones and wife, Delnita of Albany; four grandchildren, Ladelle Weatherby Morse and husband, Brian of Dallas, James Weatherby of Austin, Wade Jones and wife, Melissa of Albany and Brock Jones of Albany.
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Mildred Speegle
CISCO- Mildred Irene Speegle, 76, of Cisco, died Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at Canterbury Villa.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 16, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery officiated by Rev. John Beckling, directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mildred was born in Colorado City, Texas on March 10, 1929 to Charlie Clyde and Dollie (Lassister) Cooper. She married Oren Merritt Speegle on December 31, 1948 in Cisco. He preceded her in death on December 8, 1990. She worked at Boss Glove Manufacturing, later she worked in the food service department at E.L. Graham Memorial Hospital. She also worked as a caregiver to the elderly. She was a member of Cisco Chapter #461 Order of Eastern Star and First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include a son, Randy Speegle and wife Charlotte of Cisco; sister, Dorothy McCune of Cisco; brother, Charley Joe Cooper of Denton; granddaughter, Lori Ann Lilley of Sealy; grandson, Michael Lynn Speegle of Midland; six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Terry Lynn Speegle.
Honorary pallbearers were Doug Witt, Dave Witt, Jim Bob Maples, Chris Maples, Mike Harrison, Richard Harrison, Brady Maples, Wayne Cooper and Hollis Williams.
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Robert Ator
CISCO- Robert Ator, 77, of Cisco, died Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at his residence.
Services were held Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 10 a.m. in the Edwards Funeral Chapel with Rev. Mike Madden and Rev. David Sims officiating. Burial followed in the Eastland Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Ator was born on November 26, 1927 to Thad and Minnie (Thornton) Ator. He married Doris Lankford on February 6, 1948 in Brownwood. He worked for Southwest States Phone Company for 35 years as an engineer. He was a member of the Grace Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Doris Ator, on November 22, 2004.
He is survived by his children, Laura Holleman of Cisco, David Ator of Brownwood, and Robert Shannon Ator and wife Frankie of Salado; brother, H.B. Ator of Odessa; sister, Ann Matthews of Odessa; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Walter Hutchins, Jr.
RANGER- Walter Hutchins, Jr., 65, of Ranger, died Monday, September 12, 2005 in Temple.
Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger with William Holden officiating.
Mr. Hutchins was born July 21, 1940 in Dallas to Walter, Sr. and Katherine Ann (Baugus) Hutchins. He served in the U.S. Army from 1960 until 1963 where he served with the 82nd Airborne Division. He married Sandra Lee Nearhoof on June 10, 1963 in Marina, California. He owned and operated Hutchins Tire Sales in Dallas for 30 years, moving to Ranger in 1992. He was a member of the Lawson Baptist Church.
He was a wonderful father and husband who will be missed most by his wife, Sandra Hutchins of Ranger; children, Walter Hutchins, III and Kim Moore of Plano, Keith Houston Hutchins and Idella of Malakoff, Ruth Katherine Henderson and Chuck of Ft. Worth, and Lori Luttrell and Randy of Morgan Mill; brothers, Alfred Hutchins of Dallas and Oscar Hutchins of Ranger; grandchildren, James David Parker and Bambi Lynnette Hutchins and Jesse Garcia, all of Wichita Falls, Walter Hutchins, IV and Austina of Ranger, Ariel Ruth Anna Anderson and Ezra Joe Martin Henderson, both of Ft. Worth, James and Sean Flanagan and Crystal Pornich, Amanda Pornich and Marcus Pornich all of Malakoff; mother-in-law, Ruth Nearhoof of Youngstown, Ohio; brother-in-law, Houston Willard Nearhoof and Riki of Sharon, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Clarence Stroebel
CISCO- Clarence G. Stroebel, 88, passed away in a local hospital Wednesday, September 14, 2005.
Funeral services were held Friday, September 16, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church under the direction of the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home. Committal services were held at Romney Lutheran Cemetery with Pastor Matthew Brackman officiating.
Clarence was born March 2, 1917 to Henry Stroebel and Christine Mueller in Cisco, Texas. In September of 1944 he married Ruth Weiser and settled near the Stroebel home place.
He was a farmer and rancher by trade. He was baptized into the Lutheran Church on March 18, 1917 and remained a faithful member to the present day Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Clarence loved to restore both antique cars and antique furniture.
He was preceded in death by his parents; all 12 of his brothers and sisters; and a daughter Carol Stroebel.
He is survived by his wife Ruth of the home, and his son, Mike Stroebel, both of Rising Star.
Pallbearers serving were Ronnie Weiser, Robert Dunning, Douglas Akers, Bud Linny, Herman Eaker and Frank Weise.
Honorary pallbearers were Paul Sims, David Yoch, Terry Crozier, John Gerhardt, John Muller, and Joe Ziehr.
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Elizabeth Earnest
Elizabeth Kathryn (Kay Gibbs) Earnest, 73, of Hobbs, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2005 in a local hospital.
Funeral service was held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 15, 2005 at Prairie Haven Memorial Park Chapel with Reverend Kevin Kellow officiating. Interment followed at Prairie Haven Memorial Park.
Mrs. Earnest was born February 26, 1932 in Cisco, Texas to Thomas Howard (Papa Tom) & Willie May Maxwell Hennington. Mrs. Earnest married Samuel L. (Tiny) Gibbs and he preceded her in death in March of 1968. She married David H. Earnest on October 1, 1968 in Hobbs. She enjoyed delivering meals on wheels and helping her friends and neighbors. Mrs. Earnest work many years at 7-11 Hamburger Stand on E. Broadway when hamburgers were 20 cents each. One of her favorite days of the week was Monday, family day at the beauty shop. Mrs. Earnest babysat for school teachers and was the best B-Bop driver around. She was a member of Belvue Baptist Church and loved her church family, Mr. and Mrs. Earnest also loved to watch Charles Stanley together. Mrs. Earnest loved her family; she was a good mom, grandmother and a wonderful wife. She was also preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Linda Kay Gibbs in 1968, brothers, Harrell Lea Hennington and Butch Thompson and a sister, Betty Louise Nixon.
Survivors include her husband, David H. Earnest of the home, children, Monta Raye (Montie) Ferns (Bill), Charles Gray Gibbs (Cathy) and Burma Gail Owens (Wiley) all of Hobbs, brother, Thomas Howard Hennington of Ranger, sister, Dorothy Veatch of Cisco, 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and many dear relatives, friends and loved ones.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
Memorials may be made to Belvue Baptist Church.
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Ernest Meredith
CISCO- Ernest Lee Meredith, 49, of Cisco passed away on Wednesday September 14, 2005 at a local hospital.
Graveside services were held Friday September 16, 2005 at Necessity Cemetery in Stephens County at 3 PM. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas.
Ernest was born on June 26, 1956 in Borger Texas to Hershel and Jo Anna Powers Meredith. He attended school in Breckenridge, Texas. He married Shirley McMullin on September 23, 1981 and in 1995 they moved to Cisco to help care for his father. Ernest worked in oilfield for Atlas Equipment for a time and then as a roofer for Bryant Roofing in Austin and until his illness he worked in construction for David Cane. He attended the Nazarene Church in Cisco, Texas. He was a US Army Veteran.
Ernest is survived by his wife Shirley Meredith of Cisco; a son, Chris; and a daughter, Kathy; two brothers, Harold Meredith of Breckenridge and Truman Meredith of Abilene; and several nieces and nephews.
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Cora Harrell
Cora Ollie West-Harrell, 91, of Waxahachie formerly of Rising Star, Texas, died Friday, September 16, 2005 in Waxahachie, Texas.
Cora was born on September 26, 1913 in Olney, Texas to Charles and Mary Jane McKay-West. She married Charlie Roy Harrell on November 25, 1940 in Lubbock, Texas. They enjoyed 43 wonderful years together before Charlie passed away on November 7, 1984. She was devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Rising Star. She lived in Waxahachie for 3 years before moving there. She lived in the Rising Star community for 47 years.
Cora is survived by one daughter, Carol Woodley of Waxahachie; two sisters, Nell Lambert of Oxnard, CA, Grace Spores of Houston; six grandchildren, Kevin Woodley, Monty Woodley, Becky Bianchi, Stacy Guiette, Eddie Ware, Earl Ware; numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Charlie; one daughter, Anita Ware; 5 sisters, Bertha Bennett, Ruby Miller, Clara Clark, Addie Mae Foster, Berta Edwards; three brothers, Herman West, Roy West, Marvin West.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 18, 2005 at First Baptist Church in Rising Star. Terry Simmons officiated. Burial was at Pioneer Cemetery in Pioneer, Texas. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star was in charge.
Pallbearers were Gary Woodley, Kevin Woodley, Monty Woodley, Ed Ware, Earl Ware, and Eddie Ware.
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Norvis Goodloe
AURORA, CA.- Norvis Goodloe died September 6, 2005 in Aurora, Colorado.
Arrangements are by Newcomer Funeral Home, Aurora, Colorado.
Memorial services were held Sunday, September 11, 2005, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.
Norvis was born October 31, 1935 to John Prentice and Sallie P. (Jones) Goodloe in San Saba County. He graduated from Baird High School in 1954. After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, he worked for Wooten Holdsell Grocery in Abilene, Bank of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and the National Jewish Hospital and later Citicorp in Denver. He retired in 1987.
He married Carmen Elaine Nichols in 1963, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. To this marriage was born two children, Diana Lynn Goodloe (Pace) and Dennis Lee Goodloe, of Aurora, Colorado.
He is survived by four grandchildren, Tyler Reed Goodloe, Amanda Goodloe, Melissa Jennings, and Desiree Jennings of Auora, CO.; two brothers, Noel Goodloe and wife Yolando of San Antonio, and Wayne Goodloe of Merkel; four sisters, Modene Morrison and husband Grady of Abilene, Nila Dean Sanford of Cisco, Joyce Carrigan of Tye, and Gay Hightower of Cisco; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Norvis was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mabel Ruth (Goodloe) Gentry; and his nephew, Jimmie Lee McCuthchan, Jr.
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Doris Reynolds
CISCO- Doris Jean Reynolds, 79, died Friday, September 16, 2005 at her home.
Graveside services were held Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 2 p.m. in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco under the direction of Summers-Chambers Funeral Home. Committal services were conducted by Rex Boggs.
Jean was born June 30, 1926, in Cisco, Texas to Jack Graves and Nell Horn Graves. She attended Cisco and Cross Plains schools and graduated from Cisco High. Jean was married to Jesse H. Reynolds, Jr. on April 21, 1947 in Eastland. She worked for 17 years at JC Penney's and Brown Chiropractic until she retired.
Ms. Reynolds was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jesse H. Reynolds, Jr., grandchildren, Jandee Hill Davidson and Michael Keith Reynolds, and a sister, Laverne Cearley.
Survivors include her children, Judy Cozart and husband Bill of Cisco, Sandra Hill and husband Russell of Blanket, Son Reynolds and wife Becky of Cisco; a sister, Louise Seward of Lake Brownwood; 7 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
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Estelle Craddock
GORMAN- Estelle Craddock, 93, of Gorman, died Saturday, September 17, 2005 at the Comanche County Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, September 19, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, Victor Pena officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman.
Mrs. Craddock was born March 22, 1912 to John W. Clark and Melissa Caroline (Hallmark) Clark. She was a graduate of Gorman High School. She married Hubert Craddock on July 28, 1935 in Gorman. She was a homemaker, worked at Gorman Progress for 24 years and was a correspondent for the Abilene Reporter-News. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and a very active member of the First United Methodist Church where she held many offices and served as Sunday School Superintendent for 35 years. She was active in Senior Citizens activities and the local food pantry. Her priorities in life were God, family and friends. She was a wonderful aunt to many nieces and nephews. She received the Community Service Award in 1986 and was honored by the Ministerial Alliance in 2003 for many years of dedicated service. She received the Gorman Ex-Student Award for contribution to Gorman Schools in 2004.
She is survived by her daughter, Kay Ann Craddock of Gorman and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Hubert, five brothers, Willie, Edward, Elvy, Othell 'Speedy' and Doyle, 'Speck' Clark; two sisters, Claudia Hollifield and Lorena Clark.
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Tommy Freeman
Tommy L. Freeman, 60, died at his residence in Reno, Nevada, September 9, 2005,
after a brief illness.
Cremation was under the direction of Sparks Memorial.
Tommy was born at Cross Plains, Texas, November 25, 1944, to Cavin and Faye Renfro Freeman. He was a graduate of Eastland High School, Eastland, Texas. He was employed in Reno with Homeland Security.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Survivors are a sister, Shirley Freeman Bassett and husband, Jim of Midland, Texas; a niece, Sherri Bassett of Austin, Texas, and numerous cousins.
Memorials can be made to your favorite charity or Hospice Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.
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Loyce Griffin
ODESSA- Loyce Marleen Griffin, 53, of Odessa, died September 14, 2005, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was at Hospice House of Odessa at the time of her death.
She was born in Beaumont, Texas on July 14, 1952 to Marlin and Jane Sheffield.
She was a teacher and taught at many schools including Ranger.
Services were held at First United Methodist Church in Odessa at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005. Burial followed at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Rev. Terry Tamplen and Rev. Donnie Williams officiated.
Survivors include her husband, Gary and son, James Joseph of the home; mother Jane Sheffield of Odessa; and many other relatives.
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Aubrey Wilson
Aubrey J. Wilson, 93, of Granbury, Texas, died Friday, September 16, 2005 in a Fort Worth hospital.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 18, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman. Lonnie Lerman officiated. Interment at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Mr. Wilson was born July 8, 1912 in Comanche County to George Washington Wilson and Sarah Elizabeth (Guess) Wilson. He married Myrtle Vaughan on January 9, 1937 in Eastland. She preceded him in death in 1981. One June 24, 1993 he married Tiny Bell Bearden in Granbury. After eighteen years of service he retired from General Dynamics in 1974. He was a member of the Baptist church.
Survivors include his wife, Tiny Bell Wilson of Granbury; one son, Aaron Wilson of Granbury; two step-daughters, Burma Carman and Glenda Taylor of Granbury; sister, Lois Melton of Ranger; brother, Ira Wilson of Boyd; and three grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gene Wilson; three sisters; and three half-brothers.
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Donald Carr
Donald Wayne Carr, 43, of Cross Plains and formerly of Cisco died Monday, September 19, 2005 at his home in Cross Plains.
Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 24, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Dr. Ron Bostick and Bill Carr.
Donald was born in Cisco on February 21, 1942 to Eugene and Mary Frances (Reeves) Allen. He worked as a rig operator in oil and gas exploration.
He is survived by a daughter, Megan Carr of Colorado; sister, Avonda Hightower of Fort Worth; brother, Mike Allen of Missouri; mother, Mary Carr of California; dad, B.W. Carr of Cisco; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.C. and Dorothy Carr.
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Myrtle Martin
RANGER - Myrtle Blanche Martin, 74, of Ranger died Monday, Sept. 19, 2005 in Eastland Texas.
Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Friday, September 23, 2005 in the Simpson Cemetery near Kokomo in Eastland County. Rev. Charles Wallace will officiate, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Born November 10, 1930 in Staff Texas to Richard and Ollie (Monroe) Eaves, she was a graduate of Carbon High School and Ranger Junior College. She married Robert H. Martin Sr. in Eunice NM on December 31, 1951. He was in the Military and they lived in Puerto Rico, Rapid City South Dakota. After his discharge they moved to Midland where he worked in the Oilfield and she worked in the Medical Field as a Respiratory Therapist. They changed jobs to Hotel Management and as a team worked for Motel 6 and lived all over Texas. In 1995 Robert Retired and they moved to Ranger, Myrtle began working for Eastland Hospital and later the Budget Host Inn in Eastland. Robert passed away in 1997. She retired in 2004. She was a Methodist and loved her two granddaughters very much and enjoyed garage sale shopping.
She is survived by: three sons, Robert Martin Jr. of Big Bend National Park, David Martin of Ranger Tx, Gary Martin of Big Bend National Park; two granddaughters, Ollivya Martin of San Angelo, Brittany Martin of Big Bend; three brothers, William Eaves of Midland, Dickey Eaves of Gorman, Buddy Eaves of Brownfield;
three sisters, Coye Bird of Farmington, NM, Ruby Cummings of Tyler, Tx, Odene Savage of Gorman,Tx
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Helen Crawford
Helen Royse Crawford, 91, of Abilene and formerly of Cisco, died Saturday, August 27, 2005 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2005 in Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Helen was born on August 18, 1914 in Cross Plains, Texas to Erwin Palmer and Lucy Thomas (Royse) Crawford. She earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Texas.
From 1942 and 1946 she worked at the San Marcos Army Air Field and at Randolph Field in the Office of Censorship. She was a librarian in the post libraries. She was also a teacher and retired from Supertravel of Abilene in 1980 where she was a travel agent.
Helen was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Cisco, and she attended Westminster Presbyterian Church after moving to Abilene. She was in the Twentieth Century Club, the Wednesday Bridge Club, the Ace Bridge Club, the 58 Study Club in Abilene and the Lake Cisco Country Club.
She is survived by two first cousins, Dorothy Crawford Herr of Arlington and Frances Royse Schwickert of Mount Sterling, Kentucky; and numerous other cousins including Penny Potter Hong of Herndon, Virginia, Dr. Patricia Potter Vary of St. Charles, Illinois, Joan Simms Bell of Stratford, TX, Howard Nickels of Due West, South Carolina, Cooper and Elliott Thompson of Pontotoc County, Mississippi.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Cisco, the Cisco Junior College Summer Theatre, the Cisco Cemetery Association, or personnel preference.
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Claude Ridens
Claude 'Jack' Ridens, 75, of Desdemona died Tuesday, August 30, 2005 at Hendricks Medical Center.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman. Denver Rainey officiated. Burial followed at the Desdemona Cemetery.
Mr. Ridens was born in Lamesa, Texas to David Price Ridens and Leona (Woods) Ridens. He married Laura Nell Tison in Troy, Alabama on March 1, 1952. Jack worked in the oilfield all over the United States and several foreign countries for many years. He was a retired truck driver and a Methodist. He had lived in the Desdemona area for 33 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Royce Ridens; granddaughter, J.J. Clark Rainey; brother, Sonny Carroll and sister, Lola Wisdom.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Nell Ridens of Desdemona; son, Claud Ridens and wife LeAnn of Morgan Mill; three daughters, Sarah Davis and husband Tom of Breckenridge, Beth Underwood and husband Ted of Gorman and Suzie Patterson and husband Richard of Albany; one stepson, Bert Good and wife Dayna of Lafayette, CO; four sisters, Lenora Burns of Seminole, Ellen Parker of Gorman, Nettie Dyke of Midland and Ann Green of Springfield, MO; eight grandchildren, Kim Ridens, Reece Clark, Brandon Ridens, Waylon Davis, Trey Underwood, Heather Patterson, Shelby Davis, and Ever Good; three great-grandchildren, Shyann Rainey, Caitlyn Hornbeck and Triston Hornbeck.
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Tommy Roberts
Tommy N. Roberts, 84, of Gorman, died Tuesday, August 30, 2005 at the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 2, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Gorman. Denver Rainey officiated. Burial was in the DeLeon Cemetery directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Mr. Roberts was born in Dublin, Texas to Frank Kennard Roberts and Bertha (Farrow) Roberts. He married Mildred Thomas on April 26, 1945 in Tyler, Texas. He was a World War II, U.S. Army Veteran serving in the European Theater. He was a retired self-employed concrete contractor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two sisters, a son, Kary Roberts and a step-son, R.G. Warren.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred Roberts of Gorman; three sons, Kennard Roberts of Gustine, Marshall ÒBoÓ Roberts of Gorman and Rodney Roberts of Gorman; a brother, Bob Roberts of Lubbock; a sister, Lou Saddler of Fort Worth; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
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J. E. 'Junior' Key
J.E. 'Junior' Key, 82, of Cisco died Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital in Eastland.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 2, 2005 at Higginbotham Chapel in Cross Plains. Dwaine Clower officiated. Burial was in the Cross Plains Cemetery.
He was born June 19, 1923 in Burkett, Texas to Elmer C. and Anna (Martin) Key. He graduated from Burkett High School in 1941 and joined the U.S. Army and worked 20 years in the oil field after being discharged from the service and then returned to farming in Cross Plains. He married Ouida Vondelle Shirley on December 25, 1945 in Pioneer, Texas and they had two children Brent and Dianne. Ouida Vondelle preceded him in death on November 12, 1981. Junior married Alva Rice Ingram on November 18, 1991 in Cisco.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William C. Key; a sister, Helen Woodruff Waitas; a great-granddaughter MaKenna Ellis; and great-grandson, Benjamin Pharr.
He is survived by his wife, Alva Key of Cisco; son, Brent Key and wife Yvonne of Cross Plains; daughter, Dianne Hopper and husband Johnney of Brownwood; step-children, Dennis Ingram and wife Linda of Cisco, Sandy Dennis and husband Roy of Stephenville; 4 grandchildren, Camille Pharr of Abilene, Caleb Pharr and wife Beth of Weatherford, Jeff Key and wife Wende of Cross Plains, Karman Ellis and husband Shawn of Cross Plains; and three great-grandchildren, Lanye Ellis, MaKayla Key and Haden Pharr.
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John Clark
John Davis 'J.D.' Clark, 77, of Buchanan Dam, Texas passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at his residence.
Services for J.D. were held at Buchanan West Baptist Church at Buchanan Dam, Texas on Saturday, September 3, 2005 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Wade Lackey and Rev. B.H. Kendrick officiating. Graveside services were held at Romney Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. in Eastland County, Texas. Arrangements under direction of Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home in Kingsland, Texas.
J.D. was born April 11, 1928 in Groom, Texas to Dora (McCoy) and Elmer Clark. He married Lorene Benson on February 19, 1955. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve. J.D. enjoyed fishing, camping, and wood working and was a Volunteer Fireman and a member of REACT, a CB emergency team. He was a member of Buchanan West Baptist Church and an active member of the community.
Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Lorene Benson Clark; daughter, Reba Beggs and husband Rusty; sons, Weldon Stark and wife Wanda, and Michael Clark and wife Sue; grandchildren, Danyel Jones, Andrea Stark, Charissa Beggs-Hilder and husband Bill, Alan Stark, and Carla Clark; great-grandchildren, Jordan Jones and Chance Beggs.
His parents preceded him in death.
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Donald Carr
Donald Wayne Carr, 43, of Cross Plains, formerly of Cisco, passed away at his home on Monday, September 19, 2005 in Cross Plains.
Memorial services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 24, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Dr. Ron Bostick and Bill Carr.
Donald was born in Cisco, Texas on February 21, 1962 to Eugene and Mary Frances (Reeves) Allen. He worked as a rig operator in oil and gas exploration.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.C. and Dorothy Carr.
He is survived by a daughter, Megan Carr of Colorado; a sister, Avonda Hightower of Fort Worth; a brother, Mike Allen of Missouri; his mother, Mary Carr of California; his dad, B.W. Carr of Cisco; and several nieces and nephews.
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Melvin Payne
Melvin R. (Ronnie) Payne, 65, of Cisco, died Sunday, September 25, 2005 in Abilene Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Rev. Steve Forrester. Burial was in the Scranton Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Ronnie was born in Callahan County, Texas on August 12, 1940 to Melvin Benjamin and Annie Viola (Lisenbee) Payne. He served in the US Air Force from 1960-1963. He was a truck driver and a member of the National Rifle Association and Bible Baptist Church.
Survivors include sons, Rondall Anthony Payne and wife Teshia of Portales, New Mexico, Randall Arthur Payne of Anson; daughters, Ronda Joyce DeBeaux and husband Robert of Fort Worth, Susan Adell Evans and husband William of Iowa Park; his mother, Annie Viola Payne of Cisco; brothers, Larry Payne and wife Wanda of Cisco, Garland Glen Payne and wife Iva of Hamlin, Wesley Payne and wife Mary of Bluffdale, Vernon Payne and wife Sheila of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Richard Rex Payne and wife Brenda of Pampa and Lonnie Payne of Midland; a sister, Jessie Wright of Roscoe; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
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Elbert Hunt
Elbert Hunt, 91, of Texarkana, Arkansas died September 22, 2005 at his home from causes incident to age.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home in Cisco. Burial in Oakwood Cemetery.
He was born June 26, 1914 in Breckenridge, Texas, to George Washington and Dollie Pearl Vida Weatherby Hunt. He grew up and attended schools in the area, graduating from Cisco High School.
On October 13, 1940, he married Anna Rae Moore in Cisco, Texas. They farmed in the area until he went to work for the Humble Oil Company. In 1951 they moved to Louisiana, where he worked for the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company in Crowley, Eunice and other locations until his retirement in 1977. After retirement they lived in Chester, Texas until they relocated to Texarkana in 1992. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his primary post-retirement activity was being a full-time grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and three brothers.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Anna Hunt; his children, Gary Hunt of Idaho Falls, Id., Sherry Dempsey of Texarkana and Harold Hunt of College Station; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Georgie Moore of Kaufman, TX.
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Joyce Johnson
EASTLAND- Joyce Johnson, 93, of Marble Falls, passed away August 27, 2005.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 1, 2005 at 11:30 a.m. in the Eastland Cemetery in Eastland under the direction of the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
Joyce was born November 5, 1911, in Eastland, Texas to Dr. J.L. Johnson and Beulah Pearl Johnson. She grew up in Eastland. She served as a librarian in Amarillo and after her retirement, volunteered as a librarian in Fort Worth and at Stillwell Memorial in Waco. She was a genealogist and amateur historian.
After 2003, Ms. Johnson was a resident of Claremont Retirement Center in Marble Falls in order to be near the families of her nieces and grandniece.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Verna Faye Johnson.
Survivors include her nephew, Alex Clarke III of Fort Worth, Chris Turner of Nova Scotia, Susan Smith and her husband Leonard of Burnet, and Sarah Webb, also of Burnet; grandniece, Tracy King and husband Doug of Spicewood with their children, Jennifer and Bobby King; and grandnephews and grandnieces, Jack Turner III, Ladd Smith, Wendy Smith, and Amanda Webb.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fort Worth Central Library Genealogy Department 500 W. 3rd St., Ft. Worth, TX. 76102.
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Nancy Lewis
Nancy Louise Lewis, 64, of Gorman, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2005 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Denver Rainey officiating. Burial followed at the Desdemona Cemetery.
Nancy was born May 7, 1941 in Gorman to John Dennis Stell and Lou Ve (Turpin) Stell. She married Kenneth Lewis on May 27, 1959 in DeLeon. He preceded her in death in November of 1999. She was a certified medical aide and worked for the nursing home in Gorman for 29 years. She was a member of the Baptist church.
Survivors include a son, Brad Lewis and wife Carol of Gorman; brother, James Stell of Mineral Wells; three grandchildren, Scott, Kevin and Megan Lewis all of Gorman; step-son, Jeremy Ruppert of Atlanta, GA.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.
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Dorothy Starnes
RANGER- Dorothy Mae Starnes, 74, of Ranger died Thursday, September 22, 2005 in Abilene.
Graveside services were held Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Rex Boggs officiating. Arrangements under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Ranger.
Dorothy was born on September 9, 1931 in Jacksonville, Arkansas to Bruce Herbert and Vera May (Blaylock) Stanley. She married Samuel Starnes on March 27, 1958 in Mineral Wells. After coming to Ranger in 1994 she was the cook at the Senior Citizens Center in Ranger where she made many friends. She was affiliated with the Gunsight Baptist Church.
Dorothy is survived by her son, Dale Waddle and wife Sherry of Ranger; brother, Donald Stanely of Perrin; and granddaughter, Honey Dale Waddle-Key and husband Cameron of Burleson.
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Joe Pittman
Joe Benton Pittman passed away September 19, 2005.
He was born February 6, 1931 in Cross Cut, Texas to James Benton Pittman and Anne Belle Seay. He resided and went to school in Rising Star then started his career working in the pipeline industry. He went from Wyoming to Alaska where he retired as Chief Pump Station Supervisor for Alyeska Pipeline on the North Slope in Alaska.
Joe was a dedicated Christian who loved the Lord and spent time every evening reading his Bible. He taught Sunday School and contributed to his church in many ways. His favorite activities were mountain backpacking, elk hunting, fishing and traveling from coast to coast. He enjoyed star gazing, picking tunes on his guitar, gardening and woodworking. Joe was a wonderful man who loved his family and friends, and he was dear to the hearts of all who knew him. Thank you, Joe for all the precious memories.
Preceded in death by his wife, Ellen; his brother, Morris; sister, Belva; and daughter, Cris.
Survived by his brother, Doyle and sister-in-law, Beth; his loving wife, Gloria; his children and spouses, Dale and Angela, Donna and Ron, Paula and Ed; Gloria's children; several grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Memorial services were held at Earthman Funeral Home in Stafford, Texas on Monday, September 26, 2005 at 6 p.m. Visitation was held Wednesday evening at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Rising Star.
Funeral service will be Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Blake Cemetery.
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Mary Kinman
Mary Catherine 'Cathy' Barnes Kinman, 46, of Knott, Texas, died Sunday, September 25, 2005, at her residence after a long illness. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Immanuel Baptist Church of Monahans. Cathy was born on October 2, 1958, in Iowa Park to Mary and Dan Barnes. She married John Houston Kinman on June 25, 1976, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Monahans. John and Cathy have lived in the Knott community since 1999. Cathy was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Knott. She is survived by her husband: John Kinman of Knott; 2 sons: John Daniel Kinman and his wife Jessica of Auburn, Alabama, and Tyler Houston Kinman of Knott; 2 daughters: Danielle Liane of Odessa and Carleigh Jean Kinman of Abilene; 2 grandchildren: Andrew and Alyssa Kinman of Auburn, Alabama; and her father and stepmother: Dan and Vicki Barnes of Cuero, Texas.
Cathy was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Barnes, and an infant son, Nicholas Kinman.
Local arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home.
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Edith Ball
CISCO- Edith Prestridge Ball, 92, of Cisco, died at Canterbury Villa Wednesday, September 21, 2005.
Graveside services officiated by Rev. Bob Ferguson, were held Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 4 p.m. in the Romney Cemetery south of Cisco under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco.
Edith was born in Crews, Texas on August 12, 1913 to Jay and Clara (Jackson) Brooker. She was married to Henry Prestridge in 1931 in Talpa, Texas. He preceded her in death in 1984. She married Thomas Ball in 1986. He preceded her in death in 1992. She worked as a cook at Canterbury Villa and was a member of the Nazarene Church.
She was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.
She is survived by a daughter, Veda Moore and husband, A.C. of Rising Star; grandson, Charles Moore and wife, Anita of Rising Star; brothers, J.C. Brooker of Abilene, Irven Brooker of Albany, Leroy Brooker of Baird; sisters, Naomi Cozart, Faye Smith, both of Carbon, Velma Hollis of Clyde; step daughter-in-law, Nettie Prestridge and family of Cisco. Other survivors include great-grandchildren, Cameron Moore, Alisha Moore, Carleigh Moore; great-great-grandchildren, Parker and Micah Moore.
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Lois Allgood
EASTLAND - Lois LaVerne Allgood 84 of Eastland passed away Thursday, September 22, 2005, at a local nursing home. Services will be 2 P.M. Sunday at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Andrews officiating. Burial will follow in the Rising Star Heritage Cemetery in Rising Star.
Mrs. Allgood was born on September 16, 1920 in Bangum, Oklahoma to B.B. and Ruby (Crothers) Morris. She worked as an LVN and a telephone operator, and would mainly be remembered for her work at the Eastland Centennial Memorial Library as a librarian. She married Elbridge 'Ed' Allgood on November 15, 1948 in Rising Star. He preceded her in death in August of 1976. She was a member of the Women's Thursday Club and the First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed painting artwork for many years.
She is survived by her children, Phyllis Prince of Fort Worth and Bob Phillips of Eastland; sisters, Sue Gordon and Dora Moerbe both of Houston; four grandchildren, Vicki Vowell, Julie Prince, Rebecca Allman and Holly Robinson; a great-granddaughter, Brooke McGuire; two nephews, Richard and Hal Phillips; and a niece, Sidney Sue.
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Virginia DeLuca
FORT WORTH- Virginia Autumn DeLuca, 84, a retired registered nurse, died Friday, October 7, 2005 at home.
Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 10, 2005 in the sanctuary of Ridglea Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Johnson Pense officiating. Private burial was in Greenwood Memorial Park. Thompson's Harveson and Cole Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Virginia DeLuca was born on December 4, 1920 in Camden, New Jersey to Mabel Crosby and Sidney Hoffman. She received her degree from Baylor Nursing School in Dallas. She joined the United States Army and served in Las Vegas, New Mexico where she met and married Carmen DeLuca. After discharge, she worked in hospitals in Philadelphia before moving to Fort Worth. She was the school nurse for St. Alice Catholic School from 1958-1970. In 1980, she became the administrative secretary in the OB Gyn Dept. at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mrs. DeLuca was a longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she was active in Altar Society, Garden Club, and Boy Scouts of America.
She was preceded in death by Carmen DeLuca.
Survivors are sons, Russell James DeLuca and his wife, Diane of Atlanta, Dr. Robert Charles DeLuca and his wife, Donna of Eastland, Joseph Martin DeLuca and his wife, Susan of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Michael DeLuca, Michele DeLuca Ebel, and Allison DeLuca; great-grandchildren, Jake, Alex and Jenna Ebel, and Maggie DeLuca; brother, Gerald Hoffman of New Orleans; sisters, Helen Haddad of West Columbia, South Carolina, and Maxine Rapisand of El Paso.
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Nila Sanford
CISCO- Nila Dean Goodloe Sanford, 77, died Sunda, October 9, 2005 in a local nursing center.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at the Potosi Cemetery. Kirk Castleman officiated, directed by Starbuck Funeral Home of Merkel.
Dean was born August 23, 1928 in San Saba County to John Prentice and Sallie Prudence Jones Goodloe. She was a member of the Church of Christ. She was a member and past president of the Veterns of Foreign Wars Women's Auxiliary. Dean worked at the Abilene State School as a certified medication aide. She also worked at Thornton's Grocery and First State Bank.
Survivors include three sisters, Modene Morrison and husband, Grady of Abilene, Joyce Carrigan of Tye, Gay Hightower of Cisco; two brothers, Noel Goodloe and wife, Yolanda of Bandera, Wayne Goodloe of Merkel; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mabel Ruth; a brother, Norvis; brothers-in-law, Royce, Troy and Mac; a sister-in-law, Dolly; and a nephew, Jimmy.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association 149 N. Willis No. 10, Abilene, Texas 79603 or to a favorite charity.
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Bernice Russell
Bernice Fay Russell, 88, died Tuesday, October 4, 2005 at Mesa Springs Health Care Center.
Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Rex Mauldin and Darrell Patterson officiating. Burial followed in Elmwood Memorial Park, Garden of Faith.
Bernice was born on October 22, 1916 in Moran, Texas to Avus Baird Wagley and Oma Fuller Wagley. She graduated from Moran High School and attended McMurry College. She married Jewel C. Russell on January 31, 1937. Bernice and Jewel lived in Midland for many years and returned to Abilene in 1979. Bernice loved music, reading, photography, and traveling. Her travels took her to Canada, Alaska, the UK and she made several trips to New Zealand and Australia.
Survivors include her sister, Ruby Dunn; her son, Michael J. Russell of Perth Western Australia; two grandsons, Nathan and Benjamin Russell also of Perth Western Australia; five nieces, Eleanor Goen, Elaine Adams, Treva Taylor, Carolyn Kuykendall all of Abilene, and Barbara Miller of Coleman; three nephews, Weymond Dunn, Victor Glenn both of DeSoto, and David Glenn of Houston.
The family request memorial donations be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1922, Abilene, Texas 79604.
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Jerry Harvey
EASTLAND- Jerry Wayne Harvey, 65, passed away in a local hospital on Thursday, October 6, 2005.
Services were held on Monday, October 10, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the Eastland Cemetery under the direction of the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home. Greg Allen officiating.
Jerry was born on December 27, 1939 in Paris, Texas to Robert Harvey and Beulah Gooch. He married Patricia Johnson on September 12, 1987 in Tarrant County.
He was a self employed carpenter by trade. He was a life-long Texan having lived in Fort Worth most of his life before moving to Eastland in 2002.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Garland Harvey, and his two sisters Robbie and Peggy Harvey.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Pat, of the home; his children, Jerry Wayne Harvey, Jr., Robin Ann Williams, Wendy Myra Jean Harvey, Sandra Lee Allen, Bonnie Goree and Allen Littlepage; his brother, Johnny Harvey; and his sisters, Norma Nunley and Thelma Krawczyk.
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Thomas Mertl
CISCO- Thomas Dominic Mertl, 84, of Cisco passed way at his home Monday, October 10, 2005.
Rosary was recited at 3 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2005 by Deacon Ruben Castaneda in the Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 13, 2005 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cisco officiated by Father Jim Miller. Burial will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Thomas was born on December 29, 1920 to Charles and Mary (Jenih-Schwarge) Mertl in New Prague, Minnesota, at a young age he and his family moved to Oregon. He joined the US Army Air Corps in 1939 serving during World War II; he was discharged in 1945 and was recalled into the US Air Force in 1948 and served during the Korean Conflict until 1951, and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He married Patty Sue White on April 5, 1942 in Yuma, Arizona; he worked as a diesel mechanic in Boise, Idaho for 25 years. He and Patty moved to Cisco in 1974. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the American Legion.
He is survived by his wife, Patty; and his three children, Ronald Mertl and wife Karen of Westchester, Pennsylvania, Terry Sue Schlansker and husband David of St. Charles, Missouri, and Debra Lynn Mertl-Birch and husband Randy of Phoenix, Arizona; other survivors include three grandcildren, David Schlansker III, Thomas Charles Schlansker, and Michael Jay Schlansker; and a great-grandchild, Grace Eillene Schlansker.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jason Thomas Mertl; 3 brothers; and 2 sisters.
Memorials may be made to Hendricks Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.
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Robert Richardson
EASTLAND- Robert Richardson, 57, passed away Friday, October 14, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services were held Monday, October 17, 2005 in the Murray Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas.
The family request memorials be made in lieu of flowers to the West Texas Rehab in Abilene, Texas.
Robert was born on November 27, 1947 in Ranger, Texas to Norman 'Bill' and Bobbie Spurlen Richardson. He graduated from high school in Belleview, Nebraska as well as graduating from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Robert worked as a teacher in special education in Killeen, West and in Cisco as a teacher's aide. When he lived in Washington he worked as a drug and alcohol abuse prevention counselor. Robert was a United States Army Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War.
He was preceded in death by a sister Alice Marie Richardson in 1957.
Robert is survived by his parents, Norman 'Bill' and Bobbie Richardson of Eastland; children, Rami Amaro of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, Lori Cammeron of New Hampshire, Ukiah Richardson of San Antonio; a brother, Larry Richardson of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; a sister, Frances Russum of Tacoma, WA.; five grandchildren; and six nieces and nephews.
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Florence Ingram
CISCO- Florence Pauline Salter Ingram, 92, passed away on the evening of Saturday, October 15, 2005 in a Ranger care facility.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2005 at East Cisco Baptist Church with Rev. C.P. Floyd officiating. Interment will follow at the Monroe Cemetery near Nimrod. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home in Cisco.
Pauline was born February 6, 1913 in Anniston, Alabama to Jesse M. and Maude Bachus Salter. She loved her home in Alabama and missed it always after her family moved to Texas on December 25, 1923. The trip to Texas took 3 long days by train but she was happy to see her grandparents, James Jefferson and Annie Bachus of Nimrod, Texas.
Pauline was an honor student who attended class in the morning and picked cotton in the afternoon to help her Mom and Dad make a living in Merkel, Texas. Although hard times kept her from attending graduation, she was the top of her class. She had a deep love of learning and encouraged her children to get a good education.
Pauline had 3 brothers and 5 sisters who preceded her in death: Emmett Salter, Irene Webster, Sally Hamilton, Marjorie Reeves, Jesse Salter, Jr., Jerold Salter, Carol Smyrak, Patty Jo Salter.
On April 1, 1930, Claude Penn Ingram proposed marriage and asked Pauline to wait for him to earn them some money to start their lives together. Claude was pleased that she accepted, but told her he would have said 'April Fools' if she had turned him down.
Claude and Pauline were married on November 28, 1931 in Merkel, Texas by Rev. Cypert. Their only witness was the pastor's wife, and Mother wrote in her Bible that Mrs. Cypert got down on her knees and prayed to God to bless their marriage. The new couple owned a filling station in Austin, Texas but hard times of the Depression had set in so they returned to Nimrod, Texas in 1932 to farm and to live near Claude's Grandparents, L.D. and Molly Ingram. In December 1935 a house was bought in Cisco, Texas with plenty of yard space to have a large garden, a cow for milk and butter, and lots of room to raise the 9 children that were born to them. Claude and Pauline were married for 48 years before Claude passed away on January 17, 1980.
The children and their spouses are: Ramona Adams of Port Lavaca, TX., Rev. Richard Ingram and Karon of Electra, TX., Monty Ingram and Fay of Cassville, MO., Rev. Jeff Ingram and Debra of Fort Worth, TX, Rosetta Hagan and Lynn of Carbon, TX, Leon Ingram and Gayle of Abilene, TX, DeLores McCulloch of Arlington, TX, C.P. Ingram, Jr. and Liz of Cisco, TX, Molly Weathers and D.E. (Sonny) of Gonzales, TX.
Pauline is loved and honored by: 9 children, 32 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren.
Pauline lived a life of service to her Lord and family. She was a member of East Cisco Baptist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher, nursery worker, taught Vacation Bible School, and was a member of the WMU. She was a blessing and inspiration to all who knew her in the community. Pauline was a cancer survivor. Having beat the disease in her 70Õs, she was able to be a comforting counsel to others with cancer.
Pauline's talents and hobbies included cooking and canning from the big garden, sewing and quilting, watching the Dallas Cowboys and the Cisco Loboes. She loved to read her Bible and the latest novels. Crossword and jigsaw puzzles were always nearby. Her favorite game was checkers, and beat the County Champ while a teenager in Merkel. Also, it was well known that she could win at '42'. Pauline learned to play the guitar and fiddle as a child. She and her siblings formed a family band and played in local and country musicals later in life. At breakfast time the smell of bacon, hot biscuits, and gravy was a usual for family and visitors while bluegrass music played from her radio. Christmas and Thanksgiving were big family events and everyone had their favorite pie they wanted baked, so as many as 15 pies would line the kitchen cabinets. Pauline had a wonderful sense of humor and would make the last pie have a cut out face with the mouth turned down to show she was finished making pies and ready to sit down.
Writing was a pleasant pastime for Pauline, so there are several personal journals to read about her life, thoughts, hopes and dreams. There are many pages of praise for her Lord and the blessings she has received here on earth, and the promise of a wonderful life in heaven. All who knew Pauline, Penny, Grandma or Momma were the ones blessed by her loving spirit and gracious sense of humor.
Well done, my good and faithful servant.
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Grace Yarbrough
Mrs. Grace Yarbrough, 92, of Gorman, Texas died Saturday, October 22, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital in Eastland.
She was born October 27, 1912 in Eastland County, Texas to Jake K. Wright and Lela Faye 'Mason' Wright. She married Rex Yarbrough on July 13, 1936 in Eastland County, Texas. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Gorman, Texas and a homemaker.
She is survived by sister-in-law, Nelda Wright of Granbury; nephew, Ted Coffman of Breckenridge.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Yarbrough; parents, Jake and Lela Faye Wright; and by one sister.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at the graveside with Rev. Durwood Webb officiating. Burial was in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman, Texas under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
Mr. George Stanley Porter, 97, of Gorman, Texas died Thursday, October 20, 2005 at Comanche County Medical Center in Comanche County, Texas.
He was born February 14, 1908 in Gorman, Texas to George Porter and Millie 'Powell' Porter. He married Euna Velma Stanfield on April 7, 1932 in Gorman, Texas. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Gorman, Texas.
He is survived by a daughter, Georgia Clement Hopper and husband John of Georgetown, Texas; a granddaughter, Michele Clement, M.D. of Bedminster, New Jersey; sister, Lavena Sherrod of Eastland.
He was preceded in death by parents, George and Millie Porter.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 23, 2005 at the graveside. Burial was in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman, Texas under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
Family request memorials to the charity of choice.
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Ramona Stewart
Mrs. Ramona Maxine Stacy Stewart, 77, of Gorman, Texas died Saturday, October 22, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital in Eastland, Texas.
She was born April 20, 1928 in Neinda, Texas to James Millard Westmoreland and Annie Eliza ÒAndrusÓ Westmoreland. She married Charles Junior Stacy on March 10, 1945 in Gorman, Texas. He preceded her in death on September 14, 1973. On May 15, 1976, she was united in marriage to Larry Jess Stewart in Lingleville, Texas. He preceded her in death on January 7, 2002. Mrs. Stewart was a member of the First Baptist Church in Gorman. She taught a Sunday school at the First Baptist Church for eighteen years. Mrs. Stewart owned and managed the Peanut Hut in Gorman for eighteen years.
She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Vicky Don and Lou Stacy of Comanche; son and daughter-in-law, Charles Van and Lesa Stacy of La Grange, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Lana Vonne and Leslie Sharp of Gorman; and sister, Ileta Greer of Breckenridge; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by four sisters, Velma Standridge, Irene Dutton, Allene Thompson, Margie Cates; and nephew, Bobby Glenn Standridge.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bill Campbell and Rev. Barry Schawn officiating. Burial was in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman, Texas under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
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Benny Pippen
CISCO- Benny Clarence Pippen, 72, of Cisco, went to be with the Lord Sunday, October 23, 2005 from his residence while sitting in his favorite recliner.
Graveside services will be Friday, October 28, 2005 at 2 p.m. in Oakwood Cemetery officiated by Larry Fitzgerald and directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Benny was born to Clarence C. and Jessie G. (Nelms) Pippen on June 21, 1933 at Dothan Community, Eastland County, Texas.
He attended Cisco schools, Cisco Junior College, Corpus Christi College and McMurry College. He served in the US Navy during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After his discharge, he worked for the Civil Service as an electrician at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene. He retired in 1973.
He was a life member of both the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was a member of The I-20 Church of Christ and enjoyed going to the services at Canterbury Villa and helping with the residents. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an excellent trapper at one time. He also made jewelry.
He loved the Lord and his family so much. He was always there for his children and helped them as much as he could.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Jessie Pippen; brother (his only sibling) Harold Pippen; and a great-granddaughter, Lilly Scott Martin.
He is survived by one son, Dirk of Euless; two daughters, Dana Zellman of Cisco and Kristi Wallace of Gatesville; three granddaughters, Mandi Martin, Shay Martin and Audrey Martin, all of Cisco; one grandson, Dakota Wallace of Gatesville; and one great-grandson, Gavyn William-Scott Fielding of Cisco. Other survivors include his uncle, Jeff Pippen; three nieces; one nephew; and numerous other relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Cisco Christian Camp P.O. Box 629 Cisco, TX 76437.
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Calvin Hart
RANGER- Calvin Ray 'John' Hart, 51, passed away October 9, 2005 at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa.
Graveside services were held at 2 pm Saturday October 15, 2005 in the Pilgrim Cemetery in Alameda Community near Ranger, Texas with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas. Visitation was held at Frank-Wilson Funeral Home in Odessa of Wednesday October 12, 2005 from 6 to 8 PM. On Thursday and Friday October 13, 14 visitations were held at Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
John was born in Brownfield, Texas on December 4, 1953. He attended Calvary Baptist Church and Caprock Baptist Church. He worked as a mechanic and enjoyed restoring antique cars. He married Denise Parks on November 7, 1973 in Pecos. He was preceded in death by Jean Hart of Pecos.
John in survived by his wife Denise Hart of Odessa; sons, John Ray Hart of Paducah, KY, James Scott Hart of Amarillo, Tx.; his mother and step father, Mary and Doug Fletcher of Roland, OK.; brothers, Jason Fletcher of Odessa, Jerry Hart of Louisiana; sisters Sissy Hart of Roland, OK., Rosemary Hart, Dianne Johnson of Summit, MS; grandchildren Bobby, Lauren, Chelsey, Joshua, Sarah, Malicha, Bryndee, Orion and Noah.
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Raymond Peacock
Raymond Rex Peacock, 80, died October 12, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2005 at Dublin Liveoak Cemetery. Dean Bradley officiated. Burial followed directed by Harrell Funeral Home of Dublin.
He lived in Cisco, Texas.
He was born June 11, 1925 in Dublin, Texas to Raymond Denton Peacock and Hazel Farris Elliott.
He was a Baptist and in the American Legion. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and in World War II.
Survivors are his wife of 42 years, Daphnal Peacock of Cisco; half-brother, Larry Elliott of Guthrie, Oklahoma; nephews, Gary Rex Nettik of Rody Spring, Wy. and Jerry Lynn Nettik of Salt Lake City, Utah; cousins, Frances Armstrong of Dublin, Billy Peacock of Roaring Springs, TX. and J.W. Bradberry of Tyler.
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June Harris
OLDEN Ð June Harris, 90, of Olden, passed away Thursday morning, September 29, 2005 in Abilene.
Services were held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 1, 2005, at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland with Rev. Roy Lee Williams and Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Burial followed in the Necessity Cemetery in Stephens County.
Mrs. Harris was born February 1, 1915 in Stephens County to James Bascom & Minnie Louise (Plant) Morton. She married Claude Henry Harris on March 10, 1931 in Ranger. She graduated from Hardin Simmons University and worked as a secretary for Hendrick hospital for a time. Being a preacher's wife, she followed her husband to different churches they served settling in Eastland. She was a Baptist and she was very active in church activities including the Women's Missionary Union.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude, on November 20, 2002.
Survivors include 3 children, Claudia Cook & her husband Gerald of Grand Prairie, Sam Harris & his wife Terri of Eastland, and Fran Cleckler & her husband Noel of Abilene; a brother, Bill Morton of Eastland; 2 sisters, Jessie Arrant of Eastland and Minnie Wanda Maxwell of Amarillo; 5 grandchildren, Teena Kincaid and Aleesa Blankenship both of Abilene, Patrick Cook of Mansfield, Amy Sloan of Arlington and Curtis Harris of Eastland; 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Adult Daycare of Abilene, or to the building fund of the First Baptist Church in Eastland.
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Euna Porter
GORMAN- Euna Porter, 89, of Gorman, Texas, passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at the Comanche County Medical Center.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 1, 2005 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman with family members officiating.
Mrs. Porter was born August 2, 1916 in Gorman to Leander Lee Stanfield and Mattie (Johnson) Stanfield. She married George Stanley Porter on April 7, 1932 in Gorman. She was a retired clerk having worked at the variety store and the local convenience store. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Stanley Porter of Gorman; one daughter, Georgia Clement Hopper and husband John of Georgetown; and one granddaughter, Michele Clement, M.D. of Bedminster, New Jersey.
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Arrie Brooks
CISCO - Arrie Jane Brooks, 49, of Eastland, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at her residence.
Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2005 at the Eastland City Cemetery with Rev. Pat Riley officiating, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland. The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday, from 6 until 8 p.m.
Arrie Jane was born on April 29, 1956 in Ranger to Charles Francis and Hallie Odelia (Phelps) Brooks. She attended school in Eastland and Ranger. She managed the Ramada & Friendship Inn & Restaurant and the Boomtown Supper Club in Ranger. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Cisco. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, reading her bible and spending time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Michael & Donald; 1 sister, Jackie; 1 nephew, Chuck; and a grandson, Tyler Ryan.
Survivors include a daughter, Shauna Matthews and her husband Joey of Cisco; 2 granddaughters, Tierra and Stefaney Matthews of Cisco; a grandson, Joseph Cole Matthews of Cisco; 5 sisters, Ann Williamson of Selman City, TX, Jessie Simmons of Eastland, Rowena Lassiter and husband Frank of Hawley, Billie Shaddix and husband Ken of Texarkana, and Cathreen Bullock and her husband Dwayne of Olden; 2 brothers, Lewis Brooks and his wife Gail of Pflugerville and Danny Brooks of Ranger; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
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Ruby Hite
EASTLAND Ð Ruby Hite, 82, of Eastland, passed away Wednesday October 19, 2005 in Eastland.
Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2005 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Mrs. Hite was born October 20, 1922 in Jenny Lind, Arkansas to Ben and Lillie Ethel (Henry) Woods. She was raised in the oil camps of West Texas. She married Henry Hite in Crane, TX on September 1, 1947. They lived in Odessa from 1950 until 1973 when they moved to Eastland. She was active in the Church of God, AARP and the Lake Leon Boat Club. She enjoyed reading and working out at the Wellness Center at Eastland Memorial Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1987, by a brother, Ben Woods, Jr. and sisters, Opal Gunnels and LaVaughn Sparks.
Survivors include a daughter, Carol Davis of Eastland; a son, Larry Hite and his wife Carla of Arlington; grandchildren, Kris Davis, Braden Hite, Cacie Berry; and great-grandson, Seth Davis.
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Eleanor Swinson
CLYDE- Eleanor 'Lou' Swinson, 67, of Eastland and formerly of Clyde, died Sunday, October 23, 2005 in an Eastland nursing home.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at the Oddfellows Cemetery in Abilene with Rev. Oscar Fanning officiating under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Eleanor was born May 9, 1938 in Abilene to Everett G. and Annie Lucille (Lynn) Swinson. She attended school in Clyde. She returned to Clyde from Abilene in 1955. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Clyde.
Survivors include two brothers, Jack E. Swinson of Augusta, KS and William R. Swinson of Westchester, PA and several cousins, nephews and nieces, including Annette Elkins, Belinda Jones and Kathy Gage, all of Abilene.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Joe Owens and four sisters, Greta Mae Swinson, Connie Wilson, Frances Owens Bengal, and Mary Owens Carr.
Memorials may be made to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.
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William 'Bill' Gilkey
EASTLAND- William Edward 'Bill' Gilkey, Sr., 86, of Eastland, Texas died Sunday, October 23, 2005 at Eastland.
Graveside services were held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 2005 at the Eastland Cemetery, Dr. Shawn Brewer officiated and directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mr. Gilkey was born September 6, 1919 in Jonesboro, Texas to James Robert and Solora (Graham) Gilkey. He was raised in Eastland, a 1936 gradate of Eastland High School, graduate of SMU and Texas A&M Universities. He served during WW II in the US Navy in the Pacific Theater as a radio operator. He married Carrie Davis in Dallas on January 15, 1944. She preceded him in death in February 2004 after 60 years of marriage.
Mr. Gilkey worked as a Building Contractor and 'Bill Gilkey Real Estate' in Corpus Christi. He retired in 1977 and returned to Eastland where he was active in First Baptist Church. He enjoyed painting and golf.
He is survived by three sons, W.E. 'Bill' Gilkey, Jr. of Cisco, Robert D. Gilkey and wife, Brenda of Eastland, James Michael Gilkey of Eastland; grandchildren, Christopher, Jessica, Jason and Jamie; great-grandchildren, Mason, Miranda and Abrianna; one sister and husband, Lossie and Jake Poole of Eastland.
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Kenneth Campbell
Kenneth Allen Campbell, 60, of Cisco, died in an accident north of Eastland on Wednesday, October 26, 2005.
Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2005 at Oakwood Cemetery.
Mr. Campbell was born in New Braunfels, Texas on July 27, 1945 to Thomas Edward and Addye Gloud (Graves) Campbell. He married Shirley Horton in 1967 in Abilene. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2005. He was a heavy equipment operator and had lived in Cisco since 1995.
A son, Tracy B. Maddox, preceded him in death.
He is survived by sons, Thomas Allen Campbell of Woodville, Kenneth Edward Askew of Cisco, Ronald Gene Maddox of Ranger; sister, Yvonne Silva of Brady; brother, Robert Charles Campbell of Mississippi; 9 grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
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Odes Wilson
RANGER- Odes D. Wilson, Sr. 84, passed away on Wednesday October 26, 2005 at an Abilene hospital. Graveside services will be 10 AM Saturday October 29, 2005 in Evergreen Cemetery and burial will follow under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Mr. Wilson was born on March 8, 1921 in Roxton, Texas to Regor and Elenor (Dickson) Wilson. He married Edna Faye Clewis on January 13, 1954 in Waco, Texas. Mr. Wilson was a United States Army Veteran. He worked for 31 years for Herrin Transportation. When he retired they moved back to Ranger. He was a Methodist. Mr. Wilson enjoyed the rifle range, hunting and the outdoors.
Survivors include his wife Faye Wilson of Ranger; son, Odes Wilson Jr., and his wife Sharon of Grapevine; daughter, Gay Nell Munoz and husband Chon of Eastland; brothers, James Wilson of Houston, Herbert Wilson of Lake Charles, LA.; sisters Martha Swegle of Arizona and Lucille Watson of Leavenworth, KS; a granddaughter, Jordan Leigh Wilson of Grapevine, Tx.; numerous nieces and nephews.
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Jim Bilhartz
Jim Bilhartz of Duncanville passed away October 21, 2005.
An eternal optimist, Jim was an inspiration to everyone who knew and loved him, as he fought a 5-year battle with lupus. Born November 19, 1955, Jim was a graduate of Bishop Dunne High School. He went on to graduate from Texas A&M, Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering. A Vice President of North Ridge Corporation, Jim was a true servant of his community. Named in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the South and Southwest, Jim' passion for education led him to serve 9 years on the Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees, as President, Vice President, and Secretary. He was the Founding President and Chairman Emeritus of the Duncanville ISD Education Foundation, and was the Inaugural recipient of the James R. Bilhartz, Jr. Duncanville Vision Award and was the Inaugural Honoree of the Education Foundation Champions Ball. The James R. Bilhartz, Jr. Elementary School of Duncanville is named in his honor. A true family man, Jim's pride and joy were his family. The highlight of his life was hosting gatherings of immediate and extended family members. He cherished those times.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years and high school sweetheart, Mary Patricia Bilhartz; daughter, Jennifer Lauren Bilhartz; son, James Rohn Daniel Bilhartz, III; parents, James R. Bilhartz, Sr. and Shirley M. Bilhartz; brothers and sisters, Dale S. Bilhartz, Dr. David L. Bilhartz, Anna Bilhartz Roberts, John L. Bilhartz and Susan Bilhartz Majors; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2 p.m., Monday, October 24, 2005 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Duncanville.
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Barbara Rogers
MORAN- Barbara Brooks Rogers, born on March 5, 1934, in Cisco, Texas, died in her home in Canyon on Tuesday, October 25, 2005.
Services were held in Moran, Texas at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 29, 2005 at the Baptist Church with interment in Moran Cemetery under the direction of Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Canyon. She was reared in Moran, Texas. After graduating High School, she was employed by the United States Air Force, the Veterans Administration in Big Spring and Temple, Texas. She received many awards over the years and was retired after twenty-seven years, following a stroke on October 15, 1987.
Survivors include a son, Skip Huskey of Canyon, Texas, wife Ronda and granddaughters Crystal and Sydney; son, Jay Loy Huskey of Albuquerque, New Mexico; daughter, Kathy Jene Chamblee of Phoenix, Arizona; grandson, Jordan and granddaughter, Jessica; sister, Della Jo Brooks of Baird, Texas; and brother, Homer Wynne Brooks, Jr., of Breckenridge, TX.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer Wynne Brooks, and Lois Fuller Brooks.
The family suggests memorials be to the Canyon Senior Citizens or the First Baptist Church of Canyon Building Fund.
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Thomas Illingworth
Thomas Edward Illingworth passed away September 29, 2005 in Abilene, Texas.
Memorial services are pending. Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains in charge of services.
He was born April 6, 1935 in Cisco, Texas to Shorty and Alma Illingworth.
Tommy graduated from Cross Plains High School and joined the Air Force in 1953. He was stationed in England for most of his four years in the service. He retired after 45 years with the International Brotherhood of the Electrical Union in 1997 and made his home in May, Texas. Tommy enjoyed hunting, fishing and working around his house.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Shorty and Alma Illingworth, and brothers Jack Preston and Richard Illingworth.
He is survived by his son, David and wife Lori of Blue Ridge, TX; daughter, Donna and husband Greg of Blue Ridge, TX; three grandsons and one granddaughter; three brothers, Bobby and wife Bonnie of Iowa Park, TX, Donald and wife Charlene of Desdemona, TX, and Johnny of May; four sisters, Barbara Young and husband Bill of Cross Plains, Carolyn Youngblood and husband Jim of Mesquite, Patty Turner of Hawkins, TX, and Sandra Jones and husband Rolan of Cross Plains; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
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Anna Harden
EASTLAND- Anna Mae Harden, 67, of Eastland, passed away, September 29, 2005 in an Austin care facility.
Family services were held under the direction of the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home in Eastland.
Ms. Harden was born August 20, 1938, in Lamesa, Texas to Lawrence Andrew Catlin and Lillie Mae Pope. In May of 1954, she married her husband of over 50 years, Bobby Joe Harden in Lockney, Texas. After living and working on the South Plains for many years the Hardens moved to Eastland in 2000 to enjoy retirement. Anna Mae Harden was a loving wife, a caring mother, and a career homemaker taking care of her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, David Lawrence Catlin.
Survivors include her husband, Bobby Harden of Eastland; daughters, Debbie Demko of Dallas, Kathy Grabow of Jonestown, Sharon Watkins of Lubbock, and Tammy Joe Pena of Colorado; a sister and a sister-in-law, Jean Preston of Lubbock and Denna Dobs of Eastland; and many other relatives and good friends.
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Charmey Ely
BRONTE- Charmey Darlene Ely, 46, of Cisco and formerly of San Angelo died Sunday, October 2, 2005 in an Abilene hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church of Blackwell. Burial followed in the Hylton Cemetery. Arrangements are by Shaffer Funeral Home of Bronte.
Charmey was born on January 29, 1959, in Bronte, Texas to Desmond and Billie Ragsdale. She attended school in Putnam, with her senior year being in Cisco. She and her family lived in San Angelo for a number of years and had lived the last two years in Cisco. She attended the Lighthouse Church in Ranger and Victory Assembly in Cisco.
She was preceded in death by her father, Desmond Ragsdale.
Survivors include her children, Michael Lee Ely of San Angelo and Crissy Dorothy Ely of San Angelo; her mother, Billie Ragsdale of Cisco; a brother, John Byrd Ragsdale of Kermit; a sister, Desiree Ann Lucas of Teague; two granddaughters, Kaytlynn Marie Lacy and Aubrey Emily Ely; numerous nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews.
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Flora Cooksey
SAN SABA- Flora Dean (Pug) Cooksey, 81, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2005 at Eventide Nursing Home in San Saba, Texas.
Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home Chapel in Goldthwaite, Texas. Bro. Jack Vaughn officiated. Interment was in Oakview Cemetery in Mullin, Texas.
She was born September 1, 1924 in Mullin, Texas to Tolly Roberts and Mattie Perkins Roberts. She married Tom Cooksey on November 22, 1942 in Brownwood, Texas. They moved to San Saba from Mullin in 1963.
She attended Mullin Methodist Church in Mullin, Texas.
She was a homemaker.
Survivors are her husband, Tom Cooksey of San Saba; two daughters and spouses, Sherrie and Tommy Shelton of Mullin and Lindy and Nelson Smith of Eastland; two sons, Mark and Kathy Cooksey of Garden City, KS. and Dr. Robbie and Kim Cooksey of Abilene; brother and spouse, Dick and Norma Roberts of Mullin; sister-in-law, Patty Roberts of Mullin; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; a special friend, R.D. Williamson; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, June Cooksey, her twin sister at birth, Nora Jean, a brother, W.T. (Pick) Roberts and grandson, Seth Cooksey.
Memorials may be made to Mills County VFW, American Alzheimers Association 919 North Michigan Ave., Suite 1100 Chicago, Illinois 60611-1676
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Allene Smith
EASTLAND - Allene Deloris Smith, 82, of Morton Valley Community, died on Thursday, September 29, 2005 at her home.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 1, 2005 with Rev. Jim Andrews officiating, in the Evergreen Cemetery. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Mrs. Smith was born on July 29, 1923 in Erath County to J. W. and Ida Ann Wooten Kitchens. She grew up and attended school in Chaney Community. She married Leo Smith on November 24, 1940 in Ranger, Texas and they moved to Abernathy where they lived until 1976 when he retired they moved back to Ranger. Leo passed away on February 21, 2002. Mrs. Smith was a member of Abernathy Baptist Church then when she moved to Ranger she became a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland. She raised numerous foster children. She came from a large family being the baby of 12 brothers and sisters.
Mrs. Smith is survive by her daughter Debra Gwinn and husband Vance of Eastland; three grandchildren; Wendy, Dustin and Quetta and, four great grandchildren; Ryan, Harley, Stormy and Shelby. Numerous nieces and nephews.
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Albert Boyd
GORDON- Albert F. Boyd, 94, of Gordon passed away on Monday, October 3, 2005, at a Mineral Wells nursing home.
Services were held Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church, Rev. Michael Orsini and Rev. Gene Ratcliff officiated. Burial was in the New Gordon Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.
Mr. Boyd was born on September 28, 1911 in Mingus, Texas to Gabriel Lusk and Dora Olive Triphena Butler Boyd. He attended school in Byers, Texas. Albert met and married Alta Lorraine McQueary on October 24, 1931 in Santo, Texas and she preceded him in death on December 14, 1990. He worked in repairs for Lone Star Gas from 1954 to 1973 as well as ranching. He was a past member of the Palo Pinto Sheriff's Association and was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He spent most of his life in the Gordon area.
Mr. Boyd is survived by a son-in-law, Calvin Stoner and wife Ann of Gordon; a son, Freddie Boyd and wife Edith of Gordon; two brothers, Tim Boyd of Wichita Falls and Charles Boyd of Fort Stockton; a sister, Ella Mae Brown of Altus, OK.; six granddaughters; two grandsons; 18 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
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Lafoye Lenz
CISCO- Lafoye Allen Lenz, 79, died Monday, October 3, 2005 at his home in Cisco.
His body was donated to science.
He was born December 1, 1925 in Cisco. He was retired from Rockwell International in Richardson in electronics. He was a veteran of World War II from 1944 to 1946. He married Dixie Barker on August 7, 1944 in Cisco. They were married for 61 years.
Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Mattson of Cisco and Carol Hampton of Van Alstyn; four grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
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Albert Boyd
GORDON- Albert F. Boyd, 94, of Gordon passed away on Monday, October 3, 2005, at a Mineral Wells nursing home.
Services were held Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church, Rev. Michael Orsini and Rev. Gene Ratcliff officiated. Burial was in the New Gordon Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn.
Mr. Boyd was born on September 28, 1911 in Mingus, Texas to Gabriel Lusk and Dora Olive Triphena Butler Boyd. He attended school in Byers, Texas. Albert met and married Alta Lorraine McQueary on October 24, 1931 in Santo, Texas and she preceded him in death on December 14, 1990. He worked in repairs for Lone Star Gas from 1954 to 1973 as well as ranching. He was a past member of the Palo Pinto Sheriff's Association and was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He spent most of his life in the Gordon area.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alta; a daughter, Wanda Stoner in 1993; great-grandson, Kevin Clifton in 1993; a brother, Bennie Boyd; and sisters, Ruby Hulse, Daisy Huff and Maxine Williams.
Mr. Boyd is survived by a son-in-law, Calvin Stoner and wife Ann of Gordon; a son, Freddie Boyd of Gordon; two brothers, Tim Boyd of Wichita Falls and Charles Boyd of Fort Stockton; a sister, Ella Mae Brown of Altus, OK.; six granddaughters; two grandsons; 18 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
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Emma Currie
RANGER - Emma Lorene Currie 83, of Ranger, passed away on Monday October 3, 2005 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 10 AM Thursday, October 6, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger, Texas. burial was held at 4:30 PM at Seagraves Cemetery in Seagraves, Texas.
Mrs. Currie was born on September 22, 1922 in Ada, Oklahoma to Ernest and Clara Hooper King. She attended school in Seagraves and Seymour. She married McDaniel D. Currie on November 11, 1937 in Brownfield, Texas. He preceded her in death on May 26, 1989. She was a member of the Mesquite & Rusk St. Church of Christ. She enjoyed sewing for her grandchildren and nieces and when she was able cooking for the whole family. Emma was preceded in death by a daughter Mary Margaret Currie in 1942, a brother Leonard King, and six sisters; Flossie Snodgrass, Lois Shrum, Bonnie Finley, Nadine Austin, Jean Murphy and Nelma King.
She is survived by her daughter Sue Grice of Ranger and son Jim Currie of Pueblo, Colorado. Three sisters; June Kinder of Wilcox, AZ., Mary Blackmon of Monahans, Tx., and Tina Briley of Winniewood, OK. Seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Sarah Sparks
CISCO- Sarah Ann Sparks, 91, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2005 in a Baird care facility.
Funeral services were held Thursday, October 6, 2005 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Summers-Chambers Funeral Home in Cisco. Interment followed at Oakwood Cemetery with Bob Ferguson officiating.
Sarah was born November 9, 1913 in Duncan, Arizona to John and Ida Clay. She grew up and attended school in Arizona. She married Mitford D. Sparks of Cisco in Clay Pool, Arizona on March 23, 1930.
The couple moved to Cisco in 1962. They were members of the Church of the Nazarene and later moved to Clyde in 1995 and then to Baird in 1997. Sarah was a career homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her other siblings.
Survivors include daughters, Barbara Young of McKinney, Virginia Spivey of Divine, and Kay Denton of Knox City; one son, Butch Sparks of Fredericksburg; and 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
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Fay 'Granny Fay' Owings
Fay 'Granny Fay' Owings, 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 4, 2005, at Eastland Memorial Hospital with family at her side.
Services were held Friday, October 7, 2005 at 3 p.m. in the Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel in Cisco with Rev. Don Copeland and Rev. Stephen Forester officiating. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Fay Owings was born to Sam and Mittie Bisbee on May 11, 1912 in Eastland County. She was the eldest of eight children, six brothers and one sister: Bill Bisbee, Wilburn Bisbee, Lloyd Bisbee, Floyd Bisbee, C.L. Bisbee, Jay Bisbee, and Ruth Bisbee Lamb. All preceded her in death.
Fay's husband and two sons, Charles Vestal and J.W. also preceded her in death.
Fay married Vestal Andrew Owings July 17, 1933 in Cisco. They had seven children: Maunia Loy Owings Copeland of Tyler, Jennifer Jo Owings Alexander of Cisco, Joan Owings Bonds of Oklahoma, Charles Vestal Owings, J.W. Owings, Charles Alexander of Cisco and Don Copeland of Tyler.
She had nine grandchildren: Randy Copeland, Diann Copeland Crow, Charles Copeland, Belinda Owings Grant, Jean Owings Venable, Debbie Owings Miller, Sammie Owings Foster, Danny Alexander and Tammy Alexander. Granny Fay had 19 great-grandchildren: Ashley, Stephen, Stephanie, Gary, Jason, Joe, Chris, David, Jeana, Megan, Mendy, Michelle, P.J., Mary Ann, Steven, Darrell, Chad and Stephanie Dawn. Her eldest great-grandson, Cody Lane Copeland preceded her in death. Granny Fay's family also included 13 great-great-grandchildren: Andrew, Morgan, Noah, Seth, Alexander, Johnathon, Analisia, Sara, Seth, Isaac, Nathan, Samuel and Cody Malkuth.
Serving as pallbearers were Tim Ingram, Larry Payne, Roy Rogers, Ray Copeland, Randall Copeland and Darrell Copeland.
Her family members and church family at the Bible Baptist Church and a whole host of friends will sorely miss her. She left us all loving and admiring her strength, wisdom and wit.
A special 'thank you' goes to the staff at Eastland Memorial Hospital and to Dr. DeLuca for their genuine concern and care. To Fay's Canterbury Villa Family in Cisco who so lovingly cared for 'Our Mom' since 1988, 'Thank you, and our love goes to each of you' Tina R., Debra, Heather, Cindy, Ray, Debbe, Vonda, Ernie, Brenda, Missy, Steven, Grace, Dianna, Becky, Lori, Louise, Tina H., Cheryl, Karen, Dorthy, Verna, Janie, Toni, Chris, Deb, Michelle, Kristy, Ken, Martha, Shawn F., Shawn D., Tommie, Mattie, Pam, Angel, Helen, Pat, Melissa, Nan, John, Jessica, Mildred, Maggie, Claudia, Patsy and Paula.
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Mindi Roulston
Mindi Janel Roulston, 16, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2005 at the Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2005 at First Baptist Church of Dublin. Burial was in the Dublin Liveoak Cemetery. Pastor Paul Carlton officiated. Harrell Funeral Home of Dublin, Texas was in charge of the arrangements.
Mindi was born on November 5, 1989 in Fort Worth, Texas to Gary Jack Roulston and Patti Bea (Robinson) Roulston. She was a Sophomore at Eastland High School. She attended First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by a grandfather, Jack Roulston.
Pallbearers were Shawn Carlton, Ty Roulston, Ryan Roulston, Miles Stone, Tyler Stone, Keno Rulona.
Survivors are her dad, Gary Roulston of Dublin, TX; her mom, Patti Roulston of Ranger; sister, Tricia Roulston of Waco; grandmother, Nelda Ferne Ramsey of Dublin; grandparents, Richard and Sybel Robinson of Dallas and Janie and Jackie Huey of Stephenville; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and many friends.
Memorials may be made to your favorite organization.
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Robert Lloyd
Robert (Bob) Collins Lloyd was born on November 24, 1935 in Holdenville, Oklahoma. His family moved to Cisco, Texas where Bob attended Cisco High School. In 1952, when Bob was a junior, he met the love of his life, best friend and soul mate, Flora Jean. Bob was an exceptional athlete and played football, basketball and baseball for the Cisco High Loboes. He graduated from Cisco High in 1953. Bob and Flora Jean wed on September 25, 1954. Bob attended his freshman year at Cisco Junior College and played professional minor league baseball for the Abilene Blue Sox. Bob and Flora Jean then moved to Lubbock, Texas where, in 1960, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech.
Bob was welcomed into heaven by our Lord on November 5, 2005. He will be missed more than mere words could ever explain. He was the backbone of our family, a man of inner and physical strength. He was a patriot and a hero to his country and his family and was a truly beautiful person.
Bob is survived by his wife, Flora Jean; his daughter and her husband, Lea Ann and Anthony Mattos; his son and his wife, Benjamin and Pauline Lloyd; his daughter and her husband, Wendy and James Wagoner; his grandchildren, Mathew, Chelsea, Madison, Cody, Sophia, William, David, Julie, Daniel, Joseph, Colby and Nicole; and his great-grandchildren, Zachary, Baylee and Alysa.
Bob was predeceased by his mother and father, Vera and W.M. Lloyd of Cisco.
A church service was held at the United Methodist Church in Riverdale, California on November 10, 2005 at 10 a.m. A graveside service was held immediately thereafter at Oak Grove Cemetery in Laton, California.
Memorials may be made to Exceptional Parents Unlimited 4440 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93726, the United Methodist Church in Riverside or the charity of the donors choice.
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Glen Ferguson
OLDEN - Glen Ray Ferguson, 81, of Olden, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2005, in an Abilene hospital. Services will be 2 PM Friday in the Olden Baptist Church with Lonnie Williams officiating assisted by Rev. Ron Bostick. Burial will follow in Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas.
Glen was born on August 16, 1924 in Cisco, Texas to James Wesley and Nettie Lee (Forsyth) Ferguson. He attended school in Olden and at the early age of 10 or 12 was saved and baptized in a stock tank and a life-long faithful Baptist and member of the Olden Baptist Church. Glen served during World War II in the United States Army from 1943 being shipped to Africa and then on to Italy where he was wounded in the battle for Mt. Cassino. He married Norma Sharp on May 22, 1945 in Ranger, Texas. Glen worked for 30 years as a watch repairman. He was very active as a coach for Little League, Pony League and Senior League for about 15 years in Cisco as well as running the clock for Cisco High school and Cisco Jr. College games.
Survivors include his wife, Norma of Olden; 2 children, Glen Ferguson & wife Weezie of Carbon and Susan Ferguson of Eastland; 3 granddaughters, Mitzi Beatty of Stephenville, Tiffani Vest and Sarah Ferguson, both of Eastland; 4 great-grandchildren, Justin & Maddie Gery of Forney and Blake & Ally Beatty of Stephenville; 1 sister, Jo Hogan of Ft. Worth; and 1 brother, Jim Ferguson of Hesperia, California.
He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Bill; brother, Tom; and sister, Hazel Willoughby.
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Sue Johnson
CISCO- Mrs. J.E. (Sue) Johnson, 83, was received in Heaven by Jesus, Tuesday, November 15, 2005.
A celebration of life was held at the Summers-Chambers Funeral Home Chapel, Friday, November 18, 2005 at 2 p.m. Brother Donnie Martin officiated. Sue was laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in private ceremonies.
John and Eve Anne DaValut received Sue as a gift from Heaven on January 5, 1922. She was born in Eastland County. She was raised in a loving Christian home and continued her Christian faith her entire life. She was Pentecostal.
At the young age of 16 she met the love of her life, J.E. (Jimmie) Johnson, who was 19 at the time. They were joined as one before God on May 7, 1938. Sue was wife to one, 'Mom', 'Grandma' and 'Aunt' to many. She was loving, compassionate and generous to all who knew her.
Those awaiting her in Heaven with Jesus are her parents; a baby son, John Thomas; a son of 55 years, Harold D'wayne; four sisters, Bertha Reed, Elvie Sprawls, Delpha Holt, and Othella Kile; one brother, Aubrey DaVault; and a host of others.
Those she leaves to lovingly remember her are husband, J.E.; daughter-in-law, Sandra Johnson; her daughters, Sharon Carlton and husband Billy, Sheila Conger and husband Jackie; her grandchildren, Stacie Murphy, Doug Kirby and fiance Judy, Jennifer Jones and husband Michael, Brandie Williamson and husband Kevin, Lindsey Carlton, Cayla Conger, Shelby Carlton and Calli Conger; her great-grandchildren, Colton Kirby, Noah Jones, Riley Jones, Lucy Jones, and Mackenzie Williamson; and several nieces and nephews and ones she felt blessed to call friends.
Pallbearers were her nephews, Leon Boles, Glenn Boles, Randy Boles, James Holt, James Elliott, and Carvell Reed.
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Paul Smith
CISCO- Paul J. Smith, 87, retired U.S. Naval Officer, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2005.
Paul was laid to rest next to his beloved wife Becky at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 2 p.m. Full military honors were provided by the US Navy and Rev. C.P. Floyd of the East Cisco Baptist Church officiated. Services were held under the direction of Summers-Chambers Funeral Home.
Paul was born in Mansfield, Illinois on August 16, 1918 from the marriage of Thomas Austin Smith and Edna Johnson Henderson. He married Opal Rebecca 'Becky' Goodin on December 21, 1945 in San Diego, California.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings; and his beloved wife, Becky, in 1997.
Paul retired from the US Navy after serving his country for 30 years of active duty. He served on the USS ARGONNE, USS CORREGIDOR, USS HELENA, and the USS LEXINGTON. He also served on the following staffs: Staff Naval Air Bases, Eleventh Naval District, Staff Commander New York Group, Atlantic Reserve Fleet, Staff Commander in Chief Europe, and Staff Commander in Chief US Pacific Fleet. He was assigned to duty at numerous other commands in the United States and overseas over three decades and was a veteran of three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Paul was a graduate from San Diego State University and was an English instructor for over ten years at Ranger Junior College prior to retiring and moving to Cisco in 1988. Paul was a Baptist. He belonged to the Retired Officer's Association, the local Eastland VFW, and the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Association.
He is surived by two daughters, Crystal Conner of Willow Park and Madonna Delauney of France; and by four grandchildren.
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Bonnie Robertson
Bonnie Wayne Robertson, 87, died November 15, 2005, at home in Eastland, Texas.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2005, with services conducted by Rev. Mike Madden at Summers-Bakker Funeral Home. Burial was in Eastland City Cemetery, under direction of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were grandsons Ron and Walter Chance Robertson, Melvin Crabtree, Bob O'Steen, nephews Webb Jordan and Alton Peck.
Honorary pallbearers were Rufus N. Jordan, Aaron Dover, and Stanley Leamon.
Mr. Robertson was born in Bear Springs, Eastland County on December 26, 1917. His parents were Walter A. and Beulah (Stellard) Robertson. He grew up in the Flatwood and Carbon areas and graduated from Carbon High School. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. After attending Ranger Junior College, he married Letha E. Jordan in 1939, and they were married for 50 years, before he lost her in 1989.
Mr. Robertson worked at a number of occupations: operated a Conoco service station in Eastland, farmed peanuts a while and ranched, and worked in a copper mine in Arizona during World War II. He and Letha returned to Eastland County to raise cattle for a number of years. He continued to raise a few cows, even as his career took other turns. He and his devoted wife, Letha, operated the Dairy Treat in Eastland for about five years. He worked for the local soil conservation office while he studied home courses to become a certified RCA repair technician. Included in this study was the building of a television from components. Together he and Letha opened Robertson TV Sales and Service in 1960. His TV sales earned him and Letha several special trips of a lifetime. He received the RCA Color Pioneer Award in the early 1960Õs for sale of the first RCA color television in Eastland County. Their son, B.W., Jr., joined them in 1978 and continued the business until this month.
Mr. Robertson dearly loved to handle and work cattle. He enjoyed traveling, and he took many trips, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Mr. Robertson was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Letha; his parents; and his five brothers and sisters.
Survivors include children, Ronald R. Robertson and wife Gerry of Fort Worth, Jan Hobbs and husband Lonnie of Cisco, Joyce O'Steen of Alvin, and B.W. Robertson, Jr. and wife Donna of Eastland; grandchildren include Glenna Doss Andrews of Palmdale, CA, Cyndi O'Steen McNeill of Spring, TX, Ron Robertson, Jr. of Dallas, Kathy O'Steen of Pearland, Walter Chance Robertson of Fort Worth, Letha Clair Robertson of Lawrence, KS, Carolyn O'Steen of Austin, David Riddle of Newburyport, MA; great-grandsons, George Truman and Preston Adams Robertson of Fort Worth; great-granddaughter, Cassie Jean Riddle of Newburyport, MA; brother-in-law, Rufus N. Jordan; numerous nieces and nephews; long-time friend, Ruby Lee Jackson; and former son-in-law, Bob O'Steen.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Letha Robertson Scholarship Fund at Ranger College, Eastland Memorial Centennial Library, or the American Cancer Society.
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Thelma Hodges
OLDEN- Thelma Hodges of Olden passed away Thursday, November 17, 2005 in the Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland.
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Frances 'Granny' Baird
EASTLAND - Frances Alene (Granny) Baird, 81, went home to be with her Lord Tuesday, November 15, 2005, in Granbury, Texas with her loving family surrounding her. With her usual strength and grace, she fought to maintain dignity in her gallant struggle to overcome her cir-cumstances.
Services were held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, November 18th, at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Frances was born December 4, 1923 in Paden, OK to Jessie and Bessie Taylor. She met Vernon Edward Baird and they were married on March 5, 1940. Vernon passed away in August 24, 1968, in Eastland, from a lengthy illness and Frances was left to raise her family alone. She started babysitting and came to be lovingly known as 'granny'.
She was a resident of Granbury for 8 years, moving from Eastland. She was a member of Merriman Baptist Church and attended New Found Spiritual Church in Granbury. She will always be remembered as a very loving mother, grandmother, friend and 'granny' to many others.
Her passing has left a large hole that can never be filled, but only bridged by the celebration of her love, strength and generosity. Mon, we love you! Your loving words of kindness and your gentle ways have made all of us what we are today. We know by and by, you will be waiting for us with arms opened wide.
Frances was pre-ceded in death by her husband, Vernon Baird; parents, Jessie and Bessie Taylor; sister, Geraldine Catlett; son-in-law, Dennis Bloedau; daughter-in-law, Joann Baird; and 6 loving grandchildren, Brandy, Carrie, Dylan, Debbie, Nicole, Gabriel and Sterling.
Survivors include sister Bonnie Schutte and brother Jimmy Taylor and wife Sheila of California; 4 sons; 6 daughters and spouses, Clayton Baird and Anita, Don and Wanda Baird, Jessie and Glenda Baird, Joe and Vonda Baird, Carol and Jim Newsome, Frances and Bryan Hays, Linda and Don House, Vernice Bloedau, Monda and Terry Collins, and Bonnie and Greg Pickens; numerous grandchildren, for whom no greater love existed; numerous nieces and nephews, for whom she held a special place in her heart; and to all you that has crossed the life of our special and loving mom, 'granny', she treasured her friendships with you all.
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Steve Robinette
OLDEN- Steve Robinette, 48, of Olden, passed away Monday, November 21, 2005, in Ozona.
Services wer held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2005 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland with Paul Howie and John Branch officiating. Burial was in the Merriman Cemetery.
Steve was born November 3, 1957 in Mesa, Arizona to Bruce Albert and Billie Yvonne (Smith) Robinette. After high school he served two years in the U.S. Army. He moved to Olden in 1991 and married Karen Pugh on December 15, 1993 in Eastland. He worked in industrial air. He was a Baptist and a member of the Elks Lodge in Irving.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Robinette of Olden; two children, Christina Lucero of Denton and Robert Lucero of Fort Hood; three brothers, Bruce Robinette of Hubbard, Phillip Robinette of Irving and Bill Robinette of Ranger; a sister, Carmen VanSlyke of Pinetop, AZ; ten nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.
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Jessie Casey
CROSS PLAINS- Jessie Mae Woody Casey, 99, passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center in Brownwood.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 27, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Chapel in Cross Plains with Charles Chesshir officiating. Burial will follow in the Cottonwood Cemetery.
She was born on August 16, 1906 in Potosi, Texas to James Anthony and Mary Mollie (McBride) Woods. Jessie graduated from high school in Cottonwood. She married Frances Casey on December 25, 1926 in Cottonwood. Jessie was a woman of many talents; she was a homemaker, a licensed plumber, she could do electrical work and was an avid quilter. She was a member of the Cross Plains Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandchild, six brothers and three sisters.
She is survived by her sons, James U. Casey of Buffalo, MO, Jesse L. Casey of Idaho, Elmer Casey of Weatherford, and Thomas Casey of Cisco; daughter, Frances Whiteley of Cross Plains; brother, Chuck Woody of Abilene; 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
She will be missed by many.
Visitation was held at Higginbotham Funeral Home Saturday, November 26, 2005 from 6 to 7 p.m. to receive friends and relatives.
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Lorene Midkiff
MORAN- Lorene Midkiff, 74, of Moran, died Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at Hendrick Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2005 at the Country Gospel Church Rev. Roscoe Seay officiated and Rev. Joel Sanders assisted. Burial followed in the Moran Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.
Francis Lorene Crawley Midkiff was born July 15, 1931 in Shackelford Co. to Buster Crawley and Mary Brooks Crawley Young. She married Britt Clifford in Moran in 1949; he preceded her in death in August 1950. She later married Kermit Ulmer in 1953. She lived in South Dakota from 1953 to 1968. Lorene returned to Moran in 1970. On June 6, 1971, she married Floyd Arther Midkiff in Moran. Floyd preceded her in death on October 16, 2005. Lorene was a Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star and a member of the Amity Club. She was also a member of the Country Gospel Church in Moran.
She was preceded in death by her parents husbands, Britt Clifford and Floyd Midkiff and one brother.
Lorene is survived by her daughters, Brittena I. 'Tena' and husband, J.C. Sanders of Stinnett and Cheryl Lorene Ulmer of Aberdeen, SD; granddaughters, Lisa and husband, Doug Terrell of Stamford, Jennifer Sanders of Houston and Brandi Sanders of Lubbock; step-grandson, Billy Britt and wife, Angela of Houston; sister, Marie Kimbrough of Waco; brother, John Carl Crawley and wife, Jean of Las Cruces, NM; as well as eight grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice or the Country Gospel Church Building Fund and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be sent online at www.morehartmortuary.net.
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Grace Townley
Grace Townley, 85, of Gorman, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2005 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Craig Rhoton and Barry Schahn officiated. Burial followed at the Gorman Cemetery.
Grace was born April 22, 1920 in Cisco, Texas to Cecil William Pollard and Gorum (Vanderford) Pollard. She married Ben R. Townley on August 18, 1938 in Cisco. He preceded her in death on May 14, 1990. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church. Grace was a retired medical records clerk having worked for Blackwell Hospital and Dr. A.E. Pino.
She is survived by a son, Dick Townley and wife Sylvia of DeLeon; daughter, Jo Millican and husband David of Fort Worth; brother, Rex Pollard of Grand Prairie; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, James Edward Townely, one brother, Jimmy Pollard and one sister, Fredrecia Butts.
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Doris Bradford
EASTLAND- Doris Faye Bradford, 77, of Eastland, passed away in a Cisco care facility, November 11, 2005.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2005 at the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was held at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger with Harry Garvin officiating.
Doris was born in Eastland, July 31, 1928 to Tony Wheeler and Mattie Lee Sharp. Ms. Bradford grew up and went to school in Eastland County. She married Jack Bradford on August 19, 1947 in Eastland. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother. She was a career homemaker. After working and traveling in the oil industry, Doris and Jack moved to Lake Leon in 1990. Her hobbies were family and fishing. She was a member of the Lake Leon Baptist Church.
Doris is survived by 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, Traci and Ken Drozeski of Dublin, Gary Bradford, Jr. of Kermit, Justin and Sky Bradford of Kermit, Brad McAnally of Dallas, Chris McAnally of Midland, and Zachary McAnally of Midland; brothers, Jack Wheeler of Belton and Glenn Wheeler of Eastland; sisters, Wanda Cox of Ranger and Helen Serratt of Archer City. She is also survived by sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws and many nieces and nephews along with neighbors and close friends.
Ms. Bradford was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jack, and her brothers, Jimmy Wheeler, Clyde Wheeler, Bobby Wheeler, and Kenny Wheeler.
Pallbearers were Brad and Chris McAnnally, and Gary and Justin Bradford.
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Jesse Bigbee
Jesse Edward Bigbee, 85, of Cottonwood, died Saturday, November 12, 2005 in Brownwood.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 14, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Cross Plains with Ronnie White officiating, assisted by Steve Polaski. Burial was in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Brown County.
He was born October 5, 1920 in Hamilton, Texas to Arthur Carter and Elizabeth Syndonia (Davis) Bigbee. Jess graduated from May High School in 1938. He married Hazel Myrick on April 25, 1942 in May, Texas. He went into the U.S. Army following his marriage and served during WW II. He then returned to Texas and attended Howard Payne College in Brownwood and graduated in 1948, then graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1954. He pastored churches across Texas until he retired in 1986.
He is survived by his wife, Hazel Bigbee of Cottonwood; sons, Dalton Bigbee of Kingsville, Randy Bigbee of Richmond; daughters, Melanie Clonts of Austin; and Pam Polaski of Brownwood; 14 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers; and 2 sisters.
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Louise Hodges
OLDEN - Louise Hodges, 77, of Olden, formerly of Gorman, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2005 at a local hospital.
Services were held at 2:00 PM, Saturday at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland, with Bro. Jimmy Maples and Chris Justice officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Hodges was born on January 10, 1928 in Lohn, Texas to Hubert and Agnes (Thomas) Sullivent. She married Coleman Hodges on January 11, 1967 in Jacksboro, TX and he preceded her in death on October 19, 1994. Louise was well known for being hard working and very independent. She was a homemaker later in life, but had been a journeyman electrician and a farmer. She loved to go fishing and gardening. She enjoyed her taking care of her children and all of her grandchildren. She loved people and would help anyone in need. She was a member of Carbon Christian Center for many years.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Agnes Sullivent; her first husband, William 'Bill' Harden; her second husband, Coleman Hodges; 2 brothers, Billy & Kenneth Sullivent; her children, Mary Woodall & John Harden; and three grandchildren.
She is survived by sons, Hubert Harden, and wife Kathy, of Blum, TX, William Harden, and wife Laura, of Venus, TX; three daughters, Sandra Goode, and husband Tommy, of Gainesville, TX, Bonnie Vinson, and husband Rickey, of Olden, and Angela Jones, and husband Jay, of Olden, TX; a brother, Elmer Sullivent, and wife Lea, of Olden; two sisters, Venna Maples, and husband, Jimmy and Princess Krantz, and husband, Richard, all of Eastland; 16 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
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Shirley Huddlestun
Shirley Marie Huddlestun, 76, of Cisco passed from this life Saturday, November 1, 2005.
Services were held Monday, November 21, 2005 at 2 p.m. in the Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Pat Riley officiating. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.
She was born March 5, 1929 to the late Elmer and Emma (Harris) Meisenheimer in Alton, Illinois. She married Albert Lee Huddlestun June 17, 1944, the couple had four children.
Shirley is survived by a son, Lyle Dean Huddlestun and a daughter, Linda Mae McCord; brothers, Bud LaQuey and Walter Meisenheimer; sisters, Beverly Joyce and Dixie Walker; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog Little Bit.
Preceeding her in death were her husband and two sons, Robert Lee and Michael Eugene Huddlestun; her parents; a brother, Donald Meisenheimer; and a sister, Jo Ann Vine.
Pallbearers were Mel Matthews, Wayne Speegle, Van Reynolds, Delburt Schaefer, Kenneth Saunders, and James Coats.
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Jane Kennedy
RANGER- Jane J. Kennedy, beloved teacher in Strawn Independent School District, died November 17, 2005 in Eastland Memorial Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 20, 2005 at Mesquite & Rusk St. Church of Christ. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.
Ms. Kennedy was born March 24, 1949 in Ranger to C.W. (Wallace) and Wanda Jo Johnson. She lived all her life in Ranger, graduating from Ranger High School, Ranger Jr. College and Tarleton State University where she received a M.Ed.
Ms. K, as she was affectionately called by her students and fellow teachers, began teaching as a circuit teacher in Peaster, Brock and Poolville. Twenty-seven years ago, she came to Strawn as a classroom teacher. Ms. K always demanded the best from her students. Her greatest desire was that the students she taught learn to do better and make better lives for themselves. She loved her students without exception.
Ms. K was an avid Greyhound fan. She supported every Greyhound team with her presence. She painted signs, participated in skits and thought up ways to cheer them on. Every playoff team has a memory of the 'something' special she did for them.
Jane Kennedy was a Magnolia. The Mags were a group of four teachers who had taught a total of more than 100 years in the Strawn District. She was preceded in death by another Magnolia, Sandra Nowak. She leaves behind two loving Magnolias, Linda Whitefield and Jennifer Elmore.
Jane was also a crafter. She created stained glass art, crocheted and made many beautiful scrapbooks. She was also a competitor who loved any kind of game. One of her favorites was bocci ball.
Jane leaves behind her mother, Jo Johnson of Ranger; Pat Stewart, loving companion; one aunt, Pat Martin; one great-uncle, Doug Johnson of Mineral Wells; several cousins and hundreds of loving students whose lives were forever changed because they knew Ms K.
She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace; a brother, Wayne; and a sister, Judy Ann.
Pallbearers were Joe Crabb, Dwaine Lee, Jeff Braun, Kevin West, Frank Miller, David Lindsey, and Terry Taylor.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be sent to the 'Ms. K Scholarship Fund', First National Bank, Albany, Strawn Branch, P.O. Box 338 Strawn, Texas 76475.
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Truman 'Jack' Fambro
BRECKENRIDGE- Truman Conner 'Jack' Fambro, 86, died Friday, October 28, 2005.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 30, 2005 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Cecil Harper and Charles Kuhn officiating. Burial was in the Wayland Cemetery under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
He was born August 2, 1919 in Wayland, Texas to parents Truman Conner Fambro and Chloe Clementine Sikes Fambro. He married Maxine Taylor on December 14, 1946 in Breckenridge. She preceded him in death on October 14, 2002. He was a rancher, a member of the First Baptist Church, a U.S. Army veteran of WW II. He was also a member of the Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Stephens Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, Wichita Falls Production Credit Association and on the Board of Directors of the Clear Fork of the Brazos S.W.C.D., and a charter trustee of Stephens County Ag Association. He was a past commander of the Breckenridge V.F.W. Post. He was a recipient of the 4-H Volunteer Service Award to Stephens County 1950-1970. He was Rancher of the year in 1992. Lower Clear Fork of the Brazos S.W.C.D. He was the first President of the 4-H Leaders Association of Texas from 1976-1978. He had 20 years of service to the Chamber of Commerce-Young Rural Citizen's of Stephens County. He was active in the Variety Society 4-H, Little League, Junior Rodeo, Stephens County Junior Livestock Show and F.F.A. Honor Chapter Farmer.
He is survived by three sons, Mark Fambro and wife, Glenna, Kent Fambro, and Neil Conner Fambro and wife, Tracey all of Breckenridge; two brothers, Skeet Fambro and wife, Rosemary, Bugs Fambro and wife, Nancy, all of Strawn; grandchildren, Marka Castillo and husband, Jason, Christopher Fambro and wife, Christi, Luke Fambro, Mathew Fambro, Travis Conner Fambro, Cade Sullivan, Kelby Sullivan, Taylor Fambro, Kyle Fambro, Nicole Fambro and Ashly Fambro; great-grandchildren, Jaxon Fambro and Zeke Castillo; and nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by two sons, William Carl Fambro and Dr. Dan Fambro and his parents.
Memorials may be made to Stephens Memorial Hospital, Hendrick Hospice Care or to the donor's favorite charity and may be left at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
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Thelma 'Judy' Oliphant
EASTLAND- Thelma Elizabeth 'Judy' Oliphant, 82, of Eastland, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2005 in Eastland. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. in the Willow Cemetery in Haskell, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 4 until 6 p.m.
Mrs. Oliphant was born August 28, 1923 in Lubbock to Wesley Allen and Elizabeth Bell (Baskin) Brock. Her father was a sharecropper and she was raised in Levelland. Her mother died at an early age leaving her to help raise seven children with her father and uncle, Marion Brock. She married Frank Randle, the father of children Frankie & Mickeye. After divorcing Mr. Randle, she attended business school in Houston and returned to Levelland to work at a movie theatre where she met and married Dorsey V. Oliphant on Jan. 3, 1955. He was the father of children, Roy Don, Judy & William Nelson Oliphant. The Oliphant Family managed Blankenship Theatres in Morton, Tahoka, Petersburg, Whiteface, Hobbs, N.M., Andrews, Haskell and Seminole. Mr. Oliphant died in 1971 in Levelland. Mrs. Oliphant continued to live in Levelland where she sold Avon products. In an effort to be near her family, in 1985 she moved to Houston and in 1997 to Eastland. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Eastland and the Marjorie Young Sunday school class. She was preceded in death by a sister, Eura Katherine Brunson and a brother, William Melvin Brock.
Survivors include children, Mickeye Sue Barfield, husband Robert, Frankie Jeannine Snead and husband Daryl, Roy Don Oliphant, Judy Elizabeth Smith and husband Larry, William Nelson Oliphant and wife Cheryl and step-son, Dorsey V. Oliphant, Jr; grandchildren, Steve Adamick, Eric Wayne Snead and wife Josette, Shelly Jeannine Snead, Jayson Brock Snead and wife Tiffany, April Trauten and husband John, Amanda Oliphant, Jamie Elizabeth Smith, Kyle Eugene Smith and wife Rebecca, Brian Oliphant and wife Carrie, Jessica, Cindy, Erica and Billy Oliphant, and Kimberly & Kelly Oliphant; great-grandchildren, Sydney Morgan & Kody William Snead, Waylon Sam Snead, Maridian, Weston Smith and Brandon Oliphant; brothers, Marion Alvie Brock and George Wesley Brock and wife Carolyn; sisters, Alta Mae Craft and husband Roy and Johnny Pearl Whitfield and husband Jon.
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Gerald Jackson
CISCO- Gerald Lee Jackson, 77, of Cisco died at his home on Friday, November 25, 2005.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Monday, November 28, 2005 at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Bob Ferguson. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Mr. Jackson was born in Iraan, Texas on March 25, 1928 to James Carroll and Eva Mae (McCoy) Jackson. He married Juanita Jewell Petree on May 15, 1947 in Cisco. She preceded him in death on November 20, 1999. He was a retired brick mason and was a member of Gospel Assembly Church. He was a retired member of the Cisco Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by daughters, Elaine Robertson and husband Larry, Patsy Sims and husband David all of Cisco, Verna May Casey and husband Billy of Lake Leon; brother, Jimmy Carroll Jackson and wife Mary of Angleton; seven grandchildren, David Robertson, Bradley Robertson, Matthew Robertson, Christine Woolverton, Jeremy Castleberry, Angie Casey, and Ginger Lillie; eight great-grandchildren, Keileigh Robertson, Bethany Robertson, Levi Robertson, Dwight Woods, Douglas Casey, Ashley Casey, Dalton McEwen, and Shala Wingfield.
His granddaughter Megan Robertson preceded him in death.
Pallbearers were David Gill, Joe Hanningan, Kay Jackson, Freddy Anderson, W.T. Eaton, Danny Claborn and Ted Fields.
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Alberta Dickerson
MORAN- Alberta Cline Brush Dickerson, 'Granny' to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 76, of Abilene, Texas, died Friday, November 25, 2005 at an Abilene Nursing Home.
Graveside funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 27, 2005 at the Moran Cemetery with Rev. Jack Clack officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Alberta was born in Jones County, the eldest of five children born to Albert and Beatrice (Thomas) Cline. She was reared in Moran and graduated from Moran High School in 1947. That year she married O.C. 'Bud' Brush. He preceded her in death due to an oil rig accident in 1958. Alberta, to support their two daughters, worked several places including Timex, Masters and retiring from U.S. Brass in 1992.
After the death of Mr. Brush she married Lloyd 'Sonny' Dickerson, who also preceded her in death.
She was a member of the Moran Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Charlotte Blackburn and husband, David of Afton, TX. and Kathy Brush of Abilene; one brother, William Cline and wife, Betty, of Clifton, TX; one sister, LaVelle Speegle of Lancaster, Calif.; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents and two brothers, Doran and Leonard Cline, preceded her in death.
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Gertrude Harrell
EASTLAND - Gertrude E. Harrell, 83, of Eastland, passed away Friday, November 25, 2005. Graveside services were held at 2:00 P.M. Monday at the Eastland City Cemetery with Walter Williams officiating. Services were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Harrell was born March 4, 1922 in Desdemona to Elzie and Myrtle (Wilson) Daffern. She was a 1942 graduate of Eastland High School. She then graduated from Ranger Jr. College. She married Travis Harrell, and had been an ad builder for the Eastland Telegram and Victor Cornelius. During WWII she worked for a time helping to build bombers for Consolidated Vault Company. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Justin Dean Harrell in November, 1977.
Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Travis Harrell of Eastland; son, Rickey Harrell and his wife Allyson of Fort Worth; granddaughter, LaDonna of Amarillo; brother, Billy Jack Daffern of Victoria; 2 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
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Ciria Landa
Ciria Landa, 81, of Gorman, Texas, died Saturday, November 26, 2005 at the Heritage Manor Care Center.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at the Gorman Cemetery.
Miss Landa was born August 3, 1924 in Jalisco, Mexico to Macedonio Landa and Teresa (Gonzales) Landa. She was a homemaker and a Catholic. She was like a mother to her nieces and nephews.
She is survived by three brothers, Santiago Landa of Gorman, Margarito Landa of Mexico and Arnulfo Landa of Reno, NV; two sisters, Guadalupe Landa and Consuelo Landa both of Mexico; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Lucio Landa.
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James 'Jim Bo' Faught
OLDEN- James E. 'Jim Bo' Faught, 54, formerly of Buchanan Dam, died Friday, November 25, 2005.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2005 in Bluffton Cemetery in Bluffton, directed by Putnam Funeral Home in Kingsland.
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Lonnie Guynes
KEMMERER - Lonnie Elmer Guynes, 80, died Sunday, November 27, 2005 at South Lincoln Medical Center in Kemmerer.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at Crandall Funeral Home of Kemmerer. Interment was held Saturday, December 3 in Rising Star Cemetery.
Mr. Guynes was born March 27, 1925, in Williams, Texas. He was the son of Ethel (McClannahan) and Jesse Floyd Guynes and was raised and educated in Rising Star.
Three months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served in the South Pacific Theater, fighting in the Battle of Midway.
He married Faye Dewbre in Brownwood, Texas in 1950.
In 1954, he began working for El Paso Natural Gas, which later became Williams Field Service. His career took the family to Opal in 1964. He worked at the Opal Plant until his retirement in 1990, after 36 years of service.
Also, for many years, the family owned the Ruth Elizabeth Shoppe and the Mode-O-Day in Kemmerer.
He was a member of the Church of Christ, a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge for more than 50 years, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Assoc. An avid outdoorsman and trap-shooter, he traveled and hunted throughout Wyoming with his bird dogs after his retirement.
He lived with his daughter and son-in-law, Rita and Gene Vickery of Kemmerer, for the last three years following a stroke.
In addition to the Vickerys, survivors include his daughter, Zana Gillard, and her husband of Damondville; three grand-children, Troy (Andrea) Vickrey, Jesse (McKell) Gillard and Lindsay Gillard; great grandchildren, Drake, Connor and Brace Vickrey; three brothers, James Guynes and his wife of Early, Texas, Jesse Floyd Guynes and his wife of Dove Creek, CO and Bobby Gene and wife of Kent, WA; two sisters, Irene Rankin Sullivan and Martha Jo Bailey of Rising Star.
He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.
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Ruth White
Ruth Nadine White, 89, of Rising Star, Texas passed away November 17, 2005 at home in Midwest City, Ok. Private memorial was observed by the family.
Nadine was born Dec. 11, 1915 in Brown County, Texas to Winslow and Emma Weathermon. She was married for many years to Carl White also from Rising Star.
She is survived by 2 daughters, Jaymie Langan and husband Marvin of Del City, OK and Carldene Garland and husband Gaines of McAllen, TX; 6 grandchildren, Carl Garland and wife Vicki, Kim Mehis and husband Ron, Karrie Garland, Debo Langan and wife Shelly, Holly Moore and husband Billy, Jason Langan and wife Rachel. She was also very proud of her 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Nadine was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and one sister.
Nadine spent her childhood in Rising Star and then lived in many different areas of Texas and New Mexico.
She settled in McAllen, TX after the war. In thelate 60s, she and Jaymie moved to Baird, TX to live with Nadine's sister, Dorothy Bearden. They lived on a ranch east of Baird until the early 90's when Nadine and Dorothy moved back to McAllen due to declining health to live near Nadine's oldest daughter, Carldene. She spent her final years in the home of her grandson Debo in Oklahoma.
Nadine loved to be around her family and expressed gratitude that she was able to see all of her grandchildren become caring adults. She loved music and her favorite hymns such as In the Garden and Old Rugged Cross.
There will never be another like her and we will all miss her stories, her cooking and cleaning instructions and her lively banter.
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Cecil Frailey
CISCO- Cecil Buster Frailey of Cisco died Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at Valley View Health Care Center in Eastland.
Services, officiated by Rev. Jim Wright and assisted by Rev. Pat Riley, were held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2005 at First Baptist Church in Cisco. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Buster was born in Hardy, Arkansas on August 30, 1925 to Harold and Elizabeth (Hurst) Frailey. He married Frances Louise Watts on September 21, 1947. She preceded him in death on November 22, 1987. On June 4, 1991, he married Alice Joy Lenzini. Buster served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked as a plant supervisor for Lone Star Gas Company and retired in August 1987.
Buster was a long-time member of First Baptist Church. He has also been active in the local Ex-G.I. Association, V.F.W. and American Legion.
Survivors include his wife, Alice Frailey of Cisco; two sons, Glen and wife Cindy of Fort Worth and Billy and wife Tami of Waco; sister, Nadine Pasdermy and husband Ed of Houston; grandchildren, Jill Barfield and husband, Corey, Steven Frailey, Matthew Frailey, Vanessa Dominy and husband, Russell, Debra Wiley and husband, Jody, Tommy Lenzini and wife, Susan, Stephanie Savas and husband, Joe, Todd Lenzini and wife, Lana; great-grandchildren, Jayden Barfield, Caleb Barfield, Francis Dominy, Lilly Dominy, Parker Savas, Tabitha and Wesley Lenzini.
Memorials may be made to the Cisco Goodfellows or Salvation Army.
Pallbearers were Bud Coats, Glen Ferguson, Jr., Billy Frailey, Glen Frailey, Donald Gorr, Reggie Pittman, Jr., and Steve Thomas.
Pearl Redling Hallmark, 82, died December 1, 2005 in Eastland.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 4, 2005 in Aker Cemetery.
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Forrest Noble
Funeral services for Forrest W. Noble, 88, of Andrews were held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2005 at McNett Funeral Home Chapel in Andrews with Rodney Noble of Andrews and Elder Gail Faries of Lubbock officiating. Burial followed in the Andrews West Cemetery directed by McNett Funeral Home in Andrews.
Forrest passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 at Permian Regional Medical Center in Andrews.
He was born January 6, 1917 in Eastland County, Texas to Jess William Noble and Jennie Stella Lee Noble. He was raised in Eastland County and graduated from Cisco High School. He married Margaret Oleta Turknett on April 16, 1937 in Cisco. He served in the Civil Service during WW II and moved to Andrews in 1946 from Abilene. Forrest and Oleta owned and operated Noble Oldsmobile in Andrews from 1946-1990, and he believed in driving a fine automobile. They received the highest customer satisfaction index award of 100% from Oldsmobile and was awarded the Oldsmobile Elite Dealer for the entire nation. Forrest was a charter member for the Andrews Downtown Lion's Club and Andrews Rotary Club; and served as Andrews City Councilman from 1948-1952. He loved his pecan orchard and was a member and deacon of the Andrews Primitive Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Oleta Noble of Andrews; two sons, Rodney Noble and wife, Jane of Andrews, Bradley Noble of Houston; one daughter, Kathleen Brewer and husband, Richard of Midland; one sister, Mary Louise Key of Longview; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to the Andrews Educational Foundation, 405 NW 3rd Street, Andrews, Texas 79714.
To register, send condolences, or view the obituary, go to www.mcnettfuneralhome.com
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Marian Herridge
Mrs. Marian Lee Herridge, 76, of Eastland, died December 7, 2005 at Eastland Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness.
At her wishes, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on December 17 at the First United Methodist Church in Eastland.
Mrs. Herridge was born January 10, 1929 in Andrews, Texas. She was the daughter of Floyd F. Robertson and the former Sydney Lee Altman, both of whom preceded her in death.
Marian married Bert Tilmon Herridge on June 26, 1949 in Eastland, Texas. Mr. Herridge preceded her in death on August 1, 2003. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Tricia Fagan.
She is survived by her children, David Herridge and wife Donna of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Bill Herridge and wife Diane of Gatesville, Texas; Jim Herridge and wife Kay of Baytown, Texas; and Rusty Herridge and wife Marsha of Montgomery, Texas; and daughters Sharron Collier of Eastland and Terresa and husband Nick Fagan of Refugio, Texas. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were all dearly loved by her, and Marian will be missed by each and every one of them.
Marian was most proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also talked with pride of helping the war effort during World War II by collecting scrap metal and other resources when she was a high school student.
She managed Altman's Style Shop in Eastland after her mother was no longer able to operate the business. She also helped with the Nursery and Pre-School departments at First United Methodist Church in Eastland for many years.
Marian loved to listen to hymns and deeply loved her Lord and Savior. She made sure her children were raised in a loving Christian home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marian's name to the Nursery and Pre-School Departments at First United Methodist Church in Eastland or the Eastland Memorial Library in Eastland.
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Donald Nicholas
EASTLAND- Donald R. Nicholas, of Eastland, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2005, in Eastland.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 10, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Eastland with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Burial was in the Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Mr. Nicholas was born in the Grapevine Community, between Eastland and Cisco, on May 22, 1934. He started school at Flatwood, graduated valedictorian at Carbon High School in 1952, received his Associate of Arts degree from Cisco Junior College in 1954, and began work for Texas Electric Service Company (now TXU) in September, 1954. As a young bachelor, he began his community service with a youth recreation center in the basement of the old bank building and also worked with the youth group at his church.
He married Sally Francis on July 8, 1972 in Eastland. He served on the United Way board for 25 years, had worked with the little league, pony league and senior league, and for three years had served as secretary-treasurer for the senior league for Eastland, Ranger and Cisco.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and had held every office they have. He served as secretary for the Carbon Masonic Lodge for 36 years and received the prestigious Golden Trowel Award. He was a member of the chamber of commerce for years, where he served as a director several times and as vice-president. He received the Golden Deeds Award in 1975. He was a charter member of the Eastland County Camp of the Gideons International and was presently serving as treasurer. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eastland where he had worked with young people, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and served as a chair member on committees. He had sung for hundreds of funerals and had directed music for many, many revivals all over the county. He was preceded in death by 6 brothers and 1 sister.
Survivors include his wife, Sally Nicholas of Eastland; two sons, Michael Smith and his wife Renee and Ronald Smith and his wife Patricia, all of Plano; two sisters, Beth Mayhall of Abilene and Mary Bailey of Cisco; five grandchildren, Morgan, Amanda, Kevin, Sydney and Aubrey all of Plano; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International, Lion's Club Crippled Children's Camp, or the Hospice of the Big Country.
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Wanda Porter
RANGER- Wanda Porter, 74, died Wednesday, December 7, 2005.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
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Virgie Woodruff
EASTLAND - Virgie Becky Woodruff, 44, of Louisiana, passed away Wednesday, December 07, 2005 in Eastland. Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Harpersville Cemetery, near Breckenridge, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas.
Becky was born in Odessa on October 14, 1961 to James Woodruff and Bertie Green Segler. She attended school in Ranger and worked off and on as a waitress. She was a Baptist.
Becky is survived by her husband, Randall Palmer of Rodessa, Louisiana; a daughter, Tasha Vinson of Azle, TX; a son, Eric Vinson of Seven Points, TX; a brother, Joe D. Segler of Odessa, TX; a sister, Tammie Horn of Eastland, TX; a grandson, Barak Taylor of Azle; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Big Country for all of their love and support during this difficult time as well as Dr. Robert DeLuca for all of his tender care of Becky.
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Ruby Yarbrough
RANGER- Ruby Yarbrough, 86, died Thursday, December 8, 2005.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 2005 in the Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.
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Jamie Floyd
Jamie Floyd, 82, of Monahans, died December 11, 2005 in Monahans.
Services were held at 3 p.m Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at Merriman Baptist Church in Ranger, Texas officiated by Rev. Jim Lively. Interment was in Merriman Cemetery in Ranger directed by Harkey Family Funeral Services.
She was born December 17, 1922 in Eastland County, Texas. She was a homemaker.
Survivors are her husband, Claude R. Floyd of Monahans; sons, Billy Floyd of Arlington, Richard Floyd of Kempner and Greg Floyd of Cedar Hill; brothers, George Falls of Ranger, Thomas Falls of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Owen Falls of Mineral Wells; sisters, Inez Hunt of Arlington, Mabel Ramsey of Tyler, and Francis Dickinson of Lake Charles, Louisiana; and eight grandchildren.
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Claudie Gardner
Claudie Mae 'Sue' Gardner, 89, of Rising Star, Texas died Tuesday, December 13, 2005 in Comanche County, Texas.
Sue was born on May 8, 1916 in Rising Star, Texas to Claude Preston and Addie Maddox-Shook. She married William 'Bill' Gardner on March 3, 1934 in Rising Star. They enjoyed 66 wonderful years together before Bill passed away on July 3, 2001. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Rising Star. She was a 60 year member of the Eastern Star. She lived in the community for 27 years before moving to Rising Star. She lived in Odessa.
Sue is survived by one brother, Wilbur Ray Shook of California; 4 nephews, Rex Long and Tony Long both of Rising Star, Don Long of Springtown, Max Long of Fullerton, Ca.; 3 nieces, Dorothy Whiteside of Sipe Springs, Charlene Rider of Cisco, Patsy Nixon of Angelton.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bill; brother, Billy Ted Shook; two sisters, Cleo White and Lorene Long.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 16, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Lynn Starnes officiating. Burial was in the Wayside Cemetery in Eastland County, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
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Alene Cotten
Alene Cotten, 77, died Saturday, December 10, 2005.
Dovie Alene was born May 31, 1928, in Cisco, to William B. and Dovie Thetford Seabourn. Alene may have been little, but not in spirit. She loved her church, was a Sunday School teacher, helped on committees, participated in Joy ministries and fellowship. Alene enjoyed music, especially gospel and bluegrass. She could sing almost any song you named. Alene also enjoyed going (anywhere) and camping.
Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Dennis Cotten; son, Bryan Cotten; grandson, Josh; and sister, Thelma Pamperien.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Springtown. White's Funeral Home of Springtown was in charge of arrangements.
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Fred Erwin
RANGER - Fred Erwin 76, of Ranger passed away on Friday December 9, 2005 in a local hospital.
Graveside services will be 1:00 PM January 6, 2006 at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
Mr. Erwin was born on October 10, 1929 in Portales New Mexico to Fred Benson and Fannie Isabel Norris Erwin. He married Wanda Sheets on September 16, 1949 in Farwell, Texas. They lived in several different areas before moving to Ranger in 1975 where he founded F & W Industries. For over thirty years his machine shop manufactured parts for major aerospace defense contractors. Fred loved his work and over the years he taught many young men and women the art of being a machinist. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Vanell Young.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Wanda Erwin of Ranger; sons Larry Erwin and wife Wendy of Ranger and Russell Erwin and wife Kristi of Costa Mesa, Calif.; a daughter Kelly Hill and husband David of Ranger; four grandchildren; Laura Hernandez and husband Jason, Amy Erwin and T. K. Erwin and Tyler Erwin. One great-grandchild Bailey Hernandez and several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.
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R. W. 'Junior' Hampton
R.W. 'Junior' Hampton, 60, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2005 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel with Larry Stogsdill officiating. Burial followed at Gorman Cemetery.
Junior was born May 1, 1945 to Royal Hampton and Doris (Martin) Hampton. He married Marilyn Cardwell on May 31, 1985 in DeLeon. Junior was a graduate of Gorman High School. He was a farmer and a member of the Church of Christ. He loved to enter his antique tractors in area parades and tractor shows.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Hampton of DeLeon; two sons, Adam Hampton and wife Sylvia of Gorman and Josh Hampton of Gorman; one brother, Jimmy Hampton and wife Valerie of Gorman; two sisters, Marilyn Mason of DeLeon and Rosa Lee Bodie of Waco; grandson, Hayden Hampton and granddaughter, Jordan Hampton both of Gorman.
He was preceded in death by a son, Trey Hampton, parents, and a sister, Rheta Dell Fortune.
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Catherine Allison
Catherine Allison, 90, died December 21, 2005 at Abilene, Texas.
Funeral services were held Friday, December 23, 2005 at McCoy Chapel of Memories at 1:30 p.m. Burial was in the Garden of Memories. Rev. Jim Drake officiating. McCoy Funeral Home, Inc. of Sweetwater.
She was born on November 9, 1915 in Big Spring, Texas. She was married to George Edwin Allison on August 14, 1937 in Ranger, Texas. She started her banking career at age 17 at Ranger Community State Bank; she graduated from Ranger High School and Ranger Junior College and attended Southwestern Banking School at SMU; she was the first woman to serve on a financial board in Nolan County; she was employed by First National Bank July 11, 1954; she had been Executive Vice President of the First National Bank in Sweetwater and started their Trust Dept. 50 years ago on February 10, 1956; she was a member and secretary of the Board of Directors for the bank from 1980 until 2000. She was an officer for the Texas Banker's Association; lived in Sweetwater since 1945 and was a member of the First Baptist Church. She was a member of the Baptist Memorial Ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention for 26 years and served as chairman several years. She was on the committee that developed Sagecrest.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Edwin Allison on October 6, 1998; two sisters and 3 brothers.
Survivors include a sister, Elizabeth Ball of Arlington, Tx.; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.
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Joseph 'Jack' Hamilton
Joseph E. 'Jack' Hamilton, 93, of Cisco passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at his home.
Funeral services were held Friday, December 23, 2005 at the Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robin Bucklin officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home in Cisco.
Jack was born June 10, 1912 in Ranger, Texas to E.Z. and Gracie (Ward) Hamilton. He met Frances Wade and they married on December 31, 1938 in Abilene, Texas. Together, they raised five children- three daughters and two sons. Jack and Frances would have celebrated 67 years of marriage on December 31, 2005.
Jack was employed for 60-plus years as a clerk for Cisco Lumber & Supply. He was known for his ability to find any item in the building when asked for assistance. He was a member of the Cisco Church of the Nazarene.
Survivors include his wife, Frances Hamilton of Cisco; daughters, Rosa Hamilton of Cisco, Melba Hicks and husband, Bill of Pasadena, Carolyn Estes of Sweetwater; sons, Harold Glenn Hamilton of Cisco, Barry Hamilton and wife, Diane of Rochester, NY; sisters, Jessie Millican of Eastland, Minnie Burleson of Clyde; brothers, James Hamilton of Oklahoma City, Bill Hamilton of Bentonville, AR; grandchildren, Charlotte Moore, Becky Anderson, Frank Waskom, Travis Jack Waskom, Nancy Estes, Jessica Rose Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Lana Moore, Trey Moore, Lauryn Anderson, Jon Anderson, Morgan Waskom, T.J. Waskom, Nicholas Waskom.
Relatives served as pallbearers.
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Maria Madera
GORMAN- Maria Madera died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005.
Services are pending with Higginbotham Funeral Home.
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Illona McGee
RANGER - Ilona McGee 86, of Ranger passed away on Saturday December 10, 2005 at her home.
Graveside services will be 1:00 PM Thursday, December 15, 2005 in Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood, Texas under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM.
Mrs. McGee was born in Commerce, Texas on November 2, 1919 to Marion Monroe and Lora Lauretta Grimmett McAllister. She married Johnnie T. McGee on December 14, 1946 in Brownwood, Texas and he preceded her in death on August 27, 2002. After moving to Ranger some 30 years ago she worked as a store clerk for Arnold Gohlke's Antique Store. She was affiliated with the Trinity Baptist Church in Breckenridge.
Survivors include five children Carolynn Settle of Bluffton, Indiana, Linda Uyenoyana and husband Glenn of Longbranch, Washington, Gloria Rascoe of Duncan, Oklahoma, H. L. Rascoe and wife Charlotte of Kissimmee, Florida, and Jada Masten and husband Don of Hewitt, Texas; a sister Lois Hamlin of Hay Market, Virginia; eleven grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. McGee was preceded in death by a son Roger McGee in 1958.
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Chad Sobley
RANGER- Chad Sobley, 29, died Thursday, December 8, 2005.
Services are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.
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Wanda Miller
STRAWN - Wanda Mackey Miller 66, of Strawn passed away on Saturday December 17, 2005 at a Mineral Wells hospital. Services will be 2 PM Tuesday in the First Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Troutman officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Marion Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 6 to 7 PM.
Wanda was born on December 5, 1939 in Abilene, Texas to Jack and Susie O'Neal Mackey. She grew up in Sonora and was a graduate of Sonora High School. She met and married Jim Allen Miller on March 11, 1967 in Del Rio, Texas and he preceded her in death on May 7, 1998. She worked as a clerk for several years until she had her son and then devoted her time as a housewife and mother. She was raised Episcopal but attended the First Baptist Church in Strawn.
Wanda is survived by her son Danny Miller and his wife Jody of Strawn and two grandsons James and Nicholas. She was preceded in death by a brother Jack Mackey.
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Melony Hernandez
DALLAS- Melony Sue (Starr) Hernandez, 38, of Dallas, formerly of Cisco, died Thursday, December 15, 2005 in Parkland Medical Center in Dallas.
Funeral Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 2005 at First Baptist Church in Cisco. Rev. Pat Riley officiated. Burial was in Mitchell Cemetery, under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home of Cisco.
She was born August 25, 1967 in Eastland to Norris and Marie (Taylor) Starr. She worked in retail sales and was a member of First Baptist Church in Aledo.
She is survived by two sons, Christopher Hernandez and Robert Hernandez both of Aledo; parents, Norris and Marie Starr of Cisco; sister, Tona Farrar and husband James of Fort Worth; brother, David Starr of Brownsburg, Indiana; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers were Forrest Starr, Glen Starr, Craig Starr, Billy McClanahan, Richard Latham and Jimmy Brooks. Honorary pallbearers were Pat Pierce and Monty Toler.
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Tammy Dickey
SNYDER - Tammy Lynn Dickey, 45, died Saturday, December 17, 2005 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene after a lengthy illness.
Funeral service were held Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at 1 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Rev. Larry McAden, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Snyder assisted by Rev. Steve Highfield, associate pastor of Calvary Baptist Church officiated. Burial was in Hillside Memorial Gardens.
She was born October 19, 1960 in Snyder, Texas.
Survivors include sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley & Donnie Newman of Snyder, Janice & Miles Bullard of Pflugerville, Texas; brother and sister-in-law Curtis & Diane Dickey of Irving; brother, Jerry Glenn Dickey of Austin; nieces Jennifer Newman of Snyder, Tara Cooper of Melissa, Texas; nephews, Brad Newman of Chappel Hill, Texas, Chad Bullard of Pflugerville, Texas and Scott Dickey of Valliant, OK.
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Mary Rexroat
GORDON-Mary Elizabeth Clepper (Bettie) Rexroat, 95 years old, passed away Tuesday December 13, 2005 in Stephenville, Texas.
Funeral Serviceswere held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday December 18, 2005 at First Baptist Church in Gordon Texas with Rev. Kurt Powell officiating. Burial was in New Gordon Cemetery.
Bettie was born May 11, 1910 in Brad Texas. She married Paul Leonard Rexroat on December 20, 1931 in Hico, Texas. Together they raised five children. In the early years of their marriage, they made their home in Gordon where Bettie was a homemaker and Paul ranched and later worked for Lone Star Gas Company who transferred them to Hollis, Oklahoma in 1956 and one year later to Chillicothe, Texas. They moved back to Gordon in 1969 where they later retired. She was a long time member of First Baptist Church in Gordon. While living in Chillicothe, Bettie worked several years for the Chillicothe Valley News and served as the local correspondent for the Vernon Daily Record, Quanah Tribune Chief, Wichita Falls Times Record News and Fort Worth Star Telegram. She loved to write and was an avid reader and her philosophy was: "If you can read, you can learn to do anything." She lived by this philosophy. Bettie also loved music (especially hymns). She began Piano Lessons at the young age of 50 and completed the John W. Schaum Piano Course certifying her as a piano instructor. Bettie was also an accomplished seamstress and quilted for many years. She presented her children and grandchildren with many beautiful quilts as Christmas gifts. Bettie was preceded in death by her husband in 1996 after almost 65 years of marriage; her parents John and Edna Clepper, 10 brothers and sisters: a daughter Mary Jeanne Hailey; and four grandchildren.
Survivors are two daughters, Sue Rogers of Lake Palo Pinto and Lola Lofman and husband Don of Bloomingburg, New York; Two sons, Larry and wife Kathy of Fort Worth and Steve and wife Lynn of Flower Mound; nine grandchildren and 17 Great grandchildren as well as numerous extended family members and friends. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels in Gordon or Tri City Ambulance.
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Sammie Hight
WYLIE- Sammie Marie Hight, 76, passed away December 18, 2005.
She was born April 7, 1929. She was a graduate of Rising Star High School. She was a devoted wife and mother, and a friend to all. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Vernice Tyler and her sister Earleene Huntington.
She is survived by her husband, Eddie Hight; her three children, Sandra Haney and husband David of Carrollton, Pam Hight of Wylie and Eddie Wayne Hight and wife Susie of Garland; her two granddaughters, Amy Hight and Angie Hill and a great grandson, Tyler Herron; sisters, Joyce Hill of Brownwood, Bea Grimes of Minden, LA, and Betty Lattimer of El Paso; as well as many family and friends.
Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005 at 1 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Mike Ross officiated. Interment was in the Kreymer Cemetery in Wylie directed by Allen Funeral Home.
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William Edwards
EASTLAND- William 'Will' Edwards, 56, of Eastland, died Saturday, December 17, 2005 in Eastland.
A Service of Remembrance will be at 7 P.M. Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland.
Mr. Edwards was born November 24, 1949 to Doyce Otto and Hazel Rose Dabbs Edwards in Ranger, Texas. He was raised in Cisco and Eastland. In 1968 he entered
the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam and being honorably discharged in 1970. He returned to Eastland County and worked as a roughneck in the Oilfield
and for LVI Inc. The last three years he worked for Colony Park Apartments in the yard maintenance department. He enjoyed football of any kind and kept up with high school, college and pro football. His best friend 'Yogi', his dog, and he were the best of companions.
He is survived by 3 sisters, Linda Taylor of Denver, Colorado, Brenda Muras of Arlington Texas and Janice Cooley of Eastland, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Hooks, father, Doyce Otto Edwards and sister, Barbara Jean Edwards.
Memorials may be made to The Hospice of the Big Country.
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Dr. John Muller
CISCO- Dr. John Muller, 68, of Cisco passed from this life on Friday, December 23, 2005 in Hendrick Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Pastor Bill Lowrey officiating. Burial followed in Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery near Cisco under the direction of Kimbrough Funeral Home.
Arnold John Muller was born in Burkburnett, Texas on May 13, 1937 to Alice (Hoffman) and Arnold John Muller, Sr. He married Katherine Fricke on June 11, 1966 in Cisco. John graduated from Burkburnett High School in 1955. Prior to beginning his professional education and career, he was employed in the oil industry. He worked with various Texas companies in exploration and development, with Wichita Supply Company in sales, and in Libya, North Africa for four years with Loffland Bros. Drilling Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma in oil exploration. Following his career in the oil industry, he earned his B.A. degree at the University of Texas at Arlington in 1968, his M.A. degree at the University of North Texas in 1970, and his Ph.D. at the University of Missouri in 1986. His major field of study was political science with minors in history and social psychology. When arriving in Cisco in 1974 to help take care of Katherine's mother who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he began teaching as a part-time instructor of government at Cisco Junior College. This sacrifice meant that he would finish his doctorial dissertation while working, raising a family, and living far from the university library. In 1975 he became a full-time instructor, and in 1978 he entered the realm of administration as Director of Institutional Research and Development. He continued his career at Cisco Junior College as Dean of Students, Dean of Administrative Services, and Vice President of Student Services. John became President of Cisco Junior College in 2002. CJC was never far from his heart as he continued to plan improvements for the college even from his hospital bed.
Some of the things of which John was most proud were his community involvements. He served as a city councilman, Place VI, for Cisco, Texas for 15 years. In 2005, he was selected as Citizen of the Year by the Cisco Chamber of Commerce. He held leadership positions in the Cisco Historical Society, which helped to successfully nominate a portion of Cisco to the National Register of Historic Places. He was an avid supporter of the Cisco Junior College Dinner Theater, the Cisco Folklife Festival, and various other community projects. Being a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church was very important to him where he served as Elder, held many other offices, and taught adult Sunday School at various times.
Survivors include his wife, Katherine Muller of Cisco; daughter, Jana Henry and husband Mike of Jakarta, Indonesia; granddaughter, Katherine Eleanor Henry; sister, Carol Smith and husband Wayne of Fort Worth; brother, Leonard Muller and wife Kathy of Port Saint Lucie, Florida; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Memorials may be made to Cisco Junior College Memorial Fund, Lutheran Social Services of The Southwest, Hendrick Hospice or your favorite charity.
Serving as pallbearers were Bobby Smith, Billy Smith, Clois Purvis, Matt Johnson, Harold Reich, and Roland Stroebel. Serving as Honorary pallbearers were Cisco Junior College Board of Regents.
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Claude Starkey
Claude Albert Starkey, 89, of Rising Star, Texas died Thursday, December 22, 2005 in Rising Star, Texas.
Claude was born on January 16, 1916 in Rising Star, Texas to John William and Mary Iva Aueill-Starkey. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a Methodist. He made his living in the Upholstery business and worked for Kroehler Manufacturing for many years. He has lived in Rising Star for 25 years before moving here he lived in Dallas for 30 years.
Claude is survived by one brother, Clyde T. Starkey of Duncanville; one sister, Fay Irene Starkey of Rising Star; 3 nieces and 3 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, J.W., Clarence, Walter, Charlie Starkey.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, December 26, 2005 at Rising Star Cemetery with Lynn Starnes officiating. Burial was in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
The family set a visitation time for Monday, December 26, 2005 at 1 p.m. at Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Ann Collins, 87, of Toms River, NJ, died Saturday, December 10, 2005 at Kensington Manor, Toms River, New Jersey.
She was born October 25, 1918 in Ranger, Texas. She moved to Stockton, California in 1934 and moved to New Jersey in 2001. She was a waitress for the Stockton Chinese Restaurant for many years. Her husband Hank predeceased her.
She is survived by a niece and her husband Mary Anne and Joseph Verderosa; great-niece, Mary Frances Tursi; great-nephew, Vincent and Susan Tursi; and great-great-nephew, Tevin Tursi all of Toms River.
Memorial services were held on Monday, December 19, 2005. Silverton Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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Lupe Blancarte
FORT WORTH - Lupe Blancarte, 85, died Thursday, December 22, 2005.
Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2005 in Greenwood Chapel. Burial was in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Rosary was at 7 p.m. Monday, December 26, 2005 in Greenwood Chapel.
Memorials In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the West.
Lupe was born Sept. 9, 1920, in San Antonio. She was a member of San Mateo Catholic Church.
Lupe was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Filemon Blancarte; foster son, Juan Mendoza; sisters, Socorro Azocar, Helen Mendoza and Elvira Uribe; and brothers, Paul and Lalo Hermosillo.
Thank you, Ruben Orozco, for giving up your bedroom; special thanks to Angie for taking care of Mom 24/7; to the doctors and nurses at Harris Hospital; and thanks to Hospice of the West and Dennis, Christine and the ambulance drivers.
Survivors include daughters, Bea, Linda and Sofia Blancarte and Angie Orozco and husband, Ruben; sons, Joe Blancarte, Tony Blancarte and Rudy Blancarte, all of Fort Worth; foster son, Gilbert Azocar of San Antonio; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
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Ann 'Teensy' Cook
Funeral services for Ann Elizabeth 'Teensy' Cook, 95, of May, will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005 at the May United Methodist Church with Rev. Lynn Starnes officiating. Interment will follow in the Lost Creek Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home of Brownwood. Visitation was held Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mrs. Cook passed away on Monday, December 26, 2005 at a local nursing facility.
She was born on October 11, 1910 in Brownwood to Edwin and Margaret Wright McGhee. She attended Brownwood schools and was a 1932 graduate of Daniel Baker College. Teensy was an elementary school teacher for the May schools for 22 years. She married Ben Cook, Sr. on January 3, 1933 in Brownwood. She was a lifelong resident of Brown County and a longtime member of the May United Methodist Church.
Teensy is survived by her husband, Ben Cook, Sr. of Brownwood; a daughter, Francis Crafton and husband Darrel of May; two sons, Ben Cook, Jr. and wife Jolene of Lake Brownwood and Bob Cook and wife Maria of Austin; a sister, Virginia Riesen and husband Herman of Titusville, Florida; a brother, Ed McGhee and wife Sarah of Houston; 9 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; and two brothers.
The family requests memorials be made to the May United Methodist Church 18001 Hwy 183 N, May, TX 76857.
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Margaret Bennett
CROSS PLAINS- Margaret Beth Gill Bennett, 64, died Thursday, December 1, 2005 following a long illness.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, December 4, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Chapel with Bob Pipes officiating. Burial followed in the Cottonwood Cemetery.
Margaret, the youngest of five children, was born to William and Verne (Wiseman) Gill on December 29, 1940. She spent her childhood helping out on her father's farm, going to church and playing with her nieces, Gladys and Anita. She married the love of her life, Leo Weldon Bennett, on July 4, 1958 and the country celebrated with them. Leo and Margaret had 47 wonderful, love filled years together.
Margaret is survived by her husband, Weldon Bennett of May; son, Michael Bennett and wife Nancy; daughters, Shelly Peterson and Anjanette Segura all of San Angelo; sisters, Gladys Martin of Brownwood, Muriel Edwards of Midland, Jimmy Nan Tate of Snyder; grandchildren, Denise Doescher, Blake and Kirstie Peterson, and Jakob Segura; great-grandchildren, Jonathon and Andrew Gray, all of San Angelo; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Johnny Gill, and her precious daughter, Gayna Ann.
Margaret was a bright light to everyone she met, may her light shine from heaven for eternity.
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Darrel Black
CLYDE- Derrel Lee Black, 73, of Clyde, died Friday, December 2, 2005 at a local hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 4, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Clyde with Dr. Toby Henson officiating. Burial was in the Clyde Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Mr. Black was born November 30, 1932 in Iraan, Texas to Charles Brewster and Mattie Lorene (Parker) Black. He grew up in Eastland and graduated from Eastland High School in 1952. He married Wanda Mae Williamson on January 14, 1956 in Denver City. They moved to Clyde in December 1986. Mr. Black was employed by El Paso Natural Gas as a Plant Operator for 30 years, having worked in Kermit, Crane, Denver City, Oil Center, NM and Midkiff. He was a member of the US Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a 32nd degree Mason, having served as the Worshipful Master in the Sprayberry Lodge at Midkiff. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Clyde.
Survivors include his wife, Wanda of Clyde; one son, Travis Black and wife Shellene of San Angelo; one daughter, Sharon Plagens of Big Lake; and three grandchildren, Shalea Plagens, Lynn Follis and Caleb Usery.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center P.O. Box 4464, Houston, Texas 77210.
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Floy Morrison
GORMAN- Floy Morrison, 105, of Alba, formerly of Gorman, died Monday, November 28, 2005.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 4, 2005 at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery.
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Pearl Hallmark
EASTLAND- Pearl Ridling Hallmark, 82, of Eastland, died Thursday, December 1, 2005 at her residence.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 4, 2005 at the Acker Cemetery, in Stephens County with Milton Underwood officiating, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mrs. Hallmark was born to James and Ruth (Barker) Ridling on April 10, 1923 in Stephens County. She married Audice C. Hallmark on August 9, 1941, in Eastland. She was a loving wife and mother.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother and grandson.
Survivors include two sons, Leland A. Hallmark and his wife Melody of Eastland and James Hallmark and his wife Joan of North Richland Hills; one daughter, Sue Nelson and her husband Robert of Eastland; 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
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Dan Fletcher
Dan E. Fletcher, 68, of Little Rock, died December 2, 2005 at Arkansas Hospice at Ft. Roots.
He was born March 5, 1937 in Sherrill, Arkansas to Thomas Lee and Beulah Enoch Fletcher. He was a retired electrician and had lived in Cisco, Texas the past eight years. Dan served in the United States Army in Germany for three years. He played football for Westside Junior High and Central High Tigers and was a Golden Glove Tournament boxer for Little Rock Boys Club in the mid-50's.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles and Roy Fletcher; and a sister, Juanita Anderson.
He is survived by his wife, Sally Pearl Fletcher of Cisco, TX; daughter, Angela Ross; three grandchildren, all of Hot Springs; four step-children; nine step-grandchildren; three brothers, Don, David and Thomas 'Shorty' Fletcher, of Little Rock; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 5600 West 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, conducted by long time friend Bobby Joe King. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary and guest register at www.northlittle rockfuneralhome.com.
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Juanita Hill
Juanita Hill, 80, of Grand Prairie and fomerly of Cisco died December 5, 2005 in Harris Medical Center in Fort Worth.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 8, 2005 in Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Rev. John Taylor. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery directed by Kimbrough Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Kimbrough Funeral Home.
She was born in Arlington, Texas on September 13, 1925 to Charles and Gertrude Nelson. She married William A. (Bill) Hill on November 12, 1944; she and her husband were co-owners of the Gulf Distributorship in Eastland County from 1965 until 1988. Mr. Hill preceded her in death on June 12, 2002. She was a member of East Cisco Baptist Church.
Survivors include sons, Charles Hill of Arlington, Richard Hill of Austin, John Allan Hill and wife Marsha of Cisco; grandchildren, Lori Watkins, Robert Hill, Jennifer Ward, Richard William Hill, II, Josh Mellette and Caleb Mellette; great-grandchildren, Dirk, Marquis, Krystal, Kaylee, Taylor, Hailey, Warren, and Lexie; sister, Faye Mysinger of Arlington.
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Joe Collins
Joe Collins, 81, passed away on December 26, 2005 from surgery complications and COPD.
He was born August 25, 1924 to Velma and Henry Collins in Carbon, Texas.
He is survived by two daughters, Juanava Collins of Plano, Karen White of Garland; granddaughter, Michelle Collins of Plano; grandson, Jon White of Lewisville; sister, Betty Wilson of Fort Worth; brothers, Pat Collins of Eastland, Robert Collins of Waco, Mike Collins of Sequine.
He was preceded in death by a brother, D.M. Collins of Houston.
He had many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who loved and admired him for his kindness and good humor.
He was married to Helen Ruth Couch (Oglesby) from November 1, 1946 until 1974.
He was the youngest man to be District Grand Master of the Mason Lodge of Carbon, Texas in 1953 and had been a Master Mason for more than 50 years. He served in WW II as a gunner/radio operator stationed in China/Burma/India. He was Eastland County Treasurer when he was recalled to active duty for the Korean War. He moved his family to Gorman, Texas in 1953 to be closer to his parents and brothers, where he was Administrator of Blackwell Hospital until 1965. Later, he was a consultant to physicians who were starting their new medical practices in the Dallas area. Joe was manager of the Chamber of Commerce in Canton, Texas for nearly 15 years. After retirement, he volunteered at the McKinney Chamber of Commerce and worked part time at the McKinney YMCA where he also worked out.
Joe had many interests and hobbies, among them raising quarter horses and dogs. He and his Tennessee walking horse, Black Cat, won honors at many competitions, including the State Fair of Texas.
A Memorial Service was held at Hunters Glen Baptist Church in Plano on Saturday, December 31, 2005 at 2 p.m.
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James Loflin
James David Loflin, 76, of Texas City died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005 at his residence.
Memorial services will be Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006 at 2 PM at the Emken Ð Linton Funeral Home in Texas City.
Mr. Loflin was born July 29, 1929 in Rising Star, Texas and was a member of the 1948 State Champion Rising Star football team. He served in the US Army for 21 years in the medical corps. He retired after 21 years of service from Shriners Burns Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his son, James, and his daughter, Frances McGuire.
Survivors include his wife of over 51 years, Filomena; son, Joseph, daughter Mary Furgerson; grandchildren, Sarah, Jodie, Dawn, and Charles; and 7 great grandchildren.
He was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
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Daniel Boone
RANGER - Daniel W. 'D.W.' Boone, Jr. 86, of Ranger passed away on Wednesday December 28, 2005 at a Weatherford hospital.
Graveside services were held at Bullock Cemetery on Friday, December 30, 2005 at 2 PM. Burial followed under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas.
D. W. was born on March 24, 1919 in Strawn, Texas to Daniel W. and Rosie Mitchell Boone. He attended school to the 8th grade when his Dad passed away and he had to quit to work to help the family. He entered the United State Army in 1940 and served during World War II and being honorably discharged in 1945. He married Marie Taylor on December 19, 1947 in Ranger, Texas and she preceded him in death on December 2, 2000. D. W. worked in the oilfield for many years as a pumper. He attended the Eastside Baptist Church and had been a member of the V.F.W. in Ranger.
D. W. is survived by his daughter Charlotte Gale Daughtry and husband Dwyane of Weatherford, TX; brothers Troyce Boone and wife Effie Mae of Ranger and Wilber 'Pete' Boone and wife Sarah of Hobbs, N.M.; a sister Tilly Turner and husband Gordon of Ranger, Tx.; two grandchildren, Bridget Johnson and husband David of Weatherford, Tx., and Steacy Taliaferro of Prairie Hill, Tx.; six great-grandchildren, Tyler, David, Dustin, Rebecca, Blaze and Noah; several nieces and nephews.
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B. F. Hutchins
B.F. Hutchins, 90, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at the home of his daughter in China Spring with family members at his bedside.
Services were held Friday, December 30, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Cross Plains with Brother Ronnie White officiating. Burial followed at the Atwell Cemetery.
He was born June 11, 1915 in Jones County to Charlie and Minnie Pillans Hutchins. B.F. was a life long resident of the Atwell community where he farmed and raised cattle.
B.F. and Elsie Mae Foster were married on October 5, 1940 at Atwell and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary at their home in Atwell.
He was a Baptist and loved to sing the old songs out of his Baptist Hymnal.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Bill, George, Tuff, Jim and little O.C.; four sisters, Eunice Tatom, Maurine Purvis, Lela Foster, and Edna Foster; in-laws, Emory and Julia Foster; and special granddaughter, Shayla Dewbre.
Survivors are his wife, Elsie Mae; daughters, Lynette Mitchell and husband Tom of Graham, Beth Arnold and husband Gale of China Spring; son Bob Hutchins of Grand Prairie; grandchildren, Sheri Widner and husband Tony of Graham, Teri Smith and husband Brant of China Spring, Shawna Douglas of Grand Prairie and Ben Hutchins of Conroe; great-grandchildren, Whitney Crawford and husband Greg of Graham, Courtney Widner of Graham, Brooke and Blair Smith of China Spring and Myranda and Bryson Douglas of Grand Prairie.
Memorials may be made to the Cross Plains Volunteer Fire Department.
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Georgie Stacy
GORMAN- Georgie Fae Stacy, 88, of Gorman, Texas, died Friday, December 30, 2005 at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home.
Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 1, 2006 at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman with James DeVoll and Larry Stogsdill officiating. Burial followed at Oakland Cemetery.
Georgie was born July 25, 1917 in Comanche County to John Stacy and Deliah Eva (Watkins) Stacy. She graduated from Alameda High School. She was a retired licensed vocational nurse having worked at Blackwell Hospital for 36 years. She was a member of the Gorman Church of Christ and had lived in this area all of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Stacy and Eva (Stacy) Wright.
She is survived by her twin sister, Frankie M. Stacy of Gorman; cousins, Neva Hyatt of Del Valley, Ardell Beason of Haskell, Junior Love of Trinidad, TX, Gladys Rhyne of Dumas and Parilee Grisham of Amarillo; as well as many second cousins.
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Evelyn 'Penny' Collinsworth
MORAN- Evelyn 'Penny' Collinsworth, 81, of Moran, Texas died Friday, December 30, 2005 in an Abilene hospital.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2006 at the Johnson Cemetery in Moran. Rev. Kay Reed officiating. Services were under the direction of Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home of Moran.
Penny was born on February 29, 1924 in Groveton, Texas. She married John R. Collinsworth. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Moran. She was a secretary for the Adkins Company for many years.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Beth Collinsworth; two brothers, Joe David Moren and J.W.. Moren; and also two sisters, Maycel Owens and Joy Nell Conner.
She is survived by her husband, John R. Collinsworth of Moran; three nieces; and five nephews.
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Douglass Beaty
Coach Douglass Beaty, 67, of Abilene, Texas died Saturday, December 31, 2005 at an Abilene medical center.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2006 at Southwest Park Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Woodard officiating. Burial followed in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Born in Bakersfield, California, on March 11, 1938, he was the son of Ruby (Purdue) and Jack Beaty. In 1939, the family moved to Goree, Texas, where Douglass was reared and graduated from high school in 1955. He moved to Abilene and attended Hardin-Simmons University, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and History. His first job as a coach was in Bovina, Texas. Douglass then coached junior high and high school football, basketball, and track in Breckenridge, Sherman, Bangs, Hawley, Miles, and most recently in San Angelo. He retired in 2001 after a total of 30 years of coaching.
That same year, he and his wife, Butch Washburn Beaty, whom he married on November 20, 1981 in Waurika, Oklahoma, returned to Abilene. He was a member of Southwest Park Baptist Church in Abilene.
His parents and two brothers, Jackie Beaty and Billy Beaty, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Betty 'Butch' Beaty of Abilene; sons, Doug 'Tad' Beaty, Jr. of Breckenridge, Shawn Beaty of Granbury, and Jim Washburn and wife, Pam, Scott Washburn and wife, Cindy, and Mark Washburn and wife, Lu, all of Abilene; a daughter, Janet Carmichael and husband, Kowe, of Abilene; a brother, Bobby Beaty of Arkansas; 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Robert Nelson and wife of Eastland; sisters-in-law, Melba Kidd of Cisco, Jaunell Frishinger of Burkburnett, and Wanda Vernon of Wichita Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Keith Chamberlain, Jimmy Roberts, Burl Harris, John Moore, Randy Roemisch and Randy Wheeler.
Memorials may be made to Southwest Park Baptist Church, 2901 South 20th St., Abilene, Texas 79605, or West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.
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Luna Everton
Luna Lee Everton, 86, passed away at Abilene Regional Medical Center on December 31, 2005.
She has been a resident of Royal Estates of Abilene for 2 1/2 years.
Ms. Everton was born on November 30, 1919. She was the youngest child of Charlie and Saphronia Everton of Kokomo Community. She resided there until moving to Grand Prairie as a young woman. She retired from LTV of Grand Prairie after many years of employment.
Luna Lee loved to travel. She visited all the states and many, many countries. Reading was also a favorite hobby she enjoyed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters and four brothers.
She is survived by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
According to Luna Lee's wishes, her body was donated to science and no memorial services are planned.